UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
FORM 40-F
[X] Registration statement pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
or
[ ] Annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended _______________ Commission File Number _______________
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
British Columbia | 1040 | Not Applicable |
(Province or Other Jurisdiction of | (Primary Standard Industrial Classification | (I.R.S. Employer |
Incorporation or Organization) | Code) | Identification No.) |
1055 West Hastings St., Suite 2200
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6E 2E9
(604) 662-3902
(Address and telephone number of registrants principal executive
offices)
DL Services Inc.
Columbia Center, 701 Fifth
Avenue, Suite 6100
Seattle, WA 98104-7043
(206)
903-8800
(Name, address (including zip code) and telephone
number (including area code) of agent for service in the United States)
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class: | Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered: |
Common Shares, no par value | NYSE MKT |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this form:
[ ] Annual Information Form | [ ] Audited Annual Financial Statements |
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the registrants classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: Not Applicable
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by filing the
information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to
the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (the "Exchange Act"). If "Yes" is marked, indicate the filing number
assigned to the Registrant in connection with such Rule.
[ ]
Yes [X] No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
[ ]
Yes [X] No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted
electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive
Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation
S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).
[ ] Yes [
] No
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Registration Statement, including the Exhibits incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement, contain forward-looking statements concerning anticipated developments in the operations of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Registrant) in future periods, perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, development and operational activities, work programs, capital expenditures, operating costs, cash flow estimates, production and cost estimates and similar statements relating to the economic viability of a project, timelines, strategic plans, completion of transactions, market prices for precious metals, compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements, ability to obtain regulatory approvals and permits, or other statements that are not statements of fact. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as expects, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, plans, potential, possible, projects and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results will, may, could or should occur or be achieved. Information concerning the interpretation of drill results and mineral resource estimates also may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, as such information constitutes a prediction of what mineralization might be found to be present if and when a project is actually developed. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Registrant or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those described in the Annual Information Form filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Registration Statement.
The Registrants forward-looking statements contained in the Exhibits incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement are made as of the respective dates set forth in such Exhibits. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements were made. In preparing this Registration Statement, the Registrant has not updated such forward-looking statements to reflect any change in circumstances or in managements beliefs, expectations or opinions that may have occurred prior to the date hereof. Nor does the Registrant assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements in the future. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
DIFFERENCES IN UNITED STATES AND CANADIAN REPORTING PRACTICES
The Registrant is permitted, under a multijurisdictional disclosure system adopted by the United States, to prepare this report in accordance with Canadian disclosure requirements, which are different from those of the United States. The Registrant prepares its consolidated financial statements, which are filed with this report on Form 40-F in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and the audit is subject to Canadian auditing and auditor independence standards.
RESOURCE AND RESERVE ESTIMATES
The terms mineral reserve, proven mineral reserve and probable mineral reserve are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) under the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the CIM) CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves , adopted by the CIM Council, as may be amended from time to time by the CIM. These definitions differ from the definitions in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Industry Guide 7 under the Unites States Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The definitions of proven and probable reserves used in NI 43-101 differ from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a final or bankable feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.
In addition, the terms mineral resource, measured mineral resource, indicated mineral resource and inferred mineral resource are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and normally are not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. Inferred mineral resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases.
Accordingly, information contained or incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement containing descriptions of our mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
DOCUMENTS FILED PURSUANT TO GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
In accordance with General Instruction B.(1) of Form 40-F, the Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 99.1 through Exhibit 99.133, as set forth in the Exhibit Index attached hereto.
In accordance with General Instruction C.(2) of Form 40-F, the Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibits 99.2 and Exhibits 99.3, the Annual Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrant for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the Registrants managements discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014, and Exhibits 99.6 and 99.7, the Annual Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrant for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the Registrants managements discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2013, as set forth in the Exhibit Index attached hereto.
In accordance with General Instruction D.(9) of Form 40-F, the Registrant has filed written consents of certain experts named in the foregoing Exhibits as Exhibit 99.134 through Exhibit 99.142, inclusive, as set forth in the Exhibit Index attached hereto.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Registrant does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
CURRENCY
Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts in this Registration Statement on Form 40-F are in Canadian dollars. The exchange rate of Canadian dollars into United States dollars, on December 31, 2014, based upon the noon rate of exchange as quoted by the Bank of Canada was U.S.$1.00 = Cdn.$1.1601 or Cdn.$1.00 = U.S.$0.8620.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table lists as of December 31, 2014 information with respect to the Registrants known contractual obligations:
( payments by period in thousands of Canadian dollars ) | |||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations | Total | Less than 1 year | 1 3 years | 3 5 years | More than 5 years | ||||||||||
Other Long-Term Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Gold purchase agreement | $ | 48,485 | $ | 11,273 | $ | 24,510 | $ | 12,702 | $ | - | |||||
Decommissioning provision | 21,442 | - | - | - | 21,442 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt obligations | |||||||||||||||
Debt | 25,000 | 4,000 | 21,000 | - | - | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 94,927 | $ | 15,273 | $ | 45,510 | $ | 12,702 | $ | 21,442 |
UNDERTAKINGS
The Registrant undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information relating to the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F; the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises; or transactions in said securities.
CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS
Concurrently with the filing of the Registration Statement on Form 40-F, the Registrant will file with the Commission a written irrevocable consent and power of attorney on Form F-X. Any change to the name or address of the Registrants agent for service shall be communicated promptly to the Commission by amendment to the Form F-X referencing the file number of the Registrant.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
KLONDEX MINES LTD. | ||
By: | /s/ Barry Dahl | |
Name: Barry Dahl | ||
Title: Chief Financial Officer |
Date: September 21, 2015
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following documents are being filed with the Commission as exhibits to this Registration Statement on Form 40-F.
Exhibit | Description |
99.88 | |
99.89 | |
99.90 | |
99.91 | |
99.92 | |
99.93 | |
99.94 | |
99.95 | |
99.96 | |
99.97 | |
99.98 | |
99.99 | |
99.100 | |
99.101 | |
99.102 | |
99.103 | |
99.104 | |
99.105 | |
99.106 | |
99.107 | |
99.108 | |
99.109 | |
99.110 | |
99.111 | |
99.112 | |
99.113 | |
99.114 | |
Other |
|
99.115 | |
99.116 | |
99.117 | |
99.118* |
Alternative Monthly Report dated February 10, 2015 |
99.119* |
Alternative Monthly Report dated December 10, 2014 |
99.120* |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, dated November 14, 2014, effective August 31, 2014 |
Exhibit | Description |
99.121* |
Alternative Monthly Report dated August 8, 2014 |
99.122* |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, Amended, dated July 24, 2014, effective January 31, 2014 |
99.123* |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, Amended, dated July 24, 2014, effective January 31, 2014 |
99.124* |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, dated June 13, 2014, effective January 31, 2014 |
99.125* |
Business Acquisition Report dated May 12, 2014 |
99.126* |
Alternative Monthly Report dated April 10, 2014 |
99.127* |
Senior Secured Facility Agreement between the Registrant and certain lenders dated February 11, 2014 (filed on SEDAR on April 4, 2014) |
99.128* |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, dated March 31, 2014, effective January 31, 2014 |
99.129* |
Gold Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., dated February 11, 2014 (filed on SEDAR on February 21, 2014) |
99.130* |
Alternative Monthly Report dated February 10, 2014 |
99.131* |
Letter from Successor Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, dated January 24, 2014 (filed on SEDAR on February 4, 2014) |
99.132* |
Letter from Former Auditor, Crowe MacKay LLP, dated January 24, 2014 (filed on SEDAR on February 4, 2014) |
99.133* |
Notice of Change of Auditor dated January 9, 2014 (filed on SEDAR on February 4, 2014) |
Consents |
|
99.134 | |
99.135 | |
99.136 | |
99.137 | |
99.138 | |
99.139 | |
99.140 | |
99.141 | |
99.142 |
_________________________________
* To be filed by
amendment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL MATTERS
References to the Corporation
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise indicates, use of the terms " Corporation " and " Klondex " in this annual information form (" AIF ") refers to Klondex Mines Ltd. and its subsidiaries, or other entities controlled by them, on a consolidated basis.
Financial Information
Unless otherwise indicated, all financial information in this AIF is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (" IFRS ").
Currency References and Exchange Rate Information
This AIF contains references to the Canadian dollar and the United States dollar. The Corporation's reporting currency is Canadian dollars. The Corporation's costs are incurred principally in Canadian dollars and United States dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to "$" or "C$" or "dollars" in this AIF are references to Canadian dollars. United States dollars are referred to as "US$". As at March 31, 2015, the noon spot rate of exchange between the United States dollar and the Canadian dollar as reported by the Bank of Canada was US$1.00 = C$1.2683 or C$1.00 = US$0.7885.
Measurement
Conversion of metric units into imperial equivalents is as follows:
Metric Units | Multiply by | Imperial Units |
Hectares | 2.471 | = acres |
Metres | 3.281 | = feet |
Kilometres | 0.621 | = miles (5,280 feet) |
Grams | 0.032 | = ounces (troy) |
Kilograms | 2.205 | = pounds |
Tonnes | 1.102 | = tons (short) (2,000 lbs) |
grams/tonne | 0.029 | = ounces (troy)/ton |
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING TECHNICAL INFORMAND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This AIF contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All forward-looking information contained in this AIF is given as of the date hereof.
In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "believe", "intend", "may", "will", "should", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "potential", "intends", "expects" and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information reflects the current expectations and assumptions of management and is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Corporation's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information, particularly as it relates to the actual results of exploration activities, actual results of reclamation activities, the estimation or realization of mineral resources and mineral reserves (each as defined according to the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (" CIM ") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves), the timing and amount of estimated future production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new mineral deposits, requirements for additional capital, and the future prices of precious and base metals, is inherently uncertain. In addition, the timing and magnitude of certain events are inherently risky and uncertain, particularly as they relate to the possible variations in mineral grade or recovery rates, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes, road blocks and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation.
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Key assumptions upon which the Corporation's forward-looking information is based include the following: estimated prices for gold and silver; the Corporation being able to secure new financing to continue its exploration, development and operational activities; the timing and amount of estimated future production and costs of production; currency exchange rates; the ability of the Corporation to comply with environmental, safety and other regulatory requirements and being able to obtain regulatory approvals (including licenses and permits) in a timely manner; there not being any material adverse effects arising as a result of political instability, taxes or royalty increases, terrorism, sabotage, natural disasters, equipment failures or adverse changes in government legislation or the socio-economic conditions in the regions in which the Corporation operates; the Corporation being able to achieve its growth strategy; the Corporation's operating costs; key personnel and access to all equipment necessary to operate the Fire Creek Project (as hereinafter defined) and the Midas Project (as hereinafter defined).
These assumptions should be considered carefully by readers. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information or the assumptions on which the Corporation's forward-looking information is based. Readers are advised to carefully review and consider the risk factors identified in this AIF under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere herein for a discussion of the factors that could cause the Corporation's actual results and performance to be materially different from any anticipated future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Readers are further cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive, and it is recommended that readers consult the more complete discussion of the Corporation's business, financial condition and prospects that is included in this AIF. The forward-looking information contained in this AIF is given as of the date hereof and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date.
Although the Corporation believes that the assumptions on which the forward-looking information are made are reasonable, based on the information available to the Corporation on the date such forward-looking information was given, no assurances can be given as to whether these assumptions will prove to be correct. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Corporation does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as, and to the extent, required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this AIF is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill. A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex, and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
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TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The scientific and technical information contained in this AIF relating to the Corporation's Fire Creek Project up to December 31, 2014 is derived from the technical report titled "Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada", dated as of and filed on SEDAR on March 16, 2015 (with an effective date of December 31, 2014) (the " Fire Creek Technical Report "). The Fire Creek Technical Report was prepared by Mark Odell, P.E., Laura Symmes, SME and Sarah Bull, P.E. of Practical Mining LLC and Karl Swanson, M.Eng., SME, AusIMM, Independent Mining & Geological Consultant.
The scientific and technical information contained in this AIF relating to the Corporation's Midas Mine (as hereinafter defined) up to August 31, 2014 is derived from the technical report titled "Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada", filed on SEDAR on March 31, 2015 (with an effective date of August 31, 2014) (the " Midas Technical Report "). The Midas Technical Report was prepared by Mark Odell, P.E., Laura Symmes, SME, Sarah Bull, P.E. of Practical Mining LLC and Karl Swanson, M.Eng., SME, AusIMM, Independent Mining & Geological Consultant.
The Fire Creek Technical Report and the Midas Technical Report are subject to certain assumptions, qualifications and procedures described therein. Reference should be made to the full text of the Fire Creek Technical Report and the Midas Technical Report, which have been filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators (" NI 43-101 ") and are available for review under the Corporation's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Fire Creek Technical Report and the Midas Technical Report are not, and shall not be deemed to be, incorporated by reference in this AIF.
Where appropriate, certain information contained in this AIF updates information derived from such technical reports. All scientific or technical information relating to the Fire Creek Project subsequent to December 31, 2014 and all scientific or technical information relating to the Midas Project subsequent to August 31, 2014 has been prepared by or under the supervision of Mark Odell, who is a "qualified person" for the purposes of NI 43-101. Mark Odell has approved the disclosure of scientific and technical information contained in this AIF relating to the Fire Creek Project subsequent to December 31, 2014 and relating to the Midas Project subsequent to August 31, 2014.
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
Name and Incorporation
The Corporation was incorporated under the name Attila Resources Ltd. by memorandum (the " Memorandum ") dated August 25, 1971 under the Company Act (British Columbia). The Memorandum was amended on October 28, 1974 to change the name of the Corporation to Klondex Mines Ltd. and on June 6, 1988 to consolidate the authorized capital on the basis of five previously issued common shares of the Corporation (" Common Shares ") for one new Common Share and to increase the authorized capital to 20,000,000 Common Shares without par value. On April 16, 2004, the Corporation transitioned to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) by filing notice of articles (the " Notice of Articles ") which were amended on October 6, 2005 to alter the authorized capital to an unlimited number of Common Shares without par value.
The head and registered office of the Corporation is located at 1055 West Hastings Street, Suite 2200, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2E9. The Corporation is a reporting issuer in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador and Prince Edward Island. The Common Shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (" TSX ") under the symbol "KDX".
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Subsidiaries
The following organizational chart sets out all of the subsidiaries of the Corporation, their jurisdictions of incorporation and the percentage of voting securities beneficially owned or controlled by the Corporation:
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
Summary Description of the Business
The Corporation is focused on the exploration, development and production of its two gold and silver projects in north central Nevada, being the Fire Creek project located in Lander County, Nevada (the " Fire Creek Project ") and the Midas mine (the " Midas Mine ") and ore milling facility located in Nevada (together with the Midas Mine, the " Midas Project " or " Midas "). These properties are situated along the Northern Nevada Rift (" NNR ") in north central Nevada. The 1,200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. The Midas Mine is fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998. The Fire Creek Project is located 112 kilometres south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at the Fire Creek Project.
Three Year History
The following is a summary of the key developments over the past three years.
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2012 Highlights
In June 2012, seven new independent directors were elected at the annual general meeting of shareholders of the Corporation, to serve as directors for the ensuing year. The following month, William Matlack and Blair Schultz were named Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Corporation, respectively. Mr. Matlack replaced Blane Wilson, who resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.
In July 2012, the Corporation adopted a revised operating plan for the Fire Creek Project. After an internal review of operations at the Fire Creek Project, the Corporation decided to defer commencement of the bulk sample program and to focus efforts on further exploration and advancement of the Fire Creek mineral resource model and geology.
On September 13, 2012, Paul Andre Huet was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, replacing William Matlack, who remained a director of the Corporation.
On November 19, 2012, Klondex expanded its operating management team with the appointment of Michael Doolin as General Manager of the Fire Creek Project and Sid Tolbert as Mine Superintendent of the Fire Creek Project.
On November 20, 2012, the Corporation completed a private placement financing on a fully-marketed best efforts basis (the " 2012 Offering ") of 16,984,046 units (" 2012 Units "), including 2012 Units issued pursuant to the exercise of an option granted to the agents, at a price of $1.35 per 2012 Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of C$22,928,462. Each 2012 Unit consisted of one Common Share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a " 2012 Unit Warrant "), with each 2012 Unit Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.75 until November 20, 2014. The net proceeds from the 2012 Offering were used for the development of the Fire Creek Project and ongoing operating and working capital requirements.
2013 Highlights
On January 4, 2013, the Corporation completed a private placement of senior unsecured notes due January 5, 2015 (the " Notes ") for aggregate gross proceeds of $7,000,000 (the " Debt Offering "). The Notes sold under the Debt Offering were issued to investors at a 2% original issue discount. In addition, investors in the Debt Offering received an aggregate of 525,000 common share purchase warrants which entitled the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.55 until July 4, 2014, subject to early expiry in certain circumstances. The proceeds from the Debt Offering plus available cash were used to repay all outstanding borrowings and related discount amortization under the US$20 million gold-backed debt facility entered into by the Corporation's subsidiary, Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Company (" KGS "), in April 2011 and funded by Waterton Global Value, L.P., totalling approximately US$10.9 million. On February 11, 2014, the Corporation repaid the Notes in full.
On July 25, 2013, the Corporation announced that KGS had obtained and drawn down on a bridge loan facility of $1,999,999 (the " K2 Loan ") advanced by K2 Principal Fund L.P. (" K2 "), a significant shareholder of the Corporation, and on a bridge loan facility of $400,000 (the " Third Party Loan " and together with the K2 Loan, the " July 2013 Loans ") advanced by a third party (the " Third Party Lender ").
Each of the July 2013 Loans was evidenced by a promissory note bearing interest at the rate of 1% per 30-day period and maturing on November 30, 2013, with provisions for additional interest payments in the event that certain minimum payments were not made during the term of the July 2013 Loans. The July 2013 Loans were guaranteed by the Corporation and were secured against the personal property of KGS, including extracted minerals obtained from the Fire Creek Project. Proceeds from the July 2013 Loans were intended to be used for general working capital purposes. In addition, KGS and the Third Party Lender also agreed to amend the terms of an existing US$1.6 million promissory note in favour of the Third Party Lender to, among other things, extend the term of such note (the " Extension ").
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In connection with the July 2013 Loans and the Extension, the Corporation issued an aggregate of 500,000 common share purchase warrants (the " Loan Warrants ") to each of K2 and the Third Party Lender, with each Loan Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.19 and $1.2215, respectively, for a period of one year following its date of issue. On September 23, 2013, K2 exercised its Loan Warrants to purchase 500,000 Common Shares for aggregate proceeds to the Corporation of $595,000. Subsequently in 2013, the Third Party Lender exercised its Loan Warrants to purchase 500,000 Common Shares for aggregate proceeds of $610,750.
In July 2013, the Corporation entered into an agreement with Newmont to begin processing Klondex's higher grade mineralized material from the Fire Creek Project (the " Newmont Processing Agreement ") at the Midas mill. In August 2013, the Corporation delivered the first shipment of mineralized material to Newmont for processing under the Newmont Processing Agreement. In connection with the completion of the Midas Acquisition (as hereinafter defined) in February 2014, the Newmont Processing Agreement was terminated.
On September 16, 2013, the Corporation announced the completion of an updated mineral resource estimate for the Fire Creek Project. The Corporation filed a technical report on October 31, 2013 in support of the updated mineral resource estimate.
On October 16, 2013, the Corporation completed a private placement of 14,200,000 special warrants (" Special Warrants ") for gross proceeds of C$19,454,000 (the " Special Warrant Offering ") through a syndicate of agents. Each Special Warrant entitled the holder thereof to receive, for no additional consideration upon its exercise or deemed exercise, one Common Share. In connection with the Special Warrant Offering, the agents received an aggregate of 568,000 broker warrants (" 2013 Broker Warrants ") entitling the agents to purchase up to 568,000 Common Shares at a price of $1.43 until October 16, 2015. On November 15, 2013, the Corporation filed, and was receipted by the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces of Canada (other than Quebec) for, a final short form prospectus to qualify the Common Shares underlying each of the Special Warrants and the 2013 Broker Warrants. On November 20, 2013, the Special Warrants were deemed to be exercised and surrendered pursuant to the terms thereof, and the Corporation issued 14,200,000 Common Shares to the holders of Special Warrants. The Corporation repaid all of the outstanding short term debt of the Corporation using proceeds from the Special Warrant Offering and monies received from shipments of mineralized material. The debt repaid included $2.4 million in July 2013 Loans and $1.61 million in debt issued in 2010, all of which was to mature on November 30, 2013.
On October 28, 2013, the Corporation completed the excavation of the secondary egress at Fire Creek Project, which became operational in November 2013 and allowed the Corporation to begin its bulk sampling program at Fire Creek.
In July 2013, Renaud Adams was appointed a director of the Corporation. In October 2013, Richard J. Hall joined the Corporation as a special advisor to the board of directors of the Corporation (the " Board ") on strategic opportunities. On November 15, 2013 the Corporation appointed Barry Dahl as Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, replacing Jorge Avelino, who continued to serve as Corporate Controller and Corporate Secretary of the Corporation until September 2014.
On December 4, 2013, the Corporation entered into a stock purchase agreement with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc. (" Klondex USA "), and Newmont USA Limited (" Newmont USA ") to acquire all of the shares of Klondex Midas Holdings Limited (formerly Newmont Midas Holdings Limited) (the " Midas Acquisition "), which indirectly owns the Midas Project. The Midas Acquisition was completed on February 11, 2014. The purchase price of the Midas Acquisition was comprised of (i) approximately US$55 million in cash, (ii) the replacement of Newmont surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities in the amount of approximately US$28 million, and (iii) the issuance by the Corporation to Newmont USA of 5 million common share purchase warrants at an exercise price of $2.15, with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances. On May 12, 2014, the Corporation filed a Form 51-102F4 business acquisition report on SEDAR in respect of the Midas Acquisition, a copy of which is available under the Corporation's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
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The Midas Acquisition was financed through the Subscription Receipt Financing (as hereinafter defined), the 2014 Debt Financing (as hereinafter defined) and the Gold Purchase Arrangement (as hereinafter defined) (collectively, the " Midas Acquisition Financings ").
2014 Highlights
On January 9, 2014, as part of its Midas Acquisition financing, the Corporation completed an offering (the " Subscription Receipt Financing ") of 29,400,000 subscription receipts at a price of $1.45 per subscription receipt (the " Subscription Receipts ") on a private placement basis, raising aggregate gross proceeds of $42,630,000 (the " SR Proceeds ") pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement (the " SR Agency Agreement ") dated December 6, 2013 between the Corporation and GMP Securities L.P., MGI Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., Jones, Gable & Company Limited (" Jones Gable ") and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the " SR Agents "). The SR Proceeds, less the SR Agents' expenses and out-of-pocket costs and legal expenses, were placed in escrow pending (i) the closing of the Midas Acquisition, and (ii) the receipt by the Corporation of the requisite shareholder approval of the Subscription Receipt Financing and the 2014 Debt Financing (as hereinafter defined) pursuant to the requirements of the TSX. Upon both of these conditions being satisfied, on February 11, 2014, the net proceeds of the Subscription Receipt Financing were paid out of the escrowed funds to the Corporation.
On February 11, 2014, in connection with the Midas Acquisition, the Corporation entered into a senior secured loan facility agreement (the " Facility Agreement ") with a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp. (" RoyCap "), and including K2 and Jones Gable (collectively, the " 2014 Lenders ") pursuant to which the Corporation issued units consisting of an aggregate of $25,000,000 principal amount of notes (the " 2014 Notes "), issued at a 2.5% discount to par value, and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants (" 2014 Lender Warrants ") (the " 2014 Debt Financing "). The 2014 Lender Warrants have an exercise price of $1.95 and will expire on February 11, 2017. The 2014 Notes bear interest at a rate of 11.0% and mature on August 11, 2017.
On February 11, 2014, also in connection with the Midas Acquisition, the Corporation entered into a gold purchase agreement (the " Gold Purchase Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation (" FNC "), pursuant to which the Corporation raised proceeds of US$33,763,640 (the " Gold Purchase Arrangement ") in consideration for the delivery of an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold on a monthly basis over a five year period ending on December 31, 2018. Under the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement, the Corporation is required to make gold deliveries at the end of each month, with the first delivery having been due on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces of gold is completed on December 31, 2018. The annualized delivery schedule is shown in the following table.
Year | Au (ounces) |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Corporation's obligations under each of the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Agreement are secured against all of the assets and property of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. The security granted for the performance of the Corporation's obligations under the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Agreement rank pari passu.
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The Facility Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature, including limitations on future indebtedness during its term. Early repayment of the loan under the Facility Agreement by the Corporation is required under an event of default under the Facility Agreement, including in the event that the Corporation has failed to pay within three business days of being due any principal or interest totaling $250,000 or more on any indebtedness of the Corporation other than the indebtedness under the Facility Agreement. In addition, the Corporation may not incur indebtedness where, on the date of such incurrence, and after giving effect thereto and the application of proceeds therefrom, the Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Facility Agreement) of the Corporation and its subsidiaries divided by the sum of the consolidated debt expense (net of consolidated interest income) of the Corporation and its subsidiaries would be less than 3.5.
The Gold Purchase Agreement also contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature. A default under the Facility Agreement would also constitute a default under the Gold Purchase Agreement. As at the date hereof, the Corporation is in compliance with all requirements under the Facility Agreement and the Gold Purchase Agreement.
On February 12, 2014, the Corporation entered into a royalty agreement (the " FC Royalty Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada U.S. Corporation (" Franco-Nevada US "), a subsidiary of FNC, and KGS, pursuant to which KGS raised proceeds of US$1,018,050 from the grant to Franco-Nevada US of a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek Project. The Corporation also entered into a royalty agreement (the " Midas Royalty Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada US and Klondex Midas Operations Inc. (formerly Newmont Midas Operations Inc.) (" Midas Operations "), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, pursuant to which Midas Operations raised proceeds of US$218,310 from the grant of a 2.5% NSR royalty to Franco-Nevada US on the Midas Mine.
Effective April 15, 2014, Brent Kristof was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation.
Effective April 17, 2014, the Corporation entered into a toll milling agreement with French Gulch Nevada Mining Corp. (" French Gulch ") to process gravity concentrates from the Washington Mine at the Midas Mill during a one-year term, subject to renewal annually. The agreement is structured so that all doré produced from the Midas Mill will become the property of the Corporation, and the Corporation will pay French Gulch the value of the recovered gold minus all toll mill charges.
On June 9, 2014, the Corporation received the final permit for the rapid infiltration basin at the Fire Creek Project.
On July 30, 2014, the Corporation completed a bought deal public offering (the " July 2014 Offering ") of 8,050,000 Common Shares at a price of $2.00 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $16,100,000 through a syndicate of underwriters, including the issue of 1,050,000 Common Shares at the offering price upon the exercise of the over-allotment option granted by the Corporation to the underwriters, which was fully-exercised. The July 2014 Offering was carried out pursuant to the terms of an underwriting agreement (the " Underwriting Agreement ") dated July 16, 2014 between the Corporation and GMP Securities L.P., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., M Partners Inc., Industrial Alliance Securities Inc., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Mackie Research Capital Corporation.
On September 9, 2014, the Corporation announced the appointment of Richard J. Hall as the Chairman of the Board. Following the appointment of Mr. Hall, Blair Schultz continued to act as executive director of the Corporation.
On September 30, 2014, the Corporation reported an updated mineral resource estimate for the Midas Project, and the Corporation filed the Midas Technical Report on November 14, 2014 in respect of this updated mineral resource estimate. For more information, please see " Mineral Projects Midas Project ".
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On December 3, 2014, the Corporation announced that its subsidiary, Midas Operations, had entered into a toll milling agreement with LKA Gold, Inc. to process high grade ore produced from the Golden Wonder Mine, located near Lake City, Colorado, at the Midas mill. The toll milling agreement has a one year term beginning on December 1, 2014 and is subject to renewal annually. Under the terms of the agreement, high grade ore, greater than 51.4 g/t Au from the Golden Wonder Mine will be delivered to the Midas mill for processing. Pursuant to the toll milling agreement, all doré produced will become the property of the Corporation, and the Corporation will pay LKA Gold, Inc. the value of the recovered gold minus all toll mill charges.
On December 16, 2014, the Corporation announced the appointment of Brian Morris as the Vice President Exploration and Geology Services of the Corporation. Beginning in January, Mr. Morris began heading all exporation and support geologic production activities at the Corporation's projects in Nevada.
In 2014, the Corporation recovered 107,860 gold equivalent ounces, which contributed to net income for the year of $18.3 million. The Corporation's 2014 annual production results are shown in the following table.
Operating Information | Total 2014 |
Tons Mined | 178,326 |
Au Grade (opt) | 0.50 |
Ag Grade (opt) | 8.13 |
Tons Milled | 171,844 |
Au Ounces Recovered | 86,239 |
Ag Ounces Recovered | 1,365,586 |
Au Equivalent Ounces Recovered (1) | 107,861 |
Au Ounces Sold (2) | 70,661 |
Ag Ounces Sold | 1,117,288 |
Au Equivalent Ounces Sold (1)(2) | 88,352 |
Note: | ||
(1) |
The silver to gold ratio used to calculate gold equivalent ounces is 63.15:1. |
|
(2) |
Does not include 2,439 gold ounces reported as sale of mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of the Fire Creek Project. |
Events Subsequent to 2014
On January 29, 2015, the Corporation reported an increased mineral resource estimate at the Fire Creek Project. On February 23, 2015, the Corporation reported initial mineral reserve estimates at the Fire Creek Project and at the Midas Project as well as certain key financial statistics for the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project. The Corporation filed the Fire Creek Technical Report on March 16, 2015 in support of the increased mineral resource estimate and the initial mineral reserve estimate at the Fire Creek Project and filed the Midas Technical Report in support of the initial mineral reserve estimate at the Midas Project on March 31, 2015. For more information, please see " Mineral Projects Fire Creek Project" and "Mineral Projects Midas Project ".
Operational Outlook for 2015
The Corporation's focus for 2015 will be to continue to advance current activities at both the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project. The Corporation will focus on growing production to 120,000 to 125,000 gold equivalent ounces and improving profitability by reducing costs. In 2015, the Corporation intends to invest in the growth of its properties by spending approximately $33 million on growth and sustaining capital, comprised of approximately $15 million each at Fire Creek and Midas for $9 million development and $6 million drilling per project. Exploration at Fire Creek will concentrate on mineral resource growth by step-out drilling on the vein system along strike north and south, in addition to up and down dip. The Corporation will focus its efforts at Midas on resource addition in previously identified zones to the west and south of the current workings. This includes the West Zone on the Rico Vein and Midas Trend, as well as the South Zone on the Queen Vein. The Corporation plans to spend an additional $3 million on mill upgrades and tailings pond expansion.
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Major operational objectives for 2015 include: construction of a lift on the existing tails dam at Midas to increase capacity from a currently expected three years to approximately five years, allowing time to permit a 15 year dam; the Water Pollution Control Permit at Fire Creek which is linked to removing the 120,000 ton mining cap which the Corporation acticipates receiving during the second half of 2015; and completing the environmental assessment and required permitting at Fire Creek.
MINERAL PROJECTS
Fire Creek Project
Klondex has a 100% indirect ownership interest in the land block known as the Fire Creek Project in Lander County, Nevada, U.S.A. The following summary is based on the Fire Creek Technical Report.
Property Description and Location
The Fire Creek Project is located primarily in Lander County, Nevada and to a lesser extent in Eureka County, Nevada, approximately 34 miles west of Carlin, 63 miles west of Elko and 16 miles south of Interstate Highway I-80 in a sage and grass covered weathered basalt hillside overlooking Crescent Valley. There are multiple small towns along paved highways within a short commute of the Fire Creek Project, and the northern edge of the residential area of the town of Crescent Valley abuts the main access road. Crescent Valley is located on Nevada State Highway 306 and is the closest town to the Fire Creek Project. Access to the Fire Creek Project from Elko takes approximately one hour.
The Fire Creek Project comprises unpatented lode mining claims and private fee lands (both owned and leased). The land position includes approximately 15,421 acres of unpatented lode mining claims, 1,114 acres of private fee land and 229 acres of mineral leases. Overall, the Fire Creek Project land package is approximately 17,000 acres.
Unpatented lode mining claims grant mineral rights and access to the surface within the boundaries of the claim. These rights are maintained by paying a maintenance fee of $155 per claim to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (" BLM ") prior to September 1st of each year. The unpatented lode mining claims held by Klondex are currently in good standing through September 1, 2015.
In addition to BLM maintenance fees, Klondex must record a notice of intent to hold and pay a fee to the county in which the unpatented lode mining claims are situated. The 831 unpatented lode mining claims held by Klondex are currently in good standing through November 1, 2015.
A list of the private fee lands owned by KGS is set out in the Fire Creek Technical Report under the heading " Property Description and Location ", along with a table listing the private fee lands leased by KGS. The private fee lands and leases are subject to differing cash payments, net smelter return royalties, and wheelage royalties as listed in such tables. A table listing the property agreement obligations is also provided in the Fire Creek Technical Report.
On February 12, 2014, Klondex entered into the FC Royalty Agreement with Franco-Nevada US and KGS. Pursuant to the FC Royalty Agreement, KGS raised proceeds of US$1,018,050 from the grant to Franco-Nevada U.S. Corporation of a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek Project. The royalty applies to all production from the Fire Creek Project beginning in 2019.
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KGS entered into a gold supply agreement with Waterton dated March 31, 2011, as amended and restated October 4, 2011 (the " Gold Supply Agreement "). Pursuant to the Gold Supply Agreement, Klondex granted Waterton the right to purchase refined bullion (as defined in the Gold Supply Agreement) produced from the Fire Creek Project for the period commencing February 28, 2013 and ending February 28, 2018, subject to adjustment (the " Gold Supply Agreement Term "). If Klondex has not delivered an aggregate minimum of 150,000 ounces of refined bullion during the first four years prior to the end of the Gold Supply Agreement Term, the Gold Supply Agreement Term will be extended until an aggregate of 185,000 ounces of refined bullion has been delivered (including any refined bullion delivered during the original Gold Supply Agreement Term) to Waterton. Under the Gold Supply Agreement, in the event that Waterton exercised its right to purchase refined bullion during the period of February 28, 2013 to May 31, 2013, the purchase price per ounce payable by Waterton was to be the purchase price per ounce of the last settlement price of gold on the London Bullion Market Association (the " LMBA ") PM Fix on the last trading day prior to the date Waterton provided notice to Klondex that it intended to exercise its purchase right (the " Pricing Date ") less a 1% discount (which discount is only applicable if such price is more than US$900 per ounce). In the event that Waterton exercises its right to purchase refined bullion during the period following May 31, 2013 and before February 28, 2016, the purchase price per ounce payable by Waterton is the average settlement price of gold on the LMBA PM Fix for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the applicable Pricing Date (the " Average Price ") less a 1% discount; provided that, in each case, if such price per ounce is less than US$900 the discount will be nil. In addition, in the event that Waterton exercises its right to purchase refined bullion after February 28, 2016, the purchase price per ounce will be the Average Price immediately preceding the applicable Pricing Date, without any discount.
The claim locations are based on location of monuments and their dimensions cited to the BLM. The claim boundaries are not surveyed, and the exact location of the boundaries depend on physical positions of the location posts in the field. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report are not aware of any conflicting surface rights in this area or near the Fire Creek Project. Other considerations that might affect claim status include grazing rights and protected habitats. There are archaeological considerations in the immediate area of the Fire Creek Project; however, all new surface disturbance proposed by Klondex is reviewed and permitted by the BLM prior to construction. To the knowledge of the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report, at the time of the Fire Creek Technical Report, there were no environmental or social factors that would affect land title.
Gold mineralization at the Fire Creek Project occurs in steeply dipping epithermal veins within Tertiary basalt flows and intrusive rocks. The mineralized basalt rocks are a suite of mafic, extrusive rocks associated with the regional north-northwest-trending Northern Nevada Rift (" NNR ") structural zone. The system is distinguished as a linear magnetic anomaly approximately 30 miles wide that extends 190 miles south-southeast from the Oregon-Nevada border to central Nevada.
Permitting and Approvals
The major operational permits and a brief summary of the requirements for each permit are outlined in the following table.
Permit
|
Permit
Number |
Agency
|
Permit Type and Explanation
|
Environmental Assessment and Plan of Operations | NVN-079769 | BLM |
Plan of Operations is required for all mining and processing activities and exploration exceeding five acres of disturbance. BLM approves the plan and determines the required environmental studies, usually an environmental assessment or an environmental impact study based on the requirements outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act. |
Record of Decision | BLM |
A Record of Decision in the United States is the formal decision document which is recorded for the public. |
|
Water Pollution Control Permit (Operations) | NEV2007104 | NDEP, BMRR |
Mines operating in the State of Nevada are generally required to meet a zero discharge performance standard. A Water Pollution Control Permit is required for the extraction of minerals. A separate permit may be issued for certain activities at a specific facility, such as rapid infiltration. |
Water Pollution Control Permit (Infiltration) | NEV2013102 | NDEP, BMRR |
Water Pollution Control Permit for infiltration of water from the underground mine operations. This permit is still in the approval process. |
Water Rights |
28637, 77002,
77003, 75129 |
NDWR |
Water rights are issued by the Nevada Division of Water Resources based on Nevada water law which issues permits based on prior appropriation and beneficial use. Prior appropriation (also known as "first in time, first in right") allows for the orderly use of the State of Nevada's water resources by granting priority to parties with senior water rights. This concept ensures the senior uses are protected, even as new uses for water are allocated. |
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Permit
|
Permit
Number |
Agency
|
Permit Type and
Explanation
|
Reclamation Permit | #0241 |
NDEP,
BMRR |
Summarizes reclamation activities and associated costs. Ensures land disturbed by mining activities are reclaimed to safe and stable conditions to promote a safe and stable post-mining land use. A permit is required for any disturbance over five acres. The RCE is financially secured with a posted security. The posted surety amount provides assurance that reclamation will be pursuant to the approved reclamation plan. |
Air Quality Permit | AP1041-2774 |
NDEP,
BAPC |
An owner or operator of any proposed stationary source must submit an application for and obtain an appropriate operating permit before commencing construction or operation. Class II Air Permit - Typically for facilities that emit less than 100 tons per year for any one regulated pollutant and emit less than 25 tons per year total hazardous air pollutants and emit less than 10 tons per year of any one hazardous air pollutant. |
Storm Water Permit | NVR300000 |
NDEP,
BWPC |
General storm water discharges associated with activities from metal mining activities. Regulates storm water runoff from waste rock storage piles, roads, and cleared areas. Typical pollutants include suspended solids and minerals eroded from exposed surfaces. |
Klondex has an approved plan of operations with the BLM covering their current exploration activities at the Fire Creek Project, as well as an approved bulk sampling permit from the State of Nevada. Klondex received approval to an amendment to the Plan of Operations and Reclamation Permits (NVN-079769 and Reclamation Permit #0028) which allows Klondex to construct and operate several rapid infiltration basins (" RIBs "). Klondex received approval for the Water Pollution Control Permit for the RIBs (WPCP2013102) in February 2014. In addition, Klondex has initiated a baseline data collection program to ensure that enough data is collected to be sufficient for additional permitting necessities.
Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
The Fire Creek Project is easily reached from the town of Elko by driving west on Highway I-80 for 40 miles to the Beowawe and Crescent Valley Exit #261. The Fire Creek Project is located five miles west on 10th Street in Lander County, Nevada.
The state and county roads leading to the Fire Creek Project are mostly paved and maintained in order to service the ranches and mines in Crescent Valley such as Barrick Gold Corporation's Cortez Mine.
The nearest rail siding is located in the town of Beowawe, a small community of about 50 people, approximately 15 miles north of the Fire Creek Project. Crescent Valley, a small town with a population of approximately 200 people, is about seven miles south of the Fire Creek Project. The towns of Battle Mountain and Elko, about 52 miles northwest and 63 miles northeast of the Fire Creek Project, respectively, are the nearest larger towns and supply most of the labor force. These towns are the only locations with amenities and services such as motels, fuel, grocery stores, and restaurants. Klondex's land holdings at the Fire Creek Project have adequate acreage to support future exploration and mining activities. Minerals from the Fire Creek Project will be transported to the Klondex's Midas Mill for processing.
Electrical power is provided to the Fire Creek Project by NV Energy, Inc. (" NV Energy ") through a transmission line and substation located near the eastern project boundary.
The Fire Creek Project lies in elevation between 4,900 feet and 7,200 feet. The topographic relief is moderate with mature topography consisting mostly of rounded hills with steeper grades along more competent strata. The stream down-gradient from the Fire Creek Project are ephemeral and are sourced by up-gradient springs.
The climate at the Fire Creek Project is typical for northern Nevada with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Average daily summer temperatures range from 80°F to 90°F, and average winter low temperatures range from 40°F to 20°F. Summer temperature extremes may reach 100°F for short periods, and winter extreme temperatures may drop below 0°F for short periods. Fieldwork, including exploration drilling, is commonly conducted throughout the year in this area. Mines in the Crescent Valley typically operate all year without experiencing any major weather-related problems.
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Vegetation at the Fire Creek Project is mainly limited to sagebrush, other species of low vegetation and some grasses. There are no trees at the Fire Creek Project. Due to the low amount of rainfall, the vegetation is low and sparse.
History
The first recorded lode mining claim dates to 1933, but no other activity is known prior to 1967. The following table summarizes exploration performed since 1967.
Dates | Company | Details |
1967 | Union Pacific Resources |
Drilled two core holes. |
1974 to 1975 | Placer Development Ltd. |
Drilled 22 rotary holes. |
1975 to 1983 | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Acquired the Fire Creek Project; drilled 64 rotary holes; conducted a small test heap leach operation that produced 67 oz. Au. |
1984 to 1985 | Minex Resources, Inc. (" Minex ") |
Leased the Fire Creek Project from Klondex; drilled 13 rotary holes; conducted a larger test heap leach operation using approximately 30,000 tons of material; due to the use of only the exploration drilling and no ore control, the material was primarily waste and ultimately produced less than 1,000 oz. Au. |
1986 to 1987 | Alma American Mining Company (" Alma ") |
Leased the Fire Creek Project from Klondex; drilled 64 rotary holes. |
1988 | Aurenco Joint Venture (" Aurenco JV ") |
Aurenco JV formed between Black Beauty Mining and Covenanter Mining. |
1988 to 1990 | Aurenco JV |
Leased the Fire Creek Project from Klondex; completed 51,476 feet of rotary drilling, 500 soil samples, and 750 surface rock chip samples. |
1990 to 1995 | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
No activity. |
1995 to 1996 | North Mining Inc. (" North Mining ") |
Leased the Fire Creek Project from Klondex; commenced the first technical exploration drilling program to examine deeper targets; drilled 67 holes for a total of 39,570 feet; performed IP-Resistivity and HEM surveys. |
1996 to 2004 | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
No activity. |
2004 to 2012 | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Began a deep exploration program; development commenced in 2011. |
2012 to Present | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
New management and board of directors in 2012; ongoing exploration; commenced a bulk sampling program in 2013. |
When Aurenco dropped the Fire Creek Project in 1990 without conducting further work, the Fire Creek Project reverted to 100% Klondex control.
Historic production is limited to marginal mining of oxidized siliceous cap material from a pit and the construction of a small test heap leach operation from 1988 to 1990. With the exception of current operations under the bulk sampling permit, there has been no other production at the Fire Creek Project since 1990.
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Geological Setting
Regional Geology
The Fire Creek Project is located on the northeast flank of the Shoshone Range in Lander County, Nevada, and in the western half of the NNR. The surface and near-surface NNR is composed of an alignment of middle-Miocene basaltic (and lesser rhyolitic) dikes and up to 42,000 feet of basin-filling lava flows, pyroclastic units and lacustrine sedimentary units that are distinguishable regionally as a prominent, north-northwest trending aeromagnetic anomaly that extends some 300 miles south-southeastward from the Oregon-Nevada border. The NNR is likely related to a pre-Cenozoic, deep-crustal fault reactivated between 16.5 and 14.7 Ma and reflects west-southwest east-northeast regional extension.
Basement rocks of the northern Shoshone Range are comprised of lower Paleozoic primarily siliciclastic sedimentary units of the Roberts Mountain Allochthon upper plate. The primary upper plate units in the Fire Creek Project area are imbricate thrust stacks of Ordovician Valmy Formation, which is comprised of sandstone, shale, chert, and quartzite and the Devonian Slaven Chert. Overlying the Paleozoic sedimentary rocks is a discontinuous tuff layer. The origin and continuity of this unit remains enigmatic.
A middle-Miocene package of intercalated basalt and basaltic andesite flows and associated pyroclastic units intrudes and unconformably overlies the lower sedimentary and tuffaceous rocks. Competent flow units in this package form the dominant host for gold mineralization at the Fire Creek Project.
The Andesite of Horse Heaven, a sparsely porphyritic andesite to basaltic andesite, conformably overlies the basalt flow package. This unit covers an extensive area of the Northern Shoshone Range and ranges from less than 130 feet to greater than 800 feet thick. Samples from this unit collected near the Mule Canyon Mine yielded whole-rock ages of 15.86±0.12 Ma and 15.2±0.8 Ma. Another sample collected near Corral Canyon, south of the Fire Creek Project, yielded a whole-rock age of 15.76±0.80 Ma.
Numerous steeply dipping, north-northwest- to north-striking mafic dikes are evident at the Fire Creek Project from drill data and mining operations; however, few mafic dikes have been mapped at the surface.
The western margin of the NNR in the Northern Shoshone Range is marked by two high-angle fault sets. The dominant set is parallel to the rift axis striking north-northwest (N15-30°W) and exhibits dip-slip movement. The most prominent of these is the Muleshoe Fault, which is less than a mile east of both the Mule Canyon Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Faults in this orientation commonly host mafic dikes and provided structural control on eruption and volcanic rock deposition.
Local Geology
Rock Units
Basement rocks beneath the Fire Creek Project deposit have not been drilled sufficiently for positive unit identification. Imbricate stacks of Ordovician Valmy Fm. and Devonian Slaven Chert, part of the Roberts Mountain Thrust upper plate, are mapped to the west of the deposit and are presumed to lie beneath the local Miocene volcanic package. Thickness of the upper plate rocks in this region is unconstrained. Lower plate rocks are thought to be Roberts Mountain Formation, but this has not been drill-tested, and no outcrops of this unit occur nearby. Overlying the Paleozoic sedimentary package is a 0 to 300-foot thick, discontinuous tuff unit, tentatively identified as the tuff of Cove Mine. The discontinuous nature of this unit is thought to be a function of paleo-topography.
Progressing upwards, unconformably overlying the tuff of Cove Mine, is approximately 500-foot thick section of interbedded lithic tuff beds, basalt flows and sills, and thin, laminated lacustrine sedimentary beds. These are grouped together under the Ttb (Tertiary tuff and basalt) moniker. Tuff layers are commonly intensely argillically altered. Alteration in basalts varies from unaltered to moderate propylitization.
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The informal Fire Creek Sequence comprises three volcanic/volcaniclastic units that overlie the Ttb series. These are presented in ascending order.
Tbeq (Tertiary basalt equigranular) is a 400- to 700-foot thick, black to dark green, aphanitic and equigranular basalt flow package. In the vicinity of the Fire Creek Project deposit, a large percentage of this unit is altered.
Tbma discontinuously overlies Tbeq and is a 0 to 500-foot thick series of black, aphanitic, vitreous, and peperitic basalt flows that may be intercalated with thin tuff layers of the overlying Tlat. No gold mineralization is known in this unit. Alteration is non-existent to weakly propylitic.
Tlat (Tertiary lapilli ash tuff) also discontinuously overlies Tbeq, at the same or higher stratigraphic level as Tbma. Although discontinuous, it is regionally extensive. In the vicinity of the Fire Creek Project deposit, this unit is commonly intensely argillized.
The Andesite of Horse Heaven is the youngest package preserved at the Fire Creek Project. Locally, this package is broken into five units. Tb1, Tb2, and Tb3 directly overlie the Fire Creek Sequence and the Fire Creek Project deposit. Tb4 and Tb5 are only present to the east and northeast of the current mine area and may reflect compartmentalized lava fill into a fault-bounded basin.
Tb3 is the youngest unit present at the Fire Creek Project deposit. It consists of interbedded andesite and basalt flows, typically very fine grained with rare plagioclase and biotite phenocrysts up to 0.1 millimeters in diameter. Above the known deposit, Tb3 is argillized and hosts gold mineralization.
Tb2 is a black, aphanitic to sugary, weakly glassy basalt that contains trace to 10% plagioclase phenocrysts and five to seven percent magnetite as needles. The base of Tb2 is weakly altered, and this alteration rapidly decreases to zero vertically.
Tb1 shares many similarities to Tb2, specifically that it is a black, aphanitic to sugary, weakly glassy basalt with trace to 10% plagioclase phenocrysts. However, instead of magnetite needles this unit can be distinguished by the presence of three to five percent magnetite as crystals.
Tb4 is light red-grey to grey, platy to massive andesite interbedded with black, glassy, perlitic, porphyritic andesite. Phenocrysts of plagioclase and pyroxene volumetrically compose up to 25% and range from two to five millimeters in length. In the Fire Creek Project area, Tb4 is present to the east of a range-front-parallel fault located to the east of the deposit.
Tb5 is a series of fine grained to aphanitic, brown to black basalt flows with one to three percent magnetite and pyroxene phenocrysts. Individual flows have flaggy to platy bases and highly vesicular tops. It appears to underlie Tb4, although exposure is limited to the northeast corner of the Fire Creek Project area.
Property Geology
The current Fire Creek Project deposit is fault-bounded to the north, east, and south. The west remains structurally open, although data for this area is sparse. Drilling from underground has roughly defined the Alimak Fault, a north-northwest striking structure that intersects the westernmost extent of the underground workings. It is unknown if this is a system-bounding fault; however, ground conditions change sharply across it.
Veins
The vein system reflects extensional structural fabrics generated during NNR development. Veins were emplaced primarily along faults and dike contacts, both striking approximately N15°W and with variable but steep dips, and north-south-striking, moderately east-dipping extensional structures. North-northwest-striking veins are typically thin, less than three feet, sub-vertical and are parallel to the Muleshoe Fault set. North-south striking veins are thicker, approximately 10 feet, than north-northeast striking veins. Host rocks are usually restricted to the more competent members of the volcanic sequence; in the known deposit this is primarily Tbeq. Tuffaceous units are less favorable for vein formation due to poor fracturing characteristics. As of the date of the Fire Creek Technical Report, 47 individual veins or mineralized structures have been identified. Of these, five have been sufficiently characterized to warrant individual descriptions:
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1. |
The Joyce Vein has been defined for 1,750 feet along strike and 1,135 feet of dip extent. It is dominated by coarse, bladed calcite (60 to 70%) with quartz as the remainder. |
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2. |
The Vonnie Vein has been defined for 1,910 feet along strike and 550 feet of dip extent. Textures are dominantly crustiform/colloform quartz banding with lesser carbonate. This vein formed predominately along a dike contact. |
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3. |
The Karen Vein has been defined for 1,035 feet along strike and 450 feet of dip extent. Average vein width is approximately 0.5 foot, although mineralized widths can reach up to approximately 12 feet and can include fault-related breccias and discrete veins. The vein is predominately calcite with lesser quartz and commonly has open space vugs. The Karen Vein exploited a north-south striking extensional linking structure rather than a Muleshoe-parallel fault or dike contact. |
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4. |
The Hui Wu (pronounced Whey-Woo) structure has been defined for 650 feet along strike and 500 feet of dip extent. This structure is primarily mineralized tectonic breccia that is punctuated by a moderately developed discrete vein system. |
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5. |
The Honeyrunner structure has been defined for 1,515 feet along strike and 525 feet of dip extent. Instead of a typical vein, this structure is a combination of tectonic breccias and a large basalt dike; however, current drill piercements do not preclude the presence of a vein either along strike or at depth. |
Exploration
2004 to 2010
No work took place until 2004, when Klondex began drilling deep targets to define the mineralization potential recognized by North Mining. In 2004, Klondex based its initial drilling targets on the results of North Mining's drilling program carried out from 1995 to 1996 in combination with information including integrated geologic mapping, surface geochemistry, airborne helicopter electromagnetic (" HEM ") surveys and IP dipole-dipole surveys. Klondex focused its exploration drilling on targets ranging from 500 to 1,700 feet below the surface, yielding grades up to 1.0 ounces per ton (opt).
Klondex conducted another IP survey in 2004 that used tighter line spacing and dipole points and which identified north-northwest trending altered zones, coincident with the general strike of veins identified by Klondex drilling and coincident with the general trend of NNR faults. From 2004 to 2010, Klondex drilled 231 surface holes for a total of 297,586 feet.
2011
Klondex completed fifty-five drill holes comprising 37 surface holes and 18 underground holes with a length of 65,225 feet. Surface drilling focused on identifying mineralization on the north end of defined veins. Underground drilling focused on identifying mineralization on the southern extent.
2012
Klondex completed sixty-one drill holes comprising of 25 surface holes and 36 underground holes with a total length of 54,969 feet. Four of the surface holes were geotechnical holes drilled to gather data near the planned vent raise. Three holes were drilled to test IP anomalies south of the Fire Creek Project. These did not encounter significant gold mineralization; however, the holes were terminated prior to encountering the target horizon and may have been located too far to the east. The remainder were drilled to define a bulk sample area that encompassed the Joyce Vein and the Vonnie Vein between the 5370 and 5400 crosscuts. One of these holes (FC1211) returned a result of 2,910 parts per million (ppm) Au (85 opt Au) assay from the Vonnie Vein.
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2013
Klondex completed sixty-one drill holes comprising five surface holes and 56 underground holes with a total length of 33,501 feet. This drilling identified several new veins west of the decline and identified probable southern extensions of the Joyce Vein and the Vonnie Vein.
2014
Klondex completed two hundred eighty-three holes comprising nine reverse-circulation (" RC ") surface holes with a total length of 2,385 feet, two HQ diamond surface holes with a total length of 2,943 feet and 272 AQ, BQ and HQ diamond underground holes with a total length of 73,339 feet. Five of the RC surface holes were converted into groundwater monitoring wells GW-4 through GW-8. The remaining five RC surface holes had piezometers installed. Two HQ diamond holes were drilled for condemnation purposes. Underground drilling in 2014 primarily focused on infilling and extending the Joyce Vein, Vonnie Vein, Karen Vein, and Hui Wu Vein. Underground exploration targeted zones to the east and west of the decline and yielded positive results including discovery of the ore-grade Honeyrunner structure.
Mineralization
The Fire Creek deposit is an epithermal deposit vertically-zoned within high-angle northwest striking structures, low-sulfidation, hosted in a mid-Miocene basalt package. Gold mineralization occurs in two habits: shallow structurally-controlled gold in variably altered Tertiary basalt and primarily native gold steeply dipping quartz-calcite veins or structures. A package of middle-Miocene basalt and basaltic andesite flows package has been cut by high-angle normal faults related to both NNR and Basin and Range extension that form grabens and half-grabens which are the structural controls for in the district.
High-grade gold mineralization has been delineated between approximately 4,900 feet and 5,700 feet above mean sea level and is open up and down dip as well as on strike. Lower-grade gold mineralization occurs from the surface, and mineralization is open at depth. Vein textures, gangue minerals, and alteration are typical of low-sulfidation systems. Widespread propylitic alteration grades to argillic alteration proximal to veins and/or other structural fluid conduits. Elevated content is often spatially associated with the argillic alteration zone. Gold mineralization often occurs along discrete horizons within veins. An opaline silica cap is discontinuously preserved above the deeper mineralization. Mineralized faults near the opaline silica were targeted by early prospecting and later shallow drilling by previous operators in the 1980's.
Gold mineralization is primarily present in its native state along discrete layers within veins. Native gold mineralization can occur as large clots or bands, less than ¼ inch dendritic growths and fine-grained disseminations. Other less common habits include encapsulations in quartz, pyrite replacements and coatings on pyrite or arsenopyrite. Silver occurs encapsulated in quartz and locally in naumannite or ruby silver encapsulations in quartz. Dark grey ginguro bands of an unidentified silver-bearing mineral is present along vein banding as well.
Drilling
RC Surface Drilling Procedures
The 2013 surface drilling procedures for RC are summarized as follows:
1. |
Klondex contracted Rimrock Drilling Services from Elko, Nevada to drill 15,600- foot RC pre-collar holes. |
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2. |
Surface collar locations were based on the location of previously drilled and surveyed geotechnical holes. The azimuth and dip were set using a Brunton compass and measured with a tape. The designations written on a flagged lathe. |
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3. |
The drill rig set up to drill a fan pattern. |
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4. |
Upon completion of the hole, International Directional Services (" IDS ") of Elko surveyed the collar azimuth, dip, and downhole inclinations using a gyroscopic downhole survey tool. |
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5. |
The completed RC hole was cased to 600-foot with five-inch casing. |
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6. |
Variations of azimuth and dip for subsequent drilling within the fan array were based on the results of the pre-collar survey and adjusted to account for any deviation, which may have occurred. |
Core Surface Drilling Procedures
The 2013 surface drilling procedures for core are summarized as follows:
1. |
Klondex contracted American Drilling Corporation from Winnemucca, Nevada to drill surface core holes. |
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2. |
Prior to drilling, the pre-collars were cemented at the bottom of the casing to seal the core hole. |
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3. |
HQ diameter core was drilled with five-foot core barrels and ten-foot rod lengths. |
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4. |
Core material was retrieved using a triple-tube and placed in cardboard boxes. |
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5. |
Downhole surveys of the entire hole (RC and core-tail) were taken by IDS. |
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6. |
Boxes of core were transported to the logging facility for photography and collecting geological observations before being sent to the splitter for sample preparation. |
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7. |
Surface drill collar surveys were taken by Alidade, Inc. (" Alidade "). |
Underground Drilling Procedures
In January 2013, the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report observed a sequence of handling underground drilled core which is summarized below.
1. |
Drill hole status is tracked on a dry erase board as well as in MS Excel spreadsheets. |
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2. |
Handling of the drilled core from the station includes: drilling with a Diamec U8 core rig (other types of drill rigs have been used in the past for drilling both surface and underground); drillers label core box lids with a unique Bore Hole Identification number (" BHID "); drillers put the core in boxes with top of drilled sequence leading the run in the box and end of drilled interval ending the run in the box; drillers label the end of the run to the nearest one tenth of a foot and measure and record the recovery in feet on wooden blocks, which are put at the end of the drilled interval. |
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3. |
Drillers stack full core boxes on a pallet in numerical order. |
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4. |
Drillers either deliver the pallet to surface or take a partial delivery of core boxes in the back of their motorized underground personnel vehicle. They leave the pallet of core boxes (or individual core boxes on a spare pallet) at the core logging facility. |
The 2014 drilling program focused primarily on additional delineation of targets and expanding the resource. These targets are more accessible and more efficiently drilled from underground drill platforms.
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Collar Surveying
Currently, surface hole collars are surveyed by Alidade following completion of the hole. Underground hole collars are surveyed by the mine surveyor after the drill has been removed from the drill station. When an underground collar survey is required and the surveyor is not available, the geologist triangulates the collar location using distance measurements between surveyed reference points in the drill station relative to the drill rig.
The channel sample locations are stored as "synthetic drill holes" in the database in order to utilize them spatially with software (northings, eastings, elevations, azimuth, dip, and length). The northing, easting, and elevation of the samples are derived from geologists' face distance measurements in relation to underground survey mapping (asbuilt).
Surveying Surface Drill Collar Locations
Historic surface drill collar survey data was kept in Reno, Nevada by Mr. Richard Kern of MinQuest, Inc. (" MinQuest "), as he was the Fire Creek Project Manager and responsible person for the database on behalf of Klondex. Klondex received the historic data in spreadsheets from Mr. Kern in May 2012. All collar northings and eastings drilled prior to 2012 came from MinQuest at that time. The elevation of the drill hole locations in the MinQuest dataset were adjusted by Mr. Steve McMillin, former Chief Geologist for Klondex, by assigning elevations from topographic contours generated from 2012 photogrammetry.
Methods used to locate collars drilled from March 2004 through December 2010 were inadequately documented, and raw data were not archived. The (non-documented) method for locating early collars was to locate the drill pad along a surveyed grid of lines (lines spaced 50 feet apart) to intercept veins as close to perpendicular as possible within the limitations of the equipment and topography.
From 2010 to the beginning of 2012 (up to drill hole FC1207S), surface collar survey information was recorded by the site geologist reading a hand-held GPS device on the drill rig. The coordinates were hand-entered on a log form. The original datum is unknown. It is also not known if any conversion between datum was made as a part of this process.
All surface holes drilled since January 2012 have been surveyed by Alidade with a Trimble Real Time Kinematic (" RTK ") unit in conjunction with GPS with a base station of a known survey point and rover unit. The original datum is not known. It is also not known if any conversion between datum was made as a part of this process.
In June 2013, Klondex undertook to re-survey all locatable surface collar locations drilled prior to January 2012. A total of 29 surface holes (approximately 10% of the surface drill hole population from that era) were located and re-surveyed by Alidade using the current protocols. The result of locating the 29 drill hole collars verified the historic collar coordinates for the surface holes as being accurate and within acceptable means. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report consider the results of this study as validating the historic surface collar locations.
Surveying Underground Drill Collar Locations
Underground drill hole collars are surveyed by the mine surveyor. The first phase of underground drilling began in September 2011 and continued into August 2012. Fifty-two holes were drilled during this period, all but two of which were drilled from Drill Station 1. Collar surveys for phase one holes were finalized in August 2012 when the drill was moved and collars were accessible to the surveyor. A Small Mine Development, LLC engineer surveyed the collars, utilizing North American Datum (" NAD ") 27 UTM, US feet.
Since drilling resumed in 2013, collar locations have been surveyed by Klondex's mine surveyor using Klondex-owned survey equipment. The Fire Creek Project survey equipment is a Trimble S6 DR Plus total station device used in conjunction with Leica prisms. The 2013 surveys were in NAD 27 UTM, US feet, and in 2014, Klondex began using NV SPCS feet.
- 19 -
When an underground collar survey is required and the surveyor is not available, the geologist triangulates the collar location using string and surveyed reference points. This method requires the drill rig to be in the station.
Locating Channel Samples
The coordinates of the channel samples are calculated using measurements taken by geologists. For each mining face, the geologist measures the distance along the left rib from a known reference point to the face. This distance is recorded on a daily face sheet. The channel sample is collected across the face from left to right, so the measured distance corresponds with the start of the channel. The distance recorded on the face sheet is measured on the asbuilt to find the X and Y coordinates of the sample.
Downhole Surveying
Downhole surveys were performed for all holes drilled from 2004 to 2011.
Using a PeeWee downhole survey tool (the " PeeWee "), Klondex collected raw uncorrected data and then applied corrections to compensate for the local declination of 13.35 degrees according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calculator. Readings were taken by the PeeWee every 50 feet.
Since the beginning of 2014, all underground downhole surveys have been performed by IDS using a Maxibor tool.
Sampling and Analysis
Sampling
Core Sampling Methodology
Once geotechnical and geological data has been logged, sample intervals are determined based on geology. Minimum sample interval is approximately one foot, dependent on core diameter and whether the core is split or whole core samples. Maximum sample interval is five feet. Alteration and lithologic boundaries are not crossed. Sample breaks are marked on the core, tagged on the core boxes and entered into the logging spreadsheet.
1. |
Core is quick-logged in the yard to identify expected intercepts and to update the working model for ore control geologists. |
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2. |
Geologists or geotechnicians set the core boxes on rolling racks in an illuminated, heated, covered plasticized canvas logging facility. |
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3. |
Core is washed and verified for completeness and correct labeling of boxes and core blocks. If errors are found, they are addressed to the drilling company foreman and corrected before proceeding. |
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4. |
Geotechnical data including recovery (all holes) and RQD (even-numbered production holes and all exploration holes) is logged. |
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5. |
Geological data is logged. |
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6. |
Sample breaks are marked on the core, tagged on the core boxes and entered into the logging spreadsheet. |
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7. |
The core is photographed. Core is positioned so that sample break markings, geologic features and vein/structure orientations are optimally captured in the photograph. |
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8. |
After completion of all logging activities, the core is sampled. |
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9. |
Termite' holes (AQ or BQ diameter) are whole-core sampled due to limited material with small diameter core. |
- 20 -
10. |
HQ-diameter core is palletized and queued to be split and sampled in the splitting facility adjacent to the core shed. |
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11. |
The geotechnician moves the core box into the splitting facility and splits the core in half. One half is returned to the core box, and the other half is placed in a sample bag according to the sample interval specified by the geologist. |
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12. |
The core boxes are palletized, shrink-wrapped and transported to the core storage area. |
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13. |
The sampled core is prepared for shipment to the assay lab. QAQC inserts are selected by the geologist. The geologist then selects the appropriate number of sample IDs from a list. Core samples are assigned sample ID of type FCD123456. The sample bags and QAQC inserts are labeled with the sample IDs and stored until they can be transferred to the assay lab. |
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14. |
A lab submittal form is filled out by the geologist. When enough samples have accumulated for a shipment, the assay lab driver is summoned to site. Samples are loaded on the lab truck, and the submittal and QAQC samples are handed to the driver. |
RC Sampling Methodology
RC samples are taken on five-foot intervals using a rotating wet splitter. Water-flow and sample size are controlled by adding or removing splitter slot covers. The number of covers are tracked for each sample.
1. |
Sample bags are placed in a five-gallon bucket under the wet splitter. |
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2. |
Sample buckets are placed inside a 20-inch diameter by six-inch deep rubber pan. |
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3. |
If the sample bag in the bucket overflows into the pan before completion of a five-foot sample run, then the run-off is re-poured into the sample bucket to recover any fine material. |
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4. |
A population of reference chips are collected in a sieve from each sample run and placed in 20- compartment sample trays. |
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5. |
Buckets and pans are washed after each run, and the wet splitter is washed after each rod change. |
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6. |
A sample cut-sheet is populated with sample ID numbers and intervals, including sample IDs for QAQC samples as well. The cut-sheet tracks sample numbers on bags and intervals in the rock chip trays. |
Standards, blanks, and duplicates are inserted every 20 samples. The optimum sample size collected is approximately one quarter to one half of a 17-inch by 22-inch sample bag (about 20 to 30 pounds).
Channel Sampling Methodology
Channel sampling began in 2013 as underground development progressed. The dataset used for the current mineral resource estimate contains 6,691 samples collected in 1,510 face channels.
An ore control geologist checks the face at each round of advancement. The geologist measures the distance to the face along the left rib from a known reference point. This distance is recorded on a daily face sheet along with the geologist's name, date and time, location, and heading dimensions. The geologist then sketches the face and records sample ID numbers in a column on the face sheet. Each sample ID has a row where sample length, rock type, unit, alteration and vein characteristics can be recorded. The geologist puts a sample bag labeled with the first sample ID in a bucket. Material is chipped from the face into the bucket, working at chest height. The channel is collected across the face from left to right. Material is collected with the goal of realistically representing mineralogy, alteration, and width of the vein. Typically, the first sample starts in waste at the intersection of the left rib and the face, then progresses from left to right towards the vein. The first sample ends near the vein margin, the sample bag is tied and set aside, and the second sample bag is placed in the bucket. The second sample is taken from the vein material. The third sample is collected from beyond the right margin of the vein to the right rib. In the case of multiple veins or otherwise complex geology, the geologist collects as many samples as necessary to characterize the face.
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Once the channel samples have been collected, the geologist completes the following tasks:
1. |
The geologist marks the vein margins, structures, face heading, and distance with spray paint on the rock. |
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2. |
The geologist photographs the face. |
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3. |
The geologist takes the bagged samples to the staging area outside the geology office and hand enters data into a central Excel spreadsheet. The locations of the channels are measured from drift entrance points and recorded on face sheets and plan maps. Face sheets are scanned and filed. Channel locations are digitized with Vulcan software. Channel collar eastings, northings, and elevations are then exported from Vulcan into CSV (comma -separated values) formatted collar files. Individual sample widths are recorded at the time of sampling. Sample width values are hand entered into CSV formatted sample files with assay results posted from laboratory reports. The channel sample files are then imported into Vulcan software and modeled as synthetic drill holes using the eastings, northings, elevation, width, and assay values. |
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4. |
QAQC materials are inserted into the sample batch. QAQC samples were not utilized in the channel sample stream until June of 2013, after which blanks and standard reference material were added to each sample batch. As of January 1, 2014, standard material was no longer inserted into the sample stream, but several blank material samples are submitted per sample batch submitted. The samples are sent to the assay lab after every 12-hour shift. |
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5. |
All samples collected within a 12-hour shift are entered into a sample submittal form, which is saved on the company server and transported to the lab; and |
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6. |
The Klondex lab provides a three- to four-day turn-around time between receipt of sample and assay results. If there is a delay, Klondex holds advancing the heading pending the assay results. In this event, Klondex will identify the missing sample by using an Excel sample tracker spreadsheet maintained by production geologists. |
According to the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report, the Fire Creek Project staff demonstrate adequate knowledge of sampling procedures and the corresponding handling of digital data. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report have reviewed the sample data and found that it is sufficiently accurate to be used in the mineral resource estimate.
Sample Preparation
Core Sample Preparation
The core sampling facility is set up in a shipping container adjacent to the core logging facility. It is furnished with industry typical sampling apparatus including roller tables and a hydraulic splitter. The following outlines the core sample preparation methodology:
1. |
A geotechnician positions the pallet containing the core to be sampled near the shipping container and obtains a copy of the sample intervals from the geologist. The geotechnician labels cloth sample bags according to the sample interval sheet. |
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2. |
The core boxes are lifted onto a rolling counter to the left of the splitter. A sample bag is placed on the floor at the feet of the geotechnician to hold the sample material. |
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3. |
The geotechnician splits core to approximate 50% of the sample bisecting veins equally. Geologists supervise the splitting of samples that contain visible gold mineralization. |
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4. |
The left half of the split is returned to the core box, the right is placed into the sample bag. |
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5. |
When the sample interval has been bagged, the sample bag is stacked in numeric order on the floor by the door. |
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6. |
QAQC samples are bagged and labeled by geologists from standards kept in a locked cabinet in the Geology office. The geologists assemble the standards and blanks into corresponding sample bags which are hand-labeled according to the cut sheet. |
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7. |
When an entire drill hole has been completely split, the bags of sample are stacked inside a large, open, plastic bin outside the core facility. |
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8. |
The geotechnician notifies the geologist when a hole is ready to be sent to American Assay Laboratories Inc. (" AAL "). An electronic sample submittal sheet is entered into the computer. Two copies are made, one is the original hand- entered submittal, and the other is a scan of the completed submittal. One copy is filed in a core library, and the other is given to the truck driver for AAL. |
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9. |
The entire bin of samples is picked up and delivered to AAL by the AAL driver. When the driver from AAL arrives at the core logging facility, he is given the QAQC samples to accompany the samples from the corresponding drill hole. |
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10. |
The reserved halves of core are returned to their core boxes and are stored outside on shrink wrapped pallets in a fenced lay down area referred to as the RIB Yard'. |
Channel Sample Preparation
The following outlines the channel sample preparation methodology:
1. |
Channel samples are bagged on site at the face. |
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2. |
Bags are brought to the Geology office. |
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3. |
QAQC materials are inserted into the channel sample stream. |
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4. |
Channel samples are delivered to the Klondex assay lab every 12-hour shift. |
Drill Sample Analysis
The drill sample analysis protocol was amended as of May 1, 2014. Drill samples are currently submitted to AAL of Sparks, Nevada. AAL is an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited laboratory. Five assay procedures have been established, one for RC samples and four for core samples. Core samples are assayed according to the designated purpose of the drill hole (exploration or production) and grade of the sample. The drill sample analysis protocols are as follows:
RC sample analysis procedure:
Samples are received and dried in-bag at 85°C. The dry sample is crushed to 70% passing minus 10 mesh. The crusher is cleaned with compressed air between each sample. A 1,000 gram pulp is collected from the crushed sample using a rotary splitter. The remainder of the sample is stored and returned to Klondex. The pulp is then pulverized to 85% passing minus 200 mesh. The pulveriser is cleaned with compressed air between each sample. Thirty grams of pulverized sample is used to perform fire assay with ICP finish for gold, and 0.5 g of sample is used to perform analysis for silver with ICP finish. If the result is greater than 10 ppm Au or greater than 100 ppm Ag, then 50 g of the pulverized pulp is used to run a fire assay for Au and Ag with gravimetric finish. If the gravimetric result is greater than 10 opt Au, then the remaining pulp is screened at 150 mesh for a metallic screen fire assay for Ag and Au with a gravimetric finish. Pulps are stored and returned to Klondex.
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Core sample analysis procedure:
All core samples are received and dried in-bag at 85°C. Samples are crushed to 80% passing minus 10 mesh with a crusher clean-out between each sample. A 1,000 g pulp is taken from the crushed sample using a rotary splitter. The pulp is pulverized to 85% passing minus 200 mesh with a pulverizer clean-out between each sample. The pulps are then assayed according to the designated purpose of the drill hole (exploration or production) and whether a high grade result (Au less than 10 opt) is anticipated. All pulps and rejects are returned to Klondex.
Production Samples:
For production hole samples which are not anticipated to be high grade, 50 g of the pulp is used for a fire assay for silver and gold with a gravimetric finish. For any sample with a result greater than 10 opt Au or Ag, the remaining pulp is re-run as metallic screen fire assay for silver and gold with a gravimetric finish. For production hole samples with visible gold mineralization or other high grade characteristics, the entire pulp is screened at 150 mesh and analysed with metallic screen fire assay for silver and gold with gravimetric finish.
Channel Sample Analysis
Beginning July 17, 2014, the Fire Creek Project sends channel samples to the Klondex lab for analysis. Sample protocol is as follows:
Samples are dried in pans at 250°F. The dried samples are crushed to 80% passing 10 mesh, with a crusher clean-out between each sample. The crusher is cleaned twice following high grade samples. The crushed sample is homogenized, 500 g is collected with a riffle splitter then pulverized to 85% passing 200 mesh. The pulverizer is cleaned after every sample, twice after high-grade samples. For 10% of samples, a second pulp is prepared as a preparation duplicate. Remaining coarse rejects are stored.
Fifty grams of the pulverized pulp is used to run a fire assay for gold and silver with gravimetric finish. In each batch of assays, the lab inserts a standard and blank. The lab also runs five percent of samples as analytical duplicates. Samples with result greater than 10.0 opt Au are run with metallic screen fire assay with gravimetric finish.
Handling Analyses Results
AAL sends the assay results and certificates by email to three people: Chief Geologist, Senior Geologist, and Geology Database Administrator. For channel samples, the Klondex lab emails results to these people as well as the ore control geologists. Assay results from AAL are stored as PDF and MS Excel files on the Klondex server in a hierarchy of folders with a naming convention based on designation of sampled material. Results from the Klondex lab are stored as MS Excel files. Folders include channel samples, UG core, surface core, surface RC, screen filter sampling, truck load samples, rib sampling, muck piles, waste piles, and resamples of these same sources. This folder system is rudimentary and not user-protected. The PDF and Excel files from AAL are renamed to add the BHID for identification and for ease in referencing. Excel files for use in Fire Creek Project modeling software are updated as assay results are finalized by the lab by means of copy and paste from the lab Excel files into the user Excel files.
Quality Control Measures
Historically, QAQC measures used to check the consistency in assay reporting were either lacking or not included in any surviving reports. Beginning in March 2004 through the second quarter of 2012, Klondex's samples were submitted to ALS and were reliant solely on the laboratory's in-house QAQC to monitor the sampling results. The current practice of inserting blanks and standards and specifying prep duplicates began in the second quarter of 2013 when Klondex began processing core on site. Prior to this time, core was transported to Reno for cutting and sampling, and any QAQC measures were directed by MinQuest in Reno.
- 24 -
From March 2004 through February 2012, ALS's QAQC checks on the Fire Creek Project samples included 12,465 in-house standard samples inserted into Klondex's sample runs and 11,201 re-assays of the immediately previous sample as part of their protocols. Also, beginning in August 2010 through February 2013, ALS completed 1,264 in-house check duplicates derived from pulp of the sample prepared for Fire Creek Project sample runs. Recently, ALS sent a summary of their in-house QAQC sample results to Klondex as part of recording QAQC documentation. Their report combines sample results from both surface and underground drilling.
From 2012 through March 2014, Klondex's QAQC protocol at the Fire Creek Project was to submit a blank as the first sample of each drill hole, followed by one of three types of QAQC standards every 20th sample in the sample stream.
Beginning April 2014, Klondex's QAQC protocol at the Fire Creek Project was as follows:
1. |
Geologists insert QAQC standards as five percent of the sample stream. The type and location of each standard is at the geologist's discretion. At least one QAQC sample is inserted per hole. The three standard types are: (i) blank; (ii) standard; or (iii) duplicate. |
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2. |
Blanks are crushed, homogenous barren material. |
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3. |
Klondex uses several QAQC standards. Some were produced in- house from locally derived low-grade basalt. Others were purchased from ROCKLABS, a reputable supplier of reference material. |
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4. |
For duplicate sampling, Klondex submits an empty bag labeled with the required sample ID in sequence. The lab takes a split from the pulp of the previous sample to run as a duplicate. |
Adequacy of the Sampling Methodologies
According to the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report, the Fire Creek Project staff have shown a solid understanding with regard to management of the sampled material and associated digital data. The methods of handling the drilled material, both physically and electronically, are acceptable for use in an analysis of the potential mineral resource.
Duplicate assay checks performed by AAL showed no bias, while those of ALS had minor biasing. This may be the result of too few duplicate check assays available for review, and the database needs to be enlarged. Additionally, the samples chosen for duplicates are all below the cutoff grade for the deposit, and this program should be expanded to include higher grade samples as well. The blank data collected and used by Klondex does not present any underlying problems with sample handling, assay methods or laboratories.
Review of assay standards sets shows AAL to have smaller deviations than ALS, however, the results do not show any problems with the underlying data. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report are of the opinion that Klondex's current QAQC program, for sampling protocols, is managed in an acceptable manner. QAQC verification does not indicate any underlying deficiencies in the database.
Data Verification
The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report analyzed the sample data used in the mineral resource estimation to verify its suitability for use in the Fire Creek Technical Report. The dataset includes records of drilled and channel-sampled material collected from 2004 through December 2014 and compiled by Klondex into centralized master spreadsheets. The Klondex Geology Data Administrator provided the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report with a copy of the master spreadsheets. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report formatted the data and loaded it into Vulcan ISIS databases. The authors chose a representative semi-random subset of the ISIS data, representing at least five percent, and requested the corresponding raw data source files, which were provided by Klondex. The accuracy of the data was verified by comparing the values in the ISIS databases to the values in the original source files. The raw assay data contained in the source files has been determined adequate for use in the mineral resource estimation.
- 25 -
Two ISIS databases were used to estimate the mineral resource: one database was compiled from drilled material and the other from channel-sampled material. The drilled material dataset contains data from surface holes drilled from March 2004 through December 2014 and from underground holes drilled from September 2011 through December 2014. The channel sample dataset contains data collected from April 2013 through December 2014.
The four categories of data reviewed for the drill dataset were collar location surveys, down-hole surveys, assays and geology.
Collar location surveys reviewed: 68 surveys of underground hole collars and one surface collar survey were reviewed, representing about 10% of the holes in the dataset.
Downhole surveys reviewed: 42 downhole surveys of underground holes and 24 downhole surveys of surface holes were reviewed, representing about nine percent of the holes in the dataset.
Geology review: geology logs were checked for 80 underground holes and 212 surface holes, representing about 42% of the holes in the dataset.
Assay review: original assay result certificates were reviewed for 109 underground holes and 149 surface holes, representing about 37% of holes in the database.
For each data set used in the mineral resource estimate, at least five percent of the data was verified against original source data. The data review verified that historic and current drill, channel and control samples are acceptable. In particular, the accuracy of the assay data has been quantified by independent review of 37% of drill holes and 12% of channels by direct correlation with assay certificates from accredited laboratories (drill samples) and accredited and local production laboratories (channel samples). The drilling and sampling ISIS databases, which contain data compiled by Klondex between March 2004 and December 2014, comply with standards prescribed by CIM protocol for use in mineral reserve estimates.
Security of Samples
Since March 2012, sampled materials have been handled and stored on site. Core is handled and stored at the Fire Creek Project, which is staffed by security personnel. Core boxes are stored in the vicinity of the logging facility during the logging and sampling process. Sampling of core with visible gold mineralization is supervised by geologists. When sampling is complete, retained core samples are returned to boxes, stacked on pallets and shrink wrapped. The wrapped pallets are moved to a fenced facility at the RIB yard. Coarse rejects and pulps returned by the laboratories are also shrink wrapped on pallets and stored at the RIB yard. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report concluded that sample security measures at the Fire Creek Project are adequate.
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
2013 Test Work
Metallurgical test work was conducted by McClelland Laboratories (MLI Job #3834) on two samples taken from the underground development to determine the amenability of the Fire Creek Project material to gravity and/or cyanidation treatment. Each sample was milled to 80% minus 212 micrometers (µm) and processed through a laboratory Knelson concentrator to determine precious metal recovery via gravity concentration. The tailings from the Knelson concentrator were reground to 80% minus 75µm. Direct cyanidation tests (96-hour bottle roll tests) were then conducted on the gravity tailings to determine precious metal recovery and reagent consumption.
Results indicate that both samples were readily amenable to gravity and/or cyanidation treatment. Gold and silver recoveries achieved from composite sample FCM1 were 94.8% and 82.2%, respectively. Gold and silver recoveries achieved from sample 3834-01 were 99.0% and 89.4%, respectively. Cyanide consumptions were low, averaging 0.20 kg per metric ton (kg/mt) of material.
- 26 -
2014 Test Work
In early 2014, nine drill core composite samples from the West Zone were submitted to McClelland Laboratories (MLI Job #3870) for metallurgical testing to determine the amenability of the Fire Creek West Zone material to direct cyanidation and gravity/cyanidation treatment. Each composite was milled to 80% minus 75µm, and direct cyanidation tests (bottle roll tests) were then conducted to determine precious metal recovery and reagent consumption.
Results indicate that all but one of the samples were readily amenable to direct cyanidation treatment. Gold recoveries achieved from the eight composite samples ranged from 82.1% to 98.7%. Silver recoveries achieved from the eight composite samples ranged from 56.3% to 94.1%. Cyanide consumptions were low, averaging 0.30 kg/mt material.
Problems were encountered during direct cyanidation testing of composite #3870-6 due to high viscosity, low dissolved oxygen content and low free cyanide levels. This composite was transferred to a mechanically agitated leach apparatus to complete the test. Gold and silver recoveries achieved from composite #3870-6 were 66.9% and 81.2%, respectively. Cyanide and lime requirements for this sample were very high.
After direct cyanidation testing was complete, two master composites were prepared for gravity/cyanidation testing. A high-grade master composite (HG master comp) was prepared by combining the coarse rejects from Composites 3870-5 and 3879-6. A mid-grade master composite (MG master comp) was prepared by combining coarse rejects from Composites 3870-2, 3870-3 and 3870-4.
Each master composite was milled to 80% minus 300µm and processed through a laboratory Knelson concentrator to determine precious metal recovery via gravity concentration. The tailings from the Knelson concentrator were reground to 80% minus 75µm. Direct cyanidation tests (96-hour bottle roll tests), with and without lead nitrate addition, were then conducted on the gravity tailings to determine precious metal recovery and reagent consumption.
Results indicate that both master composites were readily amenable to gravity/cyanidation treatment. Gold and silver recoveries achieved from the HG master composite were 91.4% and 60.0%, respectively, without lead nitrate, and 91.2% and 82.8% with lead nitrate addition. Gold and silver recoveries achieved from the MG master composite were 95.5% and 74.3%, respectively, without lead nitrate, and 94.6% and 71.3% with lead nitrate addition.
Mineral Resource Estimate
The Fire Creek mineral resource was estimated in accordance with The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's CIM Definitions Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by CIM Council on May 10, 2014 (CIM 2014). All data coordinates are measured in the Nevada State Plane Central Zone, NAD83 feet truncated to the last six whole digits.
The mineral resource estimate is based on data from 475 surface and underground drill holes, through December 31, 2014. This estimate also includes 1,457 independently assayed rib, back, and face channel samples from underground drifting on the Joyce Vein, Vonnie Vein, and Karen Vein.
Compositing
The assays were composited on ten-foot downhole interval lengths honoring the vein intersections. Therefore, the assays within the veins are separated from the lower grade values outside of the veins. This compositing method usually calculates a single composite across the vein interval as most vein intercepts are less than ten feet in length. Where the interval within the vein was longer than ten feet, more than one composite was created.
Vein intercepts from 1,932 channels and drill holes were flagged. These vein intercepts consisted of 4,070 samples with gold assays greater than zero for a total intercept length of 8,800 feet. These intercepts comprise 3,341 composites with gold grades greater than zero for a total of 8,819 feet. All of these flagged composites were used for statistics and estimation.
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Geology and Vein Modelling
The basalt and tuff units were modeled but are not used in the block model. According to the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report, these rock units do not seem to impact vein location or mineralization as the veins cross through basalt and tuff. Displacement of the rock units indicates faulting, both pre and post mineralization, which helps in understanding local geology and guide exploration.
Forty seven veins were modeled on two main northwest linear trends separated approximately 1,300 feet east to west. Both trends generally strike N15°W, but the east trend ends at about 767,400 N where the west trend begins. This may be the result of a northeast trending fault but is not clear at this time.
A low grade halo is sometimes present immediately adjacent to the veins. This material is usually a stock work of quartz veining or porous basalt or intrusive rock. The low grade mineralization adjacent to the veins was modeled using a cutoff grade of 0.1 opt and extends from the cutoff value to the vein. The thickness of this low grade material around vein varies and can occur either in the footwall, hanging wall, or both.
Vein models were constructed on N75°E cross sections spaced 25 feet apart using the gold assay values from drill and channel intercepts and lithology logging. A strict cutoff grade was not enforced as portions of the vein are very low grade, but regardless of the grade, an assay was chosen to represent the vein if the drill hole intercepted the modeled vein. Where channel samples are present, the vein model produced from the channel samples replaces the vein model produced from drill composites, and the channel samples take precedence over drilling.
A density value of 0.0774 tons per cubic foot was assigned to all vein and low grade mineralization. This value is supported by 15 samples collected on the Joyce Vein and Vonnie Vein and analyzed by SGS Laboratories in Elko, Nevada.
Grade Capping
A cap grade was applied to the gold and silver composites used to estimate block grades. For the first (Measured) estimation pass, values greater than the cap are used in the estimation but are restricted by an area of influence based on a search radius of 25 feet by 25 feet. Beyond 25 feet, capped grade value is excluded from the estimation.
The cap grade for measured mineral resources was determined for each of the three main veins (Vonnie, Joyce, Karen) individually and for the remaining veins as a group.
For the indicated and inferred mineral resource estimation passes, only drill hole composites and no channel sample composites were used in the estimations. The indicated and inferred mineral resources grade cap was not estimated individually for the Vonnie Vein, Karen Vein, and Joyce Vein as there are not enough drill composites to make the determination individually.
For the indicated and inferred mineral resource estimation passes, the grade cap value is used for the estimation of all vein blocks within the normal sphere of influence.
Block Model
The block model was constructed using a 3,500-foot by five-foot by five-foot parent block size (XYZ), with sub-blocking in the veins and low grade mineralization as small as 0.2 feet by five feet by five feet. This modeling method creates a single block across the vein in the X direction with a tolerance of 0.2 feet. Therefore, the block width across the vein is within 0.2 feet of the actual width of the vein solid. Because low grade material was modeled around the high grade center vein, one to three blocks may exist across the vein in the X direction depending on whether low grade exists on one or both sides of the vein. If no low grade exists, then only one block defines the vein.
- 28 -
Grade Estimation
Gold and silver values were estimated using inverse distance cubed (" ID3 ") and nearest neighbour (" NN ") methods. The ID3 method was applied in multiple passes defining the extents of the measured, indicated and inferred classifications.
The channel composites were only used for the measured pass, which has a search ellipsoid of 40 feet by 40 feet by 20 feet. This was done to ensure that high grade was not extended further than is supported by the data. This, along with the capping strategy, limits the range of influence of the high grade channel sample composites.
Anisotropic search parameters for gold were set to the average orientation of the veins. Search distances were selected based on the spacing of drill composites intercepting the digital vein models and on the general orientation and shape of the interpreted veins. The vein's gold and silver grades were estimated only using composites from within the vein, and low grade blocks were estimated using only low grade composites. The boundary separating the veins and low grade blocks is regarded as a hard boundary with the data in each isolated from the other.
Significant Parameters
Significant parameters used in the gold and silver estimations include:
1. |
Assigning of parent block values to sub-blocks. Estimates are only calculated at the center of each ten- foot by ten-foot by ten-foot block, and those values are assigned to all sub-blocks existing within the parent block space. |
|
2. |
Only composites with a value greater than zero were used. |
|
3. |
A minimum of four and maximum of 12 samples were used to estimate measured blocks, a minimum of three and maximum of 12 to estimate indicated blocks, and minimum of two and maximum of 12 to estimate inferred blocks. |
|
4. |
A maximum of two composites were used per drill hole. |
|
5. |
Composites were selected using anisotropic distances. |
|
6. |
Only composites within the veins were used to estimate blocks within the veins. |
|
7. |
Grades were capped (search restricted) for measured material. |
|
8. |
Grades were capped with a top cut for indicated and inferred material. |
|
9. |
Gold and silver for blocks outside of the low and high grade vein solids were not estimated. |
The block model is depleted by the as-built survey of the underground workings. Blocks within the survey were flagged as "mined". The grades and the density within the flagged blocks remain intact in order reconcile with mining. Remnant blocks within the hanging wall or footwall of the veins which are not inside the mine survey but immediately adjacent to it were also flagged as "mined".
The narrow vein mining methods practiced at the Fire Creek Project require a minimum stope width of four feet. The veins can vary in thickness from a few inches to over ten feet. Potentially economic mineralization must meet standard cut-off grade criteria as well as a grade thickness criterion before it is included in a mineral resource estimate. Grade thickness is calculated by multiplying the block true width by its equivalent grade.
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Measured and Indicated Resources by Zone
Measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources by zone are listed in the following chart.
Grade (opt) | Contained Metal (koz) | ||||||
Resource Class | Mass (kton) | Au | Ag | AuEq | Au | Ag | AuEq |
Measured | |||||||
Main | 26.2 | 2.83 | 2.04 | 2.87 | 74.2 | 53.3 | 75.0 |
West | 11.9 | 1.32 | 1.03 | 1.34 | 15.7 | 12.3 | 15.9 |
North | 53.3 | 2.28 | 1.77 | 2.31 | 121.6 | 94.4 | 123.1 |
South | 1.6 | 0.24 | 0.46 | 0.25 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.4 |
Far North | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Total Measured | 93.0 | 2.28 | 1.73 | 2.31 | 212.0 | 160.8 | 214.5 |
Indicated | |||||||
Main | 101.9 | 0.95 | 0.79 | 0.97 | 97.2 | 80.8 | 98.5 |
West | 10.8 | 0.38 | 0.23 | 0.39 | 4.2 | 2.5 | 4.2 |
North | 109.2 | 0.74 | 0.46 | 0.74 | 80.3 | 50.5 | 81.0 |
South | 43.7 | 0.36 | 0.57 | 0.37 | 15.9 | 24.9 | 16.3 |
Far North | 18.8 | 0.32 | 0.25 | 0.32 | 6.0 | 4.6 | 6.1 |
Total Indicated | 284.4 | 0.72 | 0.57 | 0.72 | 203.5 | 163.4 | 206.1 |
Measured and Indicated | |||||||
Main | 128.0 | 1.34 | 1.05 | 1.36 | 171.4 | 134.2 | 173.5 |
West | 22.7 | 0.88 | 0.65 | 0.89 | 19.9 | 14.8 | 20.1 |
North | 162.5 | 1.24 | 0.89 | 1.26 | 201.9 | 144.9 | 204.1 |
South | 45.3 | 0.36 | 0.57 | 0.37 | 16.3 | 25.7 | 16.7 |
Far North | 18.8 | 0.32 | 0.25 | 0.32 | 6.0 | 4.6 | 6.1 |
Total Measured & Indicated | 377.4 | 1.10 | 0.86 | 1.11 | 415.5 | 324.2 | 420.5 |
Inferred | |||||||
Main | 88.4 | 0.44 | 0.43 | 0.44 | 38.5 | 37.8 | 39.1 |
West | 93.5 | 0.39 | 0.29 | 0.39 | 36.5 | 27.4 | 36.9 |
North | 276.5 | 0.53 | 0.53 | 0.54 | 146.3 | 147.6 | 148.6 |
South | 11.6 | 0.56 | 0.27 | 0.56 | 6.5 | 3.2 | 6.5 |
Far North | 370.1 | 0.35 | 0.28 | 0.36 | 130.5 | 104.9 | 132.2 |
Total Inferred | 840.0 | 0.43 | 0.38 | 0.43 | 358.3 | 320.8 | 363.3 |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Mineral resources have been calculated at a gold price of $1,200/troy ounce and a silver price of $19.00 per troy ounce. |
|
2. |
Mineral resources are calculated at a grade thickness cut-off grade of 1.126 Au equivalent opt-feet and a diluted Au equivalent cut-off grade of 0.256 opt. |
|
3. |
Gold equivalent ounces were calculated based on one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver. |
|
4. |
The minimum mining width is defined as four feet or the vein true thickness plus one foot, whichever is greater. |
|
5. |
Mineral resources include dilution to achieve mining widths and an additional 10% unplanned dilution. |
|
6. |
Mineral resources include allowance for 5% mining losses. |
|
7. |
Mineral resources are inclusive of mineral reserves. |
|
8. |
Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio- political, marketing, or other relevant issues. |
|
9. |
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there is insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. |
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Mineral Reserve Estimate
Excavation designs for stopes, stope development drifting and access development were created using Vulcan software. Stope designs were aided by the Vulcan Stope Optimizer Module. The stope optimizer produces the stope cross section which maximizes value within given geometric and constraints.
Design constraints included four feet minimum width for long hole stopes with development drifts spaced at 40-foot vertical intervals. Stope development drift dimensions maintained a constant height of ten feet and a minimum width of six feet. Drift and fill dimensions are the same as stope development.
Mining and backfill tasks were created from all designed excavations. These tasks were assigned costs and productivities specific to the excavation or backfill task type. Additionally, the undiscounted cash flow for each task was calculated. All tasks were then ordered in the correct sequence for mining and backfilling. Any task sequence or subsequence that did not achieve a positive cumulative undiscounted cash flow was removed from consideration for mineral reserves. Stope development, necessary to reach reserve excavations and exceeding the incremental cut-off grade shown in the following table, are also included in mineral reserve estimate.
Unit | Gold | Silver | |
Sales Price | $/Ounce | $1,000 | $15.83 |
Refining and Sales Expense | $/Ounce | Included in Milling | |
Royalty | 1% | 1% | |
Metallurgical Recovery | 94% | 92% | |
Operating Costs | |||
Ore Haulage (Portal to Mill) | $/ton | $32.66 | |
Direct Processing | $/ton | $93.10 | |
Administration and Overhead | $/ton | $115.49 | |
Mining | $/ton | $218.37 | |
Total | $/ton | $459.62 | |
Gold Equivalent | 1 | 64.54 | |
Unplanned Dilution | 10% | ||
Incremental Cut Off Grade | 0.259 | ||
Cut-off Grade | Eq. opt | 0.494 | |
Minimum Mining Width | feet | 4 | |
Grade Thickness cut-off | Eq. opt-ft. | 2.173 |
The mineral reserve estimate for the Fire Creek Project is summarized in the following table.
Vein Designation |
Tons (000's) |
Au opt |
Ag opt |
Au Eq opt |
Au
Ounces (000's) |
Ag
Ounces (000's) |
Au Equiv.
Ounces (000's) |
Proven Reserves | |||||||
Joyce | 31 | 0.914 | 0.678 | 0.924 | 27.9 | 20.7 | 28.2 |
Vonnie | 9.3 | 3.301 | 2.151 | 3.335 | 30.6 | 19.9 | 30.9 |
Karen | 41 | 1.454 | 1.192 | 1.473 | 59.7 | 49.0 | 60.5 |
Proven Reserves | 80.9 | 1.462 | 1.108 | 1.479 | 118.2 | 89.6 | 119.6 |
Probable Reserves | |||||||
Joyce | 60 | 0.779 | 0.357 | 0.784 | 47.0 | 21.5 | 47.3 |
Vonnie | 34 | 1.920 | 1.626 | 1.945 | 66.1 | 56.0 | 67.0 |
Karen | 10 | 0.733 | 0.500 | 0.741 | 7.4 | 5.0 | 7.5 |
Probable Reserves | 104.9 | 1.149 | 0.787 | 1.161 | 120.5 | 82.6 | 121.8 |
Proven + Probable Reserves | |||||||
Joyce | 91 | 0.824 | 0.464 | 0.831 | 74.9 | 42.2 | 75.6 |
Vonnie | 44 | 2.213 | 1.738 | 2.240 | 96.7 | 75.9 | 97.9 |
Karen | 51 | 1.312 | 1.056 | 1.328 | 67.1 | 54.0 | 68.0 |
Proven + Probable Reserves | 185.8 | 1.285 | 0.927 | 1.300 | 238.7 | 172.2 | 241.4 |
Notes :
- 31 -
1. |
Mineral reserves have been estimated with a gold price of $1,000/ounce and a silver price of $15.83/ounce. |
|
2. |
Metallurgical recoveries for gold and silver are 94% and 92% respectively. |
|
3. |
Gold equivalent ounces are calculated on the basis of one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver. |
|
4. |
Mine losses of 5% and unplanned mining dilution of 10% have been applied to the designed mine excavations. |
Fire Creek mineral reserves could be materially affected by economic, geotechnical, permitting, metallurgical or other relevant factors. Mining and processing costs are sensitive to production rates. A decline in the production rate can cause an increase in costs and cutoff grades resulting in a reduction in mineral reserves. Geotechnical conditions requiring additional ground support or more expensive mining methods will also result in higher cutoff grades and reduced mineral reserves. The Fire Creek Project has the necessary permits to continue exploration and current operations. Failure to maintain permit requirements may result in the loss of critical permits necessary for continued operations.
Mining Operations
Mining Methods
Mining may be completed using end slice stoping with delayed backfill, also referred to as long hole stoping, and drift and fill stoping. The final choice of mining method will depend upon the geometry of the stope block, proximity to main access ramps, ventilation and escape routes, the relative strength or weakness of the mineralized material and adjacent wall rock, and finally the value or grade of the mineralized material. The choice of mining method will not be made until after the stope delineation and definition drilling is completed. Each method will be discussed briefly in the following paragraphs.
End slice, or long hole, stoping has the highest degree of mechanization of the three expected mining methods at the Fire Creek Project, is the lowest cost method and generally provides the lowest total cost per ounce. End slice stoping requires the greatest amount of waste development and can be mined to a minimum width of four feet. The potential for unplanned wall dilution with this method is the greatest. The current reserve mine plan incorporates 67% end slice stoping for exploitation of the reserve.
Drift and fill stoping will be used to extract 33% of the Fire Creek Project mineral reserves. This method can be employed where the wall rock is too weak for end slice stoping, the vein dip is less than 50° or where there is variable vein geometry. Cut and fill stoping is the highest cost mining method of the two considered.
A drift and fill stope is initiated by driving a waste crosscut from the access ramp to the vein. The cross cut is driven at a negative gradient up to minus 15% in order to reach the lowest elevation of the stope. Drifting along the vein strike progresses in both directions from the cross cut. Drift dimensions are a minimum of six feet in width and 10 feet high. The width can be increase to accommodate wider sections of the vein.
Once the end of the stope is reached, the drift can be backfilled with CRF if there is unmined ore below or with unconsolidated waste backfill if mining below is not planned. Once filled, breasting down the waste above the back of the cross cut begins at a gradient sufficient that the sill of the crosscut is now at the same elevation as the back of the preceding drift. This process will be repeated until vein within reach from the cross cut has been mined out, and mining will proceed from the next level above.
Mine Plan
The production plan for Fire Creek is set out in the Fire Creek Technical Report and re-produced below. The production plan is dictated by the number of available stoping areas. Increasing the available labor force or the equipment fleet will not have significant impact on the production rate or anticipated mine life of 3.8 years. The decline in production rate in the second half of the mine plan is the result of exhausting the available stoping areas.
- 32 -
Calendar Year | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Total |
Reserves Mined | |||||
Proven Ore Mined (000's Tons) | 21.8 | 19.7 | 16.6 | 22.7 | 80.9 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 1.066 | 1.235 | 1.581 | 1.952 | 1.462 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.810 | 0.889 | 1.317 | 1.431 | 1.108 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 23.3 | 24.3 | 26.3 | 44.4 | 118.2 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 17.7 | 17.5 | 21.9 | 32.5 | 89.6 |
Probable Ore Mined (000's Tons) | 31.0 | 46.7 | 22.1 | 5.2 | 104.9 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.810 | 1.203 | 1.460 | 1.361 | 1.149 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.488 | 0.886 | 0.967 | 0.915 | 0.787 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 25.1 | 56.1 | 32.2 | 7.1 | 120.5 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 15.1 | 41.4 | 21.3 | 4.8 | 82.6 |
Total Mineral Reserves Mined (000's Tons) | 52.8 | 66.4 | 38.7 | 27.9 | 185.8 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.916 | 1.212 | 1.512 | 1.842 | 1.285 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.621 | 0.887 | 1.117 | 1.335 | 0.927 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 48.4 | 80.5 | 58.5 | 51.4 | 238.7 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 32.8 | 58.9 | 43.2 | 37.3 | 172.2 |
Contained Gold Equiv. (000's Ounces) | 48.9 | 81.4 | 59.1 | 52.0 | 241.4 |
Production Mining | |||||
Stope Development and Drift and Fill Mining (000's Tons) | 38.9 | 23.4 | - | - | 62.2 |
Longhole Stope Mining (000's Tons) | 13.9 | 43.0 | 38.7 | 27.9 | 123.5 |
Reserves Mined (000's Tons) | 52.8 | 66.4 | 38.7 | 27.9 | 185.8 |
Reserves Mining Rate (tpd) | 144.6 | 181.3 | 106.0 | 102.3 | 135.7 |
Backfill | |||||
Cellular Backfill (000's Tons) | 5.2 | 8.5 | - | - | 13.7 |
CRF and GOB Backfill(000's Tons) | 13.3 | 63.7 | 42.9 | 15.9 | 135.8 |
Total Backfill (000's Tons) | 18.5 | 72.2 | 42.9 | 19.8 | 153.4 |
Waste Mining | |||||
Expensed Drift Waste (000's Tons) | 6.8 | 4.9 | - | - | 11.8 |
Bench Waste (000's Tons) | 0.4 | - | - | - | 0.4 |
Expensed Waste (000's Tons) | - | 1.1 | - | 0.1 | 1.2 |
Primary Capital Drifting (Feet) | 4,420 | 2,296 | - | - | 6,716 |
Secondary Capital Drifting (Feet) | 578 | 689 | - | - | 1,267 |
Capital Raising (Feet) | 156 | 103 | - | - | 259 |
Capitalized Mining (000's Tons) | 79.2 | 47.3 | - | - | 126.5 |
Total Tons Mined (000's Tons) | 139.2 | 118.7 | 38.7 | 27.9 | 324.5 |
Mining Rate (tpd) | 381 | 324 | 106 | 102 | 237 |
Recovery Methods
A local contractor transports mineralized material from the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project to the Midas Mill on public roadways which is a distance of approximately 131 miles. Mineralized material from each mine is segregated through the crushing circuit. The mill has two 500-ton fine ore bins located between the secondary crusher and the ball mill, and one bin is dedicated to each mine. Head samples are taken on each reclaim conveyor at regular intervals, and tonnage measured by a belt scale prior to comingling the mineralization streams.
The Midas Mill was constructed in 1997 and has a nameplate capacity of 1,200 tpd. The mill uses conventional leach technology with Counter Current Decantation (CCD) followed by Merrill Crowe precipitation. Doré refining is finalized by Johnson Matthey refineries in Salt Lake City, Utah. Midas has performed toll milling periodically since 2008.
- 33 -
Markets and Contracts for Sale of Products
Gold and silver markets are mature with reputable smelters and refiners located throughout the world. Following several years of increases, gold and silver prices began declining in 2012. As of December 2014, the 36-month trailing average gold price was $1,449 per ounce, the 24-month trailing average price was $1,339 while the monthly average had dropped to $1,202. On February 11, 2014, the Corporation entered into the Gold Purchase Agreement with Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of FNC (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History ").
Capital and Operating Costs
Life of mine (" LOM ") constant dollar capital expenditures are detailed in the following table. Fire Creek Project development comprises over 61% of total capital requirements; mine equipment 28%; site facilities six percent, and environmental projects five percent (amounts in 000s).
Cost (000's) | |||||
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Total | |
Mine Development | $7,059 | $4,236 | - | - | $11,295 |
Rapid Infiltration Basin | $368 | - | - | - | $368 |
Site Facilities | $1,127 | - | - | - | $1,127 |
Environmental Assessment | $469 | - | - | - | $469 |
Mining Equipment | $2,200 | $2,000 | $932 | - | $5,132 |
Total | $11,223 | $6,236 | $932 | $0 | $18,391 |
Economic Analysis
The cash flow estimate includes only costs, taxes and other factors applicable to the Fire Creek Project and corporate obligations, financing costs, and taxes are excluded. The cash flow estimate includes 35% federal income tax after appropriate deductions for depreciation and depletion. No consideration has been given for carry forward losses incurred prior to 2015. Nevada does not impose an income tax but does levy a net proceeds tax equal to 5% of the net operating income with some allowances for depreciation of property plant and equipment. The net proceeds tax does not allow a depletion deduction.
A constant dollar cash flow analysis based on the reserves production and development plan shown under " Mineral Projects Fire Creek Project Mining Operations Mine Plan " was conducted. The grade of the Fire Creek resources and the low capital requirements facilitated with the addition of the Midas Mine and Mill to Klondex's project portfolio combine to produce a 0.5 -year capital payback period and a 5.0 profitability index calculated with a 10% discount rate. The profitability index is the ratio of payoff to investment of a proposed project. It is a useful tool for ranking projects because it allows you to quantify the amount of value created per unit of investment. A profitability index of 1 indicates break even. Calculation of an internal rate of return is indeterminate for the Fire Creek Project due to the positive cash flow projected to be achieved in each year of the project, based on the parameters and assumptions set out herein and in the Fire Creek Technical Report.
Midas Project
Klondex has a 100% ownership interest in the Midas Project in Elko County, Nevada, U.S.A., through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Midas Operations. The following summary is based on the Midas Technical Report.
Project Description and Location
The Midas Project is a high-grade gold-silver vein deposit hosted in faulted and brecciated tertiary volcanic rocks. The deposit is located in a sage and grass covered hillside of the Snowstorm Mountains overlooking Squaw Valley to the south. The Midas Mine is located one mile from the town of Midas, Nevada, about 58 miles east of Winnemucca on Nevada State Highway 789 from Interstate Highway I-80, or 80 miles from Battle Mountain driving west then north. The closest towns with comprehensive services are either Winnemucca or Battle Mountain off of Interstate-80. The closest commercial air service is in Elko. Elko is approximately three hours driving time (approximately 150 miles) through Battle Mountain. There is a remote, back roads access to Midas from Elko through Tuscarora. The remote access from Elko to Midas is 90 miles (approximately 145 miles), but the drive time would also be about two hours due to the unimproved roads. The portal to the underground mine is located approximately one half mile west of the mill and other site facilities.
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The portal provides entry to a system of declines and ramps that access the gold- and silver-bearing veins. Mining levels are developed at nominally 50-foot (ft) vertical intervals to access the mineralized vein. The mineralized material is excavated and loaded into underground haul trucks, which transport it to a surface transfer stockpile located outside the mine portal. The mineralized material is then trucked from the transfer stockpile to the main mineralized material stockpile area adjacent to the mill. In the mill, the mineralized material is crushed, processed, and refined to extract gold and silver. Molten gold/silver is poured from the refinery furnace into molds, and the resulting doré is shipped off-site for refining.
Status of Mineral Titles
Klondex's total land package in the Midas district (including easements) covers approximately 30,000 acres. This includes fee lands, federal unpatented mining claims, seven mining leases, BLM rights of way, general agreements, easements and surface use agreements. Within the 30,000 acres, there are 1,489 federal unpatented mining claims, of which 1,456 are owned and 33 are leased. Fee lands comprise approximately 2,417 acres of the land package. About 1,311 acres of the fee land include surface and mineral rights, while the other 1,106 acres include only surface rights. Some of the surface-only fee lands are lots within the town of Midas.
The claim locations are based on the location of monuments and their associated dimensions cited to the BLM. The authors of the Midas Technical Report are not aware of any conflicting surface rights within the Midas land package. Other considerations that might affect accessing claim status include grazing rights and protected habitats. There are archaeological considerations in the immediate area of the Midas Project; however, all proposed surface disturbances are reviewed and approved by the BLM. To the knowledge of the authors of the Midas Technical Report at the time it was prepared, there were no environmental or social factors that would affect land title. A table summarizing the fee holdings encompassing the Midas Project is shown in the Midas Technical Report under the heading " Property Description and Location ", along with tables summarizing the Midas town site lots, property agreements and holding cost obligations associated with the Midas Project, and royalties owed by Klondex in relation to the Midas Project.
Location of Mineralization
The Midas Mine and associated infrastructure are located near the southern limits of the land package. Klondex has an approved plan of operations with the BLM covering exploration activities at the Midas Project. Klondex has a second plan of operations associated with the construction of five vent raises which were designed for ventilation to remote areas of the proposed expanded underground. The mill and most of the Midas infrastructure is located on private lands. The permits required to operate the mine and mill are listed in section " Permitting and Environmental Considerations Permits ". The authors of the Midas Technical Report are not aware of any environmental liabilities beyond normal reclamation and site closure costs that exist at the Midas Project. The existing tailings storage facility is nearing capacity, and further expansion carries a relatively high unit cost per ton of tailings compared to constructing a new tailings storage facility. A new TSF will be required to be permitted by both state and federal authorities and such permits will take two or more years to secure. There are no other regulatory issues known to the authors related to the continued operation of the Midas Project.
Waste Rock Dump and Tailings Impoundment
The waste rock dump at Midas is located downhill and to the south-east of the portal. Primary waste rocks lithologies are tuff, rhyolite, and basalt. The current waste rock dump design covers eleven acres of disturbance on private property. Maximum storage capacity is approximately 1.4 million tons.
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The Midas Project's tailings storage facility is located on the west flank of a wide canyon on the southern periphery of the Midas Project. The tailings coverage entails 95 acres of disturbance located entirely on private property. The pond has undergone four permitted lifts to expand capacity since its original construction. The current lift is known as "Phase 5". The Phase 5 lift was designed by the engineering firm, Smith Williams Consultants, Inc., and is permitted with Dam Safety Permit J-555 by the Nevada Department of Water Resources. The current cumulative capacity of the pond is 3.70 million tons, of which approximately 700,000 tons are still available. It is expected that an expansion will be required in approximately the next four years.
The Midas Reclamation Plan outlines the proper reclamation and closure of the tailings storage facility. The Midas Revised Three Year Reclamation Plan was approved by the BMRR in October 2012.
Accessibility, Climate, Vegetation, Physiography, Local Resources and Infrastructure
The Midas Project can be reached from the town of Winnemucca by driving east on Interstate Highway I-80 for 15 miles and northeast for 43 miles towards the town of Midas. The entrance to the mine site is about two and one half miles past the town of Midas. To reach Midas Mine from Battle Mountain, drive west on I-80 for 36.5 miles and then northeast towards Midas. These towns are the nearest larger towns and are home to the workforce and industrial suppliers and the only locations with amenities and services such as motels, fuel, grocery stores and restaurants.
The roads leading to the mine are mostly unpaved but are maintained by state, county and Midas crews in order to service the ranches and mines in the vicinity. In this part of Nevada, it is common for mine staff to commute long distances for work on a daily basis. The average commute for Midas staff is one and one quarter to one and one half hours each way.
The climate at Midas is typical for northern Nevada with hot summers and cold winters. Average daily summer temperatures range from 50°F to 95°F, and average winter low temperatures range from low 15°F to 40°F. Summer temperature extremes may reach above 100° F for short periods, and winter extreme temperatures may drop to below 0° F for short periods. Fieldwork, including exploration drilling, is commonly conducted throughout the year, except for in the winter. Mines in northern Nevada typically operate all year without experiencing any major weather-related problems. Midas vegetation is mainly limited to sagebrush, other species of low vegetation, and some grasses. There are no trees at the Midas Project. As a result of the low quantity of rainfall, the vegetation is low and sparse.
The Midas Project is in the foothills on the southeast slope of the Snowstorm Mountains on the north side of Squaw Valley. The elevation of surface infrastructure lies mostly between 5,400 to 5,800 feet. The topographic relief is moderate with mature topography consisting mostly of rounded hills with steeper grades along more competent strata.
The Midas Mine is a well-established facility with extensive underground mine workings and a proven processing facility with nameplate capacity of 1,200 tons per day. Klondex purchases electrical power for the Midas Project from NV Energy Corp.
The most accessible rail siding is located near the town of Golconda, a small community of about 200 people, the point of departure from the interstate on the best maintained route to the Midas Project.
The local infrastructure and Midas Project land position are adequate to support ongoing exploration and mining activity. There is land available adjacent to the existing tailings storage facility to support expansion of that facility as needed.
History
The Midas Mining district had historic gold production dating as early as 1907. Modern exploration methods were employed in the district casually in the 1970s and 1980s by various companies, and exploration began in earnest in the early 1990s when Franco-Nevada Mining Corporation Limited (" FN Mining ") assembled a land package.
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The official discovery of high grade veins at Midas occurred in 1994 at the Rex Grande prospect, which grew into the Colorado Grande vein. Mine development commenced in 1997, and FN Mining operated the mine on behalf of the Midas joint venture between Franco-Nevada and Euro-Nevada until the mine was acquired by Normandy in 2001, followed by the Newmont acquisition of Normandy in 2002.
The Midas land package is quite large, extending well beyond the known mineralized extents, and exploration is ongoing, with pauses to focus on near-mine vein delineation. In 2012, Newmont ceased all exploration activity at Midas and began to plan for final depletion and closure.
Exploration activities include soil and rock chip sampling, surface mapping, geophysics, and drilling. Thirty eight holes were drilled by Newmont in the 2011 to 2012 field season to test 15 targets with follow-up work recommended in four of the areas tested. The follow up work was never completed.
Between 1907 and 1942, production at Midas was from predominantly underground mining of high grade veins that outcropped at surface, sporadically augmented by discoveries of placer deposits. Since modern mining began in 1998, approximately 2.2 million ounces of gold and 26.9 million ounces of silver have been produced by FN Mining, Normandy and Newmont. In 1942, non-essential mining activity was suspended by the War Production Board.
Production from the Midas mill from 2009 to 2013 is presented in the following table. Production rates peaked in 2011 and declined in succeeding years. Gold grades have also declined, indicating the approaching depletion of the Main Veins. Silver grades increased in 2013, indicating the shift in production from the Main Veins to the East Veins, where the silver-gold ratio is substantially greater.
Year | Kt | Au (opt) | Ag (opt) |
2013 (1) | 190 | 0.21 | 5.7 |
2012 | 330 | 0.23 | 4.1 |
2011 | 367 | 0.31 | 4.3 |
2010 (2) | 327 | 0.43 | 6.0 |
2009 (3) | 291 | 0.51 | 6.9 |
Notes: | ||
(1) |
Ten months through October. |
|
(2) |
Includes toll milling 35kt containing 27 koz. Au and 194 koz. Ag of Hollister material. |
|
(3) |
Includes toll milling 35kt containing 34 koz. Au and 361 koz. Ag of Hollister material. |
Newmont historic mineral reserves and mineral resources are presented in the following three tables which appear in the Midas Technical Report. A qualified person within the meaning of the NI 43-101 has not done sufficient work to classify these historic estimates as current mineral reserves or mineral resources, and the Corporation is not treating these historical estimates as current mineral reserves or mineral resources. The authors of the Midas Technical Report are unaware of the methods, parameters or assumptions used to generate these historic estimates and have provided no comment on their accuracy.
Geological Setting
Regional Geology
The Midas Mine is located on the southeast flank of the Snowstorm Mountain range near the eastern margin of the NNR structural domain, hosted in a bimodal suite of volcanogenic rocks. Several other structurally controlled, epithermal precious metal vein desposits are hosted in similar Miocene-age volcanic rocks along the NNR including the Fire Creek Project, which shares similar mineralization characteristics.
The NNR structural domain is distinguishable on regional scale magnetic maps as a prominent north-north west (NNW) trending lineament of magnetic highs. This distinctive positive magnetic anomaly is caused by Miocene-age syn-rift mafic and intermediate volcanic rocks of basaltic to dacitic composition.
The NNR originated at the McDermitt caldera in northwest Nevada, site of the initial eruption of the Yellowstone hot spot, and propagated 500 km to southeast Nevada. The rift is readily visible on regional aeromagnetic maps as a narrow positive anomaly for approximately 250, and is defined by an accumulation of basaltic to dacitic lava flows and dikes of mid-Miocene age. In the central portion of the rift between the Malpais Rim and Midas, it has been defined as a 5- to 30-km wide north-northwest-trending zone that corresponds to a magnetic high, to mafic dikes and high-angle normal faults that parallel the anomaly, and to middle Miocene volcanic flows that overlie the anomaly. The primary extension direction during rift development and magmatism at 16.5 15 Ma was ENE to WSW, perpendicular to the N22°W axis of the rift. These syn-rift faults sharply bound the present-day NNR on the west, and decrease towards the east. From 10 Ma to about 6 Ma the regional stress field rotated clockwise, resulting in an extension direction that was NNW-SSE. This resulted in the formation of horst and graben faults that cut the NNR to form ENE-trending grabens such as the Midas Trough.
The chemical composition of the volcanic and intrusive rocks varies greatly within the rift, ranging from mafic to intermediate volcanic flows at the Malpais and Argenta Rims, mafic flows at Fire Creek, felsic tuff and andesite at Ivanhoe, and a bimodal sequence at Midas of felsic flows, tuffs and domes, and basaltic sills and dikes. Consequently, rocks from one mining district generally cannot be correlated directly with those from another, except in a time sense where high-resolution radiometric dates are available. Gold mineralization at Midas is structurally controlled by normal faults within the NNR. The style of structurally controlled mineralization observed at the Midas Mine is typical of rift-hosted epithermal mineralization associated with an intrusive center.
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Midas Mine Local Geology
The Midas deposit belongs to a group of middle Miocene low-sulfidation epithermal gold and silver mineralizing systems associated with magmatism and faulting along the rift. Interpretation of new argon-argon (40Ar/39Ar) dates from volcanic rocks and hydrothermal minerals related to gold mineralization and additional isotopic dates throughout the Midas region constrain the timing of volcanic, tectonic, and hydrothermal activity. The Midas hydrothermal system developed following a change from mafic-dominated bimodal volcanism and basin formation to felsic volcanism and extensional faulting at about 15.6 Ma.
From 15.6 to 15.2 Ma, lacustrine sediments and tuffs were deposited on a relatively impermeable rhyolite flow at Midas. During this period, faulting and tilting of the volcanic edifice created pathways for hydrothermal fluids that flowed to the surface forming sinter and hydrothermal breccia.
At 15.4 Ma, epithermal quartz-calcite-adularia veins formed in fault zones and open conduits in the geothermal field. Mineralized material is confined to steeply dipping, banded quartz veins within north-northwest-striking faults. Highest grades display an elevation control related to the paleo-water table, brittle felsic host rocks, and the widest veins (including the Colorado Grande shear vein and the Gold Crown extension vein). The age of an unaltered tuff that unconformably overlies opalized sediments establishes that tilting of the units and the hydrothermal system had ceased by 15.2 Ma.
The paragenesis of gangue and minerals in the Midas veins are consistent with an epithermal hot spring (geothermal) system dominated by meteoric water. Fluid inclusions within the quartz veins indicate low salinities (as expected from meteoric water), and homogenization temperatures between 190-260°C. There are no sinters present in the central part of the district, particularly above the Colorado Grande or Gold Crown veins.
At a microscopic scale, the mechanism to deposit the bonanza ore grades of electrum and selenide minerals can be attributed to colloidal precipitation in which charged particles of gold and silver suspended in a saturated hydrothermal fluid quickly coagulate along the open walls of the veins. The bulk of the gold and silver mineralization was precipitated early, forming the highest precious-metal grades symmetrically on the outside walls of the veins, followed by less gold and silver in successive depositional events, and lastly depositing low-grade to barren quartz-calcite in the centers of some of the veins.
The Midas veins formed during a middle Miocene pulse of bimodal basalt-rhyolite magmatism that was widespread throughout the northern Great Basin. Drilling in the district has shown that Miocene tuffs, flows, and volcaniclastic rocks extend to a depth of at least 1.5 kilometres beneath the present eroded surface. The depth to older Tertiary volcanic rocks or pre-Tertiary basement is unknown; however, xenoliths of quartzite and metasedimentary rock resembling Paleozoic siliciclastic lithology and representing the pre-Tertiary basement, have been uncovered in a mafic dike or sill of basaltic andesite.
The Midas fault, host to the Colorado Grande vein, is the principal structure in the mine. It strikes approximately N15°W and coincides with a structural high or arch within the district. Closure of rock exposures to the south, and general convergence of bedding strike on the west and east sides of the arch to the south, indicate a shallow southerly plunge. Based on drill hole information, the Midas fault shows apparent normal movement, down to the east, of more than 1,000 feet. Left-lateral shear movement along the Midas fault later created northwest oriented, dilatant openings that host high grade vein mineralization. Owyhee structures oriented N65°E show sun- to post-ore movement, as the Colorado Grande (Midas fault) is displaced along the Northern and Southern Owyhee faults. The most recent movement on the Owyhee structures resulted from basin and range extension during the last 10 Ma.
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Midas Property Geology
The near mine veins at Midas are divided into four major groups, which are listed in the following table.
Group | Vein Name |
Vein
No. |
Main Veins | Colorado Grande | 105 |
Gold Crown | 205 | |
Gold Crown HW | 305 | |
Snow White | 405 | |
Discovery | 505 | |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | |
Colorado Sur | 705 | |
Gold Crown Southern Ext | 108 | |
Gold Crown HW Split | 208 | |
Happy | 1081 | |
East Veins | Homestead | 777 |
Charger Hill | 805 | |
GP | 905 | |
Ace | 9052 | |
South Veins | Queen | 1605 |
SR | 5005 | |
West Veins | SV | 101 |
Midas Trend | 201 | |
Link | 1026 |
Prior to 2013, all production was from the Main Vein group, particularly the Colorado Grande Vein and the Gold Crown Vein. Development of the East Veins began in 2012. The third group of veins is comprised of the Queen and SR veins located to the south of the existing workings and south of the South Owyhee Fault. There has been no mining on these veins, and they are defined only by surface drilling. These veins represent a high priority near mine target, and the Queen Vein has been added to the mineral resources estimate.
The fourth group of veins is west of the main vein system and includes the Link and Midas Trend veins. Like the southern vein group, these veins have yet to be delineated from underground.
Mineralization
On a general scale, the hydrothermal system and subsequent mineralization developed at Midas is currently interpreted as a low sulfidation, epithermal precious metal vein system as part of a larger magmatic system at depth. Mineralization at Midas appears to be part of a convective system related to emplacement of a mineralizing intrusion at depth.
Drilling
Drill Core Sampling
Klondex completed 112 new drill holes totaling 76,990 feet which were included in the current mineral resource estimate. As of August 31, 2014, the effective date of the Midas Technical Report, drilling was ongoing. The previous operators of the Midas Project completed 4,037 drill holes totaling over 2.7 million feet of drilling on over a dozen major veins.
The 21 veins included in the mineral resource estimate are defined by 2,990 drill holes which contain 10,116 feet of mineralized vein intercepts. There are an additional 18,041 channel samples totaling 160,764 feet of vein sampling. True thickness of the veins varies from a fraction of a foot to several feet.
In September 2014, the authors of the Midas Technical Report visited the Midas Project but did not observe any drilling or sample recovery. The procedures used have been summarized from interviews with the Midas technical staff that have been employed at the Midas Project by both Newmont and Klondex. These procedures are as follows:
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1. |
Handling of the drilled core from the station includes: drilling with a Diamec U8 core rig. Drillers label core box lids with a unique Bore Hole Identification number (which includes the year), box number, and drilled interval; drillers put the core in with top of drilled sequence leading the run in the box and end of drilled interval ending the run in the box. Drillers label the end of the run to the nearest one tenth of a foot, and measure and record the recovery in feet on wooden blocks, which are put at the end of the drilled interval. |
|
2. |
Drillers stack full core boxes on a pallet in numerical order. |
|
3. |
Drillers or geotechnicians either deliver the pallet to surface or take a partial delivery of core boxes in the back of their motorized underground personnel vehicle. They leave the pallet of core boxes (or individual core boxes on a spare pallet) at the core logging facility. |
Collar locations and downhole surveys were conducted by Newmont staff with Newmont equipment, and the data uploaded directly into acQuire.
Channel samples along production drifts were also incorporated into this mineral resource estimate. The channel sample locations are stored as "synthetic drill holes" in acQuire in order to utilize them spatially with software (northings, eastings, elevations, azimuth, dip, and length). The northing, easting, and elevation of the samples were derived from Vulcan after geologists digitized the channel sample locations into the digital underground drift asbuilt survey. The channel sample locations were not survey points that can be verified by the author, but the asbuilts are derived from surveys. Since February 2014, Klondex's percentage of core recovery at the Midas Project is 95%.
Material from core, rejects, RC chips, and pulps were stored by Newmont onsite within a fenced and protected facility, and this practice has been continued by Klondex. Newmont logged core utilizing electronic tablets and uploading data directly into acQuire. Newmont's logging protocols for core have not been reviewed by the authors of the Midas Technical Report.
Klondexs logging protocols are as follows:
When core is delivered to the core shed, the core shed manager enters it into a core tracking spreadsheet located on the server. This allows the geologists to easily check core processing status.
Core is laid out on the logging table.
The logging form for the hole is downloaded from the acQuire 4 data entry software to the logging computer.
Geologists log details of lithology, alteration, structure, veins, metallurgy, and sample interval directly into the logging computer.
When the log is finished, it is uploaded from the logging computer to the database.
Sample IDs are tracked on a separate Master spreadsheet.
Sample IDs are loaded to the database.
Face Sampling
Face sampling methodology at the Midas Mine by Newmont and Klondex geologists is typical of narrow vein mining operations. The geologists collected material from the face by hand with a rock hammer to chip off multiple fragments in the face across the vein and wall rock representing all material from a variety of features, such as silicified patches, oxidized breccias, vug-fill, free gold, etc. The geologist collects various features proportionately within a measured zone for one sample as follows:
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1. |
Before sampling and mapping a face, the geologist washed the face with water to expose the vein, structures such as faults, and alteration and to remove contaminants from the blast. |
|
2. |
Sampling and mapping followed the wash. |
|
3. |
Three samples were collected from the face: left wall rock, vein, and right wall rock from left to right. The area sampled was from the sill to the extent of reach by hand. |
|
4. |
Samples consisted of chips removed by rock hammer into a bag, which was slipped inside a bucket. |
A geologist pre-labeled the bags on the surface during pre-shift with a bar-coded sticky label, which was also stapled onto the bag. Additionally, the geologist also labeled the bags with a permanent magic marker.
5. |
All samples had a three letter prefix followed by a six digit number: KSF000000 = channel sample. |
|
6. |
After the sampling procedures were completed, the geologist mapped the face and recorded vein widths, sample locations, and structural features in hand-written notes on a face sheet. |
|
7. |
The geologist marked the vein margins, structures, face heading, and distance with spray paint on the wall rock. |
|
8. |
The geologist took the bagged samples to the geology office and hand-entered data into a central Excel spreadsheet including SampleID, face distance, date, geologist name, sample widths, and a geologic description of the sample. |
The location of the sample channels are measured from known points along the drift alignment and posted on face sheets and plan maps. Location sheets are then scanned. Channel locations (faces) are digitized with Vulcan software. Channel collar eastings, northings, and elevations are obtained using Vulcan software. Individual sample widths are obtained from mapping at the time of sampling. Channel location coordinates are exported from Vulcan into CSV-formatted collar files. Sample width values are hand entered into CSV-formatted sample files with assay results pasted from laboratory reports. The channel sample files are then imported into Vulcan software and modeled as synthetic drill holes using the eastings, northings, elevation, width, and assay values.
9. |
All samples collected within a twelve-hour shift were entered into a sample submittal form, which was saved on the company server. |
|
10. |
The samples were sent to the assay lab after every twelve-hour shift. |
Klondex has an agreement with Pinson Mining Company (" PMC ") to lease PMC's assay laboratory and has staffed the facility with Klondex personnel. Klondex now sends channel samples to the Pinson lab for analysis. A blank is inserted into the channel sample stream at least once per shift. Otherwise, channel sampling protocol has remained unchanged.
The authors of the Midas Technical Report are not aware of any drilling, sampling or recovery factors that could materially impact the accuracy and reliability of the results.
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Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security
Core Sample Preparation
Core is sampled after the core logging procedure is complete. Only mineralized intervals are sampled in holes drilled for delineation purposes. Mineralized intervals are identified by projecting modeled mineralized trends to expected down-hole intercept depths and by experienced staff consistently recognizing mineralization characteristics. Holes drilled for exploration purposes would be sampled entirely. All of the Klondex drilling to date has been for delineation purposes.
Once a mineralized interval is identified, the geologist chooses sample intervals with the goal of obtaining the best possible characterization of the interval. Samples are taken across the mineralized interval, consuming the whole core, beginning and ending in waste beyond the margins of the interval. Minimum sample length is 0.8 feet, and maximum sample length is five feet for NQ size core. A standard or blank is inserted in the sample stream every 25 samples with a minimum of two QA/QC samples per hole.
Samples are placed into cloth sample bags according to their sample intervals. Sample bags are labeled with sample ID. Sample IDs for core holes begin with the KMC- prefix followed by 5 digits.
QA/QC samples for the hole are assembled and kept with the lab submittal form.
Sample bags are placed in a bin in the core yard to await shipment to American Assay Laboratories (" AAL ") in Reno, Nevada. AAL is an ISO 17025 accredited facility and is independent of Klondex. When enough samples have accumulated to constitute a full shipment, the AAL driver is called to the core shed. Bins of samples are loaded onto the AAL truck, and the submittals and QA/QC samples are handed to the driver.
When the core sampling procedure is complete, remaining core is discarded except for categorically unaltered basalt. Unaltered basalt is thoroughly chip sampled and set aside. The chip samples are sent to AAL for analysis. If the result of the analysis is below the detection limit, the basalt is used for blank QA/QC material. If the result of the analysis yields a measurable result, the basalt is discarded.
Channel Sample Preparation
The following outlines the channel sample preparation methodology.
1. |
Channel samples at the Midas Project were bagged on site at the face. |
|
2. |
Full bags were brought to the geology office. |
|
3. |
QA/QC materials were not inserted into the channel sample dispatch. |
|
4. |
Channel samples were delivered to the Pinson lab every shift. |
Sample Analysis Protocol
Drill samples are analyzed by AAL. The sample analysis protocol is as follows: each sample of core will be dried and crushed to a state that permits 80% of the sample passes through a 10 mesh screen; the sample is then split using a rotary splitter to 1,000 grams; each 1,000 gram split is then pulverized to a state that 80% of the sample passes through a 200 mesh screen, creating a pulp; returning to the original 1,000 gram pulp, 50 to 60 grams are then analyzed by fire assay for Au and Ag with a two acid digestion and an ICP finish; samples that are over 10 ppm Au or 100 ppm Ag then receive a 50 to 60 gram fire assay with a gravimetric finish for Au and Ag; all results are then reported in opt Au and opt Ag; all coarse rejects and pulps are returned to the Klondex Midas core shed by AAL courier during normal sample pickup.
Channel samples are analyzed by the Klondex lab. The channel sample analysis protocol is as follows:
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Sample Preparation: samples are received, inventoried, panned, and dried at 250° F; samples are crushed to 80% passing 10 mesh; a crusher cleans out rock/air after every sample, high grade cleanout twice; sample are homogenized, a 300 gram riffle split is taken; 300 gram splits are pulverized to 85% passing 200 mesh; and the pulverizer cleans out sand/air after every sample, high grade cleanout twice.
Fire Assay: 30 gram prepared samples are weighed in 40 gram crucible for fire assay Au/Ag; samples are custom fluxed for oxide/sulfide matrix; Quality Control, Certified Reference Material (" CRM "), blank, and 5% analytical duplicates inserted and reported by batch; samples are fused, poured, cupelled, and finished gravimetrically; and Au/Ag grades are calculated.
Sample Security Measures
Sample pulps and coarse rejects are returned to the Midas core shed, a fenced facility. Pulps are stored in shipping containers at the core shed facility. Coarse rejects are sorted, high grade samples are saved, and waste samples are discarded.
Historic Quality Control Measures
Starting in 2008, Newmont geologists routinely inserted blind standards and blanks with the drill core samples submitted to ALS for assaying. These standards and blanks were selected from an inventory of QA/QC materials maintained by Newmont at their Nevada operations. The authors of the Midas Technical Report reviewed the gold assay QA/QC performance for drill core submitted to ALS by Newmont from about 5 percent of the drill hole data used in the current estimation. Most Newmont standards were not certified for silver, so the silver QA/QC data for Newmont drill samples were not reviewed. Gold and silver QA/QC data for the channel samples were also not reviewed by the authors of the Midas Technical Report.
The performance of standard samples submitted with drill core to ALS is summarized in the Midas Technical Report. All of these results were found to be within acceptable statistical limits with the exception of standard GVL. The expected value for standard GVL of 0.0049 gold opt was below the detection limit for the assay method employed by ALS on the Midas drill core samples, and the discrepancy is insignificant.
Current Quality Control Measures
The current QA/QC protocol for drill samples at Midas is to insert a standard, blank or duplicate every 25 samples, with a minimum of two QA/QC samples per hole, or at least one blank and one standard for holes with less than 25 samples. For channel samples, a blank is inserted into the sample stream at least once per shift.
Pulps and coarse rejects from AAL are being set aside for check analysis. Check samples include high-grade intercepts and waste samples, which are representative of the core sampling method, involves sampling from waste, through the mineralized interval, back into waste. The check samples are accumulating at the core shed and have not yet been submitted to Inspectorate Lab.
Klondex geologists routinely insert blind standards and blanks with the drill core samples submitted to AAL for assaying. Duplicates have been inserted irregularly. Klondexs inventory of QA/QC material currently consists of three standards purchased from Rocklabs, a reputable supplier of certified reference material. All three of the standards have certified values for both Au and Ag. Blank material used for QA/QC is obtained by thoroughly chip sampling unaltered mafic drilled material. The chip samples are sent to AAL for assay analysis. If the assay results are below detection, the core is bagged in one foot to two foot increments and used as blank reference material.
The authors of the Midas Technical Report have reviewed the gold and silver assay QA/QC performance for all 112 holes drilled by Klondex included in the mineral resource estimate. All were submitted to AAL for analysis. The gold and silver QA/QC data for about five percent of the channel samples was also reviewed by the authors.
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According to the authors of the Midas Technical Report, staff at Midas have shown a solid understanding with regard to management of the drilled core and associated digital data. The methods of handling the drilled material both physically and electronically are acceptable for use in an analysis of the mineral resource. According to the authors of the Midas Technical Report, there are no known quality assurance, quality control or sample security issues with the sampling protocol by Newmont or Klondex at the Midas Project.
According to the authors of the Midas Technical Report, QA/QC procedures should be expanded to include duplicate assays at a second independent lab for both core and channel sampling. When the QA/QC sample for an assay set exceeds the acceptable deviation, the set should be rerun, and the earlier results replaced in the data base.
Data Verification Procedures
The authors of the Midas Technical Report have reviewed Newmont and Klondex drill and channel sample data used for the current mineral resource estimate and mineral reserve estimate at Midas. This review was performed for verification purposes to allow the datasets to contribute to evaluation of the Midas mineral resource estimate and mineral reserve estimate. The authors work included review of protocols for data management and sample collection, preparation and analysis. Assay values from the Klondex database were verified by correlation with original assay certificates and by review of QA/QC procedures and results.
Midas geologists provided the Midas database and corresponding raw data files for the validation. The Midas database was derived by merging the Newmont AcQuire database with Klondex data. The authors of the Midas Technical Report analyzed a random population of data representing five percent of the total samples produced from drilled and channel sampled material used in the mineral resource estimate and the mineral reserve estimate.
In addition to verifying gold and silver values for sampled material, this validation also reviewed general technical data related to sampling, such as the location of the drill hole collars and downhole survey data. Geologic logs were also reviewed to validate the data used for shaping and projecting vein trends. Channel samples were verified by comparing the geologiests' daily face sheets with sample interval and geology data. There were no assay certificates provided to the authors for Newmont channel samples because the channel samples were processed in-house at the Newmont Twin Creeks laboratory and the results were uploaded from the assay lab information system directly into the Newmont acQuire database system. Assay results for channel samples completed by Klondex were provided and reviewed.
Values were compared for direct correlation, record by record, between the original source data and the September 2014 tables exported from the Midas database. The scale of detailed examination record-by-record produced a positive data validation covering 5% of the data used in the mineral resource estimate, which upholds the integrity of the assay values for use in the mineral resource estimate and the mineral reserve estimate.
According to the authors of the Midas Technical Report, the database utilized for the Midas mineral resource estimate complies with standards prescribed by CIM protocol.
In summary, 5% of each data set (with the exception of channel assays) under review was verified against original source data for accuracy. The authors of the Midas Technical Report consider that the validation work for this report is at a sufficient level to allow the use of the database in a CIM mineral resource estimate. In particular, the accuracy of the assay database has been quantified by independent review for five percent of the drill hole assays by direct correlation with assay certificates from accredited laboratories. The authors' verification of the results indicates there is no significant grade bias in the primary laboratory data.
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
The Midas Mill has been in operation since 1998 and uses conventional leach technology and Merrill-Crowe precipitation, with gravity concentration after crushing and grinding.
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Mineralogy
As the Midas Mine has matured, production has shifted from the Main Veins to the East Veins. The metallurgy of the East Veins may be complex and has been the focus of metallurgical testing in recent years. Main Vein mineralization contains free-milling gold, associated with silver in electrum. Small amounts of silver associated minerals also contain recoverable silver values.
The East Veins have gold values that are diminished compared to the Main Veins. The ratio of silver to gold is much higher in the East Veins. Mined silver-to-gold ratios in the East Veins can be as high as 50:1 and average approximately 22:1. Silver occurs in gold related electrum as well as in various sulfide and selenide minerals. Primary silver minerals in the Midas East Veins are argentite (Ag 2 S), naumannite (Ag 2 Se), and aguilerite
(Ag 4 SeS).
Testing and Procedures
Third party metallurgical testing results are not available. Newmont conducted extensive testing, both on-site and at other Newmont laboratories.
Recent Midas test work focused on East Vein mineralized material. Analysis included iterative leach tests varying the following parameters: blend, grind, leach time, cyanide, zinc, and leach catalysts such as lead-nitrate.
Metallurgical test work was completed on multiple requested East Vein composites made up of exploration samples. The composites represented defined areas of Charger Hill, Ace, GP, Homestead, and Corral veins. Test parameters were targeted at a 75 to 80 percent passing a 200 mesh grind, and cyanide additions were monitored and maintained at 5.0 pounds per ton for the first twenty-four hours of a ninety-six hour residence leach. All percent recoveries are based on the back calculated head grades.
The following table which is included in the Midas Technical Report indicates the type of samples that were used in East Vein test work starting in 2010.
Vein |
Composite
Sample |
Au
Recovery |
Ag
Recovery |
Calc. Au
Head opt |
Calc. Ag
Head opt |
Comments |
Charger Hill | Comp. #6 | 91.54 | 37.89 | 0.054 | 21.7 | Low Ag Recovery |
Charger Hill | Comp. #8 | 95.41 | 63.79 | 0.062 | 14.7 | Highest Ag Recovery |
Ace | Comp. #15 | 92.98 | 23.90 | 0.316 | 55.2 | Lowest Ag Recovery |
Ace | Comp. #19 | 82.13 | 57.54 | 0.028 | 9.7 | Higher Ag Recovery |
GP | Comp. #20 | 92.92 | 28.54 | 0.353 | 26.7 | Lowest Ag Recovery |
GP | Comp. #29 | 80.40 | 73.55 | 0.034 | 7.1 | Higher Ag Recovery |
Homestead | Comp. #30 | 81.00 | 75.71 | 0.038 | 16.1 | Only comp representing Homestead |
Corral | Comp. #31 | 75.79 | 63.45 | 0.051 | 21.5 | Lowest Ag Recovery |
Corral | Comp. #32 | 83.16 | 72.65 | 0.061 | 25.2 | Highest Ag Recovery |
Toll milling of material from third party sources has been processed periodically at the Midas Mill since 2008. The focus of ongoing metallurgical testing has been to determine how these materials typically behave in processing as blended with Midas mineralized material.
In summary, careful metallurgical practices during processing of variable mineralized material while maintaining gold recovery despite changing silver grades have been successful at Midas. Controlling the reagents in the refinery based on mineralogy have allowed the operation to benefit from the higher silver grades in the East Veins.
Mineral Resource Estimates
The veins commonly referred to as the Main Veins at the Midas Project are the Colorado Grande (105), Gold Crown (205), Gold Crown Hanging Wall (305), Snow White (405), Discovery (505) and Happy (1081). These strike north westerly and dip 75 80 degrees east. Other veins in the main group are the Sleeping Beauty (605) and the Colorado Sur (705). The eastern vein group is comprised of the Homestead (777), Charger Hill (805), GP (905) and Ace (9052). These veins also strike north westerly but dip 70 75 degrees west. Nearly all of the previous mining has occurred on the main veins with development and production of the eastern veins beginning in 2013.
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Assays are grouped by vein and given a name designation. The geology database includes fields for lithology, rock type, silicification, quartz and naumanite. These fields, along with assay values, are used to define the vein solids. The gold and silver assays from drill holes and channels were composited by vein. Only one composite is created for each vein intersection.
Hanging wall and footwall surfaces are created for each vein by snapping to the appropriate assay composite endpoint. These surfaces are then joined to form the three dimensional vein solid model and trimmed to the surface topography where necessary.
Grade caps for gold and silver were estimated individually for each vein. Composites which exceed the grade cap value are valid data; however, their use must be restricted. To accomplish this, composites which exceed the grade capping value were only used to estimate the grade of the 25 foot by 25 foot block in which they were contained and then discarded. They were not used in the grade estimation of any other blocks.
The 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 905 and 9052 veins all have a large enough number of channel samples that are spaced closely enough to permit the construction of variograms for gold. The other veins do not have enough drill or channel samples to permit the construction of valid variograms.
Individual block models were constructed for each vein. These models are rotated to match the Y direction to the veins strike trend. Block sizes in all models are five by five feet in the Y and Z directions. The X dimension of a block is set to the width of the vein and is variable in 0.2 foot increments up to 5 feet. The models were constructed from the vein wireframe models.
Grade estimation variables in the models included: ordinary kriging gold, inverse distance gold; nearest neighbor gold, inverse distance silver, and nearest neighbor silver. Other calculated variables in each model include: gold equivalent, density, estimation pass, true thickness, gold equivalent grade thickness, resource class and, block status to indicate, intact, mined or sterile.
The gold and silver values were estimated using the inverse distance cubed and nearest neighbor estimation methods for all of the veins using the channel and drill composites within each vein. Blocks outside of the vein were not estimated. Seven veins, 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 905, and 9052, had gold estimated using ordinary kriging as there were enough channel samples to calculate reasonable variograms.
Anisotropic search parameters for gold and silver were set to the general orientation of each vein. Distances were selected based on the drill spacing of samples intercepting the solids and on the general orientation and shape of the interpreted solids. However, larger search distances were used in the inferred passes to ensure that most of the blocks inside the veins were estimated.
Significant parameters used in the aufa gold interpolation include:
1. |
Assigning of parent block values to sub-blocks. Estimates are only calculated at the center of each parent block, and those values are assigned to all sub-blocks existing within the parent block space. |
|
2. |
Only composites with a value >=0 were used. |
|
3. |
A minimum of four and maximum of six samples were used to estimate measured blocks, minimum of three and maximum of six to estimate indicated, and minimum of two and maximum of six to estimate inferred blocks. |
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4. |
A maximum of one composite was used per drill hole or channel. |
|
5. |
Composites were selected using anisotropic distances. |
|
6. |
Only composites within the veins were used to estimate blocks within the veins. |
|
7. |
Grades were capped (search restricted) for each vein. |
|
8. |
A gold value of 0.0001 opt was assigned to the unestimated vein blocks and waste blocks. |
|
9. |
A silver value of 0.001 opt was assigned to the unestimated vein blocks and waste blocks. |
Measured mineral resources include only blocks estimated with four to six composites within 50 feet. Indicated mineral resources include blocks that were estimated with three to six composites within 100 feet. Inferred mineral resources include only blocks estimated with two to six composites within 200 feet.
Blocks contained within mined out areas were flagged as mined. Additionally, all blocks within 100 feet vertically of the surface were flagged as sterile. Remaining blocks were reviewed, and additional areas were marked as sterile when they were deemed inaccessible by Midas staff.
Model validation for each vein included comparison of the kriged, inverse distance cubed and nearest neighbor grades, visual comparison of block grades to composites and creating swath plots along strike and elevation for each vein.
Mineral Resource Statement
The narrow vein mining methods practiced at the Midas Mine require a minimum stope width of four feet. The veins at the Midas Mine can vary in thickness from a few inches to over ten feet. Potentially economic mineralization must meet standard cut-off grade criteria as well as a grade thickness criterion before it is included as a mineral resource. Grade thickness is calculated by multiplying the block true width by its equivalent grade. Mineral resources meeting the dual constraints of cut-off grade and grade-thickness cut-off for each vein are listed in the following table.
Category of Mineral Resources |
Vein True
Thickness Feet |
kton |
Au opt |
Ag opt |
AuEq opt |
Au koz |
Ag koz |
AuEq koz |
Total Measured
Total Indicated Total Meas. and Ind. Total Inferred |
3.7
3.9 3.8 4.0 |
352
765 1,117 858 |
0.440
0.349 0.377 0.280 |
7.401
5.440 6.058 3.480 |
0.555
0.433 0.471 0.334 |
155
267 421 241 |
2,605
4,161 6,765 2,988 |
195
331 526 287 |
Notes: | ||
(1) |
Mineral resources have been calculated based on a gold price of $1,200/troy ounce and a silver price of $19.00 per troy ounce. |
|
(2) |
Mineral resources are calculated at a grade thickness cut-off grade of 0.96 Au equivalent opt-feet and a diluted Au equivalent cut-off grade of 0.225 opt. |
|
(3) |
Gold equivalent ounces are calculated based on one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver. |
|
(4) |
The minimum mining width is defined as four feet or the vein true thickness plus one foot, whichever is greater. |
|
(5) |
Mineral resources include dilution to achieve mining widths and an additional 10% unplanned dilution. |
|
(6) |
Mineral resources include allowance for 5% mining losses. |
|
(7) |
Mineral resources are inclusive of mineral reserves. |
|
(8) |
Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. |
|
(9) |
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there is insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. |
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Mineral Reserve Estimate
Excavation designs for stopes, stope development drifting and access development were created using Vulcan software. Stope designs were aided by the Vulcan Stope Optimizer Module. The stope optimizer produces the stope cross section which maximizes value within given geometric and economic constraints.
Design constraints included four feet minimum width for long hole stopes with development drifts spaced at 50-foot vertical intervals. Stope development drift dimensions maintained a constant height of 11 feet and a minimum width of seven feet. Cut and fill stopes are a minimum of six feet in width and each cut is ten feet high.
Mining and backfill tasks were created from all designed excavations. These tasks were assigned costs and productivities specific to the excavation or backfill task type. Additionally, the undiscounted cash flow for each task was calculated. All tasks were then ordered in the correct sequence for mining and backfilling. Any sequence or subsequence that did not achieve a positive cumulative undiscounted cash flow was removed from consideration for mineral reserves. Stope development necessary to reach reserve excavations and exceeding the incremental cut-off grade shown in the following table are also included in mineral reserves.
Gold | Silver | ||
Metal Sales Price | $/Ounce | $1,000 | $15.83 |
Refining and Sales Expense | $/Ounce | Included in Milling | |
Royalty | 0% | ||
Metallurgical Recovery | 94% | 92% | |
Operating Costs | |||
Ore Haulage (Portal to Mill) | $/ton | $2.00 | |
Direct Processing | $/ton | $67.85 | |
Administration and Overhead | $/ton | $33.19 | |
Mining | $/ton | $211.83 | |
Total | $/ton | $314.87 | |
Gold Equivalent | 1 | 64.53 | |
Unplanned Dilution | 10% | ||
Incremental Cut Off Grade | 0.110 | ||
Cut-off Grade | Eq. opt | 0.335 | |
Minimum Mining Width | feet | 4 | |
Grade Thickness cut-off | Eq. opt-ft. | 1.474 |
The mineral reserve estimate for the Midas Project is summarized in the following table.
Vein Designation |
Tons (000's) |
Au opt |
Ag opt |
Au Eq opt |
Au
Ounces (000's) |
Ag
Ounces (000's) |
Au Equiv.
Ounces (000's) |
Proven Reserves | 134.1 | 0.381 | 13.35 | 0.588 | 51.1 | 1,790 | 78.8 |
Probable Reserves | 108.0 | 0.376 | 7.92 | 0.498 | 40.6 | 855 | 53.8 |
Proven + Probable Reserves | 242.1 | 0.378 | 10.93 | 0.548 | 91.6 | 2,646 | 132.6 |
Notes: |
||
(1) |
Mineral reserves have been estimated based on a gold price of $1,000/ounce and a silver price of $15.83/ounce. |
|
(2) |
Metallurgical recoveries for gold and silver are 94% and 92% respectively. |
|
(3) |
Gold equivalent ounces were calculated on the basis of one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver. |
|
(4) |
Mineral reserves are estimated at a cutoff grade of 0.335 Au opt and an incremendtal cutoff grade of 0.110 Au opt. |
|
(5) |
Mine losses of 5% and unplanned mining dilution of 10% have been applied to the designed mine excavations. |
Midas mineral reserves could be materially affected by economic, geotechnical, permitting, metallurgical or other relevant factors. Mining and processing costs are sensitive to production rates. A decline in the production rate can cause an increase in costs and cutoff grades resulting in a reduction in mineral reserves. Geotechnical conditions requiring additional ground support or more expensive mining methods will also result in higher cutoff grades and reduced mineral reserves.
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Permitting and Environmental Considerations
The Midas Project has all necessary permits for continued exploration and operations. Failure to operate within the requirements of the permits may result in the loss of permits which are necessary for continued operations. Mineral exploration and mining operations are completed in compliance with applicable environmental regulations. The authors of the Midas Technical Report are not aware of any existing environmental liabilities. To allow for potential increases in mercury emission, as is anticipated in processing custom ores at Midas, Newmont obtained a Nevada mercury control air permit from the Bureau of Air Pollution Control, and Klondex is currently operating in Phase 1 of this permit. The purpose of Phase 1 is to monitor and operate properly under existing mercury controls and to implement work practice standards on units without controls in order to minimize emissions until the appropriate technologies under the Nevada Maximum Achievable Control Technology standards are determined. At the Midas facility, Klondex operated under the Mercury OPTC: Phase 1, AP1041-2253 permit for a number of units.
Permits
Permits are maintained at the state level with the NDEP and State Fire Marshal, at the federal level with the BLM, and locally with the Counties of Elko and Humboldt. The most significant operational permits are listed in the following table.
Permit | Description | Agency | Period | Expiration |
Class II Air Quality | Processing Permit | NDEP-BAPC | Annual | 5/11/2014 |
Class I Operating | Permit to Construct | NDEP-BAPC | Annual | 6/5/2014 |
Nevada Mercury Control | Mercury Operating Permit | NDEP-BAPC | Annual | 6/5/2014 |
Surface Air Disturbance | Midas Gravel Pit | NDEP-BAPC | Annual | 8/19/2014 |
Surface Air Disturbance | Exploration | NDEP-BAPC | Annual | 9/7/2014 |
Surface Air Disturbance (SAD) | Jakes Creek Gravel Pit | NDEP-BAPC | Annual | 5/5/2015 |
IAP | Industrial Artificial Ponds Permit | NDOW | Quarterly | 6/30/2018 |
Dam Permit | Dam Safety Phases 4 - 5 | NDEP-NDWR | Bi-Ann. | 6/30/2014 |
Right of Way | Power Line | BLM | N/A | 8/28/2027 |
Right of Way | Road and Power Line | BLM | N/A | 4/23/2027 |
Right of Way | Road and Waterline | BLM | N/A | 11/20/2029 |
Right of Way | Snow Fence | BLM | N/A | 12/31/2039 |
Plan of Operations | Exploration POO | BLM | N/A | N/A |
Plan of Operations | Operations Plan | BLM | N/A | N/A |
Storm Water | Jakes Creek Storm Water Runoff | NDEP-BWPC | Annual | 7/1/2014 |
Storm Water | Midas Gravel Pit Storm Water | NDEP-BWPC | Annual | 7/1/2014 |
Storm Water | Mine Ops Storm Water Runoff | NDEP-BWPC | Annual | 7/1/2014 |
WPCP | Water Pollution Control Permit | NDEP-BMRR | Quarterly | 2/5/2013 |
Potable Water P | Public Water System | NDEP-BSDW | Quarterly | 6/30/2014 |
Potable Water T | Treatment Facility | NDEP-BSDW | Quarterly | 6/30/2014 |
Reclamation Permit | Exploration | NDEP-BMRR | Annual | 2/28/2014 |
Reclamation Permit | Mine Operations | NDEP-BMRR | Annual | 10/5/2015 |
Fire Safety Plan | HAZMAT Permit | NV Fire Marshal | Annual | 2/28/2014 |
EPCRA | Waste Generation | EPA-BWM | Annual | 6/30/2014 |
Midas is currently operating under two air quality permits. The Class 1A Permit is currently a "permit to construct".
There is no landfill permit. Solid waste is removed from the Midas Project and disposed of at the Humboldt landfill. The current site Water Pollution Control Permit expired in February 2013. Newmont filed an Application for Renewal within the required 90-day application timeline. Klondex re-filed the renewal during the summer of 2014, and it is under review by the NDEP. Klondex re-filed the renewal on September 11, 2014 and is currently operating Midas under the expired permit, which is allowed as long as the renewal was filed during the renewal application period.
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Reclamation Cost and Bonding
In connection with the Midas Acquisition, the Corporation replaced Newmont's surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities in the amount of approximately $27.3 million.
Mining Operations
Primary Mine Development
Midas is a modern, mechanized, narrow vein underground mine using rubber tired haulage equipment to transport mineralized material and waste to the surface. Main haulage ramps are excavated 16 feet wide by 17 feet high. Spirals are typically located 1,200 feet apart along strike to optimize development and are best located in the more competent rock of the footwall. Spiral accesses are 15 feet wide by 15 feet high, with a standard radius of 70 feet and standard gradient of approximately 12.5%. A typical level access has a ventilation/escape raise and access to an ore pass and a waste pass. Level crosscuts to the veins are located on nominal 50-foot vertical sublevels.
Access for the East Veins is from existing development of the Main veins. Spiral 7 is east of Spiral 4 and is accessed from the 4-4550 and the 4-4800 accesses. Spiral 8 is east of Spiral 3 and is accessed through the 3-4550 and the 3-4851 accesses. Additional drilling is required to determine the potential of Spiral 9 which would be accessed from the 1-5001 and the 4720 Haulage.
Ventilation and Secondary Egress
Fresh air intake to the mine is provided by the deep vent raise at 690 thousand cubic feet per minute and by the portal at 420 thousand cubic feet per minute. Three exhaust raises are strategically located to complete the ventilation circuit. The ventilation circuit is powered by seven main fans located at the surface of the ventilation raises. The main fans total 2,025 connected horse power.
The raise near spiral four is equipped with an escape hoist and capsule to provide emergency egress if the main evacuation route is blocked during an emergency. Additionally, there are 15 refuge chambers distributed throughout the mine in the event evacuation is not feasible. These refuge chambers are equipped with carbon dioxide filters, breathable grade compressed air tanks, food and communication to the surface.
Power Distribution and Dewatering
Electrical power to the mine is provided by a 4,160-volt feeder and stepped down to 480 volts for distribution. Step down transformers and circuit protection is provided by 22 load centers located throughout the mine.
Mine water requirements average 110 gallons per minute and are provided by treatment, storage and recirculation of discharge water from the mine. Approximately 10-15 gallons per minute of excess mine discharge water are pumped to the tailings dam for evaporation.
Mining Methods
Longitudinal sublevel (long-hole) sublevel stoping has historically been the primary mining method for the five narrow Main Veins, as well as the East Veins, including 905, 9052 and 805. From the portal, there are three major haulages that access these veins through eight different spirals. Generally, upper and lower sections of the same spiral connect only through ventilation/escape raises. All mineralized material produced is hauled out of the portal in trucks to a temporary stockpile where it is loaded onto a surface haul truck and delivered to the on-site mill.
Mine development is controlled by geological conditions in the area. For the sublevel stoping method, sill development is driven at a nominal seven feet wide by twelve feet high to accommodate the size of long-hole drills and 2-cubic-yard loaders. Where the vein thickness is wider than six feet, the sill width is increased to capture the entire vein. Sills are typically driven 600 feet north and south from the spiral cross cut. Once sills are developed, stoping begins. Stopes are drilled with a long hole drill from the floor of one level, to the back of the one below, then remote mucked from the bottom level, and finally backfilled from the top level.
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Typically, the mineralized material is divided into stope blocks of about four levels for development, or 200 feet vertically. Stoping begins by creating a cemented backfill barrier pillar at the bottom level of the mineralization block by benching eight feet below the level horizon, and the bench is then filled with six percent by volume cemented rock fill. Alternatively, the bottom level of the mineralized material block may be stoped and filled with by volume cemented rock fill to establish the cemented backfill barrier pillar. The first stope has a drop raise drilled nearest to the mining face. Subsequent holes are blasted one at a time into the free face created by the drop raise to a standard panel length of 60 feet.
Once empty, the stope is filled with dry unconsolidated waste backfill (" GOB ") until it reached ten feet above the brow of the bottom cut. Next, a pillar of two percent by volume cemented rock fill is placed into the stope until it reaches within ten feet of the top cut (the drilling level). Next, the remainder of the open stope is filled with GOB. Finally, before the next stope is drilled, the toe of dry GOB is removed to reveal a free face that the next stope will be blasted into, eliminating the need to drill another drop raise. Rather, a fan pattern is drilled in the initial portion of the stope design to initiate extraction, followed by the same one-hole-at-a-time drill pattern for the remainder of the 60 foot panel. The final or intersection panel of every level is filled completely with six percent cemented rock fill. Bridged stopes are filled with nominal six percent cemented rock fill to ensure the bridge is fully encapsulated.
This sequence continues inward toward the intersection of the spiral access and upward to the top of the stope block in an advancing V pattern until all but the top level of the block is mined and backfilled. The long-hole drill then drills up-holes from the top level upward to within six feet of the backfilled bench above. These up-hole stopes have been left open in the past, and it is vital to the mining sequence that the mining block above is completed and backfilled prior to mining the up-hole stopes on the last level of the stope block.
Cut and Fill
Cut and fill production costs are significantly higher than sublevel stoping. The disadvantage of cut and fill is the high cost of the foaming additive that is added to the cement and pumped up the raise back into the cut. The advantage is that it requires significantly less waste development since a ramp is not required to span the vertical extent of the mineralization. Cut and fill mining can also be much more selective than longhole and generally would reduce dilution from overbreaking into the hangingwall and footwall. A cut and fill stope can extend up to 300 feet along strike in each direction from a central access raise.
Cut and fill stoping is initiated by cross-cutting the vein on the bottom mining horizon with an access drift that will house the raise for the life of the stope. The raise is timbered with drawpoints for the mineralized material to pass through and also travelways for personnel and supplies. Drilling and blasting is carried by breasting down from the raise to the stope limits. The broken mineralized material is then slushed to the rock chute and mucked from the bottom access where it is loaded into trucks and removed. Once an entire cut is breasted down, cellular backfill is pumped from the bottom of the raise into the open cut, and the sequence begins again. The cellular backfill consists of a concrete additive that expands in place, filling any cracks or open voids. The density of the cellular backfill once cured is 38 lb/ft³. Due to the high costs of the concrete additive and the timbered raise, this cut and fill method can only be profitable in very high-grade pockets that are uneconomic for a spiral development in waste. There are currently two active cut and fill stopes utilizing this raise-up and cellular fill method. One was developed entirely by Newmont prior to the Midas Acquisition and is located on the 305 vein between Spirals 4 and 5. The other was developed by Klondex and is on the 505 vein in Spiral 1, above an area that was sublevel stoped below.
Ground Control and Dilution
During either waste or mineralized material development, ground control is a major part of the mining sequence. The face miners bar down loose rock immediately after a blast and install wire mesh and split-set bolts after every round in every heading. Some of the upper zones contain high clay content and low rock mass rating, which requires installation of Swellex bolts.
- 52 -
Dilution in the stopes is generally controlled by the drill pattern but is also affected by the jointing of the wall rock immediately adjacent to the stope. When jointing and/or weak wall rock is present, the wall of the stope breaks into an hourglass shape and subsequently increased dilution. In areas where poor rock conditions are anticipated, prior to stoping, engineers issue a design to install cable bolts into the hanging wall of the stope. In cases of rock instability, the panel length is also reduced from 60 feet to 30 feet to increase wall stability and decrease the length of time a stope sits open before being back filled. In general, dilution in the long hole stopes is well controlled even in weak ground by adjusting drill patterns, installing cable bolts, and reducing panel length when necessary.
Mine Plan
The current plan will contain a blend of sublevel stopes and cut and fill over the 2.8 year reserve mine plan. The Midas Mine can continue ore flow from the currently developed sublevel areas in Spiral 7 and 8, as well as the two previously mentioned cut and fill areas, while working toward developing future areas that employ these two methods. The annual production and development plan is shown in the following table.
Calendar Year | 2014 (1) | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Total |
Reserves Mined | |||||
Proven Ore Mined (000's Tons) | 30.5 | 61.2 | 32.7 | 9.7 | 134.1 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.135 | 0.389 | 0.533 | 0.585 | 0.381 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 12.880 | 15.735 | 10.579 | 9.120 | 13.349 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 4.1 | 23.8 | 17.4 | 5.7 | 51.1 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 393.2 | 962.6 | 346.2 | 88.4 | 1,790.5 |
Probable Ore Mined (000's Tons) | 13.1 | 51.6 | 29.6 | 13.6 | 108.0 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.124 | 0.282 | 0.717 | 0.231 | 0.376 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 4.126 | 7.273 | 8.461 | 12.838 | 7.918 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 1.6 | 14.6 | 21.3 | 3.1 | 40.6 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 54.2 | 375.4 | 250.8 | 174.8 | 855.2 |
Total Reserves Mined (000's Tons) | 43.7 | 112.8 | 62.4 | 23.3 | 242.1 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.132 | 0.340 | 0.621 | 0.378 | 0.378 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 10.246 | 11.863 | 9.572 | 11.292 | 10.926 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 5.8 | 38.4 | 38.7 | 8.8 | 91.6 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 447.4 | 1,338.0 | 597.0 | 263.2 | 2,645.6 |
Contained Gold Equiv. (000's Ounces) | 12.7 | 59.1 | 48.0 | 12.9 | 132.6 |
Production Mining | |||||
Stope Development and Drift and Fill Mining (000's Tons) | 21.3 | 36.7 | 10.0 | 1.9 | 69.9 |
Longhole Stope Mining (000's Tons) | 22.4 | 74.7 | 52.4 | 21.4 | 170.9 |
Reserves Mined (000's Tons) | 43.7 | 111.5 | 62.4 | 23.3 | 240.8 |
Reserves Mining Rate (tpd) | 358 | 309 | 170 | 129 | 234 |
Backfill | |||||
Cellular Backfill (000's Tons) | 2.8 | 4.4 | 3.2 | 10.5 | |
CRF and GOB Backfill(000's Tons) | 30.5 | 69.8 | 37.9 | 21.3 | 159.5 |
Total Backfill (000's Tons) | 30.5 | 65.6 | 37.9 | 20.6 | 154.6 |
Waste Mining | |||||
Expensed Drift Waste (000's Tons) | 5.0 | 1.1 | - | 0.1 | 6.2 |
Bench Waste (000's Tons) | - | - | - | - | - |
Expensed Waste (000's Tons) | 1.1 | - | 0.1 | 1.2 | |
Primary Capital Drifting (Feet) | 694 | - | 142 | 836 | |
Secondary Capital Drifting (Feet) | 98 | - | 50 | 148 | |
Capital Raising (Feet) | 116 | - | 116 | ||
Capitalized Mining (000's Tons) | 13.8 | - | 3.2 | 17.0 |
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Calendar Year | 2014 (1) | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Total |
Total Tons Mined (000's Tons) | 48.7 | 127.7 | 62.4 | 26.6 | 265.3 |
Mining Rate (tpd) | 399 | 350 | 170 | 147 | 257 |
Notes: | ||
(1) |
Reflects the period following August 31, 2014, the effective date of the Midas Technical Report. |
Recovery Methods
Mineralized material from the Midas Project and Fire Creek Project is processed in the Midas Mill. Material from each project is segregated through the crushing circuit. The mill has two 500-ton fine ore bins located between the secondary crusher and the ball mill, and one bin is dedicated to each mine. Head samples are taken on each reclaim conveyor at regular intervals, and tonnage measured by a belt scale prior to comingling the mineralization streams.
The Midas Mill uses conventional leach technology with Counter Current Decantation followed by Merrill Crowe precipitation. Doré refining is finalized by Johnson Matthey refineries in Salt Lake City, Utah. Midas has performed toll milling periodically since 2008.
Market Conditions and Contracts
Gold and silver markets are mature with reputable smelters and refiners located throughout the world. Following several years of increases, gold and silver prices began declining in 2012. As of December 2014, the 36-month trailing average gold price was $1,449 per ounce, the 24-month trailing average price was $1,339 while the monthly average had dropped to $1,202. As part of normal mining activities, Klondex has entered into several contracts with several mining industry suppliers and contractors. The terms of these agreements are customary for mines in the area. On February 11, 2014, the Corporation entered into the Gold Purchase Agreement with Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of FNC (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History ").
Economic Analysis
The cash flow estimate prepared for the Midas Project and detailed in the Midas Technical Report includes 35% federal income tax after appropriate deductions for depreciation and depletion. No consideration has been given for carry forward losses incurred prior to 2015. Nevada does not impose an income tax but does levy a net proceeds tax equal to 5% of the net operating income with some allowances for depreciation of property plant and equipment. The net proceeds tax does not allow a depletion deduction.
Future reclamation costs have been prepaid through reclamation bonding requirements of the BLM and Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. These bonds are considered adequate to fund future reclamation liabilities.
The following table lists the life of mine key operating and financial indicators. The minimal capital requirements yield a 0.6 -year capital payback period and a 21.1 profitability index calculated with a 10% discount rate and a 523% rate of return.
Metric | Amount |
Material Mined and Processed (kt) | 242 |
Avg. Gold Grade (opt) | 0.378 |
Avg. Silver Grade (opt) | 10.93 |
Contained Gold (koz) | 91.6 |
Contained Silver (koz) | 2,646 |
Avg. Gold Metallurgical Recovery | 94% |
Avg. Silver Metallurgical Recovery | 92% |
Recovered Gold (koz) | 86.1 |
Recovered Silver (koz) | 2,434 |
Reserve Life (years) | 2.8 |
Operating Cost ($/ton) | $315 |
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Metric | Amount |
Cash Cost ($/oz) (1) | $466 |
Total Cost ($/oz) (1) | $485 |
Gold Price ($/oz) | $1,000.00 |
Silver Price ($/oz) | $15.83 |
Capital Costs ($ Millions) | $1.6 |
Payback Period (Years) | 0.6 |
Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $33.1 |
5% Discounted Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $30.2 |
10% Discounted Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $27.7 |
Profitability Index (10%) | 21.1 |
Internal Rate of Return | 523% |
Notes: | ||
(1) |
Net of byproduct credits. |
RISK FACTORS
As a resource exploration, development and production company, the Corporation is engaged in a highly speculative business that involves a high degree of risk and is frequently unsuccessful. In addition to the information disclosed elsewhere in this AIF, readers should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before deciding whether to invest in the Corporation's securities. These risk factors do not necessarily comprise all of the risks to which the Corporation is or will be subject.
The Corporation's failure to successfully address the risks and uncertainties described below could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's business, financial condition and/or results of operations and could cause the trading price of the Common Shares to decline. The Corporation cannot guarantee that it will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect its business. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Corporation or that the Corporation currently deems immaterial may also impair the Corporation's business operations. If any of the possibilities described in such risks actually occurs, the Corporation's business, the Corporation's financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely harmed.
The Corporation is dependent on the success of the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project.
The principal mineral projects of the Corporation are the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project. The Corporation is primarily dependent upon the success of the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project as sources of future revenue and profits. The development of mining operations at the Fire Creek Project or the Midas Project will require the commitment of substantial additional resources for operating expenses and capital expenditures, which may increase in subsequent years as needed, and for consultants, personnel and equipment associated with advancing exploration, development and commercial production of such properties. The amounts and timing of expenditures will depend on, among other things, the progress of ongoing exploration and development, the results of consultants' analysis and recommendations, the execution of any joint venture agreements with strategic partners, the acquisition by the Corporation of additional properties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation's control.
Forecasts of future production are estimates and actual production may be less than estimated.
Forecasts of future production are estimates based on interpretation and assumptions and actual production may be less than estimated. The Corporation prepares estimates of future production for its operating mines. The Corporation's ability to achieve and maintain the production rates on which such estimates are based is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. The Corporation's production estimates are dependent on, among other things, the accuracy of mineral reserve estimates, the accuracy of assumptions regarding ore grades and recovery rates, ground conditions, physical characteristics of ores, such as hardness and the presence or absence of particular metallurgical characteristics, and the accuracy of estimated rates and costs of mining and processing. The Corporation's actual production may vary from its estimates for a variety of reasons. The failure of the Corporation to achieve its production estimates could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's results of operations and financial condition.
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There is no guarantee that commercial production will begin at the Fire Creek Project as anticipated or at all or that anticipated production costs will be achieved. Failure to commence commercial production or to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Corporation's ability to repay certain loans and generate revenue, cash flow to fund operations and future profitability.
The Corporation's exploration activities may not be commercially successful.
The long-term success of the Corporation depends on its ability to identify additional mineral deposits that it can then develop into commercially viable mining operations. Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and is frequently non-productive. These risks include unusual or unexpected geologic formations and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labour. The success of gold exploration is determined in part by the following factors:
Substantial expenditures are required, but not guaranteed, to establish mineral proven and probable reserves through drilling and analysis, to develop metallurgical processes to extract metal, and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. Whether a mineral deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, which include, without limitation, the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; metal prices, which may fluctuate widely; and government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. There is no certainty that the Corporation will discover or acquire any mineralized material in sufficient quantities to justify continued commercial operations at the Fire Creek Project or the Midas Project.
Exploration, development and mining involve a high degree of risk.
The Corporation's operations will be subject to all the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of gold and other base or precious metals, including, without limitation, unusual and unexpected geologic formations, seismic activity, rock bursts, pit-wall failures, cave-ins, flooding and other conditions involved in the drilling and removal of material, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of, mines and other producing facilities, damage to life or property, environmental damage and legal liability. Milling operations are subject to various hazards, including, without limitation, equipment failure and failure of retaining dams around tailings disposal areas, which may result in environmental pollution and legal liability.
The Corporation's operations may require further capital.
The mining, processing, development and exploration of the Corporation's properties may require substantial additional financing. Failure to obtain sufficient financing may result in the delay or indefinite postponement of exploration, development or production on any or all of the Corporation's properties, or even a loss of property interest. Additional capital or other types of financing may not be available if needed or, if available, the terms of such financing may be unfavourable to the Corporation.
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The Corporation may be adversely affected by fluctuations in gold and silver prices.
The Corporation's profitability will be dependent upon the market price of gold, silver and other metals. Historically, gold prices and silver prices have fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous external factors beyond the Corporation's control, including industrial and retail demand, central bank lending, sales and purchases of gold and silver, forward sales of gold and silver by producers and speculators, production and cost levels in major producing regions, short-term changes in supply and demand because of speculative hedging activities, confidence in the global monetary system, expectations of the future rate of inflation, the strength of the United States dollar (the currency in which the price of gold and silver is generally quoted), interest rates, terrorism and war, and other global or regional political or economic events. Resource prices have fluctuated widely and are sometimes subject to rapid short-term changes because of speculative activities. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but any one of, or any combination of, these factors may result in the Corporation not receiving an adequate return on invested capital and a loss of all or part of an investment in securities of the Corporation may result.
The Corporation is subject to debt and liquidity risk.
As of December 31, 2014, the Corporation had aggregate consolidated indebtedness of approximately $56.2 million per the audited financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Corporation's ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance its indebtedness depends on the Corporation's future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors many of which are not under the control of the Corporation. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due, including, among others, debt repayments, interest payments and contractual commitments.
The Corporation may not continue to generate cash flow from operations in the future sufficient to service the debt and make necessary capital expenditures. If the Corporation is unable to generate such cash flow, it may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. The Corporation's ability to refinance its indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and its financial condition at such time. The Corporation may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on its debt obligations.
The terms of the Facility Agreement require the Corporation to satisfy various affirmative and negative covenants and to meet certain financial ratios and tests. These covenants limit, among other things, the Corporation's ability to incur further indebtedness, create certain liens on assets or engage in certain types of transactions. There are no assurances that, in the future, the Corporation will not, as a result of these covenants, be limited in its ability to respond to changes in its business or competitive activities or be restricted in its ability to engage in mergers, acquisitions or dispositions of assets. Furthermore, a failure to comply with these covenants, including a failure to meet the financial tests or ratios, would result in an event of default under the Facility Agreement and the Gold Purchase Agreement and may allow the 2014 Lenders or Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., as the case may be, to accelerate the repayment obligations or enforce their security.
The Corporation is subject to foreign exchange risk relating to the relative value of the U.S. dollar.
Gold is typically sold in U.S. dollars and some of the Corporation's expenses are denominated in Canadian dollars. As a result, the Corporation is subject to foreign exchange risks relating to the relative value of the U.S. dollar as compared to the Canadian dollar. A decline in the U.S. dollar would result in a decrease in the real value of the Corporation's revenues and adversely impact the Corporation's financial performance.
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Title to the Corporation's mineral properties may be subject to other claims.
Although the Corporation believes it has exercised commercially reasonable due diligence with respect to determining title to the properties it owns or controls, including obtaining title reports with respect to the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project, there is no guarantee that title to such properties will not be challenged or impugned. The Corporation's properties may be subject to prior unrecorded agreements or transfers or native land claims and title may be affected by undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title of the Corporation's properties which could impair development and/or operations of the Corporation. This is particularly the case in respect of those portions of the Corporation's properties in which the Corporation holds its interest solely through a lease with the claim holders, as such interest is substantially based on contract and may have been subject to a number of assignments (as opposed to a direct interest in the property).
Estimates of mineralized materials are subject to geologic uncertainty and inherent sample variability.
Although the Corporation believes that the estimated mineral resources and mineral reserves at the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project have been delineated with appropriately spaced drilling, there exists inherent variability between duplicate samples taken adjacent to each other and between sampling points that cannot be reasonably eliminated. There also may be unknown geologic details that have not been identified or correctly appreciated at the current level of delineation. This results in uncertainties that cannot be reasonably eliminated from the estimation process. Some of the resulting variances can have a positive effect and others can have a negative effect on mining and processing operations.
Mineral resources and mineral reserves are only estimates which may be unreliable.
Mineral reserves and mineral resources are estimates only, and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved, that the indicated level of recovery will be realized or that mineral reserves can be mined or processed profitably. Mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing and other relevant issues. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating mineral reserves and mineral resources, including many factors beyond the Corporation's control. Such estimation is a subjective process, and the accuracy of any mineral reserve or mineral resource estimate is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, the nature of the ore body and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation. These estimates may require adjustments or downward revisions based upon further exploration or development work or actual production experience.
Fluctuations in gold or silver prices, results of drilling, metallurgical testing and production, the evaluation of mine plans after the date of any estimate, permitting requirements or unforeseen technical or operational difficulties, may require revision of mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates. Prolonged declines in the market price of gold (or applicable by-product metal prices) may render mineral reserves containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomical to recover and could materially reduce the Corporation's mineral reserves. Should reductions in mineral resources or mineral reserves occur, the Corporation may be required to take a material write-down of its investment in mining properties, reduce the carrying value of one or more of its assets or delay or discontinue production or the development of new projects, resulting in increased net losses and reduced cash flow. Mineral resources and mineral reserves should not be interpreted as assurances of mine life or of the profitability of current or future operations. There is a degree of uncertainty attributable to the calculation and estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves and corresponding grades being mined and, as a result, the volume and grade of mineral reserves mined and processed and recovery rates may not be the same as currently anticipated. Any material reductions in estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources, or of the Corporation's ability to extract these mineral reserves, could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's results of operations and financial condition.
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Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have a greater degree of uncertainty as to their existence and feasibility. There is no assurance that mineral resources will be upgraded to proven or probable mineral reserves.
Uncertainty relating to inferred mineral resources.
Inferred mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Due to the uncertainty which may attach to inferred mineral resources, there is no assurance that inferred mineral resources will be upgraded to proven and probable mineral reserves as a result of continued exploration.
Government regulation may adversely affect the Corporation's business and planned operations.
The Corporation's mineral exploration and development activities are subject to various laws governing prospecting, mining, development, production, taxes, labour standards and occupational health, mine safety, toxic substances, land use, water use, land claims of local people and other matters. Although the Corporation currently believes that it is in compliance with existing environmental and mining laws and regulations and that its proposed exploration programs will also meet those standards, there can be no assurance that new rules and regulations will not be enacted or that existing rules and regulations will not be applied in a manner which could limit or curtail the Corporation's exploration, production or development activities. At present, there is no royalty payable to the United States on production from unpatented mining claims, although legislative attempts to impose a royalty have occurred in recent years. Amendments to current laws and regulations governing operations and activities of exploration, development mining and milling or more stringent implementation thereof could have a material adverse impact on the Corporation's business and financial condition and cause increases in exploration expenses, capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production or require abandonment or delays in the development of new mining properties.
Government approvals and permits are required in connection with the Corporation's activities.
Government approvals and permits are currently, and may in the future be, required in connection with the Corporation's operations. Such licenses and permits are subject to change in regulations and in various operating circumstances. Where required, obtaining necessary licenses and permits can be a complex and time consuming process. The costs and delays associated with obtaining necessary licences and permits could stop or materially delay or restrict the Corporation from proceeding with the development of the Fire Creek Project or the Midas Project. There can be no assurance that the Corporation will be able to obtain all necessary licenses and permits required to carry out exploration, development and mining operations at its mineral projects or that the Corporation will be able to comply with the conditions of all such necessary licenses and permits in an economically viable manner.
The Corporation's operations are subject to environmental risks.
All phases of the Corporation's operations will be subject to federal, state and local environmental regulation. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. Future changes in environmental regulation may adversely affect the Corporation's operations. Environmental hazards may exist on the Fire Creek Project, the Midas Project and on the other properties held by the Corporation that are unknown to the Corporation and that have been caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the properties.
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining operations or in the exploration or development of mineral properties may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of such mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations.
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The Corporation may be subject to unforeseen litigation.
Companies operating in all industries, including the mining industry, are subject to legal claims, with and without merit. Although the Corporation is not currently involved in any material legal proceedings and is not aware of any threatened or pending material legal proceedings against the Corporation, there is no guarantee that the Corporation will not become subject to such proceedings in the future. There can be no guarantee of the outcome of any such claim. In addition, defense and settlement costs for any legal proceeding can be substantial, even with respect to claims that have no merit. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the litigation process, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular legal proceeding will not have a material effect on the Corporation's financial position or results of operations.
The Corporation does not insure against all risks.
The Corporation's insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with a mining company's operations. The Corporation may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or, if available, may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, insurance coverage against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards as a result of exploration, development and production may be prohibitively expensive to obtain for a company of the Corporation's size and financial means. The Corporation may also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards against which the Corporation may not be insured or against which it may elect not to insure because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause the Corporation to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial condition and results of operations.
The Corporation competes with larger, better capitalized competitors in the mining industry.
The mining industry is competitive in all of its phases. The Corporation faces strong competition from other mining companies in connection with the acquisition of properties producing, or capable of producing, base and precious metals. Many of these companies have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than the Corporation. As a result of this competition, the Corporation may be unable to maintain or acquire attractive mining properties on terms acceptable to the Corporation or at all. Consequently, the Corporation's revenues, operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Current global financial conditions have worsened.
Current global financial conditions have been subject to increased volatility, and access to public financing, particularly for junior resource companies, has been negatively impacted. These factors may impact the ability of the Corporation to obtain equity or debt financing in the future and, if obtained, such financing may not be on terms favourable to the Corporation. If increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue, the Corporation's operations could be adversely impacted, and the value and price of the Common Shares could be adversely affected.
The directors and officers of the Corporation may have conflicts of interest.
Certain of the directors and officers of the Corporation also serve as directors and/or officers of other companies involved in natural resource exploration, development and mining operations. Consequently, there exists the possibility for such directors and officers to be in a position of conflict of interest. The directors of the Corporation are required by law to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Corporation and to disclose any interest they may have in any project or opportunity of the Corporation. In addition, each of the directors is required by law to declare his or her interest in and refrain from voting on any matter in which he or she may have a conflict of interest, in accordance with applicable laws.
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Dependence on key personnel and limited management team.
The Corporation is dependent on the services of its senior executives and skilled and experienced employees and consultants. The Corporation does not have in place formal programs for succession and training of management. The Corporation does not have key person insurance for all such individuals, which insurance would provide the Corporation with insurance proceeds in the event of their death. If such an event were to occur, without key person insurance, the Corporation may not have the financial resources to develop or maintain its business until it replaces the individual. The loss of one or more of these key employees, if not replaced, could materially adversely affect the Corporation's business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Corporation may engage in hedging activities.
From time to time, the Corporation may use certain derivative products to hedge or manage the risks associated with changes in gold prices or silver prices. The use of derivative instruments involves certain inherent risks including, among other things: (i) credit risk the risk of an unexpected loss arising if a counterparty with which the Corporation has entered into transactions fails to meet its contractual obligations; (ii) market liquidity risk the risk that the Corporation has entered into a derivative position that cannot be closed out quickly, by either liquidating such derivative instrument or by establishing an offsetting position; (iii) unrealized mark-to-market risk the risk that, in respect of certain derivative products, an adverse change in market prices for commodities, currencies or interest rates will result in the Corporation incurring an unrealized mark-to-market loss in respect of such derivative products.
There is no assurance that any hedging program or transactions which may be adopted or utilized by the Corporation designed to reduce the risk associated with changes in gold prices or silver prices will be successful. Although hedging may protect the Corporation from an adverse price change, it may also prevent the Corporation from benefiting fully from a positive price change.
There is no assurance that an active trading market in the Common Shares will be sustained.
The Common Shares are listed on the TSX. There can be no assurance that an active market for the Common Shares will be sustained.
The Common Shares may experience price volatility.
Securities of mineral resource and mining companies have experienced substantial volatility in the past, often based on factors unrelated to the financial performance or prospects of the companies involved. These factors include macroeconomic developments in North America and globally, and market perceptions of the attractiveness of particular industries. The price of the Common Shares is also likely to be significantly affected by short-term changes in commodity prices and currency exchange fluctuation. As a result of any of these factors, the market price of the Common Shares at any given point in time may not accurately reflect the long-term value of the Corporation. There can be no assurance that continued fluctuations in price will not occur, which may result in losses to investors. Securities class action litigation often has been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. The Corporation may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and damages and divert management's attention and resources.
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The outstanding Common Shares could be subject to dilution.
The exercise of stock options and warrants already issued by the Corporation and the issuance of additional equity securities in the future could result in dilution in the equity interests of holders of Common Shares.
An investment in the securities of the Corporation is highly speculative and may result in the loss of an investor's entire investment.
The purchase of the Corporation's securities involves a high degree of risk and should be undertaken only by investors whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume such risks. The Corporation's securities should not be purchased by persons who cannot afford to lose their entire investment.
No Dividends Policy.
The Corporation has not declared a dividend since incorporation and does not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend on the availability of profit, operating results, the financial position of the Corporation, future capital requirements and general business and other factors considered relevant by the directors of the Corporation. No assurances in relation to the payment of dividends can be given.
DIVIDENDS
The Corporation has not declared a dividend since incorporation and does not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future. Investors should not expect to receive a dividend on the Common Shares in the foreseeable future.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Common Shares
The Corporation is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares without par value, of which 128,258,184 are issued and outstanding as at March 31, 2015. Each Common Share entitles the holder thereof to one vote. All of the Common Shares rank equally as to dividends, voting powers and participation in assets. No shares have been issued subject to call or assessment. There are no pre-emptive or conversion rights and no provisions for redemption, purchase for cancellation, surrender or sinking or purchase funds applicable to the Common Shares. Provisions as to the modification, amendment or variation of such rights or such provisions are contained in the articles of the Corporation and the Notice of Articles, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and in the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).
Restricted Common Shares
During 2014, the Board approved for grant awards of 447,500 common shares of the Corporation (" Restricted Common Shares ") to certain employees and directors of the Corporation, which were subject to certain restrictions regarding the vesting or required holding period of such shares.
As at December 31, 2014, the Corporation had a total of 447,500 Restricted Common Shares outstanding, representing approximately 0.35% of the outstanding Common Shares.
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Options
During the financial year ended December 31, 2014, the Corporation issued 5,318,063 options to purchase Common Shares (" Options ") under the Corporation's share option plan (the " Share Option Plan "). As at March 25, 2015, the Corporation had a total of 9,776,200 Options outstanding. See "Market for Securities" .
Warrants
During the financial year ended December 31, 2014, the Corporation issued 9,542,000 warrants to purchase Common Shares. As at March 25, 2015, the Corporation had a total of 11,381,491 warrants outstanding. See "Market for Securities" .
MARKET FOR SECURITIES
Trading Price and Volume
The Common Shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the symbol "KDX". The following chart sets out the high and low trading prices, closing prices and volume of the Common Shares traded on the TSX for each month of the most recently completed financial year.
Month | High ($) | Low ($) | Close ($) | Volume |
January 2014 | 1.78 | 1.57 | 1.74 | 4,887,259 |
February 2014 | 2.08 | 1.72 | 2.06 | 4,715,668 |
March 2014 | 2.25 | 1.78 | 1.92 | 3,121,589 |
April 2014 | 1.99 | 1.79 | 1.93 | 1,635,892 |
May 2014 | 1.99 | 1.71 | 1.91 | 2,256,319 |
June 2014 | 2.09 | 1.74 | 2.00 | 7,754,160 |
July 2014 | 2.09 | 1.74 | 2.00 | 2,735,842 |
August 2014 | 2.10 | 1.93 | 2.05 | 5,582,199 |
September 2014 | 2.04 | 1.72 | 1.79 | 5,102,894 |
October 2014 | 2.06 | 1.76 | 1.79 | 12,887,056 |
November 2014 | 1.93 | 1.68 | 1.83 | 5,414,609 |
December 2014 | 1.96 | 1.78 | 1.95 | 5,210,302 |
Prior Sales of Unlisted Securities
The following Options were granted under the Share Option Plan during the year ended December 31, 2014: The Options are not listed on the TSX or any other marketplace.
Number of | ||||
Date of Issue/Grant | Exercise Price | Securities (1) | ||
January 2, 2014 | $1.59 | 315,000 | ||
January 16, 2014 | $1.71 | 80,000 | ||
February 11, 2014 | $1.80 | 440,000 | ||
February 13, 2014 | $1.87 | 40,000 | ||
February 17, 2014 | $1.89 | 30,000 | ||
April 1, 2014 | $1.90 | 195,000 | ||
April 23, 2014 | $1.83 | 300,000 | ||
April 23, 2014 | $2.20 | 150,000 | ||
May 1, 2014 | $1.88 | 60,000 |
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Number of | ||||
Date of Issue/Grant | Exercise Price | Securities (1) | ||
June 2, 2014 | $1.81 | 30,000 | ||
July 1, 2014 | $1.98 | 150,000 | ||
July 1, 2014 | $1.98 | 20,000 | ||
July 21, 2014 | $2.04 | 2,393,063 | ||
August 1, 2014 | $2.02 | 290,000 | ||
September 2, 2014 | $2.04 | 155,000 | ||
September 12, 2014 | $1.95 | 300,000 | ||
October 1, 2014 | $1.85 | 160,000 | ||
December 1, 2014 | $1.85 | 210,000 |
(1) |
Represents the number of Common Shares issuable upon exercise of such Options. |
The following warrants to purchase Common Shares were granted during the year ended December 31, 2014:
Number of | ||||
Date of Issue/Grant | Exercise Price | Securities (1) | ||
January 9, 2014 | $1.55 | 1,176,000 (2) | ||
February 11, 2014 | $1.95 | 3,100,000 (3) | ||
February 11, 2014 | $2.15 | 5,000,000 (4) | ||
July 30, 2014 | $2.25 | 266,000 (5) |
(1) |
Represents the number of Common Shares issuable upon exercise of such warrants. |
|
(2) |
Represents warrants exercisable to acquire up to 1,176,000 Common Shares at a price of $1.55 per Common Share for a period of 24 months, granted to the agents in connection with the Subscription Receipt Financing (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2014 Highlights "). |
|
(3) |
Represents warrants issued to the 2014 Lenders in connection with a 2014 Debt Financing relating to the Midas Acquisition (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2014 Highlights "). |
|
(4) |
Represents warrants issued to Newmont USA as part of the purchase price for the Midas Acquisition (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2013 Highlights "). |
|
(5) |
Represents warrants exercisable to acquire up to 266,000 Common Shares at a price of $2.25 per Common Share for a period of 24 months, granted to the agents in connection with the July 2014 Financing (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2014 Highlights "). |
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Directors and Officers
The following table sets forth, for each of the directors and executive officers of the Corporation as of the date hereof, the person's name, province or state and country of residence, position and office held with the Corporation, principal occupation during the last five years and, if a director, the period or periods during which the person has served as a director of the Corporation. Each of the directors of the Corporation will hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders or until the director's successor is elected or appointed.
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Name and Residence | Position | Principal Occupation(s) During Last Five Years |
Renaud Adams
(2)(3)
Oakville, Ontario, Canada |
Director since July 11, 2013 |
President & CEO of Richmont Mines Inc. since November 2014; President and Chief Operating Officer of Primero Mining Corp. from November 2011 to October 2014; Senior Vice-President, Operations Americas of IAMGOLD Corporation from February 2010 to October 2011; prior thereto, Vice President and General Manager of the Rosebel Gold Mine in Suriname for IAMGOLD Corporation. |
Rodney Cooper
(1)(3)
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada |
Director since August 10, 2012 |
President and Chief Operating Officer of Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited, a mining and exploration company, since December 2011; Vice President, Senior Mining Analyst at Dundee Securities from November 2009 to November 2011; Chief Operating Officer at Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation. |
Barry Dahl
Reno, Nevada, USA |
Chief Financial Officer |
Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation since November 2013; CFO of Argonaut Gold Inc. from 2010 to 2013; Corporate Controller, Andean Resources Inc.; Corporate Controller and CFO, Hettinger Welding LLC. |
Michael Doolin
Sparks, Nevada, USA |
Vice President, Business Development and Technical Services |
Vice President, Business Development and Technical Services of the Corporation since 2014; General Manager, Fire Creek Project, of the Corporation from 2012 to 2014; prior to 2012, Esmerelda Mill Manager, Great Basin Gold Ltd. |
James Haggarty
(1)(2)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Director since June 28, 2012 |
CEO of technology and e-commerce company (SHOP.CA) since 2014; Founder & President of J.E.L.L. Advisors, a consulting firm since 2012; prior thereto, Executive Vice President at Rogers Communications Inc. 2005 to 2012. |
Richard J. Hall
(2)(4)
Silverthorne, Colorado, USA |
Chairman Director since September 9, 2014 |
Chairman of Premier Gold Mines Limited from 2010 until June 2012; CEO of Northgate Minerals Corp. from July 2011 until its acquisition by AuRico Gold in October 2011; Chairman of Grayd Resource Corporation from 2008 until its acquisition by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited in 2011. |
Paul Huet
(3)(4)
Reno, Nevada, USA |
President, Chief Executive Officer and a director Director since September 12, 2012 |
Currently, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since September 2012; Chief Operating Officer of Premier Gold Mines Limited from 2011 to 2012; General Manager of Nevada Great Basin Gold from 2007 to 2011. |
Brent Kristof
Winnemucca, Nevada, USA |
Chief Operating Officer |
Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation since April 2014; General Manager at Barrick's Porgera Gold Mine in Papua New Guinea from 2013 to 2014; General Manager of Barrick's Plutonic Mine in Western Australia from 2011 to 2013; General Manager of the Turquoise Ridge Joint Venture in Nevada between Barrick and Newmont from 2006 to 2011. |
William Matlack
(1)(3)(4)
Reno, Nevada, USA |
Director since June 28, 2012 |
Currently a private investor and mineral explorer; previously Interim CEO of the Corporation; Associated with Scarsdale Equities LLC. |
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Name and Residence | Position | Principal Occupation(s) During Last Five Years |
Brian Morris
Winnemucca, Nevada, USA |
Vice President Exploration and Geology Services |
Vice President Exploration and Geology Services of the Corporation since January 2015; President of American Mining and Tunneling from June 2013 to December 2014; Vice President Exploration for Premier Gold Mines Limited from November 2011 to May 2013; Vice President and General Manager for Rio Grande Silver Inc., a subsidiary of Hecla Mining Company, from July 2010 to November 2011; North American Exploration Manager, Great Basin Gold Inc. from June 2007 to July 2010. |
Blair Schultz
(4)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Director since June 28, 2012 |
Executive director of the Corporation since September 2014; previously, Vice President and Head of Special Situation Analytics, Portfolio Management & Trading at K2 & Associates Investment Management Inc., a hedge fund in Toronto, until 2014. |
Notes: | ||
(1) |
Member of the Audit Committee. |
|
(2) |
Member of the Compensation and Governance Committee. |
|
(3) |
Member of the Mine Safety and Health Committee. |
|
(4) |
Member of the Legacy Committee. |
James Haggarty (Chair), Rodney Cooper and William Matlack serve on the Audit Committee. James Haggarty (Chair), Renaud Adams and Richard J. Hall serve on the Compensation and Governance Committee. Rodney Cooper (Chair), Renaud Adams, Paul Huet and William Matlack serve as members of the Mine Safety and Health Committee. William Matlack (Chair), Richard J. Hall, Paul Huet and Blair Schultz serve as members of the Legacy Committee.
The term of office for the directors of the Corporation and members of the Audit Committe, Compensation and Governance Committee, Mine Safety and Health Committee and Legacy Committee expires at the close of the next annual general meeting of the Corporation. After the next annual general meeting, the Board will appoint the Audit Committee members, the Compensation and Governance Committee members, the Mine Safety and Health Committee members, the Legacy Committee members and the members of any other committees for the ensuing year.
As at March 31, 2015, all directors and senior officers of the Corporation, as a group, beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, a total of 3,986,653 Common Shares, representing approximately 3.11% of the total issued and outstanding Common Shares.
Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties or Sanctions
No individual set forth in the above table is, as at the date hereof, or was, within 10 years before the date hereof, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company (including the Corporation) that:
a) |
was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days and that was issued while such individual was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or |
|
b) |
was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, that was issued after such individual ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer, and which resulted from an event that occurred while such individual was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer. |
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No individual set forth in the above table or shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities of the Corporation to affect materially the control of the Corporation, nor any personal holding company of any such individual:
a) |
is, as of the date hereof, or has been within 10 years before the date hereof, a director or executive officer of any company (including the Corporation) that, while such individual was acting in that capacity, or within a year of such individual ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets; or |
|
b) |
has, within the 10 years before the date hereof, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of such individual; or |
|
c) |
has been subject to (i) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority, or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or (ii) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision. |
Conflicts of Interest
Certain of the directors and officers of the Corporation also serve as directors and/or officers of and have significant shareholdings in other companies involved in natural resource exploration, development and mining operations. Consequently, there exists the possibility for such directors and officers to be in a position of conflict.
In the event that such a conflict of interest arises at a meeting of the Board, a director who has such a conflict will abstain from voting for or against the approval of such participation or such terms. In accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia, the directors of the Corporation are required to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the Corporation. In determining whether or not the Corporation will participate in a particular program and the interest therein to be acquired by it, the directors will primarily consider the degree of risk to which the Corporation may be exposed and the Corporation's financial position at that time.
The directors and officers of Klondex are aware of the existence of laws governing the accountability of directors and officers for corporate opportunity and requiring disclosure by the directors of conflicts of interest and the Corporation will rely upon such laws in respect of any directors' and officers' conflicts of interest or in respect of any breaches of duty by any of the Corporation's directors and officers. All such conflicts will be disclosed by such directors or officers in accordance with the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and such directors and officers will govern themselves in respect thereof to the best of their ability in accordance with the obligations imposed upon them by law. As at the date hereof, the directors and officers of the Corporation are not aware of any such conflicts of interest.
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INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Except as disclosed in this AIF, to the knowledge of management of the Corporation, no director, officer or insider of the Corporation or any associates or affiliates of the foregoing has or had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction within the three most recently completed financial years that has materially affected or is reasonably expected to materially affect the Corporation during the financial year.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS
There are no legal proceedings material to the Corporation to which any of the Corporation or its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of the Corporation's properties is subject, and no such proceedings are known by the Corporation to be contemplated.
There were no penalties or sanctions imposed against the Corporation by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority during the last financial year, penalties or sanctions imposed against the Corporation by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision or settlement agreements entered into by the Corporation with a court relating to securities legislation or with a securities regulatory authority during the last financial year.
AUDIT COMMITTEE DISCLOSURE
Composition of the Audit Committee
The members of the audit committee of the Corporation (the " Audit Committee ") are James Haggarty (Chair), Rodney Cooper and William Matlack. All of the members are "independent" and "financially literate" within the meaning of such terms as defined in National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees (" NI 52-110 "). Relevant Education and Experience
James Haggarty is a Chartered Professional Accountant (C.P.A. and C.A.) and holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Windsor. As a financial and operational executive with over 20 years of experience ranging from strategic planning to M&A transactions to managing diverse businesses day-today, Mr. Haggarty is highly experienced and adept at managing complex financial structures, partnership agreements/regulations/business technologies and systems. He has held senior executive positions as Executive VP Operations, VP Financial Operations, and VP Corporate Development with public and private companies like SHOP.CA where he currently is Chief Executive Officer. He has extensive experience with audit committees and public company boards throughout his career, stemming back to 1993 with Metall Mining. Mr. Haggarty is also on the board of directors of SHOP.CA, and the board of directors of the Toronto Blue Jays Care Foundation.
Rodney Cooper has been involved in the mining industry for over 30 years, with broad experience in technical services, operations, project management, investment evaluation and finance. He is a mining engineer, having obtained the P.Eng. designation, and a past director of the Mining Association of Canada and the Alberta Chamber of Resources. Currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited, he previously served as Vice President and Senior Analyst at Dundee Securities, Chief Operating Officer at Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation and Vice President Technical Services at Kinross Gold Corporation.
William Matlack has a B.A. Geology, Carleton College and a M.S. Geology, University of Minnesota. He has 20 years experience in the mining industry, primarily with major gold mining companies, followed by 17 years in mining finance in the securities industry, including 4 years in metals & mining equity research, which included large-cap gold producers, with major brokerage firms.
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For more information see " Directors and Officers ".
Audit Committee's Mandate
The Board has adopted a charter for the Audit Committee, which sets out the Audit Committee's mandate, organization, powers and responsibilities (the " Audit Committee Charter "). The full text of the Audit Committee Charter is attached hereto as Schedule "A".
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee has not adopted specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services.
External Auditor Service Fees
The following table discloses the fees charged to the Corporation by its former external auditor during the last two financial years:
Financial Year Ending | Audit Fees (1) | Audit-Related Fees (2) | Tax Fees (3) | All Other Fees |
December 31, 2014 | $130,000 | $367,725 | Nil | Nil |
December 31, 2013 | $42,000 | $23,000 | $6,700 | $12,500 |
Notes: | ||
(1) |
"Audit Fees" include fees necessary to perform the audit of the Corporation's consolidated financial statements. Audit Fees include fees for review of tax provisions and for accounting consultations on matters reflected in the financial statements. Audit Fees also include audit or other attest services required by legislation or regulation, such as comfort letters, consents, reviews of securities filings and statutory audits. The increase in the amount of audit fees from 2013 to 2014 primarily relates to the additional audit work required as a result of the Midas Acquisition and due to the change in auditors of the Corporation during 2014. |
|
(2) |
"Audit-Related Fees" include services that are traditionally performed by the auditor. These audit-related services include quarterly reviews, including due diligence assistance, accounting consultations on proposed transactions, internal control reviews and audit or attest services not required by legislation or regulation. The increase in the amount of audit- related fees from 2013 to 2014 primarily relates to the additional audit-related work required as a result of the Midas Acquisition and due to the change in auditors of the Corporation during 2014. |
|
(3) |
"Tax Fees" include fees for all tax services other than those included in "Audit Fees" and "Audit-Related Fees". This category includes fees for filing tax returns for U.S. subsidiary, tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. Tax planning and tax advice includes assistance with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions, and requests for rulings or technical advice from tax authorities. |
|
(4) |
"All Other Fees" include fees related to the HST audit which occurred in the first quarter of 2013. |
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent and registrar for the Corporation is Computershare Investor Services Inc. at its principal offices in Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
The Corporation has no material contracts entered into in the last three years other than those entered into in the ordinary course of business and the following, each of which is available under the Corporation's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com:
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the SR Agency Agreement (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2014 Highlights ");
the Gold Purchase Agreement (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2014 Highlights ");
the Facility Agreement (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2014 Highlights "); and
the Underwriting Agreement (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2014 Highlights ").
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants, appointed the auditors of the Corporation as of January 6, 2014, prepared an auditors' report to the directors of the Corporation on the statements of financial position of the Corporation as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the statements of loss and statements of comprehensive loss, cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants has advised that they are independent with respect to the Corporation within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia.
Mark Odell, P.E., Laura Symmes, SME and Sarah Bull, P.E. of Practical Mining LLC and Karl Swanson, M.Eng., SME, AusIMM, Independent Mining & Geological Consultant, are the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report and the Midas Technical Report. None of Mr. Odell, Ms. Symmes, Ms. Bull or Mr. Swanson has any interest, direct or indirect, in the properties or securities of the Corporation or any of its associates or affiliates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Corporation may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Additional information, including directors' and officers' remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of the Corporation's securities, options to purchase securities and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, where applicable, is contained in the Corporation's management information circular dated May 9, 2014 in respect of the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders of the Corporation held on June 17, 2014, which was mailed to shareholders and filed on SEDAR. Additional financial information is available in the comparative audited consolidated financial statements of the Corporation, together with the auditor's report thereon for the Corporation's most recently completed fiscal year and the Corporation's management's discussion and analysis in relation thereto, which are available on SEDAR.
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Schedule "A"
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
AUDIT COMMITTEE MANDATE
1. General
The board of directors (the " Board ") of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the " Corporation ") has delegated the responsibilities, authorities and duties described below to the audit committee (the " Committee "). For the purpose of this mandate, the term "Corporation" shall include the Corporation and its subsidiaries.
The Committee will assist the Board in fulfilling its financial oversight responsibilities. The Committee will review and consider, in consultation with the auditors, the financial reporting process, the system of internal control and the audit process. In performing its duties, the Committee will maintain effective working relationships with the Board, management, and the external auditors.
The Committee shall be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of any registered external auditor employed by the Corporation (including resolution of disagreements between management of the Corporation and the external auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work. In so doing, the Committee will comply with all applicable Canadian securities laws, rules and guidelines, any applicable stock exchange requirements or guidelines and any other applicable regulatory rules. To effectively perform his or her role, each Committee member must obtain an understanding of the principal responsibilities of committee membership as well and the Corporation's business, operations and risks.
2. Composition
The Committee will be comprised of a minimum of three directors. Each Committee member shall satisfy the independence, financial literacy and experience requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws, rules and guidelines, any applicable stock exchange requirements or guidelines and any other applicable regulatory rules. In particular, each member shall be "independent" and "financially literate" within the meaning of National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees (except as otherwise set forth in the limited exemptions contained therein). Determinations as to whether a particular director satisfies the requirements for membership on the Committee shall be made by the Board.
Members of the Committee shall be appointed annually by the Board at the first meeting of the Board after the annual general meeting of shareholders. Each member shall serve until such member's successor is appointed, unless that member resigns or is removed by the Board or otherwise ceases to be a director of the Corporation. The Board shall fill any vacancy if the membership of the Committee is less than three directors.
The Chair of the Committee will be designated by the Board, on the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee, or, if it does not do so, the members of the Committee may elect a Chair by vote of a majority of the full Committee membership. The Chair of the Committee shall be responsible for overseeing the performance by the Committee of its duties, for assessing the effectiveness of the Committee and individual Committee members and for reporting periodically to the Board.
3. Meetings
The Committee will meet at least quarterly and at such times and at such locations as the Board or the Chair of the Committee shall determine, provided that meetings shall be scheduled so as to permit the timely review of the Corporation's quarterly and annual financial statements and related management discussion and analysis, if applicable. The Committee shall have an in camera session without non-independent directors and management as a regular feature of each regularly scheduled meeting. The external auditor and management employees of the Corporation shall, when required by the Committee, attend any meeting of the Committee. Any director of the Corporation may request the Chair of the Committee to call a meeting of the Committee and may attend at such meeting or inform the Committee of a specific matter of concern to such director, and may participate in such meeting to the extent permitted by the Chair of the Committee.
A - 1
The Committee shall meet at least annually with the Corporation's Chief Financial Officer and external auditors in separate executive sessions. Notice of every meeting shall be given to the external auditor, who shall, at the expense of the Corporation, be entitled to attend and to be heard thereat. The external auditor or any member of the Committee may also request a meeting of the Committee.
Meetings of the Committee shall be validly constituted if a majority of the members of the Committee is present in person or by telephone conference. A resolution in writing signed by all the members of the Committee entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of the Committee is as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Committee.
The Committee shall submit the minutes of all meetings to the Board, and when requested to, shall discuss the matters discussed at each Committee meeting with the Board.
4. Committee Charter and Performance
The Committee shall have a written charter that sets out its mandate and responsibilities and the Committee shall review and assess the adequacy of such charter and the effectiveness of the Committee at least annually or otherwise, as it deems appropriate, and propose recommended changes to the Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee who will do the same and recommend changes to the Board for its approval. Unless and until replaced or amended, this mandate constitutes that charter.
5. Committee Authority and Responsibilities
The Committee shall have the power and authority of the Board to perform the following duties and fulfill the following responsibilities:
5.1 External Audit
The Committee shall be directly responsible for overseeing the work of the external auditors in preparing or issuing the auditor's report, including the resolution of disagreements between management and the external auditors regarding financial reporting and audit scope or procedures. In carrying out this duty, the Committee shall:
(a) |
recommend to the Board the external auditor to be nominated by the shareholders for the purpose of preparing or issuing an auditor's report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Corporation; |
|
(b) |
review (by discussion and enquiry) the external auditors' proposed audit scope and approach; |
|
(c) |
review the performance of the external auditors and recommend to the Board the appointment or discharge of the external auditors; |
|
(d) |
review and recommend to the Board the compensation to be paid to the external auditors; |
|
(e) |
ensure the rotation of partners on the audit engagement team of the external auditors as may be required by applicable law; and |
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(f) |
review and confirm the independence of the external auditors by reviewing the non-audit services provided and the external auditors' assertion of their independence in accordance with professional standards. |
5.2 Internal Control
The Committee shall consider whether adequate controls are in place over annual and interim financial reporting as well as controls over assets, transactions and the creation of obligations, commitments and liabilities of the Corporation. In carrying out this duty, the Committee shall:
(a) |
evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of management's system of internal controls over the accounting and financial reporting system within the Corporation; and |
|
(b) |
ensure that the external auditors discuss with the Committee any event or matter which suggests the possibility of fraud, illegal acts or deficiencies in internal controls. |
5.3 Financial Reporting
The Committee shall review with management and external auditors, as necessary, and recommend to the Board for approval, the financial statements and financial information. In carrying out this duty, the Committee shall:
General
(a) |
review significant accounting and financial reporting issues, especially complex, unusual and related party transactions; |
|
(b) |
review and ensure that the accounting principles selected by management in preparing financial statements are appropriate; |
|
(c) |
ensure that management has designed, implemented and is maintaining an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures; |
Annual Financial Statements
(d) |
review the draft annual financial statements and provide a recommendation to the Board with respect to the approval of the financial statements; |
|
(e) |
meet with management and the external auditors to review the financial statements and the results of the audit, including any difficulties encountered; |
|
(f) |
review, and recommend to the Board for approval, management's discussion and analysis respecting the annual reporting period prior to its release to the public; |
Interim Financial Statements
(g) |
review, and recommend to the Board for approval, the interim financial statements prior to their release to the public; |
|
(h) |
review, and recommend to the Board for approval, management's discussion and analysis respecting the interim reporting period prior to its release to the public; and |
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Release of Financial Information
(i) |
review, and recommend to the Board for approval, prior to their release all other public disclosure documents, including news releases, annual reports, annual information forms and offering documents containing financial information; |
5.4 Non-Audit Services
All non-audit services (being services other than services rendered for the audit and review of the financial statements or services that are normally provided by the external auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements) which are proposed to be provided by the external auditors to the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation shall be subject to the prior approval of the Committee.
Delegation of Authority
(a) |
The Committee may delegate to one or more independent members of the Committee the authority to approve non-audit services, provided any non-audit services approved in this manner must be presented to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting. |
De-Minimis Non-Audit Services
(b) |
The Committee may satisfy the requirement for the pre-approval of non-audit services if: |
||
(i) |
the aggregate amount of all non-audit services that were not pre-approved is reasonably expected to constitute no more than five per cent of the total amount of fees paid by the Corporation and its subsidiaries to the external auditor during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; or |
||
(ii) |
the services are brought to the attention of the Committee and approved, prior to the completion of the audit, by the Committee or by one or more of its members to whom authority to grant such approvals has been delegated. |
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
(c) |
The Committee may also satisfy the requirement for the pre-approval of non- audit services by adopting specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services, if: |
||
(i) |
the pre-approval policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service; |
||
(ii) |
the Committee is informed of each non-audit service; and |
||
(iii) |
the procedures do not include delegation of the Committee's responsibilities to management. |
5.5 Other Responsibilities
The Committee shall:
(a) |
establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Corporation regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters; |
|
(b) |
assist the Board in the discharge of its duties relating to risk assessment and risk management; |
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(c) |
establish procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Corporation of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; |
|
(d) |
ensure that significant findings and recommendations made by management and external auditor are received and discussed on a timely basis; |
|
(e) |
review any inquiries, investigations or audits of a financial nature by governmental, regulatory or taxing authorities; |
|
(f) |
review the policies and procedures in effect for considering officers' expenses and perquisites; and |
|
(g) |
perform other oversight functions as requested by the Board. |
5.6 Reporting Responsibilities
The Committee shall regularly update the Board about committee activities and any issues that arise with respect to the quality or integrity of the Corporation's financial statements, compliance with legal or regulatory requirements, the performance and independence of the external auditors or the internal audit function and make appropriate recommendations.
6. Resources and Authority of the Committee to Engage Outside Advisors
The Corporation shall provide the Committee with the resources, and the Committee shall have the authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities including the authority, to:
(a) |
engage independent counsel and other outside advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its duties; |
|
(b) |
set and pay the compensation for any advisors engaged by the Committee; and |
|
(c) |
communicate directly with the internal and external auditors. |
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KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
2 |
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Managements responsibility for financial reporting
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the management of the Company in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and, where appropriate, reflect managements best estimates and judgments based on currently available information. A system of internal control is maintained to provide reasonable assurance that financial information is accurate and reliable. Management conducts ongoing reviews of these controls and reports on their findings to the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors meets periodically with management and the independent auditors to review the scope and results of the annual audit, and to review the consolidated financial statements and related financial reporting matters prior to submitting the financial statements to the Board of Directors for approval.
The Companys independent auditors conduct their audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards to allow them to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements.
Paul Huet (sgd.), | Barry Dahl (sgd.), | |
President and Chief Executive Officer | Chief Financial Officer |
3 |
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
March 25, 2015
Independent Auditors Report
To the Shareholders of Klondex Mines Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Klondex Mines Ltd., which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the consolidated statements of income (loss), comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and changes in equity for the years then ended, and the related notes, which comprise a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management’s responsibility for the consolidated financial statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP | |
PricewaterhouseCoopers Place, 250 Howe Street, Suite 700, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C3S7 | |
T : +1 604 806 7000, F : +1 604 806 7806, www.pwc.com/ca | |
PwC refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. |
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Klondex Mines Ltd. as at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and its financial
performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
signed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
2
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Assets | ||||||
Current assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 52,770 | $ | 13,509 | ||
Receivables (note 5) | 3,807 | 49 | ||||
Inventories (note 6) | 25,079 | - | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other (note 7) | 4,771 | 273 | ||||
86,427 | 13,831 | |||||
Mineral properties, plant and equipment (note 8) | 187,665 | 2,154 | ||||
Exploration and evaluation assets (note 8) | - | 93,421 | ||||
Reclamation bonds (note 9) | 21,808 | 446 | ||||
Deferred tax asset (note 16) | 306 | - | ||||
Total assets | $ | 296,206 | $ | 109,852 | ||
Liabilities | ||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 10) | $ | 13,611 | $ | 6,459 | ||
Income taxes payable (note 16) | 1,370 | - | ||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement, current (note 12) | 10,278 | - | ||||
Loans payable, current (note 13) | 3,664 | 7,000 | ||||
Derivative liability related to gold supply agreement, current (note 14) | 1,495 | - | ||||
30,418 | 13,459 | |||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement (note 12) | 23,618 | - | ||||
Loans payable (note 13) | 18,613 | - | ||||
Derivative liability related to gold supply agreement (note 14) | 3,578 | 8,763 | ||||
Decommissioning provision (note 15) | 21,442 | 1,194 | ||||
Deferred tax liability (note 16) | 5,978 | - | ||||
Total liabilities | 103,647 | 23,416 | ||||
Shareholders' Equity | ||||||
Share capital (note 17) | 184,292 | 111,596 | ||||
Contributed surplus (note 17) | 24,822 | 14,545 | ||||
Deficit | (25,650 | ) | (43,951 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 9,095 | 4,246 | ||||
Total shareholders' equity | 192,559 | 86,436 | ||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 296,206 | $ | 109,852 |
See Contingencies (note 24)
Approved on behalf of
the Board of Directors:
Paul Huet (sgd.), Director | James Haggarty (sgd.), Director |
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) |
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) |
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Revenues | $ | 121,693 | $ | - | ||
Cost of sales | ||||||
Production costs | 59,985 | - | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | 25,664 | - | ||||
Gross profit | 36,044 | - | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 9,953 | 4,614 | ||||
Income (loss) from operations | 26,091 | (4,614 | ) | |||
Business acquisition costs (note 4) | (2,257 | ) | (804 | ) | ||
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivative (note 14) | 3,671 | (8,763 | ) | |||
Finance charges (note 18) | (9,683 | ) | - | |||
Foreign currency gain (note 19) | 8,973 | 60 | ||||
Other expenses | (845 | ) | - | |||
Income (loss) before tax | 25,950 | (14,121 | ) | |||
Income tax expense (note 16) | 7,649 | - | ||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 18,301 | $ | (14,121 | ) | |
Net income (loss) per share | ||||||
Basic | $ | 0.16 | $ | (0.21 | ) | |
Diluted | $ | 0.16 | $ | (0.21 | ) | |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (note 20) | ||||||
Basic | 115,481,622 | 66,240,800 | ||||
Diluted | 117,909,471 | 66,240,800 |
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 18,301 | $ | (14,121 | ) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | ||||||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss | ||||||
Foreign currency translation | 4,849 | 5,473 | ||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | - | (5 | ) | |||
Impairment of marketable securities | - | 20 | ||||
4,849 | 5,488 | |||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 23,150 | $ | (8,633 | ) |
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities | ||||||
Income (loss) for the year | $ | 18,301 | $ | (14,121 | ) | |
Items not involving cash | ||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 25,664 | 63 | ||||
Change in fair value of derivative | (3,690 | ) | 8,763 | |||
Finance charges | 9,174 | - | ||||
Unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) | (8,973 | ) | (33 | ) | ||
Write-off of marketable securities | - | 20 | ||||
Deferred tax expense | 6,278 | - | ||||
Share-based compensation | 3,310 | 1,174 | ||||
Accretion on decommission provision | 509 | 16 | ||||
Deliveries under gold purchase agreement | (9,702 | ) | - | |||
40,871 | (4,118 | ) | ||||
Changes in non-cash working capital | ||||||
Receivables | (248 | ) | (32 | ) | ||
Inventories | (14,670 | ) | - | |||
Prepaid expenses | (1,470 | ) | (11 | ) | ||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 9,220 | 1,037 | ||||
Income taxes payable | 1,371 | - | ||||
Income taxes paid | (1,988 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 33,086 | (3,124 | ) | |||
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities | ||||||
Cash paid for acquisition of Midas | (63,670 | ) | - | |||
Expenditures on mineral properties, plant and equipment | (33,214 | ) | (24,915 | ) | ||
Proceeds from sale of mineralized material | 3,025 | 8,428 | ||||
Cash payments for reclamation bonds | (31,302 | ) | - | |||
Reclamation bond recovered, net | 7,642 | 1,146 | ||||
Interest received | 67 | - | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (117,452 | ) | (15,341 | ) | ||
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ||||||
Issuance of share capital, net | 71,075 | 19,284 | ||||
Proceeds under gold purchase agreement, net | 35,982 | - | ||||
Proceeds from gold royalty advance | 1,367 | - | ||||
Proceeds from debt, net | 23,109 | 6,952 | ||||
Repayment of debt | (7,000 | ) | (12,262 | ) | ||
Interest paid | (2,722 | ) | (283 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 121,811 | 13,691 | ||||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances | 1,816 | 234 | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | 39,261 | (4,540 | ) | |||
Cash, beginning of year | 13,509 | 18,049 | ||||
Cash, end of year | $ | 52,770 | $ | 13,509 |
See supplemental cash flow information (note 21)
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Issued share capital | ||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | 111,596 | $ | 92,086 | ||
Common shares issued, net of issuance costs | 55,405 | 17,972 | ||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 410 | 78 | ||||
Stock options exercised | 873 | 167 | ||||
Warrants exercised | 16,008 | 1,293 | ||||
Balance at end of year | 184,292 | 111,596 | ||||
Contributed surplus | ||||||
Balance at beginning of year | 14,545 | 13,257 | ||||
Subscription receipts | 507 | - | ||||
Warrants issued on senior debt | 1,754 | 341 | ||||
Warrants issued on Midas acquisition | 6,500 | - | ||||
Stock options exercised | (274 | ) | (61 | ) | ||
Warrants exercised | (1,110 | ) | (246 | ) | ||
Share based compensation | 2,900 | 1,254 | ||||
Balance at end of year | 24,822 | 14,545 | ||||
Deficit | ||||||
Balance at beginning of year | (43,951 | ) | (29,830 | ) | ||
Income (loss) for the year | 18,301 | (14,121 | ) | |||
Balance at end of year | (25,650 | ) | (43,951 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||
Balance at beginning of year | 4,246 | (1,242 | ) | |||
Reallocation of AOCI on marketable securities | - | 20 | ||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | - | (5 | ) | |||
Exchange rate differences on translation from functional to presentation currency | 4,849 | 5,473 | ||||
Balance at end of year | 9,095 | 4,246 | ||||
Total shareholders equity | $ | 192,559 | $ | 86,436 |
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
1. |
Nature of Operations |
Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) is in the business of acquiring, owning, exploiting, and evaluating mineral properties, and developing these properties further or disposing of them when the evaluation is complete. The Company has interests in the Fire Creek project (the Fire Creek Project or Fire Creek) and the Midas mine and ore milling facility (collectively Midas Mine or Midas), as well as other properties, all located in the State of Nevada, USA. |
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The Company was incorporated on August 25, 1971 under the laws at British Columbia, Canada and its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol KDX. |
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The Companys registered office is 1055 West Hastings Street, Suite 2200, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6E 2E9. |
|
2. |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
Basis of presentation |
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The Companys consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). |
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The consolidated financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are entities over which the Company has control. The Company controls an entity when the Company is exposed to, or has right to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Companys subsidiaries, which are wholly owned, are 0985472 B.C. |
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Ltd, and its United States (U.S.) subsidiaries: Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc., Klondex Gold and Silver Mining Company, Klondex Midas Holding Limited and Klondex Midas Operations Inc. All intercompany transactions, balances, revenues and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. |
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The Company has determined that the functional currency of its Canadian companies is the Canadian dollar and the functional currency of its U.S. subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar (US$). |
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Certain amounts at December 31, 2013 have been reclassified to conform to presentation at December 31, 2014. |
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The financial statements were authorized for issue by the Companys board of directors on March 25, 2015. |
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Principles of consolidation |
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Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Company has control. The Company controls an entity when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. |
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These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries as constituted above. All inter-company transactions have been eliminated. |
|
Cash |
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Cash and cash equivalents are unrestricted as to use and consist of cash on hand, demand deposits and short term interest bearing investments with maturities of 90 days or less from the original date of acquisition and which can readily be liquidated to known amounts of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. Restricted cash balances are excluded from cash and cash equivalents, and are classified as either current or non -current assets, based upon the expiration date of the restriction. |
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Mineral properties and property and equipment
Mineral properties and property and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depletion or depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any. Cost comprises the fair value of consideration given to acquire or construct an asset and includes the direct charges associated with bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for putting it into use, along with the future cost of dismantling and removing the asset.
When parts of an item of plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property and equipment.
The cost of major overhauls of parts of property and equipment is recognized in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the Company, and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property and equipment are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.
Depletion
Mineral properties are depleted using the units-of-production method. Depletion is determined each period using a factor of gold equivalent ounces mined over the assets estimated recoverable resources.
Depreciation
Depreciation on property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method based on the assets expected useful lives. The expected useful lives by asset category are below:
Asset Category | Useful life |
Computers and software | 3 to 5 years |
Equipment | 5 to 10 years |
Furniture & fixtures | 3 to 5 years |
Vehicles | 3 to 5 years |
Milling facilities | 10 years |
Exploration and evaluation assets
Once a license to explore an area has been secured, expenditures on exploration and evaluation activities, are capitalized to exploration and evaluation assets. Exploration expenditures relate to the initial search for deposits with economic potential and to detailed assessments of deposits or other projects that have been identified as having economic potential. Once a commercially viable and technically feasible resource has been determined for an area and the decision to proceed with development has been approved, exploration and evaluation assets attributable to that area are first tested for impairment and then reclassified to mineral property, plant and equipment. Subsequent recovery of the resulting carrying value depends on successful development of the project. If the project is put into production, the costs of acquisition and exploration will be amortized over the life of the mineral property, using the units of production method. If a project does not prove viable, unrecoverable costs associated with the project are written off.
The determination of a commercially viable and technically feasible resource is assessed based on a combination of factors including:
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the extent to which mineral resources have been identified through a feasibility study or similar document; |
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|
the results of optimization studies and further technical evaluation carried out to mitigate project risks identified in the feasibility study; |
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the status of environmental permits; and, |
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the status of mining leases or permits. |
Proceeds from the sale of mineralized material during the exploration and evaluation stage are offset against the capitalized costs of the related project area.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Impairment of long-lived assets
At each reporting date, the Company reviews its long-lived assets to determine whether there are any indications of impairment. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment, if any.
Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit (CGU) to which the asset belongs. The recoverable amount is determined as the higher of fair value less direct costs of disposal (FVLCD) and the assets value in use. FVLCD is the amount that would be obtained from the sale of an asset or CGU in an arms length transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties, less the costs of disposal. For mineral assets, when a binding sale agreement is not readily available, FVLCD is often estimated using a discounted cash flow approach. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value. Estimated future cash flows are calculated using estimated recoverable reserves or resources, future commodity prices and future operating, capital and reclamation costs. The discount rate applied to the estimated future cash flows reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Determining the discount rate includes appropriate adjustments for the risk profile of the countries in which the individual CGUs operate. If the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognized as an expense in the statement of income (loss).
Non-financial assets that have been impaired are tested for possible reversal of the impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the impairment may have reversed. Where an impairment charge subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but only so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of depreciation, depletion, or amortization) had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. A reversal of impairment is recognized as a gain in the statement of income (loss).
Decommissioning provision
The Company records a liability based on managements estimate of costs for site closure and reclamation activities that the Company is legally or constructively required to remediate and the liability is recognized at the time environmental disturbance occurs. The resulting costs are capitalized to the corresponding asset. The provision for closure and reclamation liabilities is estimated using expected cash flows, based on engineering and environmental reports prepared by third party industry specialists, discounted at a pre-tax rate specific to the liability. The capitalized amount is amortized on the same basis as the related asset. The liability is adjusted for the accretion of the discounted obligation and any changes in the amount or timing of the underlying future cash flows. The provision is reviewed at each balance sheet date for changes to obligations, discount rates or lives of operations.
Income taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets also result from unused loss carry forwards, resource related pools and other deductions. A deferred tax asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
Current and deferred income tax expense or benefit are recognized in net earnings except when they arise as a result of items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case the related current and deferred income tax expense or benefit are also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Share capital
The proceeds from the exercise of stock options, warrants and escrow shares are recorded as share capital in the amount for which the option, warrant or escrow share enabled the holder to purchase a share in the Company. Commissions paid to underwriters, and other directly related share issue costs arising on the issue of the Companys shares are charged directly to share capital.
Valuation of equity units issued in private placements
The Company has adopted a residual value method with respect to the measurement of shares and warrants issued as private placement units. The residual value method first allocates value to the more easily measurable component based on fair value and then the residual value, if any, to the less easily measurable component.
The fair value of the common shares issued in the private placements was determined to be the more easily measurable component and were valued at their fair value, as determined by the closing quoted bid price on the announcement date. The balance, if any, was allocated to the attached warrants.
Share-based payments
The Company accounts for stock options granted to directors, officers, employees and nonemployees at fair value. The fair value of the options at the date of the grant is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and share-based payments are accrued and charged to operations over the vesting periods. If and when the stock options are exercised, the applicable amounts of contributed surplus are transferred to share capital.
The number of shares and options expected to vest is reviewed and adjusted at the end of each reporting period such that the amount recognized for services received as consideration for the equity instruments granted shall be based on the number of equity instruments that eventually vest. Charges for options that are forfeited before vesting are reversed from share-based payment reserve.
The expected price volatility is based on the historic volatility (based on the remaining life of the options), adjusted for any expected changes to future volatility due to available information.
Income (loss) per share
Basic income (loss) per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the year.
The Company uses the treasury stock method of calculating diluted per share amounts whereby any proceeds from the exercise of stock options or other dilutive instruments are assumed to be used to purchase common shares at the average market price during the period.
Foreign currency translation
The functional currency of the parent Company and each of its subsidiaries is measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which that entity operates. The consolidated financial statements are presented in
Canadian dollars which is the parent companys functional and presentation currency. The functional currency of the
Companys Canadian subsidiary is the Canadian dollar and the functional currency of its U.S. subsidiaries is the US dollar.
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency monetary items are translated at the period-end exchange rate. Exchange differences arising on the translation of monetary items or on settlement of monetary items are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost continue to be carried at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Parent and Subsidiary Companies (Group)
The financial results and position of foreign operations whose functional currency is different from the presentation currency are translated as follows:
Assets and liabilities of entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency at the period-end rates of exchange, and the results of their operations are translated into the presentation currency at average rates of exchange for the period. The resulting exchange differences are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders' equity.
Financial instruments
Financial Assets
All financial assets are initially recorded at fair value and designated upon inception into one of the following categories: available for sale, loans and receivables or at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL).
Financial assets classified as FVTPL are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized through profit and loss. Regular way purchases and sales of FVTPL financial assets are accounted for at trade date, as opposed to settlement date.
Financial assets classified as loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost. The Companys cash, receivables, and reclamation bonds are classified as loans and receivables.
Financial assets classified as available for sale are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) except for losses in value that are significant or prolonged.
Transactions costs associated with FVTPL financial assets are expensed as incurred, while transaction costs associated with all other financial assets are included in the initial carrying amount of the asset.
Financial liabilities
All financial liabilities are initially recorded at fair value and designated upon inception as FVTPL or other financial liabilities.
Financial liabilities classified as other financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs. After initial recognition, other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The Companys accounts payable, due to related parties, loans payable and obligations under gold purchase agreement are classified as other financial liabilities.
Financial liabilities classified as FVTPL include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition as FVTPL. Derivatives, including separated embedded derivatives, are also classified as FVTPL unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Fair value changes on financial liabilities classified as FVTPL are recognized through profit and loss.
Derivatives
Financial assets and liabilities classified as derivatives include financial instruments that do not qualify as hedges. Derivatives are measured at fair value each reporting period with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the consolidated statements of income (loss) in the period of valuation. See notes 14 and 23.
Fair Value
The Company measures financial instruments, such as derivatives, at fair value at each balance sheet date. The fair values of financial instruments measured at amortized cost are disclosed in Note 23. Also, from time to time, the fair values of non-financial assets and liabilities are required to be determined, e.g., when the entity acquires a business, or where an entity measures the recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit (CGU) at fair value less costs of disposal.
15
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant's ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest and best use.
The Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs. Changes in estimates and assumptions about these inputs could affect the reported fair value
New accounting policies
The accounting policies used in the consolidated financial statements are consistent with those of the previous year, except as described below.
The Company adopted new accounting policies as described below because of the transition of the Fire Creek Project to the bulk-sample production stage from the evaluation and exploration stage and because of the acquisition of the Midas Mine.
Business combinations: The Company applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair values of the assets and liabilities transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Company. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
Where the initial accounting for the business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Company reports provisional amounts for the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. During the measurement period, the Company will retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized at that date. The measurement period will not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
Revenue recognition: Revenue related to sales of gold and silver is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. This is considered to have occurred when title passes to the buyer pursuant to the related purchase agreement. Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will receive economic benefits and is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable less any applicable discounts.
Mining taxes and royalties: Mining taxes and royalties are treated and disclosed as current and deferred taxes if they have the characteristics of an income tax. This is considered to be the case when they are imposed under government authority and the amount payable is calculated by reference to revenue (net of any allowable deductions).
Inventories: Inventories, which include supplies, in-process and finished goods are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
|
Supplies inventory: Supplies inventory consists of supplies used in mining and milling operations and spare parts. Costs include acquisition, freight and tax. Any provision for obsolescence is determined by reference to specific items of stock. A regular review is undertaken to determine the extent of any provision for obsolescence. |
16
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
In-process inventory: In-process inventory consists of ore in stockpiles and ore in circuit in the mill. Costs include all direct costs incurred in production and milling including labor, materials, overhead, depreciation and depletion. Net realizable value is the estimated future sales price of the product the entity expects to realize when the product is processed and sold, less estimated costs to complete production and bring the product to sale. |
|
|
Finished goods inventory: Finished goods inventory consists of doré gold and silver bars at the mill or at the third- party refiner and refined metal that is still under ownership of the Company. Costs include all costs of in-process inventory plus any additional refining costs incurred. |
Borrowing costs: Interest and other financing costs incurred that are attributable to acquiring and developing exploration and development stage mining properties and constructing new facilities (qualifying assets) are capitalized and included in the carrying amounts of qualifying assets until those qualifying assets are ready for their intended use.
Capitalization of borrowing costs incurred commences on the date the following three conditions are met:
| expenditures for the qualifying asset are being incurred; | |
| borrowing costs are being incurred; and, | |
| activities that are necessary to prepare the qualifying asset for its intended use are being undertaken. |
Borrowing costs incurred after the qualifying assets are ready for their intended use are expenses in the period in which they are incurred.
All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
Significant estimates and judgments
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual outcomes could differ from these judgments and estimates.
Significant areas where judgment is applied apart from those involving estimates are:
Reclassification of evaluation and exploration assets: The Company reclassifies assets from exploration and evaluation to production assets once recovery of the resource is deemed economically viable and technically feasible. At this point, the asset is tested for impairment then reclassified to mineral properties, plant and equipment.
Obligations under gold purchase agreement: Management determined the obligation to deliver gold within the gold purchase agreement is subject to the own use scope exception under IAS 39 which represents a significant judgment.
The judgment is based on the fact that the Company has the ability, and management has the intention, to deliver gold to meet this requirement.
Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of judgments and estimates that management has made at the statement of financial position date, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, relate to, but are not limited to, the following:
Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition: In the determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired through an acquisition accounted for as a business combination, management makes certain judgments and estimates regarding mineral reserves or resources, commodity prices, economic lives, reclamation costs and discount rates, among others. Due to the complex nature of the valuation process, information may become available following the initial determinations that could change the provisional measurement of assets and liabilities acquired.
The Company used a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of the mineral property, based on the life-of-mine plans. Expected future cash flows are based on estimates of future production and commodity prices, operating costs, and forecast capital expenditures using the life-of-mine plan as at the acquisition date.
A replacement-cost approach was used to determine the fair value of other property, plant and equipment.
17
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Work-in-process and production costs: The Company makes estimates of the amount of recoverable ounces in work-in- process inventory which is used in the determination of the cost of goods sold during the period. Changes in these estimates could result in a change in carrying value of inventories and mine operating costs in future periods. The Company monitors the recovery of gold ounces from the mill and could use this information to refine its original estimate. |
|
Depletion: The Company uses estimated recoverable gold equivalent ounces as the basis for determining the amortization of mineral properties and certain items of plant and equipment. This results in an amortization charge in the respective period proportionate to the depletion of the related mineral property. Determining the amount of recoverable gold equivalent ounces is complex and requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to geological sampling and modeling, future commodity prices and costs to extract and process the ore, among others. |
|
Income taxes: In assessing the probability of realizing income tax assets recognized, the Company makes estimates related to expectations of future taxable income, applicable tax planning opportunities, expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences and the likelihood that tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by a tax authority. |
|
3. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
The Company has adopted the new and revised standards and interpretations issued by the IASB listed below effective January 1, 2014. These changes were made in accordance with the transitional provisions outlined in the respective standards and interpretations. |
|
Amendment to IAS 32, Financial Instruments: Presentation on offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities. This amendment clarifies that the right of set-off must not be contingent on a future event. It must also be legally enforceable for all counterparties in the normal course of business, as well as in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy. The amendment also considers settlement mechanisms. The amendment did not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial statements. |
|
Amendments to IAS 36, Impairment of Assets (“IAS 36”), on the recoverable amount disclosures for non-financial assets. This amendment removed certain disclosures of the recoverable amount of CGUs which had been included in IAS 36 by the issue of IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement (“IFRS 13”). The amendments did not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial statements. |
|
IFRIC 21, Levies, sets out the accounting for an obligation to pay a levy if that liability is within the scope of IAS 37, Provisions. The interpretation addresses what the obligating event is that gives rise to pay a levy and when a liability should be recognized. The Company is not currently subjected to significant levies so the impact on the Company is not material. |
|
Annual Improvements 2010-2012 Cycle. In the 2010-2012 annual improvements cycle, the IASB issued seven amendments to six standards, which included an amendment to IFRS 13. The amendment to IFRS 13 is effective immediately and, thus, for periods beginning on January 1, 2014, and it clarifies in the basis for conclusions that short- term receivables and payables with no stated interest rates can be measured at invoice amounts when the effect of discounting is immaterial. This amendment to IFRS 13 had no impact on the Company’s financial statements. |
|
Other standards, amendments and interpretations which are effective for the financial year beginning on January 1, 2014 are not material to the Company. |
|
A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2014, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. None of these is expected to have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company, except the following set out below: |
|
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”), addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. The complete version of IFRS 9 was issued in July 2014. It replaces the guidance in IAS 39 that relates to the classification and measurement of financial instruments. IFRS 9 retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes three primary measurement categories for financial assets: amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (OCI) and FVTPL. There is now a new expected credit losses model that replaces the incurred loss impairment model used in IAS 39. For financial liabilities there were no changes to classification and measurement except for the recognition of changes in own credit risk in OCI, for liabilities designated at FVTPL. The standard is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has yet to assess the full impact of IFRS 9. |
18
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15), deals with revenue recognition and establishes principles for reporting useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entitys contracts with customers. Under IFRS 15, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of a good or service and thus has the ability to direct the use and obtain the benefits from the good or service. The standard replaces IAS 18, Revenue, and IAS 11, Construction Contracts, and related interpretations. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017 and earlier application is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact of IFRS 15. |
|
There are no other IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the Company. |
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4. |
Acquisition of Midas |
On February 11, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, which indirectly owns the Midas Mine, from Newmont USA Limited, a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation (Newmont) (the Acquisition). The aggregate purchase price totaled approximately $71.4 million, including 5,000,000 common share purchase warrants issued to Newmont with a 15-year term (note 17(c)), subject to acceleration in certain circumstances, and an exercise price of $2.15. In addition, the Company was required to deposit $31.6 million (US$28.6 million) in reclamation bonds (note 9) to replace Newmonts surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities. |
|
The Acquisition was financed through the net proceeds of the following: |
|
Equity: The Company completed a private placement on January 9, 2014 of 29.4 million subscription receipts at an issue price of $1.45 per subscription receipt for total gross proceeds of approximately $42.6 million. The subscription receipts automatically converted into common shares on a one-for-one basis in accordance with their terms upon closing of the Acquisition. |
|
Gold Purchase Agreement: The Company entered into a Gold Purchase Agreement with a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp. pursuant to which Klondex agreed to sell an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold to Franco-Nevada by December 31, 2018 at a pre-paid purchase price of US$33,763 in cash. |
|
Royalty Agreement : The Company granted to a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek and Midas properties in consideration for the payment of an aggregate of US$1,236 in cash. Monthly royalty payments will commence in 2019, after the scheduled gold deliveries under the gold purchase agreement are completed. The receipt of the proceeds of the NSR was accounted for as a reduction to mineral properties. |
|
Debt: The Company completed a private placement of units consisting of $25 million aggregate principal amount of 11.00% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants with a three-year term and an exercise price of $1.95 to a syndicate of lenders. |
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The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business acquisition with the purchase price allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as presented below. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company incurred costs of $2,257 and $804, respectively, related to the acquisition which have been expensed. |
19
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Purchase price | ||||
Cash | $ | 63,670 | ||
Warrants | 6,500 | |||
$ | 70,170 | |||
Net assets acquired | ||||
Inventory | $ | 2,044 | ||
Prepaid State of Nevada net proceeds tax | 3,028 | |||
Mineral properties | 22,345 | |||
Plant and equipment | 61,319 | |||
Reclamation liability | (17,249 | ) | ||
Deferred tax liability | (1,317 | ) | ||
$ | 70,170 |
5. |
Receivables |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Reclamation bond collateral (note 25) | $ | 3,510 | $ | - | |||
Others | 297 | 49 | |||||
$ | 3,807 | $ | 49 |
6. |
Inventories |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Supplies | $ | 1,661 | $ | - | |||
Stockpile | 6,265 | - | |||||
In-process | 6,086 | - | |||||
Finished goods | 11,067 | - | |||||
$ | 25,079 | $ | - |
Cost of inventories recognized as an expense in cost of sales for the sale of gold and silver for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $85,649. |
|
7. |
Prepaid Expenses and Others |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
State of Nevada net proceeds tax | $ | 3,182 | $ | - | |||
Others | 1,589 | 273 | |||||
$ | 4,771 | $ | 273 |
20
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
8. |
Mineral Properties, Plant and Equipment |
Exploration | |||||||||||||
and | |||||||||||||
Mineral | Plant and | evaluation | |||||||||||
properties | equipment | assets | Total | ||||||||||
Cost | |||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 | $ | - | $ | 3,766 | $ | 93,421 | $ | 97,187 | |||||
Acquisition of Midas (note 4) | 22,345 | 61,319 | - | 83,664 | |||||||||
Additions | 26,735 | 3,117 | 919 | 30,771 | |||||||||
Increase to decommissioning liability | - | 1,480 | - | 1,480 | |||||||||
Recoveries from the sale of gold | (4,596 | ) | - | - | (4,596 | ) | |||||||
Reclassifications | 94,340 | - | (94,340 | ) | - | ||||||||
Foreign exchange | 11,002 | 3,233 | - | 14,235 | |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2014 | 149,826 | 72,915 | - | 222,741 | |||||||||
Accumulated depreciation and depletion | |||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 | - | 1,612 | - | 1,612 | |||||||||
Additions | 24,021 | 7,788 | - | 31,809 | |||||||||
Disposals | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Foreign exchange | 1,296 | 359 | - | 1,655 | |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2014 | 25,317 | 9,759 | - | 35,076 | |||||||||
Net book value at December 31, 2014 | $ | 124,509 | $ | 63,156 | $ | - | $ | 187,665 |
Exploration | |||||||||||||
and | |||||||||||||
Mineral | Plant and | evaluation | |||||||||||
properties | equipment | assets | Total | ||||||||||
Cost | |||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2013 | $ | - | $ | 1,702 | $ | 69,471 | $ | 71,173 | |||||
Acquisition of Midas | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Additions | - | 1,870 | 27,071 | 28,941 | |||||||||
Recoveries from the sale of gold | - | - | (8,428 | ) | (8,428 | ) | |||||||
Reclassifications | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Foreign exchange | - | 194 | 5,307 | 5,501 | |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | - | 3,766 | 93,421 | 97,187 | |||||||||
Accumulated depreciation and depletion | |||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2013 | - | 650 | - | 650 | |||||||||
Additions | - | 895 | - | 895 | |||||||||
Disposals | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Foreign exchange | - | 67 | - | 67 | |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | - | 1,612 | - | 1,612 | |||||||||
Net book value at December 31, 2013 | $ | - | $ | 2,154 | $ | 93,421 | $ | 95,575 |
21
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
9. |
Reclamation Bonds |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Midas | $ | 21,045 | $ | - | |||
Fire Creek | 763 | 446 | |||||
$ | 21,808 | $ | 446 |
During 2014, the Company entered into a collateral trust agreement with an insurance company whereby surety bonds totaling US$28,071 (CAD$29,968) were issued to federal and state agencies to replace cash bonds deposited in connection with the acquisition of the Midas Mine. Under the terms of the agreement the Company paid a fee of 1.25% of the total surety bond amount. In July 2014, to the Company received US$7,000 (CAD$7,642) of cash from the surety bonds for the release of collateral. |
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10. |
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Trade accounts payable | $ | 10,704 | $ | 4,191 | |||
Accrued liabilities | 2,907 | 1,643 | |||||
Interest payable | - | 625 | |||||
$ | 13,611 | $ | 6,459 |
11. |
Related Party Transactions |
The Companys directors and officers are considered key management personnel and their compensation comprises the following: |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Salaries, bonuses and fees paid to directors and officers | $ | 1,853 | $ | 1,881 | |||
Share-based payments to directors and officers | 1,510 | 801 | |||||
$ | 3,363 | $ | 2,682 |
12. |
Obligations Under Gold Purchase Agreement |
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a gold purchase agreement with Franco-Nevada Corporation (Franco) for US$33.8 million. Pursuant to the terms, gold deliveries will be made at the end of each month with the first delivery date on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces is complete by December 31, 2018. Per the terms of the agreement, upon an event of default, an amount equal to US$1,250 per ounce undelivered to Franco will be come immediately due and payable. The debt is secured by substantially all the assets of the Company. Minimum scheduled deliveries of gold consisting of equal monthly installments by year per the agreement are as follows: |
Year | Ounces |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
22
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
The Company has accounted for the agreement as a loan with an embedded derivative that meets the own use exception and is therefore not marked to market. The loan is recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. At December 31, 2014, the current and long-term portions due were $10,278 (US$8,860) and $23,618 (US$20,358), respectively.
Balance at February 11, 2014 | $ | 37,224 | ||
Issuance costs | (1,249 | ) | ||
Interest expense and accretion of issuance costs | 5,857 | |||
Reduction in principal (delivery of gold) | (9,702 | ) | ||
Foreign currency loss (note 19) | 1,766 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2014, net of issuance costs | $ | 33,896 |
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company delivered 6,750 ounces of gold in accordance with the terms of the agreement. |
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13. |
Loans Payable |
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Senior unsecured loan | (a) | $ | - | $ | 7,000 | |||||
Senior secured facility, current portion | (b) | 3,664 | - | |||||||
Senior secured facility, long-term portion | (b) | 18,613 | ||||||||
$ | 22,277 | $ | 7,000 |
(a) |
Senior unsecured loan |
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On January 4, 2013, the Company completed a $7,000 placement of 9% Senior Unsecured Notes (Notes) due January 5, 2015, which were issued to investors at 98.0% of the principal amount. Investors in the Notes offering received a total of 525,000 warrants, each entitling the purchase of one common share at a price of $1.55 for a period of 18 months following their date of issue. |
||
The Company had the option to repay the loan early at an amount of 102.5% plus any unpaid accrued interest. At December 31, 2013, the Company accelerated the accretion of all warrants and borrowing costs and reclassified the full face value of the Notes ($7,000) as a current liability. On February 11, 2014, the Company paid the loan in full, including the 2.5% penalty for early repayment. |
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(b) |
Senior secured facility |
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On February 11, 2014 the Company completed a private placement of units consisting of $25 million aggregate principal amount of 11.0% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants with a three-year term and an exercise price of $1.95 to a syndicate of lenders. See note 17(c) for additional information regarding the warrants. The Company is required to make principal payments of $4 million per year payable in equal monthly installments beginning in January 2015. Interest is payable monthly throughout the life of the debt. The debt is secured by substantially all the assets of the Company. |
Principal amount at February 11, 2014 | $ | 25,000 | ||
Discount and issuance costs | (3,644 | ) | ||
Accretion of discount and issuance costs during 2014 | 921 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2014, net of discount and issuance costs | $ | 22,277 |
23
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
The Company has the option to repay the loan at any time on or after February 11, 2015 subject to repayment penalties as listed below:
Date | Redemption penalty |
February 11, 2015 to February 10, 2016 | 4% |
February 11, 2016 to February 10, 2017 | 2% |
February 11, 2017 to August 11, 2017 | No penalty |
14. |
Derivative Liability Related to Gold Supply Agreement |
|
|
On March 31, 2011 the Company entered into a gold supply agreement. Pursuant to this agreement the Company grants the buyer the right to purchase refined gold bullion during the term of the agreement from the Fire Creek Project for the five year period starting from the last day of February 2013. If the Fire Creek Project has not produced an aggregate of 150,000 ounces by February 28, 2018 the term will be extended until an aggregate of 185,000 ounces have been produced. The purchase price is the average settlement price of gold on the London Bullion Market Association, PM Fix for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the relevant pricing date. A 1.0% discount is applicable through February 29, 2016. If the price per ounce is less than US$900 at any time the discount will be nil. |
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|
|
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company received US$34,840 for 27,528 ounces of gold delivered under the agreement. |
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|
|
The Company has classified this agreement as a derivative instrument measured at fair value. At the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the current and long-term derivative values were $1,495 and $3,578, $nil and $8,763, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a gain on the change in fair value of the derivative of $3,671 (2013 loss of $8,763). |
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|
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15. |
Decommissioning Provision |
|
|
The Companys decommissioning provision is the result of drilling activities, underground tunneling, and other mine development activities at the Fire Creek and Midas properties. The Company estimated its decommissioning provision at December 31, 2014 based on a risk-free discount rate of 2.17% (2013 3.10%) and an inflation rate of 1.62% (2013 - 1.46%). Decommissioning is expected to begin in 2019 for Fire Creek and 2023 for Midas. |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 1,194 | $ | 594 | |||
Acquisition of Midas (note 4) | 17,249 | - | |||||
Change in provision | 1,480 | 584 | |||||
Accretion | 509 | 16 | |||||
Foreign exchange | 1,010 | - | |||||
Balance at end of period | $ | 21,442 | $ | 1,194 |
24
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
16. |
Income Tax |
The following table reconciles income taxes calculated at the statutory rate with the income tax expense presented in these consolidated income statements: |
(a) |
Income tax expense included in the statement of income (loss) is as follows: |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Current income tax expense | $ | 3,360 | $ | - | |||
Deferred income tax expense | 4,289 | - | |||||
$ | 7,649 | $ | - |
(b) |
The income tax expense differs from that computed by applying the applicable Canadian federal and provincial statutory rates before taxes as follows: |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 25,950 | $ | (14,121 | ) | ||
Canadian federal and provincial income tax rate | 26.00% | 25.75% | |||||
Income tax expense (recovery) based on Canadian federal and provincial income tax rates | 6,747 | (3,636 | ) | ||||
Increase (decrease) attributable to: | |||||||
Effects of different foreign statutory tax rates on earnings of subsidiaries | 859 | (1,045 | ) | ||||
State income tax expense | 2,872 | - | |||||
Permanent differences | 1,753 | 538 | |||||
Use of losses not previously recognized | (4,642 | ) | - | ||||
Change in deferred tax assets not recognized | 60 | 4,143 | |||||
Income tax expense | $ | 7,649 | $ | - |
(c) |
The significant components of the Companys deferred income tax assets (liabilities) as at December 31 are as follows: |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Deferred income tax assets | |||||||
Non-capital and capital losses carryovers | $ | 5,413 | $ | 13,107 | |||
Asset retirement obligations | 6,986 | 202 | |||||
Derivatives | 1,775 | 3,061 | |||||
Shares based compensation | 766 | 233 | |||||
Other | 4,528 | 672 | |||||
19,468 | 17,275 | ||||||
Deferred income tax assets not recognized | (6,302 | ) | (8,962 | ) | |||
13,166 | 8,313 | ||||||
Deferred income tax liabilities | (18,838 | ) | (8,313 | ) | |||
Net deferred income tax liabilities | $ | (5,672 | ) | $ | - | ||
Comprised of the following: | |||||||
Deferred tax asset | $ | 306 | $ | - | |||
Deferred tax liability | $ | (5,978 | ) | $ | - |
25
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
On the statement of the financial position, deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset where they related to income taxes within the same taxation jurisdiction and where the Company has the legal right and intend to offset. |
|
As at December 31, 2014, the Company and its subsidiaries had available Canadian operating loss carry forwards of $13,457 which expire between the years 2015 and 2034 and U.S. operating loss carry forwards of $5,733 which expire between 2019 and 2032. |
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Management believes that sufficient uncertainty exists regarding the realization of certain deferred tax assets such that they have not been recognized. The tax benefits not recognized reflect managements assessment regarding the future realization of Canadian and foreign tax assets and estimates of future earnings and taxable income in these jurisdictions as at December 31, 2014. |
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17. |
Share Capital |
a) |
Common shares: unlimited common shares with no par value |
|
b) |
Issued and outstanding share capital |
Number of shares | CAD | ||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 64,361,461 | $ | 92,086 | ||||
Short form prospectus, net of issuance costs | 14,200,000 | 17,972 | |||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 64,830 | 78 | |||||
Stock options exercised | 120,000 | 167 | |||||
Warrants exercised | 1,000,000 | 1,293 | |||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 79,746,291 | $ | 111,596 | ||||
Common shares issued, net of issuance costs | 37,450,000 | 55,405 | |||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 483,025 | 410 | |||||
Stock options exercised | 525,768 | 873 | |||||
Warrants exercised | 9,124,116 | 16,008 | |||||
Balance at December 31, 2014 | 127,329,200 | $ | 184,292 |
In connection with the Midas Acquisition in February 2014, the Company closed a private placement offering of subscription receipts for 29.4 million common shares. Each subscription receipt was issued at a purchase price of $1.45 and was converted into one common share of the Company. The Company received proceeds from the transaction of $40.5 million, net of transaction costs of $2,130.
On July 30, 2014, the Company completed a bought deal public offering (the Offering) for aggregate gross proceeds of $16.1 million. Under the Offering, the Company issued and sold 8,050,000 common shares, which included an over-allotment of 1,050,000 common shares, at a price of $2.00 per common share. The underwriters received a total of $665 cash commission, representing 5% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, excluding $2.8 million from subscriptions by purchasers on the president's list. As additional compensation, the Company granted the underwriters an aggregate of 266,000 compensation warrants, being an amount equal to 4% of the number of common shares sold, excluding the 1,400,000 common shares sold to purchasers on the president's list. The compensation warrants are exercisable at $2.25 per compensation warrant and may be exercised at any time during a period of 24 months following the closing date. See note 17(c) for additional information regarding the warrants.
26
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
c) |
Contributed Surplus |
a. |
Warrants outstanding |
|
A summary of the Companys share purchase warrants activity is presented below: |
Weighted | |||||||
Number of | average | ||||||
warrants | exercise price | ||||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012 | 17,105,849 | $ | 2.39 | ||||
Financing | |||||||
Warrants issued for bridge loan agreement | 1,000,000 | 1.21 | |||||
Warrants issued for Senior Unsecured Debt | 525,000 | 1.55 | |||||
Brokers warrants for Short-form Prospectus | 568,000 | 1.43 | |||||
Warrants exercised | (1,000,000 | ) | 1.21 | ||||
Warrants expired | (5,330,700 | ) | 3.50 | ||||
Brokers warrants expired | (564,084 | ) | 2.50 | ||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013 | 12,304,065 | $ | 1.80 | ||||
Financing | |||||||
Warrants issued with private placement offering | 1,176,000 | 1.55 | |||||
Warrants issued for Senior Secured Debt | 3,100,000 | 1.95 | |||||
Warrants issued for Acquisition of Midas (note 4) | 5,000,000 | 2.15 | |||||
Warrants issued for Short Form Prospectus | 266,000 | 2.25 | |||||
Warrants exercised | (9,124,116 | ) | 1.69 | ||||
Warrants expired | (966,823 | ) | 1.75 | ||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 | 11,755,126 | $ | 2.24 |
A summary of the Companys outstanding warrants at December 31, 2014 is presented below:
Weighted | |||||
Number of | average | Weighted | Number of | ||
Exercise price | warrants | remaining | average exercise | warrants | Weighted |
per share | outstanding | contractual life | price | exercisable | average life |
$1.00 - $1.49 | 525,826 | 0.80 | $1.43 | 525,826 | 0.80 |
$1.50 - $1.99 | 4,263,300 | 1.69 | $1.84 | 4,263,300 | 1.69 |
$2.00 - $2.49 | 5,566,000 | 12.98 | $2.17 | 5,566,000 | 12.98 |
$2.50 - $3.00 | 1,400,000 | 0.27 | $2.76 | 1,400,000 | 0.27 |
$1.00 - $3.00 | 11,755,126 | 6.83 | $2.24 | 11,755,126 | 6.83 |
The average fair value of each warrant issued is estimated on the issue date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions during the year ended December 31:
2014 | 2013 | ||
Estimated life in years | 9.14 | 1.20 | |
Risk free interest rate | 1.98% | 1.14% | |
Volatility | 45.50% | 46.36% |
The estimated volatility was determined based on the historical share price volatility over the estimated life of the warrants.
27
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
b. |
Option Plan Shares |
|
The Company has adopted a Share Incentive Plan (the Plan) governing the grant of options under the share option plan (the "Option Plan") and the grant of common shares under the share compensation plan (the "Share Compensation Plan"), in each case to eligible participants, which can include directors, officers, employees and service providers of the Company. The Option Plan provides that the aggregate number of common shares issuable pursuant to options granted under the Option Plan may not exceed 15% of the outstanding common shares at the time common shares are reserved for issuance as a result of the grant of an option, less (i) any common shares reserved for issuance under the share options granted under share compensation arrangements other than the Plan and (ii) any common shares reserved under the Share Compensation Plan. Options granted under the Plan will have a maximum term of ten years. The exercise price and vesting terms of options granted under the Option Plan are determined by the Board and set out in each option grant letter, provided that the exercise price of options granted under the Plan will not be less than the Volume Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") of the common shares for the 5 trading days prior to the date of grant. The aggregate number of common shares reserved for issuance to insiders under the Plan and all other share compensation arrangements, in the aggregate, shall not exceed 10% of the number of outstanding common shares, and the number of common shares issued to insiders, within any one year period, under the Plan and all other share compensation arrangements, in the aggregate, shall not exceed 10% of the outstanding common shares. |
||
A summary of the Companys stock options activity is presented below: |
Weighted | |||||||
average | |||||||
Number of options | exercise price | ||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 | 4,694,896 | $ | 1.34 | ||||
Options granted | 3,174,708 | 1.42 | |||||
Options exercised | (120,000 | ) | 0.88 | ||||
Options expired | (418,000 | ) | 1.41 | ||||
Options cancelled | (1,850,846 | ) | 1.28 | ||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 5,480,758 | 1.41 | |||||
Options granted | 5,318,063 | 1.95 | |||||
Options exercised | (525,768 | ) | 1.24 | ||||
Options forfeited | (182,698 | ) | 1.64 | ||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 | 10,090,355 | $ | 1.70 |
A summary of the Companys outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2014 is presented below:
Weighted | |||||
Number of | average | Weighted | Number of | ||
Exercise price | options | remaining | average exercise | options | Weighted |
per share | outstanding | contractual life | price | exercisable | average life |
$1.00 - $1.49 | 2,856,792 | 1.70 | $1.30 | 2,554,151 | 1.76 |
$1.50 - $1.99 | 4,202,500 | 2.49 | $1.36 | 1,600,833 | 1.46 |
$2.00 - $2.49 | 2,906,063 | 4.51 | $2.05 | 968,688 | 4.51 |
$2.50 - $3.00 | 125,000 | 1.03 | $2.53 | 125,000 | 1.03 |
$1.00 - $3.00 | 10,090,355 | 2.83 | $1.70 | 5,248,672 | 2.42 |
Total share-based compensation expense related to the share option plan incurred during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, were $2,473 and $1,174, respectively. The weighted average share price on date of exercise during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, were $1.99 and $0.88, respectively.
28
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
The average fair value of each option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions, during the years ended December 31:
2014 | 2013 | ||
Estimated life in years | 3.36 | 3.00 | |
Risk free interest rate | 1.31% | 1.22% | |
Volatility | 48.24% | 49.76% | |
Forfeiture rate | - | - |
c. |
Share Compensation Plan |
|
The Share Compensation Plan provides for, at the discretion of the Board, the issuance for no cash consideration of common shares, as a discretionary bonus, an employment inducement or general compensation, subject to such provisions and restrictions as the Board may determine, to eligible participants, which can include directors, officers, employees and service providers of the Company. The maximum number of common shares for the share compensation plan shall not exceed 1,288,482. The aggregate number of common shares reserved for issuance to insiders under the Plan and all other share compensation arrangements, in the aggregate, shall not exceed 10% of the number of outstanding common shares, and the number of common shares issued to insiders, within any one year period, under the Plan and all other share compensation arrangements, in the aggregate, shall not exceed 10% of the outstanding common shares. |
||
A summary of the Companys share compensation activity is presented below: |
Number of shares | Unvested shares | |||
Grant date | CAD Share price | issued | Vested | outstanding |
January 09, 2014 (1) | 1.63 | 15,525 | 5,175 | 10,350 |
April 28, 2014 (1) | 1.90 | 20,000 | 6,667 | 13,333 |
July 21, 2014 (2) | 2.09 | 230,000 | - | 230,000 |
July 31, 2014 (2) | 2.04 | 217,500 | - | 217,500 |
483,025 | 11,842 | 471,183 |
(1) |
Vesting schedule: one-third at grant date, one-third at first year anniversary and one-third at second year anniversary. Incentive shares were granted to executives during January and April 2014. |
|
(2) |
Vesting schedule: one-third at first year anniversary, one-third at the second year anniversary and one-third at third year anniversary |
Total share-based compensation expense related to the share compensation plan incurred during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $410 and $78, respectively.
18. |
Finance Charges |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
Finance Charges | 2014 | 2013 | |||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement (note 12) | $ | 5,857 | $ | - | |||
Senior secured facility (note 13) | 3,396 | - | |||||
Accretion of decommissioning provisions (note 15) | 509 | - | |||||
Other interest expense and income | (79 | ) | - | ||||
$ | 9,683 | $ | - |
In 2013, finance charges were capitalized to the Fire Creek project.
29
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
19. |
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Foreign currency loss on obligation under gold purchase agreement | $ | (1,766 | ) | $ | - | ||
Other foreign exchange gains | 10,739 | - | |||||
$ | 8,973 | $ | - |
20. |
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 115,481,622 | 66,240,800 | |||||
Dilution adjustments: | |||||||
Stock options (1) | 1,422,539 | - | |||||
Warrants (1) | 1,005,310 | - | |||||
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 117,909,471 | 66,240,800 |
(1) |
The impact of dilutive stock options and warrants was determined using the Companys average share price for the year ended December 31, 2014 of $1.91. In 2013, there were no dilutive securities. |
21. |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information |
The following significant non-cash financing transactions were recorded: |
December 31, | December31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Financing activities | |||||||
Warrants issued with private placement offering | $ | 507 | $ | - | |||
Warrants issued with senior debt (note 13) | 1,754 | 341 | |||||
Warrants issued on Midas acquisition (note 4) | 6,500 | - | |||||
Warrants issued for short-form prospectus | 106 | ||||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 410 | 78 |
30
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
22. |
Segment Information |
Following the acquisition of Midas and the advancement of Fire Creek into operations under the bulk sample permit, the |
|
Companys operations are now organized into three segments, the results of which are regularly reported to the Companys Chief Executive Officer. The Company identified reportable segments as any operating unit that has total revenue, earnings, losses, or assets that exceed 10% of the total consolidated revenue, earnings, losses, or assets. The table below summarizes the segment information: |
Corporate | |||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | and other | Total | ||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 80,648 | $ | 41,045 | $ | - | $ | 121,693 | |||||
Production costs | 27,856 | 32,129 | - | 59,985 | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 20,334 | 5,330 | - | 25,664 | |||||||||
Gross profit | 32,458 | 3,586 | - | 36,044 | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 337 | 337 | 9,279 | 9,953 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | $ | 32,121 | $ | 3,249 | $ | (9,279 | ) | $ | 26,091 | ||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 12,134 | $ | 17,528 | $ | 1,109 | $ | 30,771 | |||||
Total assets at December 31, 2014 | $ | 114,452 | $ | 152,363 | $ | 29,391 | $ | 296,206 |
During the year ended December 31, 2014, Fire Creek recorded a total of $2,011 related to mill depreciation transferred from the Midas mine and ore milling facility.
Corporate | |||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | and other | Total | ||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Production costs | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Gross profit | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | - | - | 4,614 | 4,614 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (4,614 | ) | $ | (4,614 | ) | |||
Capital expenditures | $ | 28,941 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 28,941 | |||||
Total assets at December 31, 2013 | $ | 97,098 | $ | - | $ | 12,754 | $ | 109,852 |
23. |
Financial Instruments |
a) |
Credit risk |
|
Credit risk arises from the non-performance by counter parties of contractual financial obligations. The Company maintains its cash with major banks and financial institutions. The Company manages credit risk for trade receivables through credit monitoring processes and by trading with highly rated parties for the sale of metal. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the Companys financial assets. |
||
b) |
Market risk |
|
Market risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Market risk comprises three types of risk: commodity price risk, interest rate risk and currency risk. Financial instruments affected by market risk include loans and borrowings, deposits, trade receivables, trade payables, accrued liabilities and derivative financial instruments. |
||
Price risk |
||
The Company is exposed to the risk of fluctuations in prevailing market commodity prices on the mix of mineral products it produces. |
31
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Interest rate risk |
||
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Companys exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Companys long-term debt obligations. |
||
At December 31, 2014, the Company was not subject to or exposed to any material interest rate risk. See note 13 for interest rates on loans outstanding. |
||
Foreign currency risk |
||
Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. |
||
c) |
Liquidity risk |
|
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations when they fall due. The |
||
Company manages this risk through management of its capital structure. Based on managements and the Board of Directors review of ongoing operations, the Company may revise the timing of capital expenditures, is sue equity and/or pursue other loan facilities. |
||
The Companys current assets exceed current liabilities by approximately $56.0 million at December 31, 2014. The Company enters into contractual obligations in the normal course of business operations. Management believes the |
||
Companys requirements for capital expenditures, working capital and ongoing commitments can be financed from existing cash, from gold and silver sales from operations and by acquiring new loans or issuing equity. |
||
d) |
Fair value hierarchy |
|
Financial instruments recorded at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial position are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels: |
i. |
Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; |
|
ii. |
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; and |
|
iii. |
Level 3 Input for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data. |
At December 31, 2014, the Company had a derivative instrument classified as a liability in the consolidated statements of financial position of $5,073. The derivative falls within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See note 14 for additional information regarding the valuation techniques and inputs used in determining the fair value of the derivative.
Financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on the statement of financial position are cash, receivables, reclamation bonds, accounts payable and loans payable.
32
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & NOTES
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
24. |
Contingencies |
During the year ended December 31, 2012, two directors of the Company resigned and the controller/secretary of the US subsidiary was terminated for cause. Subsequent to the directors’ resignations, the Company determined that each individual breached certain duties and would be terminated for cause retroactive to June 27, 2012. Accordingly, certain termination benefits of $1,048, which may have been payable under the employment contracts, have not been recorded in the accounts at December 31, 2014. Two of the former directors and the controller/secretary filed claims against the Company for severance benefits and to reinstate their stock options. The outcome of the claims cannot be determined at this time. |
|
25. |
Subsequent Events |
On January 5, 2015 the Company received US$3,029 in cash from the release of collateral funds related to surety bonds of the Midas mine and ore milling facility. |
33
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This Management's Discussion & Analysis (" MD& A ") provides a discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Klondex Mines Ltd. (" Klondex " or the " Company ") to assist a reader in assessing material changes in the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as at and for the year ended December 31, 2014. This MD& A should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014, which are available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are advised to refer to the sections under the headings "Cautionary Notes Technical Information", "Cautionary Notes Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in this MD&A. Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's Annual Information Form, is available on www.SEDAR.com.
The Company's audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (" IFRS ") as issued by the International Accounting S tandards Board (" IASB "). Unless otherwise stated, all currency amounts included in this MD& A are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share and per ounce amounts.
This MD&A has been prepared as at March 25, 2015.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Klondex focuses on gold and silver exploration, development, and production in north central Nevada, from its two gold and silver projects: the Fire Creek project (the " Fire Creek Project " or " Fire Creek ") operating under a bulk sampling program begun in 2013 and the Midas mine and milling facility (collectively, the " Midas Mine" or "Midas "). The Midas Mine is fully-permitted and has been producing gold and silver since 1998. The Company is building value for its shareholders and presents the 2014 highlights below:
| Net income was $18.3 million ($0.16 per basic share) ; | |
| Cash provided by operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital was $40.9 million; | |
| Cash balances were $52.8 million at the end of the year; | |
|
The Company sold 88,352 gold equivalent ounces (GEO) comprised of 70,661 gold ounces and 1,117,288 silver ounces accounted for as revenue; and, sold 2,439 gold ounces accounted for as a credit to the carrying value of the Fire Creek Project; |
|
|
Production costs per GEO sold were $679 for the year. (The term Production costs per GEO sold is a non-IFRS measure and is described under the heading "Non-IFRS Measures"): |
o | Fire Creek production costs per GEO sold were $482 for the year; and, | |
o | Midas production costs per GEO sold were $1,052 for the year; |
| Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $526. (The term Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis is a non-IFRS measures and is described under the heading "Non- IFRS Measures"): |
o | Fire Creek production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $470; and, | |
o | Midas production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $759; and, | |
o | All in sustaining costs (a non-IFRS measured described under the heading Non-IFRS Measures) were $848 for the year. |
| On September 19, 2014, Klondex was added to the S&P/TSX Small Cap Index which serves as an investable index in addition to a benchmark for the Canadian small cap market. |
Operational highlights:
| In 2014, the Company recovered 107,861 GEO comprised of 86,239 gold ounces and 1,365,586 silver ounces: |
o | Fire Creek recovered 67,181 gold ounces and 63,656 silver ounces; and, |
- 2
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
o | Midas recovered 19,058 gold ounces and 1,301,930 silver ounces; |
| All major infrastructure for Fire Creek is in place; | |
|
On September 30, 2014, the Company announced a 37% increase in Midass measured and indicated ounces and reported measured and indicated ("M&I") mineral resources of 526K gold equivalent ounces at an average grade of 0.471 AuEq opt within 1,117K tons and inferred resources of 287K gold equivalent ounces at an average grade of 0.334 AuEq opt within 858K tons, using a gold price of US$1,200 per ounce and a silver price of US$19 per ounce; |
|
|
On January 29, 2015, the Company announced a 47% increase in Fire Creeks M&I ounces and reported M&I mineral resources of 420.5K gold equivalent ounces at an average grade of 1.11 AuEq opt within 377.4K tons and inferred mineral resources of 363.3 gold equivalent ounces at an average grade of 0.43 AuEq opt within 840.0K tons, using a gold price of US$1,200 per ounce and a silver price of US$19 per ounce; |
|
| On February 23, 2015, the Company announced initial mineral reserve estimates for each of Fire Creek and Midas: |
o |
Fire Creeks proven and probable mineral reserves are 241.4K gold equivalent ounces contained in 185.8K tons at an average grade of 1.300 AuEq opt, using a gold price of US$1,000 per ounce and silver of US$15.83 per ounce; and, |
|
o |
Midas proven and probable mineral reserves are 132.6K gold equivalent ounces contained in 242.1K tons at an average grade of 0.548 AuEq opt, a gold price of US$1,000 per ounce and silver of US$15.83 per ounce; and, |
On March 17, 2015, the Company filed a technical report titled "Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada" in support of the mineral reserve estimate at Fire Creek. The report is available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .
Corporate highlights:
|
On February 11, 2014, the Company acquired the Midas Mine from Newmont USA Limited. The Midas acquisition was financed through a subscription receipt financing, a debt financing and the gold purchase arrangement; |
|
|
On July 30, 2014, the Company completed a bought-deal public offering of common shares of the Company for aggregate gross proceeds of $16,100,000 (the Offering); |
|
|
Richard J. Hall joined the Board of Directors as its Chairman in September 2014. Blair Schultz, former Chairman, became an executive director and continues to have an active role in the Company; |
|
|
On April 15, 2014, Brent Kristof joined Klondex as the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Brian Morris joined the Company as Vice President of Exploration and Geology Services effective January 2015. |
- 3
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
SUMMARY OF ANNUAL RESULTS
The following is a summary of the Company's financial results for the three most recently completed years:
December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Revenue | $ | 121,693 | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Net income (loss) | $ | 18,301 | $ | (14,121 | ) | $ | (3,832 | ) | |
Net Income (loss) per basic share | $ | 0.16 | $ | (0.21 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | |
Net Income (loss) per diluted share | $ | 0.16 | $ | (0.21 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | |
Price per share | $ | 1.95 | $ | 1.61 | $ | 1.25 | |||
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 33,086 | $ | (3,124 | ) | $ | (2,358 | ) | |
Cash | $ | 52,770 | $ | 13,509 | $ | 18,049 | |||
Current assets | $ | 86,427 | $ | 13,831 | $ | 18,327 | |||
Current liabilities | $ | 30,418 | $ | 13,459 | $ | 15,511 | |||
Non-current liabilities | $ | 73,229 | $ | 9,957 | $ | 594 | |||
Working capital | $ | 56,009 | $ | 372 | $ | 2,816 | |||
Total assets | $ | 296,206 | $ | 109,852 | $ | 90,375 |
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following is a summary of the Company's financial results for the eight most recently completed quarters presented in millions, except per share amounts:
Q4 | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | |||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2013 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 44.6 | $ | 38.0 | $ | 36.4 | $ | 2.6 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||
Net Income (loss) | $ | 9.0 | $ | 7.2 | $ | 4.4 | $ | (2.4 | ) | $ | (11.4 | ) | $ | (1.0 | ) | $ | (0.8 | ) | $ | (1.0 | ) | |||
Net Income (loss) per basic share | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | |||
Net Income (loss) per diluted share | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | |||
Price per share | $ | 1.95 | $ | 1.79 | $ | 2.00 | $ | 1.92 | $ | 1.61 | $ | 1.39 | $ | 1.18 | $ | 1.12 | ||||||||
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 10.7 | $ | 12.1 | $ | 16.6 | $ | (6.3 | ) | $ | (1.0 | ) | $ | (0.4 | ) | $ | (0.8 | ) | $ | (0.9 | ) | |||
Cash | $ | 52.8 | $ | 43.2 | $ | 15.1 | $ | 7.6 | $ | 13.5 | $ | 1.0 | $ | 1.1 | $ | 7.9 | ||||||||
Current assets | $ | 86.4 | $ | 72.8 | $ | 42.1 | $ | 24.6 | $ | 13.8 | $ | 2.7 | $ | 1.4 | $ | 8.1 | ||||||||
Current liabilities | $ | 30.4 | $ | 24.6 | $ | 20.9 | $ | 22.6 | $ | 13.5 | $ | 8.9 | $ | 6.3 | $ | 5.7 | ||||||||
Working capital | $ | 56.0 | $ | 48.2 | $ | 21.2 | $ | 2.0 | $ | 0.4 | $ | (6.2 | ) | $ | (4.9 | ) | $ | 2.4 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 296.2 | $ | 273.7 | $ | 237.7 | $ | 237.3 | $ | 109.9 | $ | 92.1 | $ | 91.2 | $ | 88.3 |
The 17% increase in revenue during the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the prior quarter, is primarily due to an increase of gold equivalent ounces sold. Prior to and including the first quarter of 2014, proceeds from gold sales from the bulk sampling program at Fire Creek were recorded as an offset to mineral properties. Klondex acquired Midas in the first quarter of 2014 and began to recognize revenue from Midas in the first quarter. The Company began to recognize revenue from Fire Creek in the second quarter of 2014.
- 4
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Three months ended | Yearended | |||||||||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Revenues | $ | 44,609 | $ | - | $ | 121,693 | $ | - | ||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||
Production costs | 22,333 | - | 59,985 | - | ||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 10,764 | - | 25,664 | - | ||||||||
Gross profit | 11,512 | - | 36,044 | - | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,573 | 1,851 | 9,953 | 4,614 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 8,939 | (1,851 | 26,091 | (4,614 | ) | |||||||
Business acquisition costs | - | (804 | (2,257 | ) | (804 | ) | ||||||
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivative | 1,637 | (8,763 | 3,671 | (8,763 | ) | |||||||
Finance charges | (2,696 | ) | - | (9,683 | ) | - | ||||||
Foreign currency gain | 3,717 | 60 | 8,973 | 60 | ||||||||
Other expenses | (845 | ) | - | (845 | ) | - | ||||||
Income (loss) before tax | 10,752 | (11,358 | ) | 25,950 | (14,121 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense | 1,706 | - | 7,649 | - | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 9,046 | $ | (11,358 | ) | $ | 18,301 | $ | (14,121 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per share | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.07 | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | 0.16 | $ | (0.21 | ) | ||
Diluted | $ | 0.07 | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | 0.16 | $ | (0.21 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | ||||||||||||
Basic | 124,334,857 | 71,711,407 | 115,481,622 | 66,240,800 | ||||||||
Diluted | 126,196,801 | 71,711,407 | 117,909,471 | 66,240,800 |
R evenue
During the year ended December 31, 2014, revenue was $121.7 million from the sale of 70,661 gold ounces and 1,117,288 silver ounces. During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, revenue was $44.6 million on the sale of 26,272 gold ounces and 400,706 silver ounces.
The Company did not recognize revenue in 2013. The Company acquired Midas on February 11, 2014 and recorded sales from Midas from the acquisition date. A production decision at Fire Creek has not been made by Klondex as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. The mineralized material extracted from Fire Creek under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill. Based on the material quantities of gold generated under the bulk sample permit, the Company first recognized revenue from the bulk sample program at the Fire Creek Project in the second quarter of 2014. See "Cautionary Notes Technical Information".
Cost of Sales
For the year ended December 31, 2014, production costs were $60.0 million, production costs per GEO sold were $679, production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $526. See "Non-IFRS Measures". In 2014, depreciation and depletion was $25.7 million. For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, production costs were $22.3 million, production costs per GEO sold were $685 and production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $553. Depreciation and depletion was $10.8 million. The Company did not recognize cost of sales in 2013.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Gross Profit
Gross profit in the year ended December 31, 2014, was $36.0 million. Gross profit for the quarter was $11.5 million. In 2013, the Company did not recognize gross profit.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, were $10.0 million and $4.6 million, respectively. The increase in G&A expenses over the prior year is due to the growth of the Company as a result of the Midas acquisition and bulk-sample production at Fire Creek. General and administrative expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $2.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
Business Acquisition Costs
Business acquisition costs during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $2.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, were related to the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill.
Gain (loss) on Change in Fair Value of Derivative
During the three months and the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a gain on the change in the fair value of the derivative associated with a Gold Supply Agreement of $1.6 million and $3.7 million, respectively (2013 loss of $8.8 million). The derivative is valued at each reporting period. The reduction in the derivative value is principally related to gold ounces produced and offered under the Gold Supply Agreement and a decrease in the estimated forward gold spot price and in the estimated volatility of the gold price over the remaining term of the Gold Supply Agreement.
Finance Charges
The finance charges for the year ended December 31, 2014, were $9.7 million. The finance charges are mainly related to the obligations under the Gold Purchase Agreement (as defined below) and the loan payable under the Facility Agreement (as defined below). The finance charges in the fourth quarter were $2.7 million. In 2013, the finance charges were capitalized into the Fire Creek evaluation and exploration assets.
Income Tax Expense
The income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2014, was $7.6 million (29%). Income tax in the fourth quarter was of $1.7 million. Income tax expense includes the State of Nevada net proceeds tax and reflects unbenefited losses in Canada.
In 2013, the Company did not recognize any income tax expense.
Net Income
Total net income for the year ended December 31, 2014, was $18.3 million (2013 net loss $14.1 million). The net income increase for the year ended December 31, 2014, over the previous year is due to the recognition of revenue and the generation of profit from the Fire Creek Project and Midas Mine.
- 6
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
Three months ended | Year ended | |||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
Operating information | 2014 | 2014 | ||||
Ore Tons Mined | 46,455 | 178,326 | ||||
Mined Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 19,815 | 88,452 | ||||
Silver | 499,644 | 1,450,460 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 27,725 | 111,417 | ||||
Average Ore Grade | ||||||
Gold (oz./ton) | 0.43 | 0.50 | ||||
Silver (oz./ton) | 10.76 | 8.13 | ||||
Ore Tons Milled | 49,327 | 171,844 | ||||
Milled Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 23,228 | 87,438 | ||||
Silver | 544,850 | 1,432,942 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 31,855 | 110,126 | ||||
Midas Mill Recovery Rate | ||||||
Gold | 93.7% | 94.0% | ||||
Silver | 95.0% | 95.2% | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Midas Mill | ||||||
Gold | 21,754 | 82,176 | ||||
Silver | 517,501 | 1,364,649 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 29,948 | 103,783 | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Carbon Circuit | ||||||
Gold | 508 | 1,624 | ||||
Silver | 260 | 937 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 512 | 1,639 | ||||
Gold oz. Produced before Acquisition of Mill (1) | - | 2,439 | ||||
Total Ounces Produced | ||||||
Gold | 22,262 | 86,239 | ||||
Silver | 517,761 | 1,365,586 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 30,460 | 107,861 | ||||
Ounces Sold | ||||||
Gold | 26,272 | 70,661 | ||||
Silver | 400,706 | 1,117,288 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 32,617 | 88,352 | ||||
Gold ounces credited to carrying value of Fire Creek property (1) | - | 2,439 | ||||
Average realized price ($/ounce) | ||||||
Gold | $ | 1,401 | $ | 1,399 | ||
Silver | ||||||
$ | 19.48 | $ | 20.44 | |||
Production costs per gold equivalent oz. sold (2) | $ | 685 | $ | 679 | ||
Production costs per gold oz. sold on a by-product basis (2) | $ | 553 | $ | 526 |
1 Includes 2,439 gold ounces reported as sale of mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek property.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
2 See Non-IFRS Measures. |
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
FIRE CREEK OPERATING RESULTS
Three months ended | Year ended | |||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
Operating information | 2014 | 2014 | ||||
Ore Tons Mined | 14,671 | 59,941 | ||||
Mined Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 13,885 | 70,145 | ||||
Silver | 14,614 | 66,664 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 14,116 | 71,200 | ||||
Average Ore Grade | ||||||
Gold (oz./ton) | 0.95 | 1.17 | ||||
Silver (oz./ton) | 1.00 | 1.11 | ||||
Ore Tons Milled | 15,364 | 54,955 | ||||
Milled Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 16,759 | 68,806 | ||||
Silver | 19,658 | 66,697 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 17,071 | 69,863 | ||||
Midas Mill Recovery Rate | ||||||
Gold | 93.9% | 94.1% | ||||
Silver | 95.1% | 95.4% | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Midas Mill | ||||||
Gold | 15,735 | 64,742 | ||||
Silver | 18,700 | 63,656 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 16,031 | 65,750 | ||||
Gold oz. Produced before Acquisition of Mill (1) | - | 2,439 | ||||
Total Ounces Produced | ||||||
Gold | 15,735 | 67,181 | ||||
Silver | 18,700 | 63,656 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 16,031 | 68,189 | ||||
Ounces Sold (1) | ||||||
Gold | 21,612 | 56,913 | ||||
Silver | 21,378 | 56,015 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 21,950 | 57,800 | ||||
Gold ounces credited to carrying value of Fire Creek property (1) | - | 2,439 | ||||
Average realized price | ||||||
Gold ($/ounce) | $ | 1,394 | $ | 1,397 | ||
Silver ($/ounce) | $ | 19.39 | $ | 20.27 | ||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold (2) | $ | 491 | $ | 482 | ||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product (2) basis | $ | 480 | $ | 470 |
1
Includes 2,439 gold ounces reported as sale of
mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek property.
2
See "Non-IFRS Measures".
Development and Exploration
At Fire Creek, the Company continued its underground infill drilling program in 2014, testing the continuity and extent of the Joyce, Vonnie and Karen veins. Underground drilling into the West Zone confirmed the Hui Wu Vein and the Honeyrunner Structure, for a total of five identified parallel mineralized structures at Fire Creek. In 2014, a total of 22,693 m (73,257 ft.) of underground drilling was conducted.
On February 23, 2015, the Company announced initial proven and probable mineral reserves for Fire Creek of 241.4K gold equivalent ounces contained in 185,800 tons at an average grade of 1.300 AuEq opt using a gold price of US$1,000 per ounce and a silver price of US$15.83 per ounce. On January 29, 2015, the Company announced a 47% increase in Fire Creeks measured and indicated ounces and reported M&I mineral resources of 420.5K gold equivalent ounces at an average grade of 1.11 AuEq opt within 377.4K tons and inferred mineral resources of 363.3 gold equivalent ounces at an average grade of 0.43 AuEq opt within 840.0K tons, using a gold price of US$1,200 per ounce and a silver price of US$19 per ounce.
- 9
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the mineral and waste development at Fire Creek totaled 1,867 m (6,124 ft.).
Production
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company extracted 59,941 tons of mineralized material containing 70,145 gold ounces and 66,664 silver ounces. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company extracted a total of 14,671 tons of Fire Creek mineralized material containing 13,885 gold ounces and 14,614 silver ounces through its bulk sampling program.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company milled 54,955 tons of Fire Creek material containing 68,806 gold ounces and 66,697 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the year were 94.1% and 95.4%, respectively, producing 64,742 gold ounces and 63,656 silver ounces. In addition, the Company recovered 2,439 gold ounces before the acquisition of the Midas mill. During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, the Company milled 15,364 tons of Fire Creek material containing 16,759 gold ounces and 19,658 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the quarter were 93.9% and 95.1%, respectively, for a total of 15,735 gold ounces and 18,700 silver ounces produced.
All major infrastructure for Fire Creek is in place. The Rapid Infiltration Basin (RIB) construction was completed in 2014. The RIB was designed and built as a long-term water management system at Fire Creek, able to handle large volumes of water on a sustainable basis.
Baseline data collection, data monitoring, and permit acquisition are expected to be carried out through 2015. A full-production permit for the Fire Creek Project is expected in the second-half of 2015.
In 2014, the Companys Fire Creek Project received a safety award from the Nevada Mining Association. Fire Creek also won first place in the Small Underground Operations category in the State of Nevada for 2013.
FIRE CREEK FINANCIAL RESULTS
Three months ended | Year ended | |||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 30,532 | $ | 80,648 | ||
Production costs | 10,785 | 27,856 | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | 8,611 | 20,334 | ||||
Gross profit | 11,136 | 32,458 | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 148 | 337 | ||||
Income from operations | $ | 10,988 | $ | 32,121 | ||
Capital expenditures | $ | 2,257 | $ | 12,134 |
Revenue
During the year ended December 31, 2014, Fire Creek generated $80.7 million from the sale of 56,913 gold ounces and 56,015 silver ounces. During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, Fire Creek generated $30.5 million from the sale of 21,612 gold ounces and 21,378 silver ounces.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
In 2013 and in the first quarter of 2014, proceeds from the sale of gold were applied against the Fire Creek exploration and evaluation assets. A full production decision at Fire Creek has not been made by Klondex as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. The mineralized material extracted from Fire Creek under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill. Based on the material quantities of gold generated under the bulk sample permit, the Company started recognizing revenue from the bulk sample program at the Fire Creek Project during the second quarter of 2014.
In the first quarter, the Company received proceeds of $3.3 million (US$ 3.0 million) from the sale of 2,439 ounces of gold delivered to the Midas mill in 2013. This amount was reported as sale of mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek mineral properties as it was considered pre-production.
Cost of Sales
For the year ended December 31, 2014, Fire Creek total production costs were $27.9 million. Production costs per GEO sold were $482 and the production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $470 (See "Non-IFRS Measures"). For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, the production costs were $10.8 million, production costs per GEO sold were $491, and the production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $480.
Gross Profit
The gross profit from Fire Creek for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $32.5 million. The gross profit from Fire Creek for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 was $ $11.1 million.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for Fire Creek incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014 were $12.1 million (2013 $28.9 million). The expenditures relate mainly to exploration, development, widening of the ramp and construction of the RIB. The ramp widening project was initiated in the second quarter of 2014 and was completed in the third quarter of 2014. The wider ramp allows 30 ton haulage trucks underground which improves flexibility and efficiency in the mine and is expected to reduce operating costs. The RIB project construction was completed during 2014. All major infrastructure at Fire Creek is now complete. Going forward, most capital costs for Fire Creek will be for exploration and development. Fire Creeks capital expenditures in the fourth quarter of 2014 were $2.3 million (2013 $16.6 million).
- 11
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
MIDAS MINE AND MILL OPERATING RESULTS
Three months ended | Year ended | |||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
Operating information | 2014 | 2014 | ||||
Ore Tons Mined | 31,784 | 118,385 | ||||
Mined Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 5,930 | 18,307 | ||||
Silver | 485,030 | 1,383,796 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 13,609 | 40,217 | ||||
Average Ore Grade | ||||||
Gold (oz./ton) | 0.19 | 0.15 | ||||
Silver (oz./ton) | 15.26 | 11.69 | ||||
Ore Tons Milled | 33,963 | 116,889 | ||||
Milled Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 6,469 | 18,632 | ||||
Silver | 525,192 | 1,366,245 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 14,784 | 40,263 | ||||
Midas Mill Recovery Rate | ||||||
Gold | 93.0% | 93.6% | ||||
Silver | 95.0% | 95.2% | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Midas Mill | ||||||
Gold | 6,019 | 17,434 | ||||
Silver | 498,801 | 1,300,993 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 13,917 | 38,033 | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Carbon Circuit | ||||||
Gold | 508 | 1,624 | ||||
Silver | 260 | 937 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 512 | 1,639 | ||||
Total Ounces Produced | ||||||
Gold | 6,527 | 19,058 | ||||
Silver | 499,061 | 1,301,930 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 14,429 | 39,672 | ||||
Ounces Sold | ||||||
Gold | 4,660 | 13,748 | ||||
Silver | 379,328 | 1,061,273 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 10,667 | 30,552 | ||||
Average realized price | ||||||
Gold ($/ounce) | $ | 1,435 | $ | 1,407 | ||
Silver ($/ounce) | $ | 19.49 | $ | 20.44 | ||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold (1) | $ | 1,083 | $ | 1,052 | ||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis (1) | $ | 892 | $ | 759 |
1 See "Non-IFRS Measures".
Development and Exploration
The Company assumed ownership of the Midas mine and mill on February 11, 2014 and subsequently initiated drilling and underground mining at the Midas mine and mill. In 2014, the Company completed a total of 22,693 m (73,257 ft.) of drilling and 1,867 m (6,124 ft.) of ore and waste development at Midas.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
On February 23, 2015, the Company announced initial proven and probable mineral reserves for Midas of 132.6K gold equivalent ounces contained in 242.1K tons at an average grade of 0.548 AuEq opt and at a gold price of US$1,000 per ounce and silver price of US$15.83 per ounce. On September 30, 2014, the Company announced a 37% increase in Midas measured and indicated gold equivalent ounces and reported M&I mineral resources of 526K gold equivalent ounces at an average grade of 0.471 AuEq opt within 1,117K tons and inferred mineral resources of 287K gold equivalent ounces at an average grade of 0.334 AuEq opt within 858K tons, using a gold price of US$1,200 per ounce and a silver price of US$19 per ounce.
Production
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company mined a total of 118,385 tons at Midas, containing 18,307 gold ounces and 1,383,796 silver ounces. During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, the Company extracted a total of 31,784 tons of ore containing 5,930 gold ounces and 485,030 silver ounces.
In the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company milled 116,889 tons of Midas material containing 18,632 gold ounces and 1,366,245 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries in 2014 were 93.6% and 95.2%, respectively, producing 17,434 gold ounces and 1,300,993 silver ounces. During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, the Company milled 33,963 tons of Midas material containing 6,469 gold ounces and 525,192 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the fourth quarter were 93.0 and 95.0%, respectively, for a total of 6,019 gold ounces and 498,801 silver ounces produced.
The Company provides toll milling services for ore from third parties. The Company will continue to review toll milling agreements with other parties in order to utilize available capacity at Midas.
In the second quarter, Midas began running its carbon circuit. In 2014, the Company recovered 1,624 gold ounces and 937 silver ounces from the carbon circuit. During the quarter, the Company recovered 508 gold ounces and 260 silver ounces.
MIDAS FINANCIAL RESULTS
Three months ended | Year ended | |||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 14,077 | $ | 41,045 | ||
Production costs | 11,548 | 32,129 | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | 2,153 | 5,330 | ||||
Gross profit | 376 | 3,586 | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 148 | 337 | ||||
Income from operations | $ | 228 | $ | 3,249 | ||
Capital expenditures | $ | 7,615 | $ | 17,528 |
Revenue
During the year ended December 31, 2014, revenue for Midas was $41.0 million from the sale of 13,748 gold ounces and 1,061,272 silver ounces. During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, revenue for Midas was $14.1 million from the sale of 4,660 gold ounces and 379,328 silver ounces.
Cost of Sales
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the production costs for Midas were $32.1 million. Production costs per GEO sold were $1,052 and production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product were $759 (See "Non-IFRS Measures"). The depreciation and depletion costs for year ended December 31, 2014 were $5.3 million. For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, the production costs were $11.5 million. Production costs per GEO sold were $1,083 and production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $892. The depreciation and depletion costs for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 were $2.2 million.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Gross Profit
The gross profit for Midas for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $3.6 million. The gross profit for Midas for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 was $0.2 million.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for Midas for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $17.5 million and for the fourth quarter of 2014 were $7.6 million, (2013 nil). The capital expenditures were mainly for exploration and development.
OUTLOOK FOR 2015
The focus for 2015 will be to continue to advance current activities at both the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine. The Company will focus on growing production to 120K 125K gold equivalent ounces and improving profitability by reducing costs. The Company provides the following guidance for 2015:
| Production of 120k-125k GEOs | |
| Production costs on a by-product basis $688-750 (US$550- $600) | |
| All-in sustaining costs $1,000-1,063 (US$800 - $850) |
Additionally, in 2015, the Company intends to invest in the growth of its properties by spending approximately $33 million on growth and sustaining capital, comprised of approximately $15 million each at Fire Creek and Midas for $9 million development and $6 million drilling per project. The Company intends to spend an additional $3 million on mill upgrades and tailings pond expansion. Major milestones for 2015 include:
| construction of a lift on the existing tails dam at Midas to add 5 years to capacity, allowing time to permit a 15 year dam; | |
|
the water pollution control permit at Fire Creek which is linked to removing the 120,000 ton tonnage cap is expected by July 2015; and, |
|
|
the environmental assessment and permitting at Fire Creek remains on track and is expected to be completed in the second half of the year. |
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Working capital at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are shown below.
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Current Assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 52,770 | $ | 13,509 | ||
Receivables | 3,807 | 49 | ||||
Inventories | 25,079 | - | ||||
Prepaid Expenses and other | 4,771 | 273 | ||||
Total Current Assets | $ | 86,427 | $ | 13,831 | ||
Current Liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 13,611 | $ | 6,459 | ||
Income tax payable | 1,370 | - | ||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement, current | 10,278 | - | ||||
Loans payable, current | 3,664 | 7,000 | ||||
Derivative liability related to gold supply agreement, current | 1,495 | - | ||||
Total Current Liabilities | $ | 30,418 | $ | 13,459 | ||
Working Capital | $ | 56,009 | $ | 372 |
The Companys working capital at December 31, 2014 was $56.0 million. The Company anticipates having sufficient working capital to meet its 2015 capital and operating requirements for the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine and expects to generate free cash flow.
Cash Flow
Three months ended | Year ended | |||||||||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | ||||||||||||
prior to changes in non-cash working capital activities | $ | 11,335 | $ | (2,127 | ) | $ | 40,871 | $ | (4,118 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 10,691 | (1,178 | ) | 33,086 | (3,124 | ) | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) in investing activities | (11,383 | ) | (1,137 | ) | (117,452 | ) | (15,341 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 9,741 | 14,715 | 121,811 | 13,691 | ||||||||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances | 489 | 126 | 1,816 | 234 | ||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | 9,538 | 12,526 | 39,261 | (4,540 | ) | |||||||
Cash, end of year | $ | 52,770 | $ | 13,509 | $ | 52,770 | $ | 13,509 |
During the year ended December 31, 2014, cash increased by $39.3 million due to the Subscription Receipt Financing, proceeds from the Gold Purchase Agreement and Facility Agreement (each as defined below), $15.4 million of warrants exercised, the Offering (as defined below) of $16.1 million and US$ 7 million from the use of surety bonds to replace cash bonds and cash provided by operating activities in excess of cash used in investing activities.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $40.9 million (2013 ($4.1 million)) and in the fourth quarter was $11.3 million (2013 ($2.1 million)). During 2014, the Company applied $9.7 million of revenue from deliveries under the Gold Purchase Agreement to operating activities.
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities in the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $33.1 million (2013 ($3.1 million)) and cash provided by (used in) operating activities during the quarter totaled $10.7 million (2013 ($1.2 million)).
Cash used in investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $117.5 million (2013 ($15.3 million)) and during the fourth quarter totaled $11.4 million (2013 ($1.1 million)).
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $121.8 million (2013 $13.7 million) and in the fourth quarter totaled $9.7 million (2013 $14.7 million). In the fourth quarter, the Company received $10.0 million cash from proceeds of exercise of stock options and warrants offset by payments of debt and interest.
To the extent that additional capital will be required, the Company proposes to meet any such funding requirements from free cash flow provided by its operations and/or by arranging other equity or loan financing. In light of the continually changing financial markets, commodity prices and general operational risks, there is no assurance that funding from the issuance of equity or debt will be possible when required or desired by the Company on terms favourable to the Company or at all. The Company anticipates that in-the-money options and warrants with expiry date in 2015 will be exercised but there is no assurance this will occur.
The Facility Agreement (see "Corporate Development Midas Acquisition Financings") contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature, including limitations on future indebtedness during its term. Early repayment of the loan under the Facility Agreement is required under an event of default, including in the event that the Company has failed to pay within three business days of being due any principal or interest totaling $250,000 or more on any indebtedness of the Company other than the indebtedness under the Facility Agreement. In addition, beginning April 1, 2014 and accumulating until a rolling 12 months is reached, the Company may not incur indebtedness where, on the date of such incurrence, and after giving effect thereto and the application of proceeds therefrom, the consolidated adjusted EBITDA of the Company and its subsidiaries divided by the sum of the consolidated debt expense (net of consolidated interest income) of the Company and its subsidiaries would be less than 3.5.
The Gold Purchase Agreement (see "Corporate Development Midas Acquisition Financings") also contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature. A default under the Facility Agreement would also constitute a default under the Gold Purchase Agreement. The Company is in compliance with the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement and the Facility Agreement.
See also "Risk Factors".
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
At December 31, 2014, the Company had the following contractual obligations outstanding:
Contracts and leases | Total | Less than 1year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | After 5 years | ||||||||||
Gold purchase agreement | $ | 48,485 | $ | 11,273 | $ | 24,510 | $ | 12,702 | $ | - | |||||
Debt | 25,000 | 4,000 | 21,000 | - | - | ||||||||||
Decommissioning provision | 21,442 | - | - | - | 21,442 | ||||||||||
Total contractual obligations | $ | 94,927 | $ | 15,273 | $ | 45,510 | $ | 12,702 | $ | 21,442 |
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company delivered 6,750 ounces in accordance with the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement.
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT
Klondex seeks to build value for its shareholders by strategically growing the Company through a combination of organic and external initiatives. The acquisition of Midas and its milling facility in in the first quarter of 2014 was a catalyst for its growth at the beginning of the last financial year. The Company will primarily focus on organic growth, consisting of developing its own projects and expanding its mineral resources through its exploration programs but will also continue to review external opportunities.
Midas Acquisition
On December 4, 2013, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Newmont USA Limited (" Newmont USA "), a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation (" Newmont "), to acquire the Midas mine and mill facility. The acquisition (the " Midas Acquisition ") closed on February 11, 2014 and included the Midas milling facility, mining equipment and an operating gold and silver mine. Approximately 25% of the equipment acquired under the Midas Acquisition was transferred to Fire Creek, thereby reducing the anticipated 2014 capital costs for equipment at Fire Creek.
On February 11, 2014, Klondex completed the Midas Acquisition from Newmont USA. The addition of the Midas milling facility improved the outlook for Klondex and Fire Creek by cementing a long-term milling solution for the Company, reducing operating and capital costs, minimizing risks associated with toll milling, and ultimately enhancing the potential for increased cash flows from operations. The Midas mill benefits from the additional mineralized material from the Fire Creek bulk sampling program, as well as from toll milling third-party ore, thereby reducing average unit milling costs by increasing tonnage throughput.
The purchase price of the Midas Acquisition was comprised of approximately US$55 million in cash and the issuance by the Company to Newmont USA of 5 million Common Share purchase warrants at an exercise price of $2.15, with a 15 -year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances. To satisfy Nevada and federal regulatory authorities requirements, the Company deposited US$28.6 million as reclamation bonds to replace Newmont USA's surety arrangements. The Company also paid US$2.7 million for a mining tax receivable associated with the acquired company.
The Midas Acquisition was financed through the Subscription Receipt Financing (as defined below), the 2014 Debt Financing (as defined below) and the Gold Purchase Agreement (as defined below) (collectively, the "Midas Acquisition Financings").
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business acquisition with the purchase price allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as presented below.
Purchase price | |||
Cash | $ | 63,670 | |
Warrants | 6,500 | ||
$ | 70,170 | ||
Net assets acquired | |||
Inventory | $ | 2,044 | |
Prepaid State of Nevada net proceeds tax | 3,028 | ||
Mineral properties | 22,345 | ||
Plant and equipment | 61,319 | ||
Reclamation liability | (17,249 | ) | |
Deferred tax liability | (1,317 | ) | |
$ | 70,170 |
The Company recognized expenses of $1.9 million for transaction fees, legal, audit and other services related to the Midas Acquisition in the first quarter and $0.4 million during the second quarter, for a total of $2.3 million. The Midas Acquisition was synergistic in nature by providing the Fire Creek Project with a nearby Klondex operated milling facility and second mining operation. Fire Creek provides additional mineralized material to the Midas mill and the mill fixed costs and depreciation can be allocated over more units reducing the cost per GEO. In addition, the Midas acquisition provided Klondex with an experienced workforce and mining equipment which could be utilized at Fire Creek.
Midas Acquisition Financings
On January 9, 2014, the Company completed an offering (the " Subscription Receipt Financing ") of 29,400,000 subscription receipts at a price of $1.45 per subscription receipt on a private placement basis, raising aggregate gross proceeds of $42.6 million pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement dated December 6, 2013 between the Company and GMP Securities L.P., MGI Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., Jones, Gable & Company Limited and PI Financial Corp.
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a senior secured loan facility agreement (the " Facility Agreement ") with a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp., and including The K2 Principal Fund L.P. and Jones, Gable & Company Limited pursuant to which the Company issued units consisting of in the aggregate $25.0 million principal amount of notes, issued at a 2.5% discount to par value, and 3,100,000 warrants (" 2014 Lender Warrants ") to purchase Common Shares (the " 2014 Debt Financing "). The 2014 Lender Warrants have an exercise price of $1.95 and expire on February 11, 2017.
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a gold purchase agreement (the " Gold Purchase Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation (" FNC "), pursuant to which the Company raised proceeds of US$33.8 million in consideration for the delivery of an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold. Under the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement, the Company is required to make gold deliveries at the end of each month, with the first delivery being due and having been made on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces of gold is completed by December 31, 2018. The annualized delivery schedule is shown in the following table.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Year | Au (ounces) |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Company's obligations under each of the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Agreement are secured against all of the assets and property of the Company and its subsidiaries. The security granted for the performance of the Company's obligations under the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Agreement rank pari passu .
Royalty Agreements
On February 12, 2014, the Company entered into a royalty agreement with Franco-Nevada U.S. Corporation (" Franco-Nevada US "), a subsidiary of FNC, and Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Company, a subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to which the Company received proceeds of US$1.0 million from the grant to Franco -Nevada US of a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek Project beginning in 2019. The Company also entered into a royalty agreement with Franco-Nevada US and Klondex Midas Operations Inc. (formerly "Newmont Midas Operations Inc.") (" Midas Operations "), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, pursuant to which Midas Operations received proceeds of US$0.2 million from the grant of a 2.5% NSR royalty to Franco -Nevada US on the Midas Mine also beginning in 2019.
Offering Completed on July 30, 2014
On July 30, 2014, the Company completed the Offering for aggregate gross proceeds of $16.1 million. Under the Offering, the Company issued and sold 8,050,000 common shares, which included an over-allotment of 1,050,000 common shares, at a price of $2.00 per common share. The underwriters received a total of $0.7million cash commission, representing 5% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, excluding $2.8 million from subscriptions by purchasers on the president's list. As additional compensation, the Company granted the underwriters an aggregate of 266,000 compensation warrants, being an amount equal to 4% of the number of common shares sold, excluding the 1,400,000 common shares sold to purchasers on the president's list. The compensation warrants are exercisable at $2.25 per compensation warrant and may be exercised at any time during a period of 24 months following the closing date.
Utilizing the injection of cash from the equity financing and cash flow generated from operations, Klondex plans to further advance the Company through organic growth at both properties.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
At December 31, 2014, there were no off-balance sheet arrangements to which the Company is committed.
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounting policies used in the Company's financial statements are consistent with those of the previous year, except as described below.
The Company adopted new accounting policies as described below because of the reclassification of the Fire Creek project to the bulk-sample production stage from the evaluation and exploration stage and the acquisition of Midas mine and milling facility.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Business combinations
The Company applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair values of the assets and liabilities transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Company. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
Fair Value
The Company measures financial instruments, such as derivatives, at fair value at each balance sheet date. The fair values of financial instruments measured at amortized cost are disclosed in Note 23 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014. Also, from time to time, the fair values of non-financial assets and liabilities are required to be determined, e.g., when the entity acquires a business, or where an entity measures the recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit (CGU) at fair value less costs of disposal.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant's ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest and best use.
The Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs. Changes in estimates and assumptions about these inputs could affect the reported fair value
Revenue recognition
Revenue related to sales of gold and silver is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. This is considered to have occurred when title passes to the buyer pursuant to the related purchase agreement. Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will receive economic benefits and is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable less any applicable discounts.
Mining taxes and royalties
Mining taxes and royalties are treated and disclosed as current and deferred taxes if they have the characteristics of an income tax. This is considered to be the case when they are imposed under government authority and the amount payable is calculated by reference to revenue (net of any allowable deductions).
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Inventories
Inventories, which include supplies, in-process and finished goods, are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
|
Supplies inventory: Supplies inventory consists of supplies used in mining and milling operations and spare parts. Costs include acquisition, freight and tax. Any provision for obsolescence is determined by reference to specific items of stock. A regular review is undertaken to determine the extent of any provision for obsolescence. |
|
|
In-process inventory: In-process inventory consists of ore in stockpiles and ore in circuit in the mill. Costs include all direct costs incurred in production and milling including labor, materials, overhead, depreciation and depletion. Net realizable value is the estimated future sales price of the product the entity expects to realize when the product is processed and sold, less estimated costs to complete production and bring the product to sale. |
|
|
Finished goods inventory: Finished goods inventory consists of doré gold and silver bars at the mill or at the third-party refiner and refined metal that is still under ownership of the Company. Costs include all costs of in-process inventory plus any additional refining costs incurred. |
Borrowing costs
Interest and other financing costs incurred that are attributable to acquiring and developing exploration and development stage mining properties and constructing new facilities (qualifying assets) are capitalized and included in the carrying amounts of qualifying assets until those qualifying assets are ready for their intended use.
Capitalization of borrowing costs incurred commences on the date the following three conditions are met:
| expenditures for the qualifying asset are being incurred; | |
| borrowing costs are being incurred; and, | |
| activities that are necessary to prepare the qualifying asset for its intended use are being undertaken. |
Borrowing costs incurred after the qualifying assets are ready for their intended use are expenses in the period in which they are incurred.
All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of such financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the period. Management believes the estimates used are reasonable; however, actual results could differ materially from those estimates and, if so, could impact future results of operations and cash flows.
Areas requiring the use of estimates in the preparation of the Company's financial statements are as follows:
Reclassification of evaluation and exploration assets
The Company reclassifies assets from exploration and evaluation to production assets once recovery of the resource is deemed economically viable and technically feasible. At this point, the asset is tested for impairment then reclassified to mineral properties, plant and equipment.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Obligations under gold purchase agreement
Management determined the obligation to deliver gold within the gold purchase agreement is subject to the own use scope exception under IAS 39 which represents a significant judgment. The judgment is based on the fact that the Company has the ability, and management has the intention, to deliver gold to meet this requirement.
Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of judgments and estimates that management has made at the statement of financial position date, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, relate to, but are not limited to, the following:
Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition
In the determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired through an acquisition accounted for as a business combination, management makes certain judgments and estimates regarding mineral reserves or resources, commodity prices, economic lives, reclamation costs and discount rates, among others. Due to the complex nature of the valuation process, information may become available following the initial determinations that could change the provisional measurement of assets and liabilities acquired.
The Company used a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of the mineral property, based on the life-of-mine plans. Expected future cash flows are based on estimates of future production and commodity prices, operating costs, and forecast capital expenditures using the life-of-mine plan as at the acquisition date.
A replacement-cost approach was used to determine the fair value of other property, plant and equipment.
Work-in-process and production costs
The Company makes estimates of the amount of recoverable ounces in work-in-process inventory which is used in the determination of the cost of goods sold during the period. Changes in these estimates could result in a change in carrying value of inventories and mine operating costs in future periods. The Company monitors the recovery of gold ounces from the mill and could use this information to refine its original estimate.
Depletion
The Company uses estimated recoverable gold equivalent ounces as the basis for determining the amortization of mineral properties and certain items of plant and equipment. This results in an amortization charge in the respective period proportionate to the depletion of the related mineral property. Determining the amount of recoverable gold equivalent ounces is complex and requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to geological sampling and modeling, future commodity prices and costs to extract and process the material, among others.
Income taxes
In assessing the probability of realizing income tax assets recognized, the Company makes estimates related to expectations of future taxable income, applicable tax planning opportunities, expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences and the likelihood that tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by a tax authority.
The critical judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the application of accounting policies are disclosed in Note 2 to the Company's financial statements.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS
Financial Assets
All financial assets are initially recorded at fair value and designated upon inception into one of the following categories: available for sale, loans and receivables or at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL).
Financial assets classified as FVTPL are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized through profit and loss. Regular way purchases and sales of FVTPL financial assets are accounted for at trade date, as opposed to settlement date.
Financial assets classified as loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost. The Companys cash, receivables, and reclamation bonds are classified as loans and receivables.
Financial assets classified as available for sale are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) except for losses in value that are significant or prolonged.
Transactions costs associated with FVTPL financial assets are expensed as incurred, while transaction costs associated with all other financial assets are included in the initial carrying amount of the asset.
Financial Liabilities
All financial liabilities are initially recorded at fair value and designated upon inception as FVTPL or other financial liabilities.
Financial liabilities classified as other financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs. After initial recognition, other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The Companys accounts payable, due to related parties, loans payable and obligations under gold purchase agreement are classified as other financial liabilities.
Financial liabilities classified as FVTPL include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition as FVTPL. Derivatives, including separated embedded derivatives, are also classified as FVTPL unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Fair value changes on financial liabilities classified as FVTPL are recognized through profit and loss.
Derivatives
Financial assets and liabilities classified as derivatives include financial instruments that do not qualify as hedges. Derivatives are measured at fair value each reporting period with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the consolidated statements of income (loss) in the period of valuation. See notes 11 and 17.
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
As at the date hereof, the Company has an unlimited number of common shares authorized and 128,258,184 common shares are outstanding. As at the date hereof, there are 9,776,200 incentive stock options and 11,381,491 warrants to purchase common shares outstanding. The Company has 149,415,875 fully-diluted common shares outstanding.
INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
National Instrument 52-109 also requires public companies in Canada to submit interim and annual certificates relating to the design of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) and an annual certificate that includes evaluating the effectiveness of ICFR. The Companys ICFR is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining ICFR. The Company used the 2013 Commission of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) framework as the basis for designing its ICFR. Due to its inherent limitations, ICFR may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis as such systems can only be designed to provide reasonable as opposed to absolute assurance. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of ICFR to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. The Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have each evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys ICFR as at December 31, 2014 and have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
In connection with the Midas Acquisition, the Company has established new processes and internal controls over such areas as revenue recognition, inventory valuation, accounting for complex financial instruments and business acquisition accounting. There were no other changes in ICFR during the quarter ended December 31, 2014 that are reasonably likely to materially affect or that have materially affected ICFR.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Canadian Securities Administrators have issued National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuers Annual and Interim Filings (National Instrument 52-109) which requires public companies in Canada to submit annual and interim certificates relating to the design and effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures that are in use at the company. The Companys disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported on a timely basis to senior management, including the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to enable this information to be reviewed and discussed so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding the timely public disclosure of the information. The Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have each evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures as at December 31, 2014 and have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective.
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The Company has included non-IFRS measures for "Production costs per gold equivalent ounce" and Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis in this MD&A to supplement its financial statements which are presented in accordance with IFRS. Management believes that these measures provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the performance of the Company. Non-IFRS measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. Therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The following tables provide a reconciliation of production per the financial statements to production costs per GEO sold and production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis:- 24
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||
Production Costs Per Gold Equivalent Ounce Sold | December 31, | December 31, | ||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Fire Creek | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 10,785 | $ | 27,856 | ||
Gold equivalent ounces sold | 21,950 | 57,800 | ||||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 491 | $ | 482 | ||
Midas | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 11,548 | $ | 32,129 | ||
Gold equivalent ounces sold | 10,667 | 30,552 | ||||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 1,083 | $ | 1,052 | ||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 22,333 | $ | 59,985 | ||
Gold equivalent ounces sold | 32,617 | 88,352 | ||||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 685 | $ | 679 |
The silver to gold ratio used to calculate gold equivalent ounces is 63.1579:1
Three months ended | Year ended | |||||
Production Costs Per Gold Ounce Sold on a by-Product Basis | December 31, | December 31, | ||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Fire Creek | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 10,785 | $ | 27,856 | ||
Less: silver credit | (415 | ) | (1,135 | ) | ||
Production costs after silver credit | $ | 10,370 | $ | 26,721 | ||
Gold ounces sold | 21,612 | 56,913 | ||||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 480 | $ | 470 | ||
Midas | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 11,548 | $ | 32,129 | ||
Less: silver credit | (7,393 | ) | (21,697 | ) | ||
Production costs after silver credit | $ | 4,155 | $ | 10,432 | ||
Gold ounces sold | 4,660 | 13,748 | ||||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 892 | $ | 759 | ||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 22,333 | $ | 59,985 | ||
Less: silver credit | (7,808 | ) | (22,832 | ) | ||
Production costs after silver credit | $ | 14,525 | $ | 37,153 | ||
Gold ounces sold | 26,272 | 70,661 | ||||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 553 | $ | 526 |
All-in Sustaining Costs per Gold Ounce
The World Gold Council (WGC) published All-in sustaining costs guidelines in June 2013. The WGC is a non-profit association that worked closely with its member companies to develop this non-IFRS measure which is intended to provide further transparency into the costs associated with producing gold. The WGC is not a regulatory body and does not have the authority to develop accounting standards or disclosure requirements.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
The Company believes the all-in sustaining costs measure provide further transparency into costs associated with producing gold and will assist its investors and stakeholders in assessing its operating performance. All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce is intended to provide additional information only. It does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other mining companies. It should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The Company defines all-in sustaining costs per ounce as the sum of total production costs, sustaining capital expenditures, general and administrative costs and environmental reclamation costs net of by-product credits divided by the total gold ounces sold to arrive at a per ounce figure. Corporate general and administrative costs will be recognized only in the consolidated all-in sustaining costs. Non-sustaining costs are subtracted from capital expenditures to arrive at sustaining costs. Non-sustaining costs are those cost incurred at new operations and costs related to projects at existing operations where these projects will materially increase production.
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 22,333 | $ | 59,985 | ||
General and administrative expenses | 2,573 | 9,953 | ||||
Accretion expense | 150 | 509 | ||||
Sustaining capital | 2,907 | 12,285 | ||||
Silver by-product | (7,808 | ) | (22,832 | ) | ||
Total | 20,155 | 59,900 | ||||
Gold ounces sold | 26,272 | 70,661 | ||||
All-in sustaining cost | $ | 767 | $ | 848 |
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The Company has adopted the new and revised standards and interpretations issued by the IASB listed below effective January 1, 2014. These changes were made in accordance with the transitional provisions outlined in the respective standards and interpretations.
Amendment to IAS 32, Financial Instruments: Presentation, on offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities. This amendment clarifies that the right of set-off must not be contingent on a future event. It must also be legally enforceable for all counterparties in the normal course of business, as well as in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy. The amendment also considers settlement mechanisms. The amendment did not have a significant effect on the Companys financial statements.
Amendments to IAS 36, Impairment of Assets (IAS 36), on the recoverable amount disclosures for non-financial assets. This amendment removed certain disclosures of the recoverable amount of CGUs which had been included in IAS 36 by the issue of IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement (IFRS 13). The amendments did not have a significant effect on the Companys financial statements.
IFRIC 21, Levies, sets out the accounting for an obligation to pay a levy if that liability is within the scope of IAS 37, Provisions. The interpretation addresses what the obligating event is that gives rise to pay a levy and when a liability should be recognized. The Company is not currently subjected to significant levies so the impact on the Company is not material.
Annual Improvements 2010-2012 Cycle. In the 2010-2012 annual improvements cycle, the IASB issued seven amendments to six standards, which included an amendment to IFRS 13. The amendment to IFRS 13 is effective immediately and, thus, for periods beginning on January 1, 2014, and it clarifies in the basis for conclusions that short-term receivables and payables with no stated interest rates can be measured at invoice amounts when the effect of discounting is immaterial. This amendment to IFRS 13 had no impact on the Companys financial statements.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Other standards, amendments and interpretations which are effective for the financial year beginning on January 1, 2014 are not material to the Company.
A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2014, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. None of these is expected to have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company, except the following set out below:
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (IFRS 9), addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. The complete version of IFRS 9 was issued in July 2014. It replaces the guidance in IAS 39 that relates to the classification and measurement of financial instruments. IFRS 9 retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes three primary measurement categories for financial assets: amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (OCI) and FVTPL. There is now a new expected credit losses model that replaces the incurred loss impairment model used in IAS 39. For financial liabilities there were no changes to classification and measurement except for the recognition of changes in own credit risk in OCI, for liabilities designated at FVTPL. The standard is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has yet to assess the full impact of IFRS 9.
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15), deals with revenue recognition and establishes principles for reporting useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entitys contracts with customers. Under IFRS 15, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of a good or service and thus has the ability to direct the use and obtain the benefits from the good or service. The standard replaces IAS 18, Revenue, and IAS 11, Construction Contracts, and related interpretations. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017 and earlier application is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact of IFRS 15.
There are no other IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the Company.
CAUTIONARY NOTES
Forward-looking information
This MD&A contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof. In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "believe", "intend", "may", "will", "should", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "potential", "intends", "expects" and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information reflects the current expectations and assumptions of management, and is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information, particularly as it relates to the actual results of exploration and evaluation activities, actual results of reclamation activities, the estimation or realization of mineral resources and mineral reserves, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the timing and receipt of required permits and approvals, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new mineral deposits, requirements for additional capital, the sufficiency of working capital, and the future prices of precious and base metals, is inherently uncertain. In addition, the timing and magnitude of certain events are inherently risky and uncertain, particularly as they relate to the possible variations in mineral grade or recovery rates, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes, road blocks and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Key assumptions upon which the Company's forward-looking information is based include the following: estimated prices for gold and silver; being able to secure new financing to continue its exploration, development and operational activities; currency exchange rates; the ability of the Company to comply with environmental, safety and other regulatory requirements and being able to obtain regulatory approvals (including licenses and permits) in a timely manner; there not being any material adverse effects arising as a result of political instability, taxes or royalty increases, terrorism, sabotage, natural disasters, equipment failures or adverse changes in government legislation or the socio-economic conditions in the regions in which the Company operates; the Company being able to achieve its growth strategy; the Company's operating costs; key personnel and access to all equipment necessary to operate the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine.
These assumptions should be carefully considered. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information or the assumptions on which the Company's forward-looking information is based. The reader is advised to carefully review and consider the risk factors identified in this MD&A under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere herein for a discussion of the factors that could cause the Company's actual results and performance to be materially different from any anticipated future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. The reader is further cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive and it is recommended that the reader consult the more complete discussion of the Company's business, financial condition and prospects that is included in this MD&A. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions on which the forward-looking information is given are reasonable, based on the information available to the Company on the date such forward-looking information was given, no assurances can be given as to whether these assumptions will prove to be correct. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as, and to the extent, required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Technical information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the Midas Mine, prior to the acquisition of the Midas Mine by the Company, and the Company made a decision to continue production subsequent to the Midas Acquisition. This decision by the Company to continue production and, to the knowledge of the Company, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but were based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the project. The Company has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
RISK FACTORS
As a resource acquisition, exploration and development company, the Company is engaged in a highly speculative business that involves a high degree of risk and is frequently unsuccessful. In addition to the information disclosed elsewhere in this MD&A, readers should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before deciding whether to invest in the Company's securities. These risk factors do not necessarily comprise all of the risks to which the Company is or will be subject .
The Company's failure to successfully address the risks and uncertainties described below could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and/or results of operations and could cause the trading price of the Common Shares to decline. The Company cannot guarantee that it will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect its business. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company's business operations. If any of the possibilities described in such risks actually occurs, the Company's business, the Company's financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected. In addition to the risk factors mentioned below, readers of this MD&A are encouraged to read the risk factors as more fully described in the Companys filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators, including its annual information form, available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Important risk factors to consider, among others, are the following:
| The economic feasibility of mining has not been established. | |
| Forecasts of future production are estimates only, and actual production may be less than estimated. | |
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The Company is extracting mineralized material from its Fire Creek Project under a bulk sample permit and must obtain a Full-Production permit to operate beyond the bulk sample permit. |
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| The Company's exploration activities may not be commercially successful. | |
| Exploration, development and mining involve a high degree of risk. | |
| The Company may be adversely affected by fluctuations in gold and silver prices. | |
| The Companys ability to pay interest and loan repayments depend on production. | |
| The Company is subject to foreign exchange risk relating to the relative value of the U.S. dollar. | |
| Title to the Company's mineral properties may be subject to other claims. | |
| Mineral resources and mineral reserves are only estimates which may be unreliable. | |
| The Company currently has only two material properties. | |
| The Company's operations are subject to environmental risks. |
QUALIFIED PERSON AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Mark Odell, P.E., Principal Engineer, Practical Mining LLC, a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (" NI 43-101 ") reviewed and approved of the technical information contained in this MD&A.
For further information on the Companys properties please see its technical reports which are available under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Klondex's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the symbol KDX and are listed on the OTCQX under the symbol "KLNDF". Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's annual information form, is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
FORM 52-109F1
Certification of Annual Filings
Full Certificate
I, Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review : I have reviewed the AIF, if any, annual financial statements and annual MD&A, including, for greater certainty, all documents and information that are incorporated by reference in the AIF (together, the "annual filings") of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the "issuer") for the financial year ended December 31, 2014 . |
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2. |
No misrepresentations : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, for the period covered by the annual filings. |
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3. |
Fair presentation : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual financial statements together with the other financial information included in the annual filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the annual filings. |
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4. |
Responsibility : The issuers other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers Annual and Interim Filings , for the issuer. |
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5. |
Design : Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuers other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the financial year end |
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(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
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(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the annual filings are being prepared; and |
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(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
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(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuers GAAP. |
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5.1 |
Control framework : The control framework the issuers other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuers ICFR is based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
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5.2 |
ICFR material weakness relating to design : N/A |
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5.3 |
Limitation on scope of design : N/A |
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6. |
Evaluation : The issuers other certifying officer(s) and I have |
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(a) |
evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuers DC&P at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A our conclusions about the effectiveness of DC&P at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
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(b) |
evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuers ICFR at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A |
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(i) |
our conclusions about the effectiveness of ICFR at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
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(ii) |
for each material weakness relating to operation existing at the financial year end |
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(A) |
a description of the material weakness; |
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(B) |
the impact of the material weakness on the issuer's financial reporting and its ICFR; and |
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(C) |
the issuer's current plans, if any, or any actions already undertaken, for remediating the material weakness. |
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7. |
Reporting changes in ICFR : The issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A any change in the issuers ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on October 1, 2014 and ended on December 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuers ICFR. |
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8. |
Reporting to the issuers auditors and board of directors or audit committee : The issuers other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of ICFR, to the issuers auditors, and the board of directors or the audit committee of the board of directors any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuers ICFR. |
Date: March 31, 2015
(signed) Paul Huet | |
Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer |
FORM 52-109F1
Certification of Annual Filings
Full Certificate
I, Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review : I have reviewed the AIF, if any, annual financial statements and annual MD&A, including, for greater certainty, all documents and information that are incorporated by reference in the AIF (together, the "annual filings") of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the "issuer") for the financial year ended December 31, 2014 . |
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2. |
No misrepresentations : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, for the period covered by the annual filings. |
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3. |
Fair presentation : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual financial statements together with the other financial information included in the annual filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the annual filings. |
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4. |
Responsibility : The issuers other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers Annual and Interim Filings , for the issuer. |
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5. |
Design : Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuers other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the financial year end |
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(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
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(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the annual filings are being prepared; and |
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(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
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(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuers GAAP. |
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5.1 |
Control framework : The control framework the issuers other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuers ICFR is based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
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5.2 |
ICFR material weakness relating to design : N/A |
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5.3 |
Limitation on scope of design : N/A |
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6. |
Evaluation : The issuers other certifying officer(s) and I have |
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(a) |
evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuers DC&P at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A our conclusions about the effectiveness of DC&P at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
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(b) |
evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuers ICFR at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A |
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(i) |
our conclusions about the effectiveness of ICFR at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
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(ii) |
for each material weakness relating to operation existing at the financial year end |
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(A) |
a description of the material weakness; |
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(B) |
the impact of the material weakness on the issuer's financial reporting and its ICFR; and |
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(C) |
the issuer's current plans, if any, or any actions already undertaken, for remediating the material weakness. |
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7. |
Reporting changes in ICFR : The issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A any change in the issuers ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on October 1, 2014 and ended on December 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuers ICFR. |
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8. |
Reporting to the issuers auditors and board of directors or audit committee : The issuers other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of ICFR, to the issuers auditors, and the board of directors or the audit committee of the board of directors any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuers ICFR. |
Date: March 31, 2015
(signed) Barry Dahl | |
Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer |
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2013
March 31, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL MATTERS
References to the Corporation
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise indicates, use of the terms " Corporation " and " Klondex " in this annual information form (" AIF ") refers to Klondex Mines Ltd. and its subsidiaries, or other entities controlled by them, on a consolidated basis.
Financial Information
Unless otherwise indicated, all financial information in this AIF is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (" IFRS ").
Currency References and Exchange Rate Information
This AIF contains references to the Canadian dollar and the United States dollar. The Corporation's reporting currency is Canadian dollars. The Corporation's costs are incurred principally in Canadian dollars and United States dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to "$" or "C$" or "dollars" in this AIF are references to Canadian dollars. United States dollars are referred to as "US$". As at March 31, 2014, the noon spot rate of exchange between the United States dollar and the Canadian dollar as reported by the Bank of Canada was US$1.00 = C$1.1053 or C$1.00 = US$0.9047.
Measurement
Conversion of metric units into imperial equivalents is as follows:
Metric Units | Multiply by | Imperial Units |
Hectares | 2.471 | = acres |
Metres | 3.281 | = feet |
Kilometres | 0.621 | = miles (5,280 feet) |
Grams | 0.032 | = ounces (troy) |
Kilograms | 2.205 | = pounds |
Tonnes | 1.102 | = tons (short) (2,000 lbs) |
grams/tonne | 0.029 | = ounces (troy)/ton |
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This AIF contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All forward-looking information contained in this AIF is given as of the date hereof.
In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "believe", "intend", "may", "will", "should", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "potential", "intends", "expects" and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information reflects the current expectations and assumptions of management, and is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Corporation's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information, particularly as it relates to the actual results of exploration activities, actual results of reclamation activities, the estimation or realization of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (each as defined according to the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves), the timing and amount of estimated future production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new mineral deposits, requirements for additional capital, and the future prices of precious and base metals, is inherently uncertain. In addition, the timing and magnitude of certain events are inherently risky and uncertain, particularly as they relate to the possible variations in mineral grade or recovery rates, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes, road blocks and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation.
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Key assumptions upon which the Corporation's forward-looking information is based include the following: estimated prices for gold and silver; the Corporation being able to secure new financing to continue its exploration, development and operational activities; the timing and amount of estimated future production and costs of production; currency exchange rates; the ability of the Corporation to comply with environmental, safety and other regulatory requirements and being able to obtain regulatory approvals (including licenses and permits) in a timely manner; there not being any material adverse effects arising as a result of political instability, taxes or royalty increases, terrorism, sabotage, natural disasters, equipment failures or adverse changes in government legislation or the socio-economic conditions in the regions in which the Corporation operates; the Corporation being able to achieve its growth strategy; the Corporation's operating costs; key personnel and access to all equipment necessary to operate the Fire Creek Project (as hereinafter defined) and the Midas Project (as hereinafter defined).
These assumptions should be considered carefully by readers. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information or the assumptions on which the Corporation's forward-looking information is based. Readers are advised to carefully review and consider the risk factors identified in this AIF under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere herein for a discussion of the factors that could cause the Corporation's actual results and performance to be materially different from any anticipated future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Readers are further cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive and it is recommended that readers consult the more complete discussion of the Corporation's business, financial condition and prospects that is included in this AIF. The forward-looking information contained in this AIF is given as of the date hereof and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date.
Although the Corporation believes that the assumptions on which the forward-looking information are made are reasonable, based on the information available to the Corporation on the date such forward-looking information was given, no assurances can be given as to whether these assumptions will prove to be correct. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Corporation does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as, and to the extent, required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this AIF is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
A production decision at the Midas Project was made by prior owners of the Midas Project, prior to the acquisition of the Midas Project by the Corporation. To the knowledge of the Corporation, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 (as hereinafter defined), but was based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the project. The Corporation has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
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TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The scientific and technical information contained in this AIF relating to the Corporation's Fire Creek Project up to August 31, 2013 is derived from the technical report titled "Technical Report (Amended) Fire Creek Exploration Project, Lander County, Nevada", filed on SEDAR on November 14, 2013 (with an effective date of August 31, 2013) (the " Fire Creek Technical Report "). The Fire Creek Technical Report was prepared by Mark Odell, P.E., Principal Engineer, Practical Mining LLC, Karl Swanson, Independent Mining & Geological Consultant, SME, MAusIMM, and Michele White, Geologic Consultant, CPG #11252 AIPG, All One River GIS.
The scientific and technical information contained in this AIF relating to the Corporation's Midas Mine (as hereinafter defined) up to January 31, 2014 is derived from the technical report titled "Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada", filed on SEDAR on March 31, 2014 (with an effective date of January 31, 2014) (the " Midas Technical Report "). The Midas Technical Report was prepared by Mark Odell, P.E., Principal Engineer, Practical Mining LLC, Nevada License 13708, Michele White, Geologic Consultant, CPG, All One River GIS, AIPG No. 11252, Adam Knight, P.E., Practical Mining LLC, Nevada License 15796 and Karl Swanson, Independent Mining & Geological Consultant, SME, MAusIMM.
The Fire Creek Technical Report and the Midas Technical Report are subject to certain assumptions, qualifications and procedures described therein. Reference should be made to the full text of the Fire Creek Technical Report and the Midas Technical Report, which have been filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators (" NI 43-101 ") and are available for review under the Corporation's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Fire Creek Technical Report and the Midas Technical Report are not and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this AIF.
All scientific or technical information relating to the Fire Creek Project subsequent to August 31, 2013 has been prepared by or under the supervision of Mark Odell who is a "qualified person" for the purposes of NI 43-101 and Mark Odell has approved the disclosure of scientific and technical information contained in this AIF relating to the Fire Creek Project subsequent to August 31, 2013.
All scientific or technical information relating to the Midas Project subsequent to January 31, 2014 has been prepared by or under the supervision of Mark Odell who is a "qualified person" for the purposes of NI 43-101 and Mark Odell has approved the disclosure of scientific and technical information contained in this AIF relating to the Midas Project subsequent to January 31, 2014.
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
Name and Incorporation
The Corporation was incorporated under the name Attila Resources Ltd. by memorandum (the " Memorandum ") dated August 25, 1971 under the Company Act (British Columbia). The Memorandum was amended on October 28, 1974 to change the name of the Corporation to Klondex Mines Ltd. and on June 6, 1988 to consolidate the authorized capital on the basis of five previously issued common shares of the Corporation (" Common Shares ") for one new Common Share and to increase the authorized capital to 20,000,000 Common Shares without par value. On April 16, 2004, the Corporation transitioned to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) by filing notice of articles (the " Articles ") which were amended on October 6, 2005 to alter the authorized capital to an unlimited number of Common Shares without par value.
The head office of the Corporation is located at Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 2T5. The registered office of the Corporation is 20th Floor, 250 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3R8. The Corporation is a reporting issuer in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador and Prince Edward Island. The Common Shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (" TSX ") under the symbol "KDX".
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Subsidiaries
The following organizational chart sets out all of the subsidiaries of the Corporation, their jurisdictions of incorporation and the percentage of voting securities beneficially owned or controlled by the Corporation:
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
Summary Description of the Business
The Corporation is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resources with the current focus being gold in the state of Nevada in the U.S.A. The Corporation holds mineral interests covering the Fire Creek project located in Lander County, Nevada (the " Fire Creek Project ") and the Midas mine (the " Midas Mine ") and ore milling facility located in Nevada (together with the Midas Mine, the " Midas Project " or " Midas "). These properties are situated along the Northern Nevada Rift (" NNR ") in North Central Nevada.
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Three Year History
2011 Highlights
In February 2011, Klondex received approval for a Water Pollution Control Permit for the Fire Creek Project. The permit authorized the construction and operation of approved mining facilities in Lander County, Nevada, USA and was issued by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection with an effective date of March 1, 2011.
In April 2011, the Corporation secured a US$20 million gold-backed debt facility (the " Waterton Debt Facility ") for its wholly-owned subsidiary, Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Company (" KGS ") to fund an underground development and bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project. The Waterton Debt Facility was funded by Waterton Global Value, L.P. (" Waterton "). The Waterton Debt Facility bore interest at 9% per annum and allowed for three permitted drawdowns, commencing with a drawdown of US$10,000,000 at closing and two subsequent drawdowns of US$5,000,000 each, conditioned on the achievement of certain development milestones. In addition to the initial drawdown at closing, on October 5, 2011, the Corporation drew down US$5,000,000 to fund continued exploration and development at the Fire Creek Project. The Waterton Debt Facility has since been repaid in full.
In connection with the Waterton Debt Facility, the Corporation entered into a gold supply agreement with Waterton dated March 31, 2011, as amended and restated October 4, 2011 (the " Gold Supply Agreement "). Pursuant to the Gold Supply Agreement, the Corporation granted Waterton the right to purchase refined bullion (as defined in the Gold Supply Agreement) produced from the Fire Creek Project for the period commencing February 28, 2013 and ending February 28, 2018, subject to adjustment (the " Term "). If the Corporation has not delivered an aggregate minimum of 150,000 ounces of refined bullion during the first four years prior to the end of the Term, the Term will be extended until an aggregate of 185,000 ounces of refined bullion has been delivered (including any refined bullion delivered during the original Term) to Waterton. Under the Gold Supply Agreement, in the event that Waterton exercised its right to purchase refined bullion during the period of February 28, 2013 to May 31, 2013, the purchase price per ounce payable by Waterton was to be the purchase price per ounce of the last settlement price of gold on the London Bullion Market Association (the " LMBA ") PM Fix on the last trading day prior to the date Waterton provides notice to the Corporation that it intended to exercise its purchase right (the " Pricing Date ") less a 1% discount. In the event that Waterton exercises its right to purchase refined bullion during the period following May 31, 2013 and before February 28, 2016, the purchase price per ounce payable by Waterton is the average settlement price of gold on the LMBA PM Fix for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the applicable Pricing Date (the " Average Price ") less a 1% discount; provided that in each case, if such price per ounce is less than US$900 the discount will be nil. In addition, in the event that Waterton exercises its right to purchase refined bullion after February 28, 2016, the purchase price per ounce will be the Average Price immediately preceding the applicable Pricing Date, without any discount.
At closing of the Waterton Debt Facility and on the subsequent drawdown, KGS paid a structuring fee of 1% of the aggregate amount of the Waterton Debt Facility and the drawdown, respectively. Waterton received non-transferable warrants to purchase 1,400,000 Common Shares at $3.99 per Common Share (the " First Tranche Warrants ") with an expiration date of April 6, 2015. On August 5, 2011, the exercise price of the 1,400,000 unlisted First Tranche Warrants was reduced to $2.76 per Common Share as consideration for Waterton agreeing to waive certain defaults under the Waterton Debt Facility. Upon the subsequent drawdown under the Waterton Debt Facility, on October 4, 2011, Waterton received an additional 300,000 warrants to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price equal to $2.49 which expire on October 4, 2015.
In April 2011, underground development commenced at the Fire Creek Project for the purpose of obtaining a bulk sample for metallurgical testing.
- 5 -
In June 2011, K2 Principal Fund L.P. (" K2 "), which at the time owned approximately 8% of the then issued and outstanding Common Shares, launched a proxy contest against management of the Corporation by proposing, among other things, a new slate of directors. On June 30, 2011, the Corporation and K2 entered into a settlement agreement that terminated the proxy contest on mutually agreeable terms, including the constitution of a new board of directors comprised of three representatives of the management nominees and three members of K2's slate. At the subsequent meeting of the board of directors of the Corporation (the " Board "), an additional independent director was appointed to the Board.
On November 29, 2011, the Corporation completed a marketed public offering by way of a short form prospectus (the " 2011 Offering ") of 8,400,000 units at a price of $2.50 per unit. Each unit consisted of one Common Share and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant, each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $3.50 for a period of 24 months ending on November 29, 2013. An additional 1,001,400 Common Shares and 630,000 warrants were issued in connection with the partial exercise of an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters (in this paragraph, the " Over-Allotment Option "). The aggregate gross proceeds from the 2011 Offering (including the proceeds resulting from the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option) totaled $23,532,463. The net proceeds of the 2011 Offering were used for the development of the Fire Creek Project and for ongoing operating and working capital requirements.
2012 Highlights
In June 2012, seven new independent directors were elected at the annual general meeting of shareholders of the Corporation, to serve as directors for the ensuing year. The following month, William Matlack and Blair Schultz were named Interim CEO and Chairman, respectively. Mr. Matlack replaced Blane Wilson, who resigned as President and CEO.
In July 2012, the Corporation adopted a revised operating plan for the Fire Creek Project. After a thorough internal review of operations at the Fire Creek Project, the Corporation decided to defer commencement of the bulk sample program and to focus efforts on further exploration and advancement of the Fire Creek mineral resource model and geology.
On September 13, 2012, Paul Andre Huet was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, replacing William Matlack, who remained a director of the Corporation. Mr. Huet was also appointed as a director of the Corporation. Mr. Huet brought over 25 years of valuable experience in high-grade mining to the Corporation and the Fire Creek Project. Prior to joining the Corporation, Mr. Huet had served as General Manager at the Hollister mine for five years, leading the team in building and permitting the operation. Mr. Huet was also previously the Mine Manager at the Midas Mine (as hereinafter defined) when it was under the ownership of Newmont Mining Corporation (" Newmont "), and served in several roles during his seven-year tenure. Mr. Huet also previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of Premier Gold Mines Limited, where he oversaw their gold projects, including the Cove and Saddle projects in Nevada and the narrow, high-grade Hardrock project located in northern Ontario.
On November 19, 2012, Klondex expanded its operating management team with the appointment of Michael Doolin as General Manager of the Fire Creek Project and Sid Tolbert as Mine Superintendent of the Fire Creek Project, both of whom brought extensive mining experience to the Corporation.
On November 20, 2012, the Corporation completed a private placement financing on a fully-marketing best efforts basis (the " 2012 Offering ") of 16,984,046 units (" 2012 Units "), including 2012 Units issued pursuant to the exercise of an option granted to the agents, at a price of $1.35 per 2012 Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of C$22,928,462. Each 2012 Unit consisted of one Common Share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a " 2012 Unit Warrant "), with each 2012 Unit Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.75 until November 20, 2014, subject to early expiry in certain circumstances. The net proceeds from the 2012 Offering were used for the development of the Fire Creek Project and ongoing operating and working capital requirements.
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2013 Highlights
On January 4, 2013, the Corporation completed a private placement of senior unsecured notes due January 5, 2015 (the " Notes ") for aggregate gross proceeds of $7,000,000 (the " Debt Offering "). Notes sold under the Debt Offering were issued to investors at a 2% original issue discount. In addition, investors in the Debt Offering received an aggregate of 525,000 common share purchase warrants, entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.55 until July 4, 2014, subject to early expiry in certain circumstances. The proceeds from the Debt Offering plus available cash were used to repay all outstanding borrowings and related discount amortization under the Waterton Debt Facility, totalling approximately US$10.9 million. On February 11, 2014, the Corporation repaid the Notes in full.
On July 25, 2013, the Corporation announced that its subsidiary, KGS, had obtained and drawn down on a bridge loan facility of $1,999,999 (the " K2 Loan ") advanced by K2, a significant shareholder of the Corporation, and on a bridge loan facility of $400,000 (the " Third Party Loan " and together with the K2 Loan, the " July 2013 Loans ") advanced by a third party (the " Third Party Lender ").
Each of the July 2013 Loans was evidenced by a promissory note bearing interest at the rate of 1% per 30-day period and maturing on November 30, 2013, with provisions for additional interest payments in the event that certain minimum payments were not made during the term of the July 2013 Loans. The July 2013 Loans were guaranteed by the Corporation and were secured against the personal property of KGS, including extracted minerals obtained from the Fire Creek Project. Proceeds from the July 2013 Loans were intended to be used for general working capital purposes. In addition, KGS and the Third Party Lender also agreed to amend the terms of an existing US$1.6 million promissory note in favour of the Third Party Lender to, among other things, extend the term of such note (the " Extension ").
In connection with the July 2013 Loans and the Extension, the Corporation issued an aggregate of 500,000 warrants (the " Loan Warrants ") to each of K2 and the Third Party Lender, with each Loan Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.19 and $1.2215, respectively, for a period of one year following its date of issue. On September 23, 2013, K2 exercised its Loan Warrants to purchase 500,000 Common Shares for aggregate proceeds to the Corporation of $595,000. Subsequently in 2013, the Third Party Lender exercised its Loan Warrants to purchase 500,000 Common Shares for aggregate proceeds of $610,750.
In July 2013, the Corporation entered into an agreement with Newmont to begin processing Klondex's higher grade mineralized material from the Fire Creek Project (the " Newmont Processing Agreement ") at the Midas mill. In August 2013, the Corporation delivered the first shipment of mineralized material to Newmont for processing under the Newmont Processing Agreement. In connection with the completion of the Midas Acquisition (as hereinafter defined) in February 2014, the Newmont Processing Agreement was terminated. As at the date hereof, the Corporation has received approximately $11.1 million from the processing of 8,646.81 ounces of its mineralized material.
On October 16, 2013, the Corporation completed a private placement of 14,200,000 special warrants (" Special Warrants ") for gross proceeds of C$19,454,000 (the " Special Warrant Offering ") through a syndicate of agents. Each Special Warrant entitled the holder thereof to receive, for no additional consideration upon its exercise or deemed exercise, one Common Share. In connection with the Special Warrant Offering, the agents received an aggregate of 568,000 broker warrants (" 2013 Broker Warrants ") entitling the agents to purchase up to 568,000 Common Shares at a price of $1.43 until October 16, 2015. On November 15, 2013, the Corporation filed and was receipted by the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces of Canada (other than Quebec) for a final short form prospectus to qualify the Common Shares underlying each of the Special Warrants and the 2013 Broker Warrants. On November 20, 2013, the Special Warrants were deemed to be exercised and surrendered pursuant to the terms thereof, and the Corporation issued 14,200,000 Common Shares to the holders of Special Warrants. The Corporation repaid all of the outstanding short term debt of the Corporation using proceeds from the Special Warrant Offering and monies received from shipments of mineralized material. The debt repaid included $2.4 million in July 2013 Loans and $1.61 million in debt issued in 2010, all of which were to mature on November 30, 2013.
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On October 28, 2013, the Corporation completed the excavation of the secondary egress at Fire Creek Project, which became operational in November 2013 and allowed the Corporation to begin its bulk sampling program at Fire Creek.
On October 31, 2013, the Corporation filed the Fire Creek Technical Report in connection with the completion of the updated mineral resource estimate for the Fire Creek Project which was announced by a press release dated September 16, 2013.
In July, 2013, Renaud Adams was appointed as a director of the Corporation. Mr. Adams, who has nearly 20 years of precious metals mining experience, is Chief Operating Officer of Primero Mining Corp., where he is responsible for the operations and organic growth of the company in addition to its operations in Mexico. In October 2013, Richard (Ritch) J. Hall joined the Corporation as a special advisor to the Board on strategic opportunities. Mr. Hall brought over 40 years of mining, exploration, development and corporate experience to the Corporation. On November 15, 2013 the Corporation appointed Barry Dahl as Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, replacing Jorge Avelino, who continued to serve as Corporate Controller and Corporate Secretary of the Corporation.
On December 4, 2013, the Corporation entered into a stock purchase agreement with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc. (" Klondex USA "), and Newmont USA Limited (" Newmont USA ") to acquire all of the shares of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited (the " Midas Acquisition "), which indirectly owns the Midas Project. The Midas Acquisition was completed on February 11, 2014. The purchase price of the Midas Acquisition was comprised of (i) approximately US$55 million in cash, (ii) the replacement of Newmont surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities in the amount of approximately US$28 million, and (iii) the issuance by the Corporation to Newmont USA of 5 million warrants to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $2.15, with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances.
The Midas Acquisition was financed through the Subscription Receipt Financing (as defined below), the 2014 Debt Financing (as hereinafter defined) and the Gold Purchase Arrangement (as hereinafter defined) (collectively, the " Midas Acquisition Financings ").
On January 9, 2014, the Corporation completed an offering (the " Subscription Receipt Financing ") of 29,400,000 subscription receipts at a price of $1.45 per subscription receipt (the " Subscription Receipts ") on a private placement basis, raising aggregate gross proceeds of $42,630,000 (the " SR Proceeds ") pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement (the " SR Agency Agreement ") dated December 6, 2013 between the Corporation and GMP Securities L.P., MGI Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., Jones, Gable & Company Limited and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the " SR Agents "). The SR Proceeds, less the SR Agents' expenses and out-of-pocket costs and legal expenses, were placed in escrow pending (i) the closing of the Midas Acquisition, and (ii) the receipt by the Corporation of the requisite shareholder approval of the Subscription Receipt Financing and the 2014 Debt Financing (as hereinafter defined) pursuant to the requirements of the TSX. Upon both of these conditions being satisfied, on February 11, 2014, the net proceeds of the Subscription Receipt Financing were paid out of the escrowed funds to the Corporation.
On February 11, 2014, the Corporation entered into a senior secured loan facility agreement (the " Facility Agreement ") with a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp. (" RoyCap "), and including K2 and Jones Gable (collectively, the " 2014 Lenders ") pursuant to which the Corporation issued units consisting of an aggregate of $25,000,000 principal amount of notes, issued at a 2.5% discount to par value, and 3,100,000 warrants (" 2014 Lender Warrants ") to purchase Common Shares (the "2014 Debt Financing"). The 2014 Lender Warrants have an exercise price of $1.95 and will expire on February 11, 2017. The notes mature on August 11, 2017.
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On February 11, 2014, the Corporation entered into a gold purchase agreement (the " Gold Purchase Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation (" FNC "), pursuant to which the Corporation raised proceeds of US$33,763,640 (the " Gold Purchase Arrangement ") in consideration for the delivery of an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold on a monthly basis over a five year period ending on December 31, 2018. Under the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement, the Corporation is required to make gold deliveries at the end of each month, with the first delivery due on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces of gold is completed on December 31, 2018. The annualized delivery schedule is shown in the following table.
Year | Au (ounces) |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Corporation's obligations under each of the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Agreement are secured against all of the assets and property of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. The security granted for the performance of the Corporation's obligations under the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Agreement rank pari passu .
The Facility Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature, including limitations on future indebtedness during its term. Early repayment of the loan under the Facility Agreement by the Corporation is required under an event of default under the Facility Agreement, including in the event that the Corporation has failed to pay within three business days of being due any principal or interest totaling $250,000 or more on any indebtedness of the Corporation other than the indebtedness under the Facility Agreement. In addition, the Corporation may not incur indebtedness where, on the date of such incurrence, and after giving effect thereto and the application of proceeds therefrom, the Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Facility Agreement) of the Corporation and its subsidiaries divided by the sum of the consolidated debt expense (net of consolidated interest income) of the Corporation and its subsidiaries would be less than 3.5.
The Gold Purchase Agreement also contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature. A default under the Facility Agreement would also constitute a default under the Gold Purchase Agreement. As at the date hereof, the Corporation is in compliance with all requirements under the Facility Agreement and the Gold Purchase Agreement.
On February 12, 2014, the Corporation entered into a royalty agreement (the " FC Royalty Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada U.S. Corporation (" Franco-Nevada US "), a subsidiary of FNC, and KGS, pursuant to which KGS raised proceeds of US$1,018,050 from the grant to Franco-Nevada US of a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek Project. The Corporation also entered into a royalty agreement (the " Midas Royalty Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada US and Newmont Midas Operations Inc. (" Midas Operations "), now an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, pursuant to which Midas Operations raised proceeds of US$218,310 from the grant of a 2.5% NSR royalty to Franco-Nevada US on the Midas Mine.
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MINERAL PROJECTS
Fire Creek Project
Klondex has a 100% ownership interest in the land block known as the Fire Creek Project in Lander County, Nevada, U.S.A. The following summary is based on the Fire Creek Technical Report.
Project Description and Location
The Fire Creek Project is a high-grade gold-silver deposit hosted in graben structures of brecciated basalt within a geological province related to rifting. The deposit occurs in Lander County about 60 miles west of the major city of Elko, Nevada, USA in a sage-cedar-grass covered alluvial hillside overlooking the Crescent Valley. There are multiple small towns along paved highways within a short commute to the Fire Creek Project, and the northern edge of the residential part of Crescent Valley town abuts the mine access road. The coverage of the Fire Creek Project is a little over 11,000 acres. The Fire Creek Project is located in Lander County, Nevada, approximately 34 miles west of Carlin (or 63 miles west of Elko) and 15 miles south of highway I-80. The mine site sits on a flat-lying mesa in the foot hills of the Shoshone Range on the west side of Crescent Valley. The Fire Creek Project is closest to the small town of Crescent Valley on Nevada State Highway 306. The drive from Elko takes about an hour and a half.
The Fire Creek Project consists of a combination of privately owned fee land, leased fee land and owned unpatented mining lode claims. The land position is approximately 9,680 acres of unpatented federal lode mining claims, 1,118 acres (452 hectares) of private fee land, 239 acres (96 hectares) of mineral leases, and 270 acres (109 hectares) with options to purchase. In all, Klondex controls approximately 11,307 acres (4,576 hectares) in the immediate area of interest.
The following figure shows an overview of the vein locations and zones comprising the Fire Creek Project.
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Klondex makes annual assessment payments as required to maintain its land position. Receipts were reviewed by the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report in September 2013 for maintaining the claims in good standing through September 2014. The total annual fees payable to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (" BLM ") for leasing claims are US$67,760. Additionally, Lander County receives claim fees of US$5,086. Both fee payments are due annually before September 1. Claims only expire if the fees are not paid.
The private lands, leases and options to purchase are subject to differing cash payments and net smelter royalties. Royalties affect 10 fee parcels owned and / or leased by the Corporation, as listed in the following two tables.
The following table provides a summary of Fire Creek Project fee holdings.
The following table provides a summary of Fire Creek Project leased fee holdings.
APN | Description | Lessor | Royalty | Expiration | Acres |
Section 15 T30N R47E MDB&M | |||||
007-140-04 | SE1/4 NE1/4 | Third Party Lessor | 4% NSR | (2) | 40 |
007-140-06 | SE1/4 NE1/4 | Third Party Lessor | 4% NSR | (2) | 40 |
007-140-10 | NE1/4 SE1/4, E1/2 NW1/4 SE1/4 | Third Party Lessor | 2.5% NSR | (2) | 60 |
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APN | Description | Lessor | Royalty | Expiration | Acres |
007-140-07
|
N2NW4SW4
|
Third Party Lessor
|
3.0% NSR & 0.5%
wheelage royalty (1) |
31-Jul-33
|
20
|
007-140-09
|
W2NW4SE4
|
Third Party Lessor
|
3.0% NSR & 0.5%
wheelage royalty (1) |
31-Jul-33
|
20
|
Section 19 T30N R47E MDB&M | |||||
007-160-04
|
SW4NE4
|
Third Party Lessor
|
3.0% NSR & 0.5%
wheelage royalty (1) |
31-Jul-33
|
40
|
007-160-24
|
NE4NW4SE4
|
Third Party Lessor
|
3.0% NSR & 0.5%
wheelage royalty (1) |
31-Jul-33
|
10
|
Section 19 T30N R47E MDB&M | |||||
007-060-69
|
Parcel 1 of the Sharp Hospital Map recorded in the Office of the Lander County Recorder in Book 375, Official Records, Page 170 |
Third Party Lessor
|
3.0% NSR & 0.5%
wheelage royalty (1) |
31-Jul-33
|
9.28
|
8 Leased Fee Parcels | 239.28 |
Notes: | ||
(1) |
Wheelage royalty is calculated on mineralization mined from other properties which is transported underground through the leased property. |
|
(2) |
The lease agreement remains in full force and effect for so long as any mining operations (as defined in the lease agreement) are being conducted on the relevant property on a continuing basis. |
The Fire Creek Project is also subject to a 2.5% NSR royalty pursuant to the FC Royalty Agreement. See " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2013 Highlights ".
The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report is not aware of any royalties affecting the Corporation's unpatented mining claims. Property agreement obligations are listed in the following table.
Due Date
|
Proj
# |
File
# |
Commitment/Obligation
|
Amount
of Obligation (US$) |
Payable/Due to
|
Notes
|
9/1/2005 | L1010 | 2.4-6 | 3 Leased Parcels (1) | Third Party Lessors | 1987 Leases extend for 10 years from 9/1/2005 | |
8/19/2013 | L1010 | 2.4-6 | Property Taxes - 3 Leased Parcels | 146.78 | Lander County Treasurer | Lessee to pay Property Taxes |
8/19/2013 | L1010 | 8.3 | Property Taxes 29 Klondex Owned Parcels | 1,032.33 | Lander County Treasurer | Real Property Taxes due 3rd Monday of August annually |
8/19/2013 | L1010 | 8.3 | Property Taxes 2 Klondex Owned Parcels | 84.08 | Eureka County Treasurer | Real Property Taxes due 3rd Monday of August annually |
8/31/2013 | L1010 | 10 | BLM Claim Fees - 484 Claims | 67,760.00 | BLM | 484 Klondex Owned Claims x $140/claim |
9/1/2013 | L1010 | 2.4-6 | 3 Leased Parcels Annual AMR Payment | 24,000.00 | 7 Third Party Lessors | Annual AMR Payment due on Lease anniversary |
9/1/2013 | L1010 | 2.4-6 | Insurance Certificates | 7 Third Party Lessors | Insurance Certificate required under terms of leases | |
11/1/2013 | L1010 | 10 | Lander County NOI to hold - 484 Claims | 5,086.00 | Lender County Recorder | 484 Klondex Owned Claims x $10.50/CLAIM + $4 |
9/1/2015 | L1010 | 2.4-6 | 3 Leases - Expire | 7 Third Party Lessors | Leases expire - Renew | |
Total | 98,109.19 |
Note: | ||
(1) |
The lease agreement remains in full force and effect for so long as any mining operations (as defined in the lease agreement) are being conducted on the relevant property on a continuing basis. |
In addition, pursuant to a mining lease agreement dated effective July 31, 2013 with respect to five leased fee parcels, the Corporation is required to pay minimum rental payments of $50,000 per year for the first 10 years of the lease and increasing by $10,000 for each subsequent 10 year period (including any renewal period), subject to an additional increase under certain circumstances. Pursuant to such mining lease, the Corporation was required to pay a minimum rental payment of $49,000 by January 2, 2014, which payment has been made.
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The location of the claims is based on the location of the monuments and their dimensions cited to the BLM thereof. The claims are not surveyed, and exact claim boundaries depend on positions of the posts in the field. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report are not aware of any conflicting surface rights in this area or near the Fire Creek Project; however, there is currently no title search to verify the claim status, and the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report recommend a title search be implemented. According to the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report, grazing rights may exist in the area, though conflict with local ranchers is not common in this region. To the knowledge of the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report, there are no environmental or social factors which affect land title at the time the Fire Creek Technical Report was written. Newly established protected habitat for sage grouse has not been defined in this area at the time of the Fire Creek Technical Report. There are archaeological considerations in the immediate area of the Fire Creek Project; however, all new surface disturbance proposed by Klondex was reviewed by the BLM and permitted prior to construction.
The gold mineralization at the Fire Creek Project occurs in steeply dipping epithermal veins within Tertiary basalt flows and intrusive rocks. The basalt rocks represent a unique suite of mafic-intrusive rocks characteristic of a regional northwest-trending structural zone: the NNR system.
Permitting
Klondex has an approved plan of operations with the BLM covering their current exploration activities at the site. Klondex is currently waiting for approval to an amendment to the Plan of Operations and Reclamation permits (NVN-07976 and reclamation permit 0028). This amendment will allow Klondex to construct and operate several rapid infiltration basins (" RIBs "). Klondex received approval for the Water Pollution Control Permit for the RIBs (WPCP2013102), issued in February 2014. Klondex has initiated a baseline data collection program to ensure that enough data is collected is sufficient for additional permitting necessities.
The major operational permits and a brief summary of the requirement for each permit are outlined in the following table.
Permit
|
Permit
Number |
Agency
|
Permit Type and Explanation
|
Environmental Assessment and Plan of Operations | NVN-079769 | BLM |
Plan of Operations is required for all mining and processing activities and exploration exceeding five acres of disturbance. BLM approves the plan and determines the required environmental studies, usually an environmental assessment or an environmental impact study based on the requirements outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act. |
Record of Decision | BLM |
A Record of Decision (" ROD ") in the United States is the formal decision document which is recorded for the public. |
|
Water Pollution Control Permit (Operations) | NEV2007104 | NDEP, BMRR |
Mines operating in the State of Nevada are generally required to meet a zero discharge performance standard. A WPCP is required for the extraction of minerals. A separate permit may be issued for certain activities at a specific facility, such as rapid infiltration. |
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Permit
|
Permit
Number |
Agency
|
Permit Type and Explanation
|
Water Pollution Control Permit (Infiltration) | NEV2013102 | NDEP, BMRR |
Water Pollution Control Permit for infiltration of water from the underground mine operations. |
Water Rights | 28637, 77002, 77003, 75129 | NDWR |
Water rights are issued by the Nevada Division of Water Resources based on Nevada water law which issues permits based on prior appropriation and beneficial use. Prior appropriation (also known as "first in time, first in right") allows for the orderly use of the State of Nevada's water resources by granting priority to senior water rights. This ensures the senior uses are protected, even as new uses for water are allocated. |
Reclamation Permit | #0241 | NDEP, BMRR |
Summarizes reclamation activities and associated costs. Ensures land disturbed by mining activities are reclaimed to safe and stable conditions to promote and safe and stable post-mining land use. A permit is required for any disturbance over five acres. The RCE is financially secured with a posted security. The posted surety amount provides assurance that reclamation will be pursuant to the approved reclamation plan. |
Air Quality Permit | AP1041-2774 | NDEP, BAPC |
An owner or operator of any proposed stationary source must submit an application for and obtain an appropriate operating permit before commencing construction or operation. Class II Air Permit - Typically for facilities that emit less than 100 tons per year for any one regulated pollutant and emit less than 25 tons per year total HAP and emit less than 10 tons per year of any one HAP. |
Stormwater Permit | NVR300000 | NDEP, BWPC |
General stormwater discharges associated with activities from metal mining activities. Regulates stormwater runoff from waste rock storage piles, roads and cleared areas. Typical pollutants include suspended solids and minerals eroded from exposed surfaces. |
Accessibility, Climate, Vegetation, Physiography, Local Resources and Infrastructure
The Fire Creek Project is easily reached from Elko by driving west on highway I-80 for 40 miles to the Beowawe and Crescent Valley Exit #261. From Exit 261, proceed south on Nevada State Highway 306 for 16 miles (passing through Beowawe) to 10th street (sign on the right). On 10th street, there is a company sign at the turn that says, "Klondex Gold & Silver Mines, Limited". 10th Street is the mine access road. The Fire Creek Project is located six miles west on 10th street, in Lander County, Nevada. The state and county roads leading to the mine are mostly paved and maintained in order to service the ranches and mines in Crescent Valley. In this part of Nevada, it is common practice for mine staff to commute long distances for work on a daily basis. The average commute for Klondex staff is one hour each way.
The climate at the Fire Creek Project is typical for northern Nevada with hot summers and cold winters. Average daily summer maximum temperatures range from 80 °Fahrenheit ("° F ") to 90°F (26.6° Celsius ("°C") to 32.2 °C), and average winter low temperatures range from the low 40s to 20°F (4.4°C to -6.7°C). Summer temperature extremes may reach 100°F (37.8°C) for short periods, and winter extreme temperatures may drop to 0°F (-17.8°C) for short periods. Fieldwork, including exploration drilling, is commonly conducted throughout the year in this area. Mines in the Crescent Valley typically operate all year without major weather-related problems.
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The Fire Creek Project vegetation is mainly limited to sagebrush, other species of low vegetation, and some grasses. There are no trees on the Fire Creek Project. Due to the low amount of rainfall, the vegetation is low and sparse. There is a small marsh associated with the Fire Creek Project drainage, which provides some wetland vegetation.
Fire Creek lies in elevation between 4,900 feet (1,489.6 m) and 7,200 feet (2,188.8 m). The United States Geological Survey (" USGS ") published a base-relief map that covers the Fire Creek Project titled, "Mud Springs 7.5' USGS quadrangle". The topographic relief is moderate with mature topography consisting mostly of rounded hills with steeper grades along more competent strata. All stream flows downstream of the Fire Creek Project are ephemeral, and there are springs that source the Fire Creek Project year-round at the site.
The towns of Battle Mountain and Elko, about 52 miles northwest and 63 miles northeast respectively, are the nearest larger towns that would supply much of the labor force. These towns are the only locations with amenities and services such as motels, fuel, grocery stores and restaurants. The closest commercial retail stores for gas and groceries are located in Battle Mountain, 52 miles to the northwest. Electrical power is provided to the site by Nevada Energy via a transmission line and substation located near the eastern project boundary. According to the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report, the land holdings at the Fire Creek Project have adequate acreage to support future exploration and mining activities. Should the Corporation decide to construct an onsite processing facility, the land holdings are large enough to allow construction of the necessary structures and tailings storage facilities.
History
Fire Creek has undergone three stages of prospecting from 1930 until 1967. Local prospectors performed primitive investigative work on the property, which is not documented. Below is an itemization of exploration conducted by operators other than Klondex:
Dates | Company | Activity Details |
1967 | Union Pacific Resources |
Drilled 2 core holes near the property. |
1974 to 1975 | Placer Development Ltd. |
Drilled 22 rotary holes on the surface. |
1975 | Klondex |
Acquired the property. |
1984 | Minex Resources, Inc. (" Minex ") |
Leased the property from Klondex; drilled 13 rotary holes. |
1986 to 1987 | Alma American Mining Company (" Alma ") |
Alma leased the property; drilled 64 rotary holes. |
1988 | Aurenco Joint Venture (" Aurenco JV ") |
Aurenco JV formed between Black Beauty Mining and Covenanter Mining. |
1988 to 1990 | Aurenco JV |
Aurenco JV completed 15,690 meters of rotary drilling, 500 soil samples and 750 surface rock chip samples under lease to Klondex. |
1990 to 1995 |
No activity. |
|
1995 to 1996 | North Mining Inc. (" North Mining ") |
North Mining leased the property from Klondex; drilled 67 rotary and core holes for a total of 12,061 meters. They also conducted an IP survey and an airborne helicopter electromagnetic ("HEM") survey. |
In 2004, Klondex based its initial drilling targets on the results of North Mining's 1995-96 drilling program in combination with the following information: analysis of more sophisticated detection techniques, such as intersections of structures and alteration observed in mapping; analysis of surface geochemistry and airborne HEM surveys; and on interpretation of IP responses from their dipole-dipole survey. Klondex focused its exploration on drilling for mineralization occurring within the two Main and West zones penetrating depths ranging from 500 feet (150 m) to 1,700 feet (515 m). The results of this drilling intercepted positive grades from five grams per tonne ("gpt") to 34 gpt.
- 15 -
A previous IP-Resistivity survey conducted in 1995 by North Mining utilized wide dipole spacing along 10 east-west lines. The point readings were also distantly spaced between each other along these lines. According to the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report, compared with the later Klondex IP surveys in 2004, the results of the older survey were likely not adequate to detect the narrow vein anomalies, which were detected by Klondex's closer spacing of lines and dipole points. There are strong IP chargeability responses within the HEM-identified clay alteration zones that trend north-northwest, coincident with the general strike of veins intersected by subsequent Klondex drilling and coincident with the general trend of NNR faults. At least two offsets of the chargeability trends are interpreted as cross faults. Much of North Mining's drill locations in 1995 and 1996 were targeting positive results from its largely spaced geophysical tests.
Geological Setting
Regional Geology
The Fire Creek Project is located in the northern part of the Shoshone Range within the structural domain of the NNR, as documented in several technical journals. The structures are associated with regional epithermal-type gold veins, such as occur at the Midas Project (formerly known as the Ken Snyder Mine), Newmont's Mule Canyon Mine (" Mule Canyon "), and Waterton Global Mining Company, LLC's Hollister Mine, under the name of Rodeo Creek, are all within the NNR structural domain. Barrick Gold Corporation's Pipeline-Cortez Hills deposits are Carlin type deposits and located to the west of this structural domain.
The NNR is bound by north-west trending regional lateral faults within which are a series of sub-parallel, northeast-trending, high-angle normal faults. The normal faults bound and offset ranges, such as the Shoshone Range near the Fire Creek Project. In the northern portion of the NNR Middle Miocene (approximately 13.8 to 16.3 Megaannum) aged basalt, basaltic andesite, and rhyolite flows and dikes intrude the basement rocks. These are the host rocks at the Fire Creek Project.
The overall orientation of down-dropped basement blocks within the NNR domain infers a rift-setting with tensional, pull-apart deformation. There appears to be a change in the orientation of ranges and faulting in the vicinity of the Fire Creek Project near the northern extent of the Shoshone Range. In this vicinity, high-angle faulting is more prominent with both northwest-trending and north-east trending high- angle normal faults. Basement blocks are down-dropped to the south in the northern portion of the domain and down-dropped to the north in the southern portion of the domain in this vicinity. The Fire Creek Project deposit is near the southern extents of this transitional zone within the NNR.
The chemical composition of the volcanic and intrusive rocks varies greatly within the rift zone throughout its length. Subsequently, rocks from one mining district often cannot be correlated with those from another. Mineralization is contemporaneous with mid-Miocene volcanism. Volcanism continued into the late Miocene frequently capping the mineralization with a thick and barren sequence of volcanic rocks.
Gold mineralization in the northern part of the Shoshone Range at the Fire Creek Project occurs structurally controlled by faults within the NNR. The style of structurally controlled mineralization observed at the Fire Creek Project is typical of rift-hosted gold deposits.
The significance of regional intrusive centers to mineralization in the NNR is not well understood. Regional mineralization within the NNR sometimes occurs where there are intrusive centers but not all of the intrusive centers are sources of mineralization. Most of the regional scale intrusions associated with mineralization within the NNR are mafic in composition, but not all the mafic intrusive rocks are mineralized. Intrusive mafic rocks associated with gold mineralization have been intersected by drilling at the Fire Creek Project.
On the western margin of the NNR, eruptive centers produced a widespread sequence of mostly mafic to intermediate volcanic rocks also observed at the Fire Creek Project. North-Northwestern (" NNW ") striking normal faults are the main controlling structures at the Fire Creek Project, which occur on a regional scale in the northern part of the NNR.
- 16 -
Local Geology
Volcanic stratigraphy in the vicinity of Fire Creek consists of a series of Miocene basalt, andesite and dacite flows, tuffs, and pyroclastic rocks. These overlie Paleozoic clastic sediments. Within the Fire Creek Project area, Miocene volcanic rocks are approximately 1,500 feet (450 m) thick and consist of:
(i) |
an upper sequence of basalt flows and a lapilli-lithic tuff; |
|
(ii) |
a middle sequence of basalt, basaltic-andesite, and andesite flows with interbedded mafic tuffs and a palagonite-rich (altered basaltic glass) basal hyaloclastite breccia; and |
|
(iii) |
a lower sequence of two (possibly three) lapilli plus or minus lithic tuffs with a thin, interbedded basaltic-andesite to andesite flow, and organic-rich lacustrine horizon. |
This stratigraphic sequence overlies an unconformable contact with crystal-rich rhyolite ash-flow tuff inferred to be the Eocene Tuff of Cove Mine or Centano Tuff based on regional distribution, appearance, and phenocryst assemblage. Thicknesses of this lower Eocene unit ranges from absent to greater than 300 feet (91 m) in the northeast section of the Fire Creek Project area, which could infer its deposition and preservation in an Eocene paleo-drainage, as documented at Mule Canyon. Beneath this ash-flow tuff, a thin conglomerate horizon composed dominantly of Paleozoic basement rocks marks the Tertiary unconformity. Basement rocks consist of complexly deformed silici-clastic sedimentary rocks, which include argillite, siltstone, and quartzite attributed to the Ordovician Valmy Formation.
The basalts in this area of interest are cross-cut by high-angle normal faults forming regional grabens, which trend parallel to the north-northwest trending NNR system. High-grade gold mineralization occurs within and is disseminated in the basalt near vertical structures within the boiling zone horizon of an epithermal system at a near surface depth of approximately 300 feet to about 600 feet (91 m to 200 m) below the surface. Vein textures, gangue minerals and alteration are classic epithermal phenomena.
At the Fire Creek Project, the mineralization does not occur at the surface in the remnant of the opaline silica cap, which was deposited above the deeper mineralization. The cap rocks are barren of gold, but leakage of mineralization occurs in nearby faults and was the object of early prospecting and later shallow drilling through the 1980s.
Exploration
Below is an itemized summary of chronology of exploration activities at the Fire Creek Project conducted by Klondex:
|
1975: Klondex acquired the property; |
|
1980 to 1983: Klondex drilled 64 rotary holes; |
|
1984: Klondex leased the property to Minex; |
|
1986 to 1987: Klondex leased the property to Alma; |
|
1988 to 1990: Klondex leased the property to Aurenco JV. The Aurenco JV was formed between Black Beauty Mining and Covenanter Mining and it conducted shallow drilling mined and operated a small unsuccessful heap leach; |
|
1995 to 1996: Klondex leased the property to North Mining. North Mining drilling confirmed the existence of high grade epithermal veins; |
|
2004: Klondex began a deep exploration program for vein mineralization; |
- 17 -
|
2004 to 2008: Klondex drilled a total of 180 core holes - most with reverse circulation (" RC ") pre-collars, for a total of 245,469 feet (74,622 m). During this time, Newmont and Klondex performed geophysical surveys in November 2005 and Klondex conducted a Gradient IP-resistivity survey in August 2006. The gravity survey located a gravity high over the area of mineralization that is bounded by east-northeast (" ENE ") and northwest-bounding (" NW ") structures. The IP Resistivity data showed a complex series of IP highs associated with probable NNW structures and layered resistivity responses offset by the NNW structures. There is a correlation between the IP and gravity data confirming possible ENE structures that cutoff IP highs north and south of the mineralization center. The IP highs calibrate well with known vein systems discovered by drilling. The survey results also revealed numerous IP anomalies that have yet to be examined by drilling. These IP highs may represent possible undiscovered vein targets but the only way to determine that is through drilling; |
|
2009 and 2010: Klondex drilled an additional 36 core holes, most with RC pre-collars, totaling 47,964 feet (14,581 m) for a total of 216 holes totaling 293,433 feet (89,203 m); |
|
2011: Klondex drilled 37 surface holes and 19 underground holes for a total of 65,025 feet (19,820 m); |
|
2012: Klondex drilled 25 surface holes and 30 underground core holes for a total of 54,968 feet; and |
|
2013: Klondex drilled one surface core hole of 580 feet (176 m) and 35 underground holes (for this resource model) for a total of 15,141 feet (4,603 m). |
The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report reviewed the drill data results dated from March 2004 to August 2013 for the current analysis. Datasets were found to be in an excellent state of coherency and standardization as of August 2013, as verified by one of the authors. Paper drill hole log files, copies of assay certification and other integral drill hole data information are also in a state of excellent condition for use in the new resource estimate. The geology logs for the surface drill holes compare well with one another in the local areas suggesting that the stratigraphy of the rock units is well understood by project geologists working at the Fire Creek Project.
Mineralization
The mineralization currently being explored at the Fire Creek Project is being interpreted as a low sulfidation, epithermal precious metal vein occurrence in a mafic volcanic environment. Mineralization found to date at the Fire Creek Project extends from the silica cap (siliceous sinter) downward to the high grade zone. Contacts, faults and fractures likely provided conduits for fluids to migrate to the surface and vent as a hydrothermal hot spring sinter. As the hydrothermal fluids cooled, siliceous minerals precipitated to form the cap. Later oxidation of the upper part of the system occurred due to convection of a localized plume of low pH groundwater that altered the host rocks under the silica cap into an assemblage of clays, zeolites, and iron oxides. Prior to the oxidation of the deposit, precious metals, sulfide minerals and quartz-calcite precipitated within the vein system at deeper levels when boiling occurred at critical pressures at specific depths beneath the surface.
The veins often have strong vertical zonation within the near-surface. The surficial part of the system sometimes contains mercury mineralization. The mineralization in the vein system is believed to change at depth from weak-gold-mineralization-with-pyrite to strong-gold-mineralization-with-pyrite and then at further depth to weaker-gold-mineralization-with-base-metal-sulfides below the boiling zone (according to modern models for hydrothermal mineralization). In this type of hydrothermal model, bonanza-grade mineralization for precious metals is typically found in vertical proximity to the boiling zone horizon.
The mineralization at the Fire Creek Project is hosted by at least two epithermal quartz/calcite vein arrays. To date, 32 veins have been identified by surface and underground core drilling and underground development. The veins strike north 10 to north 30 west for approximately 5,000 feet (1,524 m) and dip nearly vertically. The mineralization has been identified from near surface and extends down dip up to 1,000 feet (304 m). Mineralization is open at depth and along strike. Individual vein widths vary from less than one foot to over 20 feet and average four to five feet.
- 18 -
Drilling
As at the end of August 2013, 580 feet (176 m) of surface core drilling (one drill hole) and 15,141 feet (4,603 m) of underground drilling (35 drill holes) were completed at the Fire Creek Project.
As of September 2013, the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report observed a sequence of handling drilled core as follows:
(i) |
A drill hole's status is tracked on a dry erase board as well as in Microsoft Excel ("Excel") spreadsheets, (drilled status, logging status, sampling status, dispatching a hole, and receiving assay results); |
|
(ii) |
Diamec U8 core rig (other types of drill rigs have been used in the past for drilling both surface and underground): drillers label core box lids with a unique Bore Hole Identification number ("BHID", which includes the year), box number, and drilled interval; drillers put the core in boxes (shown below) with top of drilled sequence leading the run in the box and end of drilled interval ending the run in the box; drillers label the end of the run to the nearest one tenth of a foot, and measure and record the recovery in feet on wooden blocks put at the end of the drilled interval; |
|
(iii) |
Drillers stack full core boxes on a pallet in numerical order; and |
|
(iv) |
Drillers or geotechnicians either deliver the pallet to surface or take a partial delivery of core boxes in the back of their motorized underground personnel vehicle. They leave the pallet of core boxes (or individual core boxes on a spare pallet) at the core logging facility. |
Collar Surveying
Historic methods and record-keeping for surveying drilled collar locations up to early 2013 have been inadequately documented prior to the Fire Creek Technical Report. As a result, a re-survey of surface drilled collar locations in 2013 has since validated the historic surface collar locations. Underground drilling began in late 2011 and drilled collar locations were derived from drill station design coordinates until early 2012, when underground collar surveying began.
Channel samples along production drifts and within the decline during development were also incorporated in the mineral resource estimate in the Fire Creek Technical Report. The channel sample locations are stored as "synthetic drill holes" in the database in order to utilize them spatially with software (northings, eastings, elevations, azimuth, dip, and length). The northing, easting, and elevation of the samples were derived from geologists' calculations based on as built locations and are not surveyed points that can be verified by the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report.
Historic surface drill collar survey data was kept in Reno, Nevada by Richard Kern of MinQuest, Inc. (" MinQuest "), as he was the Project Manager and responsible person for the database on behalf of Klondex. Klondex received the historic data in spreadsheets from Mr. Kern in May 2012. All collar northings and eastings came from MinQuest with exception to the 2012 drilling. The elevation of the 2012 drill hole locations were adjusted by the then Chief Geologist for Klondex, by assigning elevations from topographic contours generated from 2012 photogrammetry. All surface collars drilled by Klondex, specifically FC1208S through FC1223S, were surveyed with a Trimble Global Positioning System (" GPS ") by Alidade, Inc. (" Alidade ").
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Surveying Surface Collar Locations
There are no surviving survey reports or documentation of surface collar location methodologies from March 2004 through December 2010. The (non-documented) method for locating early collars was to locate the drill pad along a surveyed grid of lines (lines spaced 50 feet (15.2 m) apart) to intercept veins as close to perpendicular as possible within limitation of the equipment and topography.
In August of 2008, Alidade began performing surveys and located some of the drill pads and collars for Small Mine Development LLC (" SMD "). Historical survey reports for that period have not survived, though Alidade's methodology for ground control is documented. Alidade set a 5/8 rebar with a plastic "Alidade Control" cap on a hillside above and about 1,000 feet (305 m) north of the mine site. It set up a GPS receiver on this point called "AL1", and recorded more than two hours of static GPS data at one-second intervals. This data was subsequently sent to the National Geodetic Survey Online User Positioning Service (" OPUS ") and processed. OPUS provided both the North American Datum 1983 (" NAD83 ") Nevada Central Zone and UTM Zone 11 North coordinate values for the new point. The grid coordinates provided were expressed in meters for both systems as is standard for OPUS. Alidade converted the NAD83 coordinates from meters to US Survey feet and established a coordinate system and projection for its GPS software.
Since 2010 (up to drill hole FC1207S), surface collar survey information was recorded by the site geologist reading a hand-held GPS on the drill rig. Using a hand held device requires the geologist to allow the device to sit for approximately 20 minutes before a reading can be taken. The coordinates were hand-entered on a log form. It is also not known if any conversion between datum were made as a part of this process.
After January 2012, surface drill collar locations were surveyed by Trimble Real Time Kinematic (" RTK ") using a GPS device with a base station of a known survey point and rover unit. There are no surviving survey reports. The original datum is not known. It is also not known if any conversion between datum were made as a part of this process.
In June 2013, a re-survey of surface collars in the vicinity of the main zone of mineralization was conducted by the then Chief Geologist of the Corporation to verify the locations of the historically drilled surface collars. This survey method consisted of locating a population of 29 drill holes out of a total of 209 surface drill hole collars, using a ground magnetometer to search for buried collar casing. A total of 29 surface holes (approximately 14 percent of the surface drill hole population) were located and re-surveyed by Klondex using a Trimble RTK unit with average northing and easting errors of 5.39 and 5.71 feet (1.64 and 1.74 m), respectively. Additionally, surface drill hole FC1222S, drilled in late November 2012, was surveyed by the then Chief Geologist of the Corporation using this same methodology.
Surface collar surveys were taken by Carl C. de Baca, of Alidade using a Trimble RTK roving unit and base-station set on a known survey point based on projections described above. As a result of locating this population of 29 drill hole collars, the re-survey program verified the historic collar coordinates for the surface holes as being accurate and within acceptable means. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report consider the results of this study as validation of the historic surface collar locations.
Surveying Underground Collar Locations
Underground drilling began in September of 2011, and all of 2012 underground drilling was conducted from one station: Drill Station 1. Holes FC11002U through FC12059U were surveyed initially in February and then finalized in August, 2012 by SMD surveyor Paul Joggerst (" Joggerst "), utilizing North American Datum (" NAD ") 27 UTM US feet. The initial survey by Joggerst in February 2012 was incomplete because drilling was ongoing and not all collars had been clearly labeled for the surveyor. As a result, there were abundant errors recorded in BHID. In August when the core drilling program was shut down, SMD resurveyed all the underground holes with the exception of FC11001U. That collar has never been located and its coordinates are approximated. As a result, FC1100U hole was never assayed, and it is not included as part of the current resource estimate.
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The 2012 Joggerst methodology included use of a robotic total station set by plumb-bob using a known survey location as a datum. A survey rod with a prism attached was then used by the surveyor on each drill collar location. The total station followed the prism until the surveyor identified the point on his data collector and the survey was completed. Plastic livestock ear-tags were wired to the collar casing pipe to identify the hole. Joggerst provided survey reports to Klondex in the form of electronic spreadsheets. All underground surveys were conducted in NAD 27 UTM, US feet. The last surveys for 2012 were collected in August. Numerous holes were located in Drill Station 1 and a geologist assisted the surveyor to identify each hole.
The 2013 underground surveys were initially taken by Rough Stock Mining Services consultants beginning in early February and were then re-surveyed by Klondex later in February 2013. The later survey is considered the final survey. All 2013 underground surveys prior to August 31, 2013 were completed utilizing NAD27 UTM US feet.
Klondex staff surveyed underground collar locations using company-owned survey equipment. The Fire Creek Project's survey equipment used is a Trimble S6 DR Plus total station device with a two-minute accuracy used in conjunction with Leica prisms. Control points were set in the back of the drift and decline and traversed back with the resection program.
Surveying Channel Sample "Synthetic" Collar Locations
The detailed northing, easting, and elevation of the channel samples were calculated by geologists from reading and measuring asbuilt maps after the samples were collected. Sample locations were not surveyed in the underground workings. As a result of this methodology, errors can occur in the calculations and during entry into spreadsheets; therefore, occasionally the elevations of the channel sample locations are adjusted to fit within the surveyed asbuilts during three-dimensional modeling. The starting points of these grab samples are referenced to tie-in marks on the RIB walls. The tie-in points were surveyed by Klondex. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report have not verified these surveys. Modeling the location of channel samples with respect to surveyed asbuilt locations in spatial array has verified the location of the channel samples well enough for the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report to accept their contribution to the resource estimate. Locations of northings or eastings were not edited. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report considered the location of the channel samples for both face sampling and development decline sampling to be adequate for use in resource estimate corrected projection spatial array of the underground asbuilts.
Downhole Surveying
No documentation exists for downhole surveys prior to 2011. Underground downhole drilling and subsequent downhole surveys began at the Fire Creek Project in the fourth quarter of 2011. Klondex leased a PeeWee downhole survey tool from Minex in Minnesota (the " PeeWee "). The PeeWee has the option of being manually set for local declination or simply collecting data. Klondex collected raw uncorrected data and then applied corrections to compensate for the local declination of 13.35 degrees according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calculator.
Readings are taken by the PeeWee every 50 feet (15.2 m). If the raw data from the PeeWee reflects some fluctuation in measurements, the data is removed from the database. In that case, reliable points above and below an erroneous point are used for projecting the drill hole. Occasionally, the surveyor at the Fire Creek Project will use "collar and quill surveys" by means of positioning the prism rod in the collar and recording multiple survey shots of azimuth and dip.
As of 2013, International Directional Services performs the downhole surveys for Klondex surface drill holes using their equivalent of a MaxiBore gyro tool from their office in Elko. There are no downhole surveys for the synthetic channel samples. Their projected traces are artificially created based on the beginning point of the sample and the end point.
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Core Recovery
Since 2012, the percent core recovery at the Fire Creek Project has been calculated by measuring the material between blocks per drilled interval. The percent of recovery is then calculated by dividing the measured recovery by the run footage and multiplying that value by one hundred. The average current recovery for the underground core at the Fire Creek Project is 95 percent.
Sampling and Analysis
Sampling Methodology
As of June 2013, the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report observed a sequence of handling and sampling drilled material according to this sequence in protocol:
(i) |
Geologists or geotechnicians set the core boxes on rolling racks in an illuminated, heated, covered logging facility made out of plasticized canvas. |
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(ii) |
Core is washed and photographed. |
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(iii) |
Core is logged utilizing electronic spreadsheets on a Panasonic Tough Book. |
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(iv) |
Geologists enter sample intervals FROM and TO values in the spreadsheet between one and eight foot intervals, not crossing contacts or alteration boundaries. This spreadsheet is previously populated with unique sample identifiers (" SampleIDs ") reserved for that specific hole. SampleIDs for Quality Assurance and Quality Control (" QAQC ") are previously populated in the SampleID sequence as well. SampleID sequences (as well as BHID) for underground differ in nomenclature from surface drilling sequences to distinguish between the two sources. "S" is used as a suffix for surface drilled holes, and "U" as a suffix for underground-drilled holes. |
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(v) |
Logged core in boxes are returned to an outdoor pallet waiting to be split. |
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(vi) |
Geologists print a cut sheet for the splitter. QAQC sample numbers are included in the cut sheet. |
Additionally, channel samples collected from 2012 to August 2013 were also incorporated into the Fire Creek Technical Report estimated mineral resource. RIB sampling began in January 2013 with the development of the main decline. As of the date of the current mineral resource estimate, 680 samples were collected in 139 channels. Channel sampling procedures for face sampling and development decline sampling are itemized below.
Channel Face Sampling
In late April 2013, channel samples were taken from the active faces exposed from each round, including sampling exposed vein and host rock on both sides of the vein in the face. A battery-powered impact hammer was used to sample in straight, uniform lines at set heights from the sill. Two sets of linear channel samples were collected from the face under this system: one set six feet up from the sill, and one set two feet up from the sill. Each set of samples covered material from the vein and the wall rock to the left and right of the vein (if present). These samples were labeled FCF000001 through FCF000172. Additionally, chip samples from the RIBs on either side of the face were collected with a rock hammer in a line along drift five feet above the sill and extending back from the new face to the previous face.
By May 2013, from sample FCF000173 on, the sampling methodology was updated to collect material from the face by hand with a rock hammer in a less linear means that would represent mineralogy, alteration, and width of the vein more realistically. The new method was based on a system developed at Midas. The new method is to use a rock hammer to chip off multiple fragments in the face across the vein and wall rock representing all material from a variety of features, such as silicified patches, oxidized breccias, vug-fill and free gold. The Klondex geologist collects various features proportionately within a measured zone for one sample. The previous methodology did not allow for sampling any material from features that did not occur along the six-foot and two-foot height linear swaths, which restricted assessment of mineralization. The new sampling methodology is technically, 'area sampling'. RIB sampling techniques did not change.
- 22 -
The new methodology for sampling face material is as follows:
(i) |
Before sampling and mapping a face, the geologist will wash the face with water from a hose to expose the vein, structures such as faults, and alteration and to remove contaminants from the blast. |
|
(ii) |
Sampling and mapping follows the wash. |
|
(iii) |
Three samples are collected from the face: left wall rock, vein, and right wall rock from left to right. The sampled area is from the sill to the extent of reach by hand. |
|
(iv) |
In addition to collecting three samples across the face, the geologist also collects samples from the left RIB, right RIB, and vein-only material in the back. |
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(v) |
Samples consist of chips removed by rock hammer into a clean bucket and then transferred to a bag. The bucket is washed between sampling. |
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(vi) |
All samples have a three letter prefix followed by a six digit number: FCF000000 = face or RIB samples; FCM000000 = muck samples; FCG000000 = miscellaneous underground grab samples. |
|
(vii) |
Additional samples, such as RIB samples located further from the current face or samples of specific vein feeders and offshoots, are collected after the first set of sampling the new face is finished. |
|
(viii) |
After the sampling procedures are completed, the geologist maps the face and records vein widths, sample locations, and structural features in hand-written notes. |
|
(ix) |
The geologist marks the vein margins, structures, face heading, and distance with spray paint on the wall rock. |
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(x) |
The geologist photographs the face. |
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(xi) |
The geologist takes the bagged samples to the geology office and hand enters data into a central Excel spreadsheet including SampleID, face distance, date, geologist name, sample widths, and a geologic description of the sample. QAQC materials, such as blanks and high-grade standards, are inserted into the batch at this time. |
|
(xii) |
All samples collected within a twelve-hour shift are entered into a sample submittal form, which is saved on the company server. |
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(xiii) |
The samples are sent to the assay lab after every twelve-hour shift. The entire sample is sent to the lab. |
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(xiv) |
Tracking the sample is not routine. SGS Laboratories in Elko, Nevada (" SGS ") provides a three to four day turn-around time between receiving samples and providing the assay results for channel samples. If there is a delay beyond this time-frame, then holds are placed on advancing the heading pending the assay results. In that case, Klondex will track the sample by means of checking data entries in an Excel sample tracker spreadsheet maintained by production geologists. |
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Back samples were previously collected across the entire back from left wall rock across the vein to the right wall rock in a straight line. This methodology was revised. Currently, only one 'area' sample exclusively from the vein is collected along the back. The current back sample collects vein material the width of the vein from the previous face to the current face. The back sample material is collected with a scaling bar to pry off intact pieces of the vein into a bucket, which is cleaned between each sample.
The location of the sample channels were measured from drift entrance points and posted on face sheets and plan maps. Location sheets were then scanned. Channel locations (faces and RIBs) were digitized with Vulcan software. Channel collar eastings, northings, and elevation locations were obtained using Vulcan software. Individual sample widths were obtained from mapping at the time of sampling. Channel location coordinates were exported from Vulcan into comma separated values ("CSV") formatted collar files. Sample width values were hand entered into CSV formatted sample files with assay results pasted from laboratory reports. The channel sample files were then imported into Vulcan and modeled as synthetic drill holes using the eastings, northings, elevation, width and assay values. QAQC samples were not utilized in the channel sample stream until June of 2013, after which blanks and standard reference material were added to each sample batch.
Development Decline Sampling
Beginning in January 2012, channel sampling of face and RIBs in the underground decline was implemented to identify un-anticipated mineralization intercepted during mine development. Initial sampling of the decline was inconsistent due to staffing limitations. As geologic staff increased, underground sampling of the decline face and RIBs became routine. The assay results from daily sampling of the decline were mostly below grade. Eventually, the decline was only sampled when significant assay results from development muck sampled in the yard (labeled to designate distance from the survey spad to the face) indicated mineralization had been intercepted. In those cases, a geologist returned to the corresponding area in the decline to sample the RIBs.
Development decline material has not been sampled since drifting on the vein structures began. Future sampling of development drifts may occur as needed.
The methodology for sampling development decline material is as follows:
(i) |
The geologist measures the distance from a reference point to locate the position the mineralized muck was taken from. The reference points utilized at the Fire Creek Project are either a 'miner's spad', a hole in the RIB used for mounting a hand-held laser distometer, or a spray paint line marker premeasured and labeled on the RIB by the miners with SMD during the main decline and crosscut excavations. These reference points have been surveyed. |
|
(ii) |
The geologist will spray paint markings designating five-foot sample intervals on the RIB face; |
|
(iii) |
The geologist uses a rock hammer to collect chips of the RIBs from a varying height above the floor to compensate for shot-crete or wire mesh. The chips fall into a clean bucket and are transferred to a bag. Bags are labeled as material is transferred to them. |
|
(iv) |
The geologist takes the bagged samples to the geology office and hand enters the data into a central Excel spreadsheet including SampleID, location, date, geologist name, sample widths, and a geologic description of the sample. |
|
(v) |
Decline samples were usually delivered to the assay lab in Elko the day they were taken. No QAQC materials were sent with these samples. The entire sample was sent to the lab. |
|
(vi) |
Tracking the sample was not routine. The sample status was derived from checking data entries of assay results and assay certificate on the company server. |
- 24 -
In some cases, the geologist will pre-label the bags in a numbered sequence or pre-label the bags with SampleIDs taken from the central Excel spreadsheet. Sample numbers from older sample sets were derived from sample booklets. These older samples were six digit numbers with an Alpha- suffix of R, F, LR, or RR for RIB, face, left RIB or right RIB. Details of the sample, such as to-from distance, geologic description, geologist, etc. were recorded in the sample booklets as the samples were collected. The location of the development decline samples was derived in the same manner as the face samples, itemized above.
According to the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report, Klondex's staff at the Fire Creek Project demonstrates knowledge regarding management of grab material for channel and decline sampling and the corresponding digital data. The methods of collecting and handling the material both physically and electronically are not optimal, but the results are acceptable for use in an initial analysis of the mineral resource.
Sample Preparation for Drilled Material
(i) |
The Geotechnician (" Geotech ") splits core in a mobile cargo container where the splitter is located next to the core logging facility. The core boxes are lifted onto on a rolling counter to the left of the splitter. The splitter is in front of the technician. A cloth sample bag is on the floor at the feet of the technician for the split sample material. The sample bags have been previously labeled by hand using black magic marker by the Geotech according to the cut sheet. The labeling procedure may occur inside the office or at the core splitting facility. The Geotech splits core to best represent 50 percent of the sample bisecting veins equally. Splitting samples that contain visible gold mineralization (" VG ") are supervised by the geologist. The left half of the split is returned to the core box, the right is dropped into the sample bag. |
|
(ii) |
When the single sample interval has been bagged, the full sample bag is stacked in numeric order on the floor by the door. |
|
(iii) |
The geologists assemble the standards and blanks and put that material into corresponding sample bags which they label by hand according to the cut sheet. The blanks and some of the standards are derived from material on site. The standards are kept in a locked cabinet. |
|
(iv) |
When an entire drill hole has been completely split, the bags of sample are stacked inside a large plastic bin outside the core facility with an open top. This entire bin of samples will be picked up and delivered to ALS Limited Minerals lab in Reno, Nevada (" ALS ") by the lab driver. |
|
(v) |
QAQC samples are bagged and labeled by geologists from standards kept in the geology office. When the driver from ALS arrives, he is given these samples to accompany the dispatch of samples from the corresponding drill hole. |
|
(vi) |
The reserved halves of core in core boxes and extra RC chips in sample bags are stored outside on pallets in a lay down area referred to as the 'Mud Yard'. The lids of core boxes are secured by straps. The Geotech will notify the geologist when a hole is ready to be sent to ALS. |
|
(vii) |
An electronic sample submittal sheet is populated by hand-entry into the computer reading from the cut sheet. Two copies are made one is the original hand-entered submittal, while the other is a scan of the completed submittal. One copy is filed in a core library; and the other is given to the truck driver for ALS. |
It is possible for empty pre-labeled sample bags to get out of order prior to being filled or a numeric value to be omitted due to handwriting. RC splits are sent to ALS for assaying. Pulps are stored in Reno, Winnemucca, and Elko at various laboratories. It is noted by the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report that ALS is independent of Klondex and ALS is one of the world's largest services providers for geochemistry and assay analysis with operations in more than 350 locations, in 55 countries and on six continents. ALS has ISO 9001:2000 certifications at all locations.
- 25 -
Sample Preparation for Channel and Decline Derived Material
Channel samples are bagged on site at the face or RIB. Bags are brought to the geology office. QAQC materials are inserted into the channel sample dispatch. Channel samples are delivered to ALS every twelve-hour shift.
Sample Analysis Protocol
As of January 2013, the assay results and certified assays from the lab are emailed to three people: the Chief Geologist, Senior Geologist and Geologic Database Administrator. Assay results from ALS are stored as portable document formats (" PDF ") on the Klondex server in a hierarchy of folders in a naming convention, based on source of drilled material, including channel samples, UG, surface core, surface RC, screen filter sampling, truck load samples, RIB sampling, muck piles, waste piles, and resamples of these same sources. This folder system is rudimentary and not user-protected. The PDF and CSV files from the lab are renamed to add the BHID for identification and for ease in referencing. The CSV files are also stored in the same hierarchy of folders as listed above. Excel files for use by mine modeling software, such as Datamine, are updated as to lithology, assay results and other edits, by means of copy and paste from the reported CSV files into the master files. There are no conversions made, such as from parts per billion to parts per million (" ppm ").
CSV files undergo extensive manual manipulation and editing. Dashes in the drill hole name are removed. The status of editing to the header files and assay results and other edits to clean the data are recognized by removal of the dashes from the BHID. These are cumbersome, labor-intensive edits. A new database is planned for managing these datasets more efficiently.
The Fire Creek Project has an unreliable internet connection. There is no Systems Administrator to plan for or implement an enterprise system for data management, or a virtual private network ("VPN") connection between the Fire Creek Project and Elko office servers. An enterprise system would create a secure, user-password protected connection for immediate communication and for automated backups. At this time, data is transported on external hard drives between the mine site and the Elko offices due to unreliable internet access.
Quality Control Measures
Historically, the QAQC used to check the consistency in assay reporting was either lacking or was not in any surviving reports. Beginning in March 2004 through the second quarter of 2012, Klondex samples were submitted to ALS and were reliant on the laboratory's in-house QAQC to monitor the sampling results. The current sequence of inserting field duplicates, blanks, and standards began in the second quarter of 2013 when Klondex began processing core on site. Prior to this, core was transported to Reno for cutting and sampling and QAQC was directed by MinQuest in Reno.
Beginning in March 2004 through February 2012, ALS' QAQC checks on the Fire Creek Project samples included 12,465 in-house standard samples and 11,201 re-assays of the immediately previous sample inserted into the Klondex sample runs as part of their protocols. Also, beginning in August 2010 through to February 2013, ALS completed 1,264 duplicates derived from pulp of the prepared sample for the Fire Creek Project sample runs. Recently, ALS sent a summary of its in-house QAQC sample results to Klondex in one report for this period of time. The ALS report combines sample results from both surface and underground drilling.
From the second quarter of 2012 to January 2013, Klondex submitted 152 of its own standards and blanks and 39 duplicate samples to ALS. From August 2012 to May 2013, Klondex submitted 193 of its own standards and blanks and 77 duplicate samples to ALS.
Klondex's current QAQC protocol at the Fire Creek Project is as follows:
- 26 -
Staff inserts one of three types of QAQC standards every 20 samples. The three standards are 1) blank, 2) standard, or 3) duplicate;
The blank is crushed, homogenous barren material (one blank standard is reduced, one is oxidized):
FCRDBLNK01= <0.005 ppm gold ("Au") (reduced),
FCOXBLNK01= <0.005 ppm Au (oxidized);
For the duplicate sampling, staff submits an empty bag labeled with SampleID in sequence. The lab will then re-run the immediate previous sample in the drill core; and
Klondex produces specific QAQC standards derived from low-grade, reduced basalt, which is crushed, and from pulverized sample standards in packets from Rocklabs Ltd.
Klondex has mandated that ALS follow a protocol for samples between one ppm Au and ten ppm Au, determined by atomic absorption fire assay fusion analytical method (" AA23 "), to run a duplicate. If by AA23, a sample is greater than ten ppm Au, the sample is re-assayed with gravimetric finish. For VG samples, Klondex staff submits samples for metallic screen fire assay. Also, if the assay results are very high grade (greater than twenty ppm Au), then ALS will re-assay the coarse rejects by metallic screen fire assay. For re-assays by metallic screen fire, Klondex requests two sample 'shoulders' on either side of the sample(s).
From March 2004 to the second quarter of 2012, sample protocol was reliant on ALS' in-house QAQC to perform re-assays and duplicates of pulp prep samples. Recently, ALS provided Klondex with sample results covering standards, lab duplicates and prep duplicates for the Fire Creek Project surface and drilling samples from March 2004 to February 2013. Recent duplicate check assays show good correlation within tight tolerances for 39 surface and 77 underground core samples.
Sample Quality
The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report found that Klondex staff at the Fire Creek Project have shown a solid understanding with regard to management of the drilled core and associated digital data. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report indicate that methods of handling the drilled material both physically and electronically are acceptable for use in an initial analysis of the potential mineral resource and that there are system improvements that need to be implemented in the future as the project develops.
The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report are of the opinion that storage of the drilled material at the Fire Creek Project needs to be improved to ensure sampling integrity is maintained and that construction of a new facility for core storage, logging and long-term maintenance would alleviate this issue.
The electronic data is rudimentarily compiled in a series of Excel spreadsheets (" Master Spreadsheets "). This is acceptable for use as an initial analysis of the mineral resource; however, the method of storing and editing Excel spreadsheets is susceptible to multiple errors throughout the data management process. In particular, the FROM-TO intervals contain overlap errors and raw data is cut and pasted by hand into non-secure Master Spreadsheets. At this point, the Master Spreadsheets contain multiple errors but are not considered, by the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report, to be unusable if errors are noted and edits are performed. As of the date of the Fire Creek Technical Report, a direct assay certificate-to-spreadsheet-values audit has upheld the integrity of the spreadsheet data for a reliable mineral resource estimate for publication of the Fire Creek Technical Report. Klondex has plans to implement acQuire and LogChief in 2014. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report state that these software systems will address data management issues.
The blanks data collected and used by Klondex (FCOXBLNK01 and FCRDBLNK01) display erratic results within an acceptable margin of error, which might indicate contamination within the sample runs. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report are of the opinion that the sampling protocol submitted to ALS should include the directive to run and flag the immediate subsequent sample for re-assay.
- 27 -
Analysis of the standards submitted to ALS indicates a trend to under report the mineralization values in the higher-grade standards. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report believe this trend should be followed up by additional testing and with a cross-checking program conducted at an independent laboratory.
The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report are of the opinion that Klondex's current QAQC program for sampling protocols is managed in an acceptable manner. It is Klondex's intent, for samples with standards results outside the acceptable statistical means, to re-run the errant batch. To date, such re-runs have not been completed.
Data Verification
In January 2013, QP Michele White commenced a review of Klondex's drilled and channel sample data and protocols for the Fire Creek Project. This review was performed for verification purposes to contribute the Klondex datasets to future evaluations of the 2013 Fire Creek Project underground mineral resource estimate. This validation addresses assay results from drilled material sampled between March 2004 and June 2013 for surface drilling, and between September 2011 and June 2013 for underground drilling and includes channel samples from production drifts and decline development.
Klondex Geologic Data Administrator provided specific datasets for validation based on a centralized merger of historic datasets for use in resource modeling. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report analyzed a random population of datasets representing no less than one percent and optionally up to 25 percent of the total samples produced from sampled material used in the resource estimate. In addition to verifying mineralization values for sampled material derived from drilling and channel samples at Fire Creek, this validation also reviewed general technical data related to sampling, such as the location of the drill hole collars, channel sample locations and the downhole survey data per the sampled interval. Geologic data were also reviewed for the purpose of validating the data that would be used as part of the geologic modeling for shaping and projecting trends of the mineralized bodies for resource estimates. Specific technical dataset audits were compared for direct correlation, record-by-record, between the original source data and the 2013 Master Spreadsheets. Results were then compared to the 2013 Vulcan mining modeling software database ISIS (" ISIS ") for consistency. The record-by-record validation produced a detailed examination of between seven-percent and ninety-nine-percent of the datasets, which upholds the integrity of the assay values in Master Spreadsheets.
Three datasets and related source files for estimating the resource were reviewed by the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report. The datasets reviewed are from the surface drilling program between March 2004 and June 2013, the underground drilling program between September 2011 and September 2013, and channel samples between April and September 2013. These datasets were reviewed for accuracy and as a validation of the underground mineral resource estimate for the Fire Creek Technical Report. Specific details of the sampled material include a review of:
Collar locations: no raw survey data for drilled or channel samples; 380 drill holes in Klondex centralized Master Spreadsheets; 380 drill holes in the ISIS database; and 673 channel samples;
Downhole survey: raw survey report data for 15 percent of all drill holes; Klondex centralized Master Spreadsheets; ISIS database;
Lithology: historic electronic logs for 93 percent of all drill holes; Klondex centralized Master Spreadsheets; ISIS database;
Klondex historic scanned cut-sheets with SampleID and intervals for one percent of all drill holes; Klondex centralized Master Spreadsheets; and
Assays: Original ALS PDF assay result certificates for 79 percent of all drill holes; Klondex centralized Master Spreadsheets; ISIS database, assay certificates for channel samples.
- 28 -
The ISIS database, inclusive of all drilled and channel sample data up to September 2013, complies with standards prescribed by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") protocol for use in mineral resource estimates. For each data set, at least five percent and up to 100 percent of the data under review was verified against original source data as listed above for accuracy. The result was a centralized database under the control of Klondex corporate staff.
The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report consider the verification work for such report to be of a sufficient level to allow the use of the database in the mineral resource estimate, provided that the results of historic and current drilling and control samples are deemed acceptable, which such authors are of the opinion that they are. In particular, the accuracy of the assay database has been quantified by independent review for 79 percent of the assay results utilized in the ISIS database by direct correlation with scanned assay certificates from accredited laboratories. Check results indicate there is no significant grade bias in the primary laboratory data.
Security of Samples
From early 2004 until March 2012, material from split core, rejects, RC chips, and pulps were stored in multiple storage units at the business of Security Storage, 355 East Greg Street, Sparks, Nevada. Of this material, the RC chip and rejects were transported directly to these storage units either from the Fire Creek Project or from the ALS lab. Core material was first logged on site by a MinQuest project geologist and then transported to Reno, Nevada for cutting and sampling by a MinQuest-employed geotechnician. After cutting, the core was archived in a storage unit on custom-built shelving. There were up to 23 storage units rented for this archive during this time.
For the 2013 core re-logging program, core was retrieved from storage units in the Reno warehouse and moved down the street to a rented logging warehouse in the same community in Sparks, Nevada (which abuts Reno in this neighborhood). Once logging was complete, core was palletized, banded and wrapped for shipment back to the Fire Creek Project. Currently, the banded core boxes are stored on site in a 'mud yard' pending construction of a fenced and protected facility.
The storage of the drilled material is currently unsecured during the multiple stages of core handling. Core boxes are either stored on pallets outside of the logging facility or on pallets with straps over the lids in a core yard. A new core storage facility has been proposed, which would greatly enhance the integrity of the Fire Creek Project's drilled material over time.
Mineral Resource Estimates
The Fire Creek Project mineral resource was estimated in accordance with CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Best practice in estimation was applied. The purpose of the model update was to include the new drill holes, which were drilled since the last model in May 2011. All data coordinates are measured in the NAD83.
The mineral resource estimate is based on data from 380 surface and underground drill holes, through August 31, 2013, and includes information obtained from the re-logging of 228,814 feet (69,559.5 m) of core. This estimate also includes 673 independently assayed RIB and face channel samples from underground drifting on the Joyce and Vonnie structures. Infill drilling on 75 feet (about 23 m) centers in conjunction with the underground development program increased the confidence level of the mineral resource estimate and, as a result, are included in the measured category in the mineral resource estimate.
The Fire Creek Project geologic and resource modeling was prepared using Vulcan Software versions 8.1.3 and 8.1.4. The vein solids were modeled from both the assay data and the lithology logged data. Therefore, no strict grade cutoff was honored but care was taken to ensure that only vein material was modeled regardless of the grade. Block gold grades were estimated using inverse distance cubed methods and checked against an estimate created using nearest neighbor methods.
- 29 -
Klondex provided drilling data as CSV format extracts from spreadsheets to Practical Mining. The CSV tables were loaded into a Vulcan ISIS database. The gold and silver assays were given as grams per tonne and the gold assay was then converted to opt by dividing by 34.2854. Assays were flagged by the vein solids and composited within the veins. The vein flag, "vn01', "vn02", etc. is stored in the vein variable in the database. Each drill hole that passes through the vein solid has at least one assay flagged with that vein's name. Only the gold opt assay was used for estimation. The silver assay data is not as complete as the gold assay data but should be estimated in future models in order to begin understanding the relationship with gold mineralization.
There are 380 surface and underground drill holes and 673 channel and RIB sample sets used in this analysis. Of the 380 drill holes, 52 are RC and 328 are core. Only eight of the 52 RC holes contained intervals that were flagged by the vein models. The composites of all flagged assays were used for statistical analysis and estimation. No drill holes were eliminated for any reason.
Compositing
The assays were composited on ten-foot downhole lengths honoring the vein flag. Therefore, the assays within the veins are separated from the lower-grade values outside of the veins. This compositing method usually calculates a single composite across the vein interval as most vein intercepts are less than 10-feet in length. Where the interval within the vein was longer than 10 feet, more than one composite was created.
403 channels and drill holes were flagged with vein intercepts. These vein intercepts consisted of 1,101 samples with gold assays greater than zero for a total intercept length of 3,414 feet. The number of flagged composites with gold grades greater than zero is 674 for a total of 3,414 feet. All of these flagged composites were used for statistics and estimation.
32 veins were modeled on two main northwest linear trends, which are about 1,300 feet apart east to west. Both trends generally strike N15W but the east trend ends at about 14,697,240 N and the west trend begins. This offset may be the result of a northeast trending fault but is not clear at his time. Current development and channel sampling is on the Vonnie (vn01) and Joyce (vn02) veins located in the North, Main and South zones of the eastern trend. The veins were modeled on N75E cross sections spaced 50 feet apart using the gold assay drill intercepts and geology. A strict cutoff grade was not enforced because portions of the vein are very low grade. Regardless of the grade, a low assay was chosen to represent the vein if the drill hole intercepted the modeled vein.
The basalt and tuff units were not modeled in this analysis but, according to the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report, should be in the future as they probably impact groundwater flow and rock stability.
Specific Gravity and Density
The average density of all rock and all vein material is 0.0774 tons per cubic foot, which was provided by Shuai Chen, Chief Engineer at Klondex. This density value was derived from 15 samples collected on the Joyce (vn02) and Vonnie (vn01) veins and analyzed by SGS.
Block Modeling
The block model was constructed using a 5x5x5-foot (1.52 m by 1.52 m by 1.52 m) parent block size (XYZ) and sub-blocking down to 0.5x5x5 feet (0.15 m by 1.52 m by 1.52 m). This modeling method creates a single block across the vein in the X direction within a tolerance of 0.5 feet. Therefore, the block width across the vein is within 0.5 feet of the actual width of the vein solid. The model is rotated with the X-axis oriented N75W. The block model origin (lower left corner) is 1736000E, 14693000N, 4600EL. The X length is 3,500 feet, Y length is 7,500 feet and the Z length is 1,400 feet.
The vein names (vein01, vein02, etc.) are stored in the vein variable. Vein blocks are combined into a single name "vn" in the zone variable, whereas the low-grade blocks outside of the veins are called "waste".
- 30 -
Gold Grade Estimation and Resource Classification
The gold grade variable in the block model was estimated using inverse distance cubed and the variable "au_nn" was estimated with nearest neighbor methods. The inverse distance cubed estimations were done in three passes. The first pass estimated the blocks classified as measured and these are named "meas" in the class name variable. The second pass estimated the indicated blocks and these blocks are named "ind" in the class name variable. The last pass estimated the inferred blocks, which are named "inf" in the class name variable.
Anisotropic search parameters for gold were set to the average orientation of the veins. Distances were selected based on the spacing of sample intervals intercepting the solids and on the general orientation and shape of the interpreted veins. The largest search distance was chosen to ensure that all of the blocks inside the vein solids were estimated with gold grade. The waste blocks external of the veins were not estimated.
The parameters for each of the passes are listed in the following table.
Domain
|
Pass
|
Parent |
Major
(ft) |
Semi
(ft) |
Minor
(ft) |
Min
Samp |
Max
Samp |
Max/DH
|
Cap
Grade |
||
X | Y | Z | |||||||||
in zone (vn) | meas | 10 | 10 | 10 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 5 | 12 | 1 | 40 |
in zone (vn) | ind | 10 | 10 | 10 | 100 | 100 | 50 | 2 | 12 | 1 | 40 |
in zone (vn) | inf | 10 | 10 | 10 | 1000 | 1000 | 50 | 2 | 12 | 2 | 40 |
Measured and Indicated Resources by Zone
Measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources by zone are listed in the following chart.
Resource Class | Imperial Units | Metric Units | ||||
Zone |
Mass (000's
Tons) |
Grade (opt) |
Contained
Gold (000's oz.) |
Mass (000's
Tonnes) |
Grade (gpt) |
Contained
Gold (kg) |
Measured | ||||||
Main | 8 | 6.93 | 57.2 | 7 | 237.7 | 1,779 |
Total Measured | 8 | 6.93 | 57.2 | 7 | 237.7 | 1,779 |
Indicated | ||||||
Main | 85 | 1.96 | 166.7 | 77 | 67.2 | 5,185 |
West | 14 | 0.76 | 10.9 | 13 | 26.1 | 338 |
North | 25 | 0.71 | 18.0 | 23 | 24.4 | 560 |
South | 52 | 0.45 | 23.3 | 47 | 15.4 | 725 |
Far North | 42 | 0.47 | 19.9 | 38 | 16.2 | 619 |
Total Indicated | 219 | 1.09 | 238.7 | 198 | 37.4 | 7,426 |
Measured and Indicated | ||||||
Main | 93 | 2.40 | 223.9 | 85 | 82.3 | 6,963 |
West | 14 | 0.76 | 10.9 | 13 | 26.1 | 338 |
North | 25 | 0.71 | 18.0 | 23 | 24.4 | 560 |
South | 52 | 0.45 | 23.3 | 47 | 15.4 | 725 |
Far North | 42 | 0.47 | 19.9 | 38 | 16.2 | 619 |
Total Measured and Indicated | 227 | 1.30 | 295.9 | 206 | 44.7 | 9,205 |
Inferred | ||||||
Main | 73 | 0.98 | 71.1 | 66 | 33.5 | 2,213 |
West | 37 | 0.73 | 26.8 | 34 | 24.9 | 834 |
North | 312 | 0.55 | 171.1 | 283 | 18.8 | 5,322 |
South | 15 | 0.87 | 13.5 | 14 | 29.9 | 419 |
Far North | 315 | 0.44 | 138.9 | 286 | 15.1 | 4,319 |
Total Inferred | 752 | 0.56 | 421.4 | 683 | 19.2 | 13,107 |
- 31 -
Notes: | ||
(1) |
Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. |
|
(2) |
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. |
|
(3) |
Mineral resources have been estimated at a cutoff grade of 0.20 opt (6.9 grams/tonne) calculated with a $1,250 per ounce gold price. |
Parameters
Significant parameters used in the gold interpolation include: assigning of parent block values to sub-blocks. Estimates are only calculated at the center of each 10'x10'x10' block, and those values are assigned to all sub-blocks existing within the parent block space; only composites with a value ≥ 0 were used. A minimum of five and maximum of 12 samples were used to estimate measured blocks, min of two and max of 12 to estimate indicated, and min of two and max of 12 to estimate inferred blocks. A maximum of two composites were used per drill hole. Composites were selected using anisotropic distances. Only composites within the veins were used to estimate blocks within the veins; and grades were capped (search restricted) at 40.0 opt for Au. Gold grades for blocks outside of the veins were not estimated. Some variables in the block model were populated using calculation scripts.
Other Resource Constraints
The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report are not aware of any environmental, legal, political or socio-economic constraints which could impact the mineral resource estimate that is the subject of the Fire Creek Technical Report.
Exploration and Development
The Fire Creek Project has identified several high-grade epithermal vein arrays. Significant progress has been made during the past 24 months in terms of underground exploration and development, which has greatly enhanced the Corporation's knowledge and understanding of the geology and style of mineralization. The full extent and quality of these vein arrays will only be determined by a continuation of the current program of surface and underground core drilling and underground mine development.
According to the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report, underground drilling should continue in the veins identified near the current development workings to increase the level of confidence in these veins to an indicated classification. The decline should be advanced to provide an underground drill platform from which to drill the veins in the North and Far North Zones. While the decline is being advanced, additional drilling in this area can be completed from the surface to refine the vein targets.
The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report indicate that RIB sampling along the drifts on the Joyce and Vonnie veins is of limited value and should be supplemented by drilling shallow 10 to 20 foot holes into the RIB with hand held drills and sampling the drill cuttings. This will add a third dimension to the potential wall rock mineralization.
The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report are of the opinion that the Corporation should complete a preliminary economic assessment of the Fire Creek Project. This work would include mine planning, metallurgical testing, characterization and third-party process facility selection and establishment of a project timetable to reach commercial production.
Core logging, mapping and sampling has identified mineralization in the wall rock immediately adjacent to some of the quartz/calcite veins. The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report are of the opinion that this material should be modeled for additional mineral resources.
- 32 -
The database of silver assays is not complete. Where deficiencies are identified, the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report state that the sample rejects should be located and resubmitted for silver assaying to allow the inclusion of silver values in the next mineral resource estimate.
The authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report have also made the following recommendations regarding the Fire Creek Project operations:
(i) |
In order to support ongoing underground development and exploration work, the mine infrastructure improvements to the ventilation and secondary egress need to be completed. Additionally, the RIB should be constructed to enhance the water management and disposal capabilities. |
|
(ii) |
QAQC: The blanks, FCOXBLNK01 and FCRDBLNK01, display erratic results, which might indicate contamination within the sample runs and reporting results at the detection limits of the assaying method. The sampling protocol submitted to ALS should include the directive to run and flag the immediate subsequent sample for re-assay when the blank assay variance exceeds the acceptable limit. |
|
(iii) |
Analysis of the standards submitted to ALS indicates a trend to under report the gold mineralization values in the higher-grade standards. This should be followed up with a cross- checking program conducted at an independent laboratory. |
|
(iv) |
Develop a metallurgical testing program to determine optimum processing methods, recoveries and reagent consumptions. Samples for testing should be composited from similar styles of mineralization identified by core drilling and underground sampling. Additionally, the program should quantify the head grade versus recovery relationship. |
|
(v) |
Land Status: There is currently no title search to verify the claim status and the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report recommend a title search be implemented. |
|
(vi) |
Data Management: The Fire Creek Project has an unreliable internet connection. There is no Systems Administrator or to plan or implement an enterprise system solution for a VPN connection between the Fire Creek Project and Elko office servers. An enterprise system would create a secure, user and password-protected connection for immediate communication and for automated backups. At this time, data is transported on external hard drives between the Fire Creek Project and the Elko offices due to unreliable internet access. |
Midas Project
Klondex has a 100% ownership interest in the land block known as the Midas Project in Elko County, Nevada, U.S.A., through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Midas Operations. The following summary is based on the Midas Technical Report.
Project Description and Location
The property comprising the Midas Project is a high-grade volcanic rock-hosted gold-silver deposit in faulted and brecciated basalt related to the NNR. The deposit is located in Elko County in north-central Nevada in a sage and grass covered hillside of the Snowstorm Mountains overlooking Squaw Valley to the south. The Midas Mine is located one mile from the town of Midas, Nevada, about 60 miles (96 kilometers) east of Winnemucca on Nevada State highway 789 from Interstate Highway I-80, or 80 miles (128 kilometers) from Battle Mountain driving west then north. The closest towns with services are either Winnemucca or Battle Mountain on I-80. Access from the closest commercial air service is in Elko. Elko is approximately three hours driving time if going through Battle Mountain for 150 miles. There is a remote, back roads access to Midas from Elko through Tuscarora via a road which does not have winter maintenance. The remote access from Elko to Midas is 90 miles (145 kilometers) but the drive time would also be about three hours due to the unimproved roads.
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The portal to the underground mine is located approximately one half mile west of the mill and other site facilities. The portal provides entry to a system of declines and ramps that access the gold- and silver-bearing veins. Mining levels are developed at 50-foot (ft) vertical intervals to access the mineralized vein. The mineralized material is excavated and loaded into underground haul trucks, which transport it to a surface transfer stockpile located outside the mine portal. The mineralized material is then trucked from the transfer stockpile to the main mineralized material stockpile area adjacent to the mill. In the mill, the mineralized material is crushed, processed, and refined to extract gold and silver. Molten gold/silver is poured from the refinery furnace into molds, and the resulting doré is shipped off-site for refining.
Status of Mineral Titles
The total land package in the Midas district (including easements, etc.) covers approximately 30,000 acres. This includes fee lands, federal unpatented mining claims, seven mining leases, BLM right of ways, general agreements, easements and surface use agreements. Within the 30,000 acres, there are 1,489 federal unpatented mining claims. Fee lands comprise approximately 2,417 acres of the land package. About 1,311 acres of the fee land include surface and mineral rights, while the other 1,106 acres include only surface rights. Some of the surface-only fee lands are lots within the town of Midas.
The claim locations are based on location of monuments and their dimensions cited to the BLM thereof. The authors of the Midas Technical Report are not aware of any conflicting surface rights within the Midas land package. Other considerations that might affect accessing claim status include grazing rights and protected habitats. Grazing rights may exist in the area; however, conflicts with local ranchers are not common in this region. Newly established protected habitat for sage grouse had not been defined in this area as at the date of the Midas Technical Report. There are archaeological considerations in the immediate area of the Midas Project; however, all new surface disturbances proposed are reviewed and permitted by the BLM prior to construction. Land information regarding claim status and fee lands was provided by Newmont, and to the knowledge of the authors of the Midas Technical Report at the time it was authored, there were no environmental or social factors that would affect land title. The following table summarizes the fee holdings encompassing the Midas Project.
Section | Legal Description | Acres (Approx) |
T38N R46E MDB&M, APN 004-250-0003, Surface and Mineral Rights | 40.9 | |
Section 2 | NW4NW4 | |
T39N R46E MDM, APN 004-260-03, Surface and Mineral Rights | 840 | |
Section 9 | E2NE4 | |
Section 10 | W2N4, SW4 | |
Section 22 | E2N W4, SE4 | |
Section 27 | NE4, NE4NW4 | |
Section 28 | W2NW4 | |
T39N R46E MDM, APN 004-260-03, Surface Rights Only | 1019 | |
Section 9 | W2NE4, E2NW4 | |
Section 15 | E2W2, W2E2 | |
Section 22 | NE4 | |
Section 28 | W2SE4, E2SW4 | |
Section 33 | NE4 | |
Section 34 | SW4NW4, Lot 1 |
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Total acres: | 1899.9 |
The following table summarizes the Midas town site lots.
Lot No. | Block No. | Assessor's Parcel No. |
6-7 | I (Gold Circle) | 03-523-03-2 |
8 | I (Gold Circle) | 03-523-02-4 |
11-12 | Q (Gold Circle) | 03-526-01-9 |
1 | S (Gold Circle) | 03-521-05-1 |
2 | S (Gold Circle) | 03-521-04-4 |
1 | W (Gold Circle) | 03-513-03-3 |
3-16 | W (Gold Circle) | 03-513-01-7 |
Property agreement and holding cost obligations are listed in the following table.
The royalties owed by Klondex in relation to the Midas Project are listed in the following table.
Agreement |
Royalty |
Mining Lease dated August 1, 1990 |
5% NSR |
Grant Deed dated January 12, 1993 |
2 patented mining claims; Banner, Gift No. 1 (1% NSR to a $30,000 maximum royalty payment). |
Grant Deed dated January 25, 1993 |
1 unpatented lode mining claim known as the New Grant; (1% NSR to a $100,000 maximum royalty payment). |
Grant Deed dated January 27, 1993 |
2 patented mining claims; Gold Crown and portion of Oversight Fraction (1% NSR to a $100,000 maximum royalty payment). |
Grant Deed dated March 17, 1993 |
1 patented mining claim; Ripsaw No. 2 (1% NSR to a $100,000 maximum royalty payment). |
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Location of Mineralization
The Midas Mine and facilities are located near the southern limits of the land package, primarily within sections 22 and 27 of T39N R 46E.
Klondex has an approved plan of operations with the BLM covering exploration activities at the site. The permits required to operate the mine and mill are listed in section "Environmental Liabilities, Permits, and Social Impact Permits". The authors of the Midas Technical Report are not aware of any environmental liabilities beyond normal reclamation and site closure costs that exist at the Midas Mine. The existing tailings storage facility is nearing capacity and further expansion is limited and carries a relatively high cost compared to constructing a new tailings storage facility. This will require an amendment to the existing plan of operations and may take two or more years to secure. There are no other regulatory issues known to the authors related to the continued operation of the Midas Project.
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The Midas gold mineralization transpires in steeply dipping epithermal veins within Tertiary basalt flows and intrusive rocks. The mineralized basalt rocks at Midas are a unique suite of mafic-intrusive rocks characteristic of a regional northwest-trending structural zone. The NNR system, which is useful in understanding the timing and structural control of the mineralization, has been documented in multiple geophysical studies, as discussed in the Midas Technical Report, and is distinguished as a narrow, linear magnetic anomaly 30 miles (50 km) wide that extends 190 miles (300 km) south to south east from the Oregon-Nevada border to central Nevada. The rift emanates from the McDermitt Caldera in northwest Nevada and is likely related to the migrating Yellowstone hot-spot.
Accessibility, Climate, Vegetation, Physiography, Local Resources and Infrastructure
The Midas Mine can be reached from the town of Winnemucca by driving east on Interstate Highway I-80 for fifteen miles and northeast for 43 miles towards the town of Midas. The entrance to the mine site is about two and one half miles past the town of Midas. To reach Midas Mine from Battle Mountain, drive west on I-80 for 36.5 miles and then northeast towards Midas.
The roads leading to the mine are mostly unpaved but maintained by state, county and Midas operation's crews in order to service the ranches and mines in the vicinity. In this part of Nevada, it is common for mine staff to commute long distances for work on a daily basis. The average commute for Midas staff is one and a half to two hours each way. Road maintenance of the main access is reliable because the roads are also used by ranchers and other mining companies.
The climate at Midas is typical for northern Nevada with hot summers and cold winters. Average daily summer temperatures range from 50°F to 95°F, and average winter low temperatures range from low 15°F to 40°F. Summer temperature extremes may reach above 100° F for short periods, and winter extreme temperatures may drop to below 0° F for short periods. Fieldwork, including exploration drilling, is commonly conducted throughout the year in this area. Mines in Squaw Valley typically operate all year without experiencing any major weather-related problems. Midas vegetation is mainly limited to sagebrush, other species of low vegetation, and some grasses. There are no trees at the project. Due to the low amount of rainfall, the vegetation is low and sparse.
The Midas Mine is in the foothills on the southeast slope of the Snowstorm Mountains on the north side of Squaw Valley. The elevation of surface infrastructure lies mostly between 5,400 to 5,800 feet. The USGS published a base-relief map, which covers the project area titled "Tuscarora 100K Quad USGS quadrangle". The topographic relief is moderate with mature topography consisting mostly of rounded hills with steeper grades along more competent strata.
The Midas Mine is a well-established facility with extensive underground mine workings and a proven process facility with nameplate capacity of 1,200 tons per day. Power was supplied from Newmont's Dunphy power plant via NV Energy Corp. ("NV Energy") transmission lines and the Osgood substation. Klondex purchases power for the Midas Mine from NV Energy.
The towns of Winnemucca and Battle Mountain, about 54 miles southwest and 43 miles south of the Project, respectively, are the nearest larger towns and are home to a workforce of mining professionals and laborers as well as mine industrial suppliers. These towns are the only locations with amenities and services such as motels, fuel, grocery stores and restaurants. Newmont supplied its Midas operations through its centralized warehousing rather than maintaining an on-site warehouse. Klondex will need to assess the inventory items and stocking levels necessary to support the operation and establish a supply chain, which could be accomplished relatively easily due to the availability of well-established local suppliers already established in the region.
The most accessible rail siding is located near the town of Golconda, a small community of about 200 people, the point of departure from the interstate on the best maintained route to the Midas Project. Golconda has no services, with the exception of an intermittently operating convenience store.
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The local infrastructure and Midas Mine land position are adequate to support ongoing exploration and mining activity. There is land available adjacent to the existing tailings storage facility to support expansion of that facility as needed.
History
The Midas Mining District, also known as the Gold Circle district in its earlier years, has a historic gold production dating as early as 1907. Modern exploration methods were employed in the district casually in the 1970s and 1980s by various companies and exploration began in earnest in the early 80s when Franco-Nevada Mining Corporation Limited (" FN Mining ") assembled a land package at the urging of Ken Snyder.
The official discovery of the Ken Snyder Mine occurred in 1994 (renamed the Midas Mine in 2001). Mine development commenced in 1997, and FN Mining operated and maintained ownership until the mine was acquired by Normandy in 2001, followed by the Newmont acquisition of Normandy in 2002. Newmont has operated the Midas Mine continuously since the Normandy acquisition.
The Midas land package is quite large, extending well beyond the known mineralized extents, and exploration has been more or less ongoing, with pauses to focus on mine delineation. In 2012, Newmont ceased all exploration activity at Midas and began to plan for final depletion and closure.
Exploration techniques employed over the years include soil and rock chip sampling, surface mapping, geophysics, and drilling. Thirty eight holes were drilled by Newmont in the 2011 to 2012 field season to test fourteen targets with follow-up work recommended in four of the areas tested. The follow up work was never completed.
Midas is a historic mining district, with recorded production beginning in the early 1900s. Most accounts attribute about 300,000 oz. of gold and 3 million oz. of silver production to a period beginning in 1907 and continuing until 1942 when non-essential mining activity was suspended by the War Production Board. Early production was from high grade veins mined extensively underground and locally at surface, sporadically augmented by discoveries of placer deposits. Since modern mining began in 1998, 2.2 million ounces of gold and 26.9 million ounces of silver have been produced by FN Mining, Normandy and Newmont.
Recent production from the Midas mill is presented in the following table. Production rates peaked in 2011 and declined in both succeeding years. Gold ("Au") grades have also declined indicating the approaching depletion of the Main Veins. Silver ("Ag") grades increased in 2013 also indicating the shift in production from the Main Veins to the East Veins.
Year | Kt | Au (opt) | Ag (opt) |
2013 (1) | 190 | 0.21 | 5.7 |
2012 | 330 | 0.23 | 4.1 |
2011 | 367 | 0.31 | 4.3 |
2010 (2) | 327 | 0.43 | 6.0 |
2009 (3) | 291 | 0.51 | 6.9 |
Notes: | ||
(1) |
Ten months year to date. |
|
(2) |
Includes toll milling 35kt containing 27 koz. Au and 194 koz. Ag of Hollister material. |
|
(3) |
Includes toll milling 35kt containing 34 koz. Au and 361 koz. Ag of Hollister material. |
Newmont historic mineral reserves and resources are presented in the following three tables which appear in the Midas Technical Report. A qualified person within the meaning of the NI 43-101 has not done sufficient work to classify these historic estimates as current mineral reserves or resources and the Corporation is not treating these historical estimates as a current mineral reserves or resources.
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Geological Setting
Regional Geology
The Midas Mine is located in the south flank of the Snowstorm Mountain range near the eastern margin of the NNR structural domain, hosted in bimodal volcanic rocks. The NNR domain contains structures that are associated with region wide epithermal-type gold veins, such as those that occur at the Fire Creek Project, Mule Canyon Mine, and the Hollister Mine (under the name of Rodeo Creek), all of which occur within the NNR structural domain and share similar mineralization characteristics. The following figure shows the regional geologic and structural map and indicates certain of the properties within the NNR area.
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The NNR structural domain is distinguishable on regional scale magnetic maps as a prominent north-north west (NNW) trending band of magnetic highs. This distinctive magnetic signature is caused by detection of a series of Miocene-age syn-rift volcanic and hypabyssal rocks of dacite to basalt in composition.
The rift is thought to originate at the McDermitt Caldera in northwest Nevada and is related to the initial eruption of the Yellowstone hot-spot, as discussed in the Midas Technical Report. The NNR is bounded on the west by north-west trending regional lateral faults. Along strike of these regional faults are a series of smaller, localized intersecting sub-parallel, northeast-trending, high-angle normal faults that that form grabens.
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The overall orientation of down-dropped basement blocks within the NNR domain infers a rift-setting with tensional, pull-apart deformation along predominantly north-northwest fault orientations. Basement blocks are down-dropped to the south in the northern portion of the domain and down-dropped to the north in the southern portion of the domain. The Midas deposit is located near the northern extent of the NNR. At Midas, normal faults occur in both northwest and northeast orientations. Extension during rifting was in an east-northeast to west-southwest direction. Based on the orientations of rift-related dikes and faults in the younger volcanic sequence, extension persisted until sometime after 10 million years but before 6 Ma. At that point, a change in plate motions rotated the extension direction to a northwest-southeast orientation. Along the NNR, this change disrupted the rift and formed a series of fault-bounded, east-northeast-oriented grabens. These grabens are spectacularly exposed along the Midas trough, at the north end of the Shoshone Range.
The chemical composition of the volcanic and intrusive rocks varies greatly within the rift zone throughout its length. Subsequently, rocks from one mining district often cannot be correlated with those from another. Mineralization is contemporaneous with mid-Miocene volcanism. Volcanism continued into the late Miocene era frequently capping the mineralization with a thick and barren sequence of volcanic rocks.
Gold mineralization at Midas is structurally controlled by normal faults within the NNR. The style of structurally controlled mineralization observed at the Midas Mine is typical of rift-hosted gold deposits, with epithermal mineralization associated with an intrusive center.
The significance of regional intrusive centers to mineralization in the NNR is not well understood. The nearest intrusive stocks to Midas are Carlin-Trend in age of 30 to 40 Ma, which is older than Midas mineralization. Regional mineralization typical of the NNR, which is epithermal bonanza-style vertical veining, sometimes occurs where there are intrusive centers but not all of the intrusive centers in the NNR are sources of mineralization. Mafic rocks within the NNR may or may not be related to the hydrothermal mineralization. Most of the intrusions associated with mineralization at Mule Canyon, where dike contacts are key indicators for locating mineralization, are mafic in composition, but not all the mafic intrusive rocks in the NNR are mineralized. The majority of the mafic volcanic rocks in the NNR occur between the Sheep Creek Range north of Highway I-80 to south of the Shoshone Range at Fire Creek. Mafic volcanic rocks are a minor component at Hollister and Fire Creek. The southeastern-most basalt flows occur at Buckhorn. Mafic intrusive rocks within the NNR also occur as sheeted dikes as far south as the Roberts Mountains.
The vein and alteration mineralogy observed at Midas, Fire Creek, and Mule Canyon are related to the mafic host rocks. Intrusive mafic rocks associated with gold mineralization have been intersected by drilling at Midas. Eruptive centers on the western margin of the NNR produced a widespread sequence of mostly mafic to intermediate volcanic rocks observed at Midas. NNW striking normal faults are the main controlling structures for mineralization at Midas, which are observed on a regional scale in the northern part of the NNR.
Midas Mine Local Geology
The Midas deposit is the largest known high-grade Au-Ag vein deposit within the NNR. The Midas deposit belongs to a suite of middle Miocene low-sulfidation epithermal gold and silver mineralizing systems associated with magmatism and faulting along the rift. Interpretation of new 40 Argon ("Ar") isotope and 39 Ar isotope dates for volcanic rocks and hydrothermal minerals related to gold mineralization and additional isotopic dates throughout the Midas region constrain the timing of volcanic, tectonic, and hydrothermal activity. The Midas hydrothermal system developed following a change from mafic-dominated bimodal volcanism and basin formation to felsic volcanism, folding, and faulting at about 15.6 Ma.
From 15.6 to 15.2 Ma, sediments and tuffs were deposited on a relatively impermeable rhyolite flow at Midas. During this period, faulting and tilting of the volcanic edifice created pathways for hydrothermal fluids that flowed to the surface forming sinters and hydrothermal breccias. Approximately 200,000 years after the change in volcano-tectonic regime, oblique-slip faulting took place along zones of pre-existing weakness, creating dilational zones and additional channel ways for mineralizing fluids.
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At 15.4 Ma, high-grade gold and silver veins formed in fault zones throughout the NNR region near Midas, depositing at least 4 million ounces (Moz) of gold and 40 Moz of silver regionally. The timing of high-grade Au-Ag mineralization is identical to the age of rhyolite intrusions whose source magma chamber likely provided the heat necessary to drive the hydrothermal system. The age of an unaltered tuff that unconformably overlies opalized sediments establishes that tilting of the units and the hydrothermal system had ceased by 15.2 Ma. The temporal and spatial coincidence of rhyolite volcanism, faulting, and high-grade mineralization may reflect the importance of contributions from deeper fluid reservoirs containing magmatic components or highly exchanged meteoric waters.
Midas formed during a middle Miocene pulse of bimodal basalt-rhyolite magmatism that was widespread throughout the northern Great Basin. The Midas deposit is hosted by a deeply eroded section of Miocene volcanic rocks along the eastern margin of the NNR. Drilling in the Midas area has shown that Miocene tuffs, flows, and volcaniclastic rocks extend to a depth of at least 1.5 km beneath the present surface. The depth to older Tertiary volcanic rocks as well as pre-Tertiary basement beneath Midas is unknown. Mineralized material is confined to steeply dipping, banded quartz veins including the Colorado Grande and Gold Crown veins within north-northweststriking faults in felsic units. Unaltered rhyolite vitrophyre and ash-flow tuff top the hydrothermally altered host rocks.
Numerous mafic sills and dikes intrude, and flows are interbedded within, the felsic volcanic and volcaniclastic section described above, and are named Tbg. Peperites (a sedimentary rock that contains fragments of igneous material and is formed when magma comes into contact with wet sediments) grade laterally into a feature described locally as a clastic dike. The clastic dike is sub-parallel to a north-south-striking fault that contains the Colorado Grande vein. Emplacement of the clastic dike apparently was controlled by this fault.
The structural setting of the Colorado Grande vein was provided in a laterally and vertically persistent, north-south to N30°W-striking, steeply northeast dipping normal fault. The Gold Crown vein formed in a steeply northeast dipping, N 50° to 60° W-striking fault that splays into the footwall of the Colorado Grande vein on the Midas fault. Other fault splays of similar orientation in the hanging wall host additional veins. The Midas fault is the principal structure in the mine and dips typically exceed 70° to the southwest and northeast. Late lateral shear movement in the Midas fault created northwest dilational openings that have been in-filled by the Colorado Grande vein. The Gold Crown, Discovery, and Snow White veins to the northwest are all extensional veins, differing in character from the Colorado Grande vein.
The Colorado Grande and Gold Crown veins formed during multiple episodes of deposition and brecciation. Early silica flooding and brecciation of the wall rocks was followed by deposition of banded veins, several centimeters to several meters wide, which comprise high-grade mineralization. Dark bands variably enriched in electrum naumannite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, and minor galena, aguilarite, and marcasite alternate with quartz-, chalcedony-, adularia-, and calcite-rich bands, as described in the Midas Technical Report.
The alteration assemblages at Midas show zonation centered on the main veins. Weak propylitic alteration occurs at distances greater than 400 m from the veins. Minor veining and partial replacement of phenocrysts and groundmass by chlorite, calcite, minor smectite (predominantly montmorillonite), and a trace of pyrite characterize this alteration.
The structural geology of the district as has been summarized as follows:
|
There are three general stress regimes responsible for the fault geometries and mineral deposition in the Midas district: |
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o |
Generally NW-striking normal faults compose an orthorhombic system that is consistent with the regional mid-Miocene strain field, not local magma chamber inflation or caldera formation. |
|
o |
These faults were then re-activated under a transient change in the stress field that coincided with gold deposition. Return to normal faulting followed. |
|
o |
Data collected to date indicate that the late Owyhee faults comprise a normal fault system, rather than a left lateral one. |
|
Application of a structural model in the periphery of the district will be hampered by the high- level of exposure in the system known to have blind veins. Growth faults at this level may display minimal displacement, much of which may be post-mineral. |
The Midas Technical Report provides that improved mapping of the outlying areas, in concert with Controlled Source Audio Frequency Magnetotellurics Testing (" CSAMT ") testing will likely become the primary targeting tools outside the main district.
The Midas fault, host to the Colorado Grande vein, is the principal structure in the mine. It strikes approximately N15°W and forms a structural high or arch within the district. Closure of rock exposures to the south, and general convergence of bedding strike on the west and east sides of the arch to the south, indicate a shallow southerly plunge. East side down, apparent normal movement, exceeds 1,000 feet based on drill hole information. Left lateral shear movement along the Midas fault has created northwest oriented, dilatant openings within the Colorado Grande vein that typically host high grade mineralization. Owyhee structures orientated N65°E are post to syn-ore deposition, as the Colorado Grande (Midas Fault) is displaced along the Northern and Southern Owyhee. These Owyhee structures result from the most recent basin and range extensional structural regime.
Drilling
Drill Core Sampling
In November 2013, authors of the Midas Technical Report visited the Midas Project but did not observe any drilling or sample recovery. The procedures used have been summarized from interviews with the Midas technical staff that have been employed at the Midas Project by both Newmont and Klondex. These procedures are as follows:
1. |
Handling of the drilled core from the station includes: drilling with a Diamec U8 core rig (other types of drill rigs have been used in the past). Drillers label core box lids with a unique Bore Hole Identification number (which includes the year), box number, and drilled interval; drillers put the core in with top of drilled sequence leading the run in the box and end of drilled interval ending the run in the box. Drillers label the end of the run to the nearest one tenth of a foot, and measure and record the recovery in feet on wooden blocks, which are put at the end of the drilled interval; |
|
2. |
Drillers stack full core boxes on a pallet in numerical order; and |
|
3. |
Drillers or geotechnicians either deliver the pallet to surface or take a partial delivery of core boxes in the back of their motorized underground personnel vehicle. They leave the pallet of core boxes (or individual core boxes on a spare pallet) at the core logging facility. |
Collar locations and downhole surveys were conducted by Newmont staff with Newmont equipment and the data uploaded directly into acQuire.
Channel samples along production drifts were also incorporated into this mineral resource estimate. The channel sample locations are stored as "synthetic drill holes" in acQuire in order to utilize them spatially with software (northings, eastings, elevations, azimuth, dip, and length). The northing, easting, and elevation of the samples were derived from Vulcan after geologists digitized the channel sample locations into the digital underground drift asbuilt survey. The channel sample locations were not survey points that can be verified by the author, but the asbuilts are derived from surveys.
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It is not known by the authors of the Midas Technical Report what percentage of core recovery Newmont experienced at the Midas Mine.
Material from split core, rejects, RC chips, and pulps were stored by Newmont onsite within a fenced and protected facility. Newmont logged core utilizing electronic tablets and uploading data directly into acQuire. Newmont's logging protocols for core have not been reviewed by the authors of the Midas Technical Report.
Face Sampling
Face sampling methodology at the Midas Mine by Newmont geologists is typical of narrow vein mining operations. The geologists collected material from the face by hand with a rock hammer to chip off multiple fragments in the face across the vein and wall rock representing all material from a variety of features, such as silicified patches, oxidized breccias, vug-fill, free gold, etc. The Newmont geologist collected various features proportionately within a measured zone for one sample as follows:
1. |
Before sampling and mapping a face, the geologist washed the face with water from a hose to expose the vein, structures such as faults, and alteration and to remove contaminants from the blast. |
|
2. |
Sampling and mapping followed the wash. |
|
3. |
Three samples were collected from the face: left wall rock, vein, and right wall rock from left to right. The area sampled was from the sill to the extent of reach by hand. |
|
4. |
Samples consisted of chips removed by rock hammer into a bag, which was slipped inside a bucket. |
A geologist pre-labeled the bags on the surface during pre-shift with a bar-coded sticky label, which was also stapled onto the bag. Additionally, the geologist also labeled the bags with a permanent magic marker.
5. |
All samples had a three letter prefix followed by a six digit number: KSF000000 = channel sample. |
|
6. |
After the sampling procedures were completed, the geologist mapped the face and recorded vein widths, sample locations, and structural features in hand-written notes on a face sheet. |
|
7. |
The geologist marked the vein margins, structures, face heading, and distance with spray paint on the wall rock. |
|
8. |
The geologist took the bagged samples to the geology office and hand-entered data into a central Excel spreadsheet including SampleID, face distance, date, geologist name, sample widths, and a geologic description of the sample. |
The location of the sample channels are measured from known points along the drift alignment and posted on face sheets and plan maps. Location sheets are then scanned. Channel locations (faces) are digitized with Vulcan Software. Channel collar eastings, northings, and elevations are obtained using Vulcan software. Individual sample widths are obtained from mapping at the time of sampling. Channel location coordinates are exported from Vulcan into CSV-formatted collar files. Sample width values are hand entered into CSV-formatted sample files with assay results pasted from laboratory reports. The channel sample files are then imported into Vulcan Software and modeled as synthetic drill holes using the eastings, northings, elevation, width, and assay values.
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9. |
All samples collected within a twelve-hour shift were entered into a sample submittal form, which was saved on the company server. |
QAQC samples were not utilized in the channel sample stream at Midas.
10. |
The samples were sent to the assay lab after every twelve-hour shift. |
Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security
Core Sample Preparation
Core sampling procedures related herein have been summarized from interviews by the authors of the Midas Technical Report with Midas Geology staff, as follows:
1. |
The core boxes were lifted onto on a rolling counter to the left of the splitter machine. The splitter machine was in front of the geotechnician. A cloth sample bag in a bucket was placed on the floor at the feet of the technician for the prepped sample material. |
|
2. |
It is not known by the authors of the Midas Technical Report how sample bags for split core were labeled. However, Newmont utilized a bar coded system at the Midas Project and the labels may have been bar coded. |
|
3. |
The geotechnician split the core to approximately 50% of the sample bisecting veins equally. |
|
4. |
The left half of the split was returned to the core box, the right was dropped into the sample bag. |
RC splits were sent to ALS for assaying.
5. |
When the single sample interval had been bagged, the full sample bag was tied shut and stacked in numeric order on the floor by the door. |
|
6. |
The geotechnician assembled the standards and blanks into corresponding sample bags which were labeled according to the cut sheet. It is not known by the authors of the Midas Technical Report how the standards and blanks at Midas were derived. |
|
7. |
When an entire drill hole had been completely split, the bags of sample were stacked inside a large, open, plastic bin outside the core facility. The entire bin of samples was picked up and delivered to ALS by the lab driver. |
|
8. |
QA/QC samples were bagged and labeled by geotechnicians. When the driver from ALS arrived, he was given these samples to accompany the samples from the corresponding drill hole. |
|
9. |
The reserved halves of core were kept in core boxes and extra RC chips in sample bags and were stored on site at the Midas Project. |
|
10. |
The geotechnician notified the geologist when a hole was ready to be sent to ALS. |
|
11. |
An electronic sample submittal sheet was generated and given to the truck driver for ALS. |
Channel Sample Preparation
The following outlines the channel sample preparation methodology.
1. |
Channel samples at the Midas Project were bagged on site at the face. |
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2. |
Full bags were brought to the geology office. |
|
3. |
QA/QC materials were not inserted into the channel sample dispatch. |
|
4. |
Channel samples were delivered to Newmont's Twin Creeks lab every twelve-hour shift. |
Quality Control Measures
Newmont geologists routinely inserted blind standards and blanks with the drill core samples submitted to ALS for assaying. These standards and blanks were selected from an inventory of QA/QC materials maintained by Newmont at their Nevada operations. The authors of the Midas Technical Report reviewed the gold assay QA/QC performance only for the drill core submitted to ALS from drill holes that penetrated the eastern veins. The silver QA/QC data for the drill core was not reviewed and the gold and silver QA/QC data for the channel samples was also not reviewed by the authors of the Midas Technical Report.
The performance of standard samples submitted with drill core to ALS is summarized in the Midas Technical Report. All of these results were found to be within acceptable statistical limits with the exception of standard GVL. The expected value for standard GVL of 0.0049 gold opt was below the detection limit for the assay method employed by ALS on the Midas drill core samples and the discrepancy as insignificant.
Opinion on the Adequacy of the Sampling Methodologies
Newmont staff at Midas have shown a solid understanding with regard to management of the drilled core and associated digital data. The methods of handling the drilled material both physically and electronically are acceptable for use in an analysis of the mineral resource; however, there exist system improvements that should be implemented in the future as Klondex assumes operation of the Midas Project. According to the authors of the Midas Technical Report, there are no known quality assurance or quality control issues with the sampling protocol by Newmont at the Midas Project.
Data Verification Procedures
In March 2014, Michele White, one of the authors of the Midas Technical Report, commenced review of Newmont drilling and channel sample data and protocols for Midas. This review was performed for verification purposes to allow the Newmont datasets to contribute to evaluation of the Midas mineral resource estimate. This validation addresses assay results from drilled material and channel samples from production drifts.
Midas geologists provided specific datasets for validation derived from the Newmont acQuire database for use in resource modeling. The authors analyzed a random population of datasets representing 5% of the total samples produced from drilled and channel material used in the resource estimate.
In addition to verifying gold and silver values for sampled material derived from drilling at Midas, this validation also reviewed general technical data related to sampling, such as the location of the drill hole collars and the downhole survey data per sampled interval. Geologic logs were also reviewed to validate the data to be used as part of the geologic modeling for shaping and projecting trends of the veins for resource estimates. The only datasets available for tracing channel samples to original data were face sheets for reviewing sample interval and geology. There were no assay certificates provided to the authors from an outside laboratory to validate the channel samples' gold values because the channel samples were processed in-house at the Newmont Twin Creeks laboratory and the results uploaded from the assay lab information system directly into the Newmont acQuire database system.
Specific technical dataset audits were compared for direct correlation, record by record, between the original source data and the March 2014 exported tables from the Newmont acQuire database. Results were then compared to the March 2014 Vulcan mine modeling software database (ISIS) for consistency. The scale of detailed examination record-by-record produced a positive data validation covering 5% of the data used in the resource estimate that was derived from Newmont's acQuire database, which upholds the integrity of the assay values for use in the resource estimate.
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Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
The Midas Mill has been in operation since 1998 and has recovered over 2,220,000 ounces of gold and over 27,300,000 ounces of silver. The Midas Mill uses conventional leach technology and Merrill Crowe precipitation, with gravity concentration after crushing and grinding.
Mineralogy
As the Midas Mine has matured, production has shifted from the Main Veins to the East Veins. The metallurgy of the East Veins is more complex and has been the focus of metallurgical testing in recent years. Main Vein mineralization contains free-milling gold, associated with silver in electrum. Small amounts of silver associated minerals also contain recoverable silver values.
The East Veins have gold values that are diminished compared to the Main Veins. The ratio of silver to gold is much higher in the East Veins. Mined silver-to-gold ratios in the East Veins can be as high as 50:1 and average approximately 22:1. Though silver occurs in gold related electrum, most is in more exotic silver minerals. Other selenide minerals may also be present. Primary silver minerals in the Midas East Veins are argentite (Ag 2 S), naumannite (Ag 2 Se), and aguilerite (Ag4SeS). Processing and recovery of these clay-related minerals have been studied by Newmont metallurgists.
It has been determined that silver selenides are less soluble than electrum and argentite. Successful recovery requires a combination of finer grinding, higher levels of cyanide in solution, and increased leach retention times.
Testing and Procedures
Third party metallurgical testing results are not available. Newmont has conducted extensive testing, both on-site and at other Newmont laboratories.
Midas test work focused on East Vein mineralized material. Analysis included iterative leach tests varying the following parameters: blend, grind, leach time, cyanide, zinc, and leach catalysts such as lead-nitrate.
Metallurgical test work was completed on multiple requested East Vein composites made up of exploration samples. The composites represented defined areas of Charger Hill, Ace, GP, Homestead, and Corral veins. Test parameters were targeted at a 75 to 80 percent passing a 200 mesh grind, and cyanide additions were monitored and maintained at 5.0 pounds per ton for the first twenty-four hours of a ninety-six hour residence leach. All percent recoveries are based on the back calculated head grades.
The following table which is included in the Midas Technical Report indicates the type of samples that were used in East Vein test work starting in 2010.
Vein |
Composite
Sample |
Au
Recovery |
Ag
Recovery |
Calc. Au
Head opt |
Calc. Ag
Head opt |
Comments |
Charger Hill | Comp. #6 | 91.54 | 37.89 | 0.054 | 21.7 | Low Ag Recovery |
Charger Hill | Comp. #8 | 95.41 | 63.79 | 0.062 | 14.7 | Highest Ag Recovery |
Ace | Comp. #15 | 92.98 | 23.9 | 0.316 | 55.2 | Lowest Ag Recovery |
Ace | Comp. #19 | 82.13 | 57.54 | 0.028 | 9.7 | Higher Ag Recovery |
GP | Comp. #20 | 92.92 | 28.54 | 0.353 | 26.7 | Lowest Ag Recovery |
GP | Comp. #29 | 80.40 | 73.55 | 0.034 | 7.1 | Higher Ag Recovery |
Homestead | Comp. #30 | 81.00 | 75.71 | 0.038 | 16.1 | Only comp representing Homestead |
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Corral | Comp. #31 | 75.79 | 63.45 | 0.051 | 21.5 | Lowest Ag Recovery |
Corral | Comp. #32 | 83.16 | 72.65 | 0.061 | 25.2 | Highest Ag Recovery |
Toll milling of material from third party sources has been processed periodically at the Midas Mill since 2008. The focus of ongoing metallurgical testing has been to determine how these materials typically behave in processing as blended with Midas mineralized material.
In summary, careful metallurgical practices during processing of variable mineralized material while maintaining gold recovery despite changing silver grades have been successful at Midas. Controlling the reagents in the refinery based on mineralogy have allowed the operation to benefit from the higher silver grades in the East Veins.
Mineral Resource Estimates
The veins commonly referred to as the Main Veins at the Midas Project are the Colorado Grande (105), Gold Crown (205), Gold Crown Hanging Wall (305), Snow White (405), Discovery (505) and Happy (1081). These strike north westerly and dip 75 80 degrees east. Other veins in the main group are the Sleeping Beauty (605) and the Colorado Sur (705). The eastern vein group is comprised of the Homestead (777), Charger Hill (805), GP (905) and Ace (9052). These veins also strike north westerly but dip 70 75 degrees west. Nearly all of the previous mining has occurred on the main veins with development and limited production of the eastern veins beginning in 2013.
The mineral resource estimate set out herein only includes the 205, 305 805, 905 and 9052 veins. These have been identified as the initial source of mine production over the next two to three years while Klondex develops long range exploration and mining plans. Newmont Midas geologists and QP Karl Swanson updated the geology and resource models for the veins included in this resource estimate during the period October 2012 to November 2013. This work serves as the basis for the mineral resources estimated for the Midas Technical Report.
Drill Database and Compositing
The drill database used for the estimate is dated March 25, 2013 and the channel database is dated October 23, 2013. Drill holes were not distinguished between RC and core and are treated equally. The geology database includes fields for formation, rock type, silicification, quartz and naumanite. The formation field is the most used for modelling.
Newmont geologists reviewed each drill hole and channel sample to determine which intercepts belong to each vein. Once this was determined, the vein field in the drill database was flagged with a numeric vein designation and the prefix "DH", "CH" (in the case of channel samples) or "ODH" (if a channel replaces a drill intercept). The assay fields used in the estimation were gold fire assay and silver fire assay.
A single drill or channel composite was created for each vein intercept extending the full width of the vein. A separate composite database is maintained for each vein and the composite prefix of DH, CH or ODH allows selection of the correct composite during the grade estimation process.
Vein Modeling
Three dimensional digital models are created of the hanging wall and footwall for each vein. These are digitized by snapping to the vein intercept points. The wall surfaces are then merged to form a closed model. This model is then used to constrain the grade estimation to only those blocks within the vein and grades are not assigned to any blocks outside of the vein model.
Statistics and Variography
Univariate statistics for each vein and each set of composites were summarized for gold and silver. For each vein and each set of composites, grade caps were determined for gold and silver. During the estimation, the value of composites exceeding the grade cap were reduced to the cap value to limit the influence of exceptionally high grades.
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Gold and silver variograms were calculated for the 205 and 305 veins. The lack of sufficient channel sample data for the 805, 905, and 9052 veins prevents the creation of reliable variograms for these veins. The ordinary kriging estimation method was used to estimate blocks which are influenced by the channel data for the 205 and 305 veins. Blocks outside of this area and all of the 805, 905 and 9052 veins are estimated with the inverse distance squared method using only drill data.
Block Modeling
Each vein block model is rotated along the general strike of the vein with the X axis perpendicular to the vein and corresponding to the width of the vein and the Y axis being the general strike of the vein. Block dimensions are five by five feet in the Y and Z directions, while the X dimension is set equal to the vein width. The X dimension (or width) is accurate to within 0.2 feet.
Each block model uses two triangulations to create the blocks. A waste triangulation that surrounds the vein triangulation by 10 feet is used in addition to the vein triangulation. The result is that only three blocks exist in the width (or X) direction of the block model: a 10 foot waste block on the footwall side, the variable width vein block, and a 10 foot waste block on the hanging wall side. The blocks that would exist to the edge of the block model are not created to keep the model to a manageable size. All blocks are 5 feet by 5 feet in the Y and Z directions.
Grade Estimation and Mineral Resource Classification
Grade estimation occurred in two passes for each variable. The first pass only selects composites within a restricted search distance, while the second pass uses an expanded search. The 205 and 305 veins were estimated with ordinary kriging using the channel and drill composites with a 60 foot search radius. Blocks peripheral to the channel composites were estimated using inverse distance squared and using only the drill hole composites within the nominated search parameters.
Anisotropic search parameters for gold and silver were set to the general orientation of each vein. Distances were selected based on the spacing of composites intercepting the solids and on the general orientation and shape of the interpreted solids. However, larger search distances were used in the scond pass to ensure that most of the blocks inside the veins were estimated.
Significant parameters used in the gold estimation include:
1. |
Assigning of parent block values to sub-blocks. Estimates are only calculated at the center of each parent block, and those values are assigned to all sub-blocks existing within the parent block space. |
|
2. |
Only composites with a value greater or equal to zero were used. |
|
3. |
Composites were selected using anisotropic distances. |
|
4. |
Only composites within the veins were used to estimate blocks within the veins; composites outside the vein model were ignored. |
|
5. |
Grades were capped for each data population for each vein. |
|
6. |
A gold value of 0.0001 opt was assigned to the un-estimated vein blocks and the waste blocks. |
|
7. |
A silver value of 0.001 opt was assigned to the un-estimated vein blocks and the waste blocks. |
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Mineral resource classifications were assigned to blocks based on the average distance to the composites used in the block estimation and on the total number of composites selected for the grade estimation. Measured resources require a minimum of two and maximum of eight composites and the average distance to those composites must be less than 50 feet. For indicated resources, the average distance must be greater than 50 feet and less than 100 feet with the same constraints on the number of composites used as in measured resources. Inferred mineral resources are those where the average distance is greater than 100 feet and less than 200 feet with the same requirements for number of composites as in measured and indicated resources.
Mine Depletion
Mine depletion was incorporated into the block models using the asbuilt surveys through the end of January 2014. Blocks within the general mining perimeter of each vein were flagged as "mined" and excluded from mineral resource estimates. Gold equivalent values are calculated at the rate of 66 silver ounces per one gold ounce.
Block Model Validation
On a global basis, the gold and silver estimation methods compare well with each other and with the average grade of the gold composites within the veins. The composites grade is higher than the block estimations, as is expected. On a local scale, composite grades compare well with the blocks around the composites.
Mineral Resource Statement
The narrow vein mining methods practiced at the Midas Mine require a minimum stope width of four feet. The veins at the Midas Mine can vary in thickness from a few inches to over ten feet. Potentially economic mineralization must meet standard cut-off grade criteria as well as a grade thickness criterion before it is included as resource. Grade thickness is calculated by multiplying the block horizontal width by its equivalent grade. Mineral resources meeting the dual constraints of cut-off grade and grade-thickness cut-off for each vein are listed in the following table.
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Contained Metal (000's | |||||||||||||||||
Thickness | Mass | Grade (opt) | oz.) | ||||||||||||||
(000's | Au | Au | |||||||||||||||
Class | Vein | Feet | Tons) | Au | Ag | Equiv | Au | Ag | Equiv. | ||||||||
Measured | 205 | 4.3 | 185 | 0.459 | 6.24 | 0.554 | 85 | 1,152 | 102 | ||||||||
305 | 1.9 | 39 | 0.507 | 6.21 | 0.601 | 20 | 240 | 23 | |||||||||
805 | 2.1 | 15 | 0.077 | 14.65 | 0.299 | 1 | 213 | 4 | |||||||||
905-2 | 2.8 | 17 | 0.111 | 21.70 | 0.440 | 2 | 366 | 7 | |||||||||
905 | 1.6 | 41 | 0.269 | 23.56 | 0.626 | 11 | 971 | 26 | |||||||||
Total | 3.4 | 296 | 0.401 | 9.94 | 0.551 | 119 | 2,942 | 163 | |||||||||
Indicated | 205 | 3.9 | 221 | 0.280 | 4.02 | 0.341 | 62 | 887 | 75 | ||||||||
305 | 2.8 | 132 | 0.264 | 4.23 | 0.328 | 35 | 560 | 43 | |||||||||
805 | 2.6 | 79 | 0.073 | 12.45 | 0.261 | 6 | 983 | 21 | |||||||||
905-2 | 2.8 | 51 | 0.085 | 19.81 | 0.386 | 4 | 1,018 | 20 | |||||||||
905 | 2.7 | 154 | 0.170 | 15.05 | 0.398 | 26 | 2,323 | 61 | |||||||||
Total | 3.1 | 638 | 0.209 | 9.05 | 0.346 | 133 | 5,771 | 221 | |||||||||
Measured
and Indicated |
205 | 4.1 | 406 | 0.362 | 5.03 | 0.438 | 147 | 2,039 | 178 | ||||||||
305 | 2.6 | 171 | 0.319 | 4.68 | 0.390 | 55 | 800 | 67 | |||||||||
805 | 2.5 | 93 | 0.073 | 12.79 | 0.267 | 7 | 1,196 | 25 | |||||||||
905-2 | 2.8 | 68 | 0.092 | 20.28 | 0.399 | 6 | 1,384 | 27 | |||||||||
905 | 2.5 | 196 | 0.191 | 16.84 | 0.446 | 37 | 3,294 | 87 | |||||||||
Total | 3.2 | 934 | 0.270 | 9.33 | 0.411 | 252 | 8,713 | 384 | |||||||||
Inferred | 205 | 3.6 | 67 | 0.243 | 3.65 | 0.299 | 16 | 243 | 20 | ||||||||
305 | 3.4 | 35 | 0.211 | 3.01 | 0.257 | 7 | 104 | 9 | |||||||||
805 | 2.7 | 11 | 0.068 | 10.14 | 0.221 | 1 | 116 | 3 | |||||||||
905-2 | 2.5 | 9 | 0.064 | 8.94 | 0.200 | 1 | 82 | 2 | |||||||||
905 | 2.8 | 133 | 0.187 | 8.25 | 0.312 | 25 | 1,098 | 42 | |||||||||
Total | 3.1 | 255 | 0.195 | 6.45 | 0.293 | 50 | 1,643 | 75 |
Notes: | ||
(1) |
Mineral Resources have been calculated at a gold price of $1,250/troy ounce and a silver price of $20.00 per troy ounce. |
|
(2) |
Mineral Resources are calculated at a grade thickness cut-off grade of 0.70 Au equivalent opt-ft. and a diluted Au equivalent cut-off grade of 0.159 opt. |
|
(3) |
Sixty-six ounces of silver is equivalent to one ounce of gold. |
|
(4) |
Mining width is defined as four feet or the vein horizontal width plus one foot, whichever is greater. |
|
(5) |
Mineral Resources include dilution to achieve mining widths and an additional 10% unplanned dilution. |
|
(6) |
Mineral Resources include allowance for 5% mining losses. |
|
(7) |
Mineral Resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. |
|
(8) |
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there is insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. |
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Mining Operations
The near mine veins at Midas are divided into three major groups, which are shown graphically in the following figure and listed in the subsequent table.
Group | Vein Name | Vein No. |
Main Veins | Colorado Grande | 102 |
Gold Crown | 205 | |
Gold Crown HW | 305 | |
Snow White | 405 | |
Discovery | 505 | |
Gold Crown Extension | 108 | |
Happy | 1081 | |
East Veins | Homestead | 777 |
Charger Hill | 805 | |
GP | 905 | |
Acme | 9052 | |
South Exploration | Queen | 1605 |
SR | 5005 |
Prior to 2013, all production was from the Main Vein group, particularly the Colorado Grande Vein. With mining of the Main Veins nearing completion, Newmont began development of the East Veins in 2012 and 2013. The third group of veins is comprised of the Queen and SR veins located to south of the existing workings and across a major fault zone. These veins have not been mined and are defined only by surface drilling. Development to reach these veins and provide an underground drill platform for further delineation was halted in 2012 due to budget constraints. These veins represent a high priority near mine target for mineral resource additions.
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Primary Mine Development
Midas is a modern, mechanized, narrow vein underground mine and employs rubber tired haulage equipment to transport mineralized material and waste to the surface. Main haulage ramps are excavated 16 feet wide by 17 feet high. Spirals are typically located 1,000 feet apart along strike to optimize mineralized material development and are optimally located in the more competent rock of the footwall. Spiral accesses are 15' wide by 15' high, with a standard radius of 70' and standard gradient of plus or minus 12.5%. A typical level access has a ventilation/escape raise and access to an ore pass and waste pass. Level crosscuts to the veins are located on 50-foot vertical sublevels.
Access for the East veins is from existing development of the Main veins. Spiral 7 is east of Spiral 4 and is accessed from the 4-4550 and the 4-4800 accesses. Spiral 8 is east of Spiral 3 and is accessed through the 3-4550 and the 3-4851 accesses. Additional drilling is required to determine the potential of Spiral 9 and the Corporation is planning to complete an exploration drift from the 1-5001, which would provide access to Spiral 9 if it is brought into the plan. If Spiral 9 is planned, it will also be accessed from the 4720 Haulage.
Ventilation and Secondary Egress
Fresh air intake to the mine is provided by the downcast vent raise at 690 thousand cubic feet per minute and by the portal at 420 thousand cubic feet per minute. Three exhaust raises are strategically located to complete the ventilation circuit. The ventilation circuit is powered by seven main fans located at the surface of the ventilation raises. The main fans total 2,025 connected horse power.
The raise near spiral four is equipped with an escape hoist and capsule to provide emergency egress if the main evacuation route is blocked during an emergency. Additionally, there are 15 refuge chambers distributed throughout the mine in the event evacuation is not feasible. These refuge chambers are equipped with carbon dioxide filters, compressed breathable air tanks, food and communication to the surface.
Power Distribution and Dewatering
Electrical power to the mine is provided by a 4,160-volt feeder and stepped down to 480 volts for distribution. Step down transformers and circuit protection is provided by 22 load centers located throughout the mine.
Water discharge from the mine currently averages 150 gallons per minute. Mine water requirements average 50 gallons per minute and are provided by treatment and recirculation of discharge. The balance of 100 gallons per minute is pumped to the tailings dam for evaporation.
Equipment Fleet
The decline in mine production rates necessitated by declining resources gives rise to an excess of capacity in the mining equipment fleet at Midas. Klondex may elect to relocate some of its equipment to the Fire Creek Project rather than leave it idle at Midas.
Mining Methods
Sublevel stoping is the primary mining method for the five narrow Main Veins. From the portal, there are three major haulages that access these veins through six different spirals. Generally, upper and lower sections of the same spiral were connected only through ventilation/escape raises. All mineralized material produced is hauled out of the portal in trucks to a temporary stockpile where it is loaded onto a surface haul truck, and delivered to the on-site mill.
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Mine development is controlled by geological conditions in the area. For the sublevel stoping method, sill development is driven at a minimum seven feet wide by eleven feet high to accommodate the size of long hole drills and 2-cubic-yard loaders. Where the vein thickness is wider than six feet, the sill width is increased to capture the entire vein. Sills are driven 500 feet north and south from the spiral cross cut. Once sills are developed, stoping begins. Stopes are drilled with a long hole drill from the floor of one level, to the back of the one below, then remote mucked from the bottom level, and finally backfilled from the top level.
Typically, the mineralized material was divided into blocks of about four levels for development, or 200 feet vertically. Stoping begins by creating a cemented backfill barrier pillar at the bottom level of the mineralization block by benching eight feet below the level horizon, and the bench is then filled with 6% by volume cemented rock fill. The first stope has a drop raise drilled nearest to the mining face. Subsequent holes are blasted one at a time into the free face created by the drop raise to a standard panel length of 60 feet.
Once empty, the stope is filled with dry unconsolidated waste backfill (" GOB ") until it reached ten feet above the brow of the bottom cut. Next, a pillar of 2% by volume cemented rock fill is placed into the stope until it reaches within ten feet of the top cut (the drilling level). Next, the remainder of the open stope is filled with GOB. Finally, before the next stope is drilled, the toe of dry GOB is removed to reveal a free face that the next stope will be blasted into, eliminating the need to drill another drop raise. Rather, a fan pattern is drilled in the initial portion if the stope design to initiate extraction, followed by the same one-hole-at-a-time drill pattern for the remainder of the 60 foot panel. The final or intersection panel of every level is filled completely with 6% cemented rock fill.
This sequence continues inward toward the intersection of the spiral access and upward to the top of the stope block in an advancing V pattern until all but the top level of the block is mined and backfilled. The long hole drill then drills up-holes from the top level upward to within six feet of the backfilled bench above. These up-hole stopes are not backfilled and it is vital to the mining sequence that the mining block above is completed and backfilled prior to mining the up-hole stopes on the last level of the stope block.
Shrink Stoping
Shrinkage stoping costs are 25 to 50% higher than sublevel stoping. Shrinkage stoping requires moderately competent wall rock and can adapt quickly to variations in the vein geometry. The disadvantage of shrink stoping is that two thirds of the mineralization mined must remain in the stope until it is completely blasted. A shrinkage stope can extend up to 300 feet along strike in each direction from a central access raise.
Shrinkage stoping is initiated by excavating a parallel waste access drift at the bottom of the stope with cross cuts to the vein to serve as draw points. The draw points are spaced at 20 to 25 feet intervals along the full length of the stope. One or two raises are mined and timbered to provide access for personnel and materials. Drilling and blasting is carried out by breasting down from the raise to the stope limits. The volume of mined material will swell up to 50% after blasting and it is this fact that makes shrinkage stoping possible. Following the blast, a volume of mined material equal to the swell volume will be withdrawn from the draw points immediately below the blast leaving the original mined volume in the stope to provide a working surface and support the stope walls. Once blasting has reached the upper limit of the stope, the mined material remaining can be removed from the draw points leaving the stope empty. The final void will be left open.
Ground Control and Dilution
During either waste or mineralization development, ground control is a major part of the mining sequence. The face miners bar down loose rock immediately after a blast and install wire mesh and split-set bolts after every round in every heading. Some of the upper zones contain high clay content and low rock mass rating, which requires installation of Swellex bolts.
- 54 -
Dilution in the stopes is generally controlled by the drill pattern but is also affected by the jointing of the wall rock immediately adjacent to the stope. When jointing and/or weak wall rock is present, the wall of the stope breaks into an hourglass shape and subsequently increased dilution. In areas where poor rock conditions are anticipated, prior to stoping, engineering issues a design to install cable bolts into the hanging wall of the stope. In cases of rock instability, the panel length is also reduced from 60 feet to 30 feet to increase wall stability and decrease the length of time a stope sits open before being back filled. In general, dilution in the long hole stopes is well controlled even in weak ground by adjusting drill patterns, installing cable bolts, and reducing panel length when necessary.
Other Narrow Vein Mining Methods
The East Veins are modeled to be mined more narrowly than the Main Veins and have lower gold grades than the Main Veins. Newmont tested alternative mining methods within selected areas of the Main Veins that showed similar thicknesses in an effort to reduce dilution while holding down overall costs.
An area in Spiral 2 on the 405 vein was chosen by Newmont to test resue mining. Resuing begins the same way as the previously described sublevel stoping method, with seven feet wide by eleven feet high bottom cut developed along the lowest stope level. Next, only the vein material is breasted down with as little dilution as possible and mucked out of the bottom cut. Finally, the breast-down is widened seven feet by blasting the remaining waste rock into the existing bottom cut. The waste is left as unconsolidated fill. The entire breast-down is then supported and the sequence repeated upward.
Another area on the 305 vein between Spirals 4 and 5 was chosen for an Alimak stope. A raise contractor was hired to develop and timber two Alimak raises. This overhand cut-and-fill method allows the stope to be mined one cut at a time at a width of about four feet. The mineralized material is slushed to one of the two raises, mucked from the bottom, and the completed cut is backfilled from the top of the raise with an expanding cellular fill that can be pumped in through a hose.
Ultimately, Newmont abandoned both of these techniques and designed the East Veins as sublevel stopes, keeping in the mine plan only the areas that could be profitably mined by sublevel stoping methods.
Currently waste development is complete for Spiral 7 that accesses the 905 and 9052 veins and stope development has been initiated on multiple levels in Spiral 7. Spiral 8 has top and bottom level accesses but minimal mineral development. Spiral 8 accesses four East Veins: the 905, 9052, 805 and 1081.
Klondex's Mine Plan
The future mining plan at Midas is anticipated to be a combination of sublevel stopes in some areas and shrinkage stopes in others. A steady stream of mined mineralization will likely be coming from the long hole stopes in Spiral 7 and upper Spiral 8 while the shrinkage stopes are mined. Klondex plans to recover the remaining mineralized material from the Alimak stope that Newmont developed and possibly complete the resue mining where the waste development is already in place.
In Spiral 7 on the 905 vein, the majority of stope development is already in place for the long hole drills. In Spiral 8, there is minimal waste development remaining and stope development has been initiated for the upper half of the mineralization in that area and it is favourable for sublevel stoping. Minimal waste development and no stope development occurred from the lower access of Spiral 8. This lack of development favors the use of shrinkage stoping techniques on the three veins that extend to that level. There is also potential to shrink stope the 9052 vein in Spiral 7.
Two more areas exist that Newmont planned to mine by long hole methods. On the 105 and 205 veins at the top of Spiral 4, sublevels at 36 feet were driven prior to stoping. The ground is weak in that area, so Klondex could mine those stopes using drift and fill methods with 6 foot wide by 8 foot high cuts with attack ramps driven in waste and each cut backfilled to maintain integrity. Also, at the top of Spiral 6 on the 205 vein, there are two levels driven on the 205 vein and Klondex could likely mine those as 30 foot long hole panels.
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Recovery Methods
The Midas Mill was constructed in 1997 and has a nameplate capacity of 1,200 short tons per day. The mill uses conventional leach technology with Counter Current Decantation followed by Merrill Crowe precipitation. Refining of doré is carried out by Johnson Matthey refineries in Salt Lake City, Utah. Toll milling has been performed periodically since 2008.
Current recoveries are reported as 93% and 85% respectively for gold and silver.
Mill Capacity and Process Facility Flow Diagram
Underground mineralized material is hauled from the Midas Mine portal to the run of mine pad where it is either directly loaded to the 60 ton primary crusher run of mine bin, or placed on short term run of mine stockpiles. Typical mineralized material classifications are: low grade (less than 0.3 ounces per short ton); high grade (0.3 -0.5 ounces per short ton); and high-high grade (> 0.5 ounces per short ton). Underground mineralized material is hand-picked on the pad for scrap wire mesh and rock bolts, before being fed to the crusher.
Mineralized material is crushed in two stages through a 30 inch x 40 inch primary jaw crusher and 53 inch secondary cone crusher. Both jaw and secondary crusher products are fed to a 6 feet x 20 feet Nordberg double deck vibrating screen fitted with 2 inch top deck and one-half inch bottom deck screen panels to produce a 95% passing three-eighths inch product. Magnetic material is removed from the crusher screen feed by a continuous belt self-cleaning magnet to protect the cone crusher from damage. Screen undersize is conveyed to one of two 500-ton fine mineralized material bins.
Crushed and screened material is transported from the fine bins by individual belt feeders into the 10.5 feet x 15 feet rubber lined Nordberg ball mill. The ball mill is charged with a blend of 3 inch and 2.5 inch grinding balls to maintain an operating power draw of 800 horse power. Mill discharge pulp is pumped to a nest of 4 inch x 10 inch Krebs cyclones (3 duty, 1 standby) for classification. Cyclone overflow, at 75% passing 200 mesh, reports to the trash screen. Cyclone underflow reports to a 2 mm aperture scalping screen, with the screen undersize being distributed by 3-way splitter to the ball mill, tower mill, and gravity circuit. Lead nitrate solution is added to the ball mill feed chute to enhance leach kinetics.
A split of the screened cyclone underflow reports to the 250 HP Vertimill for open circuit grinding with the Vertimill discharge overflowing back to the primary ball mill discharge hopper. The Vertimill is charged with 1 inch grinding balls. A split of the screened cyclone overflow also reports to the 20 inch Knelson concentrator for gravity gold recovery. The Knelson operates on a 60 minute cycle providing concentrate for cyanidation in the CS500 Acacia Leach Reactor which conducts three 750-1000 kg batch leaches each week. Pregnant solution (batch containing 100 oz on average) from the leach reactor reports to the counter current decantation (" CCD ") circuit pregnant solution tank.
Cyclone overflow is screened to remove any plastic debris before reporting to a 42 feet diameter pre-leach thickener. Thickener underflow at 50% solids is pumped to the leach circuit consisting of eight 28 feet x 30 feet air sparged leach tanks, providing a leach residence time of approximately 65 hours. The pH in the first leach tank is maintained at 10.4 to 11.0 through the addition of hydrated lime, produced from the on-site slaking of pebble lime. Sodium cyanide concentration in the second leach tank is maintained at 0.85 grams per liter.
The leach circuit discharge is pumped to five 42.5 feet diameter CCD thickeners, where the pulp is counter-current washed with barren Merrill Crowe liquor at a wash ratio of approximately 2.5:1, and CCD thickener underflow at each stage is maintained at 50-56% solids to maximize wash efficiency.
Pregnant CCD solution at a pH of 11.0 and 400 gallons/minute flow rate is fed to one of two disc filters operating in duty/standby mode utilizing diatomaceous earth for clarification. The clarified pregnant solution is then pumped to a packed bed vacuum de-aeration tower, prior to the addition of zinc dust and lead nitrate to precipitate precious metals from solution. The Merrill Crowe precipitate solution is then pumped to one of two plate and frame filter presses for sludge recovery ahead of smelting on site to produce 8 inch x 30 inch 350 pound silver/gold doré bars.
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Tailings pulp from the last CCD thickener is pumped to the Inco SO 2 /Air circuit for cyanide destruction. Cyanide destruction is performed in a single 20 feet x 20 feet agitated, air sparged tank providing approximately one-hour reaction time. Ammonium bi-sulphite and copper sulphate catalyst are added to the tank on a ratio control basis to achieve target weak acid dissociable ("WAD") cyanide levels below 5 ppm. Routine picric acid titrations coupled with colorimetric determinations are used by operating personnel to maintain WAD cyanide in the INCO cyanide destruction tank discharge pulp at target levels.
Following cyanide destruction the plant tailings pulp is discharged to one of two lined tailings storage facilities for consolidation and water recovery. Clarified decant pond solution is evaporated or returned to the mill process water tank for reuse in the plant.
Operations and Recoveries
Midas mineralized material performs quite well under direct cyanidation with daily recoveries as high as 95.1% for gold and up to 89.8% for silver. The process performance is consistent with gold recovery having a standard deviation of less than 2 percent. Variances in gold recovery are due to the head grade and grind size, and do not appear to be associated with mineralized material type. The standard deviation of silver recovery is less than four percent with variance due to head grade, grind size, and clay content. Clay enriched mineralized material often has higher silver to gold ratios and tends to present recovery difficulties. Recoveries occasionally fall outside the expected distribution because of plant or operating issues. The current grind is 85 percent passing through 200 mesh. The feasibility of producing a finer grind product to improve gold and silver recovery is currently under analysis.
Tailings Capacity
Newmont had evaluated the potential of a tailings expansion project. Currently, the remaining capacity in the Midas Phase 4/5 tailings is estimated to be full by the middle of 2017. A new tailings permit would likely take eighteen to twenty-four months to secure, approximately between 2015 and 2016. New tailings construction could be completed by early 2017. The estimated capital cost for this project includes $5,000,000 for a new 1,000,000 ton capacity facility, plus $2,400,000 for permitting, liner, power and related equipment
The 2012 performance of the tailings facility included evaporation of over 90 million gallons of water utilizing 10 evaporator units. The effective run time is ten hours per day during the peak evaporation season.
During 2013, upgrades to the tailings facility included increasing the number of automated evaporators to fifteen, and installing Wonder-ware software that ties the evaporation system with weather information including wind speed, temperature and humidity. The improved system can operate twenty-four hours for seven days per week.
Processing Costs
Midas Mill operating costs for 2012 and the period from January 1 to October 31, 2013 are summarized in the following table.
Year | $/ton | Total Tonnage | ||||
Budget | Actual | Variance | Budget | Actual | Variance | |
2012 | $33.12 | $35.02 | $1.90 | 373,000 | 330,000 | -43,000 |
2013 YTD (Oct) | $35.49 | $39.05 | $3.56 | 255,600 | 207,600 | -48,000 |
The elevated cost per ton for 2013 is likely the result of the inflexibility of fixed costs versus diminished throughput. If the total cash costs are divided by the budgeted tonnage, the average cash cost per ton would be US$32 per ton, which is more in line with the projected costs.
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Product
In 2012, Midas sold 103,000 ounces of gold and 1,475,000 ounces of silver. Through October 2013, Midas has sold 48,920 ounces of gold and 1,117,000 ounces of Silver. Doré is shipped to the refinery as 350 lb bars that average approximately 3.94% gold and 90.1% silver plus minor constituents, including less than 4% selenium.
Project Infrastructure
The Midas underground mine is on a modern mine site with all the facilities generally associated with mechanized mining and mineral processing. The Midas operation is served by Nevada State Highway 789 connected to a 2.4 -mile all-weather gravel access road.
The Midas operation consists of an underground mine, waste rock area, crushing plant, conventional mill, refinery, cyanide destruction circuit, tailings impoundment, and two settling ponds. The Midas Mine also provides ancillary facilities; a maintenance shop, warehouse, administration and security building, and facilities for distributing diesel fuel, gasoline, and propane.
The Midas Mine site has six main electrical transformers located on the surface. Total line capacity is 12 MW or 15,500 horse power. Midas also has a 1.4 kW diesel generator for backup. Electrical power was provided from Newmont's Dunphy Power Plant via the 120 kV transfer line to the Osgood Substation. Transmission from the Osgood Station to the site is on a 24.9 kV line. Site voltage available is from 480 V service to 4160 V service. Klondex purchases electrical power from NV Energy which is transmitted over the same infrastructure.
Site water is supplied by two main wells: the Plant Site Well and the Valley Well. The combined capacity of both is 300 gallons per minute.
Digital data communication service on-site is by fiber optic cable and has a 1.1 gigabyte per second capacity. Telephone service is standard multi-line voice service.
Market Conditions and Contracts
Gold and silver markets are mature with reputable smelters and refiners located throughout the world. Following several years of increases gold and silver prices began declining in 2012. At the end of 2013 the 36 month trailing average gold price was $1,549 per ounce, the 24 month trailing average price was $1,540 while the monthly average had dropped to $1,225. The silver price trend shows similar behaviour. As part of normal course mining activities the Midas operations have entered into several contracts with several mining industry suppliers and contractors.
Environmental Studies, Permitting and Social or Community Impact
The impact of new environmental regulations may cause additional expenses and restrictions. If the restrictions adversely affect the scope of exploration and development at the Midas Project, the potential for production on the property may be affected.
The Midas Mine is subject to the laws and regulations relating to environmental matters in all jurisdictions in which it operates, including provisions relating to property reclamation, discharge of hazardous material and other matters. The Midas Mine may also be held liable should environmental problems be discovered that were caused by former owners and operators of its properties and properties in which it has previously had an interest. Mineral exploration and mining operations are conducted in compliance with applicable environmental regulations. The authors of the Midas Technical Report are not aware of any existing environmental liabilities.
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Waste Rock Dump Description and Management
The waste rock dump at Midas is located downhill and to the south-east of the portal. Primary waste rocks lithologies are tuff, rhyolite, and basalt. The current dump design covers eleven acres of disturbance on private property. Maximum storage capacity is approximately 1.4 million tons. As of November 2013, the dump contained approximately 990,000 tons.
Waste rock at Midas is used as fill in the underground openings. During phases of increased development, the dump inventory increases and when the mine development level is normalized, the inventory decreases.
During waste rock placement, composite samples of felsic and mafic rock lithologies are taken on a daily basis. In compliance with the Water Pollution Control Permit, the sample analysis is reported on a quarterly basis. The Meteoric Water Mobility Procedure Profile I is reported to the Bureau of Water Pollution Control, which measures thirty-one constituents and properties of the waste related solutions. The potential for the waste rock dump to generate acid is also calculated and reported. Lime is added during quarterly monitoring if the Acid Neutralization Potential to Acid Generation Potential ratio is less than 1.0.
During 2012 and 2013, no constituent's average value taken from the waste rock dump was outside of the acceptable profile standard. During the same period, 627,000 tons of felsic and 74,400 tons of mafic rock were placed on the dump. The average Acid Neutralization Potential to Acid Generation Potential readings for that time were a ratio of 2.3. Additionally, Monitoring Well-9, in the drainage below the dump, is sampled on the same period and protocol.
Waste rock is routinely reclaimed from the dump and placed in underground stopes. It is anticipated that, during the latter stages of mining, stope fill requirements will allow a much higher rate of waste rock replacement diminishing the volume of the surface dump.
The Midas Revised Three Year Reclamation Plan was approved by the Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation in October 2012. The Midas Revised Three Year Reclamation Plan states: "All of the mine waste rock that is stored on the temporary waste rock facility will be removed from this area and backfilled into the decline. Once the rock is removed, the topography in this area will approximate the original contour. Reclamation will consist of the placement of 0.5 feet of cover and 0.5 feet of growth media and seeding."
Topsoil for the waste rock facility is stored immediately downhill from the Midas Mine. When the reclamation plan is complete, the potential for future waste rock acid drainage will be mitigated.
Tailings Impoundment Description and Management
Midas Mine's process Tailings Impoundment tailings is located on the west flank of a wide canyon on the southern periphery of the active mine site. The tailings coverage entails ninety-five acres of disturbance on private property. The pond has undergone four permitted lifts to expand capacity since its original construction. The current lift is known as "Phase 5". The Phase 5 lift was designed by the engineering firm, Smith Williams Consultants, Inc., and is permitted with Dam Safety Permit J-555 by the Nevada Department of Water Resources. The current cumulative capacity of the pond is 3.70 million tons, of which approximately 930,000 tons are still available.
The Tailings Impoundment is a synthetic lined pond with 2:1 slope ratio on the internal walls and 3:1 slope ratio on the external walls comprised of compacted earth and rock buttress construction. The dam has a maximum permitted vertical lift (Phase Six which has not yet been built) of two hundred feet on the external, downslope side. The pond contains approximately 2,750,000 tons of detoxified cyanide tails ground to 80% passing a 200 mesh screen. Tailings placement occurs simultaneously with process water decantation and active evaporation within the margins of the pond.
The cumulative, drained process tailings are subjected to downward migrating water. There is potential for this water to escape the lined tailings storage facility. Furthermore, meteoric waters in the alluvium outside the pond host potential to leach chemicals from the tailings through the outer walls of the tailing dam and then enter the drainage at the foot of the dam. The possible occurrences of seepage are monitored by quarterly sampling from 10 monitoring wells, nine of which are down-gradient of the storage facility and one up-gradient. Results from these samples are reported quarterly to Bureau of Water Pollution Control, according to the Water Pollution Control permit and are governed by the Meteoric Water Mobility Procedure Profile I protocol.
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Incidental seepage is not allowed to enter the Waters of the State by federal law. Any seepage solutions are captured in an underdrain pond and drainage wells prior to contamination of the regional hydrologic system. Fugitive water is pumped back into the tailings impoundment.
The Midas Reclamation Plan provides for proper reclamation and closure of the Tailings Storage Facility. This plan includes a period of Process Fluid Stabilization followed by placement of an Evapo-Transpiration barrier, designed to force meteoric water to evaporate instead of infiltrating the pond. Seeding for vegetation follows ET placement. Water quality monitoring will continue for a period of five years and be reported on a quarterly basis.
The Midas Revised Three Year Reclamation Plan was approved by the Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation in October 2012. When reclamation is completed, the potential for future seepage from the tailings storage impoundment will be mitigated.
Air Emissions Control
Air emission standards for Midas are defined in the BLM Environmental Assessment titled, "Midas Underground Support Facilities, Newmont Mining Corporation", issued in March, 2013. These emissions include diesel particulate and dust expelled from underground mining operations, fugitive dust from surface operations, road maintenance, crushing activities, and mercury emissions from refinery furnaces and mercury retorts. Current Midas operations are regulated by a number of Bureau of Air Pollution Control permits. Operations at Midas are permitted under Class II Air Quality Operating Permit AP1041-0766.02. A Title V application was submitted in January 2012 and the permit approval is currently pending Bureau of Air Pollution Control review. Surface disturbance and fugitive emissions are regulated under three Class II Surface Area Disturbance Permits: AP1041-1444.01 (Borrow Pit), AP1041-1454.01 (Exploration), and AP1442-2674 (Jakes Creek Gravel Pit).
Current mercury emissions are less than 5 lbs per year, and are thus not regulated. To allow for potential increases in mercury emission, as is anticipated in processing custom ores at Midas, Newmont obtained a Nevada mercury control air permit from the Bureau of Air Pollution Control and is currently operating in Phase 1 of this permit. The purpose of Phase 1 is to monitor and operate properly under existing mercury controls and to implement work practice standards on units without controls in order to minimize emissions until the appropriate technologies under the Nevada Maximum Achievable Control Technology standards are determined. Phase 1 permits do not have emissions limits. At the Midas facility, Newmont operated under the Mercury OPTC: Phase 1, AP1041-2253 permit for a number of units.
Beginning in 2014, Midas will operate under Phase 2, which specifies limits for emitting units. If the constraints in the permits are followed, Midas should not incur any liability with regard to air emissions.
Reclamation Cost and Bonding
The reclamation budget for the Midas Mine is shown in the following table.
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Earthworks and re-vegetation | $1,610,000 |
Water | $5,012,000 |
Demolition | $1,027,000 |
Monitoring | $182,000 |
Construction Management | $0 |
Contingency and add-ons | $2,509,000 |
Total Budget | $10,341,000 |
In connection with the Midas Acquisition, the Corporation replaced Newmont's surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities in the amount of $27.3 million.
Permits
Beginning in 1992 and up until 1997, a full suite of exploration, operating, and tailings permits were acquired, and since 1998 has been maintained and modified to suit the full range of operations at Midas.
Permits are maintained at the State level with the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection and State Fire Marshal, at the Federal level with the BLM, and locally with the Counties of Elko and Humboldt. Significant permits held and maintained by the Midas operations are listed in the following table.
Permit | Number | Description | Agency | Current | Period | Expiration |
Class II Air Quality | AP1041-0766 | Processing Permit | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 5/11/2014 |
Class I Operating | AP1041-2989 | Permit to Construct | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 6/5/2014 |
Nevada Mercury Control | AP1041-2253 | Mercury Operating Permit | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 6/5/2014 |
Surface Air Disturbance | AP1041-1444 | Midas Gravel Pit | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 8/19/2014 |
Surface Air Disturbance | AP1041-1454 | Exploration | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 9/7/2014 |
Surface Air Disturbance | AP1442-2674 | Jakes Creek Gravel Pit | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 5/5/2015 |
IAP | S35289 | Industrial Artificial Ponds Permit | NDOW | yes | Quarterly | 6/30/2018 |
Dam Permit | J-482 | Dam Safety Phases 1 - 3 | NDEP-NDWR | yes | Bi-Ann. | 6/30/2014 |
Dam Permit | J-555 | Dam Safety Phases 4 - 5 | NDEP-NDWR | yes | Bi-Ann. | 6/30/2014 |
Right of Way | N83284 | Power Line | BLM | yes | N/A | 8/28/2027 |
Right of Way | N61100 | Road and Power Line | BLM | yes | N/A | 4/23/2027 |
Right of Way | N-66023 | Road and Waterline | BLM | yes | N/A | 11/20/2029 |
Right of Way | N088016 | Snow Fence | BLM | yes | N/A | 12/31/2039 |
Plan of Operations | NVN 071128 | Exploration POO | BLM | yes | N/A | N/A |
Plan of Operations | NVN 088898 | Operations Plan | BLM | hold | N/A | N/A |
Storm Water | CSW-19747 | Jakes Creek Storm Water Runoff | NDEP-BWPC | yes | Annual | 7/1/2014 |
Storm Water | ISW-1464 | Midas Gravel Pit Storm Water | NDEP-BWPC | yes | Annual | 7/1/2014 |
Storm Water | MSW-221 | Mine Ops Storm Water Runoff | NDEP-BWPC | yes | Annual | 7/1/2014 |
WPCP | NEV-96107 | Water Pollution Control Permit | NDEP-BMRR | yes | Quarterly | 2/5/2013 |
Potable Water P | EL-0908- 12NTC | Public Water System | NDEP-BSDW | yes | Quarterly | 6/30/2014 |
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Permit | Number | Description | Agency | Current | Period | Expiration |
Potable Water T | EL-0908- TP01- 12NTNC | Treatment Facility | NDEP-BSDW | yes | Quarterly | 6/30/2014 |
Reclamation Permit | #0098 | Exploration | NDEP-BMRR | yes | Annual | 2/28/2014 |
Reclamation Permit | #0125 | Mine Operations | NDEP-BMRR | yes | Annual | 10/5/2015 |
Fire Safety Plan | 27455 | HAZMAT Permit | NV Fire Marshal | yes | Annual | 2/28/2014 |
EPCRA | 8941KNSNY6 0MIL | Waste Generation | EPA-BWM | yes | Annual | 6/30/2014 |
Air permits include Surface Air Disturbance permitting, Class I and Class II Operating Permits, and Mercury Control Permits. These permits, administered by the NDEP are in compliance with Federal EPA Emissions Inventory Systems.
Water permits include Water Pollution Control permits, various Storm Water Control permits, permits for dams and Industrial Artificial Ponds. These permits are administered by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, and the NDEP and adhere to the Federal EPA Discharge and Release Standards. Public Water Systems and Treatment facilities are also covered.
Rights to operate on Federal Lands are administered by the BLM. Midas holds four main rights of way. Two plans of operations are in effect, the first covering the mining and processing operations and the second covers exploration activities on the surrounding land package. Both are administered by the BLM. The Midas Mine has acquired sufficient water rights for operation of the two water supply wells and mine dewatering system.
Other permits include state fire protection permits, solid waste disposal permits, reclamation permits, and permits for septic systems.
Midas is currently operating under two permits, the Class II operating permit AP1041-0766 and the Mercury Operating Permit AP1041-2253. The Class 1A Permit AP1041-2989 is currently a "permit to construct." This permit includes the mercury capture and mitigation process hardware which has not yet been installed.
There is no landfill permit. Solid waste is removed from the site and disposed of at an approved disposal facility. The current site Water Pollution Control Permit expired in February 2013. Newmont filed an Application for Renewal more than 90 days before expiry in 2012. The permit renewal is under review by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection. It is permissible to operate under an expired permit, as long as the renewal was filed during the renewal application period.
RISK FACTORS
As a resource acquisition, exploration and development company, the Corporation is engaged in a highly speculative business that involves a high degree of risk and is frequently unsuccessful. In addition to the information disclosed elsewhere in this AIF, readers should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before deciding whether to invest in the Corporation's securities. These risk factors do not necessarily comprise all of the risks to which the Corporation is or will be subject.
The Corporation's failure to successfully address the risks and uncertainties described below could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's business, financial condition and/or results of operations and could cause the trading price of the Common Shares to decline. The Corporation cannot guarantee that it will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect its business. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Corporation or that the Corporation currently deems immaterial may also impair the Corporation's business operations. If any of the possibilities described in such risks actually occurs, the Corporation's business, the Corporation's financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely harmed.
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The feasibility of mining has not been established.
The Corporation does not have probable or proven mineral reserves on any of its mineral properties. The Mineral Resources identified to date on the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project do not have demonstrated economic viability, and the Corporation cannot provide any assurance that Mineral Reserves will be identified on any of its mineral properties. The feasibility of mining has not been, and may never be, established at such properties. Whether a mineral deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, including but not limited to: the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; metal prices, which are highly cyclical; and government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. If the Corporation is unable to upgrade some or all of its mineralized material to proven and probable mineral reserves in sufficient quantities to justify commercial operations, if at all, the Corporation may not be able to develop a mine at the Fire Creek Project, which may have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial condition and results of operations.
Other than the Midas Project, no properties are currently in commercial production and the Corporation is dependent on the success of the Fire Creek Project.
Other than the Midas Project, currently, there is no commercial production at any of the Corporation's properties and the Corporation has never recorded any revenues from operations. The principal mineral project of the Corporation is the Fire Creek Project. The Corporation is primarily dependent upon the success of the Fire Creek Project as a source of future revenue and profits, if any. The development of mining operations at the Fire Creek Project or any of the Corporation's other mineral properties will require the commitment of substantial resources for operating expenses and capital expenditures, which may increase in subsequent years as needed, and for consultants, personnel and equipment associated with advancing exploration, development and commercial production of such properties. The amounts and timing of expenditures will depend on, among other things, the progress of ongoing exploration and development, the results of consultants' analysis and recommendations, the rate at which operating losses are incurred, the execution of any joint venture agreements with strategic partners, the acquisition by the Corporation of additional properties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation's control. The Corporation may not be able to generate any revenues or achieve profitability.
The Corporation's exploration activities may not be commercially successful.
The long-term success of the Corporation depends on its ability to identify additional mineral deposits that it can then develop into commercially viable mining operations. Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and is frequently non-productive. These risks include unusual or unexpected geologic formations and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labour. The success of gold exploration is determined in part by the following factors:
Substantial expenditures are required, but not guaranteed, to establish mineral proven and probable reserves through drilling and analysis, to develop metallurgical processes to extract metal, and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. Whether a mineral deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, which include, without limitation, the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; metal prices, which may fluctuate widely; and government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. There is no certainty that the Corporation will discover or acquire any mineralized material in sufficient quantities to justify commercial operations at the Fire Creek Project or the Midas Project.
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Exploration, development and mining involve a high degree of risk.
The Corporation's operations will be subject to all the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of gold and other base or precious metals, including, without limitation, unusual and unexpected geologic formations, seismic activity, rock bursts, pit-wall failures, cave-ins, flooding and other conditions involved in the drilling and removal of material, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of, mines and other producing facilities, damage to life or property, environmental damage and legal liability. Milling operations are subject to various hazards, including, without limitation, equipment failure and failure of retaining dams around tailings disposal areas, which may result in environmental pollution and legal liability.
The Corporation's operations may require further capital.
The mining, processing, development and exploration of the Corporation's properties may require substantial additional financing. Failure to obtain sufficient financing may result in the delay or indefinite postponement of exploration, development or production on any or all of the Corporation's properties, or even a loss of property interest. Additional capital or other types of financing may not be available if needed or, if available, the terms of such financing may be unfavourable to the Corporation.
The Corporation may be adversely affected by fluctuations in gold prices.
The Corporation's profitability will be dependent upon the market price of gold and any other metals contained in minerals discovered. Historically, gold prices have fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous external factors beyond the Corporation's control, including industrial and retail demand, central bank lending, sales and purchases of gold, forward sales of gold by producers and speculators, production and cost levels in major producing regions, short-term changes in supply and demand because of speculative hedging activities, confidence in the global monetary system, expectations of the future rate of inflation, the strength of the United States dollar (the currency in which the price of gold is generally quoted), interest rates, terrorism and war, and other global or regional political or economic events. Resource prices have fluctuated widely and are sometimes subject to rapid short-term changes because of speculative activities. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but any one of, or any combination of, these factors may result in the Corporation not receiving an adequate return on invested capital and a loss of all or part of an investment in securities of the Corporation may result.
Loan Repayment Depends on Production.
There is no guarantee that production will begin at the Fire Creek Project as anticipated or at all or that anticipated production costs will be achieved. Failure to commence production or to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Corporation's ability to repay certain loans and generate revenue, cash flow to fund operations and future profitability.
The Corporation is subject to foreign exchange risk relating to the relative value of the U.S. dollar.
Gold is typically sold in U.S. dollars and some of the Corporation's expenses are denominated in Canadian dollars. As a result, the Corporation is subject to foreign exchange risks relating to the relative value of the U.S. dollar as compared to the Canadian dollar. A decline in the U.S. dollar would result in a decrease in the real value of the Corporation's revenues and adversely impact the Corporation's financial performance.
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Title to the Corporation's mineral properties may be subject to other claims.
Although the Corporation believes it has exercised commercially reasonable due diligence with respect to determining title to the properties it owns or controls, including obtaining title reports with respect to the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project, there is no guarantee that title to such properties will not be challenged or impugned. The Corporation's properties may be subject to prior unrecorded agreements or transfers or native land claims and title may be affected by undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title of the Corporation's properties which could impair development and/or operations of the Corporation. This is particularly the case in respect of those portions of the Corporation's properties in which the Corporation holds its interest solely through a lease with the claim holders, as such interest is substantially based on contract and may have been subject to a number of assignments (as opposed to a direct interest in the property).
Estimates of mineralized materials are subject to geologic uncertainty and inherent sample variability.
Although the Corporation believes that the estimated mineral resources at the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project have been delineated with appropriately spaced drilling, there exists inherent variability between duplicate samples taken adjacent to each other and between sampling points that cannot be reasonably eliminated. There also may be unknown geologic details that have not been identified or correctly appreciated at the current level of delineation. This results in uncertainties that cannot be reasonably eliminated from the estimation process. Some of the resulting variances can have a positive effect and others can have a negative effect on mining and processing operations.
Mineral resources are only estimates which may be unreliable.
Although the Corporation's reported mineral resource estimates have been carefully prepared by qualified persons, these amounts are estimates only and there is no guarantee that any specified level of recovery of gold or other minerals will in fact be realized or that the Fire Creek Project or any other identified mineral deposit will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) mineral body that can be economically exploited, if at all. Mineralized materials which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Any material change in the quantity of mineralization, grade or stripping ratio, or in the gold price may affect the economic viability of Klondex's mineral properties. In addition, there can be no assurance that gold recoveries or other metal recoveries in small-scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in larger scale tests under on-site conditions or during production.
Until an un-mined deposit is actually mined and processed, the quantity of mineral resources and reserves and grades must be considered as estimates only. In addition, the quantity of mineral resources may vary depending on, among other things, metal prices. Any material change in quantity of mineral resources, grade or stripping ratio may affect the economic viability of the Corporation's material properties. In addition, there can be no certainty that gold recoveries or other metal recoveries in small scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in a larger scale test under on-site conditions or during production.
Government regulation may adversely affect the Corporation's business and planned operations.
The Corporation's mineral exploration and development activities are subject to various laws governing prospecting, mining, development, production, taxes, labour standards and occupational health, mine safety, toxic substances, land use, water use, land claims of local people and other matters. Although the Corporation currently believes that it is in compliance with existing environmental and mining laws and regulations and that its proposed exploration programs will also meet those standards, there can be no assurance that new rules and regulations will not be enacted or that existing rules and regulations will not be applied in a manner which could limit or curtail the Corporation's exploration, production or development activities. At present, there is no royalty payable to the United States on production from unpatented mining claims, although legislative attempts to impose a royalty have occurred in recent years. Amendments to current laws and regulations governing operations and activities of exploration, development mining and milling or more stringent implementation thereof could have a material adverse impact on the Corporation's business and financial condition and cause increases in exploration expenses, capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production or require abandonment or delays in the development of new mining properties.
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Government approvals and permits are required in connection with the Corporation's activities.
Government approvals and permits are currently, and may in the future be, required in connection with the Corporation's operations. Such licenses and permits are subject to change in regulations and in various operating circumstances. Where required, obtaining necessary licenses and permits can be a complex and time consuming process. The costs and delays associated with obtaining necessary licences and permits could stop or materially delay or restrict the Corporation from proceeding with the development of the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project. There can be no assurance that the Corporation will be able to obtain all necessary licenses and permits required to carry out exploration, development and mining operations at its mineral projects or that the Corporation will be able to comply with the conditions of all such necessary licenses and permits in an economically viable manner.
The Corporation's operations are subject to environmental risks.
All phases of the Corporation's operations will be subject to federal, state and local environmental regulation. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. Future changes in environmental regulation may adversely affect the Corporation's operations. Environmental hazards may exist on the Fire Creek Project, the Midas Project and on the other properties held by the Corporation that are unknown to the Corporation and that have been caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the properties.
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining operations or in the exploration or development of mineral properties may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of such mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations.
The Corporation may be subject to unforeseen litigation.
Companies operating in all industries, including the mining industry, are subject to legal claims, with and without merit. Although the Corporation is not currently involved in any material legal proceedings, and is not aware of any threatened or pending material legal proceedings against the Corporation, there is no guarantee that the Corporation will not become subject to such proceedings in the future. There can be no guarantee of the outcome of any such claim. In addition, defense and settlement costs for any legal proceeding can be substantial, even with respect to claims that have no merit. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the litigation process, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular legal proceeding will not have a material effect on the Corporation's financial position or results of operations.
The Corporation does not insure against all risks.
The Corporation's insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with a mining Corporation's operations. The Corporation may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or, if available, may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, insurance coverage against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards as a result of exploration, development and production may be prohibitively expensive to obtain for a Corporation of the Corporation's size and financial means. The Corporation may also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards against which the Corporation may not be insured or against which it may elect not to insure because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause the Corporation to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon the Corporation's financial condition and results of operations.
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The Corporation competes with larger, better capitalized competitors in the mining industry.
The mining industry is competitive in all of its phases. The Corporation faces strong competition from other mining companies in connection with the acquisition of properties producing, or capable of producing, base and precious metals. Many of these companies have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than the Corporation. As a result of this competition, the Corporation may be unable to maintain or acquire attractive mining properties on terms acceptable to the Corporation or at all. Consequently, the Corporation's revenues, operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Current global financial conditions have worsened.
Current global financial conditions have been subject to increased volatility, and access to public financing, particularly for junior resource companies, has been negatively impacted. These factors may impact the ability of the Corporation to obtain equity or debt financing in the future and, if obtained, such financing may not be on terms favourable to the Corporation. If increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue, the Corporation's operations could be adversely impacted and the value and price of the Common Shares could be adversely affected.
The directors and officers of the Corporation may have conflicts of interest.
Certain of the directors and officers of the Corporation also serve as directors and/or officers of other companies involved in natural resource exploration, development and mining operations. Consequently, there exists the possibility for such directors and officers to be in a position of conflict of interest. The directors of the Corporation are required by law to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Corporation and to disclose any interest they may have in any project or opportunity of the Corporation. In addition, each of the directors is required by law to declare his or her interest in and refrain from voting on any matter in which he or she may have a conflict of interest, in accordance with applicable laws.
Dependence on Key Personnel and Limited Management Team
The Corporation is dependent on the services of its senior executives and skilled and experienced employees and consultants. The Corporation does not have in place formal programs for succession and training of management. The Corporation does not have key person insurance for all such individuals, which insurance would provide the Corporation with insurance proceeds in the event of their death. If such an event were to occur, without key person insurance, the Corporation may not have the financial resources to develop or maintain its business until it replaces the individual. The loss of one or more of these key employees, if not replaced, could materially adversely affect the Corporation's business, results of operations and financial condition.
There is no assurance that an active trading market in the Common Shares will be sustained.
The Common Shares are listed on the TSX. There can be no assurance that an active market for the Common Shares will be sustained.
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The Common Shares may experience price volatility.
Securities of mineral resource and mining companies have experienced substantial volatility in the past, often based on factors unrelated to the financial performance or prospects of the companies involved. These factors include macroeconomic developments in North America and globally, and market perceptions of the attractiveness of particular industries. The price of the Common Shares is also likely to be significantly affected by short-term changes in commodity prices and currency exchange fluctuation. As a result of any of these factors, the market price of the Common Shares at any given point in time may not accurately reflect the long-term value of the Corporation. There can be no assurance that continued fluctuations in price will not occur, which may result in losses to investors. Securities class action litigation often has been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. The Corporation may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and damages and divert management's attention and resources.
The outstanding Common Shares could be subject to dilution.
The exercise of stock options and warrants already issued by the Corporation and the issuance of additional equity securities in the future could result in dilution in the equity interests of holders of Common Shares.
An investment in the securities of the Corporation is highly speculative and may result in the loss of an investor's entire investment.
The purchase of the Corporation's securities involves a high degree of risk and should be undertaken only by investors whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume such risks. The Corporation's securities should not be purchased by persons who cannot afford to lose their entire investment.
No Dividends Policy.
The Corporation has not declared a dividend since incorporation and does not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend on the availability of profit, operating results, the financial position of the Corporation, future capital requirements and general business and other factors considered relevant by the directors of the Corporation. No assurances in relation to the payment of dividends can be given.
DIVIDENDS
The Corporation does not have a current dividend policy and investors cannot expect to receive a dividend on the Common Shares in the foreseeable future.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The Corporation is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares without par value, of which 110,828,158 are issued and outstanding as at March 31, 2014. Each Common Share entitles the holder thereof to one vote. All of the Common Shares rank equally as to dividends, voting powers and participation in assets. No shares have been issued subject to call or assessment. There are no pre-emptive or conversion rights and no provisions for redemption, purchase for cancellation, surrender or sinking or purchase funds applicable to the Common Shares. Provisions as to the modification, amendment or variation of such rights or such provisions are contained in the Articles, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and in the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).
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MARKET FOR SECURITIES
Trading Price and Volume
The Common Shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the symbol "KDX". The following chart sets out the high and low trading prices, closing prices and volume of the Common Shares traded on the TSX for each month of the most recently completed financial year.
Month | High ($) | Low ($) | Close ($) | Volume |
January 2013 | 1.39 | 1.14 | 1.30 | 1,042,410 |
February 2013 | 1.35 | 1.08 | 1.23 | 434,345 |
March 2013 | 1.27 | 1.07 | 1.12 | 780,518 |
April 2013 | 1.24 | 0.91 | 1.19 | 1,080,564 |
May 2013 | 1.43 | 1.04 | 1.33 | 2,722,248 |
June 2013 | 1.38 | 1.07 | 1.18 | 2,148,232 |
July 2013 | 1.39 | 1.12 | 1.39 | 1,102,829 |
August 2013 | 1.68 | 1.37 | 1.61 | 1,367,490 |
September 2013 | 1.62 | 1.39 | 1.39 | 721,973 |
October 2013 | 1.74 | 1.37 | 1.68 | 5,707,252 |
November 2013 | 1.69 | 1.48 | 1.59 | 642,986 |
December 2013 | 1.64 | 1.47 | 1.61 | 5,667,649 |
Prior Sales of Unlisted Securities
During the financial year ended December 31, 2013, the Corporation issued options to purchase Common Shares (" Options ") under the Corporation's share option plan (the " Share Option Plan "). The Options are not listed on the TSX or any other marketplace. The following Options were granted under the Corporation's Share Option Plan during the year ended December 31, 2013:
Date of Grant |
Number of Common
Shares issuable upon exercise of Options |
Exercise Price
($) |
Expiry Date |
January 14, 2013 | 30,000 (1) | $1.35 | January 14, 2016 |
January 18, 2013 | 200,000 | $1.35 | January 18, 2016 |
January 29, 2013 | 30,000 (2) | $1.35 | January 29, 2016 |
February 24, 2013 | 250,000 | $1.35 | February 24, 2015 |
April 1, 2013 | 300,000 (3) | $1.20 | June 30, 2014 |
April 1, 2013 | 295,000 (4) | $1.20 | April 1, 2016 |
August 6, 2013 | 357,208 | $1.45 | August 6, 2016 |
September 5, 2013 | 100,000 | $1.56 | September 5, 2016 |
October 11, 2013 | 1,212,500 | $1.50 | October 11, 2016 |
October 11, 2013 | 50,000 | $1.50 | June 30, 2014 |
November 15, 2013 | 350,000 | $1.58 | November 15, 2016 |
Total Options Granted in 2013 | 3,174,708 |
Notes: | ||
(1) |
Exercised on March 4, 2014. |
|
(2) |
Includes 15,000 Options granted to Heather Vasquez, pursuant to the Share Option Plan. Upon her resignation on February 28, 2013, 5,000 Options had vested and 10,000 were cancelled. All 5,000 vested Options subsequently expired. |
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(3) |
Represents 300,000 Options granted to Larry Phillips, pursuant to the Share Option Plan. Upon his resignation as a director of the Corporation on September 13, 2013, 200,000 unvested Options immediately expired. The expiry date was amended to June 30, 2014. |
|
(4) |
Includes 10,000 Options granted to Kimberly Monett, pursuant to the Share Option Plan. Upon her resignation on August 17, 2013, 3,333 Options had vested and 5,000 were cancelled. All 3,333 vested Options subsequently expired. |
The following warrants to purchase common shares were granted during the year ended December 31, 2013:
Date of Issuance |
Number of Warrants
Issued |
Exercise Price ($) | Expiry Date |
January 4, 2013 | 525,000 (1) | $1.55 | July 4, 2014 |
July 17, 2013 | 500,000 (2) | $1.19 | July 17, 2014 |
July 25, 2013 | 500,000 (3) | $1.2215 | July 25, 2014 |
October 16, 2013 | 568,000 (4) | $1.43 | October 16, 2015 |
Total Warrants Issued in 2013 | 2,093,000 |
Notes: | ||
(1) |
Represents 525,000 warrants, each warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.55 for a period of 18 months from the date of issue, in connection with the Debt Offering (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2013 Highlights "). |
|
(2) |
Represents Loan Warrants issued to K2 issued in connection with the K2 Loan (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2013 Highlights "). |
|
(3) |
Represents Loan Warrants issued to the Third Party Lender in connection with the Third Party Loan (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2013 Highlights "). |
|
(4) |
Represents the 2013 Broker Warrants issued to the agents in connection with the Special Warrant Offering (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2013 Highlights "). |
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Directors and Officers
The following table sets forth, for each of the directors and executive officers of the Corporation as of the date hereof, the person's name, province and country of residence, position and office held with the Corporation, principal occupation during the last five years and, if a director, the period or periods during which the person has served as a director of the Corporation. Each of the directors of the Corporation will hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders or until the director's successor is elected or appointed.
Name and Residence | Position | Principal Occupation(s) During Last Five Years |
Renaud Adams
Oakville, Ontario, Canada |
Director since July 11, 2013 |
Currently Chief Operating Officer of Primero Mining Corp., a precious metals producer, since November 2011; Senior Vice-President, Operations Americas of IAMGOLD Corporation from February 2010 to October 2011; prior thereto, Vice President and General Manager of the Rosebel Gold Mine in Suriname for IAMGOLD Corporation. |
Jorge Avelino
Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada |
Corporate Secretary |
Currently Managing Partner of Javell International, a private financial management firm; Chief Financial Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd. from June 2006 to November 2013; Chief Financial Officer of Expedition Mining Inc. since January 2007. |
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Name and Residence | Position | Principal Occupation(s) During Last Five Years |
Rodney Cooper
(1)(3)
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada |
Director since August 10, 2012 |
Currently, President and Chief Operating Officer of Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited, a mining and exploration company; prior thereto, Vice President, Senior Mining Analyst at Dundee Securities; Chief Operating Officer at Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation. |
Barry Dahl
Reno, Nevada, USA |
Chief Financial Officer since November 15, 2013 |
Currently, Chief Financial Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd.; prior thereto, CFO of Argonaut Gold Inc. from 2010 to 2013; Corporate Controller, Andean Resources Inc.; Corporate Controller and CFO, Hettinger Welding LLC. |
James Haggarty
(1)
(2)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Director since June 28, 2012 |
Currently, Executive, J.E.L.L. Advisors, a private consulting firm; prior thereto, Executive Vice President at Rogers Communications Inc. |
Paul Huet
(3)
Reno, Nevada, USA |
Director since September 12, 2012 |
Currently, President & Chief Executive Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd.; prior thereto, Chief Operating Officer of Premier Gold Mines from 2011 to 2012; General Manager of Nevada Great Basin Gold from 2007 to 2011. |
William Matlack
(3)
Reno, Nevada, USA |
Director since June 28, 2012 |
Currently a private investor and mineral explorer; previously Interim CEO of Klondex Mines Ltd.; Associated with Scarsdale Equities LLC. |
Blair Schultz
(1) (2)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Director since June 28, 2012 (Chairman since July 16, 2012) |
Vice President and Head of Special Situation Analytics, Portfolio Management & Trading at K2 & Associates Investment Management Inc., a hedge fund in Toronto. |
Notes: | ||
(1) |
Member of the Audit Committee. |
|
(2) |
Member of the Compensation and Governance Committee. |
|
(3) |
Member of the Mine Safety and Health Committee. |
James Haggarty, Blair Schultz and Rodney Cooper serve on the Audit Committee. James Haggarty and Blair Schultz serve on the Compensation and Governance Committee. Paul Huet, Rodney Cooper and William Matlack serve as members of the Mine Safety and Health Committee. The term of office for the directors of the Corporation and members of the Audit and Compensation, Compensation and Governance Committee and Mine Safety and Health Committee expires at the next annual general meeting. After the next annual general meeting, the Board will appoint the Audit Committee members, the Compensation and Governance Committee members, the Mine Safety and Health Committee members and the members of any other committees for the ensuing year.
As at March 31, 2014 all directors and senior officers of the Corporation, as a group, beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, a total of 2,769,695 Common Shares, representing 2.50% of the total issued and outstanding Common Shares.
Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties or Sanctions
No individual set forth in the above table is, as at the date hereof, or was, within 10 years before the date hereof, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company (including the Corporation) that:
a) |
was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days and that was issued while such individual was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or |
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b) |
was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, that was issued after such individual ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer, and which resulted from an event that occurred while such individual was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer. |
No individual set forth in the above table or shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities of the Corporation to affect materially the control of the Corporation, nor any personal holding company of any such individual:
a) |
is, as of the date hereof, or has been within 10 years before the date hereof, a director or executive officer of any company (including the Corporation) that, while such individual was acting in that capacity, or within a year of such individual ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets; or |
|
b) |
has, within the 10 years before the date hereof, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of such individual; or |
|
c) |
has been subject to (i) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority, or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or (ii) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision. |
Conflicts of Interest
Certain of the directors and officers of the Corporation also serve as directors and/or officers of and have significant shareholdings in other companies involved in natural resource exploration, development and mining operations. Consequently, there exists the possibility for such directors and officers to be in a position of conflict.
In the event that such a conflict of interest arises at a meeting of the Board, a director who has such a conflict will abstain from voting for or against the approval of such participation or such terms. In accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia, the directors of the Corporation are required to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the Corporation. In determining whether or not the Corporation will participate in a particular program and the interest therein to be acquired by it, the directors will primarily consider the degree of risk to which the Corporation may be exposed and the Corporation's financial position at that time.
The directors and officers of Klondex are aware of the existence of laws governing the accountability of directors and officers for corporate opportunity and requiring disclosure by the directors of conflicts of interest and the Corporation will rely upon such laws in respect of any directors' and officers' conflicts of interest or in respect of any breaches of duty by any of the Corporation's directors and officers. All such conflicts will be disclosed by such directors or officers in accordance with the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and such directors and officers will govern themselves in respect thereof to the best of their ability in accordance with the obligations imposed upon them by law. As at the date hereof, the directors and officers of the Corporation are not aware of any such conflicts of interest.
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INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Except as disclosed in this AIF, to the knowledge of management of the Corporation, no director, officer or insider of the Corporation or any associates or affiliates of the foregoing has or had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction within the three most recently completed financial years that has materially affected or is reasonably expected to materially affect the Corporation during the financial year.
AUDIT COMMITTEE DISCLOSURE
Composition of the Audit Committee
The members of the audit committee of the Corporation (the " Audit Committee ") are James Haggarty (Chair), Blair Schultz and Rodney Cooper. All of the members are deemed to be "independent" and "financially literate" as such terms are defined in National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees (" NI 52-110 ").
Relevant Education and Experience
James Haggarty is a Chartered Accountant and holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Windsor. As a financial and operational executive with over 20 years of experience ranging from strategic planning to M&A transactions to managing diverse businesses day-to-day, Mr. Haggarty is highly experienced and adept at managing complex financial structures, partnership agreement/regulations/business technologies and systems. He has held senior executive positions as Executive VP Operations, VP Financial Operations, and VP Corporate Development with public and private companies and has significant experience with audit committees throughout his career. Mr. Haggarty is also on the Advisory Board for the Odette School of Business, University of Windsor, and the board of directors of the Toronto Blue Jays Care Foundation.
Blair Schultz has over 12 years of experience evaluating M&A transactions in the mining space. He is currently a Vice President and Head of Special Situation Analytics, Portfolio Management & Trading at K2 & Associates Investment Management Inc., a hedge fund in Toronto, where he is involved with portfolio management, special situation analytics, merger arbitrage, commodity and currency hedging and investment execution. Mr. Schultz has previously worked for a number of financial institutions and holds an Honours Bachelor of Mathematics degree from the University of Waterloo with a Business Administration option from Wilfred Laurier University.
Rodney Cooper has been involved in the mining industry for over 30 years, with broad experience in technical services, operations, project management, investment evaluation and finance. He is a mining engineer, having obtained the P.Eng. designation, and a past director of the Mining Association of Canada and the Alberta Chamber of Resources. Currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited, he previously served as Vice President and Senior Analyst at Dundee Securities, Chief Operating Officer at Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation and Vice President Technical Services at Kinross Gold Corporation.
For more information see " Directors and Officers ".
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Audit Committee's Mandate
The Board has adopted a charter for the Audit Committee, which sets out the Audit Committee's mandate, organization, powers and responsibilities (the " Audit Committee Charter "). The full text of the Audit Committee Charter is attached hereto as Schedule "A".
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee has not adopted specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services.
External Auditor Service Fees
The following table discloses the fees charged to the Corporation by its former external auditor during the last two financial years:
Financial Year Ending | Audit Fees (1) | Audit-Related Fees (2) | Tax Fees (3) | All Other Fees |
December 31, 2013 | $42,000 | $23,000 | $6,700 | $12,500 |
December 31, 2012 | $36,000 | $22,700 | $18,450 | Nil |
Notes: | ||
(1) |
"Audit Fees" include fees necessary to perform the annual audit and quarterly reviews of the Corporation's consolidated financial statements. Audit Fees include fees for review of tax provisions and for accounting consultations on matters reflected in the financial statements. Audit Fees also include audit or other attest services required by legislation or regulation, such as comfort letters, consents, reviews of securities filings and statutory audits. |
|
(2) |
"Audit-Related Fees" include services that are traditionally performed by the auditor. These audit-related services include interim reviews, including IFRS, employee benefit audits, due diligence assistance, accounting consultations on proposed transactions, internal control reviews and audit or attest services not required by legislation or regulation. |
|
(3) |
"Tax Fees" include fees for all tax services other than those included in "Audit Fees" and "Audit-Related Fees". This category includes fees for filing tax returns for U.S. subsidiary, tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. Tax planning and tax advice includes assistance with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions, and requests for rulings or technical advice from tax authorities. |
|
(4) |
"All Other Fees" include fees related to the HST audit which occurred in the first quarter of 2013. |
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent and registrar for the Corporation is Computershare Investor Services Inc. at its principal offices in Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
The Corporation has no material contracts entered into in the last three years other than those entered into in the ordinary course of business and the following, each of which is available under the Corporation's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com:
The SR Agency Agreement (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2013 Highlights ");
The Gold Purchase Agreement (see " General Development of the Business Three Year History 2013 Highlights "); and
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INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants, appointed the auditors of the Corporation as of January 6, 2014, prepared an auditors' report to the directors of the Corporation on the statements of financial position of the Corporation as of December 31, 2013, and the statements of loss and statements of comprehensive loss, cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity for the years ended December 31, 2013. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants has advised that they are independent with respect to the Corporation within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia.
MacKay LLP, Chartered Accountants, the auditors of the Corporation prior to January 6, 2014, prepared an auditors' report to the directors of the Corporation on the statements of financial position of the Corporation as of December 31, 2012, and the statements of loss and statements of comprehensive loss, cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity for the years ended December 31, 2012. MacKay LLP, Chartered Accountants has advised that they are independent with respect to the Corporation within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia.
Mark Odell, P.E., Principal Engineer, Practical Mining LLC, Nevada License 13708, Karl Swanson, Independent Mining & Geological Consultant, SME, MAusIMM, and Michele White, Geologic Consultant, CPG #11252 AIPG, All One River GIS are the authors of the Fire Creek Technical Report. Mark Odell, P.E., Principal Engineer, Practical Mining LLC, Nevada License 13708, Michele White, Geologic Consultant, CPG, All One River GIS, AIPG No. 11252, and Adam Knight, P.E., Practical Mining LLC, Nevada License 15796 are the authors of the Midas Technical Report. None of Messrs. Odell, Swanson or Knight or Ms. White has any interest, direct or indirect, in the properties or securities of the Corporation or any of its associates or affiliates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Corporation may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . Additional information, including directors' and officers' remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of the Corporation's securities, options to purchase securities and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, where applicable, is contained in the Corporation's management information circular dated May 9, 2013 in respect of the 2013 annual and special meeting of shareholders of the Corporation held on June 18, 2013, which was mailed to shareholders and filed on SEDAR. Additional financial information is available in the comparative audited consolidated financial statements of the Corporation, together with the auditor's report thereon for the Corporation's most recently completed fiscal year and the Corporation's management's discussion and analysis in relation thereto, which are available on SEDAR.
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Schedule A
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
AUDIT COMMITTEE MANDATE
1. General
The board of directors (the " Board ") of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the " Corporation ") has delegated the responsibilities, authorities and duties described below to the audit committee (the " Committee "). For the purpose of this mandate, the term "Corporation" shall include the Corporation and its subsidiaries.
The Committee will assist the Board in fulfilling its financial oversight responsibilities. The Committee will review and consider, in consultation with the auditors, the financial reporting process, the system of internal control and the audit process. In performing its duties, the Committee will maintain effective working relationships with the Board, management, and the external auditors.
The Committee shall be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of any registered external auditor employed by the Corporation (including resolution of disagreements between management of the Corporation and the external auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work. In so doing, the Committee will comply with all applicable Canadian securities laws, rules and guidelines, any applicable stock exchange requirements or guidelines and any other applicable regulatory rules. To effectively perform his or her role, each Committee member must obtain an understanding of the principal responsibilities of committee membership as well and the Corporation's business, operations and risks.
2. Composition
The Committee will be comprised of a minimum of three directors. Each Committee member shall satisfy the independence, financial literacy and experience requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws, rules and guidelines, any applicable stock exchange requirements or guidelines and any other applicable regulatory rules. In particular, each member shall be "independent" and "financially literate" within the meaning of National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees (except as otherwise set forth in the limited exemptions contained therein). Determinations as to whether a particular director satisfies the requirements for membership on the Committee shall be made by the Board.
Members of the Committee shall be appointed annually by the Board at the first meeting of the Board after the annual general meeting of shareholders. Each member shall serve until such member's successor is appointed, unless that member resigns or is removed by the Board or otherwise ceases to be a director of the Corporation. The Board shall fill any vacancy if the membership of the Committee is less than three directors.
The Chair of the Committee will be designated by the Board, on the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee, or, if it does not do so, the members of the Committee may elect a Chair by vote of a majority of the full Committee membership. The Chair of the Committee shall be responsible for overseeing the performance by the Committee of its duties, for assessing the effectiveness of the Committee and individual Committee members and for reporting periodically to the Board.
3. Meetings
The Committee will meet at least quarterly and at such times and at such locations as the Board or the Chair of the Committee shall determine, provided that meetings shall be scheduled so as to permit the timely review of the Corporation's quarterly and annual financial statements and related management discussion and analysis, if applicable. The Committee shall have an in camera session without non-independent directors and management as a regular feature of each regularly scheduled meeting. The external auditor and management employees of the Corporation shall, when required by the Committee, attend any meeting of the Committee. Any director of the Corporation may request the Chair of the Committee to call a meeting of the Committee and may attend at such meeting or inform the Committee of a specific matter of concern to such director, and may participate in such meeting to the extent permitted by the Chair of the Committee.
The Committee shall meet at least annually with the Corporation's Chief Financial Officer and external auditors in separate executive sessions. Notice of every meeting shall be given to the external auditor, who shall, at the expense of the Corporation, be entitled to attend and to be heard thereat. The external auditor or any member of the Committee may also request a meeting of the Committee.
Meetings of the Committee shall be validly constituted if a majority of the members of the Committee is present in person or by telephone conference. A resolution in writing signed by all the members of the Committee entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of the Committee is as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Committee.
The Committee shall submit the minutes of all meetings to the Board, and when requested to, shall discuss the matters discussed at each Committee meeting with the Board.
4. Committee Charter and Performance
The Committee shall have a written charter that sets out its mandate and responsibilities and the Committee shall review and assess the adequacy of such charter and the effectiveness of the Committee at least annually or otherwise, as it deems appropriate, and propose recommended changes to the Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee who will do the same and recommend changes to the Board for its approval. Unless and until replaced or amended, this mandate constitutes that charter.
5. Committee Authority and Responsibilities
The Committee shall have the power and authority of the Board to perform the following duties and fulfill the following responsibilities:
5.1 External Audit
The Committee shall be directly responsible for overseeing the work of the external auditors in preparing or issuing the auditor's report, including the resolution of disagreements between management and the external auditors regarding financial reporting and audit scope or procedures. In carrying out this duty, the Committee shall:
(a) |
recommend to the Board the external auditor to be nominated by the shareholders for the purpose of preparing or issuing an auditor's report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Corporation; |
|
(b) |
review (by discussion and enquiry) the external auditors' proposed audit scope and approach; |
|
(c) |
review the performance of the external auditors and recommend to the Board the appointment or discharge of the external auditors; |
|
(d) |
review and recommend to the Board the compensation to be paid to the external auditors; |
|
(e) |
ensure the rotation of partners on the audit engagement team of the external auditors as may be required by applicable law; and |
2
(f) |
review and confirm the independence of the external auditors by reviewing the non-audit services provided and the external auditors' assertion of their independence in accordance with professional standards. |
5.2 Internal Control
The Committee shall consider whether adequate controls are in place over annual and interim financial reporting as well as controls over assets, transactions and the creation of obligations, commitments and liabilities of the Corporation. In carrying out this duty, the Committee shall:
(a) |
evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of management's system of internal controls over the accounting and financial reporting system within the Corporation; and |
|
(b) |
ensure that the external auditors discuss with the Committee any event or matter which suggests the possibility of fraud, illegal acts or deficiencies in internal controls. |
5.3 Financial Reporting
The Committee shall review with management and external auditors, as necessary, and recommend to the Board for approval, the financial statements and financial information. In carrying out this duty, the Committee shall:
General
(a) |
review significant accounting and financial reporting issues, especially complex, unusual and related party transactions; |
|
(b) |
review and ensure that the accounting principles selected by management in preparing financial statements are appropriate; |
|
(c) |
ensure that management has designed, implemented and is maintaining an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures; |
Annual Financial Statements
(d) |
review the draft annual financial statements and provide a recommendation to the Board with respect to the approval of the financial statements; |
|
(e) |
meet with management and the external auditors to review the financial statements and the results of the audit, including any difficulties encountered; |
|
(f) |
review, and recommend to the Board for approval, management's discussion and analysis respecting the annual reporting period prior to its release to the public; |
Interim Financial Statements
(g) |
review, and recommend to the Board for approval, the interim financial statements prior to their release to the public; |
|
(h) |
review, and recommend to the Board for approval, management's discussion and analysis respecting the interim reporting period prior to its release to the public; and |
3
Release of Financial Information
(i) |
review, and recommend to the Board for approval, prior to their release all other public disclosure documents, including news releases, annual reports, annual information forms and offering documents containing financial information; |
5.4 Non-Audit Services
All non-audit services (being services other than services rendered for the audit and review of the financial statements or services that are normally provided by the external auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements) which are proposed to be provided by the external auditors to the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation shall be subject to the prior approval of the Committee.
Delegation of Authority
(a) |
The Committee may delegate to one or more independent members of the Committee the authority to approve non-audit services, provided any non-audit services approved in this manner must be presented to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting. |
De-Minimis Non-Audit Services
(b) |
The Committee may satisfy the requirement for the pre-approval of non-audit services if: |
||
(i) |
the aggregate amount of all non-audit services that were not pre-approved is reasonably expected to constitute no more than five per cent of the total amount of fees paid by the Corporation and its subsidiaries to the external auditor during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; or |
||
(ii) |
the services are brought to the attention of the Committee and approved, prior to the completion of the audit, by the Committee or by one or more of its members to whom authority to grant such approvals has been delegated. |
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
(c) |
The Committee may also satisfy the requirement for the pre-approval of non-audit services by adopting specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services, if: |
||
(i) |
the pre-approval policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service; |
||
(ii) |
the Committee is informed of each non-audit service; and |
||
(iii) |
the procedures do not include delegation of the Committee's responsibilities to management. |
5.5 Other Responsibilities
The Committee shall:
(a) |
establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Corporation regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters; |
|
(b) |
assist the Board in the discharge of its duties relating to risk assessment and risk management; |
4
(c) |
establish procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Corporation of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; |
|
(d) |
ensure that significant findings and recommendations made by management and external auditor are received and discussed on a timely basis; |
|
(e) |
review any inquiries, investigations or audits of a financial nature by governmental, regulatory or taxing authorities; |
|
(f) |
review the policies and procedures in effect for considering officers' expenses and perquisites; and |
|
(g) |
perform other oversight functions as requested by the Board. |
5.6 Reporting Responsibilities
The Committee shall regularly update the Board about committee activities and any issues that arise with respect to the quality or integrity of the Corporation's financial statements, compliance with legal or regulatory requirements, the performance and independence of the external auditors or the internal audit function and make appropriate recommendations.
6. Resources and Authority of the Committee to Engage Outside Advisors
The Corporation shall provide the Committee with the resources, and the Committee shall have the authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities including the authority, to:
(a) |
engage independent counsel and other outside advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its duties; |
|
(b) |
set and pay the compensation for any advisors engaged by the Committee; and |
|
(c) |
communicate directly with the internal and external auditors. |
5
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Consolidated Financial Statements |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
2 |
Managements responsibility for financial reporting
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the management of the Company in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and, where appropriate, reflect managements best estimates and judgments based on currently available information. A system of internal control is maintained to provide reasonable assurance that financial information is accurate and reliable. Management conducts ongoing reviews of these controls and reports on their findings to the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors meets periodically with management and the independent auditors to review the scope and results of the annual audit, and to review the consolidated financial statements and related financial reporting matters prior to submitting the financial statements to the Board of Directors for approval.
The Companys independent auditors conduct their audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards to allow them to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements.
Paul Huet (sgd.), | Barry Dahl (sgd.), |
President and Chief Executive Officer | Chief Financial Officer |
3 |
March 28, 2014 |
|
Independent Auditors Report |
|
To the Shareholders of Klondex Mines Ltd. |
|
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Klondex Mines Ltd., which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2013 and the consolidated statements of loss, comprehensive loss, cash flows and changes in equity for the year then ended, and the related notes, which comprise a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. |
|
Managements responsibility for the consolidated financial statements |
|
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. |
|
Auditors responsibility |
|
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform our audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. |
|
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entitys preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entitys internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. |
|
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audit is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. |
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP | |
PricewaterhouseCoopers Place, 250 Howe Street, Suite 700, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C3S7 | |
T: 604 806 7000, F : 604 806 7806, www.pwc.com/ca | |
PwC refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. |
Opinion | |
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Klondex Mines Ltd. as at December 31, 2013 and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. |
|
Other matter |
|
The consolidated financial statements of Klondex Mines Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2012 were audited by another auditor who expressed an unmodified opinion on those financial statements dated March 26, 2013. |
|
Chartered Accountants |
CHARTERED
ACCOUNTANTS MacKayLLP |
1100 – 1177 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 4T5 Tel: (604) 687-4511 Fax: (604) 687-5805 Toll Free: 1-800-351-0426 www.mackay.ca |
Independent Auditor's Report
To the Shareholders of
Klondex Mines Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Klondex Mines Ltd. and its subsidiary, which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management's Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor's Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Klondex Mines Ltd. and its subsidiary asat December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.
Emphasis of matter
Without modifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements which describes the material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt about the ability of Klondex Mines Ltd. to continue as a going concern.
“MacKayLLP”
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, British Columbia
March 26, 2013
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
As at December 31, | 2013 | 2012 | ||||
Assets | ||||||
Current assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 13,509,155 | $ | 18,049,195 | ||
Receivables | 49,260 | 17,292 | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 273,088 | 260,508 | ||||
13,831,503 | 18,326,995 | |||||
Property and equipment (note 5) | 2,153,523 | 1,051,834 | ||||
Exploration and evaluation assets (note 6) | 93,420,809 | 69,471,069 | ||||
Reclamation bonds (note 7) | 445,809 | 1,525,402 | ||||
$ | 109,851,644 | $ | 90,375,300 | |||
Liabilities | ||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 8) | $ | 5,795,512 | $ | 3,074,623 | ||
Due to related parties (note 9) | 662,426 | 5,283 | ||||
Loans payable (notes 10, 20) | 7,000,000 | 12,431,293 | ||||
13,457,938 | 15,511,199 | |||||
Derivative liability related to gold supply agreement (notes 11, 17) | 8,763,304 | - | ||||
Decommissioning provision (note 12) | 1,193,628 | 593,541 | ||||
23,414,870 | 16,104,740 | |||||
Shareholders Equity | ||||||
Share capital (note 14) | 111,596,460 | 92,085,867 | ||||
Warrants (note 14) | 992,693 | 992,693 | ||||
Share-based payment reserve (note 14) | 13,552,559 | 12,263,951 | ||||
Retained Deficit | (43,950,683 | ) | (29,829,892 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 4,245,745 | (1,242,059 | ) | |||
86,436,774 | 74,270,560 | |||||
$ | 109,851,644 | $ | 90,375,300 | |||
Contingencies (note 19) | ||||||
Subsequent events (note 20) |
Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors:
Paul Huet (sgd.), Director | James Haggarty (sgd.), Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
6 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Consolidated Statements of Loss |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
For the year ended December 31, | 2013 | 2012 | ||||
Administrative expenses | ||||||
Consulting fees | $ | 231,887 | $ | 273,680 | ||
Depreciation | 63,458 | 79,329 | ||||
Legal, audit and accounting | 419,745 | 416,352 | ||||
Management fees (note 9) | 1,817,510 | 889,826 | ||||
Office and miscellaneous | 265,011 | 211,318 | ||||
Share-based payments (note 13) | 1,096,007 | 858,422 | ||||
Transfer agent and regulatory fees | 100,770 | 140,805 | ||||
Travel, accommodation and meetings | 619,011 | 462,341 | ||||
4,613,399 | 3,332,073 | |||||
Other (income) expense | ||||||
Business combination costs | 803,683 | - | ||||
Disallowed HST input tax credits | - | 137,953 | ||||
Dissident shareholder expense | - | 100,447 | ||||
Loss on change in fair value of derivative | 8,763,304 | - | ||||
Other financial (income) loss | (59,595 | ) | 261,952 | |||
14,120,791 | 3,832,425 | |||||
Net loss for the year | (14,120,791 | ) | (3,832,425 | ) | ||
Basic and diluted loss per share | $ | (0.21 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | 66,240,800 | 49,017,490 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
7 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
For the year ended December 31, | 2013 | 2012 | ||||
Net loss for the year | $ | (14,120,791 | ) | $ | (3,832,425 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: | ||||||
Foreign currency translation difference | 5,473,386 | (676,859 | ) | |||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | (5,213 | ) | - | |||
Impairment of marketable securities | 19,631 | (65,103 | ) | |||
5,487,804 | (741,962 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive loss for the year | $ | (8,632,987 | ) | $ | (4,574,387 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
8 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
For the year ended December 31, | 2013 | 2012 | ||||
Cash provided by (used in) | ||||||
Operating activities | ||||||
Loss for the year | $ | (14,120,791 | ) | $ | (3,832,425 | ) |
Items not involving cash | ||||||
Depreciation | 63,458 | 79,329 | ||||
Disallowed HST input tax credits | - | 137,953 | ||||
Unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) | (33,497 | ) | 227,417 | |||
Write-off of marketable securities | 19,631 | - | ||||
Shares issued in settlement of dissident shareholder expense | - | 100,447 | ||||
Share-based payment | 1,174,245 | 883,822 | ||||
Change in fair value of derivative | 8,763,304 | - | ||||
Accretion on decommissioning provision | 15,864 | - | ||||
(4,117,786 | ) | (2,403,457 | ) | |||
Change in non-cash working capital | ||||||
Receivables | (31,968 | ) | 64,507 | |||
Prepaid expenses | (11,716 | ) | (61,467 | ) | ||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 380,011 | 153,544 | ||||
Due to (from) related parties | 657,143 | (111,364 | ) | |||
(3,124,316 | ) | (2,358,237 | ) | |||
Investing activities | ||||||
Purchase of property & equipment | (1,869,964 | ) | (1,120,921 | ) | ||
Deferred exploration and evaluation | (23,044,588 | ) | (19,113,980 | ) | ||
Proceeds from the sale of mineralized material | 8,427,519 | - | ||||
Reclamation bond recovered, net of collateral | 1,146,489 | - | ||||
(15,340,544 | ) | (20,234,901 | ) | |||
Financing activities | ||||||
Issue of share capital | 19,283,984 | 22,636,363 | ||||
Jones Gable loan proceeds (repayment) | (1,561,746 | ) | - | |||
Senior unsecured loan proceeds | 6,951,508 | - | ||||
Gold loan proceeds (repayment) | (10,982,862 | ) | (6,218,125 | ) | ||
13,690,884 | 16,418,238 | |||||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances | 233,936 | (327,607 | ) | |||
Net decrease in cash | (4,540,040 | ) | (6,502,507 | ) | ||
Cash, beginning of year | 18,049,195 | 24,551,702 | ||||
Cash, end of year | $ | 13,509,155 | $ | 18,049,195 | ||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (note 15) | ||||||
Interest paid | $ | 282,582 | $ | 2,889,973 | ||
Income taxes paid | $ | - | $ | - |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
9 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issued | Share-based | Other | |||||||||||||||||||
Payment | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Share Capital | Warrants | Reserve | Retained Deficit | Income (Loss) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2011 | 46,418,323 | $ | 68,772,893 | $ | 992,693 | $ | 11,956,293 | $ | (25,997,467 | ) | $ | (500,097 | ) | $ | 55,224,315 | ||||||
Issued for cash | |||||||||||||||||||||
Private Placement | 16,984,046 | 22,928,462 | - | - | - | - | 22,928,462 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of options | 860,000 | 1,075,750 | - | - | - | - | 1,075,750 | ||||||||||||||
Share issue costs | - | (1,367,849 | ) | - | - | - | - | (1,367,849 | ) | ||||||||||||
Fair value of compensation warrants | - | (327,586 | ) | - | 327,586 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Fair value of options exercised | - | 878,350 | - | (878,350 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Shares issued for dissent shareholder expense | 79,092 | 100,447 | - | - | - | - | 100,447 | ||||||||||||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 20,000 | 25,400 | - | - | - | - | 25,400 | ||||||||||||||
Share-based payment | - | - | - | 858,422 | - | - | 858,422 | ||||||||||||||
Loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (3,832,425 | ) | - | (3,832,425 | ) | ||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | - | - | - | - | - | (65,103 | ) | (65,103 | ) | ||||||||||||
Exchange differences on translation from functional to presentation currency | - | - | - | - | - | (676,859 | ) | (676,859 | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2012 | 64,361,461 | 92,085,867 | 992,693 | 12,263,951 | (29,829,892 | ) | (1,242,059 | ) | 74,270,560 | ||||||||||||
Issued for cash | |||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term Prospectus | 14,200,000 | 19,454,000 | - | - | - | - | 19,454,000 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of options | 120,000 | 106,000 | - | - | - | - | 106,000 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants | 1,000,000 | 1,205,750 | - | - | - | - | 1,205,750 | ||||||||||||||
Share issue costs | - | (1,481,766 | ) | - | - | - | - | (1,481,766 | ) | ||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants Loans | - | - | - | 340,972 | - | - | 340,972 | ||||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants Short-Form Prospectus | - | (159,111 | ) | - | 159,111 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Fair value of options exercised | - | 61,400 | - | (61,400 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants exercised | 246,080 | (246,080 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 64,830 | 78,240 | - | - | - | - | 78,240 | ||||||||||||||
Share-based payment | - | - | - | 1,096,005 | - | - | 1,096,005 | ||||||||||||||
Loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (14,120,791 | ) | - | (14,120,791 | |||||||||||||
Reallocation of ACOI on marketable securities | - | - | - | - | - | 19,631 | 19,631 | ||||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | - | - | - | - | - | (5,213 | ) | (5,213 | ) | ||||||||||||
Exchange differences on translation from functional to presentation currency | - | - | - | - | - | 5,473,386 | 5,473,386 | ||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2013 | 79,746,291 | $ | 111,596,460 | $ | 992,693 | $ | 13,552,559 | $ | (43,950,683 | ) | $ | 4,245,745 | $ | 86,436,774 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
10 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
1. |
Nature of Operations and Liquidity Risk |
Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) is in the business of acquiring, owning, exploiting, developing and evaluating mineral properties, and either joint venturing or developing these properties further or disposing of them when the evaluation is completed. The Company has interests in the Fire Creek project and other properties located in the State of Nevada, USA. |
|
As at December 31, 2013, the Company has working capital of $373,565 principally due to the acceleration of loans payable as described in notes 10 and 20. Subsequent to the year end, the Company entered into financing transactions to fund the purchase of the Midas Mine and Mill from Newmont USA Limited (Newmont) and to meet the Companys continuing working capital requirements. |
|
The Company was incorporated on August 25, 1971 under the laws at British Columbia, Canada and its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol KDX. The Companys registered office is located at Suite 304, 595 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5. |
|
2. |
Significant Accounting Policies |
Basis of presentation |
|
The Companys consolidated financial statements, including comparatives, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). |
|
These consolidated financial statements were prepared on a going concern basis which presumes the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. |
|
The Board of Directors approved the consolidated financial statements on March 28, 2014. |
|
Principles of consolidation |
|
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Company has control. The Company controls an entity when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. |
|
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Klondex Gold and Silver Mining Co. (Klondex Gold), a Nevada State, U.S.A. corporation. All inter-company transactions have been eliminated. |
|
Cash |
|
Cash consists of amounts held in banks and cashable highly liquid investments with limited interest and credit risk. |
|
Property and equipment |
|
Property and equipment is carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost comprises the fair value of consideration given to acquire or construct an asset and includes the direct charges associated with bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for putting it into use, along with the future cost of dismantling and removing the asset. When parts of an item of plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property and equipment. |
11 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
The cost of major overhauls of parts of property and equipment is recognized in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the Company, and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property and equipment are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.
Depreciation on property and equipment is calculated using the declining-balance method at the rates below for each asset category:
Asset Category | |
Equipment | 30% |
Furniture & Fixtures | 20% |
Total depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $895,473 (2012 - $450,134), of which $832,015 (2012 - $371,559) was included in exploration and evaluation assets.
Exploration and evaluation assets
Once a license to explore an area has been secured, expenditures on exploration and evaluation activities, including borrowing costs related to the acquisition, construction, or production of qualifying assets, are capitalized to exploration and evaluation assets.
Exploration expenditures relate to the initial search for deposits with economic potential and to detailed assessments of deposits or other projects that have been identified as having economic potential.
Once an economically viable and technically feasible reserve has been determined for an area and the decision to proceed with development has been approved, exploration and evaluation assets attributable to that area are first tested for impairment and then reclassified to property and equipment.
Subsequent recovery of the resulting carrying value depends on successful development of the project. If put into production, the costs of acquisition and exploration will be amortized over the life of the property, based on estimated resources. If a project does not prove viable, unrecoverable costs associated with the project are written off.
Proceeds from the sale of mineralized material during the exploration and evaluation stage are offset against the capitalized costs of the related project area.
Impairment of long-lived assets
Management evaluates long-lived assets at least annually for indicators that carrying value is impaired and may not be recoverable. When indicators of impairment are present the recoverable amount of an asset is evaluated at the level of a cash generating unit (CGU), the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. The recoverable amount of a CGU is the greater of the CGUs fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognized in income to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.
12 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Decommissioning provision
The Company records a liability based on managements estimate of costs for site closure and reclamation activities that the Company is legally or constructively required to remediate and the liability is recognized at the time environmental disturbance occurs. The resulting costs are capitalized to the corresponding asset. The provision for closure and reclamation liabilities is estimated using expected cash flows, based on engineering and environmental reports prepared by third party industry specialists, discounted at a pre-tax rate specific to the liability. The capitalized amount is amortized on the same basis as the related asset. The liability is adjusted for the accretion of the discounted obligation and any changes in the amount or timing of the underlying future cash flows. The provision is reviewed at each balance sheet date for changes to obligations, discount rates or lives of operations.
Income taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets also result from unused loss carry forwards, resource related pools and other deductions. A deferred tax asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
Share capital
The proceeds from the exercise of stock options, warrants and escrow shares are recorded as share capital in the amount for which the option, warrant or escrow share enabled the holder to purchase a share in the Company. Commissions paid to underwriters, and other directly related share issue costs arising on the issue of the Companys shares are charged directly to share capital.
Valuation of equity units issued in private placements
The Company has adopted a residual value method with respect to the measurement of shares and warrants issued as private placement units. The residual value method first allocates value to the more easily measurable component based on fair value and then the residual value, if any, to the less easily measurable component.
The fair value of the common shares issued in the private placements was determined to be the more easily measurable component and were valued at their fair value, as determined by the closing quoted bid price on the announcement date. The balance, if any, was allocated to the attached warrants.
Share-based payments
The Company accounts for stock options granted to directors, officers, employees and nonemployees at fair value. The fair value of the options at the date of the grant is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and share-based payments are accrued and charged to operations, with an offsetting credit to share-based payment reserve, over the vesting periods.
The number of shares and options expected to vest is reviewed and adjusted at the end of each reporting period such that the amount recognized for services received as consideration for the equity instruments granted shall be based on the number of equity instruments that eventually vest.
13 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
If and when the stock options are exercised, the applicable amounts of share-based payment reserve are transferred to share capital. Charges for options that are forfeited before vesting are reversed from share-based payment reserve.
The expected price volatility is based on the historic volatility (based on the remaining life of the options), adjusted for any expected changes to future volatility due to available information.
Loss per share
Basic loss per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the year.
The Company uses the treasury stock method of calculating diluted per share amounts whereby any proceeds from the exercise of stock options or other dilutive instruments are assumed to be used to purchase common shares at the average market price during the period. The assumed conversion of outstanding common share options and warrants had an anti-dilutive impact in 2013 and 2012.
Foreign currency translation
The functional currency of each of the parent Company and its subsidiary is measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which that entity operates. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars which is the parent companys functional and presentation currency. The functional currency of the subsidiary is the United States dollar (US$).
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency monetary items are translated at the period-end exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost continue to be carried at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.
Exchange differences arising on the translation of monetary items or on settlement of monetary items are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.
Parent and Subsidiary Companies (Group)
The financial results and position of foreign operations whose functional currency is different from the presentation currency are translated as follows:
- assets and liabilities are
translated at period-end exchange rates; and
- income and expenses are
translated at average exchange rates for the period.
Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations are recognized initially in the foreign currency translation reserve. These differences are transferred to the profit or loss in the period in which the operation is disposed of.
Financial instruments
Financial Assets
All financial assets are initially recorded at fair value and designated upon inception into one of the following categories: available for sale, loans and receivables or at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL).
14 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Financial assets classified as FVTPL are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized through profit and loss. Regular way purchases and sales of FVTPL financial assets are accounted for at trade date, as opposed to settlement date. |
|
Financial assets classified as loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and reclamation bonds are classified as loans and receivables. |
|
Financial assets classified as available for sale are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) except for losses in value that are considered other than temporary. The Company’s marketable securities are classified as available for sale. |
|
Transactions costs associated with FVTPL financial assets are expensed as incurred, while transaction costs associated with all other financial assets are included in the initial carrying amount of the asset. |
|
Financial liabilities |
|
All financial liabilities are initially recorded at fair value and designated upon inception as FVTPL or other financial liabilities. |
|
Financial liabilities classified as other financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs. After initial recognition, other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The Company’s accounts payable and accrued liabilities, due to related parties and loans payable are classified as other financial liabilities. |
|
Financial liabilities classified as FVTPL include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition as FVTPL. Derivatives, including separated embedded derivatives, are also classified as FVTPL unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Fair value changes on financial liabilities classified as FVTPL are recognized through profit and loss. |
|
Derivatives |
|
Financial assets and liabilities classified as derivatives include financial instruments that do not qualify as hedges. Derivatives are measured at fair value each reporting period with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the consolidated statements of loss in the period of valuation. See notes 11 and 17. |
|
3. |
Significant Judgments and Estimates |
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual outcomes could differ from these judgments and estimates. The consolidated financial statements include judgments and estimates which, by their nature, are uncertain. The impacts of such judgments and estimates are pervasive throughout the consolidated financial statements, and may require accounting adjustments based on future occurrences. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised and the revision affects both current and future periods. |
15 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Significant areas where judgment is applied apart from those involving estimates are:
• |
The analysis of the functional currency for each entity of the Company. The functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. The Company reconsiders the functional currency if there is a change in conditions used to determine the economic environment. |
|
• |
The Company's exploration and evaluation assets are evaluated every reporting period to determine whether there are any indications of impairment. The evaluation for indications of impairment includes consideration of both external and internal sources of information, including such factors as market and economic conditions, gold prices, future plans for the Companys mineral properties and mineral resources and/or reserve estimates. |
|
• |
The determination of the point in time that an economic feasibility study has established the presence of resources and the property is considered to be a mine under development and is reclassified to construction in progress within property and equipment. |
Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of judgments and estimates that management has made at the statement of financial position date, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, relate to, but are not limited to, the following:
• | the estimates used in estimating the fair value of the derivative liability; | |
• | the estimated useful lives of property and equipment; | |
• | the inputs used in accounting for share-based payments and for brokers warrants; and | |
• | the inputs used in determining the net present value of the liability for decommissioning provision. |
4. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
The following standards and interpretations came into effect on January 1, 2013: |
|
IFRS 10 - Consolidated Financial Statements |
|
This standard replaces part of IAS 27: Consolidated and Separated Financial Statements. This new standard introduces a new definition of control that determines which entities are consolidated. |
|
IFRS 11 - Joint Arrangements |
|
This standard establishes the core principle that a party to a joint arrangement determines the type of joint arrangement in which it is involved by assessing its rights and obligations and accounts for those rights and obligations in accordance with that type of joint arrangement. |
|
IFRS 12 - Disclosure of Involvement with Other Entities |
|
This standard requires the disclosure of information that enables users of financial statements to evaluate the nature of and the risks associated with its interests in other entities and the effects of those interests on its financial position, financial performance and cash flows. |
|
IFRS 13 - Fair Value Measurement |
|
This standard establishes a single source of guidance for determining the fair value of assets and liabilities. |
16 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements |
|
The amendment to IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, requires entities to separate items presented in OCI into two groups based on whether or not items may be recycled in the future. |
|
The adoption of the above standards did not have a material impact on these consolidated financial statements. |
|
5. |
Property and Equipment |
Furniture & | ||||||||||
Equipment | Fixtures | Total | ||||||||
Cost | ||||||||||
As at December 31, 2011 | $ | 584,814 | 12,115 | 596,929 | ||||||
Additions | 1,116,974 | 3,952 | 1,120,926 | |||||||
Foreign exchange | (15,620 | ) | (269 | ) | (15,889 | ) | ||||
As at December 31, 2012 | 1,686,168 | 15,798 | 1,701,966 | |||||||
Additions | 1,850,040 | 19,924 | 1,869,964 | |||||||
Foreign exchange | 192,499 | 1,382 | 193,881 | |||||||
As at December 31, 2013 | $ | 3,728,707 | 37,104 | 3,765,811 |
Furniture & | ||||||||||
Equipment | Fixtures | Total | ||||||||
Accumulated depreciation | ||||||||||
As at December 31, 2011 | $ | 198,263 | 6,433 | 204,696 | ||||||
Depreciation | 448,229 | 1,905 | 450,134 | |||||||
Foreign exchange | (4,554 | ) | (144 | ) | (4,698 | ) | ||||
As at December 31, 2012 | 641,938 | 8,194 | 650,132 | |||||||
Depreciation | 889,915 | 5,558 | 895,473 | |||||||
Foreign exchange | 66,006 | 677 | 66,683 | |||||||
As at December 31, 2013 | $ | 1,597,859 | 14,429 | 1,612,288 |
Furniture & | ||||||||||
Equipment | Fixtures | Total | ||||||||
Net book value | ||||||||||
As at December 31, 2012 | $ | 1,044,230 | 7,604 | 1,051,834 | ||||||
As at December 31, 2013 | $ | 2,130,848 | 22,675 | 2,153,523 |
17 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
6. |
Exploration and Evaluation Assets |
|
a) |
Fire Creek Gold Properties, Lander County, Nevada, U.S.A. |
|
The Company has a 100% ownership interest in this land block, which is made up of 484 claims. |
The following is a summary of project costs capitalized to exploration and evaluation assets from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013.
For the year ended December 31, | 2013 | 2012 | |||||
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 69,471,069 | $ | 43,924,899 | |||
Exploration and evaluation costs | 12,557,621 | 14,840,594 | |||||
Contract underground exploration and evaluation costs | 12,154,647 | 10,892,564 | |||||
Environmental and economic assessment costs | 1,582,443 | 870,083 | |||||
Other capital costs | 775,189 | - | |||||
Sale of mineralized material | (8,427,519 | ) | - | ||||
Foreign exchange translation | 5,307,359 | (1,057,071 | ) | ||||
Balance, end of year | $ | 93,420,809 | $ | 69,471,069 |
b) |
Lander and Eureka Counties, Nevada |
|
On July 31, 2013 (the Effective Date), the Company and Fire Creek Lands, LLC (the Optionor) reached a mining lease agreement in respect of projects in Lander and Eureka Counties, Nevada. The agreement calls for the following minimum rental payments: |
Date | Payment Amount | |||
Upon Execution | $ | 1,000 | ||
January 2, 2014 (paid subsequent to the yearend) | $ | 49,000 | ||
Payments per annum: | ||||
First through ninth anniversary of the Effective Date | $ | 50,000 | ||
Tenth through nineteenth anniversary of the Effective Date | $ | 60,000 | ||
Twentieth through twenty-ninth anniversary of the Effective Date | $ | 70,000 | ||
Thirtieth through thirty-ninth anniversary of the Effective Date | $ | 80,000 | ||
Increasing by $10,000 on each subsequent ten-year renewal period |
In addition, the Company shall pay to the Optionor a 3% production royalty based on the Net Smelter Returns from the production of minerals from the property.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company did not conduct any exploration activities on the Lander and Eureka Counties, except for the rental payments.
7. |
Reclamation Bonds |
In the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company posted non-interest bearing bonds totalling US$1,676,605 with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the State of Nevada as security for these reclamation requirements. |
18 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
During the year ended December 31, 2013, an insurance company issued an assurance bond to the BLM for US$1,676,605 on behalf of the Company and the Company received the cash bond back from the BLM for the full amount. The Company transferred 25% (US$419,151) as trust collateral. In addition, the Company must pay an annual 2% premium (2013-US$33,532) on the face value of the original bond. |
|
8. |
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities |
As At December 31 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||
Trade accounts payable | $ | 4,189,643 | $ | 2,908,932 | |||
Accrued liabilities | 981,047 | 117,244 | |||||
Interest payable | 624,822 | 48,447 | |||||
$ | 5,795,512 | $ | 3,074,623 |
9. |
Related Party Transactions |
Amounts owing to directors and officers of $662,426 (December 31, 2012 - $5,283) are non-interest bearing, unsecured, and payable upon demand. |
|
The Companys directors and officers are considered key management personnel and their compensation comprises the following: |
As at December 31 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||
Salaries, bonuses and fees paid to directors and officers | $ | 1,817,510 | $ | 889,826 | |||
Share-based payments incurred with directors and officers | 801,062 | 807,076 | |||||
Consulting fees paid to a former officer | 63,037 | 137,418 | |||||
$ | 2,681,609 | $ | 1,834,320 |
10. |
Loans Payable |
As at December 31 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
Jones Gable loan | (a) | $ | - | $ | 1,552,603 | |||||
K2 loan | (b) | - | - | |||||||
Senior unsecured loan | (c) | 7,000,000 | - | |||||||
Gold loan | (d) | - | 10,878,690 | |||||||
Current portion | $ | 7,000,000 | $ | 12,431,293 |
(a) |
Jones Gable loan |
|
In fiscal 2010, the Company secured a loan facility for $1,413,824 (US$1,421,500) bearing interest at 6% per annum and maturing on May 31, 2011. This loan was collateralized by all assets of the Company excluding the exploration and evaluation assets. |
||
On March 29, 2011, the Company restructured the loan facility to $1,604,648 (US$1,580,000). The maturity date was extended to March 29, 2013, with interest at 12% per annum to be paid semi-annually. All interest incurred was charged to borrowing cost under exploration and evaluation assets. |
19 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
On July 18 2013, the Company and the lender agreed to increase the principal to US$1,610,000 and to extend the maturity date to November 30, 2013 (the "Extension"). |
||
On July 24, 2013, the Company drew down on a new bridge loan facility of $400,000 advanced by the same lender. The loan was evidenced by a promissory note bearing interest at a rate of 1% per 30 day period. |
||
Both loans contain provisions for additional interest payments in the event that certain minimum payments were not made during the term of the loans. The loans were guaranteed and secured against the personal property of the US subsidiary. |
||
In connection with the loans and the Extension, the Company issued 500,000 warrants to the lender, entitling the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $1.22, for a period of one year following its date of issue. On December 27, 2013, the lender exercised the 500,000 warrants for gross proceeds of $610,750. See note 13(b). |
||
On October 17, 2013, the Company paid off the Jones Gable loan in full. |
||
(b) |
K2 loan |
|
On July 17, 2013, the Company obtained and drew down on a bridge loan facility of $1,999,999 advanced by K2 Principal Fund LP (K2). |
||
The loan was evidenced by a promissory note bearing interest at the rate of 1% per 30-day period and matured on November 30, 2013, with provisions for additional interest payments in the event that certain minimum payments are not made during the term of the loan. The loan was guaranteed and secured against the property of the US subsidiary. |
||
In connection with the loan, the Company issued 500,000 warrants to K2, entitling the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $1.19 for a period of one year following its date of issue. On September 24, 2013, the 500,000 warrants were exercised for gross proceeds of $595,000. |
||
On October 17, 2013, the Company paid off the K2 loan in full. |
||
(c) |
Senior unsecured loan |
|
On January 4, 2013, the Company completed a $7,000,000 placement of 9% Senior Unsecured Notes (Notes) due January 5, 2015, which were issued to investors at 98% of the principal amount. Investors in the Notes offering received a total of 525,000 warrants, each entitling the purchase of one common share at a price of $1.55 for a period of 18 months following their date of issue. The warrants are callable by the Company if the common shares close above $2.79 for 20 consecutive days. |
||
The Company had the option to repay the loan early at an amount of 102.5% plus any unpaid accrued interest. |
||
As at December 31, 2013, the Company recorded interest payable of $624,822 (December 31, 2012 - $Nil) and subsequently paid the interest on January 6, 2014. At December 31, 2013, the Company accelerated the accretion of all warrants and borrowing costs and reclassified the full face value of the Notes ($7,000,000) as a current liability. On February 11, 2014, the Company paid the loan in full, including the 2.5% penalty for early repayment. See note 20. |
20 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
(d) |
Gold loan |
|
On April 6, 2011 the Company drew down US$10,000,000 on the first tranche of a US$20 million gold-backed debt facility (the Facility) to fund its underground development and bulk sampling program at its Fire Creek property. The Facility is funded by Waterton Global Value, L.P. The Facility bears interest at 9% per annum and consisted of three drawdowns commencing with US$10,000,000 at closing and two subsequent drawdowns of US$5,000,000 each conditioned on the achievement of certain development milestones. The second tranche of US$5,000,000 was drawn down on October 5, 2011. |
||
At December 31, 2012, the Company accelerated the accretion of all borrowing costs and reclassified the full face value of the gold loan payable (US$10,934,456) as a current liability. The loan was repaid in full on January 4, 2013. |
11. |
Derivative |
On March 31, 2011 in connection with the gold loan payable (note 10), the Company additionally entered into a gold supply agreement. Pursuant to this agreement the Company agrees to grant to the Buyer the right to purchase the refined gold bullion during the Term subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement from the Fire Creek Project for the five year period from the last day of February 2013. If the Company has not delivered an aggregate of 150,000 ounces by February 28, 2018 the term will be extended until an aggregate of 185,000 ounces have been delivered. The purchase price during the bulk sampling period which ended May 31, 2013 was the prior day price (as defined) less a 1% discount, and after completion of the bulk sampling period the purchase price will be the average settlement price of gold on the LBMA, PM Fix for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the relevant pricing date. A 1% discount is applicable through February 29, 2016. If the price per ounce is less than US$900 at any time the discount will be nil. |
|
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company received US$2,568,087 for 1,942 ounces of gold as per the above agreement. |
|
The Company has classified this agreement as a derivative instrument measured at fair value in the consolidated statements of financial position. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a loss on the change in fair value of the derivative of $8,763,304. See note 17. |
|
12. |
Decommissioning Provision |
On December 31, 2013, the estimated fair value of the liability for decommissioning provision is $1,193,628 (US$1,122,252); 2012 $593,541 (US$596,584). The Companys decommissioning provision is the result of drilling activities, underground tunneling, and other mine development activities at the Fire Creek Gold properties. The Company estimated its decommissioning provision at December 31, 2013 based on a risk-free discount rate of 3.10% (2012 2.50%) and an inflation rate of 1.46% (2012 2.07%). Decommissioning is expected to occur in 2019. |
2013 | 2012 | ||||||
Balance at January 1 | $ | 593,541 | $ | 494,051 | |||
Change in provision | 584,223 | 94,490 | |||||
Accretion | 15,864 | - | |||||
Balance at December 31 | $ | 1,193,628 | $ | 593,541 |
13. |
Income Taxes |
|
(a) |
The Company reported current and deferred income tax expense of Nil during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 in the consolidated statements of loss. |
21 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
(b) |
The income tax expense differs from that computed by applying the applicable Canadian federal and provincial statutory rates before taxes as follows: |
2013 | 2012 | ||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | (14,120,791 | ) | $ | (3,832,425 | ) | |
Applicable statutory rate | 25.75% | 25.00% | |||||
Income tax expense at statutory rate | (3,636,104 | ) | (958,106 | ) | |||
Increase (decrease) attributable to: | |||||||
Warrant expiration | 253,941 | - | |||||
Share-based compensation | 282,222 | 214,605 | |||||
Taxable and non-deductible items | 2,617 | 137,226 | |||||
Rate differential due to foreign operations | (1,045,341 | ) | (55,210 | ) | |||
Change in deferred tax assets not recognized | 4,142,665 | 661,485 | |||||
Income tax expense | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Effective tax rate | 0% | 0% |
The applicable tax rate in Canada for the year ended December 31, 2013 was 25.75% which reflects the legislated provincial tax rate increase from the prior year rate of 25.00%.
(c) |
The significant components of the Companys deferred income tax assets (liabilities), without taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within the same tax jurisdiction, are as follows: |
2013 | 2012 | ||||||
Deferred income tax assets | |||||||
Capital and non-capital income tax losses | |||||||
carried forward | $ | 4,413,160 | $ | 3,751,571 | |||
Derivative | 3,063,575 | - | |||||
Other | 1,487,909 | 1,070,410 | |||||
Total deferred income tax assets | 8,964,644 | 4,821,981 | |||||
Deferred tax assets not recognized | (8,964,644 | ) | (4,821,981 | ) | |||
Net deferred income tax assets | $ | - | $ | - |
In December 2013, the Company recognized a deferred tax asset of $24,000 related to the net operating losses (NOLs) from prior years of its subsidiary, Klondex Gold, which were not previously recognized as the utilizations of the NOLs become probable. On the statement of financial position, deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset where they relate to income taxes within the same taxation jurisdiction and where the Company has the legal right and intent to offset.
As at December 31, 2013, the Company and its subsidiaries had available Canadian operating loss carry forwards of $8,393,000 which expire between the years 2015 and 2033 and U.S. operating loss carry forwards of US$5,993,000 which expire between 2019 and 2032.
Management believes that sufficient uncertainty exists regarding the realization of certain deferred tax assets such that they have not been recognized. The tax benefits not recognized reflect managements assessment regarding the future realization of Canadian and foreign tax assets and estimates of future earnings and taxable income in these jurisdictions as of December 31, 2013.
22 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
14. |
Share Capital |
|
a) |
Common shares: unlimited common shares with no par value |
|
b) |
Warrants outstanding |
|
A summary of the Companys outstanding share purchase warrants at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the changes during the years then ended is presented below: |
Number of | Weighted average | ||||||
warrants | exercise price | ||||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2011 | 7,594,784 | $ | 3.2500 | ||||
Financing | |||||||
Warrants issued for private placement | 8,492,023 | 1.7500 | |||||
Brokers warrants | 1,019,042 | 1.3500 | |||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012 | 17,105,849 | 2.3900 | |||||
Financing | |||||||
Warrants issued for Jones Gable bridge loan agreement | 500,000 | 1.2215 | |||||
Warrants issued for K2 bridge loan agreement | 500,000 | 1.1900 | |||||
Warrants issued for Senior Unsecured Debt | 525,000 | 1.5500 | |||||
Brokers warrants for Short-form Prospectus | 568,000 | 1.4300 | |||||
Warrants exercised | (1,000,000 | ) | 1.2050 | ||||
Warrants expired | (5,330,700 | ) | 3.5000 | ||||
Brokers warrants expired | (564,084 | ) | 2.5000 | ||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013 | 12,304,065 | $ | 1.8000 |
The fair value for the 8,492,023 warrants issued during fiscal 2012 was determined to be Nil using the residual method.
The fair value for the 1,019,042 brokers warrants issued during fiscal 2012 was determined to be $327,586 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
The fair value for the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
16-Oct-13 | 25-Jul-13 | 17-Jul-13 | 04-Jan-13 | ||
Number of warrants | 568,000 | 500,000 | 500,000 | 525,000 | |
Risk-free interest rate | 1.11% | 1.15% | 1.12% | 1.14% | |
Expected life | 2 years | 1 year | 1 year | 1.5 years | |
Expected volatility | 35% | 49.88% | 49.95% | 44.65% | |
Expected dividend yield | - | - | - | - | |
Call option value | $ 0.28 | $0.23 | $0.25 | $0.18 |
23 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
At December 31, 2013, there were 12,304,065 outstanding share purchase warrants entitling the holders thereof the right to purchase one common share for each warrant held as follows:
Number of Shares | Exercise Price | Expiry Date |
1,019,042 | $ 1.35 | May 20, 2014 |
525,000 | $ 1.55 | July 4, 2014 |
8,492,023 | $ 1.75 | November 20, 2014 |
1,400,000 | $ 2.76 | April 6, 2015 |
300,000 | $ 2.49 | October 4, 2015 |
568,000 | $ 1.43 | October 16, 2015 |
12,304,065 |
c) |
Options outstanding |
|
The Company has adopted an incentive stock option plan (the Plan). The essential elements of the Plan provide that the aggregate number of common shares of the Companys capital stock issuable pursuant to options granted under the Plan may not exceed 15% of the number of issued shares of the Company at the time of the granting of the options. Options granted under the Plan will have a maximum term of ten years. The exercise price of options granted under the Plan will not be less than the 5 day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of the common shares at the date of grant. The vesting periods of options granted under the plan may vary at the discretion of the Plan Administrator. |
||
A summary of the Companys outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the changes during the years then ended is presented below: |
Weighted | |||||||
Number of | average | ||||||
options | exercise price | ||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 | 5,066,896 | $ | 1.58 | ||||
Options granted | 1,850,000 | 1.33 | |||||
Options exercised | (860,000 | ) | 1.25 | ||||
Options expired | (833,000 | ) | 2.40 | ||||
Options cancelled | (529,000 | ) | 2.10 | ||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 | 4,694,896 | 1.34 | |||||
Options granted | 3,174,708 | 1.42 | |||||
Options exercised | (120,000 | ) | 0.88 | ||||
Options expired | (418,000 | ) | 1.41 | ||||
Options cancelled | (1,850,846 | ) | 1.28 | ||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 5,480,758 | $ | 1.41 |
24 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
A summary of the Companys outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2013 is presented below:
Weighted | |||||
average | Weighted | Weighted | |||
Exercise | Number of | remaining | average | Number of | average |
price per | options | contractual | exercise | options | exercise |
share | outstanding | life | price | exercisable | price |
$1.00 - $1.49 | 3,433,258 | 2.66 | $1.30 | 2,648,452 | $1.29 |
$1.50 - $1.99 | 1,922,500 | 2.65 | $1.54 | 760,834 | $1.55 |
$2.00 - $2.49 | - | - | - | - | - |
$2.50 - $3.00 | 125,000 | 2.04 | $2.53 | 125,000 | $2.53 |
$1.00 - $3.00 | 5,480,758 | 2.64 | $1.41 | 3,534,286 | $1.41 |
The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
2013 | 2012 | ||
Estimated life | 2.3 years | 3 years | |
Risk free interest rate | 1.24% | 1.22% | |
Volatility | 44.32% | 51.98% | |
Forfeiture rate | - | - |
The estimated volatility was determined based on the historical share price volatility over the past 3 years.
15. |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information |
The following non-cash transactions were recorded during the year ended: |
December 31, | 2013 | 2012 | |||||
Investing activities | |||||||
Accounts payable related to exploration and evaluation assets | $ | 4,179,438 | $ | 2,650,306 | |||
Change in decommissioning provision | 584,223 | - | |||||
Financing activities | |||||||
Shares issued for dissident shareholder expense | - | 100,447 | |||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 78,240 | 25,400 | |||||
Share issue costs paid by warrants | 500,083 | 327,586 |
25 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
16. |
Geographical Information |
The Companys business of exploration and development of exploration and evaluation assets is considered as operating in one segment. The geographical division of the Companys assets and net loss is as follows: |
Net loss by geography | Year ended December 31, 2013 | |||||||||
Canada | United States | Total | ||||||||
General and administration | $ | (2,722,802 | ) | $ | (2,682,868 | ) | $ | (5,405,670 | ) | |
Loss on change in fair value of derivative | - | (8,763,304 | ) | (8,763,304 | ) | |||||
Other financial income | 63,914 | (15,731 | ) | 48,183 | ||||||
$ | (2,658,888 | ) | $ | (11,461,903 | ) | $ | (14,120,791 | ) |
Net loss by geography | Year ended December 31, 2012 | |||||||||
Canada | United States | Total | ||||||||
General and administration | $ | (2,422,099 | ) | $ | (1,148,374 | ) | $ | (3,570,473 | ) | |
Other financial income (loss) | (262,290 | ) | 338 | (261,952 | ) | |||||
$ | (2,684,389 | ) | $ | (1,148,036 | ) | $ | (3,832,425 | ) |
Assets by geography | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||
Canada | United States | Total | ||||||||
Current assets | $ | 12,747,256 | $ | 1,084,247 | $ | 13,831,503 | ||||
Non-current assets | 6,156 | 96,013,985 | 96,020,141 | |||||||
Total assets | $ | 12,753,412 | $ | 97,098,232 | $ | 109,851,644 |
Assets by geography | December 31, 2012 | |||||||||
Canada | United States | Total | ||||||||
Current assets | $ | 17,447,070 | $ | 879,925 | $ | 18,326,995 | ||||
Non-current assets | 5,991 | 72,042,314 | 72,048,305 | |||||||
Total assets | $ | 17,453,061 | $ | 72,922,239 | $ | 90,375,300 |
17. |
Financial Instruments |
|
a) |
Credit risk |
|
Credit risk arises from the non-performance by counter parties of contractual financial obligations. The Company maintains its cash with major banks and financial institutions. The Company manages credit risk for trade receivables through credit monitoring processes and by trading with highly rated parties for the sale of metal. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the financial assets. |
26 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
b) |
Interest rate risk |
|
Included in the loss for the year is interest income on cash and cash equivalents. As at December 31, 2013, the Company was not subject to or exposed to any material interest rate risk. The loan payable bears simple interest at 9% per annum (See note 10 Loans payable). |
||
c) |
Liquidity risk |
|
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations when they fall due. The Company manages this risk through management of its capital structure. Based on managements and the Board of Directors review of ongoing operations, the Company may revise the timing of capital expenditures, issue equity and/or pursue other loan facilities. |
||
The Companys cash balance of $13,509,155 is sufficient to settle current financial liabilities of $13,457,938. The Company enters into contractual obligations in the normal course of business operations. Management believes the Companys requirements for capital expenditures, working capital and ongoing commitments can be financed from existing cash, by acquiring new project loans or equity and any gold sales from the bulk sampling program. |
||
d) |
Fair value hierarchy |
|
Financial instruments recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels: |
i. |
Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; |
|
ii. |
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; and |
|
iii. |
Level 3 Input for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data. |
As at December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had a derivative instrument classified as a liability in the consolidated statements of financial position of $8,763,304 and $0, respectively. The derivative falls within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on the balance sheet are represented by cash, receivables, reclamation bonds, accounts payable, due to related parties and loans payable. The fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying value due to their short term nature.
18. |
Capital Risk Management |
The Company includes equity, comprising of share capital, finance warrants, share-based payment reserve, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and deficit, in the definition of capital. |
|
The Companys objective when managing capital is to maintain its ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders. |
|
The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, based on the funds available to the Company, in order to support the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. The Board of Directors does not establish quantitative return on capital criteria for management but rather relies on the expertise of the Companys management and consultants to sustain future development of the business. |
27 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
The Companys exploration and evaluation assets are in the exploration stage and as such the Company is dependent upon external financings to fund activities. In order to carry out planned exploration and pay for administrative costs, the Company will spend its existing working capital and raise additional funds required. |
|
Management reviews its capital management approach on an ongoing basis and believes that this approach is reasonable given the relative size of the Company. As at December 31, 2013, the Company was not subject to any external covenants. There were no changes in the Companys approach to capital management during the year ended December 31, 2013. |
|
19. |
Contingencies |
During the year ended December 31, 2012, two directors of the Company resigned and the controller/secretary of the US subsidiary was terminated for cause. Subsequent to the directors resignations, the Company determined that each individual breached certain duties and would be terminated for cause retroactive to June 27, 2012. Accordingly, certain termination benefits of US$903,000, which may have been payable under the employment contracts, have not been recorded in the accounts as at December 31, 2013. |
|
One of the former directors filed claims against the Company for unpaid expense reimbursement and to reinstate his stock options. The former controller/secretary filed a claim against the Company for unpaid termination benefits. The Company is challenging these claims, and has asserted counterclaims against the former controller/secretary. The outcome of the claims cannot be determined at this time. |
|
20. |
Subsequent Events |
i. |
On December 4, 2013, the Company announced it entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Newmont USA Limited (Newmont) to acquire all the issued and outstanding shares of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited (Midas), the principal asset of which is the Midas mine and ore milling facility. The SPA was completed on February 11, 2014. The consideration paid for the property consisted of i) US$83,000,000 in cash; and ii) 5,000,000 common share purchase warrants of the Company. The warrants are exercisable at a price of $2.15, for a period of 15 years following their issuance. |
|
ii. |
On January 9, 2014, the Company announced the closing of its private placement offering (the "Offering") of subscription receipts ("Subscription Receipts"). The Offering was upsized to gross proceeds of C$42,630,000 on the sale of 29,400,000 Subscription Receipts. Each Subscription Receipt issued pursuant to the Offering was sold at a price of $1.45 and were deemed converted upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions, without payment of any additional consideration, into one common share of the Company. As partial consideration to certain agents, the Company issued 1,176,000 common share purchase warrants, exercisable at $1.55 per share for 24 months following the issuance of the Subscription Receipts. |
|
iii. |
The Company finalized the terms of a $25,000,000 debt offering at a price of $975 per $1,000 principal amount. The Company issued 25,000 units (the Units); each Unit consisting of $1,000 principal amount of 11% senior first lien secured notes, due August 11, 2017. In addition, the Company issued 124 common share purchase warrants with each unit (the Unit Warrants). The Unit Warrants will be exercisable at a price of $1.95 and will expire three years following their issuance. |
28 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
iv. |
The Company entered into a gold purchase agreement with Franco-Nevada Corporation. The terms included a US$35,000,000 financing package, consisting of a pre-paid gold purchase arrangement and a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek and Midas properties (the "Gold Financing"). Pursuant to the terms, gold deliveries would be made at the end of each month with the first delivery date on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries would cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces is completed on December 31, 2018. |
|
The 2.5% NSR royalty will commence in 2019, after the above pre-paid schedule is complete. The obligations under the Gold Financing and the previously announced senior secured notes (the "Notes") will be secured against the assets of the Company and the obligations under the Gold Financing and the Notes will rank pari passu with the gold financing. |
||
v. |
The Company repaid the $7,000,000 Senior Unsecured Loan including all outstanding interest on February 11, 2014. |
29 |
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
FOR THE
THREE MONTHS AND YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
March 28, 2014
INTRODUCTION
This Management's Discussion & Analysis (" MD&A ") provides a discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Klondex Mines Ltd. (" Klondex " or the " Company ") to enable a reader to assess material changes in the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as at and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, all of which are available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Reference to the risk factors described in Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors in this MD&A is advised.
The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (" IFRS ") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Unless otherwise stated, all currency amounts included in this MD&A are expressed in Canadian dollars. This MD&A has been prepared as at March 28, 2014.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Klondex is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol "KDX" (OTCQX under symbol "KLNDF") and is engaged in the business of acquiring, exploring and developing gold properties in Nevada. The Company's principal properties are the 100% owned Fire Creek gold project (the " Fire Creek Project ") and the recently (February 11, 2014) acquired 100% owned Midas mine and ore milling facility (collectively, the " Midas Mine ").
Strategic Objective
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company continued working towards its objective of transitioning its Fire Creek Project from the exploration and evaluation stage to a production stage property. With the completion of the Midas Mine acquisition, the Company intends to continue to explore and develop the Midas Mine, continue its Midas mining operations, process mineralized material from its Fire Creek Project under a Bulk Sample Permit and seek further opportunities to provide third party toll milling services. The Company will continue to evaluate potential M&A opportunities. There is, however, no assurance that the Company will be able to reach these objectives. See "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-Looking Information".
CURRENT BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
2013 Highlights
Debt Financings
On January 4, 2013, the Company completed a private placement of senior unsecured notes due January 5, 2015 (the " Notes ") for aggregate gross proceeds of $7,000,000 (the " Debt Offering "). Notes sold under the Debt Offering were issued to investors at a 2% discount. In addition, investors in the Debt Offering received an aggregate of 525,000 common share purchase warrants, entitling the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company (" Common Share ") at a price of $1.55 until July 4, 2014, subject to early expiry in certain circumstances. The proceeds from the Debt Offering plus available cash were used to repay all outstanding borrowings under its debt facility with Waterton Global Value, L.P., entered into in April 2011, totalling approximately US$10.9 million. On February 11, 2014, the Company repaid the Notes in full.
On July 25, 2013, the Company announced that its subsidiary, Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Company (" KGS "), had obtained and drawn down on a bridge loan facility of $1,999,999 (the " K2 Loan ") advanced by K2 Principal Fund L.P. (" K2 "), a significant shareholder of the Company, and on a bridge loan facility of $400,000 (the " Third Party Loan " and together with the K2 Loan, the " July 2013 Loans ") advanced by a third party (the " Third Party Lender ").
- 2 -
Each of the July 2013 Loans was evidenced by a promissory note bearing interest at the rate of 1% per 30-day period and maturing on November 30, 2013, with provisions for additional interest payments in the event that certain minimum payments were not made during the term of the July 2013 Loans. The July 2013 Loans were guaranteed by the Company and were secured against the personal property of KGS. Proceeds from the July 2013 Loans were intended to be used for general working capital purposes. In addition, KGS and the Third Party Lender also agreed to amend the terms of an existing US$1.6 million promissory note to, among other things, extend the term of such note (the " Extension ").
In connection with the July 2013 Loans and the Extension, the Company issued an aggregate of 500,000 warrants (the " Loan Warrants ") to each of K2 and the Third Party Lender, with each Loan Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.19 and $1.2215, respectively, for a period of one year following its date of issue, subject to early expiry in certain conditions. On September 23, 2013, K2 exercised its Loan Warrants to purchase 500,000 Common Shares for $1.19 per Common Share, for aggregate proceeds to the Company of $595,000. On December 27, 2013, the Third Party Lender exercised its warrants for aggregate proceeds of $610,750.
During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company repaid all of the outstanding short term debt of the Company using proceeds from the Special Warrant Offering (defined below) and monies received from the sale of mineralized material. The debt that was retired included $2.4 million in July 2013 Loans and $1.65 million in debt issued in 2010, all of which was due to mature on November 30, 2013.
Equity Financings
On October 16, 2013, the Company completed a private placement of 14,200,000 special warrants (" Special Warrants ") for gross proceeds of $19,454,000 (the Special Warrant Financing ) through a syndicate of agents, led by GMP Securities L.P. Each Special Warrant entitled the holder thereof to receive, for no additional consideration upon its exercise or deemed exercise, one Common Share. In connection with the Special Warrant Financing, the agents received an aggregate of 568,000 broker warrants (" 2013 Broker Warrants ") entitling the agents to purchase up to 568,000 Common Shares at a price of $1.43 for a period lasting until October 16, 2015. On November 15, 2013, the Company filed and was receipted by the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces of Canada (other than Quebec) for a final short form prospectus to qualify the Common Shares underlying each of the Special Warrants and the 2013 Broker Warrants. On November 20, 2013, the Special Warrants were deemed to be exercised pursuant to the terms thereof, and the Company issued 14,200,000 Common Shares to the holders of Special Warrants and all 14,200,000 Special Warrants were deemed to be surrendered.
Acquisitions
On December 4, 2013, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc. (" Klondex USA "), and Newmont USA Limited (" Newmont USA ") to acquire all of the shares of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited (the " Midas Acquisition "), which indirectly owns the Midas Mine. The Midas Acquisition was completed on February 11, 2014. The purchase price of the Midas Acquisition was comprised of (i) approximately US$55 million in cash, (ii) the replacement of Newmont's surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities in the amount of approximately US$28 million, and (iii) the issuance by the Company to Newmont USA of 5 million warrants to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $2.15, with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances.
- 3 -
The Midas Acquisition was financed through the Subscription Receipt Financing (as defined below), the 2014 Debt Financing (as defined below) and the Gold Purchase Arrangement (as defined below) (collectively, the " Midas Acquisition Financings ").
Technical Reports
On October 31, 2013, the Company filed a technical report titled "Technical Report Fire Creek Exploration Project Lander County, Nevada" on SEDAR, as amended on November 14, 2013, in connection with the completion of the mineral resource estimate for the Fire Creek Project which was announced by a press release dated September 16, 2013.
Events Subsequent to the Year Ended December 31, 2013
Equity Financings
On January 9, 2014, the Company completed an offering (the " Subscription Receipt Financing ") of 29,400,000 subscription receipts at a price of $1.45 per subscription receipt (the " Subscription Receipts ") on a private placement basis, raising aggregate gross proceeds of $42,630,000 (the " SR Proceeds ") pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement (the " SR Agency Agreement ") dated December 6, 2013 between the Company and GMP Securities L.P., MGI Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., Jones, Gable & Company Limited and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the " SR Agents "). The SR Proceeds, less the SR Agents' expenses and out-of-pocket costs and legal expenses, were placed in escrow pending (i) the closing of the Midas Acquisition, and (ii) the receipt by the Company of the requisite shareholder approval of the Subscription Receipt Financing and the 2014 Debt Financing pursuant to the requirements of the TSX. Upon both of these conditions being satisfied, on February 11, 2014, the net proceeds of the Subscription Receipt Financing were paid out of the escrowed funds to the Company.
Debt Financings
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a senior secured loan facility agreement (the " Facility Agreement ") with a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp. (" RoyCap "), and including K2 and Jones, Gable & Company Limited (collectively, the "2014 Lenders") pursuant to which the Company issued units consisting of in the aggregate $25,000,000 principal amount of notes, issued at a 2.5% discount to par value, and 3,100,000 warrants (" 2014 Lender Warrants ") to purchase Common Shares (the " 2014 Debt Financing "). The 2014 Lender Warrants have an exercise price of $1.95 and will expire on February 11, 2017.
Gold Purchase Arrangement
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a gold purchase agreement (the " Gold Purchase Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation (" FNC "), pursuant to which the Company raised proceeds of US$33,763,640 (the " Gold Purchase Arrangement ") in consideration for the delivery of an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold. Under the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement, the Company is required to make gold deliveries at the end of each month, with the first delivery due on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces of gold is completed on December 31, 2018. The annualized delivery schedule is shown in the following table.
- 4 -
Year | Au (ounces) |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Company's obligations under each of the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Arrangement are secured against all of the assets and property of the Company and its subsidiaries. The security granted for the performance of the Company's obligations under the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Arrangement rank pari passu .
Royalty Agreements
On February 12, 2014, the Company entered into a royalty agreement (the " FC Royalty Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada U.S. Corporation (" Franco-Nevada US "), a subsidiary of FNC, and KGS, pursuant to which KGS raised proceeds of US$1,018,050 from the grant to Franco-Nevada US of a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek Project beginning February 12, 2019. The Company also entered into a royalty agreement (the " Midas Royalty Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada US and Newmont Midas Operations Inc. (" Midas Operations "), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, pursuant to which Operations raised proceeds of US$218,310 from the grant of a 2.5% NSR royalty to Franco-Nevada US on the Midas Mine also beginning February 12, 2019.
Operations Update for the Fire Creek Project
In July 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with Newmont to begin testing and processing certain high grade mineralized material from the Fire Creek Project (the " Newmont Processing Agreement ") at the Midas mill. Under the Fire Creek Project exploration permit, Klondex is entitled to process 120,000 tons of mineralized material. In August 2013, the Company delivered the first shipment of mineralized material to Newmont for processing under the Newmont Processing Agreement. In connection with the completion of the Midas Acquisition in February 2014, the Newmont Processing Agreement was terminated. In 2013, the Company received approximately US$8.0 (C$8.4) million from the processing of its shipments of approximately 8,007 tons of mineralized material to Newmont.
The Company continued its underground infill drilling program testing the continuity and extent of the Joyce and Vonnie structures in the Main Zone. See the press release of the Company dated October 8, 2013.
The Fire Creek 2013 underground drill program continued with focus on the East and West Main Zone mineralization. Sixteen holes were completed during the fourth quarter, totaling 2,342 m (7,683 ft). This drilling identified three significant intervals of mineralization west of the Joyce Vein. Previously drilled surface holes, underground drill holes and underground rib sampling suggests continuity of mineralization of three distinct structures in the west zone, ranging in strike length from 243.8 m (800 ft) to 335.8 m (1,100 ft) and are open along strike and up and down dip.
Highlights of the results during the fourth quarter of 2013 include:
- 5 -
A full set of results for these drill holes can be reviewed in the Company's news release dated January 20, 2014.
Drilling east from MB6 intersected the Vonnie structure in all five holes of the fan. The lower holes successfully extended mineralization at depth. Drilling east from DDS-17 continued to suggest the consistency of mineralization along the Joyce vein. FC-13-107U identified one new mineralized structure northeast of the Vonnie vein, continuing to support and demonstrate the potential for finding new mineralization within the Fire Creek Project.
Highlights of the results during the fourth quarter of 2013 include:
A full set of results for the drill program can be reviewed in the Company's news release dated February 13, 2014.
The Company will continue testing the northern extensions of the veins by extending the main decline to the northwest to establish additional drill platforms.
Surface drill holes completed include five reverse circulation ( RC ) water monitoring drill holes for a total of 2,426 meters (7,925 ft). These holes were drilled as part of the Fire Creek hydrology study. RC chips were logged, and samples collected on 5 ft intervals for assaying. Three of the drill holes intercepted mineralization outside of the current mineral resource model.
Highlights of results from the surface drill holes include:
A full set of results for the surface drill holes can be reviewed in the Company's news release dated December 19, 2013.
Mineral and waste development at Fire Creek totaled 174 m (572 ft) and 195 m (641 ft), respectively, in the first two months of 2014. The Company obtained preliminary designs for a new waste rock disposal facility at the Fire Creek Project. In 2013, the Company extracted a total of 8,870 tons of mineralized material at an average head grade of 1.605 opt Au and shipped 8,007 tons of material at an average head grade 1.291 opt Au for testing and processing under its milling arrangements.
The excavation of the secondary egress was completed on October 24, 2013. The hoist is set and has been commissioned. The secondary egress, including the ventilation system, is operational and satisfies the requirements of the Mine Safety and Health Administration for bulk sampling.
Underground development and testing of Fire Creek Project mineralized structures began in May 2013 and totaled 573 m (1,880 ft) by the end of 2013. A total of 418 m (1,371 ft) and 155 m (509 ft) of development were conducted on the Joyce (A) and Vonnie (B) structures, respectively, during 2013.
Development on the Joyce and Vonnie structures continued in 2014. In the first two months, a total of 174 m (572 ft) of mineral development occurred on the Joyce (59 m) and Vonnie (115 m) structures. Development along these structures is planned to continue throughout 2014.
Full-production permitting baseline investigations and data collection continued throughout 2013 and into 2014. A full-production needs assessment was completed for the Fire Creek Project, outlining all requirements for continued permitting. Full-production permitting documentation will be prepared during 2014, and permitting will continue into 2015. Full-production permitting is based on the expected mined material and waste volumes and cannot be completed until the final mine design is drafted. Baseline data collection, new data monitoring and baseline needs assessments will be carried out and monitored through 2015.
- 6 -
Final permitting of the rapid infiltration basin (" RIB ") is expected in the second quarter of 2014. A RIB is expected to improve long-term water management at the Fire Creek Project as the RIB was permitted to accept large volumes of water (up to 3,000 gpm) on a sustainable basis. The Water Pollution Control Permit (" WPCP ") application was submitted to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection ( NDEP ) in the second quarter of 2013. The Company also submitted a revision to the existing Plan of Operations to operate the RIB to the Bureau of Land Management (" BLM ") in the second quarter of 2013. The Company was issued NDEP approval in the first quarter of 2014. The Company is also expecting to receive permission from the BLM allowing construction and operation of the RIB, following a review of the effects of the RIB.
Work continues on the application to amend the Plan of Operation and the WPCP to further develop the project for full production. Baseline data collection continues in anticipation of the full-production environmental assessment. The Company began a hydro-geological investigation associated with the environmental assessment in the second quarter of 2013. The installation of the five vibrating wire piezometers was complete in 2013. Data collection began in the fourth quarter and will continue for at least one year.
During fiscal 2011, the Company wrote off the lease option agreement on the Lander & Eureka Counties properties. On July 31, 2013, the Company and the optionor reached a new mining lease agreement. The agreement calls for the following minimum rental payments:
Date | Payment Amount | ||
Upon Execution (paid) | $ | 1,000 | |
January 2, 2014 (paid) | $ | 49,000 | |
Payments per annum: | |||
First through ninth anniversary of the Effective Date | $ | 50,000 | |
Tenth through nineteenth anniversary of the Effective Date | $ | 60,000 | |
Twentieth through twenty-ninth anniversary of the Effective Date | $ | 70,000 | |
Thirtieth through thirty-ninth anniversary of the Effective Date | $ | 80,000 | |
Increasing by $10,000 on each subsequent ten-year renewal period |
The minimum rental payments shall be increased by the amount of $15,000 per year beginning in the lease year following the Company's assignment of sublease of the agreement to a third party. In addition, the Company shall pay to the optionor a 3% production royalty based on the Net Smelter Returns from the production of minerals from the property.
Operations for the Midas Mine
The Company assumed ownership of the Midas Mine on February 11, 2014, and initiated underground mining in the 7-4640 South area of the Midas Mine.
The Company started operating the Midas mill on February 19, 2014 at an average rate of approximately 560 dry short tons per day for the remainder of February 2014.
FUTURE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
The focus over the course of 2014 will be to continue to advance current activities in respect of the Fire Creek Project and Midas Mine, with the objective of completing the following items:
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1. |
preparing a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on the Fire Creek Project based on the new mineral resource estimate and results from current metallurgical test work; |
|
2. |
continuing to ship mineralized material from the Fire Creek Project to the Midas Mill where it will be blended with the material from the Midas Mine and processed to recover precious metal; |
|
3. |
continuing in-fill drilling of the Fire Creek Main Zone on 75-foot centers (it is expected that this data will provide additional information to better define the mineralization); |
|
4. |
continuing exploration drilling on Fire Creek's Western Zone discovery with a second core drill; |
|
5. |
designing and planning a surface exploration drill program at the Midas Mine; |
|
6. |
continuing to work on the Fire Creek Environmental Assessment ("EA") permit, which would allow full-scale mining at the Fire Creek Project; |
|
7. |
constructing a RIB as part of the Fire Creek Project's long-term water management plan; and |
|
8. |
completing a bulk sampling program to test different mining methods and to assess the metallurgical characteristics of the Fire Creek Project material. |
The projected expenditures for 2014 are anticipated to be approximately $25.7 million between the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine, to be allocated to the following uses. This is an initial allocation but there may be circumstances where, for business reasons, a reallocation may be necessary and the actual amount that the Company will spend will depend on a number of factors.
Purpose | Fire Creek | Midas | Corporate | Projected | ||||||||
Expenditures | ||||||||||||
($) | ||||||||||||
Exploration Drilling | 3,900,000 | 5,200,000 | - | 5,100,000 | ||||||||
Waste Development | 5,000,000 | 6,300,000 | - | 14,100,000 | ||||||||
Water Treatment and RIB | 1,900,000 | - | - | 1,900,000 | ||||||||
Lab/Refinery | - | 700,000 | - | 700,000 | ||||||||
Economic Assessment / Preliminary | 700,000 | 100,000 | - | 800,000 | ||||||||
Software | - | - | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | ||||||||
Equipment | 900,000 | - | - | 900,000 | ||||||||
Total | 12,400,000 | 12,300,000 | 1,000,000 | 25,700,000 |
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SELECTED ANNUAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following selected data should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the years noted below:
Year ended | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Financial Results: | |||||||||
Total revenue | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||
Net loss | $ | 14,120,791 | $ | 3,832,425 | $ | 6,078,607 | |||
Loss per share ? basic and diluted | $ | 0.21 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.16 | |||
Financial Position: | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 109,851,644 | $ | 90,375,300 | $ | 70,913,613 | |||
Total non-current financial liabilities | $ | 9,956,932 | $ | 593,541 | $ | 13,626,499 |
For a more detailed discussion, please refer to the section "Discussion of Operations and Financial Condition". Summary of Quarterly Results
The following is a summary of the Company's financial results for the eight most recently completed quarters:
Quarter ended | December 31, | September 30, | June 30, | March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2013 | 2013 | 2013 | |||||||||
Total revenue | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | 11,358,120 | $ | 987,572 | $ | 790,637 | $ | 984,462 | ||||
Loss per share (basic and diluted) | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.02 |
Quarter ended | December 31, | September 30, | June 30, | March 31, | ||||||||
2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | |||||||||
Total revenue | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | 843,406 | $ | 947,462 | $ | 759,049 | $ | 1,282,508 | ||||
Loss per share (basic and diluted) | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.03 |
During the quarter ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized a loss of $8,736,304 due to the change in fair value in a derivative financial instrument. For further discussion on the derivative (gold supply agreement) see Discussion of Operations and Financial Condition section below.
- 9 -
The following is a summary of project costs capitalized to exploration and evaluation assets from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013.
For the year ended December 31, | 2013 | 2012 | ||||
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 69,471,069 | $ | 43,924,899 | ||
Exploration and evaluation costs | 12,557,621 | 14,840,594 | ||||
Contract underground exploration and evaluation costs | 12,154,647 | 10,892,564 | ||||
Environmental and economic assessment costs | 1,582,443 | 870,083 | ||||
Other capital costs | 775,189 | - | ||||
Sale of mineralized material | (8,427,519 | ) | - | |||
Foreign exchange translation | 5,307,359 | (1,057,071 | ) | |||
Balance, end of year | $ | 93,420,809 | $ | 69,471,069 |
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred additional expenditures related to the vein development, vent raise construction, waste development, environmental assessment project, preliminary economic assessment, rapid infiltration basin project, and the substation & powerline. Additional equipment purchased during the year ended December 31, 2013 totalled $1,748,759 as compared to $981,211 during the year ended December 31, 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company purchased previously rented equipment from Small Mines Development for a price of $900,668. In addition, it completed the installation of the power line of the Fire Creek substation at a cost of $846,970.
DISCUSSION OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company reported a net loss (before comprehensive income or loss) of $14,120,791 (2012: $3,832,425). Expenses that reported major increases were as follows:
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Below is a comparison of administrative expenses during the years ended 2013 and 2012:
Year ended | December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | ||||
($) | ($) | |||||
Administrative expenses | ||||||
Consulting fees* | 231,887 | 273,680 | ||||
Depreciation | 63,458 | 79,329 | ||||
Legal, audit and accounting | 419,745 | 416,352 | ||||
Management fees and salaries | 1,817,510 | 889,826 | ||||
Office and miscellaneous | 265,011 | 211,318 | ||||
Share-based payments | 1,096,007 | 858,422 | ||||
Transfer agent and regulatory fees | 100,770 | 140,805 | ||||
Travel, conferences and meetings** | 619,011 | 462,341 | ||||
Business combination costs | 803,683 | - | ||||
Dissident shareholder expenses | - | 100,447 | ||||
Disallowed HST input tax credits | - | 137,953 | ||||
Loss on change in fair value of derivative | 8,763,304 | - | ||||
Other financial (income)expense | (59,595 | ) | 261,952 | |||
Loss before comprehensive income | 14,120,791 | 3,832,425 |
*A breakdown of the "Consulting Fees" expense is as follows:
Year ended | December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | ||||
($) | ($) | |||||
Corporate and administration fees | 29,016 | 40,961 | ||||
Financial | 48,397 | 39,116 | ||||
Marketing | - | 6,720 | ||||
Shareholders communication | 154,474 | 186,883 | ||||
Total | 231,887 | 273,680 |
**A breakdown of the "Travel, conferences and meetings" expense is as follows:
Year ended | December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | ||||
($) | ($) | |||||
Travel and meetings | 281,749 | 217,688 | ||||
Communication and information | 317,062 | 211,534 | ||||
Meals and entertainment | 20,200 | 33,119 | ||||
Total | 619,011 | 462,341 |
Sale of Mineralized Material
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company received payment of $8,427,519 (US$8,047,804) from the sale of 6,208 ounces of gold delivered to the Midas mill in Q4 2013. This amount was reported as sale of mineralized material and credited to Exploration and Evaluation Assets. Subsequent to December 31, 2013, the Company received another payment for 2,439 ounces of gold of $3,024,914, bringing the total sales to 8,647 ounces.
Pursuant to the gold supply agreement dated March 31, 2011, as amended and restated October 4, 2011, between the Company and Waterton Global Value, L.P. ("Waterton"), the Company received US$2,568,087 from Waterton on the sale of 1,942 ounces of gold during 2013. Also in 2013, the Company received US$5,479,717 from Johnson Matthey on the sale of 4,266 ounces of gold.
- 11 -
USE OF PROCEEDS FROM THE SPECIAL WARRANT FINANCING
During the fourth quarter 2013, the Company used a portion of the proceeds of the Special Warrant Financing, along with existing cash on hand, to repay all of the short-term debt of the Company, including the K2 Loan and the Third Party Loan (see "Current Activities ? 2013 Highlights"). The Company continues to use the remaining proceeds for the ongoing exploration and evaluation of the Fire Creek Project, substantially as set out in the short form prospectus of the Company dated November 14, 2013 in connection with the Special Warrant Financing.
A portion of the proceeds of the Special Warrant Financing was also used to repay the $1,667,316 (US$1,610,000) loan facility granted by Jones, Gable & Company Limited.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Current assets and current liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are shown below.
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||
Current Assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 13,509,155 | $ | 18,049,195 | ||
Receivables | 49,260 | 17,292 | ||||
Prepaid expenses | 273,088 | 260,508 | ||||
Total Current Assets | $ | 13,831,503 | $ | 18,326,995 | ||
Current Liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 5,795,512 | $ | 3,074,623 | ||
Due to related parties | 662,426 | 5,283 | ||||
Loans payable | 7,000,000 | 12,431,293 | ||||
Total Current Liabilities | $ | 13,457,938 | $ | 15,511,199 | ||
Working Capital | $ | 373,565 | $ | 2,815,796 |
As at December 31 2013, the Company had working capital of $373,565 (December 31, 2012 ? working capital of $2,815,796).
As at December 31, 2013, the Company had the following contractual obligations outstanding.
Less than 1 | |||||||||||||||
Total | year | 1 ? 3 years | 3 ? 5 years | After 5 years | |||||||||||
Long-term debt and interest | $ | 7,471,205 | $ | 7,471,205 | - | - | - | ||||||||
Asset retirement obligations | $ | 1,193,628 | - | - | - | $ | 1,193,628 | ||||||||
Contracts and leases | $ | 389,243 | $ | 311,663 | $ | 77,580 | - | - | |||||||
Mineral property lease | $ | 265,900 | - | $ | 106,360 | $ | 106,360 | $ | 53,180 | ||||||
Total contractual obligations | $ | 9,319,976 | $ | 7,782,868 | $ | 183,940 | $ | 106,360 | $ | 1,246,808 |
The Company currently anticipates having sufficient working capital to meet its 2014 budget for the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had cash of $13,509,155.
To the extent that additional capital will be required, the Company proposes to meet any such funding requirements through the processing of mineralized material from the Fire Creek Project bulk sampling program if available and/or by arranging other equity or loan financing. In light of the continually changing financial markets, commodity prices and general operational risks, there is no assurance that receiving funding from the issuance of equity or debt, will be possible when required or desired by the Company, on favourable terms to the Company or at all.
- 12 -
As at December 31, 2013, the Company had the following financial assets and liabilities, denominated in US$:
As at December 31, 2013, the Bank of Canada closing exchange rate was US$1.00 = $1.0636 or $1.00 = US$0.9402.
The Company includes equity, comprising of issued Common Shares, finance warrants, share-based payment reserve, accumulated other comprehensive income, and deficit, in the definition of capital.
The Company's objectives when managing capital are to maintain its ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders. The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, based on the funds available to the Company, in order to support the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties and future operations at each of the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine. The board of directors of the Company does not establish quantitative return on capital criteria for management but rather relies on the expertise of the Company's management and consultants to sustain future development of the business. Management reviews its capital management approach on an ongoing basis and believes that this approach is reasonable given the relative size of the Company.
There were no changes in the Company's approach to capital management during the year ended December 31, 2013.
The Facility Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature, including limitations on future indebtedness during its term. Early repayment of the loan under the Facility Agreement by the Company is required under an event of default under the Facility Agreement, including in the event that the Company has failed to pay within three business days of being due any principal or interest totaling $250,000 or more on any indebtedness of the Company other than the indebtedness under the Facility Agreement. In addition, beginning April 1, 2014 and accumulating until a rolling 12 months is reached, the Company may not incur indebtedness where, on the date of such incurrence, and after giving effect thereto and the application of proceeds therefrom, the consolidated adjusted EBITDA of the Company and its subsidiaries divided by the sum of the consolidated debt expense (net of consolidated interest income) of the Company and its subsidiaries would be less than 3.5.
The Gold Purchase Agreement also contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature. A default under the Facility Agreement would also constitute a default under the Gold Purchase Agreement.
As at the date hereof, the Company is in compliance with all requirements under the Facility Agreement and the Gold Purchase Agreement.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
As at December 31, 2013, there were no off-balance sheet arrangements to which the Company is committed.
- 13 -
TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN RELATED PARTIES
The Company's directors and officers are considered key management personnel and their compensation comprises the following:
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Salaries, bonuses and fees paid to directors and officers | $ | 1,817,512 | $ | 889,826 | ||
Share-based payments incurred with directors and officers | 801,062 | 807,076 | ||||
Consulting fees paid to a former officer | 63,037 | 137,418 | ||||
$ | 2,681,611 | $ | 1,834,320 |
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of such financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the period. Management believes the estimates used are reasonable; however, actual results could differ materially from those estimates and, if so, could impact future results of operations and cash flows.
Areas requiring the use of estimates in the preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements include the rates of depreciation for property and equipment, the potential recovery of resource property interests, the assumptions used in determining the value of the derivative liability, the amount for the asset retirement obligation, and the assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of share-based payments.
The critical judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the application of accounting policies are disclosed in Note 2 to the Company's audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to financial risks, including currency risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, commodity price risk and other risks. The Company's earnings can vary significantly with fluctuations in the market price of gold and silver. The Company's practice is not to hedge metal sales. On occasion, however, the Company may assume or enter into forward sales contracts or similar instruments if hedges are acquired in a business acquisition, if hedges are required under project financing requirements, or when deemed advantageous by management. As at December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any financial instruments qualifying as hedges. However, the gold supply agreement discussed previously meets the definition of a derivative financial instrument. The Company measures derivatives at fair value each reporting period with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the consolidated statements of loss in the period of valuation. During the quarter ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized a loss of $8,736,304 due to the change in fair value of the derivative financial instrument.
The Company's earnings are affected by fluctuations in exchange rates and the volatility of these rates. The Company does not, in general, use derivative instruments to reduce its exposure to foreign currency risk.
See also "Risk Factors".
- 14 -
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
As at the date hereof, the Company has an unlimited number of Common Shares authorized and 110,828,158 Common Shares are outstanding. As at the date hereof, there are 6,280,758 incentive stock options, 17,884,880 share purchase warrants, and 2,138,318 agents' warrants to purchase Common Shares outstanding.
INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
In accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuer's Annual and Interim Filings , the Company's management, including Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the operating effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) is a process designed by, or under, the supervision of, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and effected by management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with international financial reporting standards. Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's ICFR as of December 31, 2013. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2013, the Company's ICFR is designed effectively.
Public companies in Canada are required to disclose in their MD&A any change in ICFR during the most recent fiscal quarter that is reasonably likely to materially affect or has materially affected ICFR. There were no changes in ICFR during the quarter or year ended December 31, 2013 that are likely to materially affect or has materially affected ICFR.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding annual and interim financial statement disclosure. Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2013. Based on this assessment, management believes these disclosure controls and procedures have been effective during the year ended December 31, 2013.
QUALIFIED PERSON AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Mark Odell, P.E., Principal Engineer, Practical Mining LLC, is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ? Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") responsible for the technical information contained in this MD&A.
For further information on the Company's properties please see the reports as listed below on the Company's profile on www.sedar.com:
Technical Report (Amended) Fire Creek Exploration Project
Lander County, Nevada
Prepared For: Klondex Mines Ltd.
Prepared By:
Practical Mining LLC 495 Idaho Street Suite 205, Elko, Nevada 89801
Effective Date: August 31, 2013
Filing Date: November 14, 2013
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by prior owners of the Midas Mine, prior to the acquisition of the Midas Mine by the Company. To the knowledge of the Company, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the project. The Company has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
- 15 -
This MD&A contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof. In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "believe", "intend", "may", "will", "should", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "potential", "intends", "expects" and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information reflects the current expectations and assumptions of management, and is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information, particularly as it relates to the actual results of exploration and evaluation activities, actual results of reclamation activities, the estimation or realization of mineral resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new mineral deposits, requirements for additional capital, and the future prices of precious and base metals, is inherently uncertain. In addition, the timing and magnitude of certain events are inherently risky and uncertain, particularly as they relate to the possible variations in mineral grade or recovery rates, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes, road blocks and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation.
Key assumptions upon which the Company's forward-looking information is based include the following: estimated prices for gold and silver; the Company being able to secure new financing to continue its exploration, development and operational activities; currency exchange rates; the ability of the Company to comply with environmental, safety and other regulatory requirements and being able to obtain regulatory approvals (including licenses and permits) in a timely manner; there not being any material adverse effects arising as a result of political instability, taxes or royalty increases, terrorism, sabotage, natural disasters, equipment failures or adverse changes in government legislation or the socio-economic conditions in the regions in which the Company operates; the Company being able to achieve its growth strategy; the Company's operating costs; key personnel and access to all equipment necessary to operate the Fire Creek Project (as hereinafter defined) and the Midas Mine.
These assumptions should be considered carefully by you. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information or the assumptions on which the Company's forward-looking information is based. You are advised to carefully review and consider the risk factors identified in this MD&A under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere herein for a discussion of the factors that could cause the Company's actual results and performance to be materially different from any anticipated future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. You are further cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive and it is recommended that you consult the more complete discussion of the Company's business, financial condition and prospects that is included in this MD&A. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions on which the forward-looking information are made are reasonable, based on the information available to the Company on the date such forward-looking information was given, no assurances can be given as to whether these assumptions will prove to be correct. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as, and to the extent, required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
- 16 -
RISK FACTORS
As a resource acquisition, exploration and development company, the Company is engaged in a highly speculative business that involves a high degree of risk and is frequently unsuccessful. In addition to the information disclosed elsewhere in this MD&A, readers should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before deciding whether to invest in the Company's securities. These risk factors do not necessarily comprise all of the risks to which the Company is or will be subject.
The Company's failure to successfully address the risks and uncertainties described below could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and/or results of operations and could cause the trading price of the Common Shares to decline. The Company cannot guarantee that it will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect its business. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company's business operations. If any of the possibilities described in such risks actually occurs, the Company's business, the Company's financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely harmed. In addition to the risk factors mentioned below, readers of this MD&A are encouraged to read the "Risk Factors" as more fully described in the Company's filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators, including its annual information form, available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Important risk factors to consider, among others, are the following:
Additional information
Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's annual information form is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
- 17 -
Form 52-109F1
Certification of Annual Filings
Full Certificate
I, Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review: I have reviewed the AIF, if any, annual financial statements and annual MD&A, including, for greater certainty, all documents and information that are incorporated by reference in the AIF (together, the annual filings) of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the issuer) for the financial year ended December 31, 2013. |
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2. |
No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, for the period covered by the annual filings. |
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3. |
Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual financial statements together with the other financial information included in the annual filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the annual filings. |
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4. |
Responsibility: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings , for the issuer. |
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5. |
Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the financial year end |
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(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
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(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the annual filings are being prepared; and |
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(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
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(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer's GAAP. |
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5.1 |
Control framework: The control framework the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer's ICFR is based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework , issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
1
5.2 |
N/A |
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5.3 |
N/A |
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6. |
Evaluation: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have |
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(a) |
evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer's DC&P at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A our conclusions about the effectiveness of DC&P at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
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(b) |
evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer's ICFR at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A |
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(i) |
our conclusions about the effectiveness of ICFR at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
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(ii) |
for each material weakness relating to operation existing at the financial year end |
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(A) |
a description of the material weakness; |
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(B) |
the impact of the material weakness on the issuer's financial reporting and its ICFR; and |
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(C) |
the issuer's current plans, if any, or any actions already undertaken, for remediating the material weakness. |
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7. |
Reporting changes in ICFR : The issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A any change in the issuer's ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on October 1, 2013 and ended on December 31, 2013 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's ICFR. |
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8. |
Reporting to the issuer's auditors and board of directors or audit committee: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of ICFR, to the issuer's auditors, and the board of directors or the audit committee of the board of directors any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer's ICFR. |
Date: March 31, 2014
Signature: | (sgd) Paul Huet | |
Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer |
2
Form 52-109F1
Certification of Annual Filings
Full Certificate
I, Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review: I have reviewed the AIF, if any, annual financial statements and annual MD&A, including, for greater certainty, all documents and information that are incorporated by reference in the AIF (together, the annual filings) of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the issuer) for the financial year ended December 31, 2013. |
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2. |
No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, for the period covered by the annual filings. |
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3. |
Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual financial statements together with the other financial information included in the annual filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the annual filings. |
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4. |
Responsibility: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings , for the issuer. |
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5. |
Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the financial year end |
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(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
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(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the annual filings are being prepared; and |
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(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
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(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer's GAAP. |
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5.1 |
Control framework: The control framework the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer's ICFR is based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework , issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
1
5.2 |
N/A |
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5.3 |
N/A |
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6. |
Evaluation : The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have |
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(a) |
evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer's DC&P at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A our conclusions about the effectiveness of DC&P at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
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(b) |
evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer's ICFR at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A |
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(i) |
our conclusions about the effectiveness of ICFR at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
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(ii) |
for each material weakness relating to operation existing at the financial year end |
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(A) |
a description of the material weakness; |
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(B) |
the impact of the material weakness on the issuer's financial reporting and its ICFR; and |
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(C) |
the issuer's current plans, if any, or any actions already undertaken, for remediating the material weakness. |
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7. |
Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A any change in the issuer's ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on October 1, 2013 and ended on December 31, 2013 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's ICFR. |
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8. |
Reporting to the issuer's auditors and board of directors or audit committee: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of ICFR, to the issuer's auditors, and the board of directors or the audit committee of the board of directors any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer's ICFR. |
Date: March 31, 2014
Signature: | (sgd) Barry Dahl | |
Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer |
2
Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
(UNAUDITED)
TABLE OF CONTENTS |
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Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
June 30, | December 31, | |||||||
Note | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||
Cash | $ | 67,978 | $ | 52,770 | ||||
Trade receivables | 277 | | ||||||
Inventories | 3 | 23,995 | 25,079 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 4 | 8,992 | 8,578 | |||||
Total current assets | 101,242 | 86,427 | ||||||
Mineral properties, plant and equipment | 5 | 212,933 | 187,665 | |||||
Restricted cash | 9 | 18,807 | 21,808 | |||||
Deferred tax asset | 420 | 306 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 333,402 | $ | 296,206 | ||||
Liabilities | ||||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 19,624 | $ | 13,611 | ||||
Income taxes payable | 4,405 | 1,370 | ||||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement, current | 6 | 11,483 | 10,278 | |||||
Senior notes, current | 7 | 3,664 | 3,664 | |||||
Derivative liability related to gold supply agreement, current | 8 | 1,564 | 1,495 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 40,740 | 30,418 | ||||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement | 6 | 22,115 | 23,618 | |||||
Senior notes | 7 | 17,158 | 18,613 | |||||
Derivative liability related to gold supply agreement | 8 | 2,790 | 3,578 | |||||
Decommissioning provision | 9 | 23,741 | 21,442 | |||||
Deferred tax liability | 6,716 | 5,978 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 113,260 | 103,647 | ||||||
Shareholders' Equity | ||||||||
Share capital | 190,076 | 184,292 | ||||||
Contributed surplus | 24,676 | 24,822 | ||||||
Deficit | (10,773 | ) | (25,650 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 16,163 | 9,095 | ||||||
Total shareholders' equity | 220,142 | 192,559 | ||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 333,402 | $ | 296,206 |
See Commitments and Contingencies (note 18)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
-3-
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Income |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) |
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||
Note | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 50,991 | $ | 36,444 | $ | 98,243 | $ | 39,071 | ||||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||||
Production costs | 25,429 | 18,723 | 52,289 | 20,398 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 8,709 | 6,649 | 18,298 | 6,926 | ||||||||||
Gross profit | 16,853 | 11,072 | 27,656 | 11,747 | ||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 3,717 | 2,173 | 7,159 | 4,403 | ||||||||||
Loss on asset classified as held for sale | 4 | 432 | | 432 | | |||||||||
Income from operations | 12,704 | 8,899 | 20,065 | 7,344 | ||||||||||
Business acquisition costs | | (383 | ) | | (2,257 | ) | ||||||||
Gain on derivative, net | 8 | 143 | 1,033 | 365 | 1,592 | |||||||||
Finance charges | 11 | (2,642 | ) | (2,726 | ) | (5,292 | ) | (4,236 | ) | |||||
Foreign currency (loss) gain | (1,724 | ) | 1,012 | 7,783 | 1,012 | |||||||||
Income before tax | 8,481 | 7,835 | 22,921 | 3,455 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense | 12 | 3,666 | 3,394 | 8,044 | 1,426 | |||||||||
Net income | $ | 4,815 | $ | 4,441 | $ | 14,877 | $ | 2,029 | ||||||
Net income per share | ||||||||||||||
Basic | 13 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.12 | 0.02 | |||||||||
Diluted | 13 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.11 | 0.02 | |||||||||
Weighted
average
number
of
shares
outstanding |
||||||||||||||
Basic | 13 | 129,985,533 | 111,390,375 | 128,664,705 | 109,338,086 | |||||||||
Diluted | 13 | 137,366,511 | 113,912,003 | 135,258,516 | 111,818,752 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
-4-
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Net income | $ | 4,815 | $ | 4,441 | 14,877 | $ | 2,029 | |||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | ||||||||||||
Items that may be
subsequently reclassified to profit
or loss: |
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Foreign currency translation adjustments |
(1,785 | ) | (6,195 | ) | 7,068 | (2,682 | ) | |||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 3,030 | $ | (1,754 | ) | $ | 21,945 | $ | (653 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
-5-
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||
Note | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Operating activities | ||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 4,815 | $ | 4,441 | $ | 14,877 | $ | 2,029 | ||||||
Items not involving cash: | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 8,749 | 6,714 | 18,377 | 7,007 | ||||||||||
Change in fair value of derivative | 8 | (494 | ) | (1,099 | ) | (1,090 | ) | (1,658 | ) | |||||
Finance charges | 2,682 | 2,660 | 5,359 | 4,236 | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | 1,724 | (1,311 | ) | (7,783 | ) | (1,311 | ) | |||||||
Deferred tax expense | 12 | 810 | 2,489 | 1,015 | 521 | |||||||||
Share-based compensation | 10 | 757 | 403 | 1,531 | 806 | |||||||||
Loss on assets classified as held for sale | 4 | 432 | | 432 | | |||||||||
Deliveries under gold purchase agreement | (2,998 | ) | (1,329 | ) | (6,061 | ) | (1,329 | ) | ||||||
16,477 | 12,968 | 26,657 | 10,301 | |||||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital | ||||||||||||||
Trade receivables | (277 | ) | | (277 | ) | | ||||||||
Inventories | 938 | (1,755 | ) | 1,257 | (9,241 | ) | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 365 | (789 | ) | (4,384 | ) | (1,135 | ) | |||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 3,262 | 1,570 | 6,354 | 9,477 | ||||||||||
Income taxes payable | 2,320 | 905 | (955 | ) | 905 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 23,085 | 12,899 | 28,652 | 10,307 | ||||||||||
Investing activities | ||||||||||||||
Expenditures on mineral properties, plant and
equipment |
(14,726 | ) | (6,627 | ) | (25,776 | ) | (10,875 | ) | ||||||
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash, net | 9 | 4,210 | (254 | ) | 8,336 | (31,244 | ) | |||||||
Interest received | 40 | 3 | 67 | 48 | ||||||||||
Cash paid for acquisition of Midas | | | | (63,670 | ) | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (10,476 | ) | (6,878 | ) | (17,373 | ) | (105,741 | ) | ||||||
Financing activities | ||||||||||||||
Issuance of share capital, net | 2,751 | 2,210 | 4,107 | 45,321 | ||||||||||
Repayment of debt | (1,000 | ) | | (2,000 | ) | (7,000 | ) | |||||||
Interest paid | (658 | ) | (695 | ) | (1,334 | ) | (1,942 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds under gold purchase agreement, net | | | | 35,982 | ||||||||||
Proceeds from gold royalty advance | | | | 1,367 | ||||||||||
Proceeds from debt | | | | 23,109 | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 1,093 | 1,515 | 773 | 96,837 | ||||||||||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances |
(583 | ) | (69 | ) | 3,156 | 194 | ||||||||
Net increase in cash | 13,119 | 7,467 | 15,208 | 1,597 | ||||||||||
Cash, beginning of period | 54,859 | 7,639 | 52,770 | 13,509 | ||||||||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 67,978 | $ | 15,106 | $ | 67,978 | $ | 15,106 |
See supplemental cash flow information (note 16)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
-6-
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except common shares issued and outstanding) |
Common Shares (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||
issued and | other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
outstanding, | Share | Contributed | Accumulated | comprehensive | shareholders' | |||||||||||||||
Note | no par value | capital | surplus | deficit | income | equity | ||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2014 | 127,329,200 | $ | 184,292 | $ | 24,822 | $ | (25,650 | ) | $ | 9,095 | $ | 192,559 | ||||||||
Options exercised under the
Share Option Plan |
10 | 1,640,449 | 3,427 | (1,016 | ) | | | 2,411 | ||||||||||||
Warrants exercised | 10 | 1,101,430 | 2,090 | (394 | ) | | | 1,696 | ||||||||||||
Share-based compensation
under the Share Option Plan |
| | 1,264 | | | 1,264 | ||||||||||||||
Shares based compensation
under the Share Compensation Plan |
| 267 | | | 267 | |||||||||||||||
Net income | | | | 14,877 | | 14,877 | ||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation
adjustments |
| | | | 7,068 | 7,068 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2015 | 130,071,079 | $ | 190,076 | $ | 24,676 | $ | (10,773 | ) | $ | 16,163 | $ | 220,142 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 79,746,291 | $ | 111,596 | $ | 14,545 | $ | (43,951 | ) | $ | 4,246 | $ | 86,436 | ||||||||
Shares issued under the Share
Compensation Plan |
35,525 | 67 | | | 67 | |||||||||||||||
Options exercised under the
Share Option Plan |
441,049 | 802 | (254 | ) | | | 548 | |||||||||||||
Warrants exercised | 2,716,699 | 4,153 | (433 | ) | | | 3,720 | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation
under the Share Option Plan |
| | 792 | | | 792 | ||||||||||||||
Common shares issued, net of
issuance costs |
29,400,000 | 40,493 | | | | 40,493 | ||||||||||||||
Subscription receipts | | | 507 | | | 507 | ||||||||||||||
Warrants issued with Senior
Notes financing |
7 | | | 1,754 | | | 1,754 | |||||||||||||
Warrants issued for Midas
acquisition |
| | 6,500 | | | 6,500 | ||||||||||||||
Net income | | | | 2,029 | | 2,029 | ||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation
adjustments |
| | | | (2,682 | ) | (2,682 | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2014 | 112,339,564 | $ | 157,111 | $ | 23,411 | $ | (41,922 | ) | $ | 1,564 | $ | 140,164 |
(1) The Company has unlimited common shares authorized for issuance.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
-7-
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
1. Nature of Operations
Klondex Mines Ltd. (the "Company") is a gold and silver mining company focused on exploration, development, and production in a safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective manner. Gold and silver sales represent 100% of the Company's revenues and the market prices of gold and silver significantly impact the Company's financial position, operating results, and cash flows. The Company has 100% interests in two producing mineral properties: the Fire Creek project (the "Fire Creek Project or Fire Creek) and the Midas mine and ore milling facility (collectively the "Midas Mine" or Midas) as well as other early-stage exploration properties, all of which are located in the State of Nevada, USA. The Company's milling and processing facilities, which are located at Midas, process ore from both Midas and Fire Creek.
The Company was incorporated on August 25, 1971 under the laws at British Columbia, Canada and its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the symbol "KDX" and on the OTCQX under the symbol "KLNDF".
The Companys registered office is located at 1055 West Hastings Street, Suite 220, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 2E9.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of presentation
The Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and as applicable to interim financial reports including IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', and therefore do not include all the information and note disclosures required by IFRS for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, which were prepared in accordance with IFRS.
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars (unless otherwise stated) and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are entities over which the Company has control. The Company controls an entity when the Company is exposed to, or has right to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Companys subsidiaries, which are wholly owned, are 0985472 B.C. Ltd, and its U.S. subsidiaries: Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc., Klondex Gold and Silver Mining Company, Klondex Midas Holding Limited and Klondex Midas Operations Inc. All intercompany transactions, balances, revenues and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.
The Board of Directors, approved these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements on August 10, 2015.
Significant accounting policies
Other than as disclosed below, the preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements follow the same accounting policies disclosed in Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of its audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Assets held for sale - From time to time the Company may determine that certain of its long-lived assets no longer fit into its strategic operating plans and commit to a plan to sell such identified assets which are then classified within Prepaid expenses and other as "Assets held for sale". Assets held for sale are actively marketed at competitive prices which the Company believes will result in their sale within the next 12 months. Assets held for sale are carried at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. The Company assesses the fair value (less costs to sell) of assets held for sale at each annual and interim reporting period. Liabilities related to assets held for sale (if any), are classified as current liabilities. The Company ceases depreciation on assets classified as held for sale. Amounts resulting from adjusting an asset held for sale to fair value (less costs to sell) are recorded to Loss on asset classified as held for sale . Refer to Note 4. Prepaid Expenses and Other for additional detail.
-8-
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
The Company has not adopted or applied any recently issued accounting pronouncements during the preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The Company continues to evaluate the impacts of the recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements disclosed in Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements of its audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Significant judgments and estimates
The preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires management to make judgments, assumptions, and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and contingencies as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses and taxes during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from estimates as the estimation process is inherently uncertain. Estimates are reviewed on an ongoing basis based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant at the time such estimates are made. Revisions to estimates and the resulting impacts on the carrying amounts of the Companys assets and liabilities are accounted for prospectively.
In preparing the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company applied the critical judgments and estimates disclosed in Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of its audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have made to the prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation. In the condensed consolidated interim statements of financial position the Company reclassified $3.8 million from Receivables at December 31, 2014 to Prepaid expenses and other and made conforming changes to the condensed consolidated interim statements of cash flows. As of June 30, 2015, amounts shown as Trade receivables include only amounts related to the sale of gold and silver. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported total assets, liabilities, cash flows, or net income.
3. Inventories
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | |||||
Supplies | $ | 2,916 | $ | 1,661 | ||
Stockpiles | 4,511 | 6,265 | ||||
In-process | 8,521 | 6,086 | ||||
Dore finished goods | 8,047 | 11,067 | ||||
$ | 23,995 | $ | 25,079 |
As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company's stockpiles, in-process, and dorefinished goods inventories included $5.5 million and $6.7 million, respectively, of capitalized non-cash depreciation and amortization costs.
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4. Prepaid Expenses and Other
June 30, | December 31, | |||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
State of Nevada net proceeds tax receivable | $ | 2,969 | $ | 3,182 | ||
Prepaid State of Nevada net proceeds tax | 1,909 | | ||||
Prepaid insurances | 1,388 | 346 | ||||
Claim maintenance and land holding costs | 286 | 595 | ||||
Equipment held for sale | 231 | | ||||
Reclamation bond cash collateral receivable | | 3,510 | ||||
Others | 2,209 | 945 | ||||
$ | 8,992 | $ | 8,578 |
During the second quarter of 2015, a used underground drill with a net book value of $0.7 million was classified as held for sale which resulted in the Company recording a $0.4 million loss to adjust the asset to its estimated fair value (less costs to sell).
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5. Mineral Properties, Plant and Equipment
Mineral | Plant and | ||||||||||
Note | properties | equipment | Total | ||||||||
Cost | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2014 | $ | 149,826 | $ | 72,915 | $ | 222,741 | |||||
Additions | 17,111 | 11,269 | 28,380 | ||||||||
Increase to decommissioning liability | | 450 | 450 | ||||||||
Classified as held for sale | 4 | | (738 | ) | (738 | ) | |||||
Foreign exchange | 9,856 | 6,701 | 16,557 | ||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2015 | 176,793 | 90,597 | 267,390 | ||||||||
Accumulated depreciation and depletion | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2014 | 25,317 | 9,759 | 35,076 | ||||||||
Additions | 11,404 | 5,283 | 16,687 | ||||||||
Classified as held for sale | 4 | | (78 | ) | (78 | ) | |||||
Foreign exchange | 2,012 | 760 | 2,772 | ||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2015 | 38,733 | 15,724 | 54,457 | ||||||||
Net book value June 30, 2015 | $ | 138,060 | $ | 74,873 | $ | 212,933 |
6. Obligations Under Gold Purchase Agreement
In conjunction with its acquisition of Midas, on February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a gold purchase agreement with Franco-Nevada Corporation (the "Gold Purchase Agreement") for net proceeds of US$32.6 million which requires physical gold deliveries to be made at the end of each month (with the first delivery commencing on June 30, 2014). Each gold delivery reduces the Obligations under gold purchase agreement balance and accrued interest based on a repayment amortization schedule established on the February 11, 2014 transaction date, which incorporated then current forward gold prices (ranging from US$1,290 to US$1,388) and an effective interest rate of approximately 18.3% . Gold deliveries cease on December 31, 2018 following the delivery of 38,250 gold ounces.
During the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company delivered 3,750 and 965 ounces of gold, respectively, which reduced the obligations balance (excluding the effects of foreign currency revaluation) by approximately $2.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and satisfied approximately $3.2 million and $2.6 million of effective Finance charges . The following table provides a summary of the carrying value for the Gold Purchase Agreement:
June 30, | December 31, | |||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Remaining obligations for future gold ounce deliveries | $ | 29,696 | $ | 32,213 | ||
Effect of foreign currency revaluation | 3,902 | 1,683 | ||||
33,598 | 33,896 | |||||
Less: current portion | (11,483 | ) | (10,278 | ) | ||
Non-current portion | $ | 22,115 | $ | 23,618 |
The following table provides a summary by year of the remaining future scheduled gold ounce deliveries under the
Obligations under gold purchase agreement :
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Total | |||||||||||
Scheduled gold ounces deliveries | 3,750 | 8,000 | 8,000 | 8,000 | 27,750 |
-11-
7. Senior Notes
In conjunction with its acquisition of Midas, on February 11, 2014, the Company completed a private placement of units consisting of $25.0 million of 11.0% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 (the "Senior Notes") and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants with a three-year term and an exercise price of $1.95 to a syndicate of lenders. The Company is required to make principal payments of $1.0 million per quarter ($4.0 million per year) in equal monthly installments from January 2015 through July 2017 and a $14.7 million payment in August 2017, the maturity date of the Senior Notes. Interest is payable at each month-end throughout the term of the Senior Notes. The Company has the option to repay the Senior Notes at any time on or after February 11, 2015 subject to repayment penalties ranging from 0% - 4%. The Senior Notes are carried net of issuance costs, which are being amortized to Finance charges using the effective interest method.
The following table provides a summary of the carrying value of the Senior Notes:
June 30, | December 31, | |||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Unpaid principal of Senior Notes | $ | 23,000 | $ | 25,000 | ||
Unamortized issuance costs | (2,178 | ) | (2,723 | ) | ||
20,822 | 22,277 | |||||
Less: current portion, net of unamortized issuance costs | (3,664 | ) | (3,664 | ) | ||
Non-current portion, net of unamortized issuance costs | $ | 17,158 | $ | 18,613 |
The following table provides a summary by year of the remaining future scheduled cash payments due under the Senior Notes:
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Total | |||||||||
Principal repayments of Senior Notes | $ | 2,000 | $ | 4,000 | $ | 17,000 | $ | 23,000 | ||||
Interest on Senior Notes | 1,246 | 2,142 | 1,085 | 4,473 | ||||||||
$ | 3,246 | $ | 6,142 | $ | 18,085 | $ | 27,473 |
8. Derivative Liability Related to Gold Supply Agreement
In conjunction with a debt financing, on March 31, 2011 the Company entered into a gold supply agreement (the "Gold Supply Agreement") which grants the counterparty the right to purchase, on a monthly basis, the refined gold produced from the Company's Fire Creek operation for a five-year period beginning in February 2013. When/if the counterparty elects to purchase the refined gold, the purchase price is calculated as the average PM settlement price per gold ounce on the London Bullion Market Association for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the relevant pricing date. A 1.0% discount is applicable through February 29, 2016.
The Company has classified the Gold Supply Agreement as a derivative instrument which is carried at fair value. Changes in fair value together with any losses realized from selling gold ounces under the Gold Supply Agreement are recorded to Gain on derivative, net . The following table provides a summary of amounts recorded to Gain on derivative, net and the number of gold ounces purchased by the counterparty under the Gold Supply Agreement (in thousands except gold ounces purchased by counterparty):
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Gain (loss) on change in fair
value of Gold Supply
Agreement |
$ | 494 | $ | 1,099 | $ | 1,090 | $ | 1,658 | ||||
Loss on gold ounces sold under the Gold
Supply
Agreement |
(351 | ) | (66 | ) | (725 | ) | (66 | ) | ||||
$ | 143 | $ | 1,033 | $ | 365 | $ | 1,592 | |||||
Gold ounces sold to counterparty | 10,650 | 10,662 | 18,223 | 10,662 |
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9. Decommissioning Provision
The Companys decommissioning provision is related to its mining operations and activities at Fire Creek and Midas and, as such, is estimated using US dollars. The following table provides a summary of changes in the decommissioning provision:
June 30, | |||
2015 | |||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 21,442 | |
Additions from change in estimate | 450 | ||
Accretion | 231 | ||
Effect of foreign exchange revaluation | 1,618 | ||
Balance at end of period | $ | 23,741 |
As of June 30, 2015, the Company's decommissioning provision was fully secured by surety bonds totaling US$30.0 million, which was partially collateralized by restricted cash totaling $18.8 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company reduced the amount of restricted cash balances collateralizing the surety bonds by $3.0 million (net).
10. Share Capital and Share-Based Compensation
The Company has previously issued share purchase warrants in conjunction with its February 2014 acquisition of Midas and various debt and equity financing activities. The Company's Share Incentive Plan ("SIP") permits the granting of share purchase options (under the Share Option Plan included in the SIP) and common share awards (under the Share Compensation Plan included in the SIP) to compensate eligible participants, which can include directors, officers, employees, and service providers to the Company.
Share Purchase Warrants and Share Option Awards
The following table summarizes activity of the Company's warrants and share options:
Six months ended June 30, 2015 | ||||||||||||
Warrants | Share Options | |||||||||||
Weighted average | Weighted average | |||||||||||
Number | exercise price | Number | exercise price | |||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 | 11,755,126 | $ | 2.09 | 10,090,355 | $ | 1.70 | ||||||
Granted | | | 985,000 | (1) | 2.31 | |||||||
Exercised | (1,101,430 | ) | 1.54 | (1,640,449 | ) (2) | 1.47 | ||||||
Forfeited/expired | (1,400,000 | ) | 2.76 | (359,417 | ) | 1.91 | ||||||
Outstanding at June 30, 2015 | 9,253,696 | $ | 2.05 | 9,075,489 | $ | 1.80 | ||||||
Exercisable at June 30, 2015 | 9,253,696 | 5,175,594 |
(1) Weighted average inputs to the Black-Scholes model used in determining the fair value of the options granted include a risk-free interest rate of 0.95%, volatility of 47.9%, dividend yield of 0.0%, expected option life of 5.0 years, and an exercise price of $2.56. (2) The weighted average share price on the date share options were exercised was $2.49.
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The following table provides a summary of the Company's outstanding warrants and share options:
June 30, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||
Warrants | Share options | |||||||||||||||||
Weighted average | Weighted | Weighted average | Weighted | |||||||||||||||
Exercise price | Number | remaining life | average | Number | remaining life | average | ||||||||||||
per share | outstanding | (years) | exercise price | outstanding | (years) | exercise price | ||||||||||||
$1.00 - $1.49 | 10,476 | 0.3 | $ | 1.43 | 1,721,126 | 1.48 | $ | 1.32 | ||||||||||
$1.50 - $1.99 | 3,757,020 | 1.28 | 1.88 | 4,064,167 | 2.25 | 1.69 | ||||||||||||
$2.00 - $2.49 | 5,486,200 | 12.65 | 2.17 | 2,670,196 | 3.94 | 2.06 | ||||||||||||
$2.50 - $3.00 | | | | 620,000 | 1.52 | 2.58 | ||||||||||||
9,253,696 | 8.02 | $ | 2.05 | 9,075,489 | 2.55 | $ | 1.80 |
Common Share Awards
The following table summarizes activity of the Company's common shares granted under the Share Compensation Plan:
Six months ended | |||
Number of common share awards | June 30, 2015 | ||
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 | 405,350 | ||
Vested | (11,842 | ) | |
Outstanding at June 30, 2015 | 393,508 |
11. Finance Charges
The following table provides a summary of the Company's finance charges:
12. Income Taxes
The following table provides the composition of the Company's income tax expense between current tax and deferred tax:
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Current income tax expense | $ | 2,491 | $ | 1,855 | $ | 6,217 | $ | 905 | ||||
Deferred income tax expense | 1,175 | 1,539 | 1,827 | 521 | ||||||||
$ | 3,666 | $ | 3,394 | $ | 8,044 | $ | 1,426 |
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13. Net Income Per Share
The following table provides computations of the Company's basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Net income |
$ | 4,815 | $ | 4,441 | $ | 14,877 | $ | 2,029 | ||||
Weighted average common shares: | ||||||||||||
Basic | 129,985,533 | 111,390,375 | 128,664,705 | 109,338,086 | ||||||||
Effect of: | ||||||||||||
Stock options | 4,133,117 | 1,434,716 | 3,770,204 | 1,428,222 | ||||||||
Warrants | 3,247,861 | 1,086,912 | 2,823,607 | 1,052,444 | ||||||||
Diluted | 137,366,511 | 113,912,003 | 135,258,516 | 111,818,752 | ||||||||
Net income per share: | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.02 | ||||
Diluted | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.02 |
14. Segment Information
The Company's reportable segments are comprised of operating units which have revenues, earnings or losses, or assets exceeding 10% of the respective consolidated totals. Results of the Companys three operating segments are reviewed by the Companys Chief Executive Officer to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and to assess their performance. The table below summarizes the segment information:
Three months ended June 30, 2015 | Three months ended June 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | and other | Total | Fire Creek | Midas | and other | Total | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 28,082 | $ | 22,909 | $ | | $ | 50,991 | $ | 25,268 | $ | 11,176 | $ | | $ | 36,444 | ||||||||
Production costs | 11,351 | 14,078 | | 25,429 | 10,060 | 8,663 | | 18,723 | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and
depletion |
6,112 | 2,597 | | 8,709 | 5,345 | 1,304 | | 6,649 | ||||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 10,619 | 6,234 | | 16,853 | 9,863 | 1,209 | | 11,072 | ||||||||||||||||
General and
administrative expenses |
150 | 150 | 3,417 | 3,717 | 87 | 87 | 1,999 | 2,173 | ||||||||||||||||
Loss on asset classified as
held for sale |
| 432 | | 432 | | | | | ||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from
operations |
$ | 10,469 | $ | 5,652 | $ | (3,417 | ) | $ | 12,704 | $ | 9,776 | $ | 1,122 | $ | (1,999 | ) | $ | 8,899 | ||||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 6,351 | $ | 10,714 | $ | 210 | $ | 17,275 | $ | 3,004 | $ | 3,699 | $ | 417 | $ | 7,120 | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | 115,557 | $ | 194,808 | $ | 23,037 | $ | 333,402 | $ | 101,818 | $ | 132,324 | $ | 3,558 | $ | 237,700 |
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Six months ended June 30, 2015 | Six months ended June 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | and other | Total | Fire Creek | Midas | and other | Total | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 55,450 | $ | 42,793 | $ | | 98,243 | $ | 25,268 | $ | 13,803 | $ | | $ | 39,071 | |||||||||
Production costs | 22,464 | 29,825 | | 52,289 | 10,060 | 10,338 | | 20,398 | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and
depletion |
13,143 | 5,155 | | 18,298 | 5,345 | 1,581 | | 6,926 | ||||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 19,843 | 7,813 | | 27,656 | 9,863 | 1,884 | | 11,747 | ||||||||||||||||
General and
administrative expenses |
336 | 336 | 6,487 | 7,159 | 87 | 87 | 4,229 | 4,403 | ||||||||||||||||
Loss on asset classified as
held for sale |
| 432 | | 432 | | | | | ||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from
operations |
$ | 19,507 | $ | 7,045 | $ | (6,487 | ) | $ | 20,065 | $ | 9,776 | $ | 1,797 | $ | (4,229 | ) | $ | 7,344 | ||||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 10,511 | $ | 17,297 | $ | 572 | $ | 28,380 | $ | 5,654 | $ | 5,331 | $ | 455 | $ | 11,440 | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | 115,557 | $ | 194,808 | $ | 23,037 | $ | 333,402 | $ | 101,818 | $ | 132,324 | $ | 3,558 | $ | 237,700 |
15. Related Party Transactions
There were no related party transactions other than as disclosed below. The following table provides a summary of compensation for the Company's executives and directors:
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Cash salaries, bonuses, and service fees | $ | 1,151 | $ | 466 | $ | 1,771 | $ | 858 | ||||
Share-based payments | 406 | 67 | 902 | 200 | ||||||||
$ | 1,557 | $ | 533 | $ | 2,673 | $ | 1,058 |
16. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Warrants issued on Midas acquisition and financings | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 8,761 | ||||
Cash paid for income taxes | | | 7,317 | |
17. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the fair value measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:
Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 Inputs for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data.
There were no transfers between fair value hierarchy levels for the six months ended June 30, 2015.
The following table provides a listing (by level) of the Company's financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||
Note | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equipment held for sale | 4 | $ | | $ | 231 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liability
related to gold
supply agreement |
8 | $ | | $ | 4,354 | $ | | $ | | $ | 5,073 | $ | |
The Companys equipment held for sale is related to a used underground drill, which was valued using a market approach from identical or similar assets in markets that are not active and, as such, equipment held for sale is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Company's derivative liability is valued by a third-party consultant (and reviewed by the Company) using an option pricing model and is classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as it incorporates quoted prices from active markets and certain observable inputs, such as, forward metal prices and the volatility of such metal prices.
Other than the Company's equipment held for sale and derivative liability, the carrying values of financial assets and liabilities approximate their fair values due to their short term nature. The Company's Senior Notes (Note 7) and Obligations under gold purchase agreement (Note 6) are carried at amortized cost.
18. Commitments and Contingencies
During the six months ended June 30, 2015, no material changes have occurred with respect to the matters disclosed in Note 24. Contingencies to the Companys audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 and no new contingencies have occurred since the issuance of such audited consolidated financial statements.
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Management's Discussion and Analysis
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
This Management's Discussion & Analysis ("MD& A") provides a discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Klondex Mines Ltd. ("Klondex", "we", "our", "us", or the "Company") and should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and the related notes thereto and our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the related notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"). Readers are advised that this MD& A has been prepared using technical information and contains "forward-looking statements", both of which are subject to the risks discussed in the Cautionary Statements section of this MD&A. Additional information relating to the Company, including our Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and our website at www.klondexmines.com .
This MD& A has been prepared as of August 10, 2015. All dollar amounts included in this MD&A are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. References to US$ refers to United States dollars.
About Klondex
We are a well-capitalized, junior-tier gold and silver mining company focused on exploration, development, and production in a safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective manner. Gold and silver sales represent 100% of our revenues and the market prices of gold and silver significantly impact our financial position, operating results, and cash flows. We have 100% interests in two producing mineral properties: the Fire Creek project (Fire Creek) and the Midas mine and ore milling facility (collectively Midas Mine or Midas), as well as other early-stage exploration properties, all of which are located in the State of Nevada, USA. Fire Creek and Midas are believed to be two of the highest grade underground gold projects in the world. Our milling and processing facilities, which are located at Midas, process ore from both Midas and Fire Creek. Fire Creek is located approximately 100 miles south of Midas.
Our primary strategy is to increase shareholder value by achieving our internal metal production and cost targets while attempting to extend our mine lives through development and exploration programs. We have an experienced management team, a strong financial position, a low-cost production profile, and two high-quality producing assets located in a mining-friendly jurisdiction.
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U.S. Dollar Conversions
All amounts included in this MD&A are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars ("CDN$") unless otherwise noted. To provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate certain of our Non-IFRS Measures (as defined in the Non-IFRS Performance Measures section) and realized sales prices per ounce to those of other issuers, we have presented such Non-IFRS Measures and certain per ounce amounts in both Canadian and United States ("US$") dollars. Amounts presented in United States dollars are calculated by multiplying the period's average noon CDN$:US$ exchange rate (as published by the Bank of Canada) by the respective Canadian dollar amount being presented in United States dollars. The following table provides the exchange rates used only to present certain amounts in United States dollars, as such exchange rates are not indicative of amounts, translations, or transactions recorded in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Average CDN$ to US$ exchange rate | 0.813 | 0.917 | 0.810 | 0.912 |
Executive Summary and Quarterly Highlights
Our second quarter 2015 highlights and significant developments as of the date of this MD&A included the following, which are discussed in further detail throughout this MD&A:
|
Health, Safety, and Environmental - We remained committed to our most important core values by operating in an environmentally-responsible manner while protecting the health and safety of our employees and contractors. We had no lost-time accidents at either of our mines and received two permits critical to our long-term growth plans: the water pollution control permit (which removed the mining tonnage limitation at Fire Creek) and the tailings expansion permit (which allows us to add approximately 400,000 tons of additional tailings capacity at Midas). |
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Ounces Sold and Revenues - We sold record 34,189 gold equivalent ounces ("GEOs"), consisting of 26,768 gold ounces and 543,251 silver ounces (a record), as our operations continued to produce metal according to plan, growing quarter over quarter. We now anticipate that our full-year 2015 GEOs produced will total approximately 125,000 to 130,000 ounces, an increase of 5,000 GEOs from our beginning of the year estimate. The record GEOs sold resulted in $51.0 million of revenue (an all-time high) as our average realized selling prices per gold and silver ounce were $1,492 (US$1,213) and $20.37 (US$16.56), respectively. |
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Mine Operations and Performance Measures - Our performance measures improved from the first quarter of 2015 as we benefited from higher average daily ore tons milled (approximately 693 tons per day) and higher average silver mill head grades (8.00 oz/ton). Average gold mill head grades (0.45 oz/ton) slightly decreased from the first quarter. Key performance measures were as follows and continued to provide significant margins from quarterly realized metal prices: |
Production cash costs per gold | Production cash costs per | All-in sustaining costs per | ||||||||||||||||
ounce sold on a by-product basis | gold equivalent ounce sold | gold ounce sold | ||||||||||||||||
Three months ended June 30, | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||
Non-IFRS Measure - CDN$ (1) | $ | 537 | $ | 550 | $ | 744 | $ | 731 | $ | 732 | $ | 835 | ||||||
Non-IFRS Measure - US$ (1) | $ | 437 | $ | 504 | $ | 605 | $ | 670 | $ | 595 | $ | 766 |
(1) See Non-IFRS Performance Measures in this MD&A.
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Operating Cash Flows and Liquidity - Despite a low U.S. dollar metal price environment, our cash balance increased from the end of the first quarter of 2015 by 23.9% to $68.0 million as we generated $23.1 million in operating cash flows, used $10.5 million in investing activities, and received $1.1 million in financing activities. At current metal prices, we believe our low production cost profile, together with our current financial position, continues to allow us to responsibly fund our capital expenditures and invest in our mines. |
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Exploration Results - At Fire Creek and Midas, we continued to encounter high gold grades in both new and existing veins of mineralized material, the drilling results of which were previously discussed in press releases issued on August 4, 2015 (Fire Creek) and April 7, 2015 (Midas). Exploration efforts were largely focused on expanding our mineral resources through step-out drilling and attempting to locate new discoveries. |
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2015 Full Year Outlook
As a result of our record second quarter 2015 GEOs sold, we now anticipate our full-year 2015 GEOs produced will total approximately 125,000 to 130,000 ounces, an increase of 5,000 GEOs from our beginning of the year estimate. We anticipate the additional ounces produced will primarily come from Midas, which has higher cost GEOs, and are revising our estimated full-year production cash costs per GEO sold to US$575 to US$625 (up from US$550 to US$600). We are revising our all-in sustaining cash costs per gold ounce sold to US$750 to US$800 (down from US$800 to US$850) due to increased first half actual and estimated full-year silver revenues. As a result of our exploration successes during the first half of 2015, we have elected to increase our annual capital additions total by approximately US$10.0 million (between both sites) to US$43.0 million, as we have increased the scope of our development and drilling programs. We are using cash for the exploration and development of our mines that may otherwise be utilized to further reduce our debt. We currently believe this approach allows us to create the most near and long-term value while maintaining our annual total cash flows. Our annual estimates are summarized in the following table and presented with results for the six months ended June 30, 2015:
Six months ended | 2015 full year guidance | ||||||||
June 30, 2015 | Low | High | |||||||
Gold equivalent ounces produced (ounces) | 65,167 | (1) | 125,000 | 130,000 | |||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold (US$/ounce) | $ | 646 | $ | 575 | $ | 625 | |||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold (US$/ounce) | $ | 695 | $ | 750 | $ | 800 | |||
Capital additions (US$ 000s) | $ | 23,084 | $ | 43,000 |
(1) Gold equivalent ounces produced is calculated using our actual average realized selling prices for the six months ended June 30, 2015.
During the second quarter of 2015 our production cash costs per GEO sold decreased by approximately $84 per ounce to US$$605 per ounce (US$689 per ounce in the first quarter of 2015), as a significant portion of our total planned 2015 expensed waste development costs and mobile equipment maintenance were brought forward into the first quarter and we incurred increased costs to remove water and sediments at Fire Creek. We currently anticipate our planned second half of 2015 development and production costs will be at levels which will continue to decrease our year-to-date production cash costs per GEO sold.
Major capital and development objectives for 2015 and their current status are as follows:
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Construction of a lift on the existing tailings dam at Midas to increase estimated capacity to five years, allowing time to obtain permits for a new 15-year dam. The tailings expansion permit was received in July 2015 and construction is underway. |
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To receive the water pollution control permit at Fire Creek to remove the existing mining tonnage limitation, thereby reducing a constraint on future production ramp ups. This objective was completed during the second quarter of 2015. |
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Completion of the Environmental Assessment at Fire Creek in the second half of 2015. We continue to work on the Environmental Assessment and expect to complete it by late 2015 or early 2016. |
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Increase drilling and exploration efforts during the second half of 2015 which are focused on expanding our mineral resources through step-out drilling and attempting to locate new discoveries. |
Health, Safety, and Environmental
Our mining activities are subject to extensive federal, state, and local laws and regulations which govern the protection of the health and safety of our employees and contractors and the environment. At Klondex, environmental stewardship and the health and safety of the people on our mine sites are core values, and we are dedicated to continued improvement.
Health and Safety
- 5 -
During the second quarter of 2015, we had no lost-time injury incidents at our mines and as of June 30, 2015, operated 989 days and 266 days at Fire Creek and Midas, respectively, without a lost-time injury incident. During the second quarter of 2015, the health and safety reportable incident rates at both of our mines were lower than industry averages published by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and eight of our employees (four from each mine) received individual awards from the Nevada Mining Association for their health and safety contributions at Klondex.
Environmental
During the second quarter of 2015, we achieved a significant environmental permitting milestone with the receipt of the water pollution control permit which removed the existing mining tonnage limitation at Fire Creek, thereby reducing a constraint on future production ramp ups. Fire Creek also received confirmation from the Bureau of Land Management that the National Environmental Policy Act requires an environmental assessment analysis to be completed and accepted prior to ramping up to full production levels. We are currently working on, and remain on track for, the completion of an environmental assessment analysis for Fire Creek during late 2015.
Shortly after the second quarter, on July 14, 2015, we received the required permits for the tailings expansion at Midas and commenced construction activities. This permit allows us to construct the Phase VI raise to the tailings impoundment to an elevation of 5,680 feet above mean sea level, thereby adding approximately 400,000 tons of tailings capacity. The Phase VI raise is an engineered reinforced concrete wall, that when coupled with the existing tailings, will provide us with approximately 900,000 tons of total tailings capacity at Midas.
Exploration
Following the first quarter 2015 announcement of initial proven and probable mineral reserves at both Fire Creek and Midas, our 2015 exploration efforts have largely been focused on expanding our mineral resources through step-out drilling and attempting to locate new discoveries. We assess our drilling results on an ongoing basis and incorporate them into our future drilling plans. We currently expect to release updated NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimates for both Fire Creek and Midas by the fourth quarter of 2015.
Fire Creek
Second quarter 2015 underground and surface core drilling totaled 81 holes and 31,249 feet, bringing our first half 2015 drill hole total to 161 holes and 58,557 feet. During the second quarter of 2015 we continued to encounter new veins of mineralized material, highlighted in part by gold grades ranging from 0.28 - 6.46 oz/ton in the West Zone and 0.27 - 0.56 oz/ton in the South Zone. Drilling results from existing veins also identified positive results as we extended mineralized material on four known veins by a collective 1,400 feet with gold grades ranging from 1.24 - 2.33 oz/ton. We currently expect to focus our second half of 2015 exploration efforts on continued drilling in the West Zone from our North drill platforms.
Midas
Second quarter 2015 underground and surface core drilling totaled 65 holes and approximately 29,212 feet, bringing our first half 2015 drill hole total to 139 holes and approximately 59,697 feet. During the second quarter of 2015 we continued to explore several high-priority exploration targets such as Rico and Midas Zones in the west and the Queen Vein south of the SOW fault. Drilling was also focused on near-mine targets, such as the 505, 705, and 905 Veins, with the objective of incorporating such targets into the 2015 and 2016 mine plans. We currently expect to focus our second half of 2015 exploration efforts in the Western and Southern Zones.
Corporate Developments
The Annual General Meeting (the "AGM") was held on June 17, 2015, at which we strengthened our Board of Directors by adding Mark Daniel as a director. During the second quarter, we added Charles Oliver as a special adviser to the Board. Both of these individuals have substantial experience to help govern and grow Klondex. Additional matters approved at the AGM included the appointment of all management nominees to the Board and the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors of the Company.
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Summary of Quarterly Results
The following tables summarize select financial and operating information for the most recent eight quarters (in thousands except ounces sold):
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Quarter ended: | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | Q3 | ||||||||||||||||
Gold sold (ounces) | 26,768 | 27,135 | 26,272 | 23,166 | 20,293 | 930 | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||
Silver sold (ounces) | 543,251 | 304,557 | 400,706 | 315,504 | 343,025 | 58,053 | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 50,991 | $ | 47,252 | $ | 44,609 | $ | 38,013 | $ | 36,444 | $ | 2,627 | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 4,815 | $ | 10,062 | $ | 9,046 | $ | 7,225 | $ | 4,441 | $ | (2,412 | ) | $ | (11,358 | ) | $ | (988 | ) | |||||
Net income (loss) per share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | |||||
Diluted | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | |||||
Cash provided by (used in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
operating activities | $ | 23,085 | $ | 5,567 | $ | 10,691 | $ | 15,810 | $ | 12,899 | $ | (6,314 | ) | $ | (1,063 | ) | $ | (401 | ) |
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
As of: | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | Q3 | ||||||||||||||||
Price per share | $ | 3.40 | $ | 2.62 | $ | 1.95 | $ | 1.79 | $ | 2.00 | $ | 1.92 | $ | 1.61 | $ | 1.39 | ||||||||
Cash | $ | 67,978 | $ | 54,859 | $ | 52,770 | $ | 43,231 | $ | 15,106 | $ | 7,639 | $ | 13,509 | $ | 982 | ||||||||
Current assets | $ | 101,242 | $ | 89,424 | $ | 86,427 | $ | 72,850 | $ | 42,142 | $ | 24,638 | $ | 13,832 | $ | 2,724 | ||||||||
Current liabilities | $ | 40,740 | $ | 33,244 | $ | 30,418 | $ | 24,622 | $ | 20,927 | $ | 22,584 | $ | 13,458 | $ | 8,902 | ||||||||
Working capital | $ | 60,502 | $ | 56,180 | $ | 56,009 | $ | 48,228 | $ | 21,215 | $ | 2,054 | $ | 374 | $ | (6,178 | ) | |||||||
Total assets | $ | 333,402 | $ | 322,522 | $ | 296,206 | $ | 273,705 | $ | 237,700 | $ | 237,339 | $ | 109,852 | $ | 92,115 |
Prior to and including the first quarter of 2014, proceeds from metal sales from the bulk-sampling program at Fire Creek were recorded as a reduction to mineral properties. We acquired Midas in the first quarter of 2014 and began to recognize revenue from Midas in that quarter and began to recognize revenue from Fire Creek in the second quarter of 2014. Accordingly, since the first quarter of 2014, our ounces sold, revenues, and income per share have generally increased as we ramped up our mine production and operations.
- 7 -
Consolidated Financial Results of Operations
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Revenues | $ | 50,991 | $ | 36,444 | $ | 98,243 | $ | 39,071 | ||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||
Production costs | 25,429 | 18,723 | 52,289 | 20,398 | ||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 8,709 | 6,649 | 18,298 | 6,926 | ||||||||
Gross profit | 16,853 | 11,072 | 27,656 | 11,747 | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 3,717 | 2,173 | 7,159 | 4,403 | ||||||||
Loss on asset classified as held for sale | 432 | | 432 | | ||||||||
Income from operations | 12,704 | 8,899 | 20,065 | 7,344 | ||||||||
Business acquisition costs | | (383 | ) | | (2,257 | ) | ||||||
Gain on derivative, net | 143 | 1,033 | 365 | 1,592 | ||||||||
Finance charges | (2,642 | ) | (2,726 | ) | (5,292 | ) | (4,236 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency (loss) gain | (1,724 | ) | 1,012 | 7,783 | 1,012 | |||||||
Income before tax | 8,481 | 7,835 | 22,921 | 3,455 | ||||||||
Income tax expense | 3,666 | 3,394 | 8,044 | 1,426 | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 4,815 | $ | 4,441 | $ | 14,877 | $ | 2,029 | ||||
Net income per share - basic | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.02 |
Revenues
Gold Revenue - The table below summarizes changes in gold revenue, ounces sold, and average realized prices for the following periods (in thousands, except ounces sold and per ounce amounts):
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Total gold revenue (thousands) | $ | 39,925 | $ | 28,884 | $ | 80,742 | $ | 30,235 | ||||
Gold ounces sold (1) | 26,768 | 20,293 | 53,903 | 21,223 | ||||||||
Average realized price (per ounce) - CDN$ | 1,492 | 1,423 | 1,498 | 1,425 | ||||||||
The change in gold revenue was attributable to: | 2015 vs. 2014 | 2015 vs. 2014 | ||||||||||
Increase in ounces sold | $ | 9,217 | $ | 46,557 | ||||||||
Increase in average realized price | 1,383 | 1,555 | ||||||||||
Effect of average realized price increase on ounces sold increase | 441 | 2,395 | ||||||||||
$ | 11,041 | $ | 50,507 |
(1) Includes ounces delivered under the Gold Purchase Agreement (Note 6) and sold under the Gold Supply Agreement (Note 8).
Gold revenues increased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 from the same periods of 2014 as the Midas acquisition was completed in February 2014, after which we began increasing production and ramped up operations at both Midas and Fire Creek. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, Fire Creek and Midas operated at planned levels which, in part, resulted in an additional 6,475 and 32,680 gold ounces sold, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2014. As shown in the Mining Operations section, concurrent with an increase in ore tons milled, our consolidated average gold mill head grades were higher by 0.07 oz/ton (approximately 18.4%) and 0.04 oz/ton (approximately 9.3%) during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the 2014 periods. Our 2015 plans incorporate higher average annual gold grades and increased ore mining rates than the 2014 periods, which we were able to achieve as of the six months ended June 30, 2015. Additionally, despite decreasing United States dollar market prices per gold ounce, favorable US$:CDN$ exchange rates increased our average realized prices per gold ounce sold during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 as our metal sales transactions occur in U.S. dollars and are reported in Canadian dollars.
- 8 -
Silver Revenue - The table below summarizes changes in silver revenue, ounces sold, and average realized prices for the following periods (in thousands, except ounces sold and per ounce amounts):
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Total silver revenue (thousands) | $ | 11,066 | $ | 7,560 | $ | 17,501 | $ | 8,836 | ||||
Silver ounces sold | 543,251 | 343,025 | 847,808 | 401,078 | ||||||||
Average realized price (per ounce) - CDN$ | 20.37 | 22.04 | 20.64 | 22.03 | ||||||||
The change in silver revenue was attributable to: | 2015 vs. 2014 | 2015 vs. 2014 | ||||||||||
Increase in ounces sold | $ | 4,413 | $ | 9,843 | ||||||||
Decrease in average realized price | (573 | ) | (557 | ) | ||||||||
Effect of average realized price decrease on ounces sold increase | (334 | ) | (621 | ) | ||||||||
$ | 3,506 | $ | 8,665 |
Silver revenues increased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 from the same periods of 2014 as the Midas acquisition was completed in February 2014, after which we began increasing production and ramped up operations at both Midas and Fire Creek. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, Fire Creek and Midas operated at planned levels which, in part, resulted in an additional 200,226 and 446,730 silver ounces sold, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2014. As shown in the Mining Operations section, concurrent with an increase in ore tons milled, our consolidated average silver mill head grades were higher by 0.62 oz/ton (approximately 8.4%) during the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the 2014 period, the benefits of which were partially offset by nominal decreases in our average silver recoveries and average realized prices.
Cost of sales
Total cost of sales consists of production costs and depreciation and depletion. The table below summarizes changes in total cost of sales for the following periods (in thousands):
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Production costs | $ | 25,429 | $ | 18,723 | $ | 52,289 | $ | 20,398 | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | 8,709 | 6,649 | 18,298 | 6,926 | ||||||||
$ | 34,138 | $ | 25,372 | $ | 70,587 | $ | 27,324 | |||||
The change in cost of sales was attributable to: | 2015 vs. 2014 | 2015 vs. 2014 | ||||||||||
Increase in gold equivalent ounces sold | $ | 9,066 | $ | 38,694 | ||||||||
(Decrease) increase in average cost of sales per gold equivalent ounce | (221 | ) | 1,891 | |||||||||
Effect of average cost per ounce (decrease) increase on gold equivalent ounces sold increase | (79 | ) | 2,678 | |||||||||
$ | 8,766 | $ | 43,263 |
Production costs - As discussed above, during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 we had significant increases in the number of gold and silver ounces sold. The additional ounces sold increased our total Production costs . On a per gold equivalent ounce sold basis, our Production costs recorded in the condensed consolidated interim statements of income averaged approximately $847 and $728 per ounce during the first and second quarters of 2015, respectively, resulting in average production costs of $785 per gold equivalent ounce for the first six months of 2015. Higher first quarter 2015 production costs were attributable to additional mobile equipment maintenance costs, the acceleration of non-capital waste development activities at Midas, and water and sediment removal costs at Fire Creek. Production costs during the second quarter of 2015 decreased, benefiting from the prior quarter activities.
- 9 -
Depreciation and depletion - The cost of our Mineral properties, plant and equipment in service generally increases period over period due to recurring sustaining capital expenditures and planned non-sustaining (expansion) capital expenditures. From June 30, 2014 to June 30, 2015, the cost balance of our long-lived assets increased $82.4 million; however, due to increases in the mineral resource bases at both Fire Creek and Midas, the amount of depreciation and depletion per gold equivalent ounce sold remained comparable. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, depreciation and depletion per gold equivalent ounce sold ranged from $249 to $275 per ounce.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative costs totaled $3.7 million and $2.2 million during the second quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $7.2 million and $4.4 million during the first six months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Increases in the 2015 periods are due to higher compensation and benefit costs from increased staff levels at the corporate office due to our growth following the February 2014 acquisition of Midas.
Loss on asset classified as held for sale
Loss on sale of equipment totaled $0.4 million in both the second quarter and first six months of 2015 as we classified a used jumbo drill rig as available for sale which had a carrying value that exceeded its estimated fair value, less costs to sell. The used drill rig, which as of June 30, 2015 was included in Prepaid expenses and other , and was being actively marketed which resulted in its sale in the third quarter of 2015.
Gain on derivative, net
Change in fair value of the derivative is related to the gold supply agreement dated as of March 31, 2011 and amended and restated as of October 4, 2011 between our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Company, and Waterton Global Value, L.P. (the "Gold Supply Agreement") and totaled $0.1 million and $1.0 million during the second quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $0.4 million and $1.6 million during the first six months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Gains were largely attributable to the decrease in fair value of the derivative liability due to declining estimates of forward metal prices, which were partially offset by losses recorded for gold ounces sold to the counterparty under the gold supply agreement. For additional detail on the Gold Supply Agreement, including amounts recorded to Gain on derivative, net , see Note 8. Derivative Liability Related to Gold Supply Agreement in the notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Finance charges
Finance charges totaled $2.6 million and $2.7 million during the second quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $5.3 million and $4.2 million during the first six months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Finance charges are primarily related to our 11.0% senior secured notes issued on February 2014 (the "Senior Notes") and effective interest on the gold purchase agreement dated February 11, 2014 between us and Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp. (the "Gold Purchase Agreement"), both of which contributed to financing the Midas acquisition. For additional detail on our borrowing agreements and amounts recorded to Finance charges , see Note 11. Finance Charges in the notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Foreign currency (loss) gain
Foreign currency (loss) gain totaled $(1.7) million and $1.0 million during the second quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $7.8 million and $1.0 million during the first six months of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and primarily relate to unrealized amounts on intercompany loan balances which we expect to settle in due course.
Income tax expense
- 10 -
Income tax expense totaled $3.7 million and $3.4 million during the second quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $8.0 million and $1.4 million during the first six months of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and includes amounts for the State of Nevada net proceeds tax and federal income tax. See 12. Income Taxes in the notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for additional detail.
Net income and Net income per share - basic
For the reasons discussed above, we reported net income of $4.8 million (or $0.04 per share) and $4.4 million (or $0.04 per share) during the second quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $14.9 million (or $0.12 per share) and $2.0 million (or $0.02 per share) during the first six months of 2015 and 2014, respectively.
- 11 -
Mining Operations
Consolidated
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
Mine operations | 2015 | 2014 | Change | 2015 | 2014 | Change | ||||||||||||
Ore tons milled | 63,059 | 46,047 | 17,012 | 120,723 | 67,774 | 52,949 | ||||||||||||
Average gold mill head grade (oz/ton) | 0.45 | 0.38 | 0.07 | 0.47 | 0.43 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||
Average silver mill head grade (oz/ton) | 8.00 | 7.38 | 0.62 | 7.42 | 7.49 | (0.07 | ) | |||||||||||
Average gold recovery rate (%) | 94.4% | 92.8% | 1.6% | 94.2% | 93.5% | 0.7% | ||||||||||||
Average silver recovery rate (%) | 93.6% | 95.4% | (1.8% | ) | 92.4% | 95.1% | (2.7% | ) | ||||||||||
Gold produced (ounces) | 26,552 | 17,093 | 9,459 | 53,777 | 30,638 | 23,139 | ||||||||||||
Silver produced (ounces) | 472,473 | 325,018 | 147,455 | 826,928 | 483,390 | 343,538 | ||||||||||||
Gold sold (ounces) (1) | 26,768 | 20,293 | 6,475 | 53,903 | 23,662 | (2) | 30,241 | |||||||||||
Silver sold (ounces) | 543,251 | 343,025 | 200,226 | 847,808 | 401,078 | 446,730 | ||||||||||||
Gold equivalent sold (ounces) (1)(3) | 34,189 | 25,603 | 8,586 | 65,581 | 29,861 | (2) | 35,720 | |||||||||||
Revenues and realized prices - CDN$ | ||||||||||||||||||
Gold revenue (000s) | $ | 39,925 | $ | 28,884 | $ | 11,041 | $ | 80,742 | $ | 30,235 | $ | 50,507 | ||||||
Silver revenue (000s) | 11,066 | 7,560 | 3,506 | 17,501 | 8,836 | 8,665 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues (000s) | $ | 50,991 | $ | 36,444 | $ | 14,547 | $ | 98,243 | $ | 39,071 | $ | 59,172 | ||||||
Average realized gold price ($/oz) | $ | 1,492 | $ | 1,423 | $ | 69 | $ | 1,498 | $ | 1,425 | $ | 73 | ||||||
Average realized silver price ($/oz) | $ | 20.37 | $ | 22.04 | $ | (1.67 | ) | $ | 20.64 | $ | 22.03 | $ | (1.39 | ) | ||||
Non-IFRS Measures - CDN$ | ||||||||||||||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis (3) | $ | 537 | $ | 550 | $ | (13 | ) | $ | 645 | $ | 545 | $ | 100 | |||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold (3) | $ | 744 | $ | 731 | $ | 13 | $ | 797 | $ | 744 | $ | 53 | ||||||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold (3) | $ | 732 | $ | 835 | $ | (103 | ) | $ | 858 | $ | 1,049 | $ | (191 | ) | ||||
Non-IFRS Measures - US$ | ||||||||||||||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis (3)(4) | $ | 437 | $ | 504 | $ | (67 | ) | $ | 522 | $ | 497 | $ | 25 | |||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold (3)(4) | $ | 605 | $ | 670 | $ | (65 | ) | $ | 646 | $ | 679 | $ | (33 | ) | ||||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold (3)(4) | $ | 595 | $ | 766 | $ | (171 | ) | $ | 695 | $ | 957 | $ | (262 | ) |
(1)
Includes ounces sold (if any) under
the Gold Supply Agreement and ounces delivered under the Gold Purchase
Agreement, see Notes 6 and 8 to the notes to condensed consolidated interim
financial statements for additional detail.
(2)
Includes 2,439
gold ounces ($3.3 million in cash receipts) sold during the first quarter of
2014, the proceeds of which were used to reduce the carrying value of the Fire
Creek mineral property. Accordingly, proceeds from such ounces sold are excluded
from
Revenues
forthefirstquarterandfirstsixmonthsof2014whilebeingpresentedintheabovetable.
(3)
This is a non-IFRS measure, refer to the
Non-IFRS
Measure
s section of this MD&A for additional detail.
(4)
See the
U.S. Dollar
Conversions
section of this MD&A for exchange rates used to
present U.S. dollar Non-IFRS Measures.
On a consolidated basis, Fire Creek's and Midas's second quarter 2015 results included the sale of an all-time high 34,189 gold equivalent ounces, consisting of 26,768 gold ounces and 543,251 silver ounces, as metal was produced according to our second quarter plan, which included reducing our costs and increasing our production levels compared to the first quarter of 2015. Discussions of each project's operations and second quarter 2015 results are provided on the following pages.
- 12 -
Fire Creek Project
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
Mine operations | 2015 | 2014 | Change | 2015 | 2014 | Change | ||||||||||||
Ore tons milled | 19,631 | 14,324 | 5,307 | 40,473 | 22,090 | 18,383 | ||||||||||||
Average gold mill head grade (oz/ton) | 1.00 | 0.94 | 0.06 | 0.95 | 1.07 | (0.12 | ) | |||||||||||
Average silver mill head grade (oz/ton) | 1.31 | 0.69 | 0.62 | 1.13 | 0.90 | 0.23 | ||||||||||||
Average gold recovery rate (%) | 94.5% | 92.9% | 1.6% | 94.5% | 93.6% | 0.9% | ||||||||||||
Average silver recovery rate (%) | 93.0% | 96.2% | (3.2% | ) | 92.1% | 95.2% | (3.1% | ) | ||||||||||
Gold produced (ounces) | 18,558 | 12,549 | 6,009 | 36,455 | 24,463 | 11,992 | ||||||||||||
Silver produced (ounces) | 23,852 | 9,514 | 14,338 | 42,238 | 18,969 | 23,269 | ||||||||||||
Gold sold (ounces) (1) | 18,457 | 17,476 | 981 | 36,540 | 19,915 | (2) | 16,625 | |||||||||||
Silver sold (ounces) | 33,383 | 15,456 | 17,927 | 44,970 | 15,456 | 29,514 | ||||||||||||
Gold equivalent sold (ounces) (1)(3) | 18,925 | 17,725 | 1,200 | 37,169 | 20,165 | (2) | 17,004 | |||||||||||
Revenues and realized prices - CDN$ | ||||||||||||||||||
Gold revenue (000s) | $ | 27,388 | $ | 24,913 | $ | 2,475 | $ | 54,512 | $ | 24,913 | $ | 29,599 | ||||||
Silver revenue (000s) | 694 | 355 | 339 | 938 | 355 | 583 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues (000s) | $ | 28,082 | $ | 25,268 | $ | 2,814 | $ | 55,450 | $ | 25,268 | $ | 30,182 | ||||||
Average realized gold price ($/oz) | $ | 1,484 | $ | 1,426 | $ | 58 | $ | 1,492 | $ | 1,419 | $ | 73 | ||||||
Average realized silver price ($/oz) | $ | 20.79 | $ | 22.97 | $ | (2.18 | ) | $ | 20.86 | $ | 22.97 | $ | (2.11 | ) | ||||
Non-IFRS Measures - CDN$ | ||||||||||||||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce | ||||||||||||||||||
sold on a by-product basis (3) | $ | 577 | $ | 555 | $ | 22 | $ | 589 | $ | 555 | $ | 34 | ||||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold (3) | $ | 600 | $ | 568 | $ | 32 | $ | 604 | $ | 568 | $ | 36 | ||||||
Non-IFRS Measures - US$ | ||||||||||||||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis (3)(4) | $ | 469 | $ | 509 | $ | (40 | ) | $ | 477 | $ | 506 | $ | (29 | ) | ||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold (3)(4) | $ | 488 | $ | 521 | $ | (33 | ) | $ | 489 | $ | 518 | $ | (29 | ) |
(1)
Includes ounces sold (if any) under
the Gold Supply Agreement and ounces delivered under the Gold Purchase
Agreement, see Notes 6 and 8 to the notes to condensed consolidated interim
financial statements for additional detail.
(2)
Includes 2,439
gold ounces ($3.3 million in cash receipts) sold during the first quarter of
2014, the proceeds of which were used to reduce the carrying value of the Fire
Creek mineral property. Accordingly, proceeds from such ounces sold are excluded
from
Revenues
forthefirstquarterandfirstsixmonthsof2014whilebeingpresentedintheabovetable.
(3)
This is a non-IFRS measure, refer to the
Non-IFRS
Measure
s section of this MD&A for additional detail.
(4)
See the
U.S. Dollar
Conversions
section of this MD&A for exchange rates used to
present U.S. dollar Non-IFRS Measures.
- 13 -
Operations - Fire Creek continued to operate as planned during the second quarter of 2015, with an average daily milling rate of approximately 216 tons per day (232 tons per day in the first quarter of 2015), an average gold mill head grade of 1.00 oz/ton (0.91 oz/ton in the first quarter of 2015), and quarterly gold production of 18,558 ounces (17,897 gold ounces produced in the first quarter of 2015). Gold and silver revenues and underlying ounces sold increased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 from the same periods of 2014 as the prior period results reflect Fire Creek's ramp-up phase following our February 2014 acquisition of Midas. Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis of $577 (US$469) and production cash costs per GEO sold of $600 (US$488) decreased from the first quarter of 2015, in which development and water and sediment removal activities increased our costs of production, resulting in first quarter 2015 production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis of $601 (US$484) and production cash costs per GEO sold of $609 (US$491).
As shown above, in both the 2015 and 2014 periods, our year-to-date and quarterly performance measures demonstrate Fire Creek's consistency in generating significant margins at varying mining rates, which we believe will allow us to continue to mine the mineral deposit in a responsible manner in terms of future mine planning. Additionally, we are currently evaluating the merits that a long-hole stoping mining program may have at Fire Creek with the goal of further improving production rates and costs. Our first long-hole stope is expected in the third quarter of 2015.
Development - During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, capital additions at Fire Creek totaled $6.4 million and $10.5 million, respectively, consisting primarily of planned exploration and mine development expenditures.
- 14 -
Midas Mine and Mill
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
Mine operations | 2015 | 2014 | Change | 2015 | 2014 | Change | ||||||||||||
Ore tons milled | 43,428 | 31,723 | 11,705 | 80,250 | 45,684 | 34,566 | ||||||||||||
Average gold mill head grade (oz/ton) | 0.20 | 0.13 | 0.07 | 0.23 | 0.13 | 0.10 | ||||||||||||
Average silver mill head grade (oz/ton) | 11.03 | 10.40 | 0.63 | 10.59 | 10.68 | (0.09 | ) | |||||||||||
Average gold recovery rate (%) | 94.1% | 92.7% | 1.4% | 93.6% | 93.3% | 0.3% | ||||||||||||
Average silver recovery rate (%) | 93.7% | 95.4% | (1.7% | ) | 92.4% | 95.1% | (2.7% | ) | ||||||||||
Gold produced (ounces) | 7,994 | 4,544 | 3,450 | 17,322 | 6,175 | 11,147 | ||||||||||||
Silver produced (ounces) | 448,621 | 315,504 | 133,117 | 784,690 | 464,421 | 320,269 | ||||||||||||
Gold sold (ounces) (1) | 8,311 | 2,817 | 5,494 | 17,363 | 3,747 | 13,616 | ||||||||||||
Silver sold (ounces) | 509,868 | 327,569 | 182,299 | 802,838 | 385,622 | 417,216 | ||||||||||||
Gold equivalent sold (ounces) (1)(2) | 15,183 | 7,927 | 7,256 | 28,331 | 9,716 | 18,615 | ||||||||||||
Revenues and realized prices - CDN$ | ||||||||||||||||||
Gold revenue (000s) | $ | 12,537 | $ | 3,971 | $ | 8,566 | $ | 26,230 | $ | 5,322 | $ | 20,908 | ||||||
Silver revenue (000s) | 10,372 | 7,205 | 3,167 | 16,563 | 8,481 | 8,082 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues (000s) | $ | 22,909 | $ | 11,176 | $ | 11,733 | $ | 42,793 | $ | 13,803 | $ | 28,990 | ||||||
Average realized gold price ($/oz) | $ | 1,508 | $ | 1,410 | $ | 98 | $ | 1,511 | $ | 1,420 | $ | 91 | ||||||
Average realized silver price ($/oz) | $ | 20.34 | $ | 22.00 | $ | (1.66 | ) | $ | 20.63 | $ | 21.99 | $ | (1.36 | ) | ||||
Non-IFRS Measures - CDN$ | ||||||||||||||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis (2) | $ | 446 | $ | 518 | $ | (72 | ) | $ | 764 | $ | 496 | $ | 268 | |||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold (2) | $ | 927 | $ | 1,093 | $ | (166 | ) | $ | 1,053 | $ | 1,064 | $ | (11 | ) | ||||
Non-IFRS Measures - US$ | ||||||||||||||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis (2)(3) | $ | 363 | $ | 475 | $ | (112 | ) | $ | 619 | $ | 452 | $ | 167 | |||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold (2)(3) | $ | 754 | $ | 1,002 | $ | (248 | ) | $ | 853 | $ | 970 | $ | (117 | ) |
(1)
Includes ounces sold (if any) under
the Gold Supply Agreement and ounces delivered under the Gold Purchase
Agreement, see Notes 6 and 8 to the notes to condensed consolidated interim
financial statements for additional detail.
(2)
This is a non-IFRS
measure, refer to the
Non-IFRS Measure
s section of this MD&A for
additional detail.
(3)
See the
U.S.
Dollar Conversions
section of this MD&A for
exchange rates used to present U.S. dollar Non-IFRS Measures.
Operations - The second quarter 2015 results at Midas were stronger than anticipated as we sold a record 15,183 GEOs due to the benefits of high silver grades and previously completed development activities in which additional mining faces were created. During the second quarter of 2015, with an average daily milling rate of approximately 477 tons per day (409 tons per day in the first quarter of 2015), an average gold mill head grade of 0.20 oz/ton (0.27 oz/ton in the first quarter of 2015), an average silver mill head grade of 11.03 oz/ton (10.06 oz/ton in the first quarter of 2015), quarterly production totaled 7,994 gold ounces and 448,621 silver ounces. Gold and silver revenues and underlying ounces sold increased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 from the same periods of 2014 as the prior period results reflect the ramp-up phase following our February 2014 acquisition of Midas. Due in part to increased silver ounce sales quantities and higher silver grades, production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis of $446 (US$363) and production cash costs per GEO sold of $927 (US$754) were lower than the first quarter of 2015, in which production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $1,045 (US$841) and production cash costs per GEO sold of $1,198 (US$966).
Development - During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, capital additions at Midas totaled $10.7 million and $17.3 million, respectively, consisting primarily of planned exploration and mine development expenditures, purchase of light-duty vehicles, mill and processing facility costs, and the initial work began on the tailings dam expansion.
- 15 -
Financial Position, Liquidity, and Capital Resources
General Strategy
It is our goal to maintain sufficient liquid assets and access to capital resources. To accomplish this, we regularly perform short and long-term cash flow forecasting using current assumptions of gold and silver prices, foreign exchange rates, production rates, and operating and capital costs. Our liquidity and capital resources management strategy entails a disciplined approach in monitoring the timing and amount of any capital investment in our mines or mineral properties while continually remaining in a position which we believe will allow us to respond to changes in our business environment, such as a decrease in metal prices, and changes in other factors beyond our control.
Our capital structure is comprised of a mixture of debt and other obligations and shareholders' equity. We regularly review our capital structure and evaluate various financing options and strategies that may improve our current liquidity and financial condition, are attainable on favorable and reasonable terms, and are permissible under our existing debt agreements and other obligations. Such financing options may include, but are not limited to, revolving borrowing facilities, equipment financing, term loan facilities, refinancing existing obligations, and/or the issuance of equity securities or other instruments. Due to continually changing financial markets, commodity prices, and general operational risks, there can be no assurance that any financing options will be possible when or if required or desired by us on terms favorable to us or at all.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At June 30, 2015, our Cash balance totaled $68.0 million, increasing $15.2 million from the December 31, 2014 balance of $52.8 million. We have placed substantially all of our cash in operating accounts with two high-quality financial institutions, thereby ensuring balances remain readily available. Due to the nature of our operations, the composition of our balance sheet, and because we do not currently have access to any revolving borrowing facilities, our current assets, which include Cash , Trade receivables , Inventories , and Prepaid expenses and other , represent substantially all of our liquid assets on hand and available sources of liquidity.
The following table summarizes the estimated recoverable gold and silver ounces contained in our Inventories as of June 30, 2015:
Gold Ounces | Silver Ounces | |||||
Stockpiles | 4,730 | 78,202 | ||||
In-process | 7,617 | 106,899 | ||||
Doreé finished goods | 5,170 | 118,564 | ||||
17,517 | 303,665 |
The following table summarizes our working capital (total current assets less total current liabilities) and working capital ratio (total current assets divided by total current liabilities) (in thousands, except working capital ratio):
June 30, | December 31, | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||
Total current assets | $ | 101,242 | $ | 86,427 | $ | 14,815 | |||
Total current liabilities | 40,740 | 30,418 | 10,322 | ||||||
Working capital | $ | 60,502 | $ | 56,009 | $ | 4,493 | |||
Working capital ratio | 2.49 | 2.84 | (0.35 | ) |
Our working capital increased $4.5 million (approximately 8.0%) from December 31, 2014 to June 30, 2015, while our working capital ratio decreased by 12.3% . During the first six months of 2015 our $15.2 million increase in Cash (discussed in the Sources and Uses of Cash section) was partially offset by a $6.0 million increase in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and a $3.0 million increase in Income taxes payable . During the first six months of 2015, an increase in the trading price of our common shares contributed to the exercise of share purchase warrants and share option awards, which provided us with additional liquidity. Although gold and silver metal prices in terms of U.S. dollars generally decreased during the first six months of 2015, we continued to maintain sufficient working capital and increased our cash balance largely due to cash flows generated by our operations.
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Our June 30, 2015 working capital and cash balance will be used, in part, to service the Senior Notes ($4.0 million in principal and $2.4 million in interest over the next 12 months), deliver gold ounces under the Gold Purchase Agreement (7,750 ounces over the next 12 months), and fund sustaining and expansion capital expenditures at our mines (expected to total approximately US$19.9 million for the second half of 2015). At current metal price levels, using our estimates of future production and costs, we believe our cash flows from operating activities together with our working capital, will be sufficient to fund our business for at least the next 12 months. See the Contractual Obligations section for additional detail on the timing and amounts of our future cash requirements.
Sources and Uses of Cash (in thousands):
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | Change | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 4,815 | $ | 4,441 | $ | 374 | $ | 14,877 | $ | 2,029 | $ | 12,848 | ||||||
Net non-cash adjustments | 11,662 | 8,527 | 3,135 | 11,780 | 8,272 | 3,508 | ||||||||||||
Net change in non-cash working capital | 6,608 | (69 | ) | 6,677 | 1,995 | 6 | 1,989 | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 23,085 | 12,899 | 10,186 | 28,652 | 10,307 | 18,345 | ||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (10,476 | ) | (6,878 | ) | (3,598 | ) | (17,373 | ) | (105,741 | ) | 88,368 | |||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 1,093 | 1,515 | (422 | ) | 773 | 96,837 | (96,064 | ) | ||||||||||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances | (583 | ) | (69 | ) | (514 | ) | 3,156 | 194 | 2,962 | |||||||||
Net increase in cash | 13,119 | 7,467 | 5,652 | 15,208 | 1,597 | 13,611 | ||||||||||||
Cash, beginning of period | 54,859 | 7,639 | 52,770 | 13,509 | ||||||||||||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 67,978 | $ | 15,106 | $ | 67,978 | $ | 15,106 |
Operating Cash Flows - Although gold and silver metal prices in terms of U.S. dollars generally decreased during the first six months of 2015, our second quarter 2015 cash flows from operations increased compared to both the first quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014 as we sold a record number of gold equivalent ounces. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, our mines operated at their planned levels and generated $10.2 million and $18.3 million, respectively, of additional net operating cash flows compared to the same periods of 2014 (when operations were ramping up following the February 2014 acquisition of Midas). Net cash provided by operating activities is inclusive of 1,875 gold ounces ($3.0 million of revenue) and 3,750 gold ounces ($6.1 million of revenue), respectively, delivered under our Gold Purchase Agreement during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, which results in no cash inflows to us. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, our production cash costs per GEO sold totaled $797 (US$646) and our production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis totaled $645 (US$522), both of which were significantly less than our $1,498 (US$1,213) average realized gold price. Additionally, due to the timing of our working capital, increases in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities resulted in sources of cash of $3.3 million and $6.4 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively.
Investing Cash Flows - During the first six months of 2015, net cash used in investing activities decreased by $88.4 million compared to the same period of 2014 in which we acquired Midas for $63.7 million and increased restricted cash in support of our reclamation bonds by $31.2 million. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, we decreased our net restricted cash balances by $4.2 million and $8.3 million, respectively, and funded capital expenditures at our mines of $14.7 million and $25.8 million, respectively.
Financing Cash Flows - During the first six months of 2015, net cash provided by financing activities decreased by $96.1 million compared to the same period of 2014 in which we completed certain debt and equity transactions to finance the February 2014 acquisition of Midas. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, cash proceeds received from the exercise of warrants and share options of $2.8 million and $4.1 million, respectively, exceeded the cash payments required to service our Senior Notes' principal and interest payments of $1.7 million and $3.3 million, respectively.
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Foreign Currency Effect on Cash - A significant portion of our Cash is held in bank accounts denominated in U.S. dollars. Generally speaking, when the Canadian dollar weakens against the U.S. dollar, we experience beneficial foreign currency translation adjustments on our U.S. dollar cash balances (the opposite is true when the Canadian dollar strengthens against the U.S. dollar). Changes in exchange rates resulted in a $0.6 million decrease and a $3.2 million increase, respectively, to our cash balances during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.
Debt Covenants
The facility agreement in respect of our Senior Notes (the "Facility Agreement") and Gold Purchase Agreement contain representations and warranties, events of default, and covenants that are customary for agreements of these types that, among other things, restrict or limit our ability to incur or guarantee additional debt and pay dividends. At June 30, 2015 and as of the date of this MD&A, we were in compliance with the covenants and terms of the Facility Agreement and the Gold Purchase Agreement.
Contractual Obligations
The following table provides our gross contractual obligations as of June 30, 2015 (in thousands):
Less than 1 | More than 5 | ||||||||||||||
year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | years | Total | |||||||||||
Operating activities: | |||||||||||||||
Obligation under Gold Purchase Agreement (1) | $ | 11,483 | $ | 20,127 | $ | 1,988 | $ | | $ | 33,598 | |||||
Decommissioning provision (2) | | | | 23,741 | 23,741 | ||||||||||
Financing activities: | |||||||||||||||
Principal repayments of Senior Notes (1) | 4,000 | 19,000 | | | 23,000 | ||||||||||
Finance charges on Senior Notes (1) | 2,368 | 2,105 | | | 4,473 | ||||||||||
$ | 17,851 | $ | 41,232 | $ | 1,988 | $ | 23,741 | $ | 84,812 |
(1)
Finance charges do not include the amortization
of debt issuance costs. The Gold Purchase Agreement requires the physical
delivery of gold ounces. For additional information see
Note
6 - Deferred Revenue
Under Gold Purchase Agreement
and
Note 7 - Senior
Notes
to the notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial
statements.
(2)
For additional information on this
contractual obligation see
Note 9 -
Decommissioning Provision
to the notes to the
condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of June 30, 2015, there were no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Non-IFRS Performance Measures
We have included the non-IFRS measures Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis, "Production cash costs per gold equivalent ounce", and Allin sustaining costs per ounce (collectively, the "Non-IFRS Measures") in this MD&A. These Non-IFRS Measures are used internally to assess our operating and economic performance and to provide key performance information to management. We believe that these Non-IFRS Measures, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate our performance and ability to generate cash flows required to fund our business. These Non-IFRS Measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These Non-IFRS Measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to or consistent with measures used by other issuers or with amounts presented in our financial statements.
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Our primary business is gold production and our future development and current operations primarily focus on maximizing returns from such gold production. As a result, our Non-IFRS Measures are calculated and disclosed on a per gold ounce basis.
Production Cash Costs Per Gold Ounce Sold on a By-product Basis
Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis presents our cash costs associated with the production of gold and, as such, non-cash depreciation and depletion charges are excluded. Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis is calculated on a per ounce of gold sold basis, and includes all direct and indirect operating costs related to the physical activities of producing gold, including mining, processing, third party refining expenses, on-site administrative and support costs, and royalties (State of Nevada net proceeds taxes are excluded), net of revenues earned from silver sales (table in thousands, except ounces sold and per ounce amounts):
Three months ended June 30, 2015 | Three months ended June 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | Total | Fire Creek | Midas | Total | |||||||||||||
Production costs | $ | 11,351 | $ | 14,078 | $ | 25,429 | $ | 10,060 | $ | 8,663 | $ | 18,723 | ||||||
Less: silver by-product revenues | (694 | ) | (10,372 | ) | (11,066 | ) | (355 | ) | (7,205 | ) | (7,560 | ) | ||||||
10,657 | 3,706 | 14,363 | 9,705 | 1,458 | 11,163 | |||||||||||||
Gold ounces sold (1) | 18,457 | 8,311 | 26,768 | 17,476 | 2,817 | 20,293 | ||||||||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis - CDN$ | $ | 577 | $ | 446 | $ | 537 | $ | 555 | $ | 518 | $ | 550 | ||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis - US$ | $ | 469 | $ | 363 | $ | 437 | $ | 509 | $ | 475 | $ | 504 |
Six months ended June 30, 2015 | Six months ended June 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | Total | Fire Creek | Midas | Total | |||||||||||||
Production costs | $ | 22,464 | $ | 29,825 | $ | 52,289 | $ | 10,060 | $ | 10,338 | $ | 20,398 | ||||||
Less: silver by-product revenues | (938 | ) | (16,563 | ) | (17,501 | ) | (355 | ) | (8,481 | ) | (8,836 | ) | ||||||
21,526 | 13,262 | 34,788 | 9,705 | 1,857 | 11,562 | |||||||||||||
Gold ounces sold (1) | 36,540 | 17,363 | 53,903 | 17,476 | (2) | 3,747 | 21,223 | (2) | ||||||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis - CDN$ | $ | 589 | $ | 764 | $ | 645 | $ | 555 | $ | 496 | $ | 545 | ||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis - US$ | $ | 477 | $ | 619 | $ | 522 | $ | 506 | $ | 452 | $ | 497 |
(1)
Includes ounces sold (if any) under
the Gold Supply Agreement and ounces delivered under the Gold Purchase
Agreement, see Notes 6 and 8 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim
Financial Statements for additional detail.
(2)
Excludes 2,439 gold ounces ($3.3 million in cash receipts) sold during the
first quarter of 2014, the proceeds of which were used to reduce the carrying
value of the Fire Creek mineral property. Accordingly, when compared to the
Consolidated
and
Fire Creek
mining statistics
presented elsewhere in this MD&A, the six months ended June 30, 2014 gold
ounces sold presented in the table above is lower by 2439 goldounces
Production Cash Costs per Gold Equivalent Ounce Sold
Production cash costs per gold equivalent ounce sold presents our cash costs associated with the production of gold equivalent ounces and, as such, non-cash depreciation and depletion charges are excluded. Production cash costs per gold equivalent ounce sold is calculated on a per gold equivalent ounce sold basis, and includes all direct and indirect operating costs related to the physical activities of producing gold, including mining, processing, third party refining expenses, on-site administrative and support costs, and royalties (State of Nevada net proceeds taxes are excluded). Gold equivalent ounces are computed as the number of silver ounces required to generate the revenue derived from the sale of one gold ounce, using average realized selling prices. Beginning with the second quarter of 2015, we began using realized selling prices instead of budgeted selling prices to calculate gold equivalent ounces and, as such, gold equivalent ounces presented below may differ from previously reported amounts (table in thousands, except ounces sold and per ounce amounts):
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Three months ended June 30, 2015 | Three months ended June 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | Total | Fire Creek | Midas | Total | |||||||||||||
Average realized price per gold ounce sold | $ | 1,484 | $ | 1,508 | $ | 1,492 | $ | 1,426 | $ | 1,410 | $ | 1,423 | ||||||
Average realized price per silver ounce sold | $ | 20.79 | $ | 20.34 | $ | 20.37 | $ | 22.97 | $ | 22.00 | $ | 22.04 | ||||||
Silver ounces equivalent to revenue from one gold ounce | 71.4 | 74.2 | 73.2 | 62.1 | 64.1 | 64.6 | ||||||||||||
Silver ounces sold | 33,383 | 509,868 | 543,251 | 15,456 | 327,569 | 343,025 | ||||||||||||
GEOs from silver ounces sold | 468 | 6,872 | 7,421 | 249 | 5,110 | 5,310 | ||||||||||||
Gold ounces sold (1) | 18,457 | 8,311 | 26,768 | 17,476 | 2,817 | 20,293 | ||||||||||||
Gold equivalent ounces | 18,925 | 15,183 | 34,189 | 17,725 | 7,927 | 25,603 | ||||||||||||
Production costs | $ | 11,351 | $ | 14,078 | $ | 25,429 | $ | 10,060 | $ | 8,663 | $ | 18,723 | ||||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold - CDN$ | $ | 600 | $ | 927 | $ | 744 | $ | 568 | $ | 1,093 | $ | 731 | ||||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold - US$ | $ | 488 | $ | 754 | $ | 605 | $ | 521 | $ | 1,002 | $ | 670 |
Six months ended June 30, 2015 | Six months ended June 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | Total | Fire Creek | Midas | Total | |||||||||||||
Average realized price per gold ounce sold | $ | 1,492 | $ | 1,511 | $ | 1,498 | $ | 1,419 | $ | 1,420 | $ | 1,425 | ||||||
Average realized price per silver ounce sold | $ | 20.86 | $ | 20.63 | $ | 20.64 | $ | 22.97 | $ | 21.99 | $ | 22.03 | ||||||
Silver ounces equivalent to revenue from one gold ounce | 71.5 | 73.2 | 72.6 | 61.8 | 64.6 | 64.7 | ||||||||||||
Silver ounces sold | 44,970 | 802,838 | 847,808 | 15,456 | 385,622 | 401,078 | ||||||||||||
GEO from silver ounces sold | 629 | 10,968 | 11,678 | 250 | 5,969 | 6,199 | ||||||||||||
Gold ounces sold (1) | 36,540 | 17,363 | 53,903 | 17,476 | (2) | 3,747 | 21,223 | (2) | ||||||||||
Gold equivalent ounces | 37,169 | 28,331 | 65,581 | 17,726 | 9,716 | 27,422 | ||||||||||||
Production costs | $ | 22,464 | $ | 29,825 | $ | 52,289 | $ | 10,060 | $ | 10,338 | $ | 20,398 | ||||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold - CDN$ | $ | 604 | $ | 1,053 | $ | 797 | $ | 568 | $ | 1,064 | $ | 744 | ||||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold - US$ | $ | 489 | $ | 853 | $ | 646 | $ | 518 | $ | 970 | $ | 679 |
(1)
Includes ounces sold (if any) under
the Gold Supply Agreement and ounces delivered under the Gold Purchase
Agreement, see Notes 6 and 8 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim
Financial Statements for additional detail.
(2)
Excludes 2,439 gold ounces ($3.3 million in cash receipts) sold during the
first quarter of 2014, the proceeds of which were used to reduce the carrying
value of the Fire Creek mineral property. Accordingly, when compared to the
Consolidated
and
FireCreek
mining statistics
presented elsewhere in this MD&A, the six months ended June 30, 2014 gold
ounces sold presented in the table aboveislowerby2439goldounces
All-in Sustaining Costs per Gold Ounce Sold
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold presents the full cost of gold production from our current operations, therefore, capital amounts related to expansion projects are excluded. Certain other cash expenditures, including State of Nevada net proceeds taxes, federal tax payments, and financing costs are also excluded. Our calculation of all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce is consistent with the June 2013 guidance released by the World Gold Council, a non-regulatory, non-profit market development organization for the gold industry.
We calculate our all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold on a consolidated basis as ore from both Fire Creek and Midas is processed at Midas and because general and administrative expenses are related to our mining operations as a whole. All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold includes all (1) direct and indirect operating cash costs related to the physical activities of producing gold, including mining, processing, third party refining expenses, on-site administrative and support costs, and royalties, (2) general and administrative expenses, (3) decommissioning provision accretion, and (4) sustaining capital expenditures, the total of which is reduced for revenues earned from silver sales (table in thousands, except ounces sold and per ounce amounts):
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Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Production costs | $ | 25,429 | $ | 18,723 | $ | 52,289 | $ | 20,398 | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 3,717 | 2,173 | 7,159 | 4,403 | ||||||||
Decommissioning provision accretion | 112 | 74 | 231 | 217 | ||||||||
Sustaining capital expenditures | 1,413 | 3,542 | 4,076 | 6,080 | ||||||||
Less: Silver revenue | (11,066 | ) | (7,560 | ) | (17,501 | ) | (8,836 | ) | ||||
19,605 | 16,952 | 46,254 | 22,262 | |||||||||
Gold ounces sold (1) | 26,768 | 20,293 | 53,903 | 21,223 | (2) | |||||||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold - CDN$ | $ | 732 | $ | 835 | $ | 858 | $ | 1,049 | ||||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold - US$ | $ | 595 | $ | 766 | $ | 695 | $ | 957 |
(1)
Includes ounces sold (if any) under
the Gold Supply Agreement and ounces delivered under the Gold Purchase
Agreement, see Notes 6 and 8 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim
Financial Statements for additional detail.
(2)
Excludes 2,439 gold ounces ($3.3 million in cash receipts) sold
during the first quarter of 2014, the proceeds of which were used to reduce the
carrying value of the Fire Creek mineral property. Accordingly, when compared to
the
Consolidated
and
FireCreek
mining statistics
presented elsewhere in this MD&A, the six months ended June 30, 2014 gold
ounces sold presented in the table aboveislowerby2,439goldounces.
We define sustaining capital expenditures as those costs which do not contribute to a material increase in annual gold ounce production over the next 12 months. As such, sustaining capital expenditures exclude amounts for certain exploration activities, underground mine development in which the production benefit will be primarily realized in periods greater than the next 12 months, certain capital expenditures at the corporate office, and permitting activities related to expansion efforts. The following table reconciles sustaining capital expenditures to our total capital expenditures (in thousands):
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Sustaining capital expenditures | $ | 1,413 | $ | 3,542 | $ | 4,076 | $ | 6,080 | ||||
Expansion and non-sustaining expenditures | 13,313 | 3,085 | 21,700 | 4,795 | ||||||||
$ | 14,726 | $ | 6,627 | $ | 25,776 | $ | 10,875 |
Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates
Changes in Accounting Policies
The preparation of our condensed consolidated interim financial statements follow the same accounting policies disclosed in Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014. We continue to evaluate the impacts of the recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements disclosed in Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements of our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Significant Judgments and Estimates
The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires management to make judgments, assumptions, and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and contingencies as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues, expenses, and taxes during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from estimates as the estimation process is inherently uncertain. Estimates are reviewed on an ongoing basis based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant at the time such estimates are made.
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Revisions to estimates and the resulting impacts on the carrying amounts of our assets and liabilities are accounted for prospectively.
In preparing our unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2015, we applied the critical judgments and estimates disclosed in Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuers Annual and Interim Filings (National Instrument 52-109) requires public companies in Canada to submit interim and annual certificates relating to the design of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) and an annual certificate that includes evaluating the effectiveness of ICFR. Our ICFR is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining ICFR. We used the 2013 Commission of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) framework as the basis for designing our ICFR. Due to its inherent limitations, ICFR may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis as such systems can only be designed to provide reasonable as opposed to absolute assurance. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of ICFR to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
There were no changes in ICFR during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 that are reasonably likely to materially affect or that have materially affected ICFR.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported on a timely basis to senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to enable this information to be reviewed and discussed so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding the timely public disclosure of the information. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer each evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as at December 31, 2014 and concluded that these controls and procedures were effective. Since the December 31, 2014 evaluation, there have been no material changes to our disclosure controls and procedures.
Exchange Listing and Outstanding Share Data
Our common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol KDX and on the OTCQX under the symbol "KLNDF". We have an unlimited number of common shares authorized for issuance. As of June 30, 2015, we had 130,071,079 common shares issued and outstanding, 9,075,489 outstanding share purchase options, and 9,253,696 outstanding share purchase warrants. As of August 10, 2015, we had 130,822,055 common shares issued and outstanding, 10,696,406 outstanding purchase options, and 9,183,796 outstanding share purchase warrants.
Cautionary Notes
Forward-Looking Statements
This MD&A contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof. In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "believe", "intend", "may", "will", "should", "could", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "potential", "intends", "expects" and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information reflects the current expectations and assumptions of management, and is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information, including, but not limited to information relating to the actual results of exploration and evaluation activities, actual results of reclamation activities, the estimation or realization of mineral resources and mineral reserves, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the timing and receipt of required permits and approvals, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new mineral deposits, requirements for additional capital, the sufficiency of working capital, and the future prices of precious and base metals, is inherently uncertain. In addition, the timing and magnitude of certain events are inherently risky and uncertain, particularly as they relate to the possible variations in mineral grade or recovery rates, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes, road blocks and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation.
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Key assumptions upon which our forward-looking information is based include the following: estimated prices for gold and silver; being able to secure new financing to continue exploration, development and operational activities; currency exchange rates; our ability to comply with environmental, safety and other regulatory requirements and being able to obtain regulatory approvals (including licenses and permits) in a timely manner; there not being any material adverse effects arising as a result of political instability, taxes or royalty increases, terrorism, sabotage, natural disasters, equipment failures or adverse changes in government legislation or the socio-economic conditions in the regions in which we operate; us being able to achieve our growth strategy; our operating costs; key personnel and access to all equipment necessary to operate the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine.
These assumptions should be carefully considered. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information or the assumptions on which our forward-looking information is based. You are advised to carefully review and consider the risk factors identified in this MD&A under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere herein for a discussion of the factors that could cause our actual results and performance to be materially different from any anticipated future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. You are further cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive and it is recommended that you consult the more complete discussion of our business, financial condition and prospects that are included in this MD&A. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date.
Although we believe that the assumptions on which the forward-looking information is given are reasonable, based on the information available to us on the date such forward-looking information was given, no assurances can be given as to whether these assumptions will prove to be correct. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. We do not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as, and to the extent, required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Technical Information
We will make a production decision at the Fire Creek Project when final environmental permits are received as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the Midas Mine, prior to the acquisition of the Midas Mine by the Company, and the Company made a decision to continue production subsequent to the Midas Acquisition. This decision by the Company to continue production and, to the knowledge of the Company, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, but rather were based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the project. The Company has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. You are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
Scientific and technical information in this MD&A has been reviewed and approved by Brian Morris, a "qualified person" within the meaning of NI 43-101.
For further information on the Fire Creek Project, please see the technical report titled "Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada", dated as of and filed on SEDAR on March 16, 2015 (with an effective date of December 31, 2014) (the "Fire Creek Technical Report"). For further information on the Midas Project, please see the technical report titled "Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada", filed on SEDAR on April 2, 2015 (with an effective date of August 31, 2014) (the "Midas Technical Report").
- 23 -
Risk Factors
As a resource acquisition, exploration, development and production company, we are engaged in a highly speculative business that involves a high degree of risk and is frequently unsuccessful. In addition to the information disclosed elsewhere in this MD&A, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before deciding whether to invest in our securities. These risk factors do not necessarily comprise all of the risks to which we are or will be subject . Our failure to successfully address the risks and uncertainties described below could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations and could cause the trading price of our securities to decline. We cannot guarantee that we will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect our business. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of the possibilities described in such risks actually occurs, our business, our financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected. In addition to the risk factors mentioned below, you are encouraged to read the risk factors as more fully described in our filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators, including our annual information form, available under our issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Important risk factors to consider, among others, are the following:
| Forecasts of future production are estimates only, and actual production may be less than estimated. | |
| We are extracting mineralized material from our Fire Creek Project under a bulk sample permit and must obtain a Full-Production permit to operate beyond the bulk sample permit. | |
| Our exploration activities may not be commercially successful. | |
| Exploration, development and mining involve a high degree of risk. | |
| We may be adversely affected by fluctuations in gold and silver prices. | |
| Our ability to pay interest and loan repayments depends on production and cash flows. | |
| We are subject to foreign exchange risk relating to the relative value of the U.S. dollar. | |
| Title to our mineral properties may be subject to other claims. | |
| Mineral resources and mineral reserves are only estimates which may be unreliable. | |
| We currently have only two material properties. | |
| Our operations are subject to environmental risks. |
- 24 -
FORM 52-109F2
CERTIFICATION OF INTERIM
FILINGS
FULL CERTIFICATE
I, Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review : I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the "interim filings " ) of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the "issuer") for the interim period ended June 30, 2015. |
||
2. |
No misrepresentations : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings. |
||
3. |
Fair presentation : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings. |
||
4. |
Responsibility : The issuers other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in lssuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
||
5. |
Design : Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings: |
||
(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that: |
||
(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and |
||
(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
||
(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuers GAAP. |
||
5.1 |
Control framework : The control framework the issuers other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuers ICFR is Internal Control - Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission . |
||
5.2 |
ICFR - material weakness relating to design : N/A |
||
5.3 |
Limitation on scope of design : N/A |
-2-
6. |
Reporting changes in ICFR : The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuers ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on April 1, 2015 and ended on June 30, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuers ICFR. |
Date: August 12, 2015.
(signed) Paul Huet |
Paul Huet |
Chief Executive Officer |
FORM 52-109F2
CERTIFICATION OF INTERIM
FILINGS
FULL CERTIFICATE
I, Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review : I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the "interim filings " ) of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the "issuer") for the interim period ended June 30, 2015. |
||
2. |
No misrepresentations : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings. |
||
3. |
Fair presentation : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings. |
||
4. |
Responsibility : The issuers other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in lssuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
||
5. |
Design : Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings: |
||
(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that: |
||
(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and |
||
(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
||
(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuers GAAP. |
||
5.1 |
Control framework : The control framework the issuers other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuers ICFR is Internal Control - Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission . |
||
5.2 |
ICFR - material weakness relating to design : N/A |
||
5.3 |
Limitation on scope of design : N/A |
-2-
6. |
Reporting changes in ICFR : The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuers ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on April 1, 2015 and ended on June 30, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuers ICFR. |
Date: August 12, 2015.
(signed) Barry Dahl |
Barry Dahl |
Chief Financial Officer |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
financial statements
|
2 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
March 31 | December 31 | |||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Assets | ||||||
Current assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 54,859 | $ | 52,770 | ||
Receivables (note 4) | 296 | 3,807 | ||||
Inventories (note 5) | 25,286 | 25,079 | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other (note 6) | 8,983 | 4,771 | ||||
89,424 | 86,427 | |||||
Mineral properties, plant and equipment (note 7) | 208,915 | 187,665 | ||||
Reclamation bonds (note 8) | 23,464 | 21,808 | ||||
Deferred tax asset | 719 | 306 | ||||
Total assets | $ | 322,522 | $ | 296,206 | ||
Liabilities | ||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 9) | $ | 14,317 | $ | 13,611 | ||
Income taxes payable | 2,184 | 1,370 | ||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement, current (note 10) | 11,459 | 10,278 | ||||
Loans payable, current (note 11) | 3,664 | 3,664 | ||||
Derivative liability related to gold supply agreement, current (note 12) | 1,620 | 1,495 | ||||
33,244 | 30,418 | |||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement (note 10) | 24,177 | 23,618 | ||||
Loans payable (note 11) | 17,890 | 18,613 | ||||
Derivative liability related to gold supply agreement (note 12) | 3,317 | 3,578 | ||||
Decommissioning provision (note 13) | 24,023 | 21,442 | ||||
Deferred tax liability | 6,267 | 5,978 | ||||
Total liabilities | 108,918 | 103,647 | ||||
Shareholders' Equity | ||||||
Share capital (note 14) | 186,283 | 184,292 | ||||
Contributed surplus | 24,961 | 24,822 | ||||
Deficit | (15,588 | ) | (25,650 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 17,948 | 9,095 | ||||
Total shareholders' equity | 213,604 | 192,559 | ||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 322,522 | $ | 296,206 |
See Contingencies (note 22)
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
financial statements
|
3 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Income (Loss) |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Revenues | $ | 47,252 | $ | 2,627 | ||
Cost of sales | ||||||
Production costs | 26,860 | 1,675 | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | 9,589 | 277 | ||||
Gross profit | 10,803 | 675 | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 3,442 | 2,229 | ||||
Income (loss) from operations | 7,361 | (1,554 | ) | |||
Business acquisition costs | - | (1,874 | ) | |||
Gain on change in fair value of derivative (note 12) | 222 | 558 | ||||
Finance charges (note 15) | (2,650 | ) | (1,510 | ) | ||
Foreign currency gain (note 16) | 9,507 | - | ||||
Income (loss) before tax | 14,440 | (4,380 | ) | |||
Income tax expense (recovery) | 4,378 | (1,968 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) | $ | 10,062 | $ | (2,412 | ) | |
Net income (loss) per share | ||||||
Basic | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.02 | ) | |
Diluted | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.02 | ) | |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (note 17) | ||||||
Basic | 127,909,015 | 107,262,995 | ||||
Diluted | 132,688,310 | 107,262,995 |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
financial statements
|
4 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 10,062 | $ | (2,412 | ) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | ||||||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: | ||||||
Foreign currency translation | 8,853 | 3,513 | ||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 18,915 | $ | 1,101 |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
financial statements
|
5 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Cash provided by (used in) | ||||||
Operating activities | ||||||
Income (loss) for the period | $ | 10,062 | $ | (2,412 | ) | |
Items not involving cash: | ||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 9,628 | 293 | ||||
Change in fair value of derivative | (596 | ) | (558 | ) | ||
Finance charges | 2,677 | 1,576 | ||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain | (9,507 | ) | - | |||
Deferred tax expense | 205 | (1,968 | ) | |||
Share-based compensation | 774 | 404 | ||||
Delivery under gold purchase agreement | (3,063 | ) | - | |||
10,180 | (2,665 | ) | ||||
Changes in non-cash working capital | ||||||
Receivables | 22 | 122 | ||||
Inventories | 319 | (7,486 | ) | |||
Prepaid expenses | (1,178 | ) | (468 | ) | ||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 3,092 | 7,905 | ||||
Income taxes payable | 449 | - | ||||
Income taxes paid | (7,317 | ) | - | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 5,567 | (2,592 | ) | |||
Cash used in investing activities | ||||||
Cash paid for acquisition of Midas | - | (63,670 | ) | |||
Expenditures on mineral properties, plant and equipment | (11,050 | ) | (7,273 | ) | ||
Proceeds from sale of mineralized material | - | 3,025 | ||||
Cash payments for reclamation bonds | - | (30,990 | ) | |||
Reclamation bond recovered, net | 4,126 | - | ||||
Interest received | 27 | 46 | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (6,897 | ) | (98,862 | ) | ||
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ||||||
Issuance of share capital, net | 1,356 | 43,111 | ||||
Proceeds under gold purchase agreement, net | - | 35,982 | ||||
Proceeds from gold royalty advance | - | 1,367 | ||||
Proceeds from debt | - | 23,109 | ||||
Repayment of debt | (1,000 | ) | (7,000 | ) | ||
Interest paid | (676 | ) | (1,247 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (320 | ) | 95,322 | |||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances | 3,739 | 262 | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | 2,089 | (5,870 | ) | |||
Cash, beginning of period | 52,770 | 13,509 | ||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 54,859 | $ | 7,639 |
See supplemental cash flow information (note 18)
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
financial statements
|
6 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Issued share capital | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 184,292 | $ | 111,596 | ||
Common shares issued, net of issuance costs | - | 40,493 | ||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 134 | - | ||||
Stock options exercised | 1,146 | 1,232 | ||||
Warrants exercised | 711 | 1,124 | ||||
Balance at end of period | 186,283 | 154,445 | ||||
Contributed surplus | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | 24,822 | 14,545 | ||||
Subscription receipts | - | 507 | ||||
Senior debt | - | 1,754 | ||||
Warrants issued on Midas acquisition | - | 6,500 | ||||
Stock options exercised | (376 | ) | (245 | ) | ||
Warrants exercised | (125 | ) | - | |||
Share based compensation | 640 | 404 | ||||
Balance at end of period | 24,961 | 23,465 | ||||
Deficit | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | (25,650 | ) | (43,951 | ) | ||
Income (loss) for the period | 10,062 | (2,412 | ) | |||
Balance at end of period | (15,588 | ) | (46,363 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | 9,095 | 4,246 | ||||
Exchange rate differences on translation from functional to presentation currency | 8,853 | 3,513 | ||||
Balance at end of period | 17,948 | 7,759 | ||||
Total shareholders equity | $ | 213,604 | $ | 139,306 |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
financial statements
|
7 |
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
1. |
Nature of Operations |
Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) is in the business of acquiring, owning, exploiting, and evaluating mineral properties, and developing these properties further or disposing of them when the evaluation is completed. The Company has interests in the Fire Creek exploration project (the Fire Creek Project or Fire Creek) and the Midas mine and ore milling facility (collectively Midas Mine or Midas), as well as other properties, all located in the State of Nevada, USA. |
|
The Company was incorporated on August 25, 1971 under the laws at British Columbia, Canada and its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol KDX. |
|
The Companys registered office is located at 1055 West Hastings Street, Suite 220, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 2E9. |
|
2. |
Significant Accounting Policies |
Basis of presentation |
|
The Companys condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as applicable to interim financial reports including IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, and therefore do not include all the information and note disclosures required by IFRS for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, which were prepared in accordance with IFRS. Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. |
|
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are entities over which the Company has control. The Company controls an entity when the Company is exposed to, or has right to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Companys subsidiaries, which are wholly owned, are 0985472 B.C. Ltd, and its U.S. subsidiaries: Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc., Klondex Gold and Silver Mining Company, Klondex Midas Holding Limited and Klondex Midas Operations Inc. All intercompany transactions, balances, revenues and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. |
|
The Company has determined that the functional currency of its US subsidiaries is the US dollar. |
|
The Board of Directors, approved these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements on May 8, 2015. |
|
Significant estimates and judgments |
|
The preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires management to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual outcomes could differ from these judgments and estimates. Refer to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 for additional information. |
8
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
3. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2015, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. None of these is expected to have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company, except the following set out below: |
|
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (IFRS 9), addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. The complete version of IFRS 9 was issued in July 2014. It replaces the guidance in IAS 39 that relates to the classification and measurement of financial instruments. IFRS 9 retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes three primary measurement categories for financial assets: amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (OCI) and fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). There is now a new expected credit losses model that replaces the incurred loss impairment model used in IAS 39. For financial liabilities there were no changes to classification and measurement except for the recognition of changes in own credit risk in OCI, for liabilities designated at FVTPL. The standard is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has yet to assess the full impact of IFRS 9. |
|
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15), deals with revenue recognition and establishes principles for reporting useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entitys contracts with customers. Under IFRS 15, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of a good or service and thus has the ability to direct the use and obtain the benefits from the good or service. The standard replaces IAS 18, Revenue, and IAS 11, Construction Contracts, and related interpretations. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017 and earlier application is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact of IFRS 15. |
|
There are no other IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the Company. |
|
4. |
Receivables |
March 31 | December 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Reclamation bond collateral | $ | - | $ | 3,510 | |||
Others | 296 | 297 | |||||
$ | 296 | $ | 3,807 |
5. |
Inventories |
March 31 | December 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Supplies | $ | 2,359 | $ | 1,661 | |||
Stockpile | 4,196 | 6,265 | |||||
In-process | 7,067 | 6,086 | |||||
Finished goods | 11,664 | 11,067 | |||||
$ | 25,286 | $ | 25,079 |
Cost of inventories recognized as an expense in cost of sales for the sale of gold and silver for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $36,449 and $1,952, respectively.
9
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
6. |
Prepaid Expenses and Others |
March 31 | December 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
State of Nevada net proceeds tax | $ | 6,050 | $ | 3,182 | |||
Others | 2,933 | 1,589 | |||||
$ | 8,983 | $ | 4,771 |
7. |
Mineral Properties, Plant and Equipment |
Mineral | Plant and | |||||||||
properties | equipment | Total | ||||||||
Cost | ||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2015 | $ | 149,826 | $ | 72,915 | $ | 222,741 | ||||
Additions | 6,164 | 4,941 | 11,105 | |||||||
Increase to decommissioning liability | - | 450 | 450 | |||||||
Foreign exchange | 12,424 | 8,467 | 20,891 | |||||||
Balance at March 31, 2015 | 168,414 | 86,773 | 255,187 | |||||||
Accumulated depreciation and depletion | ||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2015 | 25,317 | 9,759 | 35,076 | |||||||
Additions | 5,207 | 2,654 | 7,861 | |||||||
Foreign exchange | 2,416 | 919 | 3,335 | |||||||
Balance at March 31, 2015 | 32,940 | 13,332 | 46,272 | |||||||
Net book value at March 31, 2015 | $ | 135,474 | $ | 73,441 | $ | 208,915 |
8. |
Reclamation Bonds |
March 31 | December 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Midas | $ | 22,932 | $ | 21,045 | |||
Fire Creek | 532 | 763 | |||||
$ | 23,464 | $ | 21,808 |
9. |
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities |
March 31 | December 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Trade accounts payable | $ | 12,896 | $ | 10,704 | |||
Accrued liabilities | 1,421 | 2,907 | |||||
$ | 14,317 | $ | 13,611 |
10
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
10. |
Obligations Under Gold Purchase Agreement |
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a gold purchase agreement with Franco-Nevada Corporation for proceeds of US$33.8 million. Pursuant to the terms, gold deliveries will be made at the end of each month with the first delivery date on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces is completed by December 31, 2018. Minimum scheduled deliveries of gold consisting of equal monthly installments by year per the agreement are as follows: |
Year | Ounces |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Company has accounted for the agreement as a loan with an embedded derivative that meets the own use exception and is therefore not marked to market. The loan is recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. At March 31, 2015, the current and long-term portions due were $11,459 (US$9,035) and $24,177 (US$19,063), respectively.
Balance at December 31, 2014 | $ | 33,896 | ||
Interest expense and accretion of issuance costs | 1,616 | |||
Reduction in principal (delivery of gold) | (3,063 | ) | ||
Foreign currency loss (note 16) | 3,187 | |||
Balance at March 31, 2015, net of issuance costs | $ | 35,636 |
During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company delivered 1,875 and nil ounces of gold, respectively. At March 31, 2015 there were 29,625 ounces of gold outstanding to be delivered against the agreement. |
|
11. |
Loans Payable |
On February 11, 2014 the Company completed a private placement of units consisting of $25 million aggregate principal amount of 11.0% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants with a three-year term and an exercise price of $1.95 to a syndicate of lenders. The Company is required to make principal payments of $4 million per year payable in equal monthly installments beginning in January 2015 and throughout 2016 and pay $17 million in 2017. Interest is payable monthly throughout the life of the debt. |
|
The Company has the option to repay the loan at any time on or after February 11, 2015 subject to repayment penalties as listed below: |
Date | Redemption penalty |
February 11, 2015 to February 10, 2016 | 4% |
February 11, 2016 to February 10, 2017 | 2% |
February 11, 2017 to August 11, 2017 | No penalty |
March 31 | December 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Senior secured facility, current portion | 3,664 | 3,664 | |||||
Senior secured facility, long-term portion | 17,890 | 18,613 | |||||
$ | 21,554 | $ | 22,277 |
11
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
12. |
Derivative Liability Related to Gold Supply Agreement |
On March 31, 2011 the Company entered into a gold supply agreement. Pursuant to this agreement the Company grants the buyer the right to purchase refined gold bullion during the term of the agreement from the Fire Creek Project for the five year period beginning February 28, 2013. If the Fire Creek Project has not produced an aggregate of 150,000 ounces of gold by February 28, 2018 the term will be extended until an aggregate of 185,000 ounces have been produced. The purchase price is the average settlement price of gold on the London Bullion Market Association, PM Fix for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the relevant pricing date. A 1.0% discount is applicable through February 29, 2016. If the price per ounce is less than US$900 at any time the discount will be nil. |
|
During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company received US$9,014 and US$3,025, for 7,537 and 2,439 ounces of gold, respectively, delivered under the agreement. |
|
The Company has classified this agreement as a derivative instrument measured at fair value. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the derivative values were $4,937 and $5,073, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded gains on the change in fair value of the derivative of $222 and $558, respectively. |
|
13. |
Decommissioning Provision |
The Companys decommissioning provision is the result of drilling activities, underground tunneling, and other mine development activities at the Fire Creek and Midas properties. The Company estimated its decommissioning provision at March 31, 2015 based on a risk-free discount rate of 1.94% (2014 2.17%) and an inflation rate of 1.62% (2014 1.62%). Decommissioning is estimated to begin in 2019 for Fire Creek and 2023 for Midas. |
March 31 | December 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 21,442 | $ | 1,194 | |||
Acquisition of Midas | - | 17,249 | |||||
Change in provision | 450 | 1,480 | |||||
Accretion | 119 | 509 | |||||
Foreign exchange | 2,012 | 1,010 | |||||
Balance at end of period | $ | 24,023 | $ | 21,442 |
14. |
Share Capital |
|
a) |
Common shares: unlimited common shares with no par value |
|
b) |
Issued and outstanding share capital |
Number of shares | CAD | ||||||
Balance at December 31, 2014 | 127,329,200 | $ | 184,292 | ||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | - | 134 | |||||
Stock options exercised | 555,349 | 1,146 | |||||
Warrants exercised | 373,635 | 711 | |||||
Balance at March 31, 2015 | 128,258,184 | $ | 186,283 |
12
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
c) |
Contributed Surplus |
a. |
Warrants outstanding |
|
A summary of the Companys share purchase warrants activity is presented below: |
Weighted | |||||||
Number of | average | ||||||
warrants | exercise price | ||||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 | 11,755,126 | $ | 2.24 | ||||
Warrants exercised | (373,635 | ) | 1.57 | ||||
Outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2015 | 11,381,491 | $ | 2.26 |
A summary of the Companys outstanding warrants at March 31, 2015 is presented below:
Weighted | |||||
Number of | average | Weighted | Number of | ||
Exercise price | warrants | remaining | average exercise | warrants | Weighted |
per share | outstanding | contractual life | price | exercisable | average life |
$1.00 - $1.49 | 426,676 | 0.55 | $1.43 | 426,676 | 0.55 |
$1.50 - $1.99 | 4,015,415 | 1.47 | $1.86 | 4,015,415 | 1.47 |
$2.00 - $2.49 | 5,539,400 | 12.79 | $2.17 | 5,539,400 | 12.79 |
$2.50 - $3.00 | 1,400,000 | 0.02 | $2.76 | 1,400,000 | 0.02 |
$1.00 - $3.00 | 11,381,491 | 6.77 | $2.26 | 11,381,491 | 6.77 |
b. |
Option Plan Shares |
|
A summary of the Companys stock options activity is presented below: |
Weighted | |||||||
average | |||||||
Number of options | exercise price | ||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 | 10,090,355 | $ | 1.70 | ||||
Options granted | 605,000 | 2.13 | |||||
Options exercised | (555,349 | ) | 1.38 | ||||
Options forfeited | (186,929 | ) | 1.87 | ||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2015 | 9,953,077 | $ | 1.74 |
A summary of the Companys outstanding and exercisable stock options at March 31, 2015 is presented below:
Weighted | |||||
Number of | average | Weighted | Number of | ||
Exercise price | options | remaining | average exercise | options | Weighted |
per share | outstanding | contractual life | price | exercisable | average life |
$1.00 - $1.49 | 2,435,126 | 1.37 | $1.30 | 2,522,884 | 1.49 |
$1.50 - $1.99 | 4,328,881 | 2.46 | $1.71 | 1,649,627 | 2.25 |
$2.00 - $2.49 | 2,849,070 | 4.20 | $2.05 | 943,023 | 4.20 |
$2.50 - $3.00 | 340,000 | 3.45 | $2.55 | 250,000 | 2.88 |
$1.00 - $3.00 | 9,953,077 | 2.72 | $1.74 | 5,365,534 | 2.64 |
13
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
Total share-based compensation expenses related to the share option plan incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, were $640 and $404, respectively. The weighted average share price on date of exercise during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $1.38 and $1.10, respectively. The average fair value of each option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions during the three months ended March 31:
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Estimated life in years | 5.0 | 2.8 | |||||
Risk free interest rate | 1.12% | 1.21% | |||||
Volatility | 48.54% | 47.15% | |||||
Forfeiture rate | 14.28% | - |
c. |
Share Compensation Plan |
|
A summary of the Companys share compensation activity is presented below: |
Number of shares | Unvested shares | |||
Grant date | CAD Share price | issued | Vested | outstanding |
January 09, 2014 (1) | 1.63 | 15,525 | 10,350 | 5,175 |
April 28, 2014 (1) | 1.90 | 20,000 | 6,667 | 13,333 |
July 21, 2014 (2) | 2.09 | 230,000 | - | 230,000 |
July 31, 2014 (2) | 2.04 | 217,500 | - | 217,500 |
483,025 | 17,017 | 466,008 |
(1) |
Vesting schedule: one-third at grant date, one-third at first year anniversary and one-third at second year anniversary. Incentive shares were granted to executives during January and April 2014. |
|
(2) |
Vesting schedule: one-third at first year anniversary, one-third at the second year anniversary and one-third at third year anniversary |
Total share-based compensation expense related to the share compensation plan incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $134 and $nil, respectively.
15. |
Finance Charges |
Three months ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement (note 10) | $ | 1,616 | $ | 906 | |||
Senior secured facility (note 11) | 955 | 505 | |||||
Accretion of decommissioning provisions (note 13) | 119 | 143 | |||||
Other interest expense and (income) | (40 | ) | (44 | ) | |||
$ | 2,650 | $ | 1,510 |
14
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
16. |
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) |
Three months ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Foreign currency loss on obligation under gold purchase agreement | $ | (3,187 | ) | $ | - | ||
Other foreign exchange gains | 12,694 | - | |||||
$ | 9,507 | $ | - |
17. |
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding |
Three months ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 127,909,015 | 107,262,995 | |||||
Dilution adjustments: | |||||||
Stock options (1) | 3,166,014 | - | |||||
Warrants (1) | 1,613,281 | - | |||||
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 132,688,310 | 107,262,995 |
(1) |
The impact of dilutive stock options and warrants was determined using the Companys average share price for the three months ended March 31, 2015 of $2.50. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, there were no dilutive securities. |
18. |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information |
The following significant non-cash financing transactions were recorded: |
Three months ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Warrants issued with private placement offering | $ | - | $ | 507 | |||
Warrants issued with senior debt (note 14) | - | 1,754 | |||||
Warrants issued on Midas acquisition | - | 6,500 | |||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 134 | - |
15
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
19. Segment Information
Following the acquisition of Midas and the advancement of Fire Creek into operations under the bulk sample permit, the Companys operations are now organized into three segments, the results of which are regularly reported to the Companys Chief Executive Officer. The Company identified reportable segments as any operating unit that has total revenue, earnings, losses, or assets that exceed 10% of the total consolidated revenue, earnings, losses, or assets. The table below summarizes the segment information:
Corporate | |||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | and other | Total | ||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 27,368 | $ | 19,884 | $ | - | $ | 47,252 | |||||
Production costs | 11,113 | 15,747 | - | 26,860 | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 7,031 | 2,558 | - | 9,589 | |||||||||
Gross profit | 9,224 | 1,579 | - | 10,803 | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 186 | 186 | 3,070 | 3,442 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | $ | 9,038 | $ | 1,393 | $ | (3,070 | ) | $ | 7,361 | ||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 4,160 | $ | 6,583 | $ | 362 | $ | 11,105 | |||||
Total assets at March 31, 2015 | $ | 114,649 | $ | 176,625 | $ | 31,248 | $ | 322,522 |
Corporate | |||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | and other | Total | ||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | - | $ | 2,627 | $ | - | $ | 2,627 | |||||
Production costs | - | 1,675 | - | 1,675 | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | - | 277 | - | 277 | |||||||||
Gross profit | - | 675 | - | 675 | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | - | - | 2,229 | 2,229 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | $ | - | $ | 675 | $ | (2,229 | ) | $ | (1,554 | ) | |||
Capital expenditures | $ | 2,651 | $ | 1,632 | $ | 37 | $ | 4,320 | |||||
Total assets at March 31, 2014 | $ | 103,824 | $ | 127,010 | $ | 6,505 | $ | 237,339 |
16
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
20. |
Related Party Transactions |
The Companys directors and officers are considered key management personnel and their compensation comprises the following for the three months ended March 31: |
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Salaries, bonuses and fees paid to directors and officers | $ | 620 | $ | 392 | |||
Share-based payments to directors and officers | 496 | 133 | |||||
$ | 1,116 | $ | 525 |
21. |
Financial Instruments |
|
a) |
Credit risk |
|
Credit risk arises from the non-performance by counter parties of contractual financial obligations. The Company maintains its cash with major banks and financial institutions. The Company manages credit risk for trade receivables through credit monitoring processes and by trading with highly rated parties for the sale of metal. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the financial assets. |
||
b) |
Interest rate risk |
|
At March 31, 2015, the Company was not subject to or exposed to any material interest rate risk. See note 11 for interest rates on loans outstanding. |
||
c) |
Liquidity risk |
|
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations when they fall due. The Company manages this risk through management of its capital structure. Based on managements and the Board of Directors review of ongoing operations, the Company may revise the timing of capital expenditures, issue equity and/or pursue other loan facilities. |
||
The Companys current assets exceed current liabilities by approximately $56.2 million at March 31, 2015. The Company enters into contractual obligations in the normal course of business operations. Management believes the Companys requirements for capital expenditures, working capital and ongoing commitments can be financed from existing cash, from gold and silver sales from operations and by acquiring new loans or issuing equity. |
||
d) |
Fair value hierarchy |
|
Financial instruments recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels: |
i. |
Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; |
|
ii. |
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; and |
|
iii. |
Level 3 Input for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data. |
At March 31, 2015, the Company had a derivative instrument classified as a liability in the consolidated statements of financial position of $4.9 million. The derivative falls within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on the statement of financial position are cash, receivables, reclamation bonds, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities and loans payable. The fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying value due to their short term nature.
17
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |
(Unaudited and expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
22. |
Contingencies |
During the year ended December 31, 2012, two directors of the Company resigned and the controller/secretary of the US subsidiary was terminated for cause. Subsequent to the directors’ resignations, the Company determined that each individual breached certain duties and would be terminated for cause retroactive to June 27, 2012. Accordingly, certain termination benefits of US$903,000, which may have been payable under the employment contracts, have not been recorded in the accounts at March 31, 2015. Two of the former directors and the controller/secretary filed claims against the Company for severance benefits and to reinstate their stock options. The outcome of the claims cannot be determined at this time. |
18
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This Management's Discussion & Analysis (" MD&A ") provides a discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Klondex Mines Ltd. (" Klondex " or the " Company ") to assist a reader in assessing material changes in the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as at and for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and is intended to supplement and complement the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the notes thereto (collectively, the " Financial Statements "). You are encouraged to review the Financial Statements in conjunction with your review of this MD&A. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the audited annual financial statements and notes thereto of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the related Management Discussion and Analysis, which are available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are advised to refer to the sections under the headings "Cautionary Notes Technical Information", "Cautionary Notes Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in this MD&A. Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's Annual Information Form, is available on www.SEDAR.com.
The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (" IFRS ") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (" IASB ") applicable to the preparation of interim financial statement including IAS 34, Interim Financial reporting. Unless otherwise stated, all currency amounts included in this MD&A are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share and per ounce amounts. The U.S. dollar is presented as US$.
This MD&A has been prepared as at May 8, 2015.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Klondex focuses on gold and silver exploration, development, and production in north central Nevada, from its two gold and silver projects: the Fire Creek project (the "Fire Creek Project" or "Fire Creek") operating under a bulk-sampling program begun in 2013 and the Midas mine and milling facility (collectively, the "Midas Mine" or "Midas"). The Midas Mine is fully-permitted and has been producing gold and silver since 1998. The Companys 1,200 tons per day capacity milling facility is processing mineralized materials from both Midas and Fire Creek.
Financial highlights:
| Revenue was $47.3 million | |
| The Company sold 31,703 gold equivalent ounces (GEO) comprised of 27,135 gold ounces and 304,557 silver ounces | |
| The production costs (See Non-IFRS Measures) |
o | Production costs per GEO sold were $842 (USD $678) | |
o | Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $745 (USD $600) | |
o | All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold (AISC) were $978 (USD $788) |
|
Net income was $10.1 million, $0.08 per basic share |
|
|
Cash provided by operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital was $10.2 million |
|
|
Cash payments in the first quarter include annual payments for which the costs will be amortized over one year including State of Nevada net proceeds tax |
|
|
Cash balance was $54.9 million and working capital was $56.2 million at the end of the quarter |
Operational highlights:
|
In the first quarter of 2015, the Company recovered 32,542 GEO comprised of 27,225 gold ounces and 354,455 silver ounces: |
o | Fire Creek recovered 18,173 GEO comprised of 17,897gold ounces and 18,386 silver ounces | |
o | Midas recovered 14,369 GEO comprised of 9,328 gold ounces and 336,069 silver ounces |
|
On January 29, 2015, the Company
announced a 47% increase in Fire Creeks M&I mineral resources to
420,500 GEO at an average grade of 1.11 AuEq opt within
377,400 tons and inferred mineral resources of 363,300 GEO at an average
grade of 0.43 AuEq opt within 840,000 tons, using a gold price of US$1,200
per ounce and a silver price of US$19 per ounce
|
2
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
| On February 23, 2015, the Company announced initial mineral reserve estimates for each of Fire Creek and Midas: |
o |
Fire Creeks proven and probable mineral reserves are 241,400 GEO contained in 185,800 tons at an average grade of 1.30 AuEq opt, using a gold price of US$1,000 per ounce and silver price of US$15.83 per ounce |
|
o |
Midas proven and probable mineral reserves are 132,600 3GEO contained in 242,100 tons at an average grade of 0.55 AuEq opt, a gold price of US$1,000 per ounce and silver price of US$15.83 per ounce |
|
On March 17, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the Company filed technical reports titled "Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada" and "Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada" in support of the mineral reserve estimates at Fire Creek and Midas, respectively. The reports are available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com |
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following is a summary of the Company's financial results for the eight most recently completed quarters presented in millions, except per share amounts:
Q1 | Q4 | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | Q3 | Q2 | |||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 47.3 | $ | 44.6 | $ | 38.0 | $ | 36.4 | $ | 2.6 | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||||||||
Net Income (loss) | $ | 10.1 | $ | 9.0 | $ | 7.2 | $ | 4.4 | $ | (2.4 | ) | $ | (11.4 | ) | $ | (1.0 | ) | $ | (0.8 | ) | ||||
Net Income (loss) per basic share | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | ||||
Net Income (loss) per diluted share | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | ||||
Price per share | $ | 2.62 | $ | 1.95 | $ | 1.79 | $ | 2.00 | $ | 1.92 | $ | 1.61 | $ | 1.39 | $ | 1.18 | ||||||||
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 5.6 | $ | 10.7 | $ | 12.1 | $ | 16.6 | $ | (6.3 | ) | $ | (1.0 | ) | $ | (0.4 | ) | $ | (0.8 | ) | ||||
Cash | $ | 54.9 | $ | 52.8 | $ | 43.2 | $ | 15.1 | $ | 7.6 | $ | 13.5 | $ | 1.0 | $ | 1.1 | ||||||||
Current assets | $ | 89.4 | $ | 86.4 | $ | 72.8 | $ | 42.1 | $ | 24.6 | $ | 13.8 | $ | 2.7 | $ | 1.4 | ||||||||
Current liabilities | $ | 33.2 | $ | 30.4 | $ | 24.6 | $ | 20.9 | $ | 22.6 | $ | 13.5 | $ | 8.9 | $ | 6.3 | ||||||||
Working capital | $ | 56.2 | $ | 56.0 | $ | 48.2 | $ | 21.2 | $ | 2.0 | $ | 0.4 | $ | (6.2 | ) | $ | (4.9 | ) | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 332.5 | $ | 296.2 | $ | 273.7 | $ | 237.7 | $ | 237.3 | $ | 109.9 | $ | 92.1 | $ | 91.2 |
First quarter 2015 revenue increased 6% over the prior quarter primarily due to a 9% increase in the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar offset by a decrease in GEO sold and gold and silver prices. Prior to and including the first quarter of 2014, proceeds from gold sales from the bulk-sampling program at Fire Creek were recorded as an offset to mineral properties. The Company acquired Midas in the first quarter of 2014 and began to recognize revenue from Midas in that quarter. The Company began to recognize revenue from Fire Creek in the second quarter of 2014. See "Cautionary Notes Technical Information".
3
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Three | Three | |||||
months | months | |||||
ended | ended | |||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) | 2015 | 2014 | ||||
Revenues | $ | 47,252 | $ | 2,627 | ||
Cost of sales | ||||||
Production costs | 26,860 | 1,675 | ||||
Depreciation and depletion |
9,589 | 277 | ||||
Gross profit | 10,803 | 675 | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 3,442 | 2,229 | ||||
Income (loss) from operations | 7,361 | (1,554 | ) | |||
Business acquisition costs | (1,874 | ) | ||||
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivative | 222 | 558 | ||||
Finance charges | (2,650 | ) | (1,510 | ) | ||
Foreign currency gain | 9,507 | |||||
Income (loss) before tax | 14,440 | (4,380 | ) | |||
Income tax expense (recovery) | 4,378 | (1,968 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) | $ | 10,062 | $ | (2,412 | ) | |
Net income (loss) per share | ||||||
Basic | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0 .02 | ) | |
Diluted | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0 .02 | ) | |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | ||||||
Basic | 127,909,015 | 107,262,995 | ||||
Diluted | 132,688,310 | 107,262,995 |
Revenue
Revenue during the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $47.3 million and $2.6 million, respectively. In the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company sold 27,135 gold ounces and 304,557 silver ounces, compared to the sale of 930 gold ounces and 58,053 silver ounces in the quarter ended March 31, 2014. In the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the average gold price was $1,504 (U5$1,212) and the average silver price was $21.14 (US$17.03) . In the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the average gold price was $1,453 (US$1,311) and the average silver price was $21.97 (US$19.82) . See "U.S. Dollar Conversion".
The Company acquired Midas on February 11, 2014 and recorded sales from Midas from the acquisition date. Based on the material quantities of gold generated under the bulk-sample permit, the Company first recognized revenue from the bulk sample program at the Fire Creek Project in the second quarter of 2014. See "Cautionary Notes - Technical Information". The mineralized material extracted from Fire Creek under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
Cost of Sales
Production quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $26.9 million and $1.7 million respectively. In the quarter ended March 31, 2015, production costs per GEO sold were $842 (US$ 678), production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $745 (US$600), and all -in sustaining cost per gold ounce were $978 (US$788) compared to production costs per GEO sold of $906 (US$818), production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis of $429 (US$387) in the first quarter of 2014. See "Non-IFRS Measures" and "U.S. Dollar Conversion".
4
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the following contributed to higher production costs:
Depreciation and depletion in the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $9.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
The GEO in inventory are summarized below:
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Stockpile | 4,495 | 5,841 | ||||
In-process | 7,902 | 6,488 | ||||
Finished goods | 9,517 | 10,472 | ||||
Total | 21,914 | 22,801 |
Gross Profit
Gross profit in the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $10.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $3.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The increase in G&A expenses over the prior year is due to the growth of the Company as a result of the Midas acquisition in mid-February 2014 and bulk-sample production at Fire Creek.
Business Acquisition Costs
Business acquisition costs during the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were nil and $1.9 million, respectively. Business acquisition costs incurred in 2014 were related to the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill.
Gain (loss) on Change in Fair Value of Derivative
During the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded a gain of $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, on the change in the fair value of the derivative associated with the gold supply agreement, dated March 31, 2011 and amended and restated on October 4, 2011 between the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Company, and Waterton Global Value, L.P. (the " Gold Supply Agreement " or " GSA "). The derivative is valued at each reporting period. The change in the derivative value is principally related to gold ounces produced and offered under the GSA and changes in the estimated forward gold spot price and in the estimated volatility of the gold price over the remaining term of the GSA.
Finance Charges
Finance charges for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $2.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The finance charges are mainly related to the obligations under the Gold Purchase Agreement and the loan payable under the Facility Agreement (as defined below).
Foreign Currency Gain
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Foreign currency gain for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $9.5 million and nil, respectively. The foreign currency gains are mainly unrealized and primarily relate to intercompany loans that are expected to be settled in due course.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense (recovery) for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $4.4 million and ($2.0 million), respectively. Income tax expense includes the State of Nevada net proceeds tax.
Net Income
Net income (loss) for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $10.1 million and $(2.4 million), respectively.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
Three months | Three months | |||||
ended | ended | |||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
Operating information | 2015 | 2014 | ||||
Ore Tons Mined | 55,191 | 22,370 | ||||
Mined Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 26,986 | 8,189 | ||||
Silver | 400,826 | 190,015 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 32,998 | 11,198 | ||||
Average Ore Grade | ||||||
Gold (oz./ton) | 0.49 | 0.37 | ||||
Silver (oz./ton) | 7.26 | 8.49 | ||||
Ore Tons Milled | 57,664 | 21,727 | ||||
Milled Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 28,957 | 11,753 | ||||
Silver | 390,744 | 167,945 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 34,818 | 14,412 | ||||
Midas Mill Recovery Rate | ||||||
Gold | 94.0% | 94.5% | ||||
Silver | 90.7% | 94.3% | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Midas Mill | ||||||
Gold | 27,225 | 11,106 | ||||
Silver | 354,455 | 158,372 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 32,542 | 13,614 | ||||
Gold oz. Produced before Acquisition of Mill (1) | - | 2,439 | ||||
Total Ounces Produced | ||||||
Gold | 27,225 | 13,545 | ||||
Silver | 354,455 | 158,372 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 32,542 | 16,053 | ||||
Ounces Sold | ||||||
Gold | 27,135 | 930 | ||||
Silver | 304,557 | 58,053 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 31,703 | 1,849 | ||||
Gold ounces credited to carrying value of Fire Creek property (1) | - | 2,439 | ||||
Average realized price ($/oz.) | ||||||
Gold | $ | 1,504 | $ | 1,453 | ||
Silver | $ | |||||
21.14 | $ | 21.97 | ||||
Production costs per GEO sold (2) | $ | 842 | $ | 906 | ||
Production costs per gold oz. sold on a by-product basis (2) | $ | 745 | $ | 429 | ||
All-in sustaining cost per ounce (2) | $ | 978 | $ | 5,710 |
1
Includes 2,439 gold ounces reported as sale of
mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek
property.
2
See Non-IFRS Measures.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
FIRE CREEK OPERATING RESULTS
Three months | Three months | |||||
ended | ended | |||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
Operating information | 2015 | 2014 | ||||
Ore Tons Mined | 17,493 | 6,225 | ||||
Mined Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 17,288 | 6,244 | ||||
Silver | 19,715 | 7,393 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 17,584 | 6,361 | ||||
Average Ore Grade | ||||||
Gold (oz./ton) | 0.99 | 1.00 | ||||
Silver (oz./ton) | 1.13 | 1.19 | ||||
Ore Tons Milled | 20,842 | 7,766 | ||||
Milled Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 18,953 | 10,027 | ||||
Silver | 20,205 | 10,027 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 19,256 | 10,186 | ||||
Midas Mill Recovery Rate | ||||||
Gold | 94.4% | 94.5% | ||||
Silver | 91.0% | 94.3% | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Midas Mill | ||||||
Gold | 17,897 | 9,475 | ||||
Silver | 18,386 | 9,455 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 18,173 | 9,625 | ||||
Gold oz. Produced before Acquisition of Mill (1) | - | 2,439 | ||||
Total Ounces Produced | ||||||
Gold | 17,897 | 11,914 | ||||
Silver | 18,386 | 9,455 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 18,173 | 12,064 | ||||
Ounces Sold (1) | ||||||
Gold | 18,083 | - | ||||
Silver | 11,587 | - | ||||
Gold equivalent | 18,257 | - | ||||
Gold ounces credited to carrying value of Fire Creek property (1) | - | 2,439 | ||||
Average realized price ($/oz.) | ||||||
Gold | $ | 1,501 | $ | - | ||
Silver | $ | 21.07 | $ | - | ||
Production costs per GEO sold (2) | $ | 609 | $ | - | ||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis (2) | $ | 601 | $ | - |
1
Includes 2,439 gold ounces reported as sale of
mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek
property.
2
See "Non-IFRS Measures".
Development and Exploration
At Fire Creek, the Company continued its underground drilling program in 2015. In the first quarter of 2015, a total of 8,373 m (27,472 ft.) of underground drilling was conducted. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the mineral and waste development at Fire Creek totaled 1,097 m (3,598 ft.).
On January 29, 2015, the Company announced a 47% increase in Fire Creeks M&I mineral resources to 420,500 GEO at an average grade of 1.11 AuEq opt within 377,400 tons and inferred mineral resources of 363,300 GEO at an average grade of 0.43 AuEq opt within 840,000 tons, using a gold price of US$1,200 per ounce and a silver price of US$19 per ounce.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
On February 23, 2015, the Company announced initial proven and probable mineral reserves for Fire Creek of 241,400 GEO contained in 185,800 tons at an average grade of 1.30 AuEq opt, using a gold price of US$1,000 per ounce and a silver price of US$15.83 per ounce.
Production
During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company extracted 17,493 tons of Fire Creek mineralized material containing 17,288 gold ounces and 19,715 silver ounces, compared to 6,225 tons of mineralized material containing 6,244 gold ounces and 7,393 silver ounces for the same period of 2014.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company milled 20,842 tons of Fire Creek mineralized material containing 18,953 gold ounces and 20,205 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 were 94.4% and 91.0%, respectively, producing 17,897 gold ounces and 18,386 silver ounces. In the first quarter of 2014, the Company recovered 2,439 gold ounces before the acquisition of the Midas mill.
Environmental baseline data collection and data monitoring are expected to be carried out through 2015. A full-production permit for the Fire Creek Project is expected in the second-half of 2015.
FIRE CREEK FINANCIAL RESULTS (Unaudited)
Three months ended | Three months ended | |||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 27,368 | $ | - | ||
Production costs | 11,113 | - | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | 7,031 | - | ||||
Gross profit | 9,224 | - | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 186 | - | ||||
Income from operations | $ | 9,038 | $ | - | ||
Capital expenditures | $ | 4,160 | $ | 2,651 |
Revenue
Revenue for Fire Creek during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 was $27.4 million from the sale of 18,083 gold ounces and 11,587 silver ounces. During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, Fire Creek did not recognize revenue through the statement of income. In the first quarter of 2014, the Company received proceeds of $3.3 million from the sale of 2,439 ounces of gold delivered to the Midas mill in 2013. This amount was reported as sale of mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek mineral properties as it was considered pre-production. In the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the average gold price was $1,501 (US$1,209) and the average silver price was $21.07 (US$16.98) . See "U.S. Dollar Conversion".
In the first quarter of 2014, proceeds from the sale of gold were applied against the Fire Creek exploration and evaluation assets. A full production decision at Fire Creek has not been made by the Company as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. The mineralized material extracted from Fire Creek under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill. Based on the material quantities of gold generated under the bulk sample permit, the Company started recognizing revenue from the bulk sample program at the Fire Creek Project during the second quarter of 2014.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Cost of Sales
Fire Creek production costs for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 were $11.1 million. Production costs per GEO sold were $609 (US$491) and the production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $601 (US$484). See "Non-IFRS Measures" and "U.S. Dollar Conversion".
Depreciation and depletion expense in the first quarter of 2015 was $7.0 million.
Gross Profit
Fire Creek gross profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 was $9.2 million.
Capital Expenditures
Fire Creek capital expenditures during the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $4.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively. The expenditures relate mainly to exploration and mine development.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
MIDAS MINE AND MILL OPERATING RESULTS
Three months | Three months | |||||
ended | ended | |||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
Operating information | 2015 | 2014 | ||||
Ore Tons Mined | 37,698 | 16,145 | ||||
Mined Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 9,698 | 1,945 | ||||
Silver | 381,111 | 182,622 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 15,414 | 4,837 | ||||
Average Ore Grade | ||||||
Gold (oz./ton) | 0.26 | 0.12 | ||||
Silver (oz./ton) | 10.11 | 11.31 | ||||
Ore Tons Milled | 36,822 | 13,961 | ||||
Milled Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 10,004 | 1,726 | ||||
Silver | 370,539 | 157,918 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 15,562 | 4,226 | ||||
Midas Mill Recovery Rate | ||||||
Gold | 93.2% | 94.5% | ||||
Silver | 90.7% | 94.3% | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Midas Mill | ||||||
Gold | 9,328 | 1,631 | ||||
Silver | 336,069 | 148,917 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 14,369 | 3,989 | ||||
Total Ounces Produced | ||||||
Gold | 9,328 | 1,631 | ||||
Silver | 336,069 | 148,917 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 14,369 | 3,989 | ||||
Ounces Sold | ||||||
Gold | 9,052 | 930 | ||||
Silver | 292,970 | 58,053 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 13,446 | 1,849 | ||||
Average realized price ($/oz.) | ||||||
Gold | $ | 1,512 | $ | 1,453 | ||
Silver | $ | 21.14 | $ | 21.97 | ||
Production costs per GEO sold (1) | $ | 1,167 | $ | 906 | ||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis (1) | $ | 1,045 | $ | 429 |
1 See "Non-IFRS Measures".
Development and Exploration
At Midas, the focus for the 2015 exploration program is on a several high-priority exploration targets such as Rico and Midas Zones in the west, and south of the SOW fault. Drilling also is focused on near-mine targets with the objective of incorporating such targets into the 2015 and 2016 mine plans. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company completed a total of 9,410 m (30,872 ft.) of drilling and 825 m (2,708 ft.) of ore and waste development at Midas.
On February 23, 2015, the Company announced initial proven and probable mineral reserves for Midas of 132,600 GEO contained in 242,100 tons at an average grade of 0.55 AuEq opt, using a gold price of US$1,000 per ounce and silver price of US$15.83 per ounce.
Production
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company mined at Midas a total of 37,698 tons containing 9,698 gold ounces and 381,111 silver ounces compared to a total of 16,145 tons of ore containing 1,945 gold ounces and 182,622 silver ounces in the quarter ended March 31, 2014.
In the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company milled 36,822 tons of Midas material containing 10,004 gold ounces and 370,539 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries in the first quarter of 2015 were 93.2% and 90.7%, respectively, for a total of 9,328 gold ounces and 336,069 silver ounces produced. During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company milled 13,961 tons of Midas material containing 1,726 gold ounces and 157,918 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the first quarter of 2014, were 94.5% and 94.3%, respectively, for a total of 1,631 gold ounces and 148,917silver ounces produced.
The Company provides toll milling services for ore from third parties. The Company will continue to review toll milling agreements with other parties in order to utilize available capacity at the Midas mill.
MIDAS FINANCIAL RESULTS (Unaudited)
Three months ended | Three months ended | |||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 19,884 | $ | 2,627 | ||
Production costs | 15,747 | 1,675 | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | 2,558 | 277 | ||||
Gross profit | 1,579 | 675 | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 186 | - | ||||
Income from operations | $ | 1,393 | $ | 675 | ||
Capital expenditures | $ | 6,583 | $ | 1,632 |
Revenue
Revenue for Midas during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 was $19.9 million from the sale of 9,052 gold ounces and 292,970 silver ounces compared to revenue of $2.6 million from the sale of 930 gold ounces and 58,053 silver ounces for the same period of 2014. The Midas mine and mill were acquired on February 11, 2014. Therefore, in the first quarter of 2014, revenue and ounces were less than a full quarter of operations. In the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the average gold price was $1,512 (US$1,218) and the average silver price was $21.14 (US$17.03) . In the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the average gold price was $1,453 (US$1,311) and the average silver price was $21.97 (US$19.82) . See "U.S. Dollar Conversion".
Cost of Sales
Production costs for Midas for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 were $15.7 million. Production costs per GEO sold were $1,167 (US$940) and production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product were $1,045 (US$841). For the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the production costs were $1.7 million. Production costs per GEO sold were $906 (US$818) and production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $429 (US$387). See "Non-IFRS Measures" and "U.S. Dollar Conversion".
The depreciation and depletion costs for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $2.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for Midas for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $1.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for Midas for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $6.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The capital expenditures were mainly for exploration and development.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
OUTLOOK FOR 2015
The focus for 2015 will be to continue to advance current activities at both the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine. The Company will focus on growing production to 120,000 125,000 GEO and improving profitability by reducing costs. The Company maintains the following guidance for 2015:
Additionally, in 2015, the Company intends to invest in its properties by spending approximately $33 million on growth and sustaining capital, comprised of approximately $15 million each at Fire Creek and Midas (approximately $9 million development and $6 million drilling per project). The Company intends to spend an additional $3 million on mill upgrades and a tailings pond expansion.
Major objectives for 2015 include:
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Working capital at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are shown below.
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Current Assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 54,859 | $ | 52,770 | ||
Receivables | 296 | 3,807 | ||||
Inventories | 25,286 | 25,079 | ||||
Prepaid Expenses and other | 8,983 | 4,771 | ||||
Total Current Assets | $ | 89,424 | $ | 86,427 | ||
Current Liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 14,317 | $ | 13,611 | ||
Income tax payable | 2,184 | 1,370 | ||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement, current | 11,459 | 10,278 | ||||
Loans payable, current | 3,664 | 3,664 | ||||
Derivative liability related to gold supply agreement, current | 1,620 | 1,495 | ||||
Total Current Liabilities | $ | 33,244 | $ | 30,418 | ||
Working Capital | $ | 56,180 | $ | 56,009 |
The Companys working capital at March 31, 2015 was $56.2 million. The Company anticipates having sufficient working capital to meet its 2015 capital and operating requirements for the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine and expects to generate free cash flow.
Cash Flow
Three months ended | ||||||
March 31, | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities prior to changes in non-cash working capital activities | $ | 10,180 | $ | (2,665 | ) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 5,567 | (2,592 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) in investing activities | (6,897 | ) | (98,862 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (320 | ) | 95,322 | |||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances | 3,739 | 262 | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | 2,089 | (5,870 | ) | |||
Cash, end of period | $ | 54,859 | $ | 7,639 |
During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, cash increased by $2.1 million. Significant components of cash flow during the quarter were: Inflows:
Outflows:
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
(1) Total debt service including delivery under the gold purchase agreement, repayment of debt and interest paid totaled $4.8 million.
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities in the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, were $5.6 million and ($2.6 million), respectively. Cash provided by operating activities in the quarter ended March 31, 2015, are comprised of cash provided by operating activities prior to changes in non-cash working capital of $10.2 million, including repayment under the gold purchase agreement of $3.1 million, changes in non-cash working capital of $2.7 million and income taxes paid of $7.3 million.
Cash used in investing activities in the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, were $6.9 million and $98.9 million, respectively. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company spent $11.1 million on capital expenditures and received $4.1 million from a reduction of collateral on surety bonds. In the first quarter of 2014, cash used in investing activities was principally for the purchase of the Midas mine and mill and the payment of associated reclamation bonds.
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities in the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 totalled ($0.3 million) and $95.3 million, respectively. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company received $1.4 million cash from proceeds of exercise of warrants and share options and paid debt and interest of $1.7 million. In the first quarter of 2014, cash provided by financing activities was principally issuance of capital and financing for the Midas acquisition.
The effect of foreign exchange on cash balances for the quarter was $3.7 million in part resulting from the increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar.
To the extent that additional capital will be required, the Company expects to be able to meet any such funding requirements from free cash flow provided by its operations and/or by arranging other equity or loan financing. In light of the continually changing financial markets, commodity prices and general operational risks, there is no assurance that funding from the issuance of equity or debt will be possible when required or desired by the Company on terms favourable to the Company or at all. The Company anticipates that in-the-money options and warrants with expiry date in 2015 will be exercised, but there is no assurance this will occur.
The senior secured loan facility agreement (the " Facility Agreement ") and the gold purchase agreement (the " Gold Purchase Agreement ") entered into by the Company in connection with the purchase of the Midas mine and mill contain customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature, including limitations on future indebtedness during its term. The Company is in compliance with the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement and the Facility Agreement.
See also "Risk Factors".
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
At March 31, 2015, the Company had the following contractual obligations outstanding:
Contracts and leases | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | After 5 years | ||||||||||
Gold purchase agreement | $ | 49,932 | $ | 12,552 | $ | 26,926 | $ | 10,454 | $ | - | |||||
Debt | 24,000 | 4,000 | 20,000 | - | - | ||||||||||
Decommissioning provision | 24,023 | - | - | - | 24,023 | ||||||||||
Total contractual obligations | $ | 104,659 | $ | 24,360 | $ | 45,823 | $ | 10,453 | $ | 24,023 |
During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company delivered 1,875 ounces in accordance with the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement. There are 29,625 ounces of gold outstanding to be delivered against the agreement.
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT
Klondex seeks to build value for its shareholders by strategically growing the Company through a combination of organic and external initiatives. The acquisition of the Midas mine and mill in the first quarter of 2014 was a catalyst for the Companys growth at the beginning of the last financial year. The Company intends to primarily focus on organic growth, consisting of developing its own projects and expanding its mineral resources through its exploration programs but will also continue to review external opportunities.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
At March 31, 2015, there were no off-balance sheet arrangements.
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounting policies used in the Company's financial statements are consistent with those of the previous year.
SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of such financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the period. Management believes the estimates used are reasonable; however, actual results could differ materially from those estimates and, if so, could impact future results of operations and cash flows. Refer to the annual MD&A for a detailed description of the significant estimates and judgments used to prepare the Financial Statements. The critical judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the application of accounting policies are disclosed in Note 2 to the Financial Statements.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS
Financial Assets
All financial assets are initially recorded at fair value and designated upon inception into one of the following categories: available for sale, loans and receivables or at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). Financial assets classified as FVTPL are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized through profit and loss. Regular way purchases and sales of FVTPL financial assets are accounted for at trade date, as opposed to settlement date. Financial assets classified as loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost. The Companys cash, receivables, and reclamation bonds are classified as loans and receivables. Financial assets classified as available for sale are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) except for losses in value that are significant or prolonged. Transactions costs associated with FVTPL financial assets are expensed as incurred, while transaction costs associated with all other financial assets are included in the initial carrying amount of the asset.
Financial Liabilities
All financial liabilities are initially recorded at fair value and designated upon inception as FVTPL or other financial liabilities. Financial liabilities classified as other financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs. After initial recognition, other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The Companys accounts payable, loans payable and obligations under Gold Purchase Agreement are classified as other financial liabilities. Financial liabilities classified as FVTPL include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition as FVTPL. Derivatives, including separated embedded derivatives, are also classified as FVTPL unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Fair value changes on financial liabilities classified as FVTPL are recognized through profit and loss.
Derivatives
Financial assets and liabilities classified as derivatives include financial instruments that do not qualify as hedges. Derivatives are measured at fair value each reporting period with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the consolidated statements of income (loss) in the period of valuation. See notes 12 and 21.
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
As at the date hereof, the Company has an unlimited number of common shares authorized and 129,602,079 common shares are outstanding. As at the date hereof, there are 9,023,490 incentive stock options and 9,394,696 warrants to purchase common shares outstanding. The Company has 148,020,265 common shares outstanding, fully-diluted.
INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuers Annual and Interim Filings ( National Instrument 52-109 ) requires public companies in Canada to submit interim and annual certificates relating to the design of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) and an annual certificate that includes evaluating the effectiveness of ICFR. The Companys ICFR is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining ICFR. The Company used the 2013 Commission of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) framework as the basis for designing its ICFR. Due to its inherent limitations, ICFR may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis as such systems can only be designed to provide reasonable as opposed to absolute assurance. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of ICFR to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
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PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There were no changes in ICFR during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 that are reasonably likely to materially affect or that have materially affected ICFR.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Canadian Securities Administrators have issued National Instrument 52-109 which requires public companies in Canada to submit annual and interim certificates relating to the design and effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures that are in use at the company. The Companys disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported on a timely basis to senior management, including the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, to enable this information to be reviewed and discussed so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding the timely public disclosure of the information. The Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer each evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures as at
December 31, 2014 and concluded that these controls and procedures were effective. Since the December 31, 2014 evaluation, there have been no material changes to the Company's disclosure controls and procedures.
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The Company has included non-IFRS measures for "Production costs per gold equivalent ounce", Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis and All-in sustaining costs per ounce in this MD&A to supplement its financial statements which are presented in accordance with IFRS. Management believes that these measures provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the performance of the Company. Non-IFRS measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. Therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The following tables provide a reconciliation of production per the financial statements to production costs per GEO sold and production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||
Production Costs Per Gold Equivalent Ounce Sold | March 31, 2015 | March 31, 2014 | ||||
Fire Creek | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 11,113 | $ | - | ||
GEO sold | 18,257 | - | ||||
Production costs per GEO sold | $ | 609 | $ | - | ||
Midas | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 15,747 | $ | 1,675 | ||
Toll mill costs | (470 | ) | - | |||
Total costs | 15,277 | 1,675 | ||||
GEO sold, net of toll mill ounces | 13,087 | 1,849 | ||||
Production costs per GEO sold | $ | 1,167 | $ | 906 | ||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 26,860 | $ | 1,675 | ||
Toll mill costs | (470 | ) | - | |||
Total costs | 26,390 | 1,675 | ||||
GEO sold, net of toll mill ounces | 31,344 | 1,849 | ||||
Production costs per GEO sold | $ | 842 | $ | 906 |
The silver to gold ratio used to calculate GEO in 2015 and 2014 are 65.79:1 and 66.67:1 respectively.
18
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||
Production Costs Per Gold Ounce Sold on a By-product Basis | March 31, 2015 | March 31, 2014 | ||||
Fire Creek | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 11,113 | $ | - | ||
Silver by-product credit | (244 | ) | - | |||
Production costs after silver credit | $ | 10,869 | $ | - | ||
Gold ounces sold | 18,083 | - | ||||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 601 | $ | - | ||
Midas | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 15747 | $ | 1,675 | ||
Toll mill costs | (470 | ) | - | |||
Silver by-product credit | (6,193 | ) | (1,276 | ) | ||
Production costs after silver credit | $ | 9,084 | $ | 399 | ||
Gold ounces sold, net of toll mill ounces | 8,693 | 930 | ||||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 1,045 | $ | 429 | ||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 26,860 | $ | 1,675 | ||
Toll mill costs | (470 | ) | - | |||
Silver by-product credit | (6,437 | ) | (1,276 | ) | ||
Production costs after silver credit | $ | 19,953 | $ | 399 | ||
Gold ounces sold, net of toll mill ounces | 26,776 | 930 | ||||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 745 | $ | 429 |
All-in Sustaining Costs per Gold Ounce
The World Gold Council ( WGC ) published All-in sustaining costs guidelines in June 2013. The WGC is a non-profit association that worked closely with its member companies to develop this non-IFRS measure which is intended to provide further transparency into the costs associated with producing gold. The WGC is not a regulatory body and does not have the authority to develop accounting standards or disclosure requirements.
The Company defines all-in sustaining costs per ounce as the sum of total production costs, sustaining capital expenditures, general and administrative costs and environmental reclamation costs net of by-product credits divided by the total gold ounces sold to arrive at a per ounce figure. Corporate general and administrative costs will be recognized only in the consolidated all-in sustaining costs. Non-sustaining costs are subtracted from capital expenditures to arrive at sustaining costs. Non-sustaining costs are those cost incurred at new operations and costs related to projects at existing operations where these projects will materially increase production.
19
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||
All-in Sustaining Costs Per Ounce | March 31, 2015 | March 31, 2014 | ||||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 26,860 | $ | 1,675 | ||
Toll mill costs | (470 | ) | - | |||
General and administrative expenses | 3,442 | 2,229 | ||||
Accretion expense | 119 | 144 | ||||
Sustaining capital expenditures | 2,663 | 2,538 | ||||
Silver by-product credit | (6,437 | ) | (1,276 | ) | ||
Total | 26,177 | 5,310 | ||||
Gold ounces sold, net of toll mill ounces | 26,776 | 930 | ||||
All-in sustaining cost per gold ounce sold | $ | 978 | $ | 5,710 | (1) |
(1) The quarter ended March 31, 2014 was the first quarter of production for Midas since its acquisition by the Company; therefore, the sale of gold ounces was limited. Additionally, sustaining capital expenditures included Fire Creek and Midas.
U.S. DOLLAR CONVERSION
The U.S. dollar amounts presented were calculated using the average exchange rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 of 1.2412 and for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 of 1.1082 (US$ to CAD).
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2015, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. None of these is expected to have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company, except the following set out below:
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (IFRS 9), addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. The complete version of IFRS 9 was issued in July 2014. It replaces the guidance in IAS 39 that relates to the classification and measurement of financial instruments. IFRS 9 retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes three primary measurement categories for financial assets: amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (OCI) and FVTPL. There is now a new expected credit losses model that replaces the incurred loss impairment model used in IAS 39. For financial liabilities there were no changes to classification and measurement except for the recognition of changes in own credit risk in OCI, for liabilities designated at FVTPL. The standard is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has yet to assess the full impact of IFRS 9.
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15), deals with revenue recognition and establishes principles for reporting useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entitys contracts with customers. Under IFRS 15, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of a good or service and thus has the ability to direct the use and obtain the benefits from the good or service. The standard replaces IAS 18, Revenue, and IAS 11, Construction Contracts, and related interpretations. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017 and earlier application is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact of IFRS 15.
There are no other IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the Company.
20
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
CAUTIONARY NOTES
Forward-looking information
This MD&A contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof. In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "believe", "intend", "may", "will", "should", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "potential", "intends", "expects" and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information reflects the current expectations and assumptions of management, and is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information, including, but not limited to information relating to the actual results of exploration and evaluation activities, actual results of reclamation activities, the estimation or realization of mineral resources and mineral reserves, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the timing and receipt of required permits and approvals, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new mineral deposits, requirements for additional capital, the sufficiency of working capital, and the future prices of precious and base metals, is inherently uncertain. In addition, the timing and magnitude of certain events are inherently risky and uncertain, particularly as they relate to the possible variations in mineral grade or recovery rates, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes, road blocks and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation.
Key assumptions upon which the Company's forward-looking information is based include the following: estimated prices for gold and silver; being able to secure new financing to continue its exploration, development and operational activities; currency exchange rates; the ability of the Company to comply with environmental, safety and other regulatory requirements and being able to obtain regulatory approvals (including licenses and permits) in a timely manner; there not being any material adverse effects arising as a result of political instability, taxes or royalty increases, terrorism, sabotage, natural disasters, equipment failures or adverse changes in government legislation or the socio-economic conditions in the regions in which the Company operates; the Company being able to achieve its growth strategy; the Company's operating costs; key personnel and access to all equipment necessary to operate the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine.
These assumptions should be carefully considered. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information or the assumptions on which the Company's forward-looking information is based. The reader is advised to carefully review and consider the risk factors identified in this MD&A under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere herein for a discussion of the factors that could cause the Company's actual results and performance to be materially different from any anticipated future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. The reader is further cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive and it is recommended that the reader consult the more complete discussion of the Company's business, financial condition and prospects that is included in this MD&A. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions on which the forward-looking information is given are reasonable, based on the information available to the Company on the date such forward-looking information was given, no assurances can be given as to whether these assumptions will prove to be correct. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as, and to the extent, required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Technical information
21
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by the Company, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the Midas Mine, prior to the acquisition of the Midas Mine by the Company, and the Company made a decision to continue production subsequent to the Midas Acquisition. This decision by the Company to continue production and, to the knowledge of the Company, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but were based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the project. The Company has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
RISK FACTORS
As a resource acquisition, exploration, development and production company, the Company is engaged in a highly speculative business that involves a high degree of risk and is frequently unsuccessful. In addition to the information disclosed elsewhere in this MD&A, readers should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before deciding whether to invest in the Company's securities. These risk factors do not necessarily comprise all of the risks to which the Company is or will be subject .
The Company's failure to successfully address the risks and uncertainties described below could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and/or results of operations and could cause the trading price of the Common Shares to decline. The Company cannot guarantee that it will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect its business. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company's business operations. If any of the possibilities described in such risks actually occurs, the Company's business, the Company's financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected. In addition to the risk factors mentioned below, readers of this MD&A are encouraged to read the risk factors as more fully described in the Companys filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators, including its annual information form, available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Important risk factors to consider, among others, are the following:
QUALIFIED PERSON AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Mark Odell, P.E., Principal Engineer, Practical Mining LLC, a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (" NI 43-101 ") reviewed and approved of the technical information contained in this MD&A.
22
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
KLONDEX MINES LTD 2014 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
For further information on the Companys properties please see its technical reports which are available under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Klondex's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the symbol KDX and are listed on the OTCQX under the symbol "KLNDF". Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's annual information form, is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
23
PURSUING A DREAM BUILDING A LEGACY |
FORM 52-109F2
CERTIFICATION OF INTERIM FILINGS
FULL CERTIFICATE
I, Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review : I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the "interim filings " ) of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the "issuer") for the interim period ended March 31, 2015. |
||
2. |
No misrepresentations : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings. |
||
3. |
Fair presentation : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings. |
||
4. |
Responsibility : The issuers other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in lssuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
||
5. |
Design : Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings: |
||
(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that: |
||
(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and |
||
(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
||
(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuers GAAP. |
||
5.1 |
Control framework : The control framework the issuers other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuers ICFR is Internal Control - Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission . |
||
5.2 |
ICFR - material weakness relating to design : N/A |
||
5.3 |
Limitation on scope of design : N/A |
-2-
6. |
Reporting changes in ICFR : The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuers ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2015 and ended on March 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuers ICFR. |
Date: May 12, 2015.
(signed) Paul
Huet
Paul Huet
Chief Executive Officer
FORM 52-109F2
CERTIFICATION OF INTERIM FILINGS
FULL CERTIFICATE
I, Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review : I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the "interim filings " ) of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the "issuer") for the interim period ended March 31, 2015. |
||
2. |
No misrepresentations : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings. |
||
3. |
Fair presentation : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings. |
||
4. |
Responsibility : The issuers other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in lssuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
||
5. |
Design : Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings: |
||
(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that: |
||
(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and |
||
(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
||
(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuers GAAP. |
||
5.1 |
Control framework : The control framework the issuers other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuers ICFR is Internal Control - Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission . |
||
5.2 |
ICFR - material weakness relating to design : N/A |
||
5.3 |
Limitation on scope of design : N/A |
-2-
6. |
Reporting changes in ICFR : The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuers ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2015 and ended on March 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuers ICFR. |
Date: May 12, 2015.
(signed) Barry
Dahl
Barry Dahl
Chief Financial Officer
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and nine month ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements |
2 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
September 30, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Assets | ||||||
Current assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 43,230,909 | $ | 13,509,155 | ||
Receivables (note 5) | 4,029,403 | 49,260 | ||||
Inventories (note 6) | 23,952,968 | - | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 1,636,701 | 273,088 | ||||
72,849,981 | 13,831,503 | |||||
Mineral properties, plant and equipment (note 7) | 176,450,991 | 2,153,523 | ||||
Exploration and evaluation assets (note 7) | - | 93,420,809 | ||||
Reclamation bonds (note 8) | 24,403,762 | 445,809 | ||||
Total assets | $ | 273,704,734 | $ | 109,851,644 | ||
Liabilities | ||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 9) | $ | 14,031,484 | $ | 5,795,512 | ||
Income taxes payable | 2,229,000 | - | ||||
Due to related parties (note 10) | - | 662,426 | ||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement, current (note 11) | 6,466,100 | - | ||||
Loans payable, current (note 12) | 1,895,428 | 7,000,000 | ||||
24,622,012 | 13,457,938 | |||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement (note 11) | 28,754,355 | - | ||||
Loans payable (note 12) | 19,840,909 | - | ||||
Derivative liability related to gold supply agreement (note 13) | 6,685,572 | 8,763,304 | ||||
Decommissioning provision (note 14) | 19,138,839 | 1,193,628 | ||||
Deferred tax liability | 5,050,834 | - | ||||
Total liabilities | 104,092,521 | 23,414,870 | ||||
Shareholders' Equity | ||||||
Share capital (note 15) | 173,320,328 | 111,596,460 | ||||
Contributed surplus (note 15) | 24,810,080 | 14,545,252 | ||||
Deficit | (34,696,397 | ) | (43,950,683 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 6,178,202 | 4,245,745 | ||||
Total shareholders' equity | 169,612,213 | 86,436,774 | ||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 273,704,734 | $ | 109,851,644 |
See Contingencies (note 22)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements |
3 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Income (Loss) |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Revenues | $ | 38,012,787 | $ | - | $ | 77,083,745 | $ | - | ||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||
Production costs | 17,254,621 | - | 37,652,263 | - | ||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 7,974,402 | - | 14,900,176 | - | ||||||||
Gross profit | 12,783,764 | - | 24,531,306 | - | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,976,545 | 987,572 | 7,379,974 | 2,762,671 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 9,807,219 | (987,572 | ) | 17,151,332 | (2,762,671 | ) | ||||||
Business acquisition costs | - | - | (2,257,018 | ) | - | |||||||
Gain on change in fair value of derivative (note 13) | 442,514 | - | 2,034,305 | - | ||||||||
Finance charges (note 16) | (2,751,340 | ) | - | (6,987,316 | ) | - | ||||||
Foreign currency gain (note 17) | 4,243,667 | - | 5,255,983 | - | ||||||||
Income (loss) before tax | 11,742,060 | (987,572 | ) | 15,197,286 | (2,762,671 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense | (4,517,000 | ) | - | (5,943,000 | ) | - | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 7,225,060 | $ | (987,572 | ) | $ | 9,254,286 | $ | (2,762,671 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per share | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.06 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.04 | ) | ||
Diluted (1) | $ | 0.06 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.04 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (note 18) | ||||||||||||
Basic | 118,717,882 | 64,512,225 | 112,498,115 | 64,449,572 | ||||||||
Diluted | 121,641,031 | 64,512,225 | 115,152,301 | 64,449,572 |
(1) |
As net losses were recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the dilutive potential shares are anti-dilutive for the net income (loss) per share calculation for these periods and therefore the weighted average basic and diluted numbers of shares are the same. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements |
4 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 7,225,060 | $ | (987,572 | ) | $ | 9,254,286 | $ | (2,762,671 | ) | ||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | ||||||||||||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss | ||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation | 4,614,713 | (1,794,954 | ) | 1,932,457 | 2,509,581 | |||||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | - | (19 | ) | - | (5,488 | ) | ||||||
Impairment of marketable securities | - | - | - | 19,631 | ||||||||
4,614,713 | (1,794,973 | ) | 1,932,457 | 2,523,724 | ||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 11,839,773 | $ | (2,782,545 | ) | $ | 11,186,743 | $ | (238,947 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements |
5 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Cash provided by (used in) Operating activities | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) for the period | $ | 7,225,060 | $ | (987,572 | ) | $ | 9,254,286 | $ | (2,762,671 | ) | ||
Items not involving cash | ||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 7,657,360 | 15,949 | 14,664,772 | 45,224 | ||||||||
Change in fair value of derivative | (828,714 | ) | - | (2,420,506 | ) | - | ||||||
Finance charges | 2,766,619 | - | 7,002,595 | - | ||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) | (3,846,661 | ) | 28,498 | (5,158,157 | ) | (3,163 | ) | |||||
Write-off of marketable securities | - | - | - | 19,631 | ||||||||
Deferred tax expense | 3,193,000 | - | 3,714,000 | - | ||||||||
Share-based compensation | 1,672,681 | 179,634 | 2,479,109 | 709,731 | ||||||||
17,839,345 | (763,491 | ) | 29,536,099 | (1,991,248 | ) | |||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital | ||||||||||||
Receivables | (689,624 | ) | (2,530 | ) | (881,724 | ) | 1,537 | |||||
Inventories | (3,236,779 | ) | - | (12,477,616 | ) | - | ||||||
Prepaid expenses | (313,783 | ) | 169,606 | (1,322,978 | ) | 109,385 | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 1,509,815 | 195,606 | 11,431,308 | (181,091 | ) | |||||||
Income taxes payable | 1,324,000 | - | 2,229,000 | - | ||||||||
Due to (from) related parties | (242,027 | ) | 47,607 | (686,888 | ) | 115,339 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 16,190,947 | (353,202 | ) | 27,827,201 | (1,946,078 | ) | ||||||
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities | ||||||||||||
Cash paid for acquisition of Midas | - | - | (63,670,058 | ) | - | |||||||
Expenditures on mineral properties, plant and equipment | (7,989,903 | ) | (6,081,912 | ) | (18,864,581 | ) | (17,405,984 | ) | ||||
Cash payments for reclamation bonds | - | - | (31,244,251 | ) | - | |||||||
Reclamation bond recovered, net | 7,642,092 | 1,296,546 | 7,642,092 | 1,145,820 | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of mineralized material | - | 2,056,644 | - | 2,056,644 | ||||||||
Interest received | 18,683 | - | 67,019 | - | ||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (329,128 | ) | (2,728,722 | ) | (106,069,779 | ) | (14,203,520 | ) | ||||
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ||||||||||||
Issuance of share capital, net | 15,935,035 | 681,000 | 61,255,996 | 696,724 | ||||||||
Proceeds under gold purchase agreement, net | - | - | 35,981,635 | - | ||||||||
Proceeds from gold royalty advance | - | - | 1,366,549 | - | ||||||||
Proceeds from debt | - | 2,305,827 | 23,109,197 | 9,113,952 | ||||||||
Repayment of debt | (2,426,211 | ) | - | (9,426,536 | ) | (10,780,000 | ) | |||||
Interest paid | (2,379,257 | ) | - | (5,649,536 | ) | (56,180 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 11,129,567 | 2,986,827 | 106,637,630 | (1,025,504 | ) | |||||||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances | 1,133,634 | 2,878 | 1,326,702 | 108,477 | ||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | 28,125,020 | (92,219 | ) | 29,721,754 | (17,066,625 | ) | ||||||
Cash, beginning of period | 15,105,889 | 1,074,789 | 13,509,155 | 18,049,195 | ||||||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 43,230,909 | $ | 982,570 | $ | 43,230,909 | $ | 982,570 |
See supplemental cash flow information (note 19)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements |
6 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Issued share capital | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 111,596,460 | $ | 92,085,867 | ||
Common shares issued, net of issuance costs | 55,405,169 | - | ||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 259,068 | 73,964 | ||||
Stock options exercised | 943,963 | 167,400 | ||||
Warrants exercised | 5,115,668 | 718,083 | ||||
Balance at end of period | 173,320,328 | 93,045,314 | ||||
Contributed surplus | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | 14,545,252 | 13,256,644 | ||||
Subscription receipts | 507,214 | - | ||||
Senior debt | 1,753,591 | 340,972 | ||||
Warrants issued on Midas acquisition | 6,500,000 | - | ||||
Stock options exercised | (633,200 | ) | (61,400 | ) | ||
Warrants exercised | (94,500 | ) | (123,083 | ) | ||
Share based compensation | 2,231,723 | 631,491 | ||||
Balance at end of period | 24,810,080 | 14,044,624 | ||||
Deficit | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | (43,950,683 | ) | (29,829,892 | ) | ||
Income (loss) for the period | 9,254,286 | (2,762,671 | ) | |||
Balance at end of period | (34,696,397 | ) | (32,592,563 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | 4,245,745 | (1,242,059 | ) | |||
Reallocation of AOCI on marketable securities | - | 19,631 | ||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | - | (5,488 | ) | |||
Exchange rate differences on translation from functional to presentation currency | 1,932,457 | 2,509,581 | ||||
Balance at end of period | 6,178,202 | 1,281,665 | ||||
Total shareholders equity | $ | 169,612,213 | $ | 75,779,040 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements |
7 |
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Klondex Mines Ltd. | |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
1. |
Nature of Operations |
Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) is in the business of acquiring, owning, exploiting, and evaluating mineral properties, and developing these properties further or disposing of them when the evaluation is completed. The Company has interests in the Fire Creek exploration project (the Fire Creek Project or Fire Creek) and the Midas mine and ore milling facility (collectively Midas Mine or Midas), as well as other properties, all located in the State of Nevada, USA.
The Company was incorporated on August 25, 1971 under the laws at British Columbia, Canada and its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol KDX.
The Companys registered office is located at 20 th Floor, 250 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3R8.
2. |
Significant Accounting Policies |
Basis of presentation
The Companys condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as applicable to interim financial reports including IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, and therefore do not include all the information and note disclosures required by IFRS for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, which were prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The consolidated interim financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are entities over which the Company has control. The Company controls an entity when the Company is exposed to, or has right to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Companys subsidiaries, which are wholly owned, are 0985472 B.C. Ltd, and its U.S. subsidiaries: Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc., Klondex Gold and Silver Mining Company, Klondex Midas Holding Limited and Klondex Midas Operations Inc. All intercompany transactions, balances, revenues and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.
The Company has determined that the functional currency of its US subsidiaries is the US dollar.
Through authority granted by the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee has approved these condensed consolidated interim financial statements on November 7, 2014.
New Accounting Policies
The accounting policies used in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those of the previous year, except as described below.
The Company adopted new accounting policies as described below because of the transition of the Fire Creek Project to the bulk-sample production stage from the evaluation and exploration stage and the acquisition of the Midas Mine.
Business combinations: The Company applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair values of the assets and liabilities transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Company. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
8
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Where the initial accounting for the business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Company reports provisional amounts for the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. During the measurement period, the Company will retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized at that date. The measurement period will not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
Revenue recognition: Revenue related to sales of gold and silver is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. This is considered to have occurred when title passes to the buyer pursuant to the related purchase agreement. Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will receive economic benefits and is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable less any applicable discounts.
Mining taxes and royalties: Mining taxes and royalties are treated and disclosed as current and deferred taxes if they have the characteristics of an income tax. This is considered to be the case when they are imposed under government authority and the amount payable is calculated by reference to revenue (net of any allowable deductions).
Inventories: Inventories, which include supplies, in-process and finished goods are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
|
Supplies inventory: Supplies inventory consists of supplies used in mining and milling operations and spare parts. Costs include acquisition, freight and tax. |
|
|
In-process inventory: In-process inventory consists of ore in stockpiles and ore in circuit in the mill. Costs include all direct costs incurred in production and milling including labor, materials, overhead, depreciation and depletion. |
|
|
Finished goods inventory: Finished goods inventory consists of doré gold and silver bars at the mill or at the third-party refiner and refined metal that is still under ownership of the Company. Costs include all costs of in-process inventory plus any additional refining costs incurred. |
Significant estimates and judgments
The preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires management to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual outcomes could differ from these judgments and estimates.
Significant areas where judgment is applied apart from those involving estimates are:
Acquisition accounting: The acquisition of a company or asset may result in the reporting of a business combination or asset acquisition as defined under IFRS. Judgment is required to determine the appropriate accounting treatment for acquisition by the Company.
Reclassification of evaluation and exploration assets: The Company reclassifies assets from exploration and evaluation to production assets once recovery of the resource is deemed economically viable and technically feasible. At this point, the asset is tested for impairment then reclassified to mineral properties, plant and equipment.
Obligations under gold purchase agreement: Management determined the obligation to deliver gold within the gold purchase agreement is subject to the own use scope exception under IAS 39 which represents a significant judgment. The judgment is based on the fact that the Company has the ability, and management has the intention, to deliver gold to meet this requirement.
Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of judgments and estimates that management has made at the statement of financial position date, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, relate to, but are not limited to, the following:
9
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition: In the determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired through an acquisition accounted for as a business combination, management makes certain judgments and estimates regarding mineral reserves or resources, commodity prices, economic lives, reclamation costs and discount rates, among others. Due to the complex nature of the valuation process, information may become available following the initial determinations that could change the provisional measurement of assets and liabilities acquired.
Work-in-process and production costs: The Company makes estimates of the amount of recoverable ounces in work-in-process inventory which is used in the determination of the cost of goods sold during the period. Changes in these estimates could result in a change in carrying value of inventories and mine operating costs in future periods. The Company monitors the recovery of gold ounces from the mill and could use this information to refine its original estimate.
Depletion: The Company uses estimated recoverable resources as the basis for determining the amortization of certain mineral property, plant and equipment as proven and probable reserves have not been defined. This results in an amortization charge in the respective period proportionate to the depletion of the related resource. Determining the amount of recoverable resources is complex and requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to geological sampling and modeling, future commodity prices and costs to extract and process the ore, among others.
Income taxes: The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes including mining taxes and royalties if they have the characteristics of an income tax. Under the liability method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, unused tax losses and other income tax deductions using enacted or substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply when the related assets are realized or the liabilities are settled. Deferred income tax assets are reassessed at the end of each reporting period and are recognized to the extent that it is probable the Company will have taxable income against which those deductible temporary differences, unused tax losses and other income tax deductions can be utilized.
Current and deferred income tax expense or benefit are recognized in net earnings except when they arise as a result of items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case the related current and deferred income tax expense or benefit are also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
3. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
The following standards are effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2014 and have been adopted by the Company. The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Amendment to IAS 32, Financial instruments: Presentation: This amendment updates the application guidance in IAS 32, Financial instruments: Presentation, to clarify certain requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities on the balance sheet.
Amendments to IAS 36, Impairment of assets: These amendments address the disclosure of information about the recoverable amount of impaired assets if that amount is based on fair value less costs of disposal.
IFRIC 21, Levies: This interpretation is on IAS 37 which sets out a criteria for recognition of a liability, one of which is the requirement for the entity to have a present obligation as a result of a past event.
The following standard is not yet effective.
Annual improvements: In December 2013, the IASB published the final standard on the Annual Improvements 2010-12 cycle with amendments affecting seven existing standards. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2014. Management does not expect the amendments to have a significant impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
10
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
4. |
Acquisition of Midas |
On February 11, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, which indirectly owns the Midas Mine, from Newmont USA Limited, a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation (Newmont) (the Acquisition). The aggregate purchase price totaled approximately $71.4 million, including 5,000,000 common share purchase warrants issued to Newmont with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances, and an exercise price of $2.15. In addition, the Company was required to deposit $31.6 million (US$28.6 million) in reclamation bonds to replace Newmonts surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities.
The Acquisition was financed through the net proceeds of the following:
Equity: The Company completed a private placement on January 9, 2014 of 29.4 million subscription receipts at an issue price of $1.45 per subscription receipt for total gross proceeds of approximately $42.6 million. The subscription receipts automatically converted into common shares on a one-for-one basis in accordance with their terms upon closing of the Acquisition.
Gold Purchase Agreement: The Company entered into a Gold Purchase Agreement with a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp. pursuant to which Klondex agreed to sell an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold to Franco-Nevada by December 31, 2018 at a pre-paid purchase price of US$33,763,640 in cash.
Royalty Agreement : The Company granted to a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek and Midas properties in consideration for the payment of an aggregate of US$1,236,360 in cash. Monthly royalty payments will commence in 2019, after the scheduled gold deliveries under the gold purchase agreement are completed. The receipt of the proceeds of the NSR was accounted for as a reduction to mineral properties.
Debt: The Company completed a private placement of units consisting of $25 million aggregate principal amount of 11.00% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants with a three-year term and an exercise price of $1.95 to a syndicate of lenders.
The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business acquisition with the purchase price preliminarily allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as presented below.
Purchase price | ||||
Cash | $ | 63,670,033 | ||
Warrants | 6,500,000 | |||
$ | 70,170,033 |
Net assets acquired | ||||
Inventory | $ | 2,043,837 | ||
Mining tax receivable | 3,028,244 | |||
Mineral properties | 22,344,574 | |||
Plant and equipment | 61,319,126 | |||
Reclamation liability | (17,248,956 | ) | ||
Deferred tax liability | (1,316,792 | ) | ||
$ | 70,170,033 |
This allocation is preliminary as the Company has not completed the valuation process. The allocation may be adjusted in future periods as additional information becomes available. As at September 30, 2014, the Company has not made any adjustments to the valuation. In connection with the acquisition the Company may have acquired certain deferred tax assets and or liabilities which will be determined based on the final valuation. The Company incurred expenses of $2,257,018 related to the acquisition.
11
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
5. |
Receivables |
September 30, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Tax receivable | $ | 3,074,335 | $ | - | |||
Others | 955,068 | 49,260 | |||||
$ | 4,029,403 | $ | 49,260 |
6. |
Inventories |
September 30, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Supplies | $ | 1,729,707 | $ | - | |||
In-process | 12,178,138 | - | |||||
Finished goods | 10,045,123 | - | |||||
$ | 23,952,968 | $ | - |
Cost of inventories recognized as an expense in cost of sales for the sale of gold and silver for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $25,229,023 and $52,552,439, respectively.
7. |
Mineral Properties, Plant and Equipment |
and | |||||||||||||
Mineral | Plant and | evaluation | |||||||||||
properties | equipment | assets | Total | ||||||||||
Cost | |||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 | $ | - | $ | 3,765,811 | $ | 93,420,809 | $ | 97,186,620 | |||||
Acquisition of Midas | 22,344,574 | 61,319,126 | - | 83,663,700 | |||||||||
Additions | 17,928,196 | 1,446,558 | 919,400 | 20,294,154 | |||||||||
Recoveries from the sale of gold | (4,595,947 | ) | - | - | (4,595,947 | ) | |||||||
Reclassifications | 94,340,209 | - | (94,340,209 | ) | - | ||||||||
Foreign exchange | 3,138,031 | 749,709 | - | 3,887,740 | |||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2014 | 133,155,063 | 67,281,204 | - | 200,436,267 | |||||||||
Accumulated depreciation and depletion | |||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 | - | 1,612,288 | - | 1,612,288 | |||||||||
Additions | 18,807,891 | 2,999,622 | - | 21,807,513 | |||||||||
Disposals | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Foreign exchange | 456,291 | 109,184 | - | 565,475 | |||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2014 | 19,264,182 | 4,721,094 | - | 23,985,276 | |||||||||
Net book value at September 30, 2014 | $ | 113,890,881 | $ | 62,560,110 | $ | - | $ | 176,450,991 |
12
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
8. |
Reclamation Bonds |
September 30, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Midas | $ | 23,666,946 | $ | - | |||
Fire Creek | 736,816 | 445,809 | |||||
$ | 24,403,762 | $ | 445,809 |
During the second quarter of 2014, the Company entered into a collateral trust agreement with an insurance company whereby surety bonds totaling US$28,070,645 (CAD$29,968,221) were issued to federal and state agencies to replace cash bonds paid in connection with the acquisition of the Midas Mine. Under the terms of the agreement the Company paid a fee of 1.25% of the total surety bond amount in order to receive the surety bonds and US$7,000,000 (CAD$7,845,600) of cash. The Company received the funds in July 2014.
9. |
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities |
September 30, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Trade accounts payable | $ | 7,344,005 | $ | 4,189,643 | |||
Accrued liabilities | 6,423,151 | 981,047 | |||||
Interest payable | 264,328 | 624,822 | |||||
$ | 14,031,484 | $ | 5,795,512 |
10. |
Related Party Transactions |
The Companys directors and officers are considered key management personnel and their compensation comprises the following:
Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Salaries, bonuses and fees paid to directors and officers | $ | 392,858 | $ | 303,208 | $ | 1,250,564 | $ | 878,711 | |||||
Share-based payments incurred with directors and officers | 946,851 | 188,329 | 1,147,206 | 423,286 | |||||||||
Consulting fees paid to a former officer | - | 33,393 | - | 63,037 | |||||||||
$ | 1,339,709 | $ | 524,930 | $ | 2,397,770 | $ | 1,365,094 |
11. |
Obligations Under Gold Purchase Agreement |
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a gold purchase agreement with Franco-Nevada Corporation for US$33.8 million. Pursuant to the terms, gold deliveries will be made at the end of each month with the first delivery date on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces is completed by December 31, 2018. Minimum scheduled deliveries of gold consisting of equal monthly installments by year per the agreement are as follows:
Year | Ounces | |
2014 | 3,856 | |
2015 | 7,500 | |
2016 | 8,000 | |
2017 | 8,000 | |
2018 | 8,000 | |
Total | 38,250 |
The Company has accounted for the agreement as a loan with an embedded derivative that meets the own use exception and is therefore not marked to market. The loan is recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest method. At September 30, 2014, the current and long-term portions due were $6,466,100 and $28,754,355, respectively.
13
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company delivered 2,894 and 3,859 ounces of gold, respectively in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
12. |
Loans Payable |
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Senior unsecured loan | (a) | $ | - | $ | 7,000,000 | |||||
Senior secured facility, current portion | (b) | 1,895,428 | - | |||||||
Senior secured facility, long-term portion | (b) | 19,840,909 | ||||||||
$ | 21,736,337 | $ | 7,000,000 |
(a) |
Senior unsecured loan |
|
On January 4, 2013, the Company completed a $7,000,000 placement of 9% Senior Unsecured Notes (Notes) due January 5, 2015, which were issued to investors at 98.0% of the principal amount. Investors in the Notes offering received a total of 525,000 warrants, each entitling the purchase of one common share at a price of $1.55 for a period of 18 months following their date of issue. |
||
The Company had the option to repay the loan early at an amount of 102.5% plus any unpaid accrued interest. At December 31, 2013, the Company accelerated the accretion of all warrants and borrowing costs and reclassified the full face value of the Notes ($7,000,000) as a current liability. On February 11, 2014, the Company paid the loan in full, including the 2.5% penalty for early repayment. |
||
(b) |
Senior secured facility |
|
On February 11, 2014 the Company completed a private placement of units consisting of $25 million aggregate principal amount of 11.0% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants with a three- year term and an exercise price of $1.95 to a syndicate of lenders. The Company is required to make principal payments of $4 million per year payable in equal monthly installments beginning in January 2015. Interest is payable monthly throughout the life of the debt. |
||
The Company has the option to repay the loan at any time on or after February 11, 2015 subject to repayment penalties as listed below: |
Date | Redemption penalty | |
February 11, 2015 to February 10, 2016 | 4% | |
February 11, 2016 to February 10, 2017 | 2% | |
February 11, 2017 to August 11, 2017 | No penalty |
13. |
Derivative Liability Related to Gold Supply Agreement |
On March 31, 2011 the Company entered into a gold supply agreement. Pursuant to this agreement the Company grants the buyer the right to purchase refined gold bullion during the term of the agreement from the Fire Creek Project for the five year period starting from the last day of February 2013. If the Fire Creek Project has not produced an aggregate of 150,000 ounces by February 28, 2018 the term will be extended until an aggregate of 185,000 ounces have been produced. The purchase price is the average settlement price of gold on the London Bullion Market Association, PM Fix for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the relevant pricing date. A 1.0% discount is applicable through February 29, 2016. If the price per ounce is less than US$900 at any time the discount will be nil.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company received US$5,482,099 and US$22,363,320, for 4,234 and 17,340 ounces of gold, respectively, sold under the agreement.
14
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
The Company has classified this agreement as a derivative instrument measured at fair value in U.S. dollars. At September 30, 2014, the derivative value was $6,685,572. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded gains on the change in fair value of the derivative of $442,514 and $2,034,305, respectively.
14. |
Decommissioning Provision |
The Companys decommissioning provision is the result of drilling activities, underground tunneling, and other mine development activities at the Fire Creek and Midas properties. The Company estimated its decommissioning provision at September 30, 2014 based on a risk-free discount rate of 3.10% (2013 2.50%) and an inflation rate of 1.46% (2013 2.07%) . Decommissioning is expected to begin in 2019 for Fire Creek and 2023 for Midas.
September 30, | December 30, 2013 | ||||||
2014 | |||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 1,193,628 | $ | 593,541 | |||
Acquisition of Midas | 17,248,956 | - | |||||
Change in provision | - | 584,223 | |||||
Accretion | 359,033 | 15,864 | |||||
Foreign exchange gain | 337,222 | - | |||||
Balance at end of period | $ | 19,138,839 | $ | 1,193,628 |
15. |
Share Capital |
a) |
Common shares: unlimited common shares with no par value |
|
b) |
Issued and outstanding share capital |
Number of shares | CAD | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | 64,361,461 | $ | 92,085,867 | ||||
Short term prospectus, net of issuance costs | 14,200,000 | 17,972,234 | |||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 64,830 | 78,240 | |||||
Stock options exercised | 120,000 | 61,400 | |||||
Warrants exercised | 1,000,000 | 1,398,719 | |||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 79,746,291 | $ | 111,596,460 | ||||
Common shares issued, net of issuance costs | 37,450,000 | 55,405,169 | |||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 483,025 | 259,068 | |||||
Stock options exercised | 1,586,624 | 943,963 | |||||
Warrants exercised | 2,204,083 | 5,115,668 | |||||
Balance at September 30, 2014 | 121,470,023 | $ | 173,320,328 |
In connection with the Midas Acquisition in February 2014, the Company closed a private placement offering of subscription receipts for 29.4 million common shares. Each subscription receipt was issued at a purchase price of $1.45 and was converted into one common share of the Company. The Company received net proceeds from the transaction of $40.5 million.
On July 30, 2014, the Company completed a bought deal public offering (the Offering) for aggregate gross proceeds of $16,100,000. Under the Offering, the Company issued and sold 8,050,000 common shares, which included an over-allotment of 1,050,000 common shares, at a price of $2.00 per common share. The underwriters received a total of $665,000 cash commission, representing 5% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, excluding $2,800,000 from subscriptions by purchasers on the president's list. As additional compensation, the Company granted the underwriters an aggregate of 266,000 compensation warrants, being an amount equal to 4% of the number of common shares sold, excluding the 1,400,000 common shares sold to purchasers on the president's list. The compensation warrants are exercisable at $2.25 per compensation warrant and may be exercised at any time during a period of 24 months following the closing date.
15
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
c) |
Contributed Surplus |
a. |
Warrants outstanding |
A summary of the Companys share purchase warrants activity is presented below:
Weighted | |||||||
Number of | average | ||||||
warrants | exercise price | ||||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012 | 17,105,849 | $ | 2.39 | ||||
Financing | |||||||
Warrants issued for Jones Gable bridge loan agreement | 500,000 | 1.22 | |||||
Warrants issued for K2 bridge loan agreement | 500,000 | 1.19 | |||||
Warrants issued for Senior Unsecured Debt | 525,000 | 1.55 | |||||
Brokers warrants for Short-form Prospectus | 568,000 | 1.43 | |||||
Warrants exercised | (1,000,000 | ) | 1.21 | ||||
Warrants expired | (5,330,700 | ) | 3.50 | ||||
Brokers warrants expired | (564,084 | ) | 2.50 | ||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013 | 12,304,065 | $ | 1.80 | ||||
Financing | |||||||
Warrants issued with private placement offering | 1,176,000 | 1.55 | |||||
Warrants issued for Senior Secured Debt | 3,100,000 | 1.95 | |||||
Warrants issued for Acquisition of Midas | 5,000,000 | 2.15 | |||||
Warrants issued for Short Form Prospectus | 266,000 | 2.25 | |||||
Warrants exercised | (3,264,939 | ) | 1.59 | ||||
Warrants expired | (360 | ) | 1.35 | ||||
Outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2014 | 18,580,766 | $ | 2.00 |
A summary of the Companys outstanding warrants at September 30, 2014 is presented below:
Number of | Weighted average | Number of | ||||||||||||||
Exercise price per | warrants | remaining | Weighted average | warrants | Weighted | |||||||||||
share | outstanding | contractual life | exercise price | exercisable | average life | |||||||||||
$1.00 - $1.49 | 525,826 | 1.06 | $ | 1.43 | 525,826 | 1.06 | ||||||||||
$1.50 - $1.99 | 11,088,940 | 2.06 | $ | 1.78 | 11,088,940 | 2.06 | ||||||||||
$2.00 - $2.49 | 5,566,000 | 13.24 | $ | 2.17 | 5,566,000 | 13.24 | ||||||||||
$2.50 - $3.00 | 1,400,000 | 0.52 | $ | 2.76 | 1,400,000 | 0.52 | ||||||||||
$1.00 - $3.00 | 18,580,766 | 5.27 | $ | 1.96 | 18,580,766 | 5.27 |
16
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
The average fair value of each warrant issued is estimated on the issue date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions during the nine months ended September 30:
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Estimated life in years | 5.64 | 1.20 | |||||
Risk free interest rate | 1.21% | 1.14% | |||||
Volatility | 52.63% | 46.36% |
The estimated volatility was determined based on the historical share price volatility over the estimated life of the warrants.
b. |
Options outstanding |
The Company has adopted an incentive stock option plan (the Plan). The essential elements of the Plan provide that the aggregate number of common shares of the Companys capital stock issuable pursuant to options granted under the Plan may not exceed 15% of the number of issued shares of the Company at the time of the granting of the options. Options granted under the Plan will have a maximum term of ten years. The vesting periods of options granted under the plan may vary at the discretion of the Plan Administrator. The exercise price of options granted under the Plan will not be less than the 5 day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of the common shares at the date of grant.
A summary of the Companys stock options activity is presented below:
Weighted | |||||||
average | |||||||
Number of options | exercise price | ||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 | 4,694,896 | $ | 1.34 | ||||
Options granted | 3,174,708 | 1.42 | |||||
Options exercised | (120,000 | ) | 0.88 | ||||
Options expired | (418,000 | ) | 1.41 | ||||
Options cancelled | (1,850,846 | ) | 1.28 | ||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 5,480,758 | 1.41 | |||||
Options granted | 4,608,063 | 1.96 | |||||
Options exercised | (525,768 | ) | 1.24 | ||||
Options forfeited | (50,000 | ) | 1.30 | ||||
Outstanding at September 30, 2014 | 9,513,052 | $ | 1.52 |
A summary of the Companys outstanding and exercisable stock options at September 30, 2014 is presented below:
Weighted | ||||||||||||||||
Number of | average | Weighted | Number of | |||||||||||||
Exercise price per | options | remaining | average exercise | options | Weighted | |||||||||||
share | outstanding | contractual life | price | exercisable | average life | |||||||||||
$1.00 - $1.49 | 2,907,489 | 1.95 | $ | 1.30 | 2,584,768 | 2.01 | ||||||||||
$1.50 - $1.99 | 3,492,500 | 2.28 | $ | 1.58 | 1,370,833 | 1.96 | ||||||||||
$2.00 - $2.49 | 2,988,063 | 4.77 | $ | 2.05 | 996,021 | 4.77 | ||||||||||
$2.50 - $3.00 | 125,000 | 1.28 | $ | 2.53 | 125,000 | 1.28 | ||||||||||
$1.00 - $3.00 | 9,513,052 | 2.95 | $ | 1.66 | 5,076,622 | 2.85 |
17
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
The average fair value of each option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions, during the nine months ended September 30:
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Estimated life in years | 3.36 | 3.00 | |||||
Risk free interest rate | 1.31% | 1.22% | |||||
Volatility | 48.24% | 49.76% | |||||
Forfeiture rate | - | - |
16. |
Finance Charges |
Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement | $ | 1,676,479 | $ | - | $ | 4,283,280 | $ | - | |||||
Senior secured facility | 967,106 | - | 2,417,281 | - | |||||||||
Accretion of decommissioning provisions | 73,660 | - | 359,033 | - | |||||||||
Other interest expense and income | 34,095 | - | (72,278 | ) | - | ||||||||
$ | 2,751,340 | $ | - | $ | 6,987,316 | $ | - |
In 2013, finance charges were applied to the Fire Creek exploration and evaluation assets.
17. |
Foreign Currency Gain |
18. |
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding |
Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 118,717,882 | 64,512,225 | 112,498,115 | 64,449,572 | |||||||||
Dilution adjustments: | |||||||||||||
Stock options (1) | 1,578,420 | - | 1,479,382 | - | |||||||||
Warrants (1) | 1,344,729 | - | 1,174,804 | - | |||||||||
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 121,641,031 | 64,512,225 | 115,152,301 | 64,449,572 |
(1) |
The impact of dilutive stock options and warrants was determined using the Companys average share price for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $2.01 and $1.93, respectively. In 2013, there were no dilutive securities. |
18
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
19. |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information |
The following significant non-cash financing transactions were recorded:
Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Financing activities | |||||||||||||
Warrants issued in connection with acquisition | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 9,529,080 | $ | - |
20. |
Segment Information |
Following the acquisition of Midas and the advancement of Fire Creek into operations under the bulk sample permit, the Companys operations are now organized into three segments, the results of which are regularly reported to the Companys Chief Executive Officer. The Company identified reportable segments as any operating unit that has total revenue, earnings, losses, or assets that exceed 10% of the total consolidated revenue, earnings, losses, or assets. The table below summarizes the segment information:
Corporate | |||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | and other | Total | ||||||||||
Three months ended September 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 24,848,514 | $ | 13,164,273 | $ | - | $ | 38,012,787 | |||||
Production costs | 7,011,806 | 10,242,815 | - | 17,254,621 | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 6,378,277 | 1,596,125 | - | 7,974,402 | |||||||||
Gross profit | 11,458,431 | 1,325,333 | - | 12,783,764 | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 101,234 | 101,234 | 2,774,077 | 2,976,545 | |||||||||
Earnings (loss) from operations | $ | 11,357,197 | $ | 1,224,099 | $ | (2,774,077 | ) | $ | 9,807,219 | ||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 4,221,791 | $ | 4,582,278 | $ | 50,033 | $ | 8,854,102 | |||||
Nine months ended September 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 50,116,180 | $ | 26,967,565 | $ | - | $ | 77,083,745 | |||||
Production costs | 17,071,244 | 20,581,019 | - | 37,652,263 | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 11,723,492 | 3,176,684 | - | 14,900,176 | |||||||||
Gross profit | 21,321,444 | 3,209,862 | - | 24,531,306 | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 188,855 | 188,855 | 7,002,264 | 7,379,974 | |||||||||
Earnings (loss) from operations | $ | 21,132,589 | $ | 3,021,007 | $ | (7,002,264 | ) | $ | 17,151,332 | ||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 9,876,721 | $ | 9,912,845 | $ | 504,588 | $ | 20,294,154 | |||||
Total assets at September 30, 2014 | $ | 112,210,111 | $ | 143,439,830 | $ | 18,054,792 | $ | 273,704,734 |
19
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Corporate and | |||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | other | Total | ||||||||||
Three months ended September 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Production costs | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Gross profit | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 394,692 | - | 592,880 | 987,572 | |||||||||
Earnings (loss) from operations | $ | (394,692 | ) | $ | - | $ | (592,880 | ) | $ | (987,572 | ) | ||
Capital expenditures | $ | 3,891,413 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 3,891,413 | |||||
Nine months ended September 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Production costs | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Gross profit | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 907,789 | - | 1,854,882 | 2,762,671 | |||||||||
Earnings (loss) from operations | $ | (907,789 | ) | $ | - | $ | (1,854,882 | ) | $ | (2,762,671 | ) | ||
Capital expenditures | $ | 16,627,631 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 16,627,631 | |||||
Total assets at September 30, 2013 | $ | 89,364,259 | $ | - | $ | 2,751,110 | $ | 92,115,369 |
21. | Financial Instruments |
a) | Credit risk |
Credit risk arises from the non-performance by counter parties of contractual financial obligations. The Company maintains its cash with major banks and financial institutions. The Company manages credit risk for trade receivables through credit monitoring processes and by trading with highly rated parties for the sale of metal. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the financial assets. |
|
b) | Interest rate risk |
At September 30, 2014, the Company was not subject to or exposed to any material interest rate risk. See note 12 for interest rates on loans outstanding. |
|
c) | Liquidity risk |
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations when they fall due. The Company manages this risk through management of its capital structure. Based on managements and the Board of Directors review of ongoing operations, the Company may revise the timing of capital expenditures, issue equity and/or pursue other loan facilities. |
|
The Companys current assets exceed current liabilities by approximately $48.2 million at September 30, 2014. The Company enters into contractual obligations in the normal course of business operations. Management believes the Companys requirements for capital expenditures, working capital and ongoing commitments can be financed from existing cash, from gold and silver sales from operations and by acquiring new loans or issuing equity. |
20
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 | |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
d) |
Fair value hierarchy |
Financial instruments recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:
i. | Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; | |
ii. | Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; and | |
iii. | Level 3 Input for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data. |
At September 30, 2014, the Company had a derivative instrument classified as a liability in the consolidated statements of financial position of $6,685,572. The derivative falls within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See note 13 for additional information regarding the valuation techniques and inputs used in determining the fair value of the derivative.
Financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on the statement of financial position are cash, receivables, reclamation bonds, accounts payable, due to related parties and loans payable. The fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying value due to their short term nature.
22. |
Contingencies |
During the year ended December 31, 2012, two directors of the Company resigned and the controller/secretary of the US subsidiary was terminated for cause. Subsequent to the directors resignations, the Company determined that each individual breached certain duties and would be terminated for cause retroactive to June 27, 2012. Accordingly, certain termination benefits of US$903,000, which may have been payable under the employment contracts, have not been recorded in the accounts at September 30, 2014. Two of the former directors and the controller/secretary filed claims against the Company for severance benefits and to reinstate their stock options. The outcome of the claims cannot be determined at this time.
21
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This Management's Discussion & Analysis ( "MD&A" ) provides a discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Klondex Mines Ltd. ( "Klondex" or the "Company" ) to assist a reader in assessing material changes in the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as at and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes thereto of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. This MD&A should also be read in conjunction with the Company's audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the related Management's Discussion & Analysis, all of which are available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are advised to refer to the sections under the headings "Cautionary Notes Technical Information", "Cautionary Notes Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in this MD&A. Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's Annual Information Form, is available on www.SEDAR.com.
The Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with In nternational Financial Reporting Standards ( "IFRS" ) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ( "IASB" ) applicable to the preparation of interim financial statements, including IA IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting. Unless otherwise stated, all currency amounts included in this MD&A are expresse ed in Canadian dollars.
This MD&A has been prepared as at November 7, 2014.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Klondex focuses on the gold and silver exploration, development, and production in north central Nevada, from its two high-quality gold and silver projects: the Fire Creek exploration project (the "Fire Creek Project" or "Fire Creek" ) operating under a bulk sampling program begun in 2013 and the Midas mine and milling facility (collectively, the "Midas Mine" or "Midas" ). The Midas Mine is fully-permitted and has been producing gold and silver since 1998.
Financial Highlights:
|
Net income was $7.2 million ($0.06 per basic share) for the quarter and $9.3 million ($0.08 per basic share) year-to-date; |
|
|
Cash provided by operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital was $17.8 million for the quarter and $29.5 million year-to-date; |
|
|
Cash balance was $43.2 million at the end of the quarter. |
|
|
The Company sold 23,166 gold ounces and 315,504 silver ounces for the quarter and 46,828 gold ounces and 716,582 silver ounces year-to-date. |
|
|
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce (GEO) sold were $613 for the quarter and $676 year-to-date. (The term Production costs per GEO sold is a non-IFRS measures and is described under the heading "Non- IFRS Measures"): |
o | Fire Creek production costs per GEO sold were $387 for the quarter and $476 year-to-date; and, | ||
o | Midas production costs per GEO sold were $1,021 for the quarter and $1,035 year-to-date; |
| Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $478 for the quarter and $510 year-to-date. (The term Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis is a non-IFRS measures and is described under the heading "Non-IFRS Measures"): |
o | Fire Creek production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $373 for the quarter and $463 year-to-date; and, | |||
o | Midas production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $828 for the quarter and $691 year-to-date; and |
| On September 19, 2014, Klondex was added to the S&P/TSX Small Cap Index which serves as an investable index in addition to a benchmark for the Canadian small cap m arket. |
- 2 -
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Operational highlights:
| The Company recovered 33,339 gold ounces and 364,435 silver ounces for the quarter, and 63,977 gold ounces and 847,825 silver ounces year-to-date: |
o | Fire Creek recovered 26,983 gold ounces and 25,987 silver ounces for the quarter and 51,446 gold | ||
ounces and 44,956 silver ounces year-to-date; and, | |||
o | Midas recovered 6,046 gold ounces and 338,448 silver ounces for the quarter and 12,155 gold ounces | ||
and 802,869 silver ounces year-to-date; |
| All majjor infrastructure for Fire Creek is in place with the construction of the rapid infiltration basin ("RIB"); | |
| On September 30, 2014, the Company announced a revised resource for Midas increasing the measured and indicated gold equivalent ounces by 142,000 (37%) and the inferred gold equivalent ounces by 212,000 (280%); | |
| On April 29, 2014 the Company filed its Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada with an effective date of January 31, 2014. On October 8, 2014, the Company released the results of 124 infill and core holes completed since February 1, 2014 for a total of 12,490 meters (40,976 feet). |
Corporate highlights:
| On February 11, 2014, the Company acquired the Midas Mine from Newmont USA Limited. The Midas acquisition was financed through a subscription receipt financing, a debt financing and the gold purchase arrangement; and | |
| On July 30, 2014, the Company completed a bought-deal public offering of common shares of the Company for aggregate gross proceeds of $16,100,000 (the Offering). |
BOARD OF DIRECTOR UPDATE
The Company welcomed Richard J. Hall as its new Chairman in September 2014. Blair Schultz, former Chairman, be ecame an executive director and will continue to have an active role in the Company.
- 3 -
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following is a summary of the Company's financial results for the eight most recently completed quarters presented in millions except per share amounts:
Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | |||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2014 | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 38.0 | $ | 36.4 | $ | 2.6 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 7.2 | $ | 4.4 | $ | (2.4 | ) | $ | (11.4 | ) | $ | (1.0 | ) | $ | (0.8 | ) | $ | (1.0 | ) | $ | (0.8 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per basic share | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per diluted share | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | ||
Price per share | $ | 1.79 | $ | 2.00 | $ | 1.92 | $ | 1.61 | $ | 1.39 | $ | 1.18 | $ | 1.12 | $ | 1.25 | ||||||||
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 16.2 | $ | 14.2 | $ | (6.3 | ) | $ | (1.0 | ) | $ | (0.4 | ) | $ | (0.8 | ) | $ | (0.9 | ) | $ | (0.5 | ) | ||
Cash | $ | 43.2 | $ | 15.1 | $ | 7.6 | $ | 13.5 | $ | 1.0 | $ | 1.1 | $ | 7.9 | $ | 18.0 | ||||||||
Current assets | $ | 72.8 | $ | 42.1 | $ | 24.6 | $ | 13.8 | $ | 2.7 | $ | 1.4 | $ | 8.1 | $ | 18.3 | ||||||||
Current liabilities | $ | 24.6 | $ | 20.9 | $ | 22.6 | $ | 13.5 | $ | 8.9 | $ | 6.3 | $ | 5.7 | $ | 15.5 | ||||||||
Working capital | $ | 48.2 | $ | 21.2 | $ | 2.0 | $ | 0.4 | $ | (6.2 | ) | $ | (4.9 | ) | $ | 2.4 | $ | 2.8 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 273.7 | $ | 237.7 | $ | 237.3 | $ | 109.9 | $ | 92.1 | $ | 91.2 | $ | 88.3 | $ | 90.4 |
The 4% increase in revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2014 is primarily due to a 9% increase of gold equivalent ounces sold offset by a 5% decrease in average price per GEO in the third quarter compared to the second quarter of 2014. Prior to and including the first quarter of 20114, proceeds from gold sales from Fire Creek were recorded as an offset to mineral properties. Klondex acquired Midas in the first quarter of 2014 and began to recognize revenue in the first quarter.
- 4 -
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Revenues | $ | 38,012,787 | $ | - | $ | 77,083,745 | $ | - | ||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||
Production costs | 17,254,621 | - | 37,652,263 | - | ||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 7,974,402 | - | 14,900,176 | - | ||||||||
Gross profit | 12,783,764 | - | 24,531,306 | - | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,976,545 | 987,572 | 7,379,974 | 2,762,671 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 9,807,219 | (987,572 | ) | 17,151,332 | (2,762,671 | ) | ||||||
Business acquisition costs | - | - | (2,257,018 | ) | - | |||||||
Gain on change in fair value of derivative | 442,514 | - | 2,034,305 | - | ||||||||
Finance charges | (2,751,340 | ) | - | (6,987,316 | ) | - | ||||||
Foreign currency gain | 4,243,667 | - | 5,255,983 | - | ||||||||
Income (loss) before tax | 11,742,060 | (987,572 | ) | 15,197,286 | (2,762,671 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense | (4,517,000 | ) | - | (5,943,000 | ) | - | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 7,225,060 | $ | (987,572 | ) | $ | 9,254,286 | $ | (2,762,671 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per share | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.06 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.04 | ) | ||
Diluted | $ | 0.06 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.04 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | ||||||||||||
Basic | 118,717,882 | 64,512,225 | 112,498,115 | 64,449,572 | ||||||||
Diluted | 121,641,031 | 64,512,225 | 115,152,301 | 64,449,572 |
Revenue
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, Klondex's revenue was $38.0 million and $77.1 million, respectively, from the sale of 23,166 gold ounces and 315,504 silver ounces and 46,828 gold ounces and 716,582 silver ounces, respectively. The revenue increased 4% during the third quarter from the second quarter due to a 9% increase in gold equivalent ounces sold offset by a 5% decrease in the average price per GEO.
The Company did not recognize revenue in 2013. The Company acquired Midas on February 11, 2014 and recorded sales from Midas from the acquisition date. A production decision at Fire Creek has not been made by Klondex as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. The mineralized material extracted from Fire Creek under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill. Based on the material quantities of gold generated under the bulk sample permit, the Company first recognized revenue from the bulk sample program at the Fire Creek Project in the second quarter of 2014.
Cost of Sales
Production costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $17.3 million and $37.7 million, respectively. Production costs per GEO sold in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $613 and $676, respectively. Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $478 and $510, respectively. See "Non-IFRS Measures". The production costs per GEO sold and the production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis in the third quarter were lower by 16% and 13%, respectively, compared to the second quarter of 2014. Depreciation and depletion costs in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $8.0 million and $14.9 million, respectively.
- 5 -
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Gross Profit
Gross profit in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $12.8 million and $24.5 million, respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $3.0 million and $7.4 million, respectively (2013 $1.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively). During the third quarter G&A expenses increased by $0.8 million compared to the second quarter of 2014. Th he increase is principally related to non-cash share-ba ased compensation expenses. The increase in G&A expenses over the prior year is due to the growth of the Company as a result of the Midas acquisition and bulk-sample production at Fire Creek.
Business Acquisition Costs
Business acquisition costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $2.3 million were related to the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill. There was no recorded business acquisition cost for the three months ended September 30, 2014.
Gain on Change in Fair Value of Derivative
The Company recorded a gain on the valuation of the derivative associated with a gold supply agreement with a third party (the Gold Supply Agreement) in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $0.4 million and $2.0 million, respectively. The derivative is valued at each quarter end. The reduction in the derivative value is principally related to gold ounces produced and offered under the Gold Supply Agreement and a decrease in the estimated forward gold spot price and in the estimated volatility of gold price over the remaining term of the Gold Supply Agreement.
Finance Charges
The finance charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $2.8 million and $7.0 million, respectively. The finance charges are mainly related to the obligations under the Gold Purchase Agreement (as defined be elow) and the loan payable under the Facility Agreement (as defined below). In 2013, the finance charges were capitalized into the Fire Creek evaluation and exploration assets.
Income Tax Expense
The income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $4.5 million (38.5%) and $5.9 million (39.1% ), respectively. Income tax expense includes the State of Nevada net proceeds tax. The income tax expense reflects unbenefited losses in Canada.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Net Income
Total net income for the three and nine months ended Septembe er 30, 2014 was $7.2 million and $9.3 million, respectively, (2013 ($1.0 million) and ($2.8 million), respectively). The net income increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 over the previous year is due to the recognition of revenue and profit from the Fire Creek Project and Midas mine.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
Three months | Nine months | |||||
ended | ended | |||||
Operating information | September 30, | September 30, | ||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Ore Tons Mined | 54,842 | 131,871 | ||||
Mined Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 36,825 | 68,637 | ||||
Silver | 386,161 | 950,816 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 42,939 | 83,692 | ||||
Average Ore Grade | ||||||
Gold (oz./ton) | 0.67 | 0.52 | ||||
Silver (oz./ton) | ||||||
7.04 | 7.21 | |||||
Ore Tons Milled | 54,743 | 122,5117 | ||||
Milled Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 34,876 | 64,2110 | ||||
Silver | 380,309 | 888,092 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 40,897 | 78,271 | ||||
Midas Mill Recovery Rate | ||||||
Gold | 94.6% | 94.1% | ||||
Silver | 95.8% | 95.4% | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Midas Mill | ||||||
Gold | 32,995 | 60,422 | ||||
Silver | 364,404 | 847,148 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 38,764 | 73,835 | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Carbon Circuit | ||||||
Gold | 344 | 1,116 | ||||
Silver | 31 | 677 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 345 | 1,127 | ||||
Gold oz. Produced before Acquisition of Mill 1 | ||||||
- | 2,439 | |||||
Total Ounces Produced | ||||||
Gold | 33,339 | 63,977 | ||||
Silver | 364,435 | 847,825 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 39,109 | 77,401 | ||||
Ounces Sold (1) | ||||||
Gold | 23,166 | 46,828 | ||||
Silver | 315,504 | 716,582 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 28,162 | 58,174 | ||||
Average realized price ($/ounce) | ||||||
Gold | $ | 1,374 | $ | 1,398 | ||
Silver | $ | 19.62 | $ | 20.97 | ||
Production costs per gold equivalent oz. sold | $ | 613 | $ | 676 | ||
Production costs per gold oz. sold on a by-product basis | $ | 478 | $ | 510 |
1 Year-to-date includes 2,439 gold ounces reported as sale of mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek properties.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
FIRE CREEK OPERATING RESULTS
Threee months | Nine months | |||||
ended | ended | |||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||
Operating information | 2014 | 2014 | ||||
Ore Tons Mined | 20,049 | 45,270 | ||||
Mined Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 30,842 | 56,260 | ||||
Silver | 30,500 | 52,050 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 31,325 | 57,084 | ||||
Average Ore Grade | ||||||
Gold (oz./ton) | 1.54 | 1.24 | ||||
Silver (oz./ton) | 1.52 | 1.15 | ||||
Ore Tons Milled | 17,501 | 39,591 | ||||
Milled Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 28,506 | 52,047 | ||||
Silver | 27,119 | 47,039 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 28,935 | 52,792 | ||||
Midas Mill Recovery Rate | ||||||
Gold | 94.7% | 94.2% | ||||
Silver | 95.8% | 95.6% | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Midas Mill | ||||||
Gold | 26,983 | 49,007 | ||||
Silver | 25,987 | 44,956 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 27,394 | 49,719 | ||||
Gold oz. Produced before Acquisition of Mill (1) | - | 2,439 | ||||
Total Ounces Produced | ||||||
Gold | 26,983 | 51,446 | ||||
Silver | 25,987 | 44,956 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 27,394 | 52,158 | ||||
Ounces Sold (1) | ||||||
Gold | 17,825 | 37,740 | ||||
Silver | 19,181 | 34,637 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 18,129 | 38,289 | ||||
Average realized price | ||||||
Gold ($/ounce) | $ | 1,373 | $ | 1,399 | ||
Silver ($/ounce) | $ | 19.09 | $ | 20.81 | ||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 387 | $ | 476 | ||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 373 | $ | 463 |
1 Year-to-date includes 2,439 gold ounces reported as sale of mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek properties.
Development and Exploration
At Fire Creek, the Company continued its underground infill drilling program in the third quarter of 2014, testing the continuity and extent of the Joyce, Vonnie and Karen veins. Underground drilling into the West Zone confirmed the Hui Wu Vein and the Honeyrunner Structure, for a total of five identified parallel mineralized structures at Fire Creek. A total of 6,645 m (21,800 ft.) of underground drilling was conducted in the third quarter and a total of 18,438 m (60,491 ft.) was completed in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
On April 29, 2014, the Company announced its PEA of the Fire Creek Project with an effective date on January 31, 2014. On October 8, 2014 the Company released the results of 124 infill and core holes completed since February 1, 2014 for a total of 12,490 meters (40,976 feet).
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the mineral and waste development at Fire Creek totaled 354 m (1,160 ft.) and 424 m (1,390 ft.), respectively, and a total of 675 m (2,215 ft.) and 853 m (2,799 ft.), respectively.
Production
In the third quarter of 2014, the Company extracted a total of 20,049 tons of Fire Creek mineralized material containing 30,842 gold ounces and 30,500 silver ounces through its bulk sampling program. During the third quarter, the average grade of mineralized material extracted at Fire Creek averaged 1.54 gold ounce es per ton, a 27% increase over the average mine grade of the measured and indicated resource listed in the PEA. However, grades are expected to be lower in the fourth quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company extracted 45,2770 tons of mineralized material containing 56,260 gold ounces and 52,050 silver ounces.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company milled 17,501 tons of Fire Creek material containing 28,506 gold ounces and 27,119 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the quarter were 94.7% and 95.8%, respectively, for a total of 26,983 gold ounces and 25,987 silver ounces produced. In the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company milled 39,591 tons of Fire Creek material containing 52,047 gold ounces and 47,039 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the first nine months were 94.2% and 95.6%, respectively, producing 49,007 gold ounces and 44,956 silver ounces. In addition, the Company recovered 2,439 gold ounces before the acquisition of the Midas mill.
The RIB construction has been completed. The RIB was designed and built as a long-term water management system at Fire Creek, able to handle large volumes of water on a sustainable bas sis.
Baseline data collection, data monitoring, and permit acquisition are expected to be carried out through 2015. A full-production permit for the Fire Creek Project is expected in the second-half of 2015.
During the third quarter, the Companys Fire Creek Project received a safety award from the Nevada Mining Association. Fire Creek won first place in the Small Underground Operations category for the State of Nevada.
FIRE CREEK FINANCIAL RESULTS
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 24,848,514 | $ | 50,116,180 | ||
Production costs | 7,011,806 | 17,071,244 | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | 6,378,277 | 11,723,492 | ||||
Gross profit | 11,458,431 | 21,321,444 | ||||
General and administrative expense | 101,234 | 188,855 | ||||
Earnings from operations | $ | 11,357,197 | $ | 21,132,589 | ||
Capital expenditures | $ | 4,221,791 | $ | 9,876,721 |
Revenue
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, Fire Creek generat ted $24.8 million and $50.1 million, respectively, from the sale of 17,825 gold ounces and 19,181 silver ounces and 37,740 gold ounces and 34,637 silver ounces, respectively.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
In 2013, proceeds from the sale of gold were applied against Fire Creek exploration and evaluation assets. A full production decision at Fire Creek has not been made by Klondex as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. The mineralized material extracted from Fire Creek under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill. Based on the material quantities of gold generated under the bulk sample permit, the Company first recognized revenue from the bulk sample program at the Fire Creek Project during the second quarter of 2014.
In the first quarter, the Company received payment of $3,343,437 (US$3,024,914) from the sale of 2,439 ounces of gold delivered to the Midas mill in 2013. This amount was reported as sale of mineralized mate erial and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek mineral properties as it was considered pre-production.
Cost of Sales
The Fire Creek production costs in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $7.0 million and $17.1 million, respectively. Production costs per GEO sold in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $387 and $476, respectively. Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $373 and $463, respectively. See "Non-IFRS Measures". The production costs per GEO sold and the production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis in the third quarter were lower by 32% and 33%, respectively, compared to the second quarter of 2014. The lower production costs per unit in the third quarter were primarily due to an increase in the gold grade to 1.54 ounces per ton in the third quarter. The depreciation and depletions costs in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $6.4 million and $11.7 million, respectively.
Gross Profit
The gross profit from Fire Creek for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $11.5 million and $21.3 million, respectively.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for Fire Creek incurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $4.2 million and $9.9 million, respectively (2013 $2.8 million and $16.6 million, respectively). The expenditures relate mainly to exploration, development, widening of the ramp and d construction of the RIB. The ramp widening project was initiated in the second quarter of 2014 and was completed in the third quarter of 2014. The wider ramp will allow 30 ton haulage trucks underground to improve flexib bility and efficiency in the mine and is expected to reduce operating costs. The RIB project construction was completed. All major infrastructure at Fire Creek is now complete. Going forward most capital costs for Fire Creek will be for exploration and development.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
MIDAS MINE AND MILL OPERATING RESULTS
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||
Septeember 30, | September 30, | |||||
Operating information | 2014 | 2014 | ||||
Ore Tons Mined | 34,793 | 86,601 | ||||
Mined Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 5,983 | 12,377 | ||||
Silver | 355,661 | 898,766 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 11,614 | 26,608 | ||||
Average Ore Grade | ||||||
Gold (oz./ton) | 0.17 | 0.14 | ||||
Silver (oz./ton) | 10.22 | 10.38 | ||||
Ore Tons Milled | 37,242 | 82,926 | ||||
Milled Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 6,370 | 12,163 | ||||
Silver | 353,190 | 841,053 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 11,962 | 25,479 | ||||
Midas Mill Recovery Rate | ||||||
Gold | 94.4% | 93.9% | ||||
Silver | 95.8% | 95.4% | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Midas Mill | ||||||
Gold | 6,012 | 11,415 | ||||
Silver | 338,417 | 802,192 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 11,370 | 24,116 | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Carbon Circuit | ||||||
Gold | 344 | 1,116 | ||||
Silver | 31 | 677 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 345 | 1,127 | ||||
Total Ounces Produced | ||||||
Gold | 6,356 | 12,531 | ||||
Silver | 338,448 | 802,869 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 11,715 | 25,243 | ||||
Ounces Sold | ||||||
Gold | 5,341 | 9,088 | ||||
Silver | 296,323 | 681,945 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 10,033 | 19,885 | ||||
Average realized price | ||||||
Gold ($/ounce) | $ | 1,375 | $ | 1,393 | ||
Silver ($/ounce) | $ | 19.65 | $ | 20.98 | ||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 1,021 | $ | 1,035 | ||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 828 | $ | 691 |
Development and Exploration
The Company assumed ownership of the Midas Mine on February 11, 2014 and subsequently initiated drilling and underground mining at the Midas Mine. A total of 12,269 m (40,254 ft.) of drilling was completed in the third quarter and a total of 28,089 m (92,161 ft.) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Ore and waste development at Midas totaled 1,103 m (3,634 ft.) and 650 m (2,144 ft.), respectively in the third quarter and totaled 2,006 m (6,582 ft.) and 1,359 m (4,458 ft.), respectively, in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
On September 30, 2014, the Company announced a revised resource for Midas increasing the measured and indicated gold equivalent ounces by 142,000 (37%) to 526,000 ounces and the inferred gold equivalent ounces by 212,000 (283%) to 287,000 ounces. The measured and indicated GEO per ton grade increased 14.6% to 0.471 and the inferred GEO per ton grade increased 14.0% to 0.334. The majority of the updated mineral resource occurs in close proximity to the current mine workings, in previously mined veins including the Colorado Grande, Discovery, Snow White, Gold Crown and 905 veins.
- 12 -
THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Production
At Midas, the Company extracted a total of 34,793 tons of ore containing 5,983 gold ounces and 355,661 silver ounces in the third quarter, and a total of 86,601 tons containing 12,377 gold ounces and 898,766 silver ounces for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company milled 37,242 tons of Midas material containing 6,370 gold ounces and 353,190 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the quarter were 94.4% and 95.8%, respectively, for a total of 6,012 gold ounces and 338,417 silver ounces produced. In the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company milled 82,926 tons of Midas material containing 12,163 gold ounces and 841,053 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the nine months were 93.9% and 95.4%, respectively, producing 11,415 gold ounces and 802,192 silver ounces.
During the second quarter of 2014, the Company began toll milling ore for a third party. The Company will continue to review toll milling agreements with other parties in order to utilize available capacity at Midas.
In the second quarter, Midas began running its carbon circuit. The Company recovered 344 gold ounces and 31 silver ounces in the third quarter and 1,116 gold ounces and 677 silver ounces in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
MIDAS FINANCIAL RESULTS
Three Months Ended | Nine Months | |||||
September 30, | Ended September | |||||
2014 | 30, 2014 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 13,164,273 | $ | 26,967,565 | ||
Production costs | 10,242,815 | 20,581,019 | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | 1,596,125 | 3,176,684 | ||||
Gross profit | 1,325,333 | 3,209,862 | ||||
General and administrative expense | 101,234 | 188,855 | ||||
Earnings from operations | $ | 1,224,099 | $ | 3,021,007 | ||
Capital expenditures | $ | 4,582,278 | $ | 9,912,845 |
Revenue
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, revenue for Midas was $13.2 million and $27.0 million, respectively, from the sale of 5,128 gold ounces and 296,323 silver ounces and 8,809 gold ounces and 681,945 silver ounces, respectively.
Cost of Sales
The production costs for Midas for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $10.2 million and $20.6 million, respectively. Production costs per GEO sold in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $1,021 and $1,035, respectively. Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $828 and $691, respectively. See "Non-IFRS Measures". The production costs per GEO sold and the production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis in the third quarter were 6% lower and 60% higher, respectively, compared to the second quarter of 2014. The increase in the production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis in the third quarter were primarily due to timing of sales of silver ounces. The depreciation and depletion costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $1.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Gross Profit
The gross profit for Midas for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $1.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for Midas for the three and nine months ended d September 30, 2014 were $4.6 million and $9.9 million, respectively. The capital expenditures were mainly for exploration and development.
OUTLOOK FOR 2014
The focus throughout the remainder of 2014 will be to continue to advance current activities at both the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine, with the objective of completing the following items:
Fire Creek
| Prepare and release a revised resource for Fire Creek; | |
| Continue the in-fill drill program for the Fire Creek Main Zone on 75 foot centers; | |
| Continue exploration drilling and development drifting on Fire Creeks West Zone discoveries; | |
| Continue the bulk sampling program to test different mining methods and to assess the meallurgical characteristics of Fire Creek mineralized material; and, | |
| Continue work on the Fire Creek full-production permitting; |
Midas Mine & Mill
| File the Midas technical report in the fourth quarter for the resource released on September 30, 2014; | |
| Continue the accelerated exploration drill program at the Midas Mine; and, | |
| Evaluate tailings storage options at the Midas Mill. |
The $16.1 million net proceeds from the Offering completed on July 30, 2014 will mainly be used for an accelerated exploration drill program at Midas. It is expected that approximately $10.5 million will be used to test outlined drill ta argets near mining infrastructure at Midas. The remaining proceeds will be used at Fire Creek for exploration and development and for general working capital purposes. In 2014, th he Company intends to spend approximately $4.5 million of the proceeds from the Offering including $4.0 million at Midas and $0.5 million at Fire Creek and the remainder is expected to be spent in 2015.
Capital Expenditure spending is in line with the targeted $30.2 million for 2014, including approximately $12.8 million at t Fire Creek, $16.4 million at Midas and $1.0 million to be used for general corporate purposes. The spending is forecast to be allocated as follows: approximately $9.1 million for exploration drilling, $11.3 million for waste development, $4.5 million for accelerated exploration and development, $1.9 million for a water treatment plant and RIB and $3.4 million for lab equipment, economic assessments, equipment and software. Actual capital expenditures during the third quarter were $7.8 million, and in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $20.3 million.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Working capital at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are shown below.
September 30, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Current Assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 43,230,909 | $ | 13,509,155 | ||
Receivables | 4,029,403 | 49,260 | ||||
Inventories | 23,952,968 | - | ||||
Prepaid Expenses | 1,636,701 | 273,088 | ||||
Total Current Assets | $ | 72,849,981 | $ | 13,831,503 | ||
Current Liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 14,031,484 | $ | 5,795,512 | ||
Income tax payable | 2,229,000 | - | ||||
Due to related parties | - | 662,426 | ||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement, current | 6,466,100 | - | ||||
Loans payable, current | 1,895,428 | 7,000,000 | ||||
Total Current Liabilities | $ | 24,622,012 | $ | 13,457,938 | ||
Working Capital | $ | 48,227,969 | $ | 373,565 |
The Company improved its working capital by $47.9 million during the year. The Company currently anticipates having sufficient working capital to meet its 2014 and 2015 expenditures requirements for the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine.
Cash Flow
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities prior to changes in non-cash working capital | $ | 17,839,345 | $ | (763,491 | ) | $ | 29,536,099 | $ | 1,991,248 | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 16,190,947 | (353,202 | ) | 27,827,201 | 1,946,078 | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) in investing | (329,128 | ) | (2,728,722 | ) | (106,069,779 | ) | (14,203,520 | ) | ||||
N et i cash i i provided by (used in) financing activities | 11,129,567 | 2,986,827 | 106,637,630 | (1,025,504 | ) | |||||||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances | 1,113,364 | 2,878 | 1,326,702 | 108,477 | ||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | 28,125,020 | (92,219 | ) | 29,721,754 | (17,066,625 | ) | ||||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 43,230,909 | $ | 982,570 | $ | 43,230,909 | $ | 982,570 |
During the third quarter, cash increased by $28.1 million due to cash provided by operating activities, the Offering, and US$7 million from the use of surety bonds to replace cash bonds. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, cash increased by $29.7 million due to the Subscription Receipt Financing, proceeds from the Gold Purchase Agreement and Facility Agreement (each as defined below), exercise of warrants, the Offering, US$7 million from the use of surety bonds to replace cash bonds and cash provided by operating activities in excess of cash used in investing activities.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital in the third quarter was $17.8 million (2013 ($0.8 million)) and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $29.5 million (2013 ($2.0 million)).
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities during the quarter totaled $16.2 million (2013 ($0.4 million)) and cash used in operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 totaled $27.8 million (2013 ($1.9 million)).
Cash used in investing activities during the third quarter totaled $0.3 million (2013 $2.7 million) and in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 totaled $106.1 million (2013 ($14.2 million)).
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities in the third quarter totaled $11.1 million (2013 $3.0 million) and in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 totaled $106.6 million (2013 ($1.0 million)). In the third quarter, the Company received $15.3 million cash from the Offering, proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants offset by y payments of $4.8 million debt and interest.
To the extent that additional capital will be required, the Company proposes to meet any such funding requirements through the processing of mineralized material from the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine and/or by arranging other equity or loan financing. In light of the continually changing financial mar rkets, commodity prices and general operational risks, there is no assurance that funding from the issuance of equity or debt will be possible when required or desired by the Company on favourable terms to the Company or at all. The Company anticipates that in-the-money options and warrants with an expiry date in 2014 will be exercised but there is no assurance this will occur.
The Facility Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature, including limitations on future indebtedness during its term. Early repayment of the loan under the Facility Agreement by the Company is required under an event of default under the Facility Agreement, including in the event that the Company has failed to pay within three business days of being due any principal or interest totaling $250,000 or more on any indebtedness of the Company other than the indebtedness under the Facility Agreement. In addition, beginning April 1, 2014 and accumulating until a rolling 12 months is reached, the Company may not incur indebtedness where, on the date of such incurrence, and after giving effect thereto and the application of proceeds therefrom, the consolidated adjusted EBITDA of the Company and its subsidiaries divided by the sum of the consolidated debt expense (net of consolidated interest income) of the Company and its subsidiaries would be less than 3.5.
The Gold Purchase Agreement also contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature. A default under the Facility Agreement would also constitute a default under the Gold Purchase Agreement. The Company is in compliance with the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement and Fac cility Agreement.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
As at September 30, 2014, the Company had the following contractual obligations outstanding.
Contracts and leases | Less than 1 | ||||||||||||||
Total | year | 1 3 years | 3 5 years | After 5 years | |||||||||||
Gold Purchase Agreement | $ | 52,424,109 | $ | 12,835,272 | $ | 23,304,324 | $ | 16,284,513 | |||||||
Longterm debt and interest | 31,513,833 | 5,676,463 | 25,837,370 | | |||||||||||
Decommissioning provision | 19,138,839 | | | | 19,840,909 | ||||||||||
Total contractual obligations | $ | 103,076,781 | $ | 18,511,735 | $ | 49,141,694 | $ | 16,284,513 | $ | 19,840,909 |
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company delivered 2,894 and 3,859 gold ounces, respectively, under the Gold Purchase Agreement.
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT
Klondex seeks to create value for its shareholders by strategically growing the Company through a combination of organic and external initiatives. The acquisition of Midas and its milling facility in in the first quarter of 2014 was a catalyst for its growth at the beginning of this year. The Company will primarily focus on organic growth, consisting of developing its own projects and expanding its mineral resources through an accelerated exploration program funded by the Offering completed on July 30, 2014 but will also continue to review external opportunities.
Midas Acquisition
On December 4, 2013, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Newmont USA Limited ( "Newmont USA" ), a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation ( "Newmont" ), to acquire the Midas mine and mill facility. The acquisition (the " Midas Acquisition" ) closed on February 11, 20144 and included the Midas milling facility, mining equipment and an operating gold and silver mine. Approximately a quarter of the equipment acquired under the Midas Acquisition was sent to Fire Creek, thereby reducing the anticipated 2014 capital costs for equipment at Fire Creek.
On February 11, 2014, Klondex completed the Midas Acquisition from Newmont USA. Adding the Midas milling facility improves the outlook for Klondex and Fire Creek by cementing a long-term milling solution for the Company, reducing operating and capital costs, minimizing risks associated with toll milling, and ultimately enhancing the potential for increased cash flows from operations. The Midas mill benefits from the additional mineralized material from the Fire Creek bulk sampling program, reducing average milling costs at Midas by utilizing unused capacity of the mill.
The purchase price of the Midas Acquisition was comprised of approximately US$55 million in cash and the issuance by y the Company to Newmont USA of 5 million Common Share purchase warrants at an exercise price of $2.15, with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances. To satisfy Nevad da and federal regulatory authorities requirements, the Company deposited approximately US$28.0 million as reclamation bonds to replace Newmont USA's surety arrangements. The Company also paid US$2.7 million for a mining tax receivable associated with the acquired company.
The Midas Acquisition was financed through the Subscription Receipt Financing (as defined below), the 2014 Debt Financing (as defined below) and the Gold Purchase Arrangement (as defined below) (collectively, the "Midas Acquisition Financings" ).
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business acquisition with the purchase price preliminarily allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as presented below.
Purchase price | |||
Cash | $ | 63,670,033 | |
Warrants | 6,500,000 | ||
$ | 70,170,033 |
The cash consisted of a $60.7 million (US$55.0 million) purchase price and $3.0 million (US$2.7 million) adjustment for mining tax receivable.
Net assets acquired | |||
Inventory | $ | 2,043,837 | |
Mining tax receivable | 3,028,244 | ||
Mineral properties | 22,344,574 | ||
Plant and equipment | 61,319,126 | ||
Reclamation liability | (17,248,956 | ) | |
Deferred tax liability | (1,316,792 | ) | |
$ | 70,170,033 |
This allocation is preliminary as the Company has not completed the valuation process. The allocation may be adjusted in future periods as additional information becomes available. The Company recognized expenses of $1,873,651 for transaction fees, legal, audit and other services related to the Midas Acquisition in the first quarter and $383,367 during the second quarter, for a total of $2,557,018. The Midas Acquisition was synergistic in nature by providing the Fire Creek Project with a nearby Klondex operated milling facility and second mining operation. Fire Creek provides additional mineralized material to the Midas mill and the mill fixed costs and depreciation can be allocated over more units reducing the cost per GEO. Klondex anticipates that, by sharing certain cost items between two projects, further cost reductions will be realized for both projects.
Midas Acquisition Financings
On January 9, 2014, the Company completed an offering (the "Subscription Receipt Financing" ) of 29,400,000 subscription receipts at a price of $1.45 per subscription receipt on a private placement basis, raising aggregate gross proceeds of $42,630,000 pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement dated December 6, 2013 between the Company and GMP Securities L.P., MGI Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., Jones, Gable & Company Limited and PI Financial Corp.
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a senior secured loan facility agreement (the "Facility Agreement" ) with a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp., and including The K2 Principal Fund L.P. and Jones, Gable & Company Limited pursuant to which the Company issued units consisting of in the aggregate $25,000,000 principal amount of notes, issued at a 2.5% discount to par value, and 3,100,000 warrants ( "2014 Lender Warrants" ) to purchase Common Shares (the "2014 Debt Financing" ). The 2014 Lender Warrants have an exercise price of $1.95 and expire on February 11, 2017.
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a gold purchase agreement (the "Gold Purchase Agreement" ) with Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation ( "FNC" ), pursuant to which the Company raised proceeds of US$33,763,640 in consideration for the delivery of an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold. Under the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement, the Company is required to make gold deliveries at the end of each month, with the first delivery being due and having been made on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveri ies will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces of gold is completed by December 31, 2018. The annualized delivery schedule is shown in the following table.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Year | Au (ounces) |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Company's obligations under each of the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Ar rrangement are secured against all of the assets and property of the Company and its subsidiaries. The security granted for the performance of the Company's obligations under the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Arrangement rank pari passu .
Royalty Agreements
On February 12, 2014, the Company entered into a royalty agreement with Franco-Nevada U.S. Corporation ( "Franco-Nevada US" ), a subsidiary of FNC, and Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Company, a subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to which the Company received proceeds of US$1,018,050 from the grant to Franco-Nevada US of a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek Project beginning in 2019. The Company also entered into a royalty agreement with Franco-Nevada US and Newmont Midas Operations Inc. ( "Midas Operations" ), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, pursuant to which Midas Opera ations received proceeds of US$218,310 from the grant of a 2.5% NSR royalty to Franco-Nevada US on the Midas Mine also beginning in 2019.
Offering Completed on July 30, 2014
On July 30, 2014, the Company completed the Offering for aggregate gross proceeds of $16,100,000. Under the Offering, the Company issued and sold 8,050,000 common shares, which included an over-allotment of 1,050,000 common shares, at a price of $2.00 per common share. The underwritters received a total of $665,000 cash commission, representing 5% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, excluding $2,800,000 from subscriptions by purchasers on the president's list. As additional compensation, the Company granted the underwriters an aggregate of 266,000 compensation warrants, being an amount equal to 4% of the number of common shares sold, excluding the 1,400,000 common shares sold to purchasers on the president's list. The compensation warrants are exercisable at $2.25 per compensation warrant and may be exercised at any time during a period of 24 months following the closing date.
Utilizing the injection of cash from the equity financing and cash fl flow generated from operations Klondex plans to further advance the Company through organic growth at both properties.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
As at September 30, 2014, there were no off-balance sheet arrangements to which the Company is committed.
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounting policies used in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those of the previous year, except as described below.
The Company adopted new accounting policies as described below because of the reclassification of the Fire Creek project to the bulk-sample production stage from the evaluation and exploration stage and the acquisition of Midas mine and milling facility.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Business combinations
The Company applies the acquisition method to account for business combination ns. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair values of the assets and liabilities transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Company. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
Where the initial accounting for the business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Company reports provisional amounts for the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. During the measurement period, the Company will retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized at t the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized at that date. The measurement period will not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
Revenue recognition
Revenue related to sales of gold and silver is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. This is considered to have occurred when title passes to the buyer pursuant to the related purchase agreement. Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will receive economic benefits and is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable less any applicable discounts.
Mining taxes and royalties
Mining taxes and royalties are treated and disclosed as current and deferred taxes if they have the characteristics of an income tax. This is considered to be the case when they are imposed under go overnment authority and the amount payable is calculated by reference to revenue (net of any allowable deductions).
Inventories
Inventories, which include supplies, in-process and finished goods, are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
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Supplies inventory: Supplies inventory consists of suppplies used in mining and milling operations and spare parts. Costs include acquisition, freight and tax. |
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In-process inventory: In-process inventory consists of ore in stockpiles and ore in circuit in the mill. Costs include all direct costs incurred in production and milling including labor, materials, overhead, depreciation and depletion. |
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Finished goods inventory: Finished goods inventory consists of doré gold or silver bars at the mill or at the third-party refiner and refined metal that is still under ownership of the Company. Costs include all costs of in-process inventory plus any additional refining costs incurred. |
SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of such financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the period. Management be elieves the estimates used are reasonable; however, actual results could differ materially from those estimates and, if so, could impact future results of operations and cash flows.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Areas requiring the use of estimates in the preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are as follows:
Acquisition accounting
The acquisition of a company or asset may result in the reporting of a business combination or asset acquisition as defined under IFRS. Judgment is required to determine the appropriate accounting treatment for acquisition by the Company.
Reclassification of evaluation and exploration assets
The Company reclassifies assets from exploration and evaluation to production assets once recovery of the resource is deemed economically viable and technically feasible. At this point, the asset is tested for impairment and then reclassified to mineral properties, plant and equipment.
Obligations under gold purchase agreement
Management determined the obligation to deliver gold within the gold purchase agreement is subject to the own use scope exception under IAS 39 which represents a significant judgment. The jud dgment is based on the fact that the Company has the ability, and management has the intention, to deliver gold to meet this requirement.
Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of judgments and estimates that management has made at the statement of financial position date, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in the event that actual results differ from assumptions mad de, relate to, but are not limited to, the following:
Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition
In the determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired through an acquisition accounted for as a bu usiness combination, management makes certain judgments and estimates regarding mineral reserves or resources, commodity prices, economic lives, reclamation costs and discount rates, among others. Due to the complex nature of the valuation process, information may become available following g the initial determinations that could change the provisional measurement of assets and liabilities acquired.
Work-in-process and production costs
The Company makes estimates of the amount of recoverable ounces in work-in-process inventory which is used in the determination of the cost of goods sold during the period. Change es in these estimates could result in a change in carrying value of inventories and mine operating costs in future periods. The Company monitors the recovery of gold ounces from the mill and could use this information to refine its original estimate.
Depletion
The Company uses estimated recoverable resources as the basis for determining the amortization of certain mineral property, plant and equipment as proven and probable reserves have not been def fined. This results in an amortization charge in the respective period proportionate to the depletion of the related resource. Determining the amount of recoverable resources is complex and requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to geological sampling and modeling, future commodity prices and costs to extract and process the ore, among others.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
The critical judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the application of accounting policies are disclosed in Note 2 to the Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Income taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes including mining taxes and royalties if they have the characteristics of an income tax. Under the liability method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, unused tax losses and other income tax deductions using enacted or substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply when the related ass sets are realized or the liabilities are settled. Deferred income tax assets are reassessed at the end of each reporting period and are recognized to the extent that it is probable the Company will have taxable income against which those deductible temporary differences, unused ta ax losses and other income tax deductions can be utilized.
Current and deferred income tax expense or benefit are recognized in net earnings except when they arise as a result of items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case the related current and deferred income tax expense or benefit are also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to financial risks, including currency risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, commodity price risk and other risks. The Company's earnings can vary significantly with fluctuations in the market price of gold and silver. The Company's practice is not to hedge mettal sales. On occasion, however, the Company may assume or enter into forward sales contracts or similar instruments if hedges are acquired in a business acquisition, if hedges are required under project financing req quirements, or when deemed advantageous by management. As at September 30, 2014, the Company did not have any financial instruments qualifying as hedges. However, the Gold Supply Agreement discussed previously meets the definition of a derivative financial instrument. The Company measures derivatives at fair value each reporting period with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the consolidated statements of loss.
The Company's earnings are affected by fluctuations in exchange rates and the volatility of these rates. The Company does not, in general, use derivative instruments to reduce its exposure to foreign currency risk.
See also "Risk Factors".
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
As at the date hereof, the Company has an unlimited number of common shares authorized and 121,520,653 common shares are outstanding. As at the date hereof, there are 9,513,052 incentive stock options and 18,530,136 warrants to purchase common shares outstanding.
INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
In accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuer's Annual and In nterim Filings , the Company's management, including Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the operating effectiveness of the Company's internal con ntrol over financial reporting. Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting ( "ICFR" ) is a process designed by, or under, the supervision of, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and effected by management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with international financial reporting standards. ICFR may not prevent or detect misstatements and are only designed to provide reasonable assurance.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
In connection with the Midas Acquisition and the reclassification of the Fire Creek project from evaluation and exploration assets into development as defined under IFRS, the Company has established new processes and internal controls over such areas as revenue recognition, inventory valuation, and business acquisition accounting. There were no other changes in ICFR during the quarter ended September 30, 2014 that are rea asonably likely to materially affect or that have materially affected ICFR.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding timely public disclosure of the information.
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The Company has included non-IFRS measure for "Production costs per gold equivalent ounce" and Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis in this MD&A to supplement its financial statements which are presented in accordance with IFRS. Management believes that these measures provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the performance of the Company. Non-IFRS measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. Therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The following tables provide a reconciliation of production per the financial statements to production costs per GEO sold and production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months | |||||
September 30, | Ended September | |||||
2014 | 30, 2014 | |||||
Fire Creek | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 7,011,806 | $ | 17,071,244 | ||
Gold equivalent ounces sold | 18,129 | 35,850 | ||||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 387 | $ | 476 | ||
Midas | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 10,242,815 | $ | 20,581,019 | ||
Gold equivalent ounces sold | 10,033 | 19,885 | ||||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 1,021 | $ | 1,035 | ||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 17,254,621 | $ | 37,652,263 | ||
Gold equivalent ounces sold | 28,162 | 55,735 | ||||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 613 | $ | 676 |
The silver to gold ratio used to calculate gold equivalent ounces is 63.1579:1
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Three Months Ended | Nine Months | |||||
September 30, | Ended September | |||||
2014 | 30, 2014 | |||||
Fire Creek | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 7,011,806 | $ | 17,071,244 | ||
Less: silver credit | (366,166 | ) | (720,645 | ) | ||
Production costs after silver credit | $ | 6,645,640 | $ | 16,350,599 | ||
Gold ounces sold | 17,825 | 35,301 | ||||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 373 | $ | 463 | ||
Midas | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 10,242,815 | $ | 20,581,019 | ||
Less: silver credit | (5,822,933 | ) | (14,304,350 | ) | ||
Production costs after silver credit | $ | 4,419,882 | $ | 6,276,669 | ||
Gold ounces sold | 5,341 | 9,088 | ||||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 828 | $ | 691 | ||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 17,254,621 | $ | 37,652,263 | ||
Less: silver credit | (6,189,099 | ) | (15,024,995 | ) | ||
Production costs after silver credit | $ | 11,065,522 | $ | 22,627,268 | ||
Gold ounces sold | 23,166 | 44,389 | ||||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 478 | $ | 510 |
CAUTIONARY NOTES
Forward-looking information
This MD&A contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof. In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "believe", "intend", "may", "will", "should", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "potential", "intends", "expects" and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information reflects the current expectations and assumptions of management, and is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be e materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achiev vements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information, particularly as it relates to the actual results of exploration and evaluation activities, actual results of reclamation activities, the estimation or realization of mineral resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the timing and receipt of required permits and approvals, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new mineral deposits, requirements for additional capital, the sufficiency of working capital, and the future prices of precious and d base metals, is inherently uncertain. In addition, the timing and magnitude of certain events are inherently risky and uncertain, particularly as they relate to the possible variations in mineral grade or recovery rates, failure of plant, eq quipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes, road blocks and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Key assumptions upon which the Company's forward-looking information is based include the following: estimated prices for gold and silver; being able to secure new financing to conttinue its exploration, development and operational activities; currency exchange rates; the ability of the Company to comply with environmental, safety and other regulatory requirements and being able to obtain regulatory approvals (including licenses and permits) in a timely manner; there not being any material adverse effects arising as a result of political instability, taxes or royalty increases, terrorism, sabotage, natural disasters, equipment failures or adverse changes in government legislation or the socio-economic conditions in the regions in which the Company operates; the Company being able to achieve its growth strategy; the Company's operating costs; key personnel and access to all equipment necessary to operate the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine.
These assumptions should be carefully considered. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information or the assumptions on which the Company's forward-looking g information is based. The reader is advised to carefully review and consider the risk factors identified in this MD&A under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere herein for a discussion of the factors that could cause the Company's actual results and performance to be materially different from any anticipated future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. The reader is further cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive and it is recommended that the reader consult the more complete discussion of the Company's business, financial condition and prospects that is included in this MD&A. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions on which the forward-looking information is given are reasonable, based on the information available to the Company on n the date such forward-looking information was given, no assurances can be given as to whether these assumption ns will prove to be correct. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as, and to the extent, required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Technical information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is proces ssed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the Midas Mine, prior to the acquisition of the Midas Mine by the Company, and the Company made a decision to continue production subsequent to the Midas Acquisition. This decision by the Company to continue production and, to the knowledge of the Company, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but were based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the project. The Company has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failur re associated with such production decisions.
RISK FACTORS
As s a resource acquisition, exploration and development company, the Company is engaged in a highly speculative business that involves a high degree of risk and is frequently unsuccessful. In addition to the information disclosed elsewhere in this MD&A, readers should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before deciding whether to invest in the Company's securities. These risk factors do not necessarily comprise all of the risks to which the Company is or will be subject.
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THIRD QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
The Company's failure to successfully address the risks and uncertainties described below could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and/or r results of operations and could cause the trading price of the Common Shares to decline. The Company cannot guarantee that it will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect its business. Additional risk ks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company's business operations. If any of the possibilities described in such risks actually occurs, the Company's business, the Company's financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected. In addition to the risk factors mentioned below, readers of this MD&A are encouraged to read the risk factors as more fully described in the Companys filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators, including its annual information form, available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Important risk factors to consider, among others, are the following:
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The economic feasibility of mining has not been established. |
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The Company is extracting mineralized material from its Fire Creek Project under a bulk sample permit and must obtain a Full-Production permit to operate beyond the bulk sammple permit |
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The Company's exploration activities may not be commerciallyy successful. |
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Exploration, development and mining involve a high degree of risk. |
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The Company may be adversely affected by fluctuations in gold and silver prices. |
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The Companys ability to pay interest and loan repayments depend on production. |
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The Company is subject to foreign exchange risk relating to thee relative value of the U.S. dollar. |
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Title to the Company's mineral properties may be subject to othher claims. |
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Mineral resources are only estimates which may be unreliable. |
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The Company currently has only two material properties. |
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The Company's operations are subject to environmental risks. |
QUALIFIED PERSON AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Mark Odell, P.E., Principal Engineer, Practical Mining LLC, a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ( "NI 43-101" ) reviewed and is responsible for the technical information contained in this MD&A.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Klondex's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the symbol KDX and are listed on the OTCQX under the symbol "KLNDF". Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's annual information form, is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
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Form 52-109F2
Certification of Interim Filings
Full Certificate
I, Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review: I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the interim filings) of Klondex Mines Ltd (the issuer) for the interim period ended September 30, 2014. |
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2. |
No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings. |
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3. |
Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings. |
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4. |
Responsibility: The issuers other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
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5. |
Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuers other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings |
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(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
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(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and |
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(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
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(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuers GAAP. |
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5.1 |
Control framework: The control framework the issuers other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuers ICFR is based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework , issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
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5.2 |
N/A |
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5.3 |
N/A |
1
6. |
Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuers ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on July 1, 2014 and ended on September 30, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuers ICFR. |
Date: November 12, 2014
Signature: | (sgd) Paul Huet | |
Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer |
2
Form 52-109F2
Certification of Interim Filings
Full Certificate
I, Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review: I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the interim filings) of Klondex Mines Ltd (the issuer) for the interim period ended September 30, 2014. |
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2. |
No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings. |
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3. |
Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings. |
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4. |
Responsibility: The issuers other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
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5. |
Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuers other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings |
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(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
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(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and |
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(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
||
(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuers GAAP. |
||
5.1 |
Control framework: The control framework the issuers other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuers ICFR is based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework , issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
||
5.2 |
N/A |
||
5.3 |
N/A |
1
6. |
Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuers ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on July 1, 2014 and ended on September 30, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuers ICFR. |
Date: November 12, 2014
Signature: | (sgd) Barry Dahl | |
Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer |
2
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars)
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six month ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
2 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
June 30, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Assets | ||||||
Current assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 15,105,889 | $ | 13,509,155 | ||
Receivables (note 5) | 10,639,175 | 49,260 | ||||
Inventories (note 6) | 15,142,226 | - | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 1,254,498 | 273,088 | ||||
42,141,788 | 13,831,503 | |||||
Mineral properties, plant and equipment (note 7) | 172,294,137 | 2,153,523 | ||||
Exploration and evaluation assets (note 7) | - | 93,420,809 | ||||
Reclamation bonds (note 8) | 23,264,267 | 445,809 | ||||
Total assets | $ | 237,700,192 | $ | 109,851,644 | ||
Liabilities | ||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 9) | $ | 11,646,750 | $ | 5,795,512 | ||
Income taxes payable | 905,000 | - | ||||
Due to related parties (note 10) | 238,323 | 662,426 | ||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement, current (note 11) | 7,230,601 | - | ||||
Loans payable, current (note 12) | 906,355 | 7,000,000 | ||||
20,927,029 | 13,457,938 | |||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement (note 11) | 28,666,973 | - | ||||
Loans payable (note 12) | 20,829,982 | - | ||||
Derivative liability related to gold supply agreement (note 13) | 7,180,678 | 8,763,304 | ||||
Decommissioning provision (note 14) | 18,091,458 | 1,193,628 | ||||
Deferred tax liability | 1,839,347 | |||||
Total liabilities | 97,535,467 | 23,414,870 | ||||
Shareholders' Equity | ||||||
Share capital (note 15) | 157,111,032 | 111,596,460 | ||||
Contributed surplus (note 15) | 23,411,660 | 14,545,252 | ||||
Deficit | (41,921,456 | ) | (43,950,683 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 1,563,489 | 4,245,745 | ||||
Total shareholders' equity | 140,164,725 | 86,436,774 | ||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 237,700,192 | $ | 109,851,644 |
See Contingencies (note 22) and Subsequent Events (note 23)
Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors:
Paul Huet (sgd.), Director | James Haggarty (sgd.), Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements |
3 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Income (Loss) |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Revenues | $ | 36,444,386 | $ | - | $ | 39,070,959 | $ | - | ||||
- | ||||||||||||
Cost of sales | - | |||||||||||
Production costs | 18,722,571 | - | 20,397,642 | - | ||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 6,648,860 | - | 6,925,774 | - | ||||||||
Gross profit | 11,072,955 | - | 11,747,543 | - | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,174,473 | 790,637 | 4,403,430 | 1,775,099 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 8,898,482 | (790,637 | ) | 7,344,113 | (1,775,099 | ) | ||||||
Business acquisition costs | (383,367 | ) | - | (2,257,018 | ) | - | ||||||
Gain on change in fair value of derivative (note 13) | 1,033,299 | - | 1,591,792 | - | ||||||||
Finance charges (note 16) | (2,725,880 | ) | - | (4,235,976 | ) | - | ||||||
Foreign currency gain (note 17) | 1,012,316 | - | 1,012,316 | - | ||||||||
Income (loss) before tax | 7,834,850 | (790,637 | ) | 3,455,227 | (1,775,099 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense | (3,394,000 | ) | - | (1,426,000 | ) | - | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 4,440,850 | $ | (790,637 | ) | $ | 2,029,227 | $ | (1,775,099 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per share | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.03 | ) | ||
Diluted (1) | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.03 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (note 18) | ||||||||||||
Basic | 111,390,375 | 64,425,272 | 109,338,086 | 64,418,153 | ||||||||
Diluted | 113,912,003 | 64,425,272 | 111,818,752 | 64,418,153 |
(1) As net losses were recorded for the three and six months
ended June 30, 2013, the dilutive potential shares are anti-dilutive for the net
income (loss) per share calculation for these periods and therefore the weighted
average basic and diluted number of shares are the same
.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements |
4 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 4,440,850 | $ | (790,637 | ) | $ | 2,029,227 | $ | (1,775,099 | ) | ||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | ||||||||||||
Items that may be
reclassified subsequently
to profit or loss: |
||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation | (6,195,265 | ) | 2,775,948 | (2,682,256 | ) | 4,304,535 | ||||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | - | (52 | ) | - | (5,469 | ) | ||||||
Impairment of marketable securities | - | - | - | 19,631 | ||||||||
(6,195,265 | ) | 2,775,896 | (2,682,256 | ) | 4,318,697 | |||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | (1,754,415 | ) | $ | 1,985,259 | $ | (653,029 | ) | $ | 2,543,598 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements |
5 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Cash provided by (used in) | ||||||||||||
Operating activities | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) for the period | $ | 4,440,850 | $ | (790,637 | ) | $ | 2,029,227 | $ | (1,775,099 | ) | ||
Items not involving cash | ||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 6,714,167 | 14,988 | 7,007,412 | 29,275 | ||||||||
Change in fair value of derivative | (1,033,299 | ) | - | (1,591,792 | ) | - | ||||||
Finance charges | 2,660,082 | - | 4,235,976 | - | ||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) | (1,311,496 | ) | (6,655 | ) | (1,311,496 | ) | (31,661 | ) | ||||
Write-off of marketable securities | - | - | - | 19,631 | ||||||||
Deferred tax expense | 2,489,000 | - | 521,000 | - | ||||||||
Share-based compensation | 402,538 | 188,142 | 806,428 | 530,097 | ||||||||
14,361,842 | (594,162 | ) | 11,696,755 | (1,227,757 | ) | |||||||
Change in non-cash working capital | ||||||||||||
Receivables | (313,890 | ) | 22,050 | (192,100 | ) | 4,067 | ||||||
Inventories | (1,755,164 | ) | (102,422 | ) | (9,240,837 | ) | - | |||||
Prepaid expenses | (541,087 | ) | (71,047 | ) | (1,009,195 | ) | (60,221 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 1,554,206 | 34,243 | 9,921,493 | (376,697 | ) | |||||||
Income taxes payable | 905,000 | - | 905,000 | - | ||||||||
Due to (from) related parties | 17,064 | - | (444,861 | ) | 67,732 | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 14,227,971 | (711,338 | ) | 11,636,255 | (1,592,876 | ) | ||||||
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities | ||||||||||||
Cash paid for acquisition of Midas | - | - | (63,670,058 | ) | - | |||||||
Expenditures on mineral properties, plant and equipment | (6,626,521 | ) | (6,008,863 | ) | (10,874,678 | ) | (11,324,072 | ) | ||||
Cash payments for reclamation bonds | (254,358 | ) | (150,726 | ) | (31,244,251 | ) | (150,726 | ) | ||||
Interest received | 2,695 | - | 48,336 | - | ||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (6,878,184 | ) | (6,159,589 | ) | (105,740,651 | ) | (11,474,798 | ) | ||||
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ||||||||||||
Issuance of share capital, net | 2,210,010 | - | 45,320,961 | 15,724 | ||||||||
Proceeds under gold purchase agreement, net | - | - | 35,981,635 | - | ||||||||
Proceeds from gold royalty advance | - | - | 1,366,549 | - | ||||||||
Proceeds from debt | - | - | 23,109,197 | 6,808,125 | ||||||||
Repayment of debt | - | - | (7,000,000 | ) | (10,780,000 | ) | ||||||
Interest paid | (2,023,658 | ) | - | (3,270,279 | ) | (56,180 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 186,352 | - | 95,508,063 | (4,012,331 | ) | |||||||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances | (68,961 | ) | 44,741 | 193,067 | 105,599 | |||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | 7,467,178 | (6,826,186 | ) | 1,596,734 | (16,974,406 | ) | ||||||
Cash, beginning of period | 7,638,711 | 7,900,975 | 13,509,155 | 18,049,195 | ||||||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 15,105,889 | $ | 1,074,789 | $ | 15,105,889 | $ | 1,074,789 |
See supplemental cash flow information (note 19)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements |
6 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Six months ended June 30, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Issued share capital | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 111,596,460 | $ | 92,085,867 | ||
Common shares issued, net of issuance costs | 40,492,721 | - | ||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 66,721 | 61,464 | ||||
Stock options exercised | 801,803 | 27,400 | ||||
Compensation options exercised | 1,773,316 | - | ||||
Warrants exercised | 2,380,011 | - | ||||
Balance at end of period | 157,111,032 | 92,174,731 | ||||
Contributed surplus | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | 14,545,252 | 13,256,644 | ||||
Subscription receipts | 507,214 | - | ||||
Senior debt | 1,753,591 | 94,892 | ||||
Midas acquisition | 6,500,000 | - | ||||
Stock options exercised | (253,970 | ) | (7,400 | ) | ||
Compensation options exercised | (337,785 | ) | - | |||
Warrants exercised | (94,500 | ) | - | |||
Share based payment | 791,858 | 464,357 | ||||
Balance at end of period | 23,411,660 | 13,808,493 | ||||
Deficit | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | (43,950,683 | ) | (29,829,892 | ) | ||
Income (loss) for the period | 2,029,227 | (1,775,099 | ) | |||
Balance at end of period | (41,921,456 | ) | (31,604,991 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | 4,245,745 | (1,242,059 | ) | |||
Reallocation of AOCI on marketable securities | - | 19,631 | ||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | - | (5,469 | ) | |||
Exchange rate differences on translation from functional to | ||||||
presentation currency | (2,682,256 | ) | 4,304,535 | |||
Balance at end of period | 1,563,489 | 3,076,638 | ||||
Total shareholders' equity | $ | 140,164,725 | $ | 77,454,871 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements |
7 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
1. |
Nature of Operations |
Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) is in the business of acquiring, owning, exploiting, developing and evaluating mineral properties, and developing these properties further or disposing of them when the evaluation is completed. The Company has interests in the Fire Creek project and the Midas mine and ore milling facility, both of which are producing mines, as well as other properties located in the State of Nevada, USA. |
|
The Company was incorporated on August 25, 1971 under the laws at British Columbia, Canada and its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol KDX. |
|
The Company's registered office is located at Suite 304, 595 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5. |
|
2. |
Significant Accounting Policies |
Basis of presentation |
|
The Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as applicable to interim financial reports including IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting', and therefore do not include all the information and note disclosures required by IFRS for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, which were prepared in accordance with IFRS. |
|
The consolidated interim financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Company has control. The Company controls an entity when the Company is exposed to, or has right to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Company's subsidiaries, which are wholly owned, are 0985472 B.C. Ltd, and its U.S. subsidiaries: Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc., Klondex Gold and Silver Mining Company, Klondex Midas Holding Limited and Klondex Midas Operations Inc. All intercompany transactions, balances, revenues and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. |
|
The Company has determined that the functional currency of its US subsidiaries is the US dollar. |
|
The Board of Directors approved these condensed consolidated interim financial statements on August 11, 2014. |
|
New Accounting Policies |
|
The accounting policies used in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those of the previous year, except as describe below. |
|
The Company adopted new accounting policies as described below because of the reclassification on the Fire Creek project to the production stage from the evaluation and exploration stage and the acquisition of Midas mine and ore milling facility. |
8 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Business combinations: The Company applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair values of the assets and liabilities transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Company. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
Where the initial accounting for the business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Company reports provisional amounts for the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. During the measurement period, the Company will retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized at that date. The measurement period will not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
Revenue recognition: Revenue related to sales of gold and silver is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. This is considered to have occurred when title passes to the buyer pursuant to the related purchase agreement. Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will receive economic benefits and is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable less any applicable discounts.
Mining taxes and royalties: Mining taxes and royalties are treated and disclosed as current and deferred taxes if they have the characteristics of an income tax. This is considered to be the case when they are imposed under government authority and the amount payable is calculated by reference to revenue (net of any allowable deductions).
Inventories: Inventories, which include supplies, in-process and finished goods are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
|
Supplies inventory: Supplies inventory consists of supplies used in mining and milling operations and spare parts. Costs include acquisition, freight and tax. |
|
|
|
|
|
In-process inventory: In-process inventory consists of ore in stockpiles and ore in circuit in the mill. Costs include all direct costs incurred in production and milling including labor, materials, overhead, depreciation and depletion. |
|
|
|
|
|
Finished goods inventory: Finished goods inventory consists of doré gold or silver bars at the mill or at the third-party refiner and refined metal but still under ownership of the Company. Costs include all costs of in-process inventory plus any additional refining costs incurred. |
Significant estimates and judgments
The preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires management to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual outcomes could differ from these judgments and estimates.
Significant areas where judgment is applied apart from those involving estimates are:
9 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Acquisition accounting: The acquisition of a company or asset may result in the reporting of a business combination or asset acquisition as defined under IFRS. Judgment is required to determine the appropriate accounting treatment for acquisition by the Company. |
|
Reclassification of evaluation and exploration assets: The Company reclassifies assets from exploration and evaluation to production assets once recovery of the resource is deemed economically viable and technically feasible. At this point, the asset is tested for impairment then reclassified to mineral properties, plant and equipment. |
|
Obligations under gold purchase agreement: Management determined the obligation to deliver gold within the gold purchase agreement is subject to the own use' scope exception under IAS 39 which represents a significant judgment. The judgment is based on the fact that the Company has the ability, and management has the intention, to deliver gold to meet this requirement. |
|
Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of judgments and estimates that management has made at the statement of financial position date, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, relate to, but are not limited to, the following: |
|
Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition: In the determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired through an acquisition accounted for as a business combination, management makes certain judgments and estimates regarding mineral reserves or resources, commodity prices, economic lives, reclamation costs and discount rates, among others. Due to the complex nature of the valuation process, information may become available following the initial determinations that could change the provisional measurement of assets and liabilities acquired. |
|
Work-in-process and production costs: The Company makes estimates of the amount of recoverable ounces in work-in-process inventory which is used in the determination of the cost of goods sold during the period. Changes in these estimates could result in a change in carrying value of inventories and mine operating costs in future periods. The Company monitors the recovery of gold ounces from the mill and could use this information to refine its original estimate. |
|
Depletion: The Company uses estimated recoverable resources as the basis for determining the amortization of certain mineral property, plant and equipment as proven and probable reserves have not been defined. This results in an amortization charge in the respective period proportionate to the depletion of the related resource. Determining the amount of recoverable resources is complex and requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to geological sampling and modeling, future commodity prices and costs to extract and process the ore, among others. |
|
3. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
The following standards are effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2014 and have been adopted by the Company. The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on these condensed consolidated interim financial statements. |
|
Amendment to IAS 32, Financial instruments: Presentation': This amendment updates the application guidance in IAS 32, Financial instruments: Presentation', to clarify certain requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities on the balance sheet. |
|
Amendments to IAS 36, Impairment of assets': These amendments address the disclosure of information about the recoverable amount of impaired assets if that amount is based on fair value less costs of disposal. |
10 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
IFRIC 21, Levies': This interpretation is on IAS 37 which sets out a criteria for recognition of a liability, one of which is the requirement for the entity to have a present obligation as a result of a past event. |
|
4. |
Acquisition of Midas |
On February 11, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, which indirectly owns the Midas mine and ore milling facility located in Nevada (collectively Midas), from Newmont USA Limited, a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation (Newmont) (the Acquisition). The aggregate purchase price totaled approximately $71.4 million, including 5,000,000 common share purchase warrants issued to Newmont with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances, and an exercise price of $2.15. In addition, the Company was required to deposit $31.6 million (US$28.6 million) in reclamation bonds to replace Newmont's surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities. |
|
The Acquisition was financed through the net proceeds of the following: |
|
Equity: The Company completed a private placement on January 9, 2014 of 29.4 million subscription receipts at an issue price of $1.45 per subscription receipt for total gross proceeds of approximately $42.6 million. The subscription receipts automatically converted into common shares on a one-for-one basis in accordance with their terms upon closing of the Acquisition. |
|
Gold Purchase Agreement: The Company entered into a Gold Purchase Agreement with a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada pursuant to which Klondex agreed to sell an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold to Franco-Nevada by December 31, 2018 at a pre-paid purchase price of US$33,763,640 in cash. |
|
Royalty Agreement : The Company granted to a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek and Midas properties in consideration for the payment of an aggregate of US$1,236,360 in cash. Monthly royalty payments will commence in 2019, after the scheduled gold deliveries under the gold purchase agreement are completed. The receipt of the proceeds of the NSR was accounted for as a reduction to mineral properties during the period ended June 30, 2014. |
|
Debt: The Company completed a private placement of units consisting of $25 million aggregate principal amount of 11.00% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants with a three-year term and an exercise price of $1.95 to a syndicate of lenders. |
|
The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business acquisition with the purchase price preliminarily allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as presented below. |
Purchase price | ||||
Cash | $ | 63,670,033 | ||
Warrants | 6,500,000 | |||
$ | 70,170,033 |
11 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Net assets acquired | ||||
Inventory | $ | 2,043,837 | ||
Mining tax receivable | 3,028,244 | |||
Mineral properties | 22,344,574 | |||
Plant and equipment | 61,319,126 | |||
Reclamation liability | (17,248,956 | ) | ||
Deferred tax liability | (1,316,792 | ) | ||
$ | 70,170,033 |
This allocation is preliminary as the Company has not completed the valuation process. The allocation may be adjusted in future periods as additional information becomes available. In connection with the acquisition the Company may have acquired certain deferred tax assets and or liabilities which will be determined based on the final valuation. The Company recognized expenses of $2,257,018 related to the acquisition. |
|
5. |
Receivables |
June 30, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Tax receivable | $ | 3,038,950 | $ | - | |||
Reclamation bond recovery (1) | 7,473,200 | - | |||||
Others | 127,025 | 49,260 | |||||
$ | 10,639,175 | $ | 49,260 |
(1) |
During the second quarter of 2014, the Company entered into a collateral trust agreement with an insurance company whereby surety bonds totaling US$28,070,645 were issued to federal and state agencies to replace cash bonds paid in connection with the acquisition of the Midas mine and ore milling facility. Under the terms of the agreement the Company paid a fee of 1.25% of the total surety bond amount in order to receive the surety bonds and US$7,000,000 of free cash flow. At June 30, 2014, this amount was reclassified from reclamation bonds to receivables in the statement of financial position. The Company received the funds in July 2014. |
6. |
Inventories |
June 30, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Supplies | $ | 2,142,022 | $ | - | |||
In-process | 8,998,210 | - | |||||
Finished goods | 4,001,994 | - | |||||
$ | 15,142,226 | $ | - |
Cost of inventories recognized as an expense in cost of sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 were $25,371,431 and $27,323,416, respectively.
12 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
7. |
Mineral Properties, Plant and Equipment |
Exploration | |||||||||||||
Mineral | Plant and | and evaluation | |||||||||||
properties | equipment | assets | Total | ||||||||||
Cost | |||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 | $ | - | $ | 3,765,811 | $ | 93,420,809 | $ | 97,186,620 | |||||
Acquisition of Midas | 22,344,574 | 61,319,126 | - | 83,663,700 | |||||||||
Additions | 9,510,859 | 1,009,794 | 919,400 | 11,440,053 | |||||||||
Recoveries | (4,595,947 | ) | - | - | (4,595,947 | ) | |||||||
Reclassifications | 94,340,209 | - | (94,340,209 | ) | - | ||||||||
Foreign exchange | (669,005 | ) | (2,047,578 | ) | - | (2,716,583 | ) | ||||||
Balance at June 30, 2014 | 120,930,690 | 64,047,153 | - | 184,977,843 | |||||||||
Accumulated depreciation and depletion | |||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 | - | 1,612,288 | - | 1,612,288 | |||||||||
Additions | 8,564,955 | 2,851,327 | - | 11,416,282 | |||||||||
Disposals | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Foreign exchange | (257,005 | ) | (87,859 | ) | - | (344,864 | ) | ||||||
Balance at June 30, 2014 | 8,307,950 | 4,375,756 | - | 12,683,706 | |||||||||
Net book value at June 30, 2014 | $ | 112,622,740 | $ | 59,671,397 | - | $ | 172,294,137 |
8. |
Reclamation Bonds |
June 30, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Midas | $ | 22,495,020 | $ | - | |||
Fire Creek | 769,247 | 445,809 | |||||
$ | 23,264,267 | $ | 445,809 |
9. |
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities |
June 30, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Trade accounts payable | $ | 7,106,256 | $ | 4,189,643 | |||
Accrued liabilities | 4,532,855 | 981,047 | |||||
Interest payable | 7,639 | 624,822 | |||||
$ | 11,646,750 | $ | 5,795,512 |
13 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
10. |
Related Party Transactions |
Amounts owing to directors and officers of $238,323 (December 31, 2013 - $662,426) are non- interest bearing, unsecured, and payable upon demand. |
|
The Company's directors and officers are considered key management personnel and their compensation comprises the following: |
Three months ended | Six months ended | ||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Salaries, bonuses and fees paid to directors and officers | $ | 391,590 | $ | 303,208 | $ | 857,706 | $ | 574,018 | |||||
Share-based payments incurred with directors and officers | 133,634 | 188,329 | 133,634 | 299,868 | |||||||||
Consulting fees paid to a former officer | - | 33,393 | - | 63,038 | |||||||||
$ | 525,224 | $ | 524,930 | $ | 991,340 | $ | 936,924 |
11. |
Obligations Under Gold Purchase Agreement |
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a gold purchase agreement with Franco-Nevada Corporation for US$33.8 million. Pursuant to the terms, gold deliveries would be made at the end of each month with the first delivery date on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries would cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces is completed by December 31, 2018. Minimum scheduled deliveries of gold consisting of equal monthly installments by year per the agreement are as follows: |
Year | Ounces |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Company has accounted for the agreement as a loan with an embedded derivative that meets the own use exception and is therefore not marked to market. The loan is recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest method. At June 30, 2014, the current and long-term portions due were $7,230,601 and $28,666,973, respectively. |
|
During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company delivered 964.5 ounces of gold in accordance with the terms of the agreement. |
|
12. |
Loans Payable |
June 30, | December 31, | |||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Senior unsecured loan | (a) | $ | - | $ | 7,000,000 | |||||
Senior secured facility, current portion | (b) | 906,355 | - | |||||||
Senior secured facility, long-term portion | (b) | 20,829,982 | ||||||||
$ | 21,736,337 | $ | 7,000,000 |
14 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
(a) |
Senior unsecured loan |
|
On January 4, 2013, the Company completed a $7,000,000 placement of 9% Senior Unsecured Notes (Notes) due January 5, 2015, which were issued to investors at 98.0% of the principal amount. Investors in the Notes offering received a total of 525,000 warrants, each entitling the purchase of one common share at a price of $1.55 for a period of 18 months following their date of issue. |
||
The Company had the option to repay the loan early at an amount of 102.5% plus any unpaid accrued interest. At December 31, 2013, the Company accelerated the accretion of all warrants and borrowing costs and reclassified the full face value of the Notes ($7,000,000) as a current liability. On February 11, 2014, the Company paid the loan in full, including the 2.5% penalty for early repayment. |
||
(b) |
Senior secured facility |
|
On February 11, 2014 the Company completed a private placement of units consisting of $25 million aggregate principal amount of 11.0% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants with a three-year term and an exercise price of $1.95 to a syndicate of lenders. The Company is required to make principal payments of $4 million per year payable in monthly equal monthly installments beginning in January 2015. Interest is payable monthly throughout the life of the debt. |
||
The Company has the option to repay the loan at any time on or after February 11, 2015 subject to repayment penalties as listed below: |
Date | Redemption penalty |
February 11, 2015 to February 10, 2016 3 | 4% |
February 11, 2016 to February 10, 2017 | 2% |
February 11, 2017 to August 11, 2017 | No penalty |
13. |
Derivative Liability Related to Gold Supply Agreement |
On June 30, 2011 the Company entered into a gold supply agreement. Pursuant to this agreement the Company grants the buyer the right to purchase refined gold bullion during the term of the agreement subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement from the Fire Creek project for the five year period starting from the last day of February 2013. If the Company has not produced an aggregate of 150,000 ounces by February 28, 2018 the term will be extended until an aggregate of 185,000 ounces have been produced. The purchase price is the average settlement price of gold on the LBMA, PM Fix for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the relevant pricing date. A 1.0% discount is applicable through February 29, 2016. If the price per ounce is less than US$900 at any time the discount will be nil. |
|
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company received US$13,856,307 and US$16,881,221, for 10,667 and 13,106 ounces of gold, respectively, sold under the agreement. |
15 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
The Company has classified this agreement as a derivative instrument measured at fair value in U.S. dollars. At June 30, 2014, the derivative value was $7,180,678. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded gains on the change in fair value of the derivative of $1,033,299 and $1,591,792, respectively. |
|
14. |
Decommissioning Provision |
The Company's decommissioning provision is the result of drilling activities, underground tunneling, and other mine development activities at the Fire Creek and Midas properties. The Company estimated its decommissioning provision at June 30, 2014 based on a risk-free discount rate of 3.10% (2013 2.50%) and an inflation rate of 1.46% (2013 2.07%). Decommissioning is expected to begin in 2019 for Fire Creek and 2023 for Midas. |
June 30, | December 30, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 1,193,628 | $ | 593,541 | |||
Acquisition of Midas | 17,248,956 | - | |||||
Change in provision | - | 584,223 | |||||
Accretion | 217,619 | 15,864 | |||||
Foreign exchange gain | (568,745 | ) | - | ||||
Balance at end of period | $ | 18,091,458 | $ | 1,193,628 |
15. |
Share Capital |
|
a) |
Common shares: unlimited common shares with no par value |
|
b) |
Issued and outstanding share capital |
Number of | |||||||
shares | CAD | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | 64,361,461 | $ | 92,085,867 | ||||
Short term prospectus, net of costs | 14,200,000 | 17,972,234 | |||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 64,830 | 78,240 | |||||
Stock options exercised | 120,000 | 61,400 | |||||
Warrants exercised | 1,000,000 | 1,398,719 | |||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 79,746,291 | $ | 111,596,460 | ||||
Common shares issued, net of issuance costs | 29,400,000 | 40,492,721 | |||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 35,525 | 66,721 | |||||
Stock options exercised | 441,049 | 801,803 | |||||
Compensation warrants exercised | 1,060,856 | 1,773,316 | |||||
Warrants exercised | 1,655,843 | 2,380,011 | |||||
Balance at June 30, 2014 | 112,339,564 | $ | 157,111,032 |
16 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
c) |
Contributed Surplus |
a. |
Warrants outstanding |
|
A summary of the Company's share purchase warrants activity is presented below: |
Weighted | |||||||
average | |||||||
Number of | exercise | ||||||
warrants | price | ||||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012 | 17,105,849 | $ | 2.39 | ||||
Financing | |||||||
Warrants issued for Jones Gable bridge loan agreement | 500,000 | 1.22 | |||||
Warrants issued for K2 bridge loan agreement | 500,000 | 1.19 | |||||
Warrants issued for Senior Unsecured Debt | 525,000 | 1.55 | |||||
Brokers' warrants for Short-form Prospectus | 568,000 | 1.43 | |||||
Warrants exercised | (1,000,000 | ) | 1.21 | ||||
Warrants expired | (5,330,700 | ) | 3.50 | ||||
Brokers' warrants expired | (564,084 | ) | 2.50 | ||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013 | 12,304,065 | $ | 1.80 | ||||
Financing | |||||||
Warrants issued with private placement offering | 1,176,000 | 1.55 | |||||
Warrants issued for Senior Secured Debt | 3,100,000 | 1.95 | |||||
Warrants issued for Acquisition of Midas | 5,000,000 | 2.15 | |||||
Warrants exercised | (1,655,843 | ) | 1.69 | ||||
Compensation warrants exercised | (1,060,856 | ) | 1.35 | ||||
Compensation warrants expired | (360 | ) | 1.35 | ||||
Outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2014 | 18,863,006 | $ | 2.00 |
A summary of the Company's outstanding warrants at June 30, 2014 is presented below:
Weighted | |||||
average | Weighted | ||||
Exercise | Number of | remaining | average | Number of | |
price per | warrants | contractual | exercise | warrants | Weighted |
share | outstanding | life | price | exercisable | average life |
$1.00 - $1.49 | 525,826 | 1.31 | $1.43 | 525,826 | 1.31 |
$1.50 - $1.99 | 11,637,180 | 2.74 | $1.78 | 11,637,180 | 2.74 |
$2.00 - $2.49 | 5,300,000 | 14.07 | $2.17 | 5,300,000 | 14.07 |
$2.50 - $3.00 | 1,400,000 | 0.78 | $2.76 | 1,400,000 | 0.78 |
$1.00 - $3.00 | 18,863,006 | 5.74 | $1.95 | 18,863,006 | 5.74 |
17 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
The average fair value of each warrant issued is estimated on the issue date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions at June 30, 2014 and 2013:
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Estimated life | 9.34 years | 1.5 years | |||||
Risk free interest rate | 1.78% | 1.14% | |||||
Volatility | 49.15% | 44.65% | |||||
Forfeiture rate | - | - |
The estimated volatility was determined based on the historical share price volatility over the estimated life of the warrants. | ||
b. | Options outstanding | |
The Company has adopted an incentive stock option plan (the Plan). The essential elements of the Plan provide that the aggregate number of common shares of the Company's capital stock issuable pursuant to options granted under the Plan may not exceed 15% of the number of issued shares of the Company at the time of the granting of the options. Options granted under the Plan will have a maximum term of ten years. The exercise price of options granted under the Plan will not be less than the 5 day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of the common shares at the date of grant. The vesting periods of options granted under the plan may vary at the discretion of the Plan Administrator. | ||
A summary of the Company's stock options activity is presented below: |
Weighted | |||||||
Number of | average | ||||||
options | exercise price | ||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 | 4,694,896 | $ | 1.34 | ||||
Options granted | 3,174,708 | 1.42 | |||||
Options exercised | (120,000 | ) | 0.88 | ||||
Options expired | (418,000 | ) | 1.41 | ||||
Options cancelled | (1,850,846 | ) | 1.28 | ||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 5,480,758 | 1.41 | |||||
Options granted | 1,620,000 | 1.81 | |||||
Options exercised | (441,049 | ) | 1.24 | ||||
Options cancelled | (50,001 | ) | 1.34 | ||||
Outstanding at June 30, 2014 | 6,609,708 | $ | 1.52 |
18 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
A summary of the Company's outstanding stock options at June 30, 2014 is presented below:
The average fair value of each option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions, during the six months ended June 30:
2014 | 2013 | ||
Estimated life | 2.64 years | 3 years | |
Risk free interest rate | 1.20% | 1.16% | |
Volatility | 45.68% | 49.45% | |
Forfeiture rate | - | - |
The estimated volatility was determined based on the historical share price volatility over the estimated life.
16. |
Finance Charges |
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Obligations under gold purchase Agreement | $ | 1,700,764 | $ | - | $ | 2,606,802 | $ | - | |||||
Senior secured facility | 945,420 | - | 1,450,175 | - | |||||||||
Accretion of decommissioning provisions | 73,660 | - - | 143,959 | - - | |||||||||
Other interest expense and income | 6,036 | - | 35,040 | - | |||||||||
$ | 2,725,880 | $ | - | $ | 4,235,976 | $ | - |
In 2013, finance charges were applied to the Fire Creek exploration and evaluation assets.
19 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
17. |
Foreign Currency Gain |
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain on obligation under gold purchase agreement | $ | 1,356,463 | $ | - | $ | 1,356,463 | $ | - | |||||
Other foreign exchange losses | (344,147 | ) | - | (344,147 | ) | - | |||||||
$ | 1,012,316 | $ | - | $ | 1,012,316 | $ | - |
18. |
Earnings (Loss) per Share |
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Basic weighted average a Shares outstanding | 111,390,375 | 64,425,272 | 109,338,086 | 64,418,153 | |||||||||
Dilution adjustments: | |||||||||||||
Stock options (1) | 1,434,716 | - | 1,428,222 | - | |||||||||
Warrants (1) | 1,086,912 | - | 1,052,444 | - | |||||||||
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 113,912,003 | 64,425,272 | 111,818,752 | 64,418,153 |
(1) |
The impact of dilutive stock options and warrants was determined using the Company's average share price for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 of $1.91 and $1.89, respectively. In 2013, there were no dilutive securities. |
19. |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information |
The following significant non-cash transactions were recorded: |
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Financing activities | |||||||||||||
Warrants issued in connection with acquisition | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 9,529,080 | $ | 94,982 |
20 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
20. |
Segment Information |
Following the acquisition of the Midas property and the advancement of the Fire Creek project into operations under the bulk sample permit, the Company's operations are now organized into three segments that are regularly reported to the Company's chief operating decision-maker, the Chief Executive Officer. The Company identified reportable segments as any operating unit that has total revenue, earnings, losses, or assets that exceed 10% of the total consolidated revenue, earnings, losses, or assets. The table below summarizes the segment information: |
Corporate | |||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | and other | Total | ||||||||||
Three months ended June 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 25,267,667 | $ | 11,176,719 | $ | - | $ | 36,444,386 | |||||
Production costs | 10,059,439 | 8,663,132 | - | 18,722,571 | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 5,345,215 | 1,303,645 | - | 6,648,860 | |||||||||
Gross profit | 9,863,013 | 1,209,942 | - | 11,072,955 | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 87,621 | 87,621 | 1,999,231 | 2,174,473 | |||||||||
Earnings (loss) from operations | $ | 9,775,392 | $ | 1,122,321 | $ | (1,999,231 | ) | $ | 8,898,482 | ||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 3,004,425 | $ | 3,698,962 | $ | 416,682 | $ | 7,120,070 | |||||
Six months ended June 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 25,267,667 | $ | 13,803,292 | $ | - | $ | 39,070,959 | |||||
Production costs | 10,059,439 | 10,338,203 | - | 20,397,642 | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 5,345,215 | 1,580,559 | - | 6,925,774 | |||||||||
Gross profit | 9,863,013 | 1,884,530 | - | 11,747,543 | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 87,621 | 87,621 | 4,228,188 | 4,403,430 | |||||||||
Earnings (loss) from operations | $ | 9,775,392 | $ | 1,796,909 | $ | (4,228,188 | ) | $ | 7,344,113 | ||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 5,654,930 | 5,330,567 | 454,555 | 11,440,053 | ||||||||
Total assets at June 30, 2014 | $ | 101,817,641 | $ | 132,324,012 | $ | 3,558,539 | $ | 237,700,192 |
21 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Corporate | |||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | and other | Total | ||||||||||
Three months ended June 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Production costs | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Gross profit | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 223,355 | - | 567,288 | 790,637 | |||||||||
Earnings (loss) from operations | $ | (223,355 | ) | - | $ | (567,288 | ) | $ | (790,637 | ) | |||
Capital expenditures | $ | 6,210,022 | - | - | $ | 6,210,022 | |||||||
Six months ended June 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Production costs | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Gross profit | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 513,097 | - | 1,262,002 | 1,775,099 | |||||||||
Earnings (loss) from operations | $ | (513,097 | ) | $ | - | $ | (1,262,002 | ) | $ | (1,775,099 | ) | ||
Capital expenditures | $ | 12,736,218 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 12,736,218 | |||||
Total assets at December 31, 2013 | $ | 97,098,232 | $ | - | $ | 12,753,412 | $ | 109,851,644 |
21. |
Financial Instruments |
a) |
Credit risk |
Credit risk arises from the non-performance by counter parties of contractual financial obligations. The Company maintains its cash with major banks and financial institutions. The Company manages credit risk for trade receivables through credit monitoring processes and by trading with highly rated parties for the sale of metal. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the financial assets. |
|
b) |
Interest rate risk |
At June 30, 2014, the Company was not subject to or exposed to any material interest rate risk. See note 12 for interest rates on loans outstanding. |
|
c) |
Liquidity risk |
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations when they fall due. The Company manages this risk through management of its capital structure. Based on management's and the Board of Director's review of ongoing operations, the Company may revise the timing of capital expenditures, issue equity and/or pursue other loan facilities. |
|
The Company's current assets exceed current liabilities by approximately $22.1 million at June 30, 2014. The Company enters into contractual obligations in the normal course of business operations. Management believes the Company's requirements for capital expenditures, working capital and ongoing commitments can be financed from existing cash, from gold and silver sales from operations of Fire Creek and Midas and by acquiring new loans or equity. |
22 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
d) |
Fair value hierarchy |
Financial instruments recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels: |
i. |
Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; |
|
ii. |
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; and |
|
iii. |
Level 3 Input for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data. |
At June 30, 2014, the Company had a derivative instrument classified as a liability in the consolidated statements of financial position of $7,180,678. The derivative falls within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See note 13 for additional information regarding the valuation techniques and inputs used in determining the fair value of the derivative.
Financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on the statement of financial position are cash, receivables, reclamation bonds, accounts payable, due to related parties and loans payable. The fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying value due to their short term nature.
22. |
Contingencies |
During the year ended December 31, 2012, two directors of the Company resigned and the controller/secretary of the US subsidiary was terminated for cause. Subsequent to the directors' resignations, the Company determined that each individual breached certain duties and would be terminated for cause retroactive to June 27, 2012. Accordingly, certain termination benefits of US$903,000, which may have been payable under the employment contracts, have not been recorded in the accounts at June 30, 2014. Two of the former directors filed claims against the Company to reinstate his stock options. The outcome of the claims cannot be determined at this time. |
|
23. |
Subsequent events |
On July 30, 2014, the Company completed the Offering for aggregate gross proceeds of $16,100,000. Under the Offering, the Company issued and sold 8,050,000 common shares, which included an over-allotment of 1,050,000 common shares, at a price of $2.00 per common share. The underwriters received a total of $665,000 cash commission, representing 5% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, excluding $2,800,000 from subscriptions by purchasers on the president's list. As additional compensation, the Company granted the underwriters an aggregate of 266,000 compensation warrants, being an amount equal to 4% of the number of common shares sold, excluding the 1,400,000 common shares sold to purchasers on the president's list. The compensation warrants are exercisable at $2.25 per compensation warrant and may be exercised at any time during a period of 24 months following the closing date. |
23 |
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This Management's Discussion & Analysis (" MD&A ") provides a discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Klondex Mines Ltd. (" Klondex " or the " Company ") to assist a reader in assessing material changes in the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as at and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes thereto of the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. This MD&A should also be read in conjunction with the Company's audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31 2013 and the related Management's Discussion & Analysis, all of which are available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are advised to refer to the sections under the headings "Cautionary Notes Technical Information", "Cautionary Notes Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in this MD&A. Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's Annual Information Form, is available on www.SEDAR.com.
The Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (" IFRS ") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (" IASB ") applicable to the preparation of interim financial statements, including IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting.
Unless otherwise stated, all currency amounts included in this MD&A are expressed in Canadian dollars. This MD&A has been prepared as at August 11, 2014.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Klondex focuses on gold and silver exploration, development, and production in north central Nevada, principally at its two quality gold and silver projects: the Midas mine and milling facility (collectively, the " Midas Mine" or "Midas ") and the Fire Creek exploration project (the " Fire Creek Project " or " Fire Creek "). The Midas Mine is fully-permitted and has been producing gold and silver since 1998. Fire Creek began a bulk sampling program in 2013. After the construction of the rapid infiltration basin ("RIB") is complete, it is expected that all major operational infrastructure for Fire Creek will be in place. Klondex is in the permitting process to obtain full-production permits as required by the National Environment Protection Act ("NEPA") and the State of Nevada, and it is expected that these will be obtained in the second half of 2015 (2H2015).
Recovered gold equivalent ounces in the second quarter of 2014 (2Q2014) totalled 22,239 ounces and in the first half of 2014 (1H2014) totaled 38,292 ounces.
In 2Q2014, Klondex achieved company-wide production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold of $730. This compares to $906 in 1Q2014. (Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold is a non-IFRS measures and is described under the heading "Non-IFRS Measures".).
On February 11, 2014, Klondex completed the acquisition of the Midas Mine from Newmont USA Limited (" Newmont USA "), a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation (" Newmont "). Adding the Midas milling facility improves the outlook for Klondex and Fire Creek, by cementing a long-term milling solution for the Company, reducing operating and capital costs, minimizing risks associated with toll milling, and ultimately enhancing the potential for increased cash flows from operations. The Midas mill benefits from the additional mineralized material from the Fire Creek bulk sampling program, reducing average milling costs at Midas, by utilizing unused capacity of the mill. Subsequent to quarter-end, on July 30, 2014, Klondex completed a bought-deal public offering of common shares of the Company (the " Offering ") for aggregate gross proceeds of $16.1 million (net proceeds of $15.3 million) through a syndicate of underwriters led by GMP Securities L.P. and including RBC Dominion Securities Inc., M Partners Inc., Industrial Alliance Securities Inc., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Mackie Research Capital Corporation. The majority of this capital will be used for an accelerated exploration program at Midas, to follow-up on outlined drilling targets within close proximity to the mine workings.
2
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Klondex intends to spend the net proceeds of the Offering as described below. However, there may be circumstances where, for sound business reasons, a reallocation of the net proceeds may be necessary. The actual amount that the Company spends in connection with each of the intended uses of proceeds will depend on a number of factors. The funds received by the Company in connection with the exercise of the over-allotment option will be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital.
Amount Allocated to Use | |||
Exploration and Development of the Fire Creek Project | |||
Waste development | $ | 1,000,000 | |
Exploration drilling | 1,000,000 | ||
Total Amount Dedicated to Exploration and Development of the Fire Creek Project | 2,000,000 | ||
Exploration and Development of the Midas Mine: | |||
Underground drifting to develop exploration drill platforms | 5,500,000 | ||
Exploration drilling | 5,000,000 | ||
Total Amount Dedicated to Exploration and Development of the Midas Project | 10,500,000 | ||
Engineering Design and Consultants | 500,000 | ||
General Working Capital Purposes | 40,000 | ||
Total | $ | 13,040,000 |
Utilizing the recent injection of cash from the equity financing and cash flow generated from operations Klondex plans to further advance the Company through organic grow at both properties.
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following is a summary of the Company's financial results for the eight most recently completed quarters:
Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | Q3 | |||||||||||||||||
Quarter ended | 2014 | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 36,444,386 | $ | 2,626,573 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 4,440,850 | $ | (2,411,623 | ) | $ | (11,358,120 | ) | $ | (987,572 | ) | $ | (790,637 | ) | $ | (984,462 | ) | $ | (843,406 | ) | $ | (947,462 | ) | |
Net income (loss) per basic share | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.02 | ||
Net income (loss) per diluted share | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.02 |
The increase in revenue in 2Q2014 is due to revenue being recorded for Fire Creek and having a full quarter of operations for Midas. In previous quarters, proceeds from gold sales from Fire Creek were recorded as an offset to mineral properties. Klondex acquired Midas in 1Q2014.
3
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Revenue | $ | 36,444,386 | $ | | $ | 39,070,959 | $ | | ||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||
Production costs | 18,722,571 | | 20,397,642 | | ||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 6,648,860 | | 6,925,774 | | ||||||||
Gross profit | 11,072,955 | | 11,747,543 | | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,174,473 | 790,637 | 4,403,430 | 1,775,099 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 8,898,482 | (790,637 | ) | 7,344,113 | (1,775,099 | ) | ||||||
Business acquisition costs | (383,367 | ) | | (2,257,018 | ) | | ||||||
Gain on change in fair value of derivative | 1,033,299 | | 1,591,792 | | ||||||||
Finance charges | (2,725,880 | ) | | (4,235,976 | ) | | ||||||
Realized foreign currency gain | 1,012,316 | 1,012,316 | ||||||||||
Income (Loss ) before tax | 7,834,850 | (790,637 | ) | 3,455,227 | (1,775,099 | ) | ||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (3,394,000 | ) | | (1,426,000 | ) | | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 4,440,850 | $ | (790,637 | ) | $ | 2,029,227 | $ | (1,775,099 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per share - basic | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.03 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per share - diluted | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.03 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of shares | ||||||||||||
outstanding - basic | 111,390,375 | 64,425,272 | 109,338,086 | 64,418,153 | ||||||||
Weighted average number of shares | 113,912,003 | 64,425,272 | 111,818,752 | 64,418,153 | ||||||||
outstanding - diluted |
Revenue
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, Klondex's revenue was $36.4 million and $39.1 million, respectively. The Company did not recognize revenue in 2013. The Company acquired Midas on February 11, 2014 and recorded sales from Midas beginning in 1Q2014. A production decision at Fire Creek has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at Fire Creek has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from Fire Creek under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill. Based on the quantities of gold generated under the bulk sample permit, the Company first recognized revenue from the bulk sample program at the Fire Creek Project in 2Q 2014. In 2Q2014, the Company sold 25,725 gold equivalent ounces and in 1H2014 sold 27,573 gold equivalent ounces.
Cost of Sales
The production costs in 2Q2014 were $18.7 million and for 1H2014 were $20.4 million. The production cost per gold equivalent ounce sold in 2Q2014 was $730 and for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $742. See "Non-IFRS Measures". The depreciation and depletions costs in Q2 were $6.6 million and for the 1H2014 were $6.9 million.
4
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Gross Profit
The gross profit in 2Q2014 was $11.1 million and in the 1H2014 was $11.7 million which can be attributed to higher volume of gold and silver produced at the Companys projects.
General and Administrative Expenses
The general and administrative expenses in 2Q2014 were $2.2 million (2013 $0.8 million) and in the 1H2014 were $4.4 million (2013 $1.8 million). The increase in G&A expenses over the prior year are due the growth of the Company as it has transformed from an exploration stage company to a production stage company.
Business Acquisition Costs
Klondex recorded business acquisition costs in 2Q2014 of $0.4 million and for the 1H2014 $2.3 million related to the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill.
Gain on Change in Fair Value of Derivative
The Company recorded a gain on the valuation of the derivative associated with a Gold Supply Agreement in 2Q2104 of $1.0 million and for 1H2014 $1.6 million. The derivative is valued at each quarter end. The reduction in the derivative value is principally related to Waterton exercising the option to acquire gold ounces under the Gold Supply Agreement and a decrease in estimated volatility of gold price over the remaining term of the Gold Supply Agreement.
Finance Charges
The finance charges in 2Q2014 were $2.7 million and in 1H2014 were $4.2 million. The finance charges are mainly related to the obligations under the Gold Purchase Agreement and the loan payable under the Facility Agreement. In 2013, the finance charges were capitalized into the Fire Creek evaluation and exploration assets.
Income Tax Expense
The income tax expense in 2Q2014 was $3.4 million, 43.3%, and in 1H2014 were $1.4 million, 41.3%. Income tax expense includes the State of Nevada net proceeds tax.
Net Income
The net income in 2Q2014 was $4.4 million (2013 ($0.8 million))) and in the 1H2014 was $2.0 million (2013 ($1.8 million)). In 2Q2014, the Company generated net income as it transformed into a producing mining company and generated sufficient revenue to cover general and administrative expenses and all other costs.
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT
Klondex seeks to create value for its shareholders by strategically growing the Company through a combination of organic and external initiatives. The acquisition of Midas and its milling facility in 1Q2014 was a catalyst for its growth at the beginning of this year. The Company will primarily focus on developing its own projects and expanding its mineral resources through an accelerated exploration program using funds raised through the Offering completed on July 30, 2014, but will continue to review external opportunities.
Midas Acquisition
On December 4, 2013, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Newmont USA to acquire the Midas mine and mill facility. The acquisition (the " Midas Acquisition ") closed on February 11, 2014 and included the Midas milling facility, mining equipment and an operating gold and silver mine. Approximately a quarter of the equipment acquired under the Midas Acquisition was sent to Fire Creek, thereby reducing the anticipated 2014 capital costs for equipment at Fire Creek.
5
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
The purchase price of the Midas Acquisition was comprised of approximately US$55 million in cash and the issuance by the Company to Newmont USA of 5 million Common Share purchase warrants at an exercise price of $2.15, with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances. To satisfy Nevada and federal regulatory authorities requirements, the Company deposited approximately US$28.0 million as reclamation bonds to replace Newmont USA's surety arrangements. The Company also paid US$2.7 million for a mining tax receivable associated with the acquired company.
The Midas Acquisition was financed through the Subscription Receipt Financing (as defined below), the 2014 Debt Financing (as defined below) and the Gold Purchase Arrangement (as defined below) (collectively, the " Midas Acquisition Financings ").
The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business acquisition with the purchase price preliminarily allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as presented below.
Purchase price | |||
Cash | $ | 63,670,033 | |
Warrants | 6,500,000 | ||
$ | 70,170,033 |
The cash consisted of a $60.7 million (US$55.0 million) purchase price and $3.0 million (US$2.7 million) adjustment for mining tax receivable.
Net assets acquired | |||
Inventory | $ | 2,043,837 | |
Mining tax receivable | 3,028,244 | ||
Mineral properties | 22,344,574 | ||
Plant and equipment | 61,319,126 | ||
Reclamation liability | (17,248,956 | ) | |
Deferred tax liability | (1,316,792 | ) | |
$ | 70,170,033 |
This allocation is preliminary, as the Company has not completed the valuation process. The allocation may be adjusted in future periods as additional information becomes available. The Company recognized expenses of $1,873,651 for transaction fees, legal, audit and other services related to the Midas Acquisition in the first quarter and $383,367 during the second quarter, for a total of $2,557,018. The Midas Acquisition was synergistic in nature by providing the Fire Creek Project with a nearby Klondex operated milling facility and second mining operation. Fire Creek provides additional mineralized material to the Midas mill and the mill fixed costs and depreciation can be allocated over more units reducing the cost per gold equivalent ounce. Klondex anticipates that, by sharing certain cost items between two projects, further cost reductions will be realized for both projects.
Midas Acquisition Financings
On January 9, 2014, the Company completed an offering (the " Subscription Receipt Financing ") of 29,400,000 subscription receipts at a price of $1.45 per subscription receipt on a private placement basis, raising aggregate gross proceeds of $42,630,000 pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement dated December 6, 2013 between the Company and GMP Securities L.P., MGI Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., Jones, Gable & Company Limited and PI Financial Corp.
6
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a senior secured loan facility agreement (the " Facility Agreement ") with a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp., and including The K2 Principal Fund L.P. and Jones, Gable & Company Limited pursuant to which the Company issued units consisting of in the aggregate $25,000,000 principal amount of notes, issued at a 2.5% discount to par value, and 3,100,000 warrants (" 2014 Lender Warrants ") to purchase Common Shares (the " 2014 Debt Financing "). The 2014 Lender Warrants have an exercise price of $1.95 and expire on February 11, 2017.
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a gold purchase agreement (the " Gold Purchase Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation (" FNC "), pursuant to which the Company raised proceeds of US$33,763,640 (the " Gold Purchase Arrangement ") in consideration for the delivery of an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold. Under the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement, the Company is required to make gold deliveries at the end of each month, with the first delivery being due and having been made on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces of gold is completed on December 31, 2018. The annualized delivery schedule is shown in the following table.
Year | Au (ounces) |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Company's obligations under each of the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Arrangement are secured against all of the assets and property of the Company and its subsidiaries. The security granted for the performance of the Company's obligations under the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Arrangement rank pari passu .
Royalty Agreements
On February 12, 2014, the Company entered into a royalty agreement with Franco-Nevada U.S. Corporation (" Franco-Nevada US "), a subsidiary of FNC, and Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Company, a subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to which the Company received proceeds of US$1,018,050 from the grant to Franco-Nevada US of a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek Project beginning February 12, 2019. The Company also entered into a royalty agreement with Franco-Nevada US and Newmont Midas Operations Inc. (" Midas Operations "), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, pursuant to which Midas Operations received proceeds of US$218,310 from the grant of a 2.5% NSR royalty to Franco-Nevada US on the Midas Mine also beginning February 12, 2019.
7
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On July 30, 2014, the Company completed the Offering for aggregate gross proceeds of $16,100,000. Under the Offering, the Company issued and sold 8,050,000 common shares, which included an over-allotment of 1,050,000 common shares, at a price of $2.00 per common share. The underwriters received a total of $665,000 cash commission, representing 5% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, excluding $2,800,000 from subscriptions by purchasers on the president's list. As additional compensation, the Company granted the underwriters an aggregate of 266,000 compensation warrants, being an amount equal to 4% of the number of common shares sold, excluding the 1,400,000 common shares sold to purchasers on the president's list. The compensation warrants are exercisable at $2.25 per compensation warrant and may be exercised at any time during a period of 24 months following the closing date.
8
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
Six months | ||||||
Three months | ended June 30, | |||||
ended June 30, 2014 | 2014 | |||||
Operating information | ||||||
Ore Tons Mined | 54,659 | 77,029 | ||||
Mined Ounces | ||||||
Gold | 23,623 | 31,812 | ||||
Silver | 374,640 | 564,655 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 29,555 | 40,753 | ||||
Average Ore Grade | ||||||
Gold (oz/ton) | 0.43 | 0.41 | ||||
Silver (oz/ton) | 6.85 | 7.33 | ||||
Ore Tons Milled | 46,047 | 67,774 | ||||
Milled Ounces | ||||||
Gold | 17,581 | 29,334 | ||||
Silver | 339,838 | 507,783 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 22,962 | 37,374 | ||||
Midas Mill Recovery Rate | ||||||
Gold | 92.8% | 93.5% | ||||
Silver | 95.4% | 95.1% | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Midas Mill | ||||||
Gold | 16,321 | 27,427 | ||||
Silver | 324,372 | 482,744 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 21,457 | 35,071 | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Carbon Circuit | ||||||
Gold | 772 | 772 | ||||
Silver | 646 | 646 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 782 | 782 | ||||
Gold oz. Produced before Acquisition of Mill | | 2,439 | ||||
Total Ounces Produced | ||||||
Gold | 17,093 | 30,638 | ||||
Silver | 325,018 | 483,390 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 22,239 | 38,292 | ||||
Ounces Sold (1) | ||||||
Gold | 20,293 | 23,662 | ||||
Silver | 343,025 | 401,078 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 25,725 | 30,012 | ||||
Average realized price ($/ounce) | ||||||
Gold | $ | 1,423 | $ | 1,425 | ||
Silver | $ | 22 | $ | 22 | ||
Production cost per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 730 | $ | 742 | ||
Financial Information | ||||||
Revenues | $ | 36,444,386 | $ | 39,070,959 | ||
Gross profit | $ | 11,072,955 | $ | 11,747,543 | ||
Net (loss) income | $ | 4,440,850 | $ | 2,029,227 | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 14,227,971 | $ | 11,636,255 | ||
Capital expenditures | $ | 7,120,070 | $ | 11,440,053 | ||
Total assets | $ | 237,700,192 | $ | 237,700,192 | ||
Cash | $ | 15,105,889 | $ | 15,105,889 | ||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement and loans payable | $ | 57,633,911 | $ | 57,633,911 | ||
Share Data: | ||||||
Net Income (Loss) per Share | ||||||
Basic | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.02 | ||
Diluted | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.02 | ||
Basic Weighted average outstanding shares | 111,390,375 | 109,338,086 | ||||
Diluted Weighted average outstanding shares | 113,912,003 | 111,818,752 | ||||
Share price as at the end of the period | $ | 2.00 | $ | 2.00 |
(1) Includes 2,439 gold ounces reported as sale of mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek mineral properties.
9
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
FIRE CREEK OPERATING RESULTS
Three months | Six months | |||||
ended June 30, | ended June 30, | |||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Operating information | ||||||
Ore Tons Mined | 18,996 | 25,221 | ||||
Mined Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 19,174 | 25,418 | ||||
Silver | 14,157 | 21,550 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 19,398 | 25,759 | ||||
Average Ore Grade | ||||||
Gold (oz/ton) | 1.01 | 1.01 | ||||
Silver (oz/ton) | 0.75 | 0.85 | ||||
Ore Tons Milled | 14,324 | 22,090 | ||||
Milled Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 13,514 | 23,541 | ||||
Silver | 9,893 | 19,920 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 13,671 | 23,857 | ||||
Midas Mill Recovery Rate | ||||||
Gold | 92.9% | 93.6% | ||||
Silver | 96.2% | 95.2% | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Midas Mill | ||||||
Gold | 12,549 | 22,024 | ||||
Silver | 9,514 | 18,969 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 12,700 | 22,325 | ||||
Gold oz Produced before Acquisition of Mill | | 2,439 | ||||
Total Ounces Produced | ||||||
Gold | 12,549 | 24,463 | ||||
Silver | 9,514 | 18,969 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 12,700 | 24,764 | ||||
Ounces Sold (1) | ||||||
Gold | 17,476 | 19,915 | ||||
Silver | 15,456 | 15,456 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 17,721 | 20,160 | ||||
Average realized price | ||||||
Gold ($/ounce) | $ | 1,426 | $ | 1,426 | ||
Silver ($/ounce) | $ | 23 | $ | 23 | ||
Production cost per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 568 | $ | 568 | ||
Financial information | ||||||
Revenues | $ | 25,267,667 | $ | 25,267,667 | ||
Gross profit | $ | 9,863,013 | $ | 9,863,013 | ||
Capital expenditures | $ | 3,004,425 | $ | 5,654,930 |
(1) Includes 2,439 gold ounces reported as sale of mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek mineral properties.
10
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
FIRE CREEK OPERATING RESULTS
Development and Exploration
At Fire Creek, the Company continued its underground infill drilling program in the second quarter of 2014, testing the continuity and extent of the Joyce, Vonnie and Karen veins. Underground drilling into the West Zone confirmed a fourth vein, the Hui Wu Vein. A total of 6,696 m (21,969 ft.) of underground drilling was conducted in the second quarter and a total of 11,793 m (38,691 ft.) was completed in 1H2014
Mineral and waste development at Fire Creek totaled 322 m (1,055 ft.) and 271 m (889 ft.), respectively, in 2Q2014 and a total of 322 m (1,055 ft.) and 429 m (1,409 ft.), respectively, in 1H2014.
Production
Bulk Sampling Program
In 2Q2014, the Company extracted a total of 18,996 tons of mineralized material from Fire Creek through its bulk sampling program containing 19,174 gold ounces and 14,157 silver ounces and in 1H2014 extracted 25,221 tons of mineralized material containing 25,418 gold ounces and 21,550 silver ounces.
In 2Q2014, the Company milled 14,324 tons of Fire Creek material containing 13,514 gold ounces and 9,893 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the quarter were 92.9% and 96.2%, respectively, including 12,549 gold ounces and 9,514 silver ounces. In 1H2014, the Company milled 22,090 tons of Fire Creek material containing 23,541 gold ounces and 19,920 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the first half were 93.6% and 95.2%, respectively, producing 22,024 gold ounces and 18,969 silver ounces. In addition, the Company produced 2,439 gold ounces before the acquisition of the Midas mill.
Permission to construct the RIB was received from regulators on June 5, 2014, with construction and permitting expected to be complete within the third quarter of 2014. The RIB is designed to handle long-term water management at Fire Creek, handling large volumes of water on a sustainable basis. Full-production permitting, baseline investigations and data collection continued throughout 1H2014. Full-production permitting is expected to continue into 2015. Baseline data collection, data monitoring, and permit acquisition is expected to be carried out through 2015.
Revenue
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the revenue for Fire Creek was $25.3 million. Revenue was not recorded in 2013 and proceeds from the sale of gold were applied against Fire Creek exploration and evaluation assets. A production decision at Fire Creek has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at Fire Creek has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from Fire Creek under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill. Based on the quantities of gold generated under the bulk sample permit, the Company first recognized revenue from the bulk sample program at the Fire Creek Project in 2Q 2014. In 2Q2014, the company sold 17,476 gold ounces and 15,456 silver ounces.
In 1Q2014, the Company received payment of $3,343,437 (US$3,024,914) from the sale of 2,439 ounces of gold delivered to the Midas mill in 2013. This amount was reported as sale of mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek mineral properties.
Cost of Sales
The Fire Creek production costs in Q22014 were $10.1 million. The production cost per gold equivalent ounce sold in 2Q2014 was $568, see NON-IFRS disclosure. The depreciation and depletions costs in 2Q2014 were $5.3 million.
11
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Gross Profit
The Gross Profit from Fire Creek in 2Q2014 was $9.9 million.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for Fire Creek in 2Q2014 were $3.0 million (2013 $6.2 million) and for the 1H2014 were $5.7 million (2013 $12.7 million). The expenditures relate mainly to exploration, development, widening of the ramp and the RIB.
The ramp widening project was initiated in 2Q2014 and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2014. The wider ramp will to allow larger haulage trucks underground to improve flexibility and efficiency in the mine. The Company received permission to construct the RIB project in 2Q2014 and construction is expected to be completed and permitted in the third quarter of this year.
12
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
MIDAS AND MILL OPERATING RESULTS
Three | ||||||
months | Six months | |||||
ended June | ended June 30, | |||||
30, 2014 | 2014 | |||||
Operating information | ||||||
Ore Tons Mined | 35,663 | 51,808 | ||||
Mined Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 4,449 | 6,394 | ||||
Silver | 360,483 | 543,105 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 10,157 | 14,994 | ||||
Average Ore Grade | ||||||
Gold (oz/ton) | 0.12 | 0.12 | ||||
Silver (oz/ton) | 10.11 | 10.48 | ||||
Ore Tons Milled | 31,722 | 45,683 | ||||
Milled Ounces (Contained) | ||||||
Gold | 4,001 | 5,727 | ||||
Silver | 329,945 | 487,863 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 9,225 | 13,451 | ||||
Midas Mill Recovery Rate | ||||||
Gold | 92.6% | 93.2% | ||||
Silver | 95.4% | 95.1% | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Midas Mill | ||||||
Gold | 3,706 | 5,337 | ||||
Silver | 314,858 | 463,775 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 8,691 | 12,680 | ||||
Ounces Recovered from the Carbon Circuit | ||||||
Gold | 772 | 772 | ||||
Silver | 646 | 646 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 782 | 782 | ||||
Total Ounces Produced | ||||||
Gold | 4,478 | 6,109 | ||||
Silver | 315,504 | 464,421 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 9,473 | 13,462 | ||||
Ounces Sold | ||||||
Gold | 2,751 | 3,681 | ||||
Silver | 327,569 | 385,622 | ||||
Gold equivalent | 7,937 | 9,786 | ||||
Average realized price: | ||||||
Gold ($/ounce) | $ | 1,410 | $ | 1,420 | ||
Silver ($/ounce) | $ | 22 | $ | 22 | ||
Production cost per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 1,091 | $ | 1,056 | ||
Financial information | ||||||
Revenues | $ | 11,176,719 | $ | 13,803,292 | ||
Gross profit | $ | 1,209,942 | $ | 1,884,530 | ||
Capital expenditures | $ | 3,698,962 | $ | 5,330,567 |
13
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
MIDAS AND MILL OPERATING RESULTS
Development and Exploration
The Company assumed ownership of the Midas Mine on February 11, 2014 and subsequently initiated drilling and underground mining at the Midas Mine. A total of 12,149 m (39,862 ft.) of drilling was completed in the 2Q2014 and a total of 15,820 m (51,907 ft.) for 1H2014.
Mineral and waste development at Midas totaled 351 m (1,140 ft.) and 271 m (880 ft.), respectively in the 2Q2014 and totaled 920 m (2,990 ft.) and 712 m (2,314 ft.), respectively, in 1H2014.
Production
The Company extracted from Midas in the 2Q2014 a total of 35,663 tons of mineralized material containing 4,449 gold ounces and 360,483 silver ounces and in the 1H2014 extracted 51,808 tons containing 6,394 gold ounces and 543,105 silver ounces.
In 2Q2014, the Company milled 31,722 tons of Midas material containing 4,001 gold ounces and 329,945 silver ounces and in the 1H2014 milled 45,683 tons of Midas material containing 5,727 gold ounces and 487,863 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the quarter were 92.6% and 95.4%, respectively, including 4,478 gold ounces and 315,504 silver ounces. In 1H2014, the Company milled 45,683 tons of Midas material containing 5,727 gold ounces and 487,863 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the first half were 93.2% and 95.1%, respectively, including 6,109 gold ounces and 464,421 silver ounces. Also, in the second quarter of 2014 the Company began toll milling ore for a third party. The Company will continue to review toll milling agreements with other parties in order to utilize available capacity at Midas.
In 2Q2014, the Company began running its carbon circuit and recovered 772 gold ounces and 646 silver ounces.
Revenue
In 2Q2014, revenue for Midas was $11.2 million and in 1H2014 was $13.8 million. In 2Q2014, the company sold 2,751 gold ounces and 327,569 silver ounces and in the 1H2014 sold 3,681 gold ounces and 385,622 silver ounces.
Cost of Sales
The production costs for Midas in 2Q2014 were $8.7 million and in the 1H2014 were $10.3 million. The production cost per gold equivalent ounce sold in 2Q2014 was $1,091 and in the 1H2014 were $1,056, see "Non-IFRS Measures". The depreciation and depletions costs in 2Q2014 were $1.3 million and in the 1H2014 were $1.6 million. Mining costs were on plan in the quarter but the production cost per gold equivalent ounce was negatively impacted by lower ore grades than estimated.
Gross Profit
The gross profit for Midas in 2Q2014 was $1.2 million and in the 1H2014 was $1.9 million.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for Midas in 2Q2014 were $3.7 million and for the 1H2014 were $5.3 million. The capital expenditures were mainly for exploration and development.
14
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
OUTLOOK
The focus throughout the remainder of 2014 will be to continue to advance current activities at both the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine, with the objective of completing the following items:
1. |
Continue the in-fill drill program for the Fire Creek Main Zone on 75 foot centers (it is expected that this data will provide additional information to better define the mineralization and raise confidence levels); |
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2. |
Continue exploration drilling and initiate development drifting on Fire Creeks West Zone discovery; |
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3. |
Prepare and release revised technical report in 4Q2014 for Fire Creek and Midas. |
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4. |
Design, plan and begin the accelerated exploration drill program at the Midas Mine; |
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5. |
Continue work on the Fire Creek full-scale permitting; |
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6. |
Complete construction of the RIB as part of Fire Creeks long-term water management plan; |
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7. |
Continue the bulk sampling program to test different mining method and to assess the metallurgical characteristics of Fire Creek material; and |
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8. |
Evaluate tailings storage options at the Midas Mill. |
The proceeds from the recently closed Offering will mainly be used for an accelerated exploration drill program at Midas. See "Subsequent Events". It is expected that approximately $10.5 million will be used to test outlined drill targets near mining infrastructure at Midas. The remaining proceeds will be used at Fire Creek for exploration and development and for general working capital purposes. In 2014, the Company intends to spend approximately $4.5 million of the proceeds from the Offering with $4.0 million at Midas and $0.5 million at Fire Creek. For a more detailed breakdown of the Company's expected use of proceeds, please see "Executive Summary".
The Company expects to spend $30.2 million on capital expenditures during 2014 with approximately $12.9 million at Fire Creek, $16.4 million at Midas and $1.0 million to be used at for general corporate purposes. The spending is expected to be allocated as follows; approximately $9.1 million for exploration drilling, $11.3 million for waste development, $4.5 million for accelerated exploration and development, $1.9 million for a water treatment plant and RIB and $3.4 million for a lab, economic assessments, equipment and software. Actual capital expenditures during the second quarter was $7.1 million and in 1H2014 $11.4 million which are in line with the proposed plan above, taking into account the slight anticipated increase in spending over the second half of 2014, using the proceeds of the Offering.
15
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Working capital as at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are shown below.
June 30, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Current Assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 15,105,889 | $ | 13,509,155 | ||
Receivables | 10,639,175 | 49,260 | ||||
Inventories | 15,142,226 | | ||||
Prepaid expenses | 1,254,498 | 273,088 | ||||
Total Current Assets | $ | 42,141,788 | $ | 13,831,503 | ||
Current Liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 11,646,750 | $ | 5,795,512 | ||
Income taxes payable | 905,000 | | ||||
Due to related parties | 238,323 | 662,426 | ||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement, current | 7,230,601 | | ||||
Loans payable, current | 906,355 | 7,000,000 | ||||
Total Current Liabilities | $ | 20,927,029 | $ | 13,457,938 | ||
Working Capital | $ | 21,214,759 | $ | 373,565 |
The Company has significantly improved its working capital through operating results and by replacing cash bonds held by federal and state regulators with surety bonds. The Company recorded a receivable of US$7.0 million as at June 30, 2014 and has subsequently received the funds. As previously noted, the Company raised funds subsequent to the end of 2Q2014 through a $16.1 equity placement which will further improve the Companys working capital. The Company currently anticipates having sufficient working capital to meet its 2014 expenditures requirements for the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine.
In June 2014, the Company made its first gold delivery to Franco-Nevada under the Gold Purchase Agreement, delivering 964.5 gold ounces.
Cash Flow
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities prior to changes in noncash working capital | $ | 14,361,842 | ($594,162 | ) | $ | 11,696,755 | ($1,227,757 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 14,227,971 | ($711,338 | ) | $ | 11,636,255 | ($1,592,876 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (6,878,184 | ) | (6,159,589 | ) | (105,740,651 | ) | (11,474,798 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 186,352 | 0 | 95,508,063 | (4,012,331 | ) | |||||||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances | (68,961 | ) | 44,741 | 193,067 | 105,599 | |||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | $ | 7,467,178 | ($6,826,186 | ) | $ | 1,596,734 | ($16,974,406 | ) | ||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 15,105,889 | $ | 1,074,789 | $ | 15,105,889 | $ | 1,074,789 |
During 2Q2014, cash increased by $7.5 million principally due to cash provided by operating activities and issuance of share capital upon the exercise of warrants. During 1H2014, cash increased by $1.6 million due to Subscription Receipt Financing, proceeds from the Gold Purchase Agreement and Facility Agreement, exercise of warrants and cash provided by operating activities in excess of cash used in investing activities.
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SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Cash provided by operating (used in) activities before changes in non-cash working capital in 2Q2014 were $14.4 million (2013 ($0.6 million)) and for the 1H2014 was $11.7 million (2013 ($1.2 million)).
Cash provided from operating activities during the quarter totaled $14.2 million (2013 ($0.7 million)) and cash used in operating activities in 1H2014 $11.6 million (2013 ($1.6 million)).
Cash used in investing activities during 2Q2014 totaled $6.9 million (2013 $6.2 million) and in 1H2014 $105.7 million (2013 $11.5 million).
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities in 2Q2014 totaled $0.2 million (2013 Nil) and in 1H2014 $95.5 million (2013 ($4.0 million)). In 2Q2014, the Company received cash through warrant exercises and the Company paid interest and delivered gold pursuant to the Gold Purchase Agreement.
To the extent that additional capital will be required, the Company proposes to meet any such funding requirements through the processing of mineralized material from the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine and/or by arranging other equity or loan financing. In light of the continually changing financial markets, commodity prices and general operational risks, there is no assurance that receiving funding from the issuance of equity or debt, will be possible when required or desired by the Company, on favourable terms to the Company or at all. The Company anticipates that currently in-the-money options and warrants with an expiry date in 2014 will be exercised but there is no assurance this will occur.
The Facility Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature, including limitations on future indebtedness during its term. Early repayment of the loan under the Facility Agreement by the Company is required under an event of default under the Facility Agreement, including in the event that the Company has failed to pay within three business days of being due any principal or interest totaling $250,000 or more on any indebtedness of the Company other than the indebtedness under the Facility Agreement. In addition, beginning April 1, 2014 and accumulating until a rolling 12 months is reached, the Company may not incur indebtedness where, on the date of such incurrence, and after giving effect thereto and the application of proceeds therefrom, the consolidated adjusted EBITDA of the Company and its subsidiaries divided by the sum of the consolidated debt expense (net of consolidated interest income) of the Company and its subsidiaries would be less than 3.5.
The Gold Purchase Agreement also contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature. A default under the Facility Agreement would also constitute a default under the Gold Purchase Agreement.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
As at June 30, 2014, the Company had the following contractual obligations outstanding.
Contracts and leases | Less than 1 | ||||||||||||||
Total | year | 1 3 years | 3 5 years | After 5 years | |||||||||||
Gold Purchase Agreement | $ | 52,587,663 | $ | 13,154,366 | $ | 22,027,807 | $ | 17,405,490 | |||||||
Longterm debt and interest | 25,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 8,000,000 | 15,000,000 | | ||||||||||
Decommissioning provision | 18,091,458 | | | | 18,091,458 | ||||||||||
Total contractual obligations | $ | 95,679,121 | $ | 15,154,366 | $ | 30,027,807 | $ | 32,405,490 | $ | 18,091,458 |
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
As at June 30, 2014, there were no off-balance sheet arrangements to which the Company is committed.
17
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounting policies used in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those of the previous year, except as describe below.
The Company adopted new accounting policies as described below because of the reclassification on the Fire Creek project to the production stage from the evaluation and exploration stage and the acquisition of Midas mine and ore milling facility.
Business combinations
The Company applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair values of the assets and liabilities transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Company. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
Where the initial accounting for the business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Company reports provisional amounts for the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. During the measurement period, the Company will retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized at that date. The measurement period will not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
Revenue recognition
Revenue related to sales of gold and silver is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. This is considered to have occurred when title passes to the buyer pursuant to the related purchase agreement. Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will receive economic benefits and is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable less any applicable discounts.
Mining taxes and royalties
Mining taxes and royalties are treated and disclosed as current and deferred taxes if they have the characteristics of an income tax. This is considered to be the case when they are imposed under government authority and the amount payable is calculated by reference to revenue (net of any allowable deductions).
Inventories
Inventories, which include supplies, in-process and finished goods are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
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Supplies inventory: Supplies inventory consists of supplies used in mining and milling operations and spare parts. Costs include acquisition, freight and tax. |
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In-process inventory: In-process inventory consists of ore in stockpiles and ore in circuit in the mill. Costs include all direct costs incurred in production and milling including labor, materials, overhead, depreciation and depletion. |
18
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
| Finished goods inventory: Finished goods inventory consists of doré gold or silver bars at the mill or at the third-party refiner and refined metal but still under ownership of the Company. Costs include all costs of in-process inventory plus any additional refining costs incurred. |
SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of such financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the period. Management believes the estimates used are reasonable; however, actual results could differ materially from those estimates and, if so, could impact future results of operations and cash flows.
Areas requiring the use of estimates in the preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are as follows:
Acquisition accounting
The acquisition of a company or asset may result in the reporting of a business combination or asset acquisition as defined under IFRS. Judgment is required to determine the appropriate accounting treatment for acquisition by the Company.
Reclassification of evaluation and exploration assets
The Company reclassifies assets from exploration and evaluation to production assets once recovery of the resource is deemed economically viable and technically feasible. At this point, the asset is tested for impairment then reclassified to mineral properties, plant and equipment .
Obligations under gold purchase agreement
Management determined the obligation to deliver gold within the gold purchase agreement is subject to the own use scope exception under IAS 39 which represents a significant judgment. The judgment is based on the fact that the Company has the ability, and management has the intention, to deliver gold to meet this requirement.
Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of judgments and estimates that management has made at the statement of financial position date, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, relate to, but are not limited to, the following:
Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition
In the determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired through an acquisition accounted for as a business combination, management makes certain judgments and estimates regarding mineral reserves or resources, commodity prices, economic lives, reclamation costs and discount rates, among others. Due to the complex nature of the valuation process, information may become available following the initial determinations that could change the provisional measurement of assets and liabilities acquired.
Work-in-process and production costs
The Company makes estimates of the amount of recoverable ounces in work-in-process inventory which is used in the determination of the cost of goods sold during the period. Changes in these estimates could result in a change in carrying value of inventories and mine operating costs in future periods. The Company monitors the recovery of gold ounces from the mill and could use this information to refine its original estimate .
19
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Depletion
The Company uses estimated recoverable resources as the basis for determining the amortization of certain mineral property, plant and equipment as proven and probable reserves have not been defined. This results in an amortization charge in the respective period proportionate to the depletion of the related resource. Determining the amount of recoverable resources is complex and requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to geological sampling and modeling, future commodity prices and costs to extract and process the ore, among others.
The critical judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the application of accounting policies are disclosed in Note 2 to the Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to financial risks, including currency risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, commodity price risk and other risks. The Company's earnings can vary significantly with fluctuations in the market price of gold and silver. The Company's practice is not to hedge metal sales. On occasion, however, the Company may assume or enter into forward sales contracts or similar instruments if hedges are acquired in a business acquisition, if hedges are required under project financing requirements, or when deemed advantageous by management. As at March 31, 2014, the Company did not have any financial instruments qualifying as hedges. However, the Gold Supply Agreement discussed previously meets the definition of a derivative financial instrument. The Company measures derivatives at fair value each reporting period with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the consolidated statements of loss.
The Company's earnings are affected by fluctuations in exchange rates and the volatility of these rates. The Company does not, in general, use derivative instruments to reduce its exposure to foreign currency risk.
See also "Risk Factors".
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
As at the date hereof, the Company has an unlimited number of common shares authorized and 121,439,056 common shares are outstanding. As at the date hereof, there are 9,367,079 incentive stock options and 18,602,706 warrants to purchase common shares outstanding.
20
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
In accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuer's Annual and Interim Filings , the Company's management, including Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the operating effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Management of the Company and are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting (" ICFR ") is a process designed by, or under, the supervision of, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and effected by management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with international financial reporting standards. ICFR may not prevent or detect misstatements and are only designed to provide reasonable assurance.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
In connection with the Midas Acquisition and the reclassification of the Fire Creek project from evaluation and exploration assets into development as defined under IFRS, the Company has established new processes and internal controls over such areas as revenue recognition, inventory valuation, and business acquisition accounting. There were no other changes in ICFR during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 that are reasonably likely to materially affect or that have materially affected ICFR.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding timely public disclosure of the information.
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The Company has included a non-IFRS measure for "Production costs per gold equivalent ounce" in this MD&A to supplement its financial statements which are presented in accordance with IFRS. Management believes that this measure provides investors with an improved ability to evaluate the performance of the Company. Non-IFRS measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. Therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The following table provides a reconciliation of production per the financial statements to cash cost per gold equivalent ounce sold:
21
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Three months | Six months | |||||
ended June 30, | ended June 30, | |||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Fire Creek | ||||||
Production Cost | $ | 10,059,439 | $ | 10,059,439 | ||
Gold equivalents ounces | 17,721 | 17,721 | ||||
Production Cost per gold equivalent ounce | $ | 568 | $ | 568 | ||
Midas | ||||||
Production Cost | $ | 8,663,132 | $ | 10,338,203 | ||
Gold equivalents ounces (1) | 7,937 | 9,786 | ||||
Production Cost per gold equivalent ounce | $ | 1,091 | $ | 1,056 | ||
Total | ||||||
Production Cost | $ | 18,722,571 | $ | 20,397,642 | ||
Gold equivalents ounces (1) | 25,658 | 27,507 | ||||
Production Cost per gold equivalent ounce | $ | 730 | $ | 742 |
(1) Does not include toll mill ounces. The gold to silver ratio is an estimate of gold price divided by silver price. The gold ratio used is 63.1579.
CAUTIONARY NOTES
Forward-looking information
This MD&A contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof. In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "believe", "intend", "may", "will", "should", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "potential", "intends", "expects" and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information reflects the current expectations and assumptions of management, and is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information, particularly as it relates to the actual results of exploration and evaluation activities, actual results of reclamation activities, the estimation or realization of mineral resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the timing and receipt of required permits and approvals, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new mineral deposits, requirements for additional capital, the sufficiency of working capital, and the future prices of precious and base metals, is inherently uncertain. In addition, the timing and magnitude of certain events are inherently risky and uncertain, particularly as they relate to the possible variations in mineral grade or recovery rates, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes, road blocks and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation.
22
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
Key assumptions upon which the Company's forward-looking information is based include the following: estimated prices for gold and silver; the being able to secure new financing to continue its exploration, development and operational activities; currency exchange rates; the ability of the Company to comply with environmental, safety and other regulatory requirements and being able to obtain regulatory approvals (including licenses and permits) in a timely manner; there not being any material adverse effects arising as a result of political instability, taxes or royalty increases, terrorism, sabotage, natural disasters, equipment failures or adverse changes in government legislation or the socioeconomic conditions in the regions in which the Company operates; the Company being able to achieve its growth strategy; the Company's operating costs; key personnel and access to all equipment necessary to operate the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine.
These assumptions should be carefully considered. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information or the assumptions on which the Company's forward-looking information is based. The reader is advised to carefully review and consider the risk factors identified in this MD&A under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere herein for a discussion of the factors that could cause the Company's actual results and performance to be materially different from any anticipated future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. The reader is further cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive and it is recommended that the reader consult the more complete discussion of the Company's business, financial condition and prospects that is included in this MD&A. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions on which the forward-looking information is given are reasonable, based on the information available to the Company on the date such forward-looking information was given, no assurances can be given as to whether these assumptions will prove to be correct. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as, and to the extent, required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Technical information
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the Midas Mine, prior to the acquisition of the Midas Mine by the Company, and the Company made a decision to continue production subsequent to the Midas Acquisition. This decision by the Company to continue production and, to the knowledge of the Company, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but were based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the project. The Company has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
RISK FACTORS
As a resource acquisition, exploration and development company, the Company is engaged in a highly speculative business that involves a high degree of risk and is frequently unsuccessful. In addition to the information disclosed elsewhere in this MD&A, readers should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before deciding whether to invest in the Company's securities. These risk factors do not necessarily comprise all of the risks to which the Company is or will be subject.
23
SECOND QUARTER REPORT | KLONDEX MINES LTD |
The Company's failure to successfully address the risks and uncertainties described below could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and/or results of operations and could cause the trading price of the Common Shares to decline. The Company cannot guarantee that it will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect its business. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company's business operations. If any of the possibilities described in such risks actually occurs, the Company's business, the Company's financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected. In addition to the risk factors mentioned below, readers of this MD&A are encouraged to read the risk factors as more fully described in the Companys filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators, including its annual information form, available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Important risk factors to consider, among others, are the following:
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The economic feasibility of mining has not been established. |
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The Company is extracting mineralized material from its Fire Creek Project under a bulk sample permit and must obtain a Full-Production permit to operate beyond the bulk sample permit |
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The Company's exploration activities may not be commercially successful. |
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Exploration, development and mining involve a high degree of risk. |
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The Company may be adversely affected by fluctuations in gold and silver prices. |
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Interest and loan repayments depend on production. |
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The Company is subject to foreign exchange risk relating to the relative value of the U.S. dollar. |
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Title to the Company's mineral properties may be subject to other claims. |
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Mineral resources are only estimates which may be unreliable. |
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The Company currently has only two material properties. |
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The Company's operations are subject to environmental risks. |
QUALIFIED PERSON AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Mark Odell, P.E., Principal Engineer, Practical Mining LLC, a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (" NI 43-101 ") reviewed and is responsible for the technical information contained in this MD&A.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Klondex's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the symbol KDX and are listed on the OTCQX under the symbol "KLNDF". Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's annual information form, is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
24
Form 52-109F2
Certification of Interim Filings
Full Certificate
I, Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review: I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the interim filings) of Klondex Mines Ltd (the issuer) for the interim period ended June 30, 2014. |
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2. |
No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings. |
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3. |
Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings. |
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4. |
Responsibility: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
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5. |
Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings |
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(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
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(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and |
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(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
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(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer's GAAP. |
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5.1 |
Control framework: The control framework the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer's ICFR is based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework , issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
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5.2 |
N/A |
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5.3 |
N/A |
1
6. |
Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer's ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on April 1, 2014 and ended on June 30, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's ICFR. |
Date: August 12, 2014
Signature: | (sgd) Paul Huet | |
Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer |
2
Form 52-109F2
Certification of Interim Filings
Full Certificate
I, Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review: I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the interim filings) of Klondex Mines Ltd (the issuer) for the interim period ended June 30, 2014. |
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2. |
No misrepresentations : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings. |
||
3. |
Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings. |
||
4. |
Responsibility: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
||
5. |
Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings |
||
(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
||
(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and |
||
(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
||
(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer's GAAP. |
||
5.1 |
Control framework: The control framework the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer's ICFR is based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework , issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
||
5.2 |
N/A |
||
5.3 |
N/A |
1
6. |
Reporting changes in ICFR : The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer's ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on April 1, 2014 and ended on June 30, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's ICFR. |
Date: August 12, 2014
Signature: | (sgd) Barry Dahl | |
Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer |
2
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars)
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
2 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Assets | ||||||
Current assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 7,638,711 | $ | 13,509,155 | ||
Receivables | 3,199,294 | 49,260 | ||||
Inventories (note 5) | 13,058,812 | - | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 741,196 | 273,088 | ||||
24,638,013 | 13,831,503 | |||||
Mineral properties, plant and equipment (note 6) | 179,605,207 | 2,153,523 | ||||
Evaluation and exploration assets (note 6) | - | 93,420,809 | ||||
Reclamation bonds (note 7) | 31,559,555 | 445,809 | ||||
Deferred tax asset | 1,536,204 | - | ||||
Total assets | $ | 237,338,979 | $ | 109,851,644 | ||
Liabilities | ||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 8) | $ | 11,369,889 | $ | 5,795,512 | ||
Due to related parties (note 9) | 200,501 | 662,426 | ||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement, current (note 10) | 10,013,363 | - | ||||
Loans payable, current (note 11) | 1,000,000 | 7,000,000 | ||||
22,583,753 | 13,457,938 | |||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement (note 10) | 26,874,310 | - | ||||
Loans payable (note 11) | 20,486,056 | - | ||||
Derivative liability related to gold supply agreement (note 12) | 8,548,390 | 8,763,304 | ||||
Decommissioning provision (note 13) | 18,653,326 | 1,193,628 | ||||
Deferred tax liability | 886,551 | - | ||||
Total liabilities | 98,032,386 | 23,414,870 | ||||
Shareholders' Equity | ||||||
Share capital (note 14) | 154,444,807 | 111,596,460 | ||||
Warrants (note 14) | 992,693 | 992,693 | ||||
Share-based payment reserve (note 14) | 22,472,645 | 13,552,559 | ||||
Deficit | (46,362,306 | ) | (43,950,683 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 7,758,754 | 4,245,745 | ||||
Total shareholders' equity | 139,306,593 | 86,436,774 | ||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 237,338,979 | $ | 109,851,644 |
Contingencies (note 18)
Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors:
Paul Huet (sgd.), Director | James Haggarty (sgd.), Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
3 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Loss |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
For the three months ended March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | ||||
Revenue | $ | 2,626,573 | $ | - | ||
Cost of sales | ||||||
Production costs | 1,675,071 | - | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | 276,914 | - | ||||
Gross profit | 674,588 | - | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,228,957 | 984,462 | ||||
Loss from operations | (1,554,369 | ) | (984,462 | ) | ||
Business acquisition costs | (1,873,651 | ) | - | |||
Gain on change in fair value of derivative | 558,493 | - | ||||
Finance charges | (1,510,096 | ) | - | |||
Income before tax | (4,379,623 | ) | (984,462 | ) | ||
Income tax benefit | 1,968,000 | - | ||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (2,411,623 | ) | $ | (984,462 | ) |
Loss per share (basic and diluted) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | 107,262,995 | 64,410,259 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
4 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
For the three months ended March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | ||||
Net income (loss) for the period | $ | (2,411,623 | ) | $ | (984,462 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: | ||||||
Foreign currency translation difference | 3,513,009 | 1,528,587 | ||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | - | (5,417 | ) | |||
Impairment of marketable securities | - | 19,631 | ||||
3,513,009 | 1,542,801 | |||||
Comprehensive (loss) income for the period | $ | 1,101,386 | $ | 558,339 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
5 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
For the three months ended March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | ||||
Cash provided by (used in) | ||||||
Operating activities | ||||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (2,411,623 | ) | $ | (984,462 | ) |
Items not involving cash | ||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 293,245 | 14,287 | ||||
Unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) | - | (25,006 | ) | |||
Bonus shares for executive compensation | - | 53,240 | ||||
Write-off of marketable securities | - | 19,631 | ||||
Share-based payment | 403,890 | 288,715 | ||||
Finance costs | 1,247,230 | |||||
Change in fair value of derivative | (558,493 | ) | - | |||
Income tax benefit | (1,968,000 | ) | ||||
(2,993,751 | ) | (633,595 | ) | |||
Change in non-cash working capital | ||||||
Receivables | 121,790 | (17,983 | ) | |||
Inventories | (7,485,673 | ) | - | |||
Prepaid expenses | (468,108 | ) | 42,201 | |||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 4,973,943 | (305,650 | ) | |||
Due to (from) related parties | (461,925 | ) | 33,489 | |||
Net cash used in operating activities | (6,313,724 | ) | (881,538 | ) | ||
Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||
Cash paid for acquisition of Midas | (60,641,814 | ) | - | |||
Expenditures on mineral properties, plant and equipment | (4,248,157 | ) | (3,975,865 | ) | ||
Cash payments for reclamation bonds | (30,989,893 | ) | - | |||
Net cash used in investing activities | (95,879,864 | ) | (3,975,865 | ) | ||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||
Issuance of share capital, net | 42,603,736 | 15,724 | ||||
Proceeds under gold purchase agreement, net | 35,981,635 | - | ||||
Proceeds from grant of NSR royalty | 1,366,549 | - | ||||
Proceeds from debt | 23,109,197 | 6,808,125 | ||||
Repayment of debt | (7,000,000 | ) | (10,780,000 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 96,061,117 | (3,956,151 | ) | |||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances | 262,027 | 60,858 | ||||
Net decrease in cash | (5,870,444 | ) | (8,752,696 | ) | ||
Cash, beginning of period | 13,509,155 | 10,049,195 | ||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 7,638,711 | $ | 9,296,499 | ||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (note 14) | ||||||
Interest paid | $ | 614,160 | $ | 56,180 | ||
Income taxes paid | $ | - | $ | - |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
6 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issued | Share-based | Other | |||||||||||||||||||
Payment | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Share Capital | Warrants | Reserve | Deficit | Income (Loss) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2012 | 64,361,461 | $ | 92,085,867 | $ | 992,693 | $ | 12,263,951 | $ | (29,829,892 | ) | $ | (1,242,059 | ) | $ | 74,270,560 | ||||||
Issued for cash | |||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term Prospectus | 14,200,000 | 19,454,000 | - | - | - | - | 19,454,000 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of options | 120,000 | 106,000 | - | - | - | - | 106,000 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants | 1,000,000 | 1,205,750 | - | - | - | - | 1,205,750 | ||||||||||||||
Share issue costs | - | (1,481,766 | ) | - | - | - | - | (1,481,766 | ) | ||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants Loans | - | - | - | 340,972 | - | - | 340,972 | ||||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants Short-Form Prospectus | - | (159,111 | ) | - | 159,111 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Fair value of options exercised | - | 61,400 | - | (61,400 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants exercised | 246,080 | (246,080 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 64,830 | 78,240 | - | - | - | - | 78,240 | ||||||||||||||
Share-based payment | - | - | - | 1,096,005 | - | - | 1,096,005 | ||||||||||||||
Loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (14,120,791 | ) | - | (14,120,791 | |||||||||||||
Reallocation of ACOI on marketable securities | - | - | - | - | - | 19,631 | 19,631 | ||||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | - | - | - | - | - | (5,213 | ) | (5,213 | ) | ||||||||||||
Exchange differences on translation from
functional to presentation currency |
- | - | - | - | - | 5,473,386 | 5,473,386 | ||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2013 | 79,746,291 | $ | 111,596,460 | $ | 992,693 | $ | 13,552,559 | $ | (43,950,683 | ) | $ | 4,245,745 | $ | 86,436,774 | |||||||
Issued for cash | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares issued | 29,400,000 | 42,630,000 | - | - | - | - | 42,630,000 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of options | 105,000 | 115,500 | - | - | - | - | 115,500 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of compensation options | 644,724 | 871,479 | - | - | - | - | 871,479 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants | 932,143 | 1,631,250 | - | - | - | - | 1,631,250 | ||||||||||||||
Share issue costs | - | (2,137,279 | ) | - | - | - | - | (2,137,279 | ) | ||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants Subscription receipts | - | (507,214 | ) | - | 507,214 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants Senior secured debt | - | - | - | 1,753,591 | - | - | 1,753,591 | ||||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants Midas acquisition | - | - | - | 6,500,000 | - | - | 6,500,000 | ||||||||||||||
Fair value of options exercised | - | 38,850 | - | (38,850 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Fair value of compensation options exercised | - | 205,761 | (205,761 | ) | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||
Share-based payment | - | - | - | 403,892 | - | - | 403,892 | ||||||||||||||
Net loss for the period | - | - | - | - | (2,411,623 | ) | - | (4,379,623 | ) | ||||||||||||
Exchange differences on translation
from
functional to presentation currency |
- | - | - | - | - | 3,513,009 | 3,513,009 | ||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2014 | 110,828,158 | $ | 154,444,807 | $ | 992,693 | $ | 22,472,645 | $ | (46,362,306 | ) | $ | 7,758,754 | $ | 139,306,593 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
7 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
1. |
Nature of Operations |
Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) is in the business of acquiring, owning, exploiting, developing and evaluating mineral properties, and developing these properties further or disposing of them when the evaluation is completed. The Company has interests in the Fire Creek project and the Midas mine and ore milling facility, both of which are producing mines, as well as other properties located in the State of Nevada, USA. |
|
The Company was incorporated on August 25, 1971 under the laws at British Columbia, Canada and its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol KDX. The Companys registered office is located at Suite 304, 595 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5. |
|
2. |
Significant Accounting Policies |
Basis of presentation |
|
The Companys condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as applicable to interim financial reports including IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, and therefore do not include all the information and note disclosures required by IFRS for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, which were prepared in accordance with IFRS. |
|
The consolidated financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Company has control. The Company controls an entity when the Company is exposed to, or has right to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Companys subsidiaries, which are wholly owned, are 0985472 B.C. Ltd, Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc., Klondex Gold and Silver Mining Company, Klondex Midas Holding Limited and Klondex Midas Operations Inc. All intercompany transactions, balances, revenues and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. |
|
The Company has determined that the functional currency of Klondex Midas Holding Limited and Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc., is the US dollar. |
|
The Board of Directors approved these condensed consolidated interim financial statements on May 12, 2014. |
|
New Accounting Policies |
|
The Company adopted new accounting policies as described below because of the reclassification on the Fire Creek project to the production stage from evaluation and exploration and the acquisition of the producing Midas mine and mill. |
|
Business combinations: The Company applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Company. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. |
|
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. |
8 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Where the initial accounting for the business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Company reports provisional amounts for the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. During the measurement period, the Company will retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized at that date. The measurement period will not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
Revenue recognition: Revenue related to sales of gold and silver is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. This is considered to have occurred when title passes to the buyer pursuant to the related purchase agreement. Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will receive economic benefits and is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable less any applicable discounts.
Mining taxes and royalties: Mining taxes and royalties are treated and disclosed as current and deferred taxes if they have the characteristics of an income tax. This is considered to be the case when they are imposed under government authority and the amount payable is calculated by reference to revenue derived (net of any allowable deductions).
Inventories: Inventories, which include supplies, in-process and finished goods are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
|
Supplies inventory: Supplies inventory consists of supplies used in mining and milling operations and spare parts. Costs include acquisition, freight and tax. |
|
|
In-process inventory: In-process inventory consists of ore in stockpiles and ore in circuit in the mill. Costs include all direct costs incurred in production and milling including labor, materials, overhead, depreciation and depletion. |
|
|
Finished goods inventory: Finished goods inventory consists of doré gold or silver bars at the mill or at the third-party refiner and refined metal but still under ownership of the Company. Costs include all costs of in-process inventory plus any additional refining costs incurred. |
Significant estimates and judgements
The preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires management to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual outcomes could differ from these judgments and estimates.
Significant areas where judgement is applied apart from those involving estimates are:
Acquisition accounting: The acquisition of a company or asset may result in the reporting of a business combination or asset acquisition as defined under IFRS. Judgement is required to determine the appropriate accounting treatment for acquisition by the Company.
Reclassification of evaluation and exploration assets: The Company reclassifies assets from exploration and evaluation to production assets once recovery of the resource is deemed economically viable and technically feasible. At this point, the asset is tested for impairment then reclassified to mineral properties, plant and equipment.
9 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Obligations under gold purchase agreement: Management determined the obligation to deliver gold within the gold purchase agreement is subject to the ‘own use’ scope exception under IAS 39. The Company has the ability, and management has the intention, to deliver gold to meet this requirement. |
|
Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of judgments and estimates that management has made at the statement of financial position date, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, relate to, but are not limited to, the following: |
|
Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition: In the determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired through an acquisition accounted for as a business combination, management makes certain judgements and estimates regarding mineral reserves or resources, commodity prices, economic lives, reclamation costs and discount rates, among others. Due to the complex nature of the valuation process, information may become available following the initial determinations that could change the provisional measurement of assets and liabilities acquired. |
|
Depletion: The Company uses estimated recoverable resources as the basis for determining the amortization of certain mineral property, plant and equipment as proven and probable reserves are not available. This results in an amortization charge in the respective period proportionate to the depletion of the related resource. Determining the basis requires the use of estimates and assumptions, including the amount of measured, indicated and inferred resources. |
|
3. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
The following standards are effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2014 and have been adopted by the Company. The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on these condensed consolidated interim financial statements. |
|
Amendment to IAS 32, ‘Financial instruments: Presentation’: This amendment updates the application guidance in IAS 32, ‘Financial instruments: Presentation’, to clarify certain requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities on the balance sheet. |
|
Amendments to IAS 36, ‘Impairment of assets’: These amendments address the disclosure of information about the recoverable amount of impaired assets if that amount is based on fair value less costs of disposal. |
|
IFRIC 21, ‘Levies’: This interpretation is on IAS 37 which sets out a criteria for recognition of a liability, one of which is the requirement for the entity to have a present obligation as a result of a past event. |
|
4. |
Acquisition of Midas |
On February 11, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, which indirectly owns the Midas mine and ore milling facility located in Nevada (collectively “Midas”), from Newmont USA Limited, a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation (“Newmont”) (the “Acquisition”). The aggregate purchase price totaled approximately $71.4 million, including 5 million common share purchase warrants issued to Newmont with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances, and an exercise price of $2.15. In addition, the Company was required to deposit $31.6 million (US$28.6 million) in reclamation bonds to replace Newmont’s surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities. |
10 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
The Acquisition was financed through the net proceeds of the following:
Equity: The Company completed a private placement on January 9, 2014 of 29.4 million subscription receipts at an issue price of $1.45 per subscription receipt for total gross proceeds of approximately $42.6 million. The subscription receipts automatically converted into common shares on a one-for-one basis in accordance with their terms upon closing of the Acquisition.
Gold Purchase Agreement: The Company entered into a Gold Purchase Agreement with a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada pursuant to which Klondex agreed to sell an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold to Franco-Nevada by December 31, 2018 at a pre-paid purchase price of US$33,763,640 in cash.
Royalty Agreement : The Company granted to a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek and Midas properties in consideration for the payment of an aggregate of US$1,236,360 in cash. Monthly royalty payments will commence in 2019, after the scheduled gold deliveries under the gold purchase agreement are completed. The receipt of the proceeds of the NSR was accounted for as a reduction to mineral properties during the period ended March 31, 2014.
Debt: The Company completed a private placement of units consisting of $25 million aggregate principal amount of 11.00% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants with a three-year term and an exercise price of $1.95 to a syndicate of lenders.
The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business acquisition with the purchase price preliminarily allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as presented below.
Purchase price | ||||
Cash | $ | 63,670,033 | ||
Warrants | 6,500,000 | |||
$ | 70,170,033 |
The cash consisted of the $60.7 million (US$55.0 million) purchase price and a $3.0 million (US$2.7 million) adjustment for mining tax receivable.
Net assets acquired | ||||
Inventory | $ | 2,043,837 | ||
Mining tax receivable | 3,028,244 | |||
Mineral properties | 22,344,574 | |||
Plant and equipment | 61,319,126 | |||
Reclamation liability | (17,248,956 | ) | ||
Deferred tax liability | (1,316,792 | ) | ||
$ | 70,170,033 |
This allocation is preliminary as the Company has not completed the valuation process. The allocation may be adjusted in future periods as additional information becomes available. In connection with the acquisition the Company may have acquired certain deferred tax assets and or liabilities which will be determined based on the final valuation. The Company recognized expenses of $1,873,651 related to the acquisition.
11 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
5. |
Inventories |
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Supplies | $ | 2,046,275 | $ | - | |||
In-process | 3,234,563 | - | |||||
Finished goods | 7,777,974 | - | |||||
$ | 13,058,812 | $ | - |
Included within the total amount of finished goods inventory was 6,620 ounces held and made available to Waterton under the gold supply agreement (note 12). These ounces were subsequently sold under the terms of the agreement during the first week of the second quarter of 2014. |
|
6. |
Mineral Properties, Plant and Equipment |
Exploration | |||||||||||||
and | |||||||||||||
Mineral | Plant and | evaluation | |||||||||||
properties | equipment | assets | Total | ||||||||||
Cost | |||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 | $ | - | $ | 3,765,811 | $ | 93,420,809 | $ | 97,186,620 | |||||
Acquisition of Midas | 22,344,574 | 61,319,126 | - | 83,663,700 | |||||||||
Additions | 2,296,266 | 431,824 | 919,400 | 3,647,490 | |||||||||
Recoveries | (1,366,549 | ) | - | - | (1,366,549 | ) | |||||||
Reclassifications | 94,340,209 | - | (94,340,209 | ) | - | ||||||||
Foreign exchange | 1,164,691 | 219,026 | - | 1,383,717 | |||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2014 | 118,779,191 | 65,735,787 | - | 184,514,978 | |||||||||
Accumulated depreciation and depletion | |||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 | - | 1,612,288 | - | 1,612,288 | |||||||||
Additions | 2,362,198 | 935,285 | - | 3,181,104 | |||||||||
Disposals | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Foreign exchange | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2014 | 2,362,198 | 2,547,573 | - | 4,909,771 | |||||||||
Net book value at March 31, 2014 | $ | 116,416,993 | $ | 63,188,214 | - | $ | 179,605,207 |
7. |
Reclamation Bonds |
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Midas | $ | 31,096,267 | $ | - | |||
Fire Creek | 463,288 | 445,809 | |||||
$ | 31,559,555 | $ | 445,809 |
12 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
8. |
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities |
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2012 | ||||||
Trade accounts payable | $ | 8,391,022 | $ | 4,189,643 | |||
Accrued liabilities | 2,971,228 | 981,047 | |||||
Interest payable | 7,639 | 624,822 | |||||
$ | 11,369,889 | $ | 5,795,512 |
9. |
Related Party Transactions |
Amounts owing to directors and officers of $200,501 (December 31, 2013 - $662,426) are non- interest bearing, unsecured, and payable upon demand. |
|
The Companys directors and officers are considered key management personnel and their compensation comprises the following: |
For the three months ended March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | |||||
Salaries, bonuses and fees paid to directors and officers | $ | 391,590 | $ | 303,208 | |||
Share-based payments incurred with directors and officers | 133,634 | 188,329 | |||||
Consulting fees paid to a former officer | - | 33,393 | |||||
$ | 525,224 | $ | 524,930 |
10. |
Obligations Under Gold Purchase Agreement |
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a gold purchase agreement with Franco-Nevada Corporation for US$33.8 million. Pursuant to the terms, gold deliveries would be made at the end of each month with the first delivery date on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries would cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces is completed on December 31, 2018. Minimum scheduled deliveries of gold consisting of equal monthly installments by year per the agreement are as follows: |
Year | Ounces |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Company has accounted for the agreement as a loan with an embedded derivative that meets the own use exception and is therefore not marked to market. The loan is recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
13 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
11. |
Loans Payable |
March 31, | December | |||||||||
2014 | 31, 2013 | |||||||||
Senior unsecured loan | (a) | $ | - | $ | 7,000,000 | |||||
Senior secured facility | (b) | 21,486,056 | - | |||||||
$ | 21,486,056 | $ | 7,000,000 |
(a) |
Senior unsecured loan |
|
On January 4, 2013, the Company completed a $7,000,000 placement of 9% Senior Unsecured Notes (Notes) due January 5, 2015, which were issued to investors at 98% of the principal amount. Investors in the Notes offering received a total of 525,000 warrants, each entitling the purchase of one common share at a price of $1.55 for a period of 18 months following their date of issue. The warrants are callable by the Company if the common shares close above $2.79 for 20 consecutive days. |
||
The Company had the option to repay the loan early at an amount of 102.5% plus any unpaid accrued interest. |
||
At December 31, 2013, the Company accelerated the accretion of all warrants and borrowing costs and reclassified the full face value of the Notes ($7,000,000) as a current liability. |
||
On February 11, 2014, the Company paid the loan in full, including the 2.5% penalty for early repayment. |
||
(b) |
Senior secured facility |
|
On February 11, 2014 the Company completed a private placement of units consisting of $25 million aggregate principal amount of 11.00% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants with a three-year term and an exercise price of $1.95 to a syndicate of lenders. The Company is required to make principal payments of $4 million per year payable in monthly equal monthly installments beginning in January 2015. Interest is payable monthly throughout the life of the debt. |
||
The Company has the option to repay the loan at any time on or after February 11, 2015 subject to repayment penalties as listed below: |
Date | Redemption penalty |
February 11, 2015 to February 10, 2016 | 4% |
February 11, 2016 to February 10, 2017 | 2% |
February 11, 2017 to August 11, 2017 | No penalty |
14 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
12. | Derivative Liability Related to Gold Supply Agreement |
On March 31, 2011 the Company entered into a gold supply agreement. Pursuant to this agreement the Company grants the buyer the right to purchase refined gold bullion during the term of the agreement subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement from the Fire Creek project for the five year period starting from the last day of February 2013. If the Company has not produced an aggregate of 150,000 ounces by February 28, 2018 the term will be extended until an aggregate of 185,000 ounces have been produced. The purchase price is the average settlement price of gold on the LBMA, PM Fix for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the relevant pricing date. A 1% discount is applicable through February 29, 2016. If the price per ounce is less than US$900 at any time the discount will be nil. |
|
|
|
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company received US$3,024,914 for 2,439 ounces of gold sold under the above agreement. |
|
|
|
The Company has classified this agreement as a derivative instrument measured at fair value in U. S. dollars. As of March 31, 2014 the derivative value was $8,548,390. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded a gain on the change in fair value of the derivative of $558,493. |
|
|
|
13. |
Decommissioning Provision |
|
|
The Companys decommissioning provision is the result of drilling activities, underground tunneling, and other mine development activities at the Fire Creek and Midas properties. The Company estimated its decommissioning provision at March 31, 2014 based on a risk-free discount rate of 3.10% (2013 2.50%) and an inflation rate of 1.46% (2013 2.07%). Decommissioning is expected to occur in 2019 for Fire Creek and 2023 for Midas. |
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2013 | 2013 | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 1,193,628 | $ | 593,541 | |||
Acquisition of Midas | 17,248,956 | - | |||||
Change in provision | - | 584,223 | |||||
Accretion | 210,742 | 15,864 | |||||
Balance at end of period | $ | 18,653,326 | $ | 1,193,628 |
15 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
14. |
Share Capital |
|
a) |
Common shares: unlimited common shares with no par value |
|
b) |
Warrants outstanding |
|
A summary of the Companys outstanding share purchase warrants at March 31, 2014 and the changes during the period then ended is presented below: |
Weighted | |||||||
average | |||||||
Number of | exercise | ||||||
warrants | price | ||||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012 | 17,105,849 | 2.3900 | |||||
Financing | |||||||
Warrants issued for Jones Gable bridge loan agreement | 500,000 | 1.2215 | |||||
Warrants issued for K2 bridge loan agreement | 500,000 | 1.1900 | |||||
Warrants issued for Senior Unsecured Debt | 525,000 | 1.5500 | |||||
Brokers warrants for Short-form Prospectus | 568,000 | 1.4300 | |||||
Warrants exercised | (1,000,000 | ) | 1.2050 | ||||
Warrants expired | (5,330,700 | ) | 3.5000 | ||||
Brokers warrants expired | (564,084 | ) | 2.5000 | ||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013 | 12,304,065 | $ | 1.8000 | ||||
Financing | |||||||
Warrants issued with private placement offering | 1,176,000 | 1.5500 | |||||
Warrants issued for Senior Secured Debt | 3,100,000 | 1.9500 | |||||
Warrants issued for Acquisition of Midas | 5,000,000 | 2.1500 | |||||
Warrants exercised | (932,143 | ) | 1.7500 | ||||
Compensation warrants exercised | (630,950 | ) | 1.3500 | ||||
Compensation warrants exercised | (13,774 | ) | 1.4300 | ||||
Outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2014 | 20,003,198 | $ | 1.9600 |
A summary of the Companys outstanding warrants as of March 31, 2014 is presented below:
Weighted | |||||
average | Weighted | ||||
Exercise | Number of | remaining | average | Number of | |
price per | warrants | contractual | exercise | warrants | Weighted |
share | outstanding | life | price | exercisable | average life |
$1.00 - $1.49 | 942,318 | 0.98 | $1.40 | 942,318 | 0.98 |
$1.50 - $1.99 | 12,360,880 | 2.55 | $4.13 | 12,360,880 | 3.06 |
$2.00 - $2.49 | 5,300,000 | 14.32 | 2.17 | 5,300,000 | 14.32 |
$2.50 - $3.00 | 1,400,000 | 1.03 | $2.76 | 1,400,000 | 1.03 |
$1.00 - $3.00 | 20,003,198 | 5.80 | $3.39 | 20,003,198 | 5.80 |
16 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
The average fair value of each warrant issued is estimated on the issue date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | |
Total or Average | Total or Average | ||
Estimated life | 9.34 years | 1.5 years | |
Risk free interest rate | 1.78% | 1.14% | |
Volatility | 49.15% | 44.65% | |
Forfeiture rate | - | - |
The estimated volatility was determined based on the historical share price volatility over the average life of the warrants. |
||
|
||
c) |
Options outstanding |
|
|
||
The Company has adopted an incentive stock option plan (the Plan). The essential elements of the Plan provide that the aggregate number of common shares of the Companys capital stock issuable pursuant to options granted under the Plan may not exceed 15% of the number of issued shares of the Company at the time of the granting of the options. Options granted under the Plan will have a maximum term of ten years. The exercise price of options granted under the Plan will not be less than the 5 day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of the common shares at the date of grant. The vesting periods of options granted under the plan may vary at the discretion of the Plan Administrator. |
||
|
||
A summary of the Companys outstanding stock options as of March 31, 2014 and 2013 and the changes during the periods then ended is presented below: |
Weighted | |||||||
Number of | average | ||||||
options | exercise price | ||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 | 4,694,896 | 1.34 | |||||
Options granted | 3,174,708 | 1.42 | |||||
Options exercised | (120,000 | ) | 0.88 | ||||
Options expired | (418,000 | ) | 1.41 | ||||
Options cancelled | (1,850,846 | ) | 1.28 | ||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 5,480,758 | 1.41 | |||||
Options granted | 905,000 | 1.73 | |||||
Options exercised | (105,000 | ) | 1.10 | ||||
Options cancelled | (50,001 | ) | 1.34 | ||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2014 | 6,230,757 | $ | 1.46 |
17 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
A summary of the Companys outstanding stock options as of March 31, 2014 is presented below:
The average fair value of each option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | |
Estimated life | 2.8 years | 3 years | |
Risk free interest rate | 1.21% | 1.21% | |
Volatility | 47.15% | 49.24% | |
Forfeiture rate | - | - |
The estimated volatility was determined based on the historical share price volatility over the past 3 years.
15. |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information |
The following significant non-cash transactions were recorded: |
For the three months ended March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | |||||
Investing activities | |||||||
Accounts payable related to mineral properties and plant and equipment | $ | 1,387,929 | $ | 1,044,270 | |||
Financing activities | |||||||
Warrants issued in connection with acquisition | 9,529,080 | - |
18 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
16. |
Segment Information |
Following the acquisition of the Midas mine and the advancement of the Fire Creek project into operations under the bulk sample permit, the Companys operations are now organized into three segments that are regularly reported to the Companys chief operating decision-maker (CODM). The Company identified reportable segments as any operating unit that has total revenue, earnings, losses, or assets that exceed 10% of the total consolidated revenue, earnings, losses, or assets. The table below summarizes the information that is regularly reported to the Companys CODM by reportable segment: |
Corporate | |||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | and other | Total | ||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | - | $ | 2,626,573 | $ | - | $ | 2,626,573 | |||||
Production costs | - | 1,675,071 | - | 1,675,071 | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | - | 276,914 | - | 276,914 | |||||||||
Gross profit | - | 674,588 | - | 674,588 | |||||||||
General and admin expenses | - | - | 2,228,957 | 2,228,957 | |||||||||
Earnings (loss) from operations | - | 659,568 | (2,228,957 | ) | (1,554,369 | ) | |||||||
Capital expenditures | 2,650,505 | 1,631,605 | 37,873 | 4,319,983 | |||||||||
Total assets as at March 31, 2014 | 103,824,577 | 127,009,689 | 6,504,713 | 237,338,979 | |||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Production costs | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Gross profit | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
General and admin expenses | (289,742 | ) | (694,720 | ) | (984,462 | ) | |||||||
Loss from operations | (289,742 | ) | - | (694,720 | ) | (984,462 | ) | ||||||
Capital expenditures | 6,526,196 | - | - | 6,526,196 | |||||||||
Total assets as at Dec 31, 2013 | $ | 97,098,232 | $ | - | $ | 12,753,412 | $ | 109,851,644 |
19 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
17. |
Financial Instruments |
|
a) |
Credit risk |
|
Credit risk arises from the non-performance by counter parties of contractual financial obligations. The Company maintains its cash with major banks and financial institutions. The Company manages credit risk for trade receivables through credit monitoring processes and by trading with highly rated parties for the sale of metal. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the financial assets. |
||
b) |
Interest rate risk |
|
As at March 31, 2014, the Company was not subject to or exposed to any material interest rate risk. See note 9 for interest rates on loans outstanding. |
||
c) |
Liquidity risk |
|
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations when they fall due. The Company manages this risk through management of its capital structure. Based on managements and the Board of Directors review of ongoing operations, the Company may revise the timing of capital expenditures, issue equity and/or pursue other loan facilities. |
||
The Companys current assets exceed current liabilities by approximately $2.1 million at March 31, 2014. The Company enters into contractual obligations in the normal course of business operations. Management believes the Companys requirements for capital expenditures, working capital and ongoing commitments can be financed from existing cash, by acquiring new project loans or equity and any gold sales from the bulk sampling program. |
||
d) |
Fair value hierarchy |
|
Financial instruments recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels: |
i. |
Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; |
|
ii. |
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; and |
|
iii. |
Level 3 Input for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data. |
As at March 31, 2014, the Company had a derivative instrument classified as a liability in the consolidated statements of financial position of $8,548,390. The derivative falls within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See note 12 for additional information regarding the valuation techniques and inputs used in determining the fair value of the derivative.
Financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on the statement of financial position are cash, receivables, reclamation bonds, accounts payable, due to related parties and loans payable. The fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying value due to their short term nature.
20 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
18. |
Contingencies |
During the year ended December 31, 2012, two directors of the Company resigned and the controller/secretary of the US subsidiary was terminated for cause. Subsequent to the directors’ resignations, the Company determined that each individual breached certain duties and would be terminated for cause retroactive to June 27, 2012. Accordingly, certain termination benefits of US$903,000, which may have been payable under the employment contracts, have not been recorded in the accounts as at March 31, 2014. |
|
One of the former directors filed claims against the Company for unpaid expense reimbursement and to reinstate his stock options. The former controller/secretary filed a claim against the Company for unpaid termination benefits. The Company is challenging these claims, and has asserted counterclaims against the former controller/secretary. The outcome of the claims cannot be determined at this time. |
21 |
This is an unofficial consolidation of Form 52-109F2R Certification of Refiled Interim Filings reflecting amendments made effective January 1, 2011 in connection with Canada's changeover to IFRS. The amendments apply for financial periods relating to financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. This document is for reference purposes only and is not an official statement of the law. |
Form 52-109F2R
Certification of Refiled Interim
Filings
This certificate is being filed on the same date that Klondex Mines Ltd . (the issuer) has refiled the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the interim filings) for the interim period ended March 31, 2014 .
I, Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review: I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the interim filings) of Klondex Mines Ltd (the issuer) for the interim period ended March 31, 2014. |
||
2. |
No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings. |
||
3. |
Fair presentation : Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings. |
||
4. |
Responsibility : The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
||
5. |
Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings |
||
(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
||
(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and |
||
(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
||
(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer's GAAP. |
1
5.1 |
Control framework : The control framework the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer's ICFR is based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework , issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
5.2 |
N/A |
5.3 |
N/A |
6. |
Reporting changes in ICFR : The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer's ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2014 and ended on March 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's ICFR. |
Date: May 13, 2014
Signature: | (sgd) Paul Huet | |
Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer |
2
This is an unofficial consolidation of Form 52-109F2R Certification of Refiled Interim Filings reflecting amendments made effective January 1, 2011 in connection with Canada's changeover to IFRS. The amendments apply for financial periods relating to financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. This document is for reference purposes only and is not an official statement of the law. |
Form 52-109F2R
Certification of Refiled Interim
Filings
This certificate is being filed on the same date that Klondex Mines Ltd. ( the issuer) has refiled the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the interim filings) for the interim period ended March 31, 2014.
I, Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review: I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the interim filings) of Klondex Mines Ltd (the issuer) for the interim period ended March 31, 2014. |
||
2. |
No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings. |
||
3. |
Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings. |
||
4. |
Responsibility: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
||
5. |
Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings |
||
(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
||
(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and |
||
(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
||
(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer's GAAP. |
1
5.1 |
Control framework : The control framework the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer's ICFR is based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework , issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
5.2 |
N/A |
5.3 |
N/A |
6. |
Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer's ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2014 and ended on March 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's ICFR. |
Date: May 13, 2014
Signature: | (sgd) Barry Dahl | |
Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer |
2
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars)
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
2 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Assets | ||||||
Current assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 7,638,711 | $ | 13,509,155 | ||
Receivables | 3,199,294 | 49,260 | ||||
Inventories (note 5) | 13,058,812 | - | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 741,196 | 273,088 | ||||
24,638,013 | 13,831,503 | |||||
Mineral properties, plant and equipment (note 6) | 179,605,207 | 2,153,523 | ||||
Evaluation and exploration assets (note 6) | - | 93,420,809 | ||||
Reclamation bonds (note 7) | 31,559,555 | 445,809 | ||||
Deferred tax asset | 1,536,204 | - | ||||
Total assets | $ | 237,338,979 | $ | 109,851,644 | ||
Liabilities | ||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 8) | $ | 11,369,889 | $ | 5,795,512 | ||
Due to related parties (note 9) | 200,501 | 662,426 | ||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement, current (note 10) | 10,013,363 | - | ||||
Loans payable, current (note 11) | 1,000,000 | 7,000,000 | ||||
22,583,753 | 13,457,938 | |||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement (note 10) | 26,874,310 | - | ||||
Loans payable (note 11) | 20,486,056 | - | ||||
Derivative liability related to gold supply agreement (note 12) | 8,548,390 | 8,763,304 | ||||
Decommissioning provision (note 13) | 18,653,326 | 1,193,628 | ||||
Deferred tax liability | 886,551 | - | ||||
Total liabilities | 98,032,386 | 23,414,870 | ||||
Shareholders' Equity | ||||||
Share capital (note 14) | 154,444,807 | 111,596,460 | ||||
Warrants (note 14) | 992,693 | 992,693 | ||||
Share-based payment reserve (note 14) | 22,472,645 | 13,552,559 | ||||
Deficit | (46,362,306 | ) | (43,950,683 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 7,758,754 | 4,245,745 | ||||
Total shareholders' equity | 139,306,593 | 86,436,774 | ||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 237,338,979 | $ | 109,851,644 |
Contingencies (note 18)
Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors:
Paul Huet (sgd.), Director | James Haggarty (sgd.), Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
3 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Loss |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
For the three months ended March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | ||||
Revenue | $ | 2,626,573 | $ | - | ||
Cost of sales | ||||||
Production costs | 1,675,071 | - | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | 276,914 | - | ||||
Gross profit | 674,588 | - | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,228,957 | 984,462 | ||||
Loss from operations | (1,554,369 | ) | (984,462 | ) | ||
Business acquisition costs | (1,873,651 | ) | - | |||
Gain on change in fair value of derivative | 558,493 | - | ||||
Finance charges | (1,510,096 | ) | - | |||
Income before tax | (4,379,623 | ) | (984,462 | ) | ||
Income tax benefit | 1,968,000 | - | ||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (2,411,623 | ) | $ | (984,462 | ) |
Loss per share (basic and diluted) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | 107,262,995 | 64,410,259 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
4 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
For the three months ended March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | ||||
Net income (loss) for the period | $ | (2,411,623 | ) | $ | (984,462 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: | ||||||
Foreign currency translation difference | 3,513,009 | 1,528,587 | ||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | - | (5,417 | ) | |||
Impairment of marketable securities | - | 19,631 | ||||
3,513,009 | 1,542,801 | |||||
Comprehensive (loss) income for the period | $ | (1,101,386 | ) | $ | 558,339 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
5 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
For the three months ended March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | ||||
Cash provided by (used in) | ||||||
Operating activities | ||||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (2,411,623 | ) | $ | (984,462 | ) |
Items not involving cash | ||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 293,245 | 14,287 | ||||
Unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) | - | (25,006 | ) | |||
Bonus shares for executive compensation | - | 53,240 | ||||
Write-off of marketable securities | - | 19,631 | ||||
Share-based payment | 403,890 | 288,715 | ||||
Finance costs | 1,247,230 | |||||
Change in fair value of derivative | (558,493 | ) | - | |||
Income tax benefit | (1,968,000 | ) | ||||
(2,993,751 | ) | (633,595 | ) | |||
Change in non-cash working capital | ||||||
Receivables | 121,790 | (17,983 | ) | |||
Inventories | (7,485,673 | ) | - | |||
Prepaid expenses | (468,108 | ) | 42,201 | |||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 4,973,943 | (305,650 | ) | |||
Due to (from) related parties | (461,925 | ) | 33,489 | |||
Net cash used in operating activities | (6,313,724 | ) | (881,538 | ) | ||
Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||
Cash paid for acquisition of Midas | (60,641,814 | ) | - | |||
Expenditures on mineral properties, plant and equipment | (4,248,157 | ) | (3,975,865 | ) | ||
Cash payments for reclamation bonds | (30,989,893 | ) | - | |||
Net cash used in investing activities | (95,879,864 | ) | (3,975,865 | ) | ||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||
Issuance of share capital, net | 42,603,736 | 15,724 | ||||
Proceeds under gold purchase agreement, net | 35,981,635 | - | ||||
Proceeds from grant of NSR royalty | 1,366,549 | - | ||||
Proceeds from debt | 23,109,197 | 6,808,125 | ||||
Repayment of debt | (7,000,000 | ) | (10,780,000 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 96,061,117 | (3,956,151 | ) | |||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances | 262,027 | 60,858 | ||||
Net decrease in cash | (5,870,444 | ) | (8,752,696 | ) | ||
Cash, beginning of period | 13,509,155 | 10,049,195 | ||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 7,638,711 | $ | 9,296,499 | ||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (note 14) | ||||||
Interest paid | $ | 614,160 | $ | 56,180 | ||
Income taxes paid | $ | - | $ | - |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
6 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issued | Payment | Comprehensive | |||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Share Capital | Warrants | Reserve | Deficit | Income (Loss) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2012 | 64,361,461 | $ | 92,085,867 | $ | 992,693 | $ | 12,263,951 | $ | (29,829,892 | ) | $ | (1,242,059 | ) | $ | 74,270,560 | ||||||
Issued for cash | |||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term Prospectus | 14,200,000 | 19,454,000 | - | - | - | - | 19,454,000 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of options | 120,000 | 106,000 | - | - | - | - | 106,000 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants | 1,000,000 | 1,205,750 | - | - | - | - | 1,205,750 | ||||||||||||||
Share issue costs | - | (1,481,766 | ) | - | - | - | - | (1,481,766 | ) | ||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants Loans | - | - | - | 340,972 | - | - | 340,972 | ||||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants Short-Form Prospectus | - | (159,111 | ) | - | 159,111 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Fair value of options exercised | - | 61,400 | - | (61,400 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants exercised | 246,080 | (246,080 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Shares issued for executive compensation | 64,830 | 78,240 | - | - | - | - | 78,240 | ||||||||||||||
Share-based payment | - | - | - | 1,096,005 | - | - | 1,096,005 | ||||||||||||||
Loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (14,120,791 | ) | - | (14,120,791 | |||||||||||||
Reallocation of ACOI on marketable securities | - | - | - | - | - | 19,631 | 19,631 | ||||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | - | - | - | - | - | (5,213 | ) | (5,213 | ) | ||||||||||||
Exchange differences on translation from
functional to presentation currency |
- | - | - | - | - | 5,473,386 | 5,473,386 | ||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2013 | 79,746,291 | $ | 111,596,460 | $ | 992,693 | $ | 13,552,559 | $ | (43,950,683 | ) | $ | 4,245,745 | $ | 86,436,774 | |||||||
Issued for cash | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares issued | 29,400,000 | 42,630,000 | - | - | - | - | 42,630,000 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of options | 105,000 | 115,500 | - | - | - | - | 115,500 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of compensation options | 644,724 | 871,479 | - | - | - | - | 871,479 | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants | 932,143 | 1,631,250 | - | - | - | - | 1,631,250 | ||||||||||||||
Share issue costs | - | (2,137,279 | ) | - | - | - | - | (2,137,279 | ) | ||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants Subscription receipts | - | (507,214 | ) | - | 507,214 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants Senior secured debt | - | - | - | 1,753,591 | - | - | 1,753,591 | ||||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants Midas acquisition | - | - | - | 6,500,000 | - | - | 6,500,000 | ||||||||||||||
Fair value of options exercised | - | 38,850 | - | (38,850 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Fair value of compensation options exercised | - | 205,761 | (205,761 | ) | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||
Share-based payment | - | - | - | 403,892 | - | - | 403,892 | ||||||||||||||
Net loss for the period | - | - | - | - | (2,411,623 | ) | - | (4,379,623 | ) | ||||||||||||
Exchange differences on translation from
functional to presentation currency |
- | - | - | - | - | 3,513,009 | 3,513,009 | ||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2014 | 110,828,158 | $ | 154,444,807 | $ | 992,693 | $ | 22,472,645 | $ | (46,362,306 | ) | $ | 7,758,754 | $ | 139,306,593 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements |
7 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
1. |
Nature of Operations |
Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) is in the business of acquiring, owning, exploiting, developing and evaluating mineral properties, and developing these properties further or disposing of them when the evaluation is completed. The Company has interests in the Fire Creek project and the Midas mine and ore milling facility, both of which are producing mines, as well as other properties located in the State of Nevada, USA. |
|
The Company was incorporated on August 25, 1971 under the laws at British Columbia, Canada and its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol KDX. The Companys registered office is located at Suite 304, 595 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5. |
|
2. |
Significant Accounting Policies |
Basis of presentation |
|
The Companys condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as applicable to interim financial reports including IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, and therefore do not include all the information and note disclosures required by IFRS for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, which were prepared in accordance with IFRS. |
|
The consolidated financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Company has control. The Company controls an entity when the Company is exposed to, or has right to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Companys subsidiaries, which are wholly owned, are 0985472 B.C. Ltd, Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc., Klondex Gold and Silver Mining Company, Klondex Midas Holding Limited and Klondex Midas Operations Inc. All intercompany transactions, balances, revenues and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. |
|
The Company has determined that the functional currency of Klondex Midas Holding Limited and Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc., is the US dollar. |
|
The Board of Directors approved these condensed consolidated interim financial statements on May 12, 2014. |
|
New Accounting Policies |
|
The Company adopted new accounting policies as described below because of the reclassification on the Fire Creek project to the production stage from evaluation and exploration and the acquisition of the producing Midas mine and mill. |
|
Business combinations: The Company applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Company. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. |
|
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. |
8 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Where the initial accounting for the business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Company reports provisional amounts for the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. During the measurement period, the Company will retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized at that date. The measurement period will not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
Revenue recognition: Revenue related to sales of gold and silver is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. This is considered to have occurred when title passes to the buyer pursuant to the related purchase agreement. Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will receive economic benefits and is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable less any applicable discounts.
Mining taxes and royalties: Mining taxes and royalties are treated and disclosed as current and deferred taxes if they have the characteristics of an income tax. This is considered to be the case when they are imposed under government authority and the amount payable is calculated by reference to revenue derived (net of any allowable deductions).
Inventories: Inventories, which include supplies, in-process and finished goods are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
|
Supplies inventory: Supplies inventory consists of supplies used in mining and milling operations and spare parts. Costs include acquisition, freight and tax. |
|
|
In-process inventory: In-process inventory consists of ore in stockpiles and ore in circuit in the mill. Costs include all direct costs incurred in production and milling including labor, materials, overhead, depreciation and depletion. |
|
|
Finished goods inventory: Finished goods inventory consists of doré gold or silver bars at the mill or at the third-party refiner and refined metal but still under ownership of the Company. Costs include all costs of in-process inventory plus any additional refining costs incurred. |
Significant estimates and judgements
The preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires management to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual outcomes could differ from these judgments and estimates.
Significant areas where judgement is applied apart from those involving estimates are:
Acquisition accounting: The acquisition of a company or asset may result in the reporting of a business combination or asset acquisition as defined under IFRS. Judgement is required to determine the appropriate accounting treatment for acquisition by the Company.
Reclassification of evaluation and exploration assets: The Company reclassifies assets from exploration and evaluation to production assets once recovery of the resource is deemed economically viable and technically feasible. At this point, the asset is tested for impairment then reclassified to mineral properties, plant and equipment.
9 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
Obligations under gold purchase agreement: Management determined the obligation to deliver gold within the gold purchase agreement is subject to the ‘own use’ scope exception under IAS 39. The Company has the ability, and management has the intention, to deliver gold to meet this requirement. |
|
Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of judgments and estimates that management has made at the statement of financial position date, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, relate to, but are not limited to, the following: |
|
Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition: In the determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired through an acquisition accounted for as a business combination, management makes certain judgements and estimates regarding mineral reserves or resources, commodity prices, economic lives, reclamation costs and discount rates, among others. Due to the complex nature of the valuation process, information may become available following the initial determinations that could change the provisional measurement of assets and liabilities acquired. |
|
Depletion: The Company uses estimated recoverable resources as the basis for determining the amortization of certain mineral property, plant and equipment as proven and probable reserves are not available. This results in an amortization charge in the respective period proportionate to the depletion of the related resource. Determining the basis requires the use of estimates and assumptions, including the amount of measured, indicated and inferred resources. |
|
3. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
The following standards are effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2014 and have been adopted by the Company. The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on these condensed consolidated interim financial statements. |
|
Amendment to IAS 32, ‘Financial instruments: Presentation’: This amendment updates the application guidance in IAS 32, ‘Financial instruments: Presentation’, to clarify certain requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities on the balance sheet. |
|
Amendments to IAS 36, ‘Impairment of assets’: These amendments address the disclosure of information about the recoverable amount of impaired assets if that amount is based on fair value less costs of disposal. |
|
IFRIC 21, ‘Levies’: This interpretation is on IAS 37 which sets out a criteria for recognition of a liability, one of which is the requirement for the entity to have a present obligation as a result of a past event. |
|
4. |
Acquisition of Midas |
On February 11, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, which indirectly owns the Midas mine and ore milling facility located in Nevada (collectively “Midas”), from Newmont USA Limited, a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation (“Newmont”) (the “Acquisition”). The aggregate purchase price totaled approximately $71.4 million, including 5 million common share purchase warrants issued to Newmont with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances, and an exercise price of $2.15. In addition, the Company was required to deposit $31.6 million (US$28.6 million) in reclamation bonds to replace Newmont’s surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities. |
10 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
The Acquisition was financed through the net proceeds of the following:
Equity: The Company completed a private placement on January 9, 2014 of 29.4 million subscription receipts at an issue price of $1.45 per subscription receipt for total gross proceeds of approximately $42.6 million. The subscription receipts automatically converted into common shares on a one-for-one basis in accordance with their terms upon closing of the Acquisition.
Gold Purchase Agreement: The Company entered into a Gold Purchase Agreement with a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada pursuant to which Klondex agreed to sell an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold to Franco-Nevada by December 31, 2018 at a pre-paid purchase price of US$33,763,640 in cash.
Royalty Agreement : The Company granted to a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek and Midas properties in consideration for the payment of an aggregate of US$1,236,360 in cash. Monthly royalty payments will commence in 2019, after the scheduled gold deliveries under the gold purchase agreement are completed. The receipt of the proceeds of the NSR was accounted for as a reduction to mineral properties during the period ended March 31, 2014.
Debt: The Company completed a private placement of units consisting of $25 million aggregate principal amount of 11.00% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants with a three-year term and an exercise price of $1.95 to a syndicate of lenders.
The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business acquisition with the purchase price preliminarily allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as presented below.
Purchase price | ||||
Cash | $ | 63,670,033 | ||
Warrants | 6,500,000 | |||
$ | 70,170,033 |
The cash consisted of the $60.7 million (US$55.0 million) purchase price and a $3.0 million (US$2.7 million) adjustment for mining tax receivable.
Net assets acquired | ||||
Inventory | $ | 2,043,837 | ||
Mining tax receivable | 3,028,244 | |||
Mineral properties | 22,344,574 | |||
Plant and equipment | 61,319,126 | |||
Reclamation liability | (17,248,956 | ) | ||
Deferred tax liability | (1,316,792 | ) | ||
$ | 70,170,033 |
This allocation is preliminary as the Company has not completed the valuation process. The allocation may be adjusted in future periods as additional information becomes available. In connection with the acquisition the Company may have acquired certain deferred tax assets and or liabilities which will be determined based on the final valuation. The Company recognized expenses of $1,873,651 related to the acquisition.
11 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
5. |
Inventories |
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Supplies | $ | 2,046,275 | $ | - | |||
In-process | 3,234,563 | - | |||||
Finished goods | 7,777,974 | - | |||||
$ | 13,058,812 | $ | - |
Included within the total amount of finished goods inventory was 6,620 ounces held and made available to Waterton under the gold supply agreement (note 12). These ounces were subsequently sold under the terms of the agreement during the first week of the second quarter of 2014. |
|
6. |
Mineral Properties, Plant and Equipment |
Exploration | |||||||||||||
and | |||||||||||||
Mineral | Plant and | evaluation | |||||||||||
properties | equipment | assets | Total | ||||||||||
Cost | |||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 | $ | - | $ | 3,765,811 | $ | 93,420,809 | $ | 97,186,620 | |||||
Acquisition of Midas | 22,344,574 | 61,319,126 | - | 83,663,700 | |||||||||
Additions | 2,296,266 | 431,824 | 919,400 | 3,647,490 | |||||||||
Recoveries | (1,366,549 | ) | - | - | (1,366,549 | ) | |||||||
Reclassifications | 94,340,209 | - | (94,340,209 | ) | - | ||||||||
Foreign exchange | 1,164,691 | 219,026 | - | 1,383,717 | |||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2014 | 118,779,191 | 65,735,787 | - | 184,514,978 | |||||||||
Accumulated depreciation and depletion | |||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 | - | 1,612,288 | - | 1,612,288 | |||||||||
Additions | 2,362,198 | 935,285 | - | 3,181,104 | |||||||||
Disposals | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Foreign exchange | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2014 | 2,362,198 | 2,547,573 | - | 4,909,771 | |||||||||
Net book value at March 31, 2014 | $ | 116,416,993 | $ | 63,188,214 | - | $ | 179,605,207 |
7. |
Reclamation Bonds |
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Midas | $ | 31,096,267 | $ | - | |||
Fire Creek | 463,288 | 445,809 | |||||
$ | 31,559,555 | $ | 445,809 |
12 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
8. |
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities |
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2014 | 2012 | ||||||
Trade accounts payable | $ | 8,391,022 | $ | 4,189,643 | |||
Accrued liabilities | 2,971,228 | 981,047 | |||||
Interest payable | 7,639 | 624,822 | |||||
$ | 11,369,889 | $ | 5,795,512 |
9. |
Related Party Transactions |
Amounts owing to directors and officers of $200,501 (December 31, 2013 - $662,426) are non- interest bearing, unsecured, and payable upon demand. |
|
The Companys directors and officers are considered key management personnel and their compensation comprises the following: |
For the three months ended March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | |||||
Salaries, bonuses and fees paid to directors and officers | $ | 391,590 | $ | 303,208 | |||
Share-based payments incurred with directors and officers | 133,634 | 188,329 | |||||
Consulting fees paid to a former officer | - | 33,393 | |||||
$ | 525,224 | $ | 524,930 |
10. |
Obligations Under Gold Purchase Agreement |
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a gold purchase agreement with Franco-Nevada Corporation for US$33.8 million. Pursuant to the terms, gold deliveries would be made at the end of each month with the first delivery date on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries would cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces is completed on December 31, 2018. Minimum scheduled deliveries of gold consisting of equal monthly installments by year per the agreement are as follows: |
Year | Ounces |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Company has accounted for the agreement as a loan with an embedded derivative that meets the own use exception and is therefore not marked to market. The loan is recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
13 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
11. |
Loans Payable |
March 31, | December | |||||||||
2014 | 31, 2013 | |||||||||
Senior unsecured loan | (a) | $ | - | $ | 7,000,000 | |||||
Senior secured facility | (b) | 21,486,056 | - | |||||||
$ | 21,486,056 | $ | 7,000,000 |
(a) |
Senior unsecured loan |
|
On January 4, 2013, the Company completed a $7,000,000 placement of 9% Senior Unsecured Notes (Notes) due January 5, 2015, which were issued to investors at 98% of the principal amount. Investors in the Notes offering received a total of 525,000 warrants, each entitling the purchase of one common share at a price of $1.55 for a period of 18 months following their date of issue. The warrants are callable by the Company if the common shares close above $2.79 for 20 consecutive days. |
||
The Company had the option to repay the loan early at an amount of 102.5% plus any unpaid accrued interest. |
||
At December 31, 2013, the Company accelerated the accretion of all warrants and borrowing costs and reclassified the full face value of the Notes ($7,000,000) as a current liability. |
||
On February 11, 2014, the Company paid the loan in full, including the 2.5% penalty for early repayment. |
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(b) |
Senior secured facility |
|
On February 11, 2014 the Company completed a private placement of units consisting of $25 million aggregate principal amount of 11.00% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants with a three-year term and an exercise price of $1.95 to a syndicate of lenders. The Company is required to make principal payments of $4 million per year payable in monthly equal monthly installments beginning in January 2015. Interest is payable monthly throughout the life of the debt. |
||
The Company has the option to repay the loan at any time on or after February 11, 2015 subject to repayment penalties as listed below: |
Date | Redemption penalty |
February 11, 2015 to February 10, 2016 | 4% |
February 11, 2016 to February 10, 2017 | 2% |
February 11, 2017 to August 11, 2017 | No penalty |
14 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
12. | Derivative Liability Related to Gold Supply Agreement |
|
|
On March 31, 2011 the Company entered into a gold supply agreement. Pursuant to this agreement the Company grants the buyer the right to purchase refined gold bullion during the term of the agreement subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement from the Fire Creek project for the five year period starting from the last day of February 2013. If the Company has not produced an aggregate of 150,000 ounces by February 28, 2018 the term will be extended until an aggregate of 185,000 ounces have been produced. The purchase price is the average settlement price of gold on the LBMA, PM Fix for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the relevant pricing date. A 1% discount is applicable through February 29, 2016. If the price per ounce is less than US$900 at any time the discount will be nil. |
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|
|
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company received US$3,024,914 for 2,439 ounces of gold sold under the above agreement. |
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|
|
The Company has classified this agreement as a derivative instrument measured at fair value in U. S. dollars. As of March 31, 2014 the derivative value was $8,548,390. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded a gain on the change in fair value of the derivative of $558,493. |
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13. |
Decommissioning Provision |
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|
The Companys decommissioning provision is the result of drilling activities, underground tunneling, and other mine development activities at the Fire Creek and Midas properties. The Company estimated its decommissioning provision at March 31, 2014 based on a risk-free discount rate of 3.10% (2013 2.50%) and an inflation rate of 1.46% (2013 2.07%). Decommissioning is expected to occur in 2019 for Fire Creek and 2023 for Midas. |
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2013 | 2013 | ||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 1,193,628 | $ | 593,541 | |||
Acquisition of Midas | 17,248,956 | - | |||||
Change in provision | - | 584,223 | |||||
Accretion | 210,742 | 15,864 | |||||
Balance at end of period | $ | 18,653,326 | $ | 1,193,628 |
15 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
14. |
Share Capital |
|
a) |
Common shares: unlimited common shares with no par value |
|
b) |
Warrants outstanding |
|
A summary of the Companys outstanding share purchase warrants at March 31, 2014 and the changes during the period then ended is presented below: |
Weighted | |||||||
average | |||||||
Number of | exercise | ||||||
warrants | price | ||||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012 | 17,105,849 | 2.3900 | |||||
Financing | |||||||
Warrants issued for Jones Gable bridge loan agreement | 500,000 | 1.2215 | |||||
Warrants issued for K2 bridge loan agreement | 500,000 | 1.1900 | |||||
Warrants issued for Senior Unsecured Debt | 525,000 | 1.5500 | |||||
Brokers warrants for Short-form Prospectus | 568,000 | 1.4300 | |||||
Warrants exercised | (1,000,000 | ) | 1.2050 | ||||
Warrants expired | (5,330,700 | ) | 3.5000 | ||||
Brokers warrants expired | (564,084 | ) | 2.5000 | ||||
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013 | 12,304,065 | $ | 1.8000 | ||||
Financing | |||||||
Warrants issued with private placement offering | 1,176,000 | 1.5500 | |||||
Warrants issued for Senior Secured Debt | 3,100,000 | 1.9500 | |||||
Warrants issued for Acquisition of Midas | 5,000,000 | 2.1500 | |||||
Warrants exercised | (932,143 | ) | 1.7500 | ||||
Compensation warrants exercised | (630,950 | ) | 1.3500 | ||||
Compensation warrants exercised | (13,774 | ) | 1.4300 | ||||
Outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2014 | 20,003,198 | $ | 1.9600 |
A summary of the Companys outstanding warrants as of March 31, 2014 is presented below:
Weighted | |||||
average | Weighted | ||||
Exercise | Number of | remaining | average | Number of | |
price per | warrants | contractual | exercise | warrants | Weighted |
share | outstanding | life | price | exercisable | average life |
$1.00 - $1.49 | 942,318 | 0.98 | $1.40 | 942,318 | 0.98 |
$1.50 - $1.99 | 12,360,880 | 2.55 | $4.13 | 12,360,880 | 3.06 |
$2.00 - $2.49 | 5,300,000 | 14.32 | 2.17 | 5,300,000 | 14.32 |
$2.50 - $3.00 | 1,400,000 | 1.03 | $2.76 | 1,400,000 | 1.03 |
$1.00 - $3.00 | 20,003,198 | 5.80 | $3.39 | 20,003,198 | 5.80 |
16 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
The average fair value of each warrant issued is estimated on the issue date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | |
Total or Average | Total or Average | ||
Estimated life | 9.34 years | 1.5 years | |
Risk free interest rate | 1.78% | 1.14% | |
Volatility | 49.15% | 44.65% | |
Forfeiture rate | - | - |
The estimated volatility was determined based on the historical share price volatility over the average life of the warrants. |
||
|
||
c) |
Options outstanding |
|
|
||
The Company has adopted an incentive stock option plan (the Plan). The essential elements of the Plan provide that the aggregate number of common shares of the Companys capital stock issuable pursuant to options granted under the Plan may not exceed 15% of the number of issued shares of the Company at the time of the granting of the options. Options granted under the Plan will have a maximum term of ten years. The exercise price of options granted under the Plan will not be less than the 5 day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of the common shares at the date of grant. The vesting periods of options granted under the plan may vary at the discretion of the Plan Administrator. |
||
|
||
A summary of the Companys outstanding stock options as of March 31, 2014 and 2013 and the changes during the periods then ended is presented below: |
Weighted | |||||||
Number of | average | ||||||
options | exercise price | ||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 | 4,694,896 | 1.34 | |||||
Options granted | 3,174,708 | 1.42 | |||||
Options exercised | (120,000 | ) | 0.88 | ||||
Options expired | (418,000 | ) | 1.41 | ||||
Options cancelled | (1,850,846 | ) | 1.28 | ||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 5,480,758 | 1.41 | |||||
Options granted | 905,000 | 1.73 | |||||
Options exercised | (105,000 | ) | 1.10 | ||||
Options cancelled | (50,001 | ) | 1.34 | ||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2014 | 6,230,757 | $ | 1.46 |
17 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
A summary of the Companys outstanding stock options as of March 31, 2014 is presented below:
The average fair value of each option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | |
Estimated life | 2.8 years | 3 years | |
Risk free interest rate | 1.21% | 1.21% | |
Volatility | 47.15% | 49.24% | |
Forfeiture rate | - | - |
The estimated volatility was determined based on the historical share price volatility over the past 3 years.
15. |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information |
The following significant non-cash transactions were recorded: |
For the three months ended March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | |||||
Investing activities | |||||||
Accounts payable related to mineral properties and plant and equipment | $ | 1,387,929 | $ | 1,044,270 | |||
Financing activities | |||||||
Warrants issued in connection with acquisition | 9,529,080 | - |
18 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
16. |
Segment Information |
Following the acquisition of the Midas mine and the advancement of the Fire Creek project into operations under the bulk sample permit, the Companys operations are now organized into three segments that are regularly reported to the Companys chief operating decision-maker (CODM). The Company identified reportable segments as any operating unit that has total revenue, earnings, losses, or assets that exceed 10% of the total consolidated revenue, earnings, losses, or assets. The table below summarizes the information that is regularly reported to the Companys CODM by reportable segment: |
Corporate | |||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | and other | Total | ||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | - | $ | 2,626,573 | $ | - | $ | 2,626,573 | |||||
Production costs | - | 1,675,071 | - | 1,675,071 | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | - | 276,914 | - | 276,914 | |||||||||
Gross profit | - | 674,588 | - | 674,588 | |||||||||
General and admin expenses | - | - | 2,228,957 | 2,228,957 | |||||||||
Earnings (loss) from operations | - | 659,568 | (2,228,957 | ) | (1,554,369 | ) | |||||||
Capital expenditures | 2,650,505 | 1,631,605 | 37,873 | 4,319,983 | |||||||||
Total assets as at March 31, 2014 | 103,824,577 | 127,009,689 | 6,504,713 | 237,338,979 | |||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Production costs | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Gross profit | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
General and admin expenses | (289,742 | ) | (694,720 | ) | (984,462 | ) | |||||||
Loss from operations | (289,742 | ) | - | (694,720 | ) | (984,462 | ) | ||||||
Capital expenditures | 6,526,196 | - | - | 6,526,196 | |||||||||
Total assets as at Dec 31, 2013 | $ | 97,098,232 | $ | - | $ | 12,753,412 | $ | 109,851,644 |
19 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
17. |
Financial Instruments |
||
a) |
Credit risk |
||
Credit risk arises from the non-performance by counter parties of contractual financial obligations. The Company maintains its cash with major banks and financial institutions. The Company manages credit risk for trade receivables through credit monitoring processes and by trading with highly rated parties for the sale of metal. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the financial assets. |
|||
b) |
Interest rate risk |
||
As at March 31, 2014, the Company was not subject to or exposed to any material interest rate risk. See note 9 for interest rates on loans outstanding. |
|||
c) |
Liquidity risk |
||
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations when they fall due. The Company manages this risk through management of its capital structure. Based on managements and the Board of Directors review of ongoing operations, the Company may revise the timing of capital expenditures, issue equity and/or pursue other loan facilities. |
|||
The Companys current assets exceed current liabilities by approximately $2.1 million at March 31, 2014. The Company enters into contractual obligations in the normal course of business operations. Management believes the Companys requirements for capital expenditures, working capital and ongoing commitments can be financed from existing cash, by acquiring new project loans or equity and any gold sales from the bulk sampling program. |
|||
d) |
Fair value hierarchy |
||
Financial instruments recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels: |
|||
i. |
Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; |
||
ii. |
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; and |
||
iii. |
Level 3 Input for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data. |
||
As at March 31, 2014, the Company had a derivative instrument classified as a liability in the consolidated statements of financial position of $8,548,390. The derivative falls within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See note 12 for additional information regarding the valuation techniques and inputs used in determining the fair value of the derivative. |
|||
Financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on the statement of financial position are cash, receivables, reclamation bonds, accounts payable, due to related parties and loans payable. The fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying value due to their short term nature. |
20 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 |
(Unaudited and expressed in Canadian dollars) |
18. |
Contingencies |
During the year ended December 31, 2012, two directors of the Company resigned and the controller/secretary of the US subsidiary was terminated for cause. Subsequent to the directors’ resignations, the Company determined that each individual breached certain duties and would be terminated for cause retroactive to June 27, 2012. Accordingly, certain termination benefits of US$903,000, which may have been payable under the employment contracts, have not been recorded in the accounts as at March 31, 2014. |
|
One of the former directors filed claims against the Company for unpaid expense reimbursement and to reinstate his stock options. The former controller/secretary filed a claim against the Company for unpaid termination benefits. The Company is challenging these claims, and has asserted counterclaims against the former controller/secretary. The outcome of the claims cannot be determined at this time. |
21 |
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 2014
May 12, 2014
INTRODUCTION
This Managements Discussion & Analysis (" MD&A ") provides a discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Klondex Mines Ltd. (" Klondex " or the " Company ") to enable a reader to assess material changes in the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as at and for the three months ended March 31, 2014. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2014, all of which are available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Reference to the risk factors described in Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors in this MD&A is advised.
The Companys unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (" IFRS ") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) applicable to the preparation of interim financial statements, including IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting.
Unless otherwise stated, all currency amounts included in this MD&A are expressed in Canadian dollars. This MD&A has been prepared as at May 12, 2014.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Klondex is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol KDX (OTCQX under symbol "KLNDF") and is engaged in the business of acquiring, exploring and developing gold properties in North America. The Company's principal properties are the 100% owned Fire Creek gold project (the " Fire Creek Project ") and the recently (February 11, 2014) acquired 100% owned Midas mine and ore milling facility (collectively, the " Midas Mine ").
Strategic Objective
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company continued working towards its objective of transitioning its Fire Creek Project to a fully-permitted production stage property. With the completion of the Midas Mine acquisition, the Company intends to continue to explore and develop the Midas Mine, continue its Midas mining operations, process mineralized material from its Fire Creek Project under a bulk sample permit and seek further opportunities to provide third party toll milling services. The Company intends to continue to evaluate potential acquisitions. There is, however, no assurance that the Company will be able to meet these objectives. See "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-Looking Information".
CURRENT BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
2014 Highlights
Acquisitions
On December 4, 2013, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc. (" Klondex USA "), and Newmont USA Limited (" Newmont USA ") to acquire all of the shares of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited (the " Midas Acquisition "), which indirectly owns the Midas mine and mill. The Midas Acquisition was completed on February 11, 2014. The purchase price of the Midas Acquisition was comprised of approximately US$55 million in cash and the issuance by the Company to Newmont USA of 5 million warrants to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $2.15, with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances. The Company was also required to deposit approximately $28 million as reclamation bonds to replace Newmont USAs surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities. The Company also paid US$2.7 million for a mining tax receivable associated with the acquired company.
- 2 -
The Midas Acquisition was financed through the Subscription Receipt Financing (as defined below), the 2014 Debt Financing (as defined below) and the Gold Purchase Arrangement (as defined below) (collectively, the " Midas Acquisition Financings ").
Equity Financings
On January 9, 2014, the Company completed an offering (the " Subscription Receipt Financing ") of 29,400,000 subscription receipts at a price of $1.45 per subscription receipt (the " Subscription Receipts ") on a private placement basis, raising aggregate gross proceeds of $42,630,000 (the " SR Proceeds ") pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement (the " SR Agency Agreement ") dated December 6, 2013 between the Company and GMP Securities L.P., MGI Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., Jones, Gable & Company Limited and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the " SR Agents "). The SR Proceeds, less the SR Agents' expenses and out-of-pocket costs and legal expenses, were placed in escrow pending (i) the closing of the Midas Acquisition, and (ii) the receipt by the Company of the requisite shareholder approval of the Subscription Receipt Financing and the 2014 Debt Financing pursuant to the requirements of the TSX. Upon both of these conditions being satisfied, on February 11, 2014, the net proceeds of the Subscription Receipt Financing were paid out of the escrowed funds to the Company.
Debt Financings
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a senior secured loan facility agreement (the " Facility Agreement ") with a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp. (" RoyCap "), and including The K2 Principal Fund L.P. (K2) and Jones, Gable & Company Limited (collectively, the " 2014 Lenders ") pursuant to which the Company issued units consisting of in the aggregate $25,000,000 principal amount of notes, issued at a 2.5% discount to par value, and 3,100,000 warrants (" 2014 Lender Warrants ") to purchase Common Shares (the " 2014 Debt Financing "). The 2014 Lender Warrants have an exercise price of $1.95 and expire on February 11, 2017.
Gold Purchase Arrangement
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a gold purchase agreement (the " Gold Purchase Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation (" FNC "), pursuant to which the Company raised proceeds of US$33,763,640 (the " Gold Purchase Arrangement ") in consideration for the delivery of an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold. Under the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement, the Company is required to make gold deliveries at the end of each month, with the first delivery due on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces of gold is completed on December 31, 2018. The annualized delivery schedule is shown in the following table.
Year | Au (ounces) |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Company's obligations under each of the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Arrangement are secured against all of the assets and property of the Company and its subsidiaries. The security granted for the performance of the Company's obligations under the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Arrangement rank pari passu .
- 3 -
Royalty Agreements
On February 12, 2014, the Company entered into a royalty agreement (the " FC Royalty Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada U.S. Corporation (" Franco-Nevada US "), a subsidiary of FNC, and Klondex Gold and Silver Mining Company, a subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to which the Company received proceeds of US$1,018,050 from the grant to Franco-Nevada US of a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek Project beginning February 12, 2019. The Company also entered into a royalty agreement (the " Midas Royalty Agreement ") with Franco-Nevada US and Newmont Midas Operations Inc. (" Midas Operations "), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, pursuant to which Midas Operations received proceeds of US$218,310 from the grant of a 2.5% NSR royalty to Franco-Nevada US on the Midas Mine also beginning February 12, 2019.
Operations Update for the Fire Creek Project
The Company continued its underground infill drilling program in the first quarter of 2014, testing the continuity and extent of the Joyce Vein and Vonnie Vein. In addition, underground drilling to test the West Zone was conducted from existing infrastructure. A total of 2,788 m (9,171 ft) of underground drilling was conducted in the first quarter.
Mineral and waste development at the Fire Creek Project totaled 139 m (457 ft) and 189 m (621 ft), respectively in the first quarter of 2014. A total of 66 m (218 ft) and 73 m (239 ft) of mineral development occurred on the Joyce Vein and Vonnie Vein, respectively, in the quarter.
The Company extracted a total of 6,225 tons of mineralized material containing 6,244 gold ounces and 7,393 silver ounces in the quarter. The Companys Midas Mill began operating on February 19, 2014 and processed 7,766 tons of Fire Creek material containing 10,027 gold ounces and 10,027 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the quarter were 95.4% and 95.3%, respectively, including 9,476 gold ounces and 9,455 silver ounces.
Full-production permitting baseline investigations and data collection continued throughout the first quarter 2014. Full-production permitting documentation will be prepared during 2014, and permitting will continue into 2015. Full-production permitting is based on the expected mined material and waste volumes and cannot be completed until the final mine design is drafted. Base data collection, new data monitoring, and baseline needs assessments will be carried out and monitored through 2015. The Company began a hydro-ecological investigation associated with the environmental assessment in the second quarter of 2013. The installation of the five vibrating wire piezometers was completed in late 2013. Data collection began in the fourth quarter of 2013 and will continue through 2014.
Final permitting of the rapid infiltration basin (RIB) is expected in the second quarter of 2014. A RIB is expected to handle long-term water management at the Fire Creek Project, handling large volumes of water (up to 3,000 gallons per minute) on a sustainable basis. The Water Pollution Control Permit (WPCP) application was submitted to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) in the second quarter of 2013. The Company also submitted a revision to the existing Plan of Operations to operate the RIB to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the second quarter of 2013. The Company was issued NDEP approval in the first quarter of 2014. The Company is expecting to receive permission from the BLM allowing construction and operation of the RIB in the second quarter of 2014.
Operations for the Midas Mine
The Company assumed ownership of the Midas Mine on February 11, 2014 and initiated exploration drilling and underground mining in the 7-4640 South area of the Midas Mine.
The Company began its underground infill drilling program at Midas in March of 2014, testing the unknown area. A total of 3,702 m (12,179 ft) of underground drilling was conducted in the first quarter. Mineral and waste development at Midas totaled 334 m (1,098 ft) and 268 m (880 ft), respectively in the first quarter of 2014.
- 4 -
The Company extracted a total of 16,145 tons of mineralized material containing 1,945 gold ounces and 182,622 silver ounces in the quarter. The Companys Midas Mill started operating on February 19, 2014 and processed 13,961 tons of Midas material containing 1,726 gold ounces and 157,918 silver ounces. Gold and silver recoveries for the quarter were 95.4% and 95.3%, respectively, including 1,631 gold ounces and 148,916 silver ounces.
FUTURE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
The focus throughout 2014 will be to continue to advance current activities at both the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine, with the objective of completing the following items:
1. |
Continue to ship mineralized material from the Fire Creek Project to the Midas Mill where it will be blended with material from the Midas Mine and processed to recover precious metal; |
|
2. |
Continue the in-fill drill program for the Fire Creek Main Zone on 75-foot centers (it is expected that this data will provide additional information to better define the mineralization); |
|
3. |
Continue exploration drilling and initiate development drifting on Fire Creeks Western Zone discovery; |
|
4. |
Design and plan an exploration drill program at the Midas Mine; |
|
5. |
Continue work on the Fire Creek environmental assessment permit, to allow full-scale mining at the Fire Creek Project; |
|
6. |
Construct the RIB as part of the Fire Creek Projects long-term water management plan; |
|
7. |
Continue the bulk sampling program to test different mining method and to assess the metallurgical characteristics of the Fire Creek Project material; and |
|
8. |
Evaluate tailings storage options at the Midas Mill. |
The Company expects to spend $25.7 million on capital expenditures during 2014 with approximately $12.4 million at each of Fire Creek and Midas and $1 million in Nevada and Corporate. The spending is expected to be approximately $5.1 million for exploration drilling, $14.1 million for waste development, $1.9 million for a water treatment plant and RIB and $4.6 million for a lab, economic assessments, equipment and software. Actual spending during the first quarter was approximately $4.3 million which was in line with the proposed plan above.
- 5 -
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following is a summary of the Company's financial results for the eight most recently completed quarters:
September | ||||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | 30, | June 30, | |||||||||
Quarter ended | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2013 | ||||||||
Total revenue | 2,626,573 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||
Net loss | ($2,411,623 | ) | ($11,358,120 | ) | ($987,572 | ) | ($790,637 | ) | ||||
Loss per share (basic and diluted) | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.01 |
September | June 30, | |||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | 30, | 2012 | |||||||||
Quarter ended | 2013 | 2012 | 2012 | |||||||||
Total revenue | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||
Net loss | ($984,462 | ) | ($843,406 | ) | ($947,462 | ) | ($759,049 | ) | ||||
Loss per share (basic and diluted) | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.02 |
The Company recognized revenue from operations for the first time in its history during the first quarter of 2014. Revenue was related to sales of refined metal from the Midas mine.
- 6 -
DISCUSSION OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
For the three months ended March 31, | 2014 | 2013 | ||||
Revenue | $ | 2,626,573 | $ | - | ||
Cost of sales | ||||||
Production costs | 1,675,071 | - | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | 276,914 | - | ||||
Gross profit | 674,588 | - | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,228,957 | 984,462 | ||||
Earnings from operations | (1,554,369 | ) | (984,462 | ) | ||
Business acquisition costs | (1,873,651 | ) | - | |||
Gain on change in fair value of derivative | 558,493 | - | ||||
Finance charges | (1,510,096 | ) | - | |||
Income before tax | (4,379,623 | ) | (984,462 | ) | ||
Income tax benefit | 1,968,000 | - | ||||
Net income (loss) for the period | $ | (2,411,623 | ) | $ | (984,462 | ) |
Comparison between three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recognized revenue and cost of sales for first time in the Companys history. Revenue of $2.6 million was from gold and silver produced and sold from the Midas mine which was acquired on February 11, 2014. The Fire Creek project has been reclassified from an exploration and evaluation asset to mineral properties and the Company will recognize revenue from the project through the income statement going forward. The production costs were $1.7 million and the production cost per ounces (see non-IFRS disclosure) is $906. The depreciation and depreciation costs were $0.3 million. The gross profit was $674,588.
General and administrative expenses in the quarter were $2.2 million (2013 Q1 - $1.0 million). The increase in general and administrative expenses was mainly due to an increase in employee and share-based compensation (principally for additional personnel), legal and regulatory expenses and other general expenses associated with the growth of the Company from an exploration stage company to one with two producing properties. The Company recognized $1.9 million in business acquisition costs from the purchase on the Midas mine and mill from Newmont, a $0.6 million gain on the fair value of a derivative related to a gold supply agreement and $1.5 million in finance charges principally related to financing agreements entered into for the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill.
- 7 -
The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business acquisition with the purchase price preliminarily allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as presented below.
Purchase price | |||
Cash | $ | 63,670,033 | |
Warrants | 6,500,000 | ||
$ | 70,170,033 |
The cash consisted of $60.7 million (US$55.0 million) purchase price and $3.0 million (US$2.7 million) adjustment for mining tax receivable.
Net assets acquired | |||
Inventory | $ | 2,043,837 | |
Mining tax receivable | 3,028,244 | ||
Mineral properties | 22,344,574 | ||
Plant and equipment | 61,319,126 | ||
Reclamation liability | (17,248,956 | ) | |
Deferred tax liability | (1,316,792 | ) | |
$ | 70,170,033 |
This allocation is preliminary as the Company has not completed the valuation process. The allocation may be adjusted in future periods as additional information becomes available. The Company recognized expenses of $1,873,651 related to the Midas acquisition.
Sale of Mineralized Material
For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company received payment of $3,343,437 (US$3,024,914) from the sale of 2,439 ounces of gold delivered to the Midas mill in 2013. This amount was reported as sale of mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek mineral properties. The Company also sold 930 ounces of gold and 58,053 ounces of silver from Midas that were recorded as revenue. In early April, the Company recorded revenue and received payment of US$8,688,551 for 6,620 ounces of gold sold under Fire Creeks gold supply agreement for its March refined gold production.
USE OF PROCEEDS FROM THE SPECIAL WARRANT FINANCING
During the first quarter 2014, the Company used a portion of the proceeds of the Special Warrant Financing, as defined in the short form prospectus of the Company dated November 14, 2013 (the Prospectus ), along with existing cash on hand, to repay all of the short-term debt of the Company, including the K2 Loan and the Third Party Loan (see "Current Activities 2013 Highlights"). The Company continues to use the remaining proceeds for the ongoing exploration and evaluation of the Fire Creek Project, substantially as set out in the Prospectus.
A portion of the proceeds of the Special Warrant Financing was also used to repay the $1,667,316 (US$1,610,000) loan facility.
- 8 -
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Current assets and current liabilities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are shown below.
March 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||
Current Assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 7,638,711 | $ | 13,509,155 | ||
Receivables | 3,199,294 | 49,260 | ||||
Inventories | 13,058,812 | |||||
Prepaid expenses | 741,196 | 273,088 | ||||
Total Current Assets | $ | 24,638,013 | $ | 13,831,503 | ||
Current Liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 11,369,889 | $ | 5,795,512 | ||
Due to related parties | 200,501 | 662,426 | ||||
Obligations under gold purchase agreement, current | 10,013,363 | |||||
Loans payable, current | 1,000,000 | 7,000,000 | ||||
Total Current Liabilities | $ | 22,583,753 | $ | 13,457,938 | ||
Working Capital | $ | 2,054,260 | $ | 373,565 |
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, cash decreased by $5.9 million due primarily to operating and production costs at the Fire Creek project and Midas mine. Cash used in operating activities during the quarter totaled $6.3 million.
Cash used in investing activities during the quarter totaled $95.9 million and consisted primarily of cash paid in connection with the acquisition of Midas totaling $91.7 million, including $31.0 million for reclamation bonds.
Cash provided by financing activities totaled $96.1 million and consisted of $42.6 million in share capital, $36.0 million in proceeds from the Gold Purchase Arrangement, and $23.1 million in proceeds from the Facility Agreement.
The Company recognized a $0.3 million foreign exchange gain on cash balances.
As at March 31, 2014, the Company had the following contractual obligations outstanding.
Less than 1 | |||||||||||||||
Total | year | 1 3 years | 3 5 years | After 5 years | |||||||||||
Long-term debt and interest | $ | 25,007,639 | - | $ | 25,007,639 | - | - | ||||||||
Gold Purchase Agreement | $ | 36,887,673 | $ | 10,013,363 | $ | 20,362,707 | $ | 6,511,603 | |||||||
Decommissioning provision | $ | 18,653,326 | - | - | - | $ | 18,653,326 | ||||||||
Contracts and leases | $ | 138,862 | $ | 72,583 | $ | 66,279 | - | - | |||||||
Mineral property lease | $ | 265,900 | - | $ | 106,360 | $ | 106,360 | $ | 53,180 | ||||||
Total contractual obligations | $ | 80,953,400 | $ | 10,085,946 | $ | 45,542,985 | $ | 6,617,963 | $ | 18,706,506 |
The Company currently anticipates having sufficient working capital to meet its 2014 budget for the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine. As at March 31, 2014, the Company had cash of $7,638,711.
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To the extent that additional capital will be required, the Company proposes to meet any such funding requirements through the processing of mineralized material from the Fire Creek Project and the Midas mine and/or by arranging other equity or loan financing. In light of the continually changing financial markets, commodity prices and general operational risks, there is no assurance that receiving funding from the issuance of equity or debt, will be possible when required or desired by the Company, on favourable terms to the Company or at all. The Company anticipates that currently in-the-money options and warrants with an expiry date in 2014 will be exercised but there is no assurance this will occur.
The Company includes equity, comprising of issued Common Shares, finance warrants, share-based payment reserve, accumulated other comprehensive income, and deficit, in the definition of capital.
As at the date hereof, the Company is in compliance with all requirements under the Facility Agreement and the Gold Purchase Agreement.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
As at March 31, 2014, there were no off-balance sheet arrangements to which the Company is committed.
TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN RELATED PARTIES
The Companys directors and officers are considered key management personnel and their compensation comprises the following:
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Salaries, bonuses and fees paid to directors and officers | $ | 391,590 | $ | 303,208 | ||
Share-based payments incurred with directors and officers | 133,634 | 188,329 | ||||
Consulting fees paid to a former officer | - | 33,393 | ||||
$ | 525,224 | $ | 524,930 |
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of such financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the period. Management believes the estimates used are reasonable; however, actual results could differ materially from those estimates and, if so, could impact future results of operations and cash flows.
Areas requiring the use of estimates in the preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are as follows:
Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired through an acquisition
In the determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired through an acquisition accounted for as a business combination, management makes certain judgements and estimates regarding mineral reserves or resources, commodity prices, economic lives, reclamation costs and discount rates, among others. Due to the complex nature of the valuation, information may become available following the initial determinations that could change the provisional measurement of assets and liabilities acquired. Such changes would be accounted for retrospectively.
- 10 -
Work-in-process and production costs
The Company makes estimates of the amount of recoverable ounces in work-in-process inventory which is used in the determination of the cost of goods old during the period. Changes in these estimates could result in a change in carrying value of inventories and mine operating costs in future periods. The Company monitors the recovery of gold ounces from the mill and could use this information to refine its original estimate.
Mineral properties
The Company defers certain costs related to acquiring, exploring and developing mineral properties that will result in future economic benefit. After a mine begins commercial production, these costs are amortized over the life of the mine using a unit-of-production method. The amortizable base is the Companys estimate of recoverable measured and indicated ounces in the resource. The amount of amortization each period is based on the actual ounces extracted.
Reclamation provision
The Company records a liability based on managements estimate of costs for site closure and reclamation activities that the Company is legally or constructively required to remediate and the liability is recognized at the time environmental disturbance occurs. The provision for closure and reclamation liabilities is estimated using expected cash flows, based on engineering and environmental reports prepared by third party industry specialists, discounted at a pre-tax rate specific to the liability. The provision is reviewed at each balance sheet date for changes to obligations, discount rates or lives of operations.
The critical judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the application of accounting policies are disclosed in Note 2 to the Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements for March 31, 2013.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to financial risks, including currency risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, commodity price risk and other risks. The Company's earnings can vary significantly with fluctuations in the market price of gold and silver. The Company's practice is not to hedge metal sales. On occasion, however, the Company may assume or enter into forward sales contracts or similar instruments if hedges are acquired in a business acquisition, if hedges are required under project financing requirements, or when deemed advantageous by management. As at March 31, 2014, the Company did not have any financial instruments qualifying as hedges. However, the gold supply agreement discussed previously meets the definition of a derivative financial instrument. The Company measures derivatives at fair value each reporting period with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the consolidated statements of loss.
The Company's earnings are affected by fluctuations in exchange rates and the volatility of these rates. The Company does not, in general, use derivative instruments to reduce its exposure to foreign currency risk.
See also "Risk Factors".
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
As at the date hereof, the Company has an unlimited number of Common Shares authorized and 111,295,476 Common Shares are outstanding. As at the date hereof, there are 6,729,708 incentive stock options, and 19,757,454 warrants to purchase Common Shares outstanding.
- 11 -
INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
In accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuer's Annual and Interim Filings , the Company's management, including Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the operating effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) is a process designed by, or under, the supervision of, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and effected by management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with international financial reporting standards. ICFR may not prevent or detect misstatements and are only designed to provide reasonable assurance.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
In connection with the Midas Acquisition and the reclassification of the Fire Creek project from evaluation and exploration assets into development as defined under IFRS, the Company has established new processes and internal controls over such areas as revenue recognition, inventory valuation, and business acquisition accounting. There were no other changes in ICFR during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 that are reasonably likely to materially affect or has materially affected ICFR.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding timely public disclosure of the information.
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The Company has included a non-IFRS measure for Production costs per gold equivalent ounce in this MD&A to supplement its financial statements which are presented in accordance with IFRS. Management believes that this measure provides investors with an improved ability to evaluate the performance of the Company. Non-IFRS measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. Therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The following table provides a reconciliation of production per the financial statements to cash cost per gold ounce sold:
Three months ended | March 31, 2104 |
Production costs | $1,675,071 |
Gold equivalent ounces | 1,849 |
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce | $906 |
CAUTIONARY NOTES
Forward-looking information
This MD&A contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof. In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "believe", "intend", "may", "will", "should", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "potential", "intends", "expects" and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information reflects the current expectations and assumptions of management, and is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information, particularly as it relates to the actual results of exploration and evaluation activities, actual results of reclamation activities, the estimation or realization of mineral resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the timing and receipt of required permits and approvals, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new mineral deposits, requirements for additional capital, the sufficiency of working capital, and the future prices of precious and base metals, is inherently uncertain. In addition, the timing and magnitude of certain events are inherently risky and uncertain, particularly as they relate to the possible variations in mineral grade or recovery rates, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes, road blocks and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation.
- 12 -
Key assumptions upon which the Company's forward-looking information is based include the following: estimated prices for gold and silver; the Company being able to secure new financing to continue its exploration, development and operational activities; currency exchange rates; the ability of the Company to comply with environmental, safety and other regulatory requirements and being able to obtain regulatory approvals (including licenses and permits) in a timely manner; there not being any material adverse effects arising as a result of political instability, taxes or royalty increases, terrorism, sabotage, natural disasters, equipment failures or adverse changes in government legislation or the socio-economic conditions in the regions in which the Company operates; the Company being able to achieve its growth strategy; the Company's operating costs; key personnel and access to all equipment necessary to operate the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine.
These assumptions should be carefully considered. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information or the assumptions on which the Company's forward-looking information is based. The reader is advised to carefully review and consider the risk factors identified in this MD&A under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere herein for a discussion of the factors that could cause the Company's actual results and performance to be materially different from any anticipated future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. The reader is further cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive and it is recommended that the reader consult the more complete discussion of the Company's business, financial condition and prospects that is included in this MD&A. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is given as of the date hereof and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions on which the forward-looking information are made are reasonable, based on the information available to the Company on the date such forward-looking information was given, no assurances can be given as to whether these assumptions will prove to be correct. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as, and to the extent, required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Technical information
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by prior owners of the Midas Mine, prior to the acquisition of the Midas Mine by the Company. To the knowledge of the Company, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the project. The Company has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
- 13 -
RISK FACTORS
As a resource acquisition, exploration and development company, the Company is engaged in a highly speculative business that involves a high degree of risk and is frequently unsuccessful. In addition to the information disclosed elsewhere in this MD&A, readers should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before deciding whether to invest in the Company's securities. These risk factors do not necessarily comprise all of the risks to which the Company is or will be subject.
The Company's failure to successfully address the risks and uncertainties described below could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and/or results of operations and could cause the trading price of the Common Shares to decline. The Company cannot guarantee that it will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect its business. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company's business operations. If any of the possibilities described in such risks actually occurs, the Company's business, the Company's financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely harmed. In addition to the risk factors mentioned below, readers of this MD&A are encouraged to read the "Risk Factors" as more fully described in the Companys filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators, including its annual information form, available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Important risk factors to consider, among others, are the following:
QUALIFIED PERSON AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Mark Odell, P.E., Principal Engineer, Practical Mining LLC, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (" NI 43-101 ") reviewed and is responsible for the technical information contained in this MD&A.
Additional information
Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's annual information form, is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
- 14 -
Form 52-109F2
Certification of Interim Filings
Full Certificate
I, Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review: I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the interim filings) of Klondex Mines Ltd (the issuer) for the interim period ended March 31, 2014. |
||
2. |
No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings. |
||
3. |
Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings. |
||
4. |
Responsibility: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
||
5. |
Design : Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings |
||
(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
||
(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and |
||
(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
||
(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer's GAAP. |
||
5.1 |
Control framework : The control framework the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer's ICFR is based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework , issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
||
5.2 |
N/A |
||
5.3 |
N/A |
1
6. |
Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer's ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2014 and ended on March 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's ICFR. |
Date: May 13, 2014
Signature: | (sgd) Paul Huet | |
Paul Huet, Chief Executive Officer |
2
Form 52-109F2
Certification of Interim Filings
Full Certificate
I, Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd., certify the following:
1. |
Review : I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the interim filings) of Klondex Mines Ltd (the issuer) for the interim period ended March 31, 2014. |
||
2. |
No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings. |
||
3. |
Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings. |
||
4. |
Responsibility : The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
||
5. |
Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings |
||
(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
||
(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and |
||
(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
||
(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer's GAAP. |
||
5.1 |
Control framework: The control framework the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer's ICFR is based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework , issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
||
5.2 |
N/A |
||
5.3 |
N/A |
1
6. | Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer's ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2014 and ended on March 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's ICFR. |
Date: May 13, 2014
Signature: | (sgd) Barry Dahl | |
Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer |
2
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS |
of |
KLONDEX MINES LTD. (the "Company") |
June 17, 2015 |
REPORT OF VOTING RESULTS |
National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations |
Section 11.3 |
Matters Voted Upon |
Votes By Proxy | ||||
Outcome of Vote | Votes For | Votes Against | ||
1. | Fixing the number of directors of the Company at eight. | Carried | 94,258,185 | 729,285 |
(99.23%) | (0.77%) |
Outcome of Vote | Votes For | Votes Withheld | |||
2. | The election of the following directors: | ||||
(a) | Renaud Adams | Elected | 83,784,850 | 536,600 | |
(99.36%) | (0.64%) | ||||
(b) | Rodney Cooper | Elected | 84,040,010 | 281,440 | |
(99.67%) | (0.33%) | ||||
(c) | Mark J. Daniel | Elected | 84,038,984 | 282,466 | |
(99.67%) | (0.33%) | ||||
(d) | James Haggarty | Elected | 93,668,640 | 652,810 | |
(99.23%) | (0.77%) | ||||
(e) | Richard J. Hall | Elected | 84,042,000 | 279,450 | |
(99.67%) | (0.33%) | ||||
(f) | Paul Huet | Elected | 84,042,944 | 278,506 | |
(99.67%) | (0.33%) | ||||
(g) | William Matlack | Elected | 81,638,816 | 2,682,634 | |
(96.82%) | (3.18%) | ||||
(h) | Blair Schultz | Elected | 66,190,573 | 18,130,877 | |
(78.50%) | (21.50%) |
Outcome of Vote | Votes For | Votes Withheld | ||
3. |
Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, as auditors of the Company and authorizing the |
Carried | 94,702,595 | 346,673 |
directors to fix their remuneration | (99.64%) | (0.36%) |
KLONDEX MINES LTD. |
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING |
OF SHAREHOLDERS |
NOTICE is hereby given that the annual meeting (the " Meeting ") of the shareholders of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the " Company ") will be held at Toronto Region Board of Trade, Suite 350, 77 Adelaide St. West, Toronto, Ontario on June 17, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), for the following purposes:
1. |
To receive the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the report of the auditor thereon. |
2. |
To set the number of directors of the Company to be elected at eight. |
3. |
To elect directors of the Company for the ensuing year. |
4. |
To appoint the auditors and to authorize the directors of the Company to fix their remuneration. |
5. |
To transact such further and other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof. |
An "ordinary resolution" is a resolution passed by at least a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of the Company who voted in respect of that resolution at the Meeting.
A shareholder wishing to be represented by proxy at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof must deposit his or her duly executed form of proxy with the Company's transfer agent and registrar, Computershare Investor Services Inc., 2nd Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B9, Attention: Proxy Department, or by facsimile to (416) 263-9524 or 1-866-249-7775 not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on June 15, 2015 or, if the Meeting is adjourned, 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before any adjournment of the Meeting. A shareholder may also vote by telephone or via the internet by following the instructions on the form of proxy. If a shareholder votes by telephone or via the internet, completion or return of the proxy form is not needed. The directors of the Company have fixed the close of business on May 11, 2015 as the record date for the determination of the shareholders of the Company entitled to receive notice of the Meeting.
This notice of meeting (the " Notice ") is accompanied by: (a) the Circular; and (b) either a form of proxy for registered shareholders or a voting instruction form for beneficial shareholders. The Circular accompanying this Notice is incorporated into and shall be deemed to form part of this Notice.
DATED the 14 th day of May, 2015.
By Order of the Board |
(signed) Paul Huet |
Paul Huet |
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
KLONDEX MINES LTD. |
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR |
PART ONE VOTING INFORMATION |
Solicitation of Proxies
This management information circular (this "Circular") is furnished in connection with the solicitation by management of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the "Company") of proxies to be used at the annual meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders of the Company ("Shareholders") to be held on June 17, 2015, at the time and place and for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting (the "Notice") . It is expected that the solicitation of proxies will be primarily made by mail and may be supplemented by telephone or other personal contact by the directors, officers and employees of the Company. Directors, officers and employees of the Company will not receive any extra compensation for such activities. The cost of solicitation by management will be borne by the Company.
Appointment and Revocation of Proxies
The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy are directors and officers of the Company. A Shareholder desiring to appoint some other person (who need not be a Shareholder) to represent the Shareholder at the Meeting and any adjournment thereof may do so either by inserting such person's name in the blank space provided in the applicable form of proxy or by completing another proper form of proxy and, in either case, depositing his or her duly executed form of proxy with the Company's transfer agent and registrar, Computershare Investor Services Inc., 2nd Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B9, Attention: Proxy Department, or by facsimile to (416) 263-9524 or 1-866-249-7775 not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on June 15, 2015 or, if the Meeting is adjourned, 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before any adjournment of the Meeting. You may also vote by telephone or via the internet by following the instructions on the form of proxy. If you vote by telephone or via the internet, do not complete or return the proxy form.
In addition to revocation in any other manner permitted by law, a proxy may be revoked by an instrument in writing executed by the Shareholder or by his or her attorney authorized in writing deposited either at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, at which the proxy is to be used or with the Chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting, or adjournment thereof, and upon either of such deposits, the proxy is revoked.
Exercise of Discretion by Proxies
The person named in the enclosed form of proxy will vote or withhold from voting the common shares of the Company (" Common Shares ") in respect of which he is appointed in accordance with the direction of the Shareholder appointing him. If the Shareholder specifies a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the Common Shares will be voted accordingly. In the absence of any direction to the contrary in respect of a matter to be voted on, all Common Shares represented by proxy will be voted FOR or IN FAVOUR of such matter.
The enclosed form of proxy confers discretionary authority upon the person named therein with respect to the matters identified in the Notice and with respect to other matters which may properly come before the Meeting. As of the date hereof, management of the Company knows of no such amendments, variations or other matters to come before the Meeting. However, if any such amendment, variation or other matter properly comes before the Meeting, it is the intention of the person named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote on such other business in accordance with his or her best judgment.
The form of proxy must be signed by the Shareholder or the duly appointed attorney thereof authorized in writing or, if the Shareholder is a corporation, by an authorized officer of such corporation. A form of proxy signed by the person acting as attorney of the Shareholder or in some other representative capacity, including an officer of a corporation which is a Shareholder, should indicate the capacity in which such person is signing. A Shareholder or his or her attorney may sign the form of proxy or a power of attorney authorizing the creation of a proxy by electronic signature provided that the means of electronic signature permits a reliable determination that the document was created or communicated by or on behalf of such Shareholder or by or on behalf of his or her attorney, as the case may be.
- 2 -
Non-Registered Holders
Only registered Shareholders or the person they appoint as their proxy are entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting. The Common Shares beneficially owned by a person (a " Non-Registered Holder ") are registered either: (i) in the name of an intermediary (an " Intermediary ") with whom the Non-Registered Holder deals in respect of the Common Shares (Intermediaries include, among others, banks, trust companies, securities dealers or brokers and trustees or administrators of self-administered RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs and similar plans); or (ii) in the name of a clearing agency (such as CDS Clearing Depositary Services Inc. (" CDS ") of which the Intermediary is a participant). In accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 54-101 Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer (" NI 54-101 ") of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the Company will have distributed copies of the Notice, this Circular and the form of proxy (collectively, the " meeting materials ") to the clearing agencies and Intermediaries for onward distribution to Non-Registered Holders. The Company does not intend to pay for intermediaries to forward objecting beneficial owners under NI 54-101 the proxy-related materials and Form 54-107 Request for Voting Instructions Made by Intermediary . In the case of an objecting beneficial owner, the objecting beneficial owner will not receive the materials unless the objecting beneficial owner's intermediary assumes the cost of delivery.
Non-Registered Holders who have not waived the right to receive meeting materials will receive either a voting instruction form or, less frequently, a form of proxy. The purpose of these forms is to permit Non-Registered Holders to direct the voting of the Common Shares they beneficially own. Non-Registered Holders should follow the procedures set out below, depending on which type of form they receive.
1. |
Voting Instruction Form . In most cases, a Non-Registered Holder will receive, as part of the meeting materials, a voting instruction form. If the Non-Registered Holder does not wish to attend and vote at the Meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the Non-Registered Holder's behalf), the voting instruction form must be completed, signed and returned in accordance with the directions on the form. Voting instruction forms in some cases permit the completion of the voting instruction form by telephone or through the internet. If a Non-Registered Holder wishes to attend and vote at the meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the Non-Registered Holder's behalf), the Non-Registered Holder must complete, sign and return the voting instruction form in accordance with the directions provided and a form of proxy giving the right to attend and vote will be forwarded to the Non-Registered Holder. |
2. |
Form of Proxy . Less frequently, a Non-Registered Holder will receive, as part of the meeting materials, a form of proxy that has already been signed by the Intermediary (typically by a facsimile, stamped signature) which is restricted as to the number of Common Shares beneficially owned by the Non- Registered Holder but which is otherwise uncompleted. If the Non-Registered Holder does not wish to attend and vote at the meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the Non-Registered Holder's behalf), the Non-Registered Holder must complete the form of proxy and deposit it with the Corporate Secretary of the Company c/o Computershare Investor Services Inc. , Attention: Proxy Department, 2nd Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B9 or by facsimile to (416) 263-9524 or 1-866-249-7775 or vote by telephone or internet as described above. If a Non- Registered Holder wishes to attend and vote at the meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the Non-Registered Holder's behalf), the Non-Registered Holder must strike out the names of the persons named in the proxy and insert the Non-Registered Holder's (or such other person's) name in the blank space provided. |
Non-Registered Holders should follow the instructions on the forms they receive and contact their Intermediaries promptly if they need assistance.
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Record Date and Voting Securities
The record date for the determination of Shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Meeting has been fixed as May 11, 2015 (the " Record Date "). Only Shareholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date who either attend the Meeting in person or complete, sign and deliver a form of proxy in the manner and subject to the provisions described above will be entitled to vote or to have their Common Shares voted at the Meeting. A quorum for the transaction of business at the Meeting is the presence of one person who is, or who represents by proxy one or more Shareholders who, in the aggregate, hold at least 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares entitled to be voted at the Meeting.
The authorized capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares. As of the Record Date, the Company had outstanding an aggregate of 129,602,079 Common Shares, each carrying the right to one vote per share.
Interest of Certain Persons or Companies in Matters to be Acted Upon
No director or executive officer of the Company, or any person who has held such a position since the beginning of the last completed financial year of the Company, nor any nominee for election as a director of the Company, nor any associate or affiliate of the foregoing persons, has any substantial or material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted on at the Meeting other than the election of directors, the appointment of the auditor and as may be set out herein.
Interest of Informed Persons in Material Transactions
On February 11, 2014, in connection with the acquisition by the Company of the Midas mine and mill, the Company entered into a senior secured loan facility agreement with a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp., and including The K2 Principal Fund L.P. (" K2 ") and Jones, Gable & Company Limited pursuant to which the Company issued units consisting of an aggregate of $25,000,000 principal amount of notes, issued at a 2.5% discount to par value, and 3,100,000 warrants to purchase Common Shares (the " Debt Financing "). At the time of entering into the Debt Financing, K2 held over 10% of the then outstanding Common Shares. Additional information on the Debt Financing is included in the Company's annual information form dated March 31, 2015 for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the " AIF ") which is available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Unless as otherwise disclosed, none of the directors or officers of the Company, nor any proposed nominees for election as directors, nor any associate or affiliate of any such person, had any direct or indirect material interest, during 2014, in respect of any matter that has materially affected or will materially affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Principal Holders of Voting Securities
To the knowledge of the directors and senior officers of the Company as at the Record Date, no persons or companies beneficially own or exercise control or direction over 10% or more of the votes attached to the Common Shares, other than as set out below.
Shareholder Name
|
Number of Common Shares Held
|
Percentage of Outstanding
Common
Shares Held |
Sun Valley Gold LLC | 14,251,800 | 11.0% |
Sentry Investments Inc. | 19,764,500 (1) | 15.3% |
Notes:
(1) |
Reflects Common Shares beneficially owned by Sentry Investments Inc. (" Sentry ") according to the early warning report dated February 10, 2015 filed by Sentry with the applicable securities regulators under the alternative monthly reporting system of National Instrument 62-103, which indicates that Sentry exercises control over but not ownership of the Common Shares. |
- 4 -
PART TWO BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
Annual Financial Statements
The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the auditors' report thereon will be placed before the Shareholders at the Meeting.
Fixing the Number of Directors of the Company
As a result of the Company's growth and transition into a gold producer in 2014, the board of directors of the Company (the " Board ") has determined that the size of the Board should be fixed at eight. Shareholders will therefore be asked at the Meeting to approve an ordinary resolution that the number of directors to be elected be set at eight, subject to such increases as may be permitted by the articles of the Company and the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the " BCBCA ").
At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider and, if deemed advisable, to pass, with or without variation, the following resolution:
"BE IT RESOLVED, as an ordinary resolution of the shareholders of the Company, that:
1. |
the number of directors of the Company to be elected is hereby set at eight." |
The Board recommends a vote FOR the approval of the resolution setting the number of directors at eight. In the absence of a contrary instruction, the persons named in the form of proxy accompanying this Circular intend to vote FOR the approval of the resolution setting the number of directors at eight.
Election of Directors
The Company has fixed the number of directors to be elected at the Meeting at eight. The directors of the Company are to be elected in accordance with the Company's majority voting policy (see " Part Six Statement of Corporate Governance Practices Majority Voting Policy "). Unless the director's office is vacated earlier in accordance with the articles of the Company or the BCBCA, each director elected will hold office until the next annual meeting or until a successor is duly elected or appointed.
The following table sets out the names of management's nominees for election as directors, all major offices and positions with the Company and any of its significant affiliates each now holds, each nominee's principal occupation, business or employment, the period of time during which each has been a director of the Company and the number of Common Shares they beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, as at May 14, 2015.
Name and
Residence |
Office Held | Principal Occupation during the Past Five Years |
Date
First
Elected or Appointed |
No. of
Common Shares |
Renaud Adams
(2)(3)
Oakville, Ontario, Canada |
Director |
President & Chief Executive Officer of Richmont Mines Inc. since November 2014; President and Chief Operating Officer of Primero Mining Corp. from November 2011 to October 2014; Senior Vice-President, Operations Americas of IAMGOLD Corporation from February 2010 to October 2011; prior thereto, Vice President and General Manager of the Rosebel Gold Mine in Suriname for IAMGOLD Corporation. |
July 11,
2013 |
21,900 |
- 5 -
Name and
Residence |
Office Held | Principal Occupation during the Past Five Years |
Date
First
Elected or Appointed |
No. of
Common Shares |
Rodney Cooper
(1)(3)
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada |
Director |
President and Chief Operating Officer of Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited, a mining and exploration company, since December 2011; Vice President, Senior Mining Analyst at Dundee Securities from November 2009 to November 2011; Chief Operating Officer at Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation. |
August 10,
2012 |
115,410 |
Mark J. Daniel
Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Nominee |
Mr. Daniel is currently a director of AuRico Gold Inc. Mr. Daniel was formerly Vice President, Human Resources for Vale Canada (formerly Inco Limited). Prior to that, he worked with the Bank of Canada and a number of other federal agencies before joining the Conference Board of Canada. |
-- | Nil |
James
Haggarty (1)(2) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Director |
CEO of technology and e-commerce company (SHOP.CA) since 2014; Founder & President of J.E.L.L. Advisors, a consulting firm, since 2012; prior thereto, Executive Vice President at Rogers Communications Inc. 2005 to 2012. |
June 28,
2012 |
60,420 |
Richard J. Hall
(2)(4)
Silverthorne, Colorado, USA |
Director
(Chairman) |
Corporate director; Chairman of Premier Gold Mines Limited from 2010 until June 2012; CEO of Northgate Minerals Corp. from July 2011 until its acquisition by AuRico Gold in October 2011; Chairman of Grayd Resource Corporation from 2008 until its acquisition by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited in 2011. |
September
9, 2014 |
73,500 |
Paul Huet
(3)(4)
Reno, Nevada, USA |
President and
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
President & Chief Executive Officer of the Company since September 2012; Chief Operating Officer of Premier Gold Mines Limited from 2011 to 2012; General Manager of Nevada Great Basin Gold from 2007 to 2011. |
September
12, 2012 |
375,260 |
William
Matlack (1)(3)(4) Reno, Nevada, USA |
Director |
Private investor and mineral explorer; previously Interim CEO of the Company; metals & mining investment banker with Scarsdale Equities LLC. |
June 28,
2012 |
1,317,072 |
Blair Schultz
(4)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Executive
Director |
Private investor; Vice President and Head of Special Situation Analytics, Portfolio Management & Trading at K2 & Associates Investment Management Inc., a hedge fund in Toronto, until 2014. Part owner and director of RYR Sports Inc., since December 2014. |
June 28,
2012 |
1,385,500 |
Notes:
(1) |
Member of the Audit Committee. |
(2) |
Member of the Compensation and Governance Committee. |
(3) |
Member of the Mine Safety and Health Committee. |
(4) |
Member of the Legacy Committee. |
Renaud Adams, Director
Renaud Adams has 20 years of experience in the mining industry and has been the President & CEO of Richmont Mines Inc. since November 2014. Prior to that, Mr. Adams was President and Chief Operating Officer of Primero Mining Corp. from November 2011 to October 2014; Senior Vice-President, Operations Americas of IAMGOLD Corporation from February 2010 to October 2011; and, prior thereto, Vice President and General Manager of the Rosebel Gold Mine in Suriname for IAMGOLD Corporation. While at IAMGOLD, he oversaw three operations in Suriname and Quebec producing approximately four hundred thousand ounces of gold and five million kilograms of niobium annually. At Breakwater Resources, he was responsible for mines in Honduras and southern Chile. Mr. Adams has a Mining & Mineral Processing engineering degree from Laval University and brings to Klondex hands-on operations experience with administration, operations, exploration metallurgy and processing, as well as legal, social and environmental aspects of the business.
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Rodney Cooper, Director
Rodney Cooper has been involved in the mining industry for over 30 years, with broad experience in technical services, operations, project management, investment evaluation and finance. He is a mining engineer, having obtained the P.Eng. designation, and a past director of the Mining Association of Canada and the Alberta Chamber of Resources. Currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited, he previously served as Vice President and Senior Analyst at Dundee Securities, Chief Operating Officer at Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation and Vice President Technical Services at Kinross Gold Corporation. His experience in gold mining extends over twenty years, including extensive work in the western United States, including Nevada. Mr. Cooper's underground design, development and operations experience is directly applicable to the Company's projects. He graduated with Honours in Applied Science, Mining Engineering, from Queens University, in Kingston, Ontario and earned his MBA from the University of Toronto.
Mark Daniel, Nominee
Mark Daniel is currently a director of AuRico Gold Inc. Mr. Daniel was formerly Vice President, Human Resources for Vale Canada (formerly Inco Limited). Prior to that, he worked with the Bank of Canada and a number of other federal agencies before joining the Conference Board of Canada. During Mr. Daniel's 15 year career with the Conference Board, he benchmarked leadership and management practices in some of the most successful companies in North America, Europe and Japan. Mr. Daniel holds a PhD in Economics.
James Haggarty, Director
James Haggarty is a Chartered Professional Accountant (C.P.A. and C.A.) and holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Windsor. As a financial and operational executive with over 20 years of experience ranging from strategic planning to M&A transactions to managing diverse businesses day-to-day, Mr. Haggarty is highly experienced and adept at managing complex financial structures, partnership agreements/regulations/business technologies and systems. Mr. Haggarty's career has covered a range of industries from broadcasting, telecommunications, mining and public accounting. He has held senior executive positions as Executive VP Operations, VP Financial Operations, and VP Corporate Development with public and private companies like SHOP.CA where he currently is Chief Executive Officer. He has extensive experience with audit committees and public company boards throughout his career, stemming back to 1993 with Inmet Mining (formerly Metall Mining). Mr. Haggarty is also on the board of directors of SHOP.CA, and the board of directors of the Toronto Blue Jays Care Foundation.
Richard J. Hall, Chairman of the Board and Director
Richard J. Hall is a seasoned mining executive, bringing over 40 years of building leading precious metals companies in the America's and Australia, to the Company. In addition to consulting to the mining industry, he presently serves on the Board of Directors for IAMGOLD Corporation and Kaminak Gold Corporation. Previously, he was Chairman of Premier Gold Mines Limited, while Mr. Huet was Chief Operating Officer at Premier. Mr. Hall served as CEO of Northgate Minerals Corp. and Metallica Resources Inc., Chairman of Grayd Resource Corp. and as Chairman of the Special Committee for Creston Moly Corp. From 1998 to 2008, as President and CEO of Metallica, he was involved in all aspects of the company's development, including the financing, construction and commissioning of the Cerro San Pedro gold and silver mine in Mexico. While at Metallica, the El Morro deposit was discovered in Chile and was brought through to a final feasibility study in conjunction with Metallica's operating partner on the project, Xstrata. Metallica was part of a $1.6 billion three-way merger with Peak Gold Ltd. into what is now New Gold Inc. Prior to his tenure at Metallica, Mr. Hall has held senior management positions with Dayton Mining Corp. and Pegasus Gold Corp.
Mr. Hall holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in geology, and a Master of Business Administration from Eastern Washington University. He also completed an executive development program at the University of Minnesota. Mr. Hall is also a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors and member of both the Audit and Investment Committees of the Society of Economic Geologists.
- 7 -
Paul Huet, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
Paul Huet brings over 25 years of experience in high-grade mining, with particular expertise in narrow vein gold mining and has supervised Mine Operations, Mine Engineering, Geology and Mine Safety in Nevada. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Huet served as Chief Operating Officer of Premier Gold Mines Limited and oversaw its gold projects. Mr. Huet also previously served as General Manager at the Hollister mine for five years and was Mine Manager at the Midas Mine, prior to it being acquired by the Company and while operating under Newmont and Franco-Nevada ownership, serving in several roles during his seven-year tenure.
Mr. Huet earned an Honours degree in Mining Engineering Technology from Haileybury School of Mines in Ontario and an Executive MBA from the Stanford University School of Business. He was appointed as a director for the Northwest Mining Association in 2014.
William Matlack, Director
William Matlack has 20 years of experience in the mining industry, primarily with major gold mining companies, followed by 17 years in mining finance in the securities industry, including 4 years in metals & mining equity research, which included large-cap gold producers, with major brokerage firms. Mr. Matlack is an investment banker, private investor, and mineral explorer. He specializes in metals and mining investment banking with Scarsdale Equities LLC. His prior experience in metals and mining equities includes equity research positions with BMO Capital Markets and Citigroup Capital Markets. Mr. Matlack was involved in several world-class gold discoveries with Santa Fe Pacific Gold Corp. (now Newmont Mining Corporation) and Gold Fields Ltd. spanning a 20-year career in exploration. He also has significant industry experience in non-ferrous metals and uranium. He previously served as Interim CEO of the Company in 2012. He has a B.A. in Geology from Carleton College and a M.S. in Geology from the University of Minnesota.
Blair Schultz, Executive Director
Blair Schultz, who has 13 years of experience evaluating M&A transactions in the mining space, served as Chairman of the Company from 2012 to 2014. Most recently he was Vice President and Head of Special Situation Analytics, Portfolio Management & Trading at K2 & Associates Investment Management Inc. His duties involved management of various investment silos including special situation analytics, merger arbitrage, commodity and currency hedging and investment execution. Blair has previously worked for Canada Life, TD Securities, Trimark and Perigee Investment Counsel in debt private placements, interest rate derivatives and equity research. He is also a part owner and director of RYR Sports Inc., a hockey equipment manufacturer based in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Schultz holds an Honours Bachelor of Mathematics degree from the University of Waterloo with a Business Administration option from Wilfred Laurier University.
Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties and Sanctions
None of the nominees for election as a director of the Company is, or was within the ten years prior to the date hereof, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company that was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied such company access to any exemption under securities legislation that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days and that was issued while that person was acting in such capacity or that was issued after that person ceased to act in such capacity and which resulted from an event that occurred which that person was acting in such capacity.
None of the nominees for election as a director of the Company is, or was within the ten years prior to the date hereof, a director or executive officer of any company that, while that person was acting in such capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in such capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangements or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.
- 8 -
None of the nominees for election as director of the Company has within the ten years prior to the date hereof become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangements or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.
None of the nominees for election as a director of the Company has been subject to (a) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority, or (b) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable shareholder in deciding whether to vote for a proposed director.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board has an audit committee (the " Audit Committee "), a compensation and governance committee (the " Compensation and Governance Committee "), a mine safety and health committee (the " Mine Safety and Health Committee ") and a legacy committee (the " Legacy Committee "). The current members of the Audit Committee include James Haggarty (Chair), Rodney Cooper and William Matlack (see " Part Five Audit Committee Information "). The current members of the Compensation and Governance Committee include James Haggarty (Chair), Renaud Adams and Richard J. Hall (see " Part Six Statement of Corporate Governance Practices Committees of the Board of Directors Compensation and Governance Committee "). The current members of the Mine Safety and Health Committee include Rodney Cooper (Chair), Renaud Adams, Paul Huet and William Matlack (see " Part Six Statement of Corporate Governance Practices Committees of the Board of Directors Mine Safety and Health Committee "). The current members of the Legacy Committee include William Matlack (Chair), Richard J. Hall, Paul Huet and Blair Schultz (see " Part Six Statement of Corporate Governance Practices Committees of the Board of Directors Legacy Committee ").
Upon the election of the proposed nominees to the Board, it is anticipated that Mark J. Daniel will be added as an additional member of the Compensation and Governance Committee.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the election of the above named nominees. The persons named in the form of proxy accompanying this Circular intend to vote FOR the election of the above named nominees, unless the Shareholder who has given such proxy has directed that the Common Shares represented by such proxy be withheld from voting in respect of the election of such nominee . Management of the Company does not contemplate that any nominees named above will be unable to serve as director; however, if that should occur for any reason prior to the Meeting or any adjournment thereof, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy reserve the right to vote for another nominee in their discretion.
Appointment of Auditors
The Board recommends the adoption of a resolution appointing PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants (" PWC ") as the auditors of the Company until the close of the next annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company and to authorize the directors to fix the auditors' remuneration. PWC was first appointed as auditors of the Company effective January 6, 2014. In order to be effective, the resolution must be approved by a majority of the votes cast by Shareholders present, or represented by proxy, at the Meeting.
The Board believes that the appointment of PWC as auditors is in the best interests of the Company and therefore unanimously recommends that the Shareholders vote in favour of this resolution. Unless instructed otherwise, the representatives of the Company named in the accompanying form of proxy intend to vote the Common Shares represented by proxies FOR the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as auditors of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and the authorization of the directors to fix their remuneration unless the Shareholder has specified in the proxy that his Common Shares are to be withheld from voting in respect thereof.
- 9 -
Other Matters
Management knows of no other matters to come before the Meeting other than those referred to in the Notice of Meeting. Should any other matters properly come before the Meeting, the Common Shares represented by the form of proxy accompanying this Circular will be voted on such matters in accordance with the best judgment of the persons voting by proxy.
PART THREE STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Compensation Governance
The Compensation and Governance Committee is currently composed of three members, all of whom are independent directors, as determined under National Policy Policy 58-201 Corporate Governance Guidelines (see " Part Six Statement of Corporate Governance Practices Corporate Governance Guidelines "). The Company's compensation policies and programs are designed to be competitive with similar mining companies and to recognize and reward executive performance consistent with the success of the Company's business. These policies and programs are intended to attract and retain capable and experienced people. The Compensation and Governance Committee's role and philosophy is to ensure that the Company's compensation goals and objectives, as applied to the actual compensation paid to the Company's Chief Executive Officer (" CEO ") and other executive officers, are aligned with the Company's overall business objectives and with Shareholder interests.
In addition to industry comparables, the Compensation and Governance Committee considers a variety of factors when determining both compensation policies and programs and individual compensation levels. These factors include the long-range interests of the Company and Shareholders, overall financial and operating performance of the Company and the Compensation and Governance Committee's assessment of each executive's individual performance and contribution toward meeting corporate objectives.
The function of the Compensation and Governance Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to the compensation practices of the executive officers of the Company. The Compensation and Governance Committee is empowered to review the compensation levels of the Company's executive officers and to report and make recommendations thereon to the Board; to review the strategic objectives of the Company's stock option and other stock-based compensation plans and to set stock based compensation; and to consider any other matters which, in the Compensation and Governance Committee's judgment, should be taken into account in reaching any recommendation to the Board concerning the compensation levels of the Company's executive officers.
The Board assumes responsibility for reviewing and monitoring the long-range compensation strategy for the Company's senior management, although the Compensation and Governance Committee guides it in this role. The Board determines the type and amount of compensation for the CEO. The Board also reviews the compensation of the Company's senior executives.
Subsequent to December 31, 2014, the Compensation and Governance Committee engaged an independent consulting firm, Hugessen Consulting Inc. (" Hugessen "), to provide it with independent advice on executive compensation and related governance matters in connection with the approach of the Company towards executive and director compensation for 2015 and beyond. The nature and scope of services provided and to be provided by Hugessen to the Compensation and Governance Committee includes:
| providing advice regarding NEO compensation levels; | |
| providing advice regarding non-executive director compensation levels; | |
|
providing information regarding ongoing and emerging market trends in executive compensation, director compensation and related corporate governance; and |
|
| providing advice to the Compensation and Governance Committee in advance of Compensation and Governance Committee meetings. |
- 10 -
The Compensation and Governance Committee reviews and considers the information and advice provided by Hugessen, among other factors, when it makes its recommendations to the Board for approval. The Board, however, makes the ultimate decisions with respect to executive compensation after considering the Compensation and Governance Committee's recommendations.
Hugessen does not provide any services to management directly and work conducted by Hugessen raises no conflicts of interest. Any services provided by Hugessen require Compensation and Governance Committee pre-approval and the Chair of the Compensation and Governance Committee approves all invoices for work performed by Hugessen. The Compensation and Governance Committee has the authority to hire and fire its independent advisor.
Hugessen was initially retained by the Company in February 2015. The table below outlines the fees paid to Hugessen over the last two years for services related to determining the compensation of our directors and officers. Hugessen did not provide any other services in either year.
2013 | 2014 | |
Executive Compensation-Related Fees | Nil | Nil |
All Other Fees | Nil | Nil |
Philosophy and Objectives
The compensation program for the Company's senior management is designed to ensure the level and form of compensation achieves certain objectives, including:
(a) |
attracting and retaining talented, qualified and effective executives; |
|
(b) |
motivating the short and long-term performance of these executives; and |
|
(c) |
aligning their interests with the interests of Shareholders. |
Peer Group
The Compensation and Governance Committee compares the Company's compensation structure and levels with a peer group of companies, including base salary, target compensation and actual compensation for each "Named Executive Officer" according to position title, organizational role and overall scope of responsibility. The 2014 peer group used by the Compensation and Governance Committee in making its recommendations to the Board included the following 12 publicly traded mining companies with which the Company competes for executive talent and which the Company sees as its best comparables in order to ensure the Company remains competitive in attracting, motivating, and retaining highly qualified and experienced executives. Companies were selected for inclusion in the peer group after an in-depth review of many factors, including company size, geographic location, market capitalization, asset composition, degree of complexity and stage of operations.
Company | Company | |
Alamos Gold Inc. | Primero Mining Corp. | |
Allied Nevada Gold Corp. | Richmont Mines Inc. | |
Argonaut Gold Inc. | Rio Alto Mining Limited | |
Gold Resource Corp. | Silvercrest Mines Inc. | |
Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. | St. Andrew Goldfields Ltd. | |
Lake Shore Gold Corp. | Timmins Gold Corp. |
Elements of Compensation Program for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014
The compensation packages for the executive officers of the Company are based on a base salary, a bonus based on agreed objectives and the achievement of set milestones, and both incentive stock options and share-based awards, each granted under the Company's share incentive plan (the " Share Incentive Plan "). The executive officers' compensation packages also include additional benefits, as more clearly set out under the heading " Termination and Change of Control Benefits ". The Compensation and Governance Committee annually reviews the total compensation package of each of the Company's executive officers on an individual basis, against the backdrop of the compensation goals and objectives described above, and makes recommendations to the Board concerning the individual components of their compensation.
- 11 -
Cash Salary
In 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Compensation and Governance Committee reviewed compensation packages and practices for chief executive officers and chief financial officers of a number of small to mid-size public companies in the mining industry, as well as third party compensation reports (see "Peer Group" above). Guided by their review, the Compensation and Governance Committee's recommendations to the Board continue to be in line with the peer groups reviewed.
Cash Bonus
Annual cash incentives are a variable component of compensation designed to reward the Company's executive officers for maximizing annual operating performance.
The Company's business plan requires that the focus of the Company be on exploration, project development milestones and safe, efficient and responsible (environmental and social) production growth. These measures are therefore regarded as the basis for the annual variable incentive scheme, linking management performance with the commitments made to the Company's shareholders. Bonus payments are awarded by the Compensation and Governance Committee, subject to Board approval, under the Company's short-term incentive plan (the " STIP ") to executives and, in 2014, Blair Schultz, after taking into account corporate performance and individual performance as an executive or as a director, as applicable.
The Compensation and Governance Committee is responsible for setting the performance measures applicable to the annual awards and for determining the extent to which such performance measures are met. The formula set out below is used to determine actual cash bonus awards for participants under the STIP:
Base | Target | Overall | Actual | |||
Salary | x | Bonus | x | Performance | = | Cash |
Rate | Score | Bonus |
The amount of the awards may be varied from the amount calculated at the reasonable discretion of the Compensation and Governance Committee. Details relating to the determination of the NEOs' performance scores and the factors leading to the determination the actual cash bonuses paid to the NEOs for the 2014 year are set out below.
Performance Score
Individual performance is assessed on performance relative to goals and objectives determined at the beginning of the year, based on both corporate objectives and certain individualized objectives particular to each individual executive.
In assessing corporate performance, it is recognized that executive officers cannot control certain factors, such as interest rates and the international market for the gold and silver produced by the Company. When applying the corporate performance criteria, the Compensation and Governance Committee considers factors over which the executive officers can exercise control, such as meeting production budget targets established by the Board at the beginning of each year, controlling costs, safety performance, taking advantage of business opportunities and enhancing the competitive and business prospects of the Company. In determining payout amounts, the members of the Compensation and Governance Committee draw on their experience as directors and compensation committee members of other similar companies in the mining industry.
In assessing the 2014 personal performance score used for determining annual cash bonuses, the Compensation and Governance Committee evaluated progress against the Company's strategic plan and the written individual objectives established for each of the executive officers, which were reviewed and approved by the Compensation and Governance Committee in advance. The objectives used to evaluate the performance of the NEOs for the 2014 year varied as between each of the NEOs to account for the different roles served by each NEO within the Company and, as a consequence, the different goals of the Company believed by the Compensation and Governance Committee to most highly correlate with the performance of such NEO.
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For each of these objectives, the Compensation and Governance Committee adopted a five-point graduated scale of payout percentages based on meeting or exceeding such targets, with payout percentages for each corporate objective being 0, 50%, 100%, 120% or 150%, based on the Company's performance against the specified target ranges. In all cases, the Compensation and Governance Committee retained the ability to make any discretionary adjustments it deemed to be appropriate, taking into account all factors and circumstances. As a result, when determining whether a goal was achieved, the Compensation and Governance Committee took a flexible approach and did not always keep exactly with such five payout percentages. In certain situations, where deemed appropriate and where expectations were significantly exceeded, payouts exceeded 150%.
The following tables set out the established performance objectives for each of the NEOs for 2014, along with the weighting given by the Compensation and Governance Committee to each objective, the payout percentage awarded by the Compensation and Governance Committee in respect of each objective and the resulting performance scores, the total of which is applied as the "overall performance score" to the formula above.
Paul Huet, President and Chief Executive Officer
Objective |
% value of
objective (A) |
% of
objective achieved (B) |
Performance
Score (/100) (A x B) |
Share price performance ranking versus peer group | 20 | 90 | 18.0 |
Raising funds for the acquisition financing of the Midas mine and mill | 20 | 100 | 20.0 |
Delivering targeted production (84,420 gold equivalent ounces) | 20 | 180 | 36.0 |
Safety and Environmental considerations (compliance and no occurrences) | 15 | 50 | 7.5 |
Securing toll milling agreements | 5 | 80 | 4.0 |
Establishing vision and values and attracting and retaining management and staff | 5 | 75 | 3.8 |
Developing detailed proposals for at least two growth opportunities (organic or M&A) | 5 | 90 | 4.5 |
Generating cash from expiring warrants | 5 | 85 | 4.3 |
Securing ongoing analyst coverage | 5 | 80 | 4.0 |
Total | 100 | -- | 102.0 (1) |
Notes:
(1) |
For 2014, the Compensation and Governance Committee and the Board deemed it appropriate to make an adjustment to the performance score for Mr. Huet in order to account for the successful acquisition and integration into the Company of the Midas mine and mill, which was not included in Mr. Huet's objectives, but which the Compensation and Governance Committee and the Board agreed should be reflected in his 2014 compensation. As a result, Mr. Huet's performance score was increased from 102%, based on the original objectives, to 127.2%. |
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Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
Objective |
% value of
objective (A) |
% of
objective achieved (B) |
Performance
Score (/100) (A x B) |
Safety and Environmental considerations | 5 | 50 | 2.5 |
Delivering targeted production (84,420 gold equivalent ounces) | 15 | 180 | 27.0 |
Supporting business acquisition of Midas through preparation and review of financial models, tax structure, financing, contracts, and accounting | 20 | 130 | 26.0 |
Developing internal accounting department and hiring personnel | 10 | 100 | 10.0 |
Selecting and implementing accounting program | 10 | 95 | 9.5 |
Assisting in the preparation of the budget for Board approval | 5 | 85 | 4.3 |
Improving quality of financial reporting | 10 | 120 | 12.0 |
Establishing controls over financial reporting | 10 | 85 | 8.5 |
Establishing banking relationships | 5 | 150 | 7.5 |
Generating free cash flow from exercise of warrants | 10 | 130 | 13.0 |
Total | 100 | -- | 120.3 |
Brent Kristof, Chief Operating Officer
Objective |
% value
of
objective (A) |
% of
objective achieved (B) |
Performance
Score (/100) (A x B) |
Share price performance ranking versus peer group | 5 | 110 | 5.5 |
Delivering targeted production (84,420 gold equivalent ounces) | 40 | 180 | 72.0 |
Safety and Environmental considerations at the Company's projects | 20 | 50 | 10.0 |
Achieving budgeted costs and cash flows for the Company | 10 | 100 | 10.0 |
Achieving an organic increase in mineral resources by 40% | 5 | 50 | 2.5 |
Establishing a budgeting, forecasting and cost review management system | 10 | 50 | 5.0 |
Assisting in hiring and development of personnel in technical leadership roles | 5 | 50 | 2.5 |
Implementing a business improvement program | 5 | 50 | 2.5 |
Total | 100 | -- | 110.0 |
Michael Doolin, Vice President Business Development and Technical Services
Objective |
% value of
objective (A) |
% of
objective achieved (B) |
Performance
Score (/100) (A x B) |
Purchasing the Midas mine and mill | 15 | 100 | 15.0 |
Safety at the Company's projects | 10 | 50 | 5.0 |
Environmental and permitting (including permitting the rapid infiltration basin at the Fire Creek project and submitting the Water Pollution Control Permit) | 10 | 120 | 12.0 |
Delivering targeted production (84,420 gold equivalent ounces) | 25 | 180 | 45.0 |
Achieving human resources objectives for the Midas project | 10 | 100 | 13.0 |
Achieving mill targets | 15 | 90 | 13.5 |
Implementing the carbon circuit | 15 | 200 | 30.0 |
Total | 100 | -- | 130.5 |
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Blair Schultz, Executive Director
Objective |
% value of
objective (A) |
% of
objective achieved (B) |
Performance
Score (/100) (A x B) |
Assisting in the design, development and implementation of a strategic plan | 10 | 90 | 9.0 |
Liasing with capital markets, investment banks, research, sales and trading desks | 40 | 90 | 36.0 |
Aiding in the development of investor relations, joining on selected marketing presentations upon request | 30 | 90 | 27.0 |
Consulting with Chief Financial Officer on matters relating to financial reporting, presentations to the Board and financings | 10 | 90 | 9.0 |
Developing new initiatives as the need arises | 10 | 90 | 9.0 |
Total | 100 | -- | 90.0 |
The Compensation and Governance Committee and the Board reviewed the President and Chief Executive Officer's progress against his objectives, and reviewed the President and Chief Executive Officer's assessment of the progress of each of the other executive officers against their respective objectives, and determined the level and quality of each executive officer's performance achievement, as shown above. Based on that assessment, the Compensation and Governance Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, an appropriate individual performance score for the President and Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation and Governance Committee then reviewed and approved the individual performance scores that the President and Chief Executive Officer recommended for each of the other executive officers.
Target Bonus Rate and Bonus Payout Amounts
In 2014, the Board set the target bonus rates for each of the NEOs, representing the percentage of their base salary (base fee under the Schultz Agreement (as defined below), in the case of Blair Schultz) which their cash bonus would total assuming such NEO achieved all of such NEO's pre-determined objectives. Such target bonus rates, along with the calculated bonus amounts (based on the performance scores for 2014 explained above), are shown below.
Named Executive Officer |
Target
Bonus
Rate |
Annual
Salary /
Base Fee |
Performance
Score |
Pro-ration
Amount |
2014
Bonus
Amount |
Paul Huet | 60% | US$330,000 | 127.2% | 100% | $251,856 |
Barry Dahl | 40% | US$200,000 | 120.3% | 100% | $96,200 |
Brent Kristof | 50% | US$330,000 | 110.0% | 75% | $136,125 |
Michael Doolin | 40% | US$200,000 | 130.5% | 100% | $104,400 |
Blair Schultz | 100% | $110,000 | 90% | 38% | $37,125 |
See "Part Three Statement of Executive Compensation Summary Compensation Table" .
Equity Participation
The Company believes that encouraging its executives and employees to become shareholders is the best way to align their interests with those of Shareholders. Equity participation is accomplished through the Share Incentive Plan. Stock options and restricted common shares are granted to senior executives, taking into account a number of factors, including the amount and term of options previously granted, base salary and bonuses and competitive factors. Options and such restricted common shares vest on terms established by the Board.
Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits
The executive officers of the Company are not generally entitled to significant perquisites or other personal benefits not offered to the Company's other employees; however certain of the executive officers have received certain perquisites as described further under "Part Three Statement of Executive Compensation Summary Compensation Table" and "Part Three Statement of Executive Compensation Termination and Change of Control Benefits" .
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Share-based and Option-based Awards
The Share Incentive Plan is intended to emphasize management's commitment to the growth of the Company and the enhancements of shareholders' equity through, for example, improvements in its resource base and share price increases. The Company relies on Board discussions without any formal objectives in granting stock options, other than management's consideration of the executive officers' duties and responsibilities, the executive officers' execution of such duties, and the impact of stock options on the total compensation package as envisioned by the Board for each of the executive officers.
Given the evolving nature of the Company's business, the Board, with the assistance of the Compensation and Governance Committee and in consultation with the senior management of the Company, continues to review and redesign the overall compensation plan for senior management so as to continue to address the objectives identified above. At least annually, the Board and the Compensation and Governance Committee review the grants of stock options and restricted common shares to management and employees. In future years, it is expected that the Company will develop more formal objectives governing security-based compensation of executive officers.
After reviewing recommendations from the Compensation and Governance Committee, the Board approves base salaries and share and stock option grants at the same time to facilitate consideration of targeted direct compensation to executive officers. Generally, the Board grants options and share-based awards on an annual basis in order to minimize ad hoc option grant proposals and to normalize the compensation process. Previous grants of share-based and option-based awards are taken into account when considering new share-based and option-based grants. Share-based and option-based awards are granted at other times of the year to individuals commencing employment with the Company. The exercise price for the options is set in accordance with Toronto Stock Exchange (" TSX ") policy.
Hedging
To further align the interests of executives and directors with the creation and protection of short-term and long-term value for shareholders, the Company has adopted a policy prohibiting officers and directors from engaging in the short selling of, or trading in put options in respect of, the securities of the Company.
Risk
The Compensation and Governance Committee recognizes that certain elements of compensation could promote unintended inappropriate risk-taking behaviours; however, the Company seeks to ensure that executive compensation packages appropriately balance short term incentives (e.g., base salary and cash bonuses, if applicable) and long-term incentives (e.g., share-based awards and options). Base salaries and personal benefits are not subject to performance risk given the stage of the Company, as discussed above. To receive the benefit of long-term incentives (share-based awards and options), the executive officers must be employed by the Company (subject to limited exceptions), thereby better aligning executive performance with the interests of the Company and Shareholders. The Compensation and Governance Committee believes that executive compensation risk management is reinforced by ongoing Board oversight of, among other things, the Company's financial results, regulatory disclosure, strategic plans, fraud and error reporting, the Audit Committee's regular meetings with the external auditors (including without the presence of management), the Company's internal controls, management information systems and financial control systems. As a result, the Compensation and Governance Committee does not believe that its compensation practices and policies are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares, from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2014, the total cumulative return on a $100 investment in the Common Shares with the cumulative total return of the S&P/TSX Composite Index and the S&P/TSX SmallCap Index, to which index the Common Shares were added during 2014.
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The share price performance trend illustrated within this chart does not necessarily reflect the trend in the Company's compensation to executive officers over the same time period. The share price valuation of gold producers, as well as exploration and development companies, fluctuates with changes in the underlying commodity prices, and at no time during the period was compensation intended to reflect share price performance driven by externalities. Alignment with Shareholders is nonetheless achieved by awarding a significant portion of compensation in the form of long-term equity-based incentives.
Summary Compensation Table
Securities legislation requires the disclosure of compensation received by each "Named Executive Officer" or "NEO" of the Company for the three most recently completed financial years. "Named Executive Officer" is defined by the legislation to mean (i) each of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, (ii) each of the Company's three most highly compensated executive officers, or the three most highly compensated individuals acting in a similar capacity, other than the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, at the end of the most recently completed financial year and whose total compensation exceeds $150,000, and (iii) any additional individual who would be an NEO under (ii) but for the fact that the individual was not serving as an executive officer of the Company or in a similar capacity at the end of the most recently completed financial year end of the Company. For the 2014 year, the NEOs of the Company were the following:
| Paul Huet, President and Chief Executive Officer; | |
| Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary; | |
| Brent Kristof, Chief Operating Officer; | |
| Michael Doolin, VP, Business Development and Technical Services; and | |
| Blair Schultz, director. |
The following table sets forth a summary of all compensation for services earned during the year ended December 31, 2014 by the NEOs.
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Notes:
(1) |
The share-based awards are based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. |
(2) |
The value of the option-based awards was calculated based on the fair value of the options on their grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company chose the Black-Scholes model because it is a widely recognized and utilized model for option pricing. In calculating the fair value of options for the options granted on April 23, 2014, management assumed an average risk-free interest rate of 1.19%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, an expected life of 3 years and an average share price volatility of 43.76%. In calculating the fair value of options for the options granted on July 21, 2014, management assumed an average risk-free interest rate of 1.49%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, an expected life of 5 years and an average share price volatility of 47.75%. In calculating the fair value of options for the 2013 option grants, management assumed an average risk-free interest rate of 1.21%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, an expected life of 3 years and an average share price volatility of 49.58%. In calculating the fair value of options for the 2012 option grants, management assumed an average risk-free interest rate of 1.24%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, an expected life of 3 years and an average share price volatility of 51.60%. |
(3) |
Cash bonus paid and/or payable at the end of the year. See "Part Three Statement of Executive Compensation Compensation Discussion and Analysis Elements of Compensation Program for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014 Cash Bonus" . |
(4) |
Includes payroll and medical benefits paid by the Company. For Mr. Huet, such amounts also include a housing and relocation allowance paid and/or payable at the end of the year. |
(5) |
Mr. Huet was appointed President & CEO of the Company on September 12, 2012. |
(6) |
Mr. Huet, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Kristof and Mr. Doolin received their salary in US dollars. The amounts in the table are stated in Canadian dollars. The translation of compensation into Canadian dollars is done quarterly, using the average closing foreign exchange rate per month for each quarter. |
(7) |
Mr. Dahl was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company on November 15, 2013. |
(8) |
Mr. Kristof was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Company on April 15, 2014. |
(9) |
Mr. Schultz, a director of the Company since June 28, 2012 and the former chairman of the Board, became executive director of the Company upon the entering into of the Schultz Agreement (as defined below) by the Company and Mr. Schultz's holding company (" SchultzCo ") on August 12, 2014. |
(10) |
Relates to remuneration paid by the Company to Mr. Schultz and SchultzCo for Mr. Schultz's service as an executive director of the Company. This includes his director fees as described in additional detail under the heading "Part Four Report on Director Compensation Director Compensation Table" , as well as an amount equal to $54,375 paid by the Company to SchultzCo pursuant to an agreement (the " Schultz Agreement ") between the Company and SchultzCo dated August 12, 2014, which agreement sets out the scope of the work to be provided by Mr. Schultz in his capacity as executive director of the Company, including assistance (i) in the development and mentoring of the executive management team, (ii) in identifying strategic opportunities for the Company, (iii) in negotiating and securing future financing for the Company from time to time, and (iv) in marketing the Company. Under the Schultz Agreement, the Company shall pay SchultzCo an amount equal to $110,000 per annum and a discretionary bonus of up to $110,000, as determined by the Board. The Schultz Agreement can be terminated by either SchultzCo or the Company upon 30 days' written notice to the other party. |
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(11) |
Relates to remuneration paid by the Company to Mr. Schultz for his service as a director of the Company. |
(12) |
Relates to 150,000 restricted common shares granted to Mr. Schultz at a deemed price of $2.00 per restricted common share, representing a match of 30% of the 500,000 Common Shares that Mr. Schultz purchased under the Company's bought deal public offering completed on July 30, 2014, pursuant to Mr. Schultz's share matching right under the Schultz Agreement. Such restricted common shares were issued to Mr. Schultz on July 30, 2014, with 1/3 vesting immediately, 1/3 vesting on the first anniversary and 1/3 vesting on the second anniversary. Also relates to 20,000 restricted common shares granted by the Company under the Share Incentive Plan to Mr. Schultz on July 21, 2014, of which 1/3 shall vest on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant. |
Incentive Plan Awards
Incentive Plan Awards Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
The following table sets out all share-based awards and option-based awards outstanding as at December 31, 2014, for each NEO of the Company in 2014.
Name | Option-based Awards | Share-based Awards | |||||
Number of
securities underlying unexercised options (#) |
Option
exercise price ($) |
Option
expiration date |
Value of
unexercised in-the-money options (1) ($) |
Number of
shares or units of shares that have not vested (#) |
Market or
payout value of share- based awards that have not vested (2) ($) |
Market or
payout value of vested share-based awards not paid out or distributed ($) |
|
Paul Huet
, President
and Chief Executive Officer |
300,000 | 1.20 | Sep 12, 2015 | 225,000 | 70,000 | 136,500 | Nil |
210,000 | 1.44 | Sep 12, 2015 | 107,100 | ||||
210,000 | 1.68 | Sep 12, 2015 | 56,700 | ||||
50,000 | 1.35 | Feb 24, 2016 | 30,000 | ||||
437,500 | 1.50 | Oct 11, 2016 | 196,875 | ||||
500,000 | 2.04 | Jul 21, 2019 | -- | ||||
Barry L. Dahl
, Chief
Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary |
350,000 | 1.58 | Nov 15, 2016 | 129,500 | 50,350 | 98,183 | Nil |
116,667 | 2.04 | Jul 21, 2019 | -- | ||||
Brent Kristof
, Chief
Operating Officer (3) |
300,000 | 1.83 | Apr 23, 2017 | 36,000 | 100,833 | 196,624 | Nil |
150,000 | 2.20 | Apr 23, 2017 | -- | ||||
56,250 | 2.04 | Jul 21, 2019 | -- | ||||
Michael Doolin
, VP,
Business Development and Technical Services |
300,000 | 1.35 | Nov 19, 2015 | 180,000 | 40,000 | 78,000 | Nil |
150,000 | 1.45 | Aug 6, 2016 | 75,000 | ||||
150,000 | 2.04 | Jul 21, 2019 | -- | ||||
Blair Schultz
,
Executive Director (4) |
100,000 | 1.20 | Sep 12, 2015 | 75,000 | 120,000 | 234,000 | Nil |
50,000 | 1.35 | Feb 24, 2016 | 30,000 | ||||
200,000 | 1.50 | Oct 11, 2016 | 90,000 | ||||
400,000 | 2.04 | Jul 21, 2019 | -- |
Notes:
(1) |
Value is based on the difference between the market price of the Common Shares underlying the options and the exercise price of the options as at December 31, 2014. The closing price of the Common Shares as listed on the TSX on December 31, 2014 was $1.95 per Common Share. |
(2) |
Value is shown as at December 31, 2014 and is based on the closing price of the Common Shares as listed on the TSX on December 31, 2014, which was $1.95 per Common Share. |
(3) |
Mr. Kristof was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Company on April 15, 2014. |
(4) |
Mr. Schultz, a director of the Company since June 28, 2012 and the former chairman of the Board, became executive director of the Company upon the entering into of the Schultz Agreement by the Company and SchultzCo on August 12, 2014. |
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Incentive Plan Awards Value Vested or Earned During the Year
The following table sets forth information in respect of all share-based awards and option-based awards vested as at December 31, 2014 in favor of the NEOs of the Company.
Name |
Option-based awards
Value vested during the year (1) ($) |
Share-based
awards
Value vested during the year (2) ($) |
Non-equity
incentive
plan compensation Value earned during the year ($) ) |
Paul Huet
, President and Chief
Executive Officer |
165,634 | Nil | Nil |
Barry L. Dahl
, Chief Financial Officer
and Corporate Secretary |
28,000 | 8,435 | Nil |
Brent Kristof
, Chief Operating
Officer (3) |
Nil | 45,000 | Nil |
Michael Doolin
, VP, Business
Development and Technical Services |
78,000 | Nil | Nil |
Blair Schultz , Director (4) | 18,666 | 100,000 | Nil |
Notes:
(1) |
This is the aggregate dollar value that would have been realized if the options vested during the year had been exercised on their respective vesting dates. |
(2) |
This is the aggregate dollar value realized upon vesting of share-based awards as of vesting date. |
(3) |
Mr. Kristof was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Company on April 15, 2014. |
(4) |
Mr. Schultz, a director of the Company since June 28, 2012 and the former chairman of the Board, became executive director of the Company upon the entering into of the Schultz Agreement by the Company and SchultzCo on August 12, 2014. |
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets out equity compensation plan information as at December 31, 2014.
Plan Category |
Number of securities
to be
issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) |
Weighted-average
exercise
price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) |
Number of
securities
remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) |
Equity compensation plans approved by securityholders | 10,090,355 | $1.70 | 7,720,543 (1) |
Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders | Nil | N/A | Nil |
Total | 10,090,355 | $1.70 | 7,720,543 |
Notes:
(1) |
The maximum aggregate number of options that can be available for issuance under the Share Incentive Plan at any point in time is 15% of the number of outstanding Common Shares at such time, less (i) the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under options granted under share compensation arrangements other than the Share Incentive Plan, and (ii) any Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Share Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2014, there were 127,329,200 Common Shares outstanding and a maximum of 1,288,482 Common Shares available for issuance pursuant to the share compensation plan under the Share Incentive Plan. |
Termination and Change of Control Benefits
Each of the NEOs has entered into an employment agreement with the Company. The following provides details on the status of agreements with each of the NEOs as at December 31, 2014. The Company is currently in the process of completing revised employment agreements with each of Messrs. Huet, Dahl, Kristof and Doolin.
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Paul Huet Employment Contract
Mr. Huet's employment agreement with the Company, dated effective September 12, 2012, as amended effective March 15, 2014, covers the provision of his services as President and CEO of the Company. The employment agreement provides for an annual base salary of US$330,000, a signing bonus of 20,000 Common Shares issued on October 22, 2012 at a fair value of $1.27 per Common Share and a stock option package comprised of 300,000 options to acquire Common Shares exercisable at $1.20 per Common Share; 210,000 options to acquire Common Shares exercisable at $1.44 per Common Share; and 210,000 options to acquire Common Shares exercisable at $1.68 per Common Share, with one-third vesting immediately; one-third vesting on September 12, 2013 and one-third vesting on September 12, 2014.
Mr. Huet is also eligible for a target annual bonus of 60% of annual base salary. On January 3, 2013, the Compensation and Governance Committee approved a bonus based on 3 months of employment. The bonus amount paid was $28,875 less applicable taxes. The employment agreement also provides for a housing allowance of US$1,900 per month (net of any taxes). Additionally, the Company agreed to match, in the form of restricted shares, any direct purchase of Common Shares in the first financing that Mr. Huet may purchase, subject up to a maximum of 25% of such Common Shares. Mr. Huet participated in the November 2012 private placement financing of the Company, acquiring 170,368 Common Shares; on January 16, 2013, the Company issued 42,592 Common Shares to Mr. Huet in respect of this matching provision.
Mr. Huet's based salary was increased to US$362,000 for the 2014 financial year and, in March 2015, the Compensation and Governance Committee and the Board approved an increase in Mr. Huet's base salary to US$424,000 and an increase in his target bonus to 85% of his annual base salary.
Upon a termination with cause, Mr. Huet has no entitlement to further pay or compensation and all unexercised options shall be forfeited. Upon a termination without cause, Mr. Huet shall be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to one year's salary plus an additional lump sum payment of six months' salary for every subsequent full year employed by the Company after September 12, 2013, up to an aggregate maximum of two years' salary, and Mr. Huet shall have six months from his termination date to exercise any vested options.
Upon a termination in the event of a change of control, or resignation in the event Mr. Huet's position or salary is substantially and detrimentally changed following change of control, Mr. Huet shall be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to two years' salary and all options shall immediately vest and become exercisable for one year following cessation of employment.
Barry Dahl Employment Contract
Barry Dahl entered into an employment agreement with the Company on October 11, 2013 for the provision of his services as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The employment agreement provides for a base salary of US$200,000 per annum, less required and authorized deductions, to be reviewed by the President and CEO from time to time. The employment agreement provides for a target annual bonus of 40% of annual base salary; the annual bonus is to be determined at the beginning of each year based on agreed upon objectives, and annual option grants will be in accordance with the annual meeting each year.
On November 15, 2013, in connection with his appointment under the employment agreement, Mr. Dahl was granted 350,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $1.58 and an expiry date on November 15, 2016, which options were to vest 1/3 on December 15, 2013, 1/3 on November 15, 2014 and 1/3 on November 15, 2015.
Under the employment agreement, the Company agreed to match, in the form of restricted common shares, 15% of any direct purchase of Common Shares in the first financing (or purchase from treasury), subject to a maximum amount provided by the Company, in respect of such matching provision, of $112,500 in Common Shares. In connection with the Company's subscription receipt financing completed on January 9, 2014, Mr. Dahl subscribed for 103,500 subscription receipts. The Company matched this subscription by granting Mr. Dahl 15,525 Common Shares pursuant to the Share Incentive Plan.
- 21 -
In March 2015, the Compensation and Governance Committee and the Board approved an increase in Mr. Dahl's base salary to US$220,000 and an increase in his target bonus to 50% of his annual base salary.
The Company may terminate the agreement at any time without cause by providing Mr. Dahl a lump sum equal to 12 months of base salary plus an additional month's base salary for each full year of service starting on November 15, 2014, subject to a maximum total severance amount of 24 months' base salary. In the event of such a termination without cause, Mr. Dahl shall have three months from the termination date to exercise any stock options held that have vested prior to the termination date.
If, within 90 days of a change of control of the Company, Mr. Dahl is terminated without just cause or his position or salary is substantially and detrimentally changed by the Company and he resigns, (i) all Mr. Dahl's unvested options shall immediately vest on the termination date and he shall have one year after the change of control to exercise the vested options; (ii) the Company shall provide Mr. Dahl with the greater of a lump sum payment of 12 months' base salary or the amount of severance he would have received under a termination without cause otherwise than under a change of control; (iii) the Company shall continue to provide benefits that had been provided until the earlier of (1) twelve months from the termination date and (2) the date when Mr. Dahl would be eligible to receive coverage under the benefit plans of his new employer; and (iv) Mr. Dahl shall not be entitled to any further pay or compensation, severance pay, benefits or bonus.
Brent Kristof Employment Contract
Brent Kristof entered into an employment agreement with the Company on April 15, 2014 for the provision of his services as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company. The employment agreement provides for a base salary of US$330,000 per annum, less required and authorized deductions, to be reviewed by the Board from time to time, a signing bonus of 20,000 restricted Common Shares, and a target annual bonus of 50% of annual base salary, to be determined based on corporate and personal objectives to be specified by the Board. Mr. Kristof was entitled to assistance from the Company in respect of relocation expenses up to a maximum of US$60,000, and to support from the Company for immigration-related assistance for Mr. Kristof and his direct family members in an amount not to exceed US$30,000.
In connection with his appointment under the employment agreement, Mr. Kristof was entitled to receive 450,000 options to acquire Common Shares, with 1/3 vesting on April 15, 2014, 1/3 vesting on April 15, 2015 and 1/3 vesting on April 15, 2016, 300,000 having an exercise price of $1.83 and 150,000 having an exercise price of $2.20, all with a expiry date of April 23, 2017.
Under the employment agreement, the Company agreed to match, in the form of restricted common shares, up to a maximum of 30% of any direct purchase of Common Shares in the first financing (or purchase from treasury), subject to a maximum amount provided by the Company, in respect of such matching provision, of $300,000 in Common Shares. In connection with the Company's bought deal public offering of Common Shares completed on July 30, 2014, Mr. Kristof subscribed for 225,000 Common Shares. The Company matched this subscription by granting Mr. Kristof 67,500 restricted common shares pursuant to the Share Incentive Plan, 1/3 vesting immediately, 1/3 vesting on the first anniversary, and 1/3 vesting on the second anniversary.
The Company may terminate the agreement at any time without cause by providing Mr. Kristof (a) if prior to April 15, 2015, a lump sum payment equal to twelve months of base salary; (b) if after April 15, 2015, an additional lump sum equal to six months of base salary for each full year of service starting on April 15, 2014, subject to a maximum total severance amount of 24 months' base salary. In the event of such a termination without cause, Mr. Kristof shall have six months from the termination date to exercise any stock options held that have vested prior to the termination date.
If, within 90 days of a change of control of the Company, Mr. Kristof is terminated without just cause or his position or salary is substantially and detrimentally changed by the Company and he resigns, (i) all Mr. Kristof's unvested options shall immediately vest on the termination date and he shall have one year after the change of control to exercise the vested options; (ii) in the event Mr. Kristof's employment is terminated, the Company shall provide Mr. Kristof with the lump sum payment he would have received under a termination without cause otherwise than under a change of control; (iii) in the event Mr. Kristof resigns, the Company shall provide a lump sum payment equal to twelve months' base salary; and (iv) Mr. Kristof shall not be entitled to any further pay or compensation, severance pay, benefits or bonus.
- 22 -
Michael Doolin Employment Contract
Michael Doolin entered into an employment agreement with the Company on October 15, 2012 for the provision of his services as the Mine Manager of the Fire Creek project and, since June 17, 2014, as Vice President Business Development and Technical Services of the Company. The employment agreement provides for a base salary of US$170,000 per annum, less required and authorized deductions, to be reviewed by the President and CEO from time to time. The employment agreement provides for a target annual bonus of 40% of annual base salary; the annual bonus is to be determined at the beginning of each year based on achieving certain corporate and personal objectives to be determined by the Company.
On November 19, 2012, in connection with his appointment under the employment agreement, Mr. Doolin was granted 300,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $1.35 and an expiry date on November 19, 2015, which options were to vest 1/3 on December 19, 2012, 1/3 on November 19, 2013 and 1/3 on November 19, 2014. Mr. Doolin was also issued 5,000 restricted Common Shares as a signing bonus.
Mr. Doolin's based salary was increased to US$200,000 for the 2014 financial year and, in March 2015, the Compensation and Governance Committee and the Board approved an increase in Mr. Doolin's base salary to US$248,000 and an increase in his target bonus to 45% of his annual base salary.
The Company may terminate the agreement at any time without cause by providing Mr. Doolin a lump sum payment equal to six months of base salary. In the event of such a termination without cause, Mr. Doolin shall have six months from the termination date to exercise any stock options held that have vested on or prior to the termination date. Any unvested stock options held shall immediately be cancelled on the termination date.
If, within 90 days of a change of control of the Company, Mr. Doolin is terminated without just cause or his position or salary is substantially and detrimentally changed by the Company and he resigns, (i) all Mr. Doolin's unvested options shall immediately vest on the termination date and he shall have one year after the change of control to exercise the vested options; (ii) the Company shall provide Mr. Doolin with a lump sum payment of 12 months' base salary; and (iii) Mr. Doolin shall not be entitled to any further pay or compensation, severance pay, benefits or bonus.
Schultz Agreement
The Company and SchultzCo entered into the Schultz Agreement on August 12, 2014, setting out the scope of the work to be provided by Mr. Schultz in his capacity as an executive director of the Company. Under the Schultz Agreement, the Company shall pay SchultzCo an amount equal to $110,000 per annum and a discretionary bonus of up to $110,000, as determined by the Board. The Schultz Agreement also acknowledged Mr. Schultz's right to receive restricted common shares under the bought deal prospectus financing of the Company completed in July 2014, further details about which are included under the heading "Part Three Statement of Executive Compensation Summary Compensation Table" .
The Schultz Agreement can be terminated by either SchultzCo or the Company upon 30 days' written notice to the other party.
Termination and Change of Control Payments
The estimated incremental payments from the Company to each of Messrs. Huet, Dahl, Kristof, Doolin and Schultz, assuming the triggering event occurred on December 31, 2014, are as follows (including all lump sum payment entitlements, as well as the value of all unvested option-based and share-based awards that would become vested):
- 23 -
NEO | Termination without cause | Termination upon change of control |
Paul Huet | $1,389,963 | $1,592,087 |
Barry Dahl | $337,688 | $459,703 |
Brent Kristof | $394,833 | $643,073 |
Michael Doolin | $346,010 | $565,020 |
Blair Schultz | N/A | $429,000 |
PART FOUR REPORT ON DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Director Compensation Table
The Company does not have any non-cash compensation plans for its directors other than the possible grant of incentive stock options and restricted common share grants under the share compensation plan.
For the 2012 year, each independent director was to receive an honorarium of $20,000 per annum. In addition, a meeting fee of $1,000 per Board or committee meeting was to be paid to each independent director with an additional $5,000 for the Chair of the Audit Committee and $2,500 for the Chair of the Compensation and Governance Committee. Effective July 1, 2013, the following changes were made: (1) the honorarium was increased to $30,000 per annum for each independent director, except for the Chairman of the Board, which was increased to $50,000 per annum; and (2) the meeting fee of $1,000 per Board or committee meeting was reduced to $500 per meeting.
Effective July 21, 2014, the compensation for non-executive directors of the Company was set as follows: (i) an annual cash retainer of $35,000 for each director of the Company; (ii) a cash fee of $1,000 per Board meeting attended by conference call; (iii) a cash fee of $1,000 to Toronto-based directors for the in-person Board meeting attended which is held following the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company in Toronto, Ontario; (iv) a cash fee of $1,500 per Board meeting attended in person and requiring travel, subject to item (iii) above; (v) an annual cash retainer of $10,000 for the chair of the Audit Committee; (vi) an annual cash retainer of $5,000 for each member of the Audit Committee, other than the chair; (vii) an annual cash retainer of $5,000 for the chair of the Compensation and Governance Committee; (viii) an annual cash retainer of $2,500 for each member of the Compensation and Governance Committee, other than the chair; (ix) an annual cash retainer of $3,000 for the chair of the Mine Safety and Health Committee; (x) an annual cash retainer of $1,500 for each member of the Mine Safety and Health Committee, other than the chair; and (xi) a cash fee of $750 per committee meeting attended. In addition, the chair of the Legacy Committee is entitled to a cash fee of $70,000 on an annual basis, payable quarterly.
Mr. Richard J. Hall, the Chairman of the Board, entered into an agreement (the " Chairman Agreement ") with the Company on September 12, 2014 relating to his services to the Company as Chairman. Pursuant to the Chairman Agreement, as compensation for acting as non-executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. Hall is entitled to an annual cash director's fee of US$80,000. Under the Chairman Agreement, as additional compensation for acting as a part-time, non-executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. Hall was also entitled to receive such number of restricted common shares as is equal to 25% of the number of Common Shares purchased by Mr. Hall in the first financing (or purchase on the TSX or other secondary market on which the Common Shares trade) following September 9, 2014, up to a maximum of US$150,000 in Common Shares purchased by Mr. Hall. Pursuant to the Chairman Agreement, Mr. Hall was also entitled to receive 300,000 options to acquire Common Shares, which options were granted on September 12, 2014, with 1/3 vesting immediately, 1/3 vesting on the first anniversary and 1/3 vesting on the second anniversary.
Pursuant to an agreement between the Company and Hall Mineral Services LLC (" HMS "), amended and restated on September 9, 2014 (the " Hall Agreement "), the Company agreed to pay to HMS an amount equal to $6,000 per month as remuneration for Mr. Hall's services as a director of the Company. The Hall Agreement can be terminated by either HMS or the Company upon 30 days' written notice to the other party.
The compensation provided to the directors, excluding directors who are included in disclosure for NEOs above, for the year ended December 31, 2014, is expressed in Canadian dollars as follows.
- 24 -
Notes:
(1) |
Paul Huet's and Blair Schultz's compensation for acting as a director of the Company is disclosed under the Summary Compensation Table above. |
(2) |
Includes all fees awarded, earned or paid in cash for services as a director, including annual Board and chair retainer fees and Board and committee meeting fees. |
(3) |
The share-based awards are based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. |
(4) |
The value of the option-based awards was calculated based on the fair value of the options on their grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company chose the Black-Scholes model because it is a widely recognized and utilized model for option pricing. In calculating the fair value of options for the option grants, management assumed an average risk-free interest rate of 1.49%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, an expected life of 5 years and an average share price volatility of 47.75%. |
(5) |
Was appointed a director of the Company and Chairman of the Board on September 9, 2014. Mr. Hall's role as Chairman is a non - executive position and is on a part-time basis. |
(6) |
Relates to compensation paid by the Company to Mr. Hall under the Chairman Agreement in respect of Mr. Hall's services to the Company as Chairman of the Board and, pursuant the the Hall Agreement, to an amount equal to $24,000 paid by the Company to HMS as remuneration for Mr. Hall's services as a director of the Company during the months of September 2014 to December 2014. |
(7) |
A portion of such amount was paid in US dollars and were translated into Canadian dollars based on the average closing exchange rate for the applicable quarter. |
(8) |
Relates to compensation paid by the Company to HMS pursuant to the Hall Agreement in respect of Mr. Hall's services as a special advisor to the Company, prior to the amendment and restatement of the Hall Agreement and prior to Mr. Hall's appointment to the Board. |
(9) |
Includes $44,597 paid by the Company to Mr. Matlack in connection with Mr. Matlack's role, prior to the formation of the Legacy Committee by the Board on July 21, 2014, in overseeing the ongoing litigation involving the Company and certain former directors and officers of the Company. |
Director Option-Based and Share-Based Awards
Incentive Plan Awards Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
The following table sets forth information in respect of all awards outstanding at the end of the year ended December 31, 2014. This includes awards granted prior to and during the most recently completed financial year.
Name (1) | Option-based Awards | Share-based Awards | |||||
Number of
securities underlying unexercised options (#) |
Option
exercise price ($) |
Option
expiration date |
Value of
unexercised in-the- money options (2) ($) |
Number of
shares or units of shares that have not vested (#) |
Market or
payout value of share- based awards that have not vested (3) ($) |
Market or
payout value of vested share-based awards not paid out or distributed (3) ($) |
|
Renaud Adams | 100,000 | 1.56 | Sep 5, 2015 | 39,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
100,000 | 2.04 | Jul 21, 2019 | -- | ||||
Rodney Cooper | 50,000 | 1.21 | Aug 13, 2015 | 37,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
50,000 | 1.35 | Feb 24, 2016 | 30,000 | ||||
125,000 | 1.50 | Oct 11, 2016 | 56,250 | ||||
100,000 | 2.04 | Jul 21, 2019 | -- | ||||
James Haggarty | 50,000 | 1.21 | Aug 13, 2015 | 37,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
50,000 | 1.35 | Feb 24, 2016 | 30,000 | ||||
150,000 | 1.50 | Oct 11, 2016 | 67,500 | ||||
100,000 | 2.04 | Jul 21, 2019 | -- | ||||
Richard J. Hall (4) | 100,000 | 1.50 | Oct 11, 2016 | 45,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
300,000 | 1.95 | Sep 12, 2019 | -- |
- 25 -
Name (1) | Option-based Awards | Share-based Awards | |||||
Number of
securities underlying unexercised options (#) |
Option
exercise price ($) |
Option
expiration date |
Value of
unexercised in-the- money options (2) ($) |
Number of
shares or units of shares that have not vested (#) |
Market or
payout value of share- based awards that have not vested (3) ($) |
Market or
payout value of vested share-based awards not paid out or distributed (3) ($) |
|
William Matlack | 100,000 | 1.21 | Aug 13, 2015 | 74,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
50,000 | 1.35 | Jan 18, 2016 | 30,000 | ||||
50,000 | 1.35 | Feb 24, 2016 | 30,000 | ||||
150,000 | 1.50 | Oct 11, 2016 | 67,500 | ||||
117,000 | 2.04 | Jul 21, 2019 | -- |
Notes:
(1) |
The disclosure relating to outstanding share-based and option-based awards for Paul Huet and Blair Schultz is set out above under " Part Three Statement of Executive Compensation Incentive Plan Awards ". |
(2) |
Value is based on the difference between the market price of the Common Shares underlying the options and the exercise price of the options as at December 31, 2014. The closing price of the Common Shares as listed on the TSX on December 31, 2014 was $1.95 per Common Share. |
(3) |
Value is shown as at December 31, 2014. The closing price of the Common Shares as listed on the TSX on December 31, 2014 was $1.95 per Common Share. |
(4) |
Was appointed a director and Chairman of the Board on September 9, 2014. |
Incentive Plan Awards Value Vested or Earned During the Year
The following table sets out the value vested or earned under incentive plans during the year ended December 31, 2014, for each director, excluding a director who is already set out in disclosure for an NEO for the Company.
Name |
Option-based awards
Value vested during the year (1) ($) |
Share-based
awards
Value
vested during the year (2) ($) |
Non-equity
incentive plan
compensation Value earned during the year ($) |
Renaud Adams | 1,667 | Nil | Nil |
Rodney Cooper | 13,333 | Nil | Nil |
James Haggarty | 15,667 | Nil | Nil |
Richard J. Hall (3) | 9,334 | Nil | Nil |
William Matlack | 15,950 | Nil | Nil |
Notes:
(1) |
This is the aggregate dollar value that would have been realized if the options vested during the year had been exercised on their respective vesting dates. |
(2) |
This is the aggregate dollar value realized upon vesting of share-based awards as of vesting date. |
(3) |
Was appointed a director and Chairman of the Board on September 9, 2014. |
Indebtedness of Officers and Directors
No directors, proposed nominees for election as directors, executive officers or their respective associates or affiliates were indebted to the Company since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year. No executive officers, directors, employees and former executive officers, directors and employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries are indebted to the Company or any of its subsidiaries as of the date hereof.
Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance
The Company has purchased directors and officers liability insurance coverage for the directors and officers of the Company. The insurance coverage has an aggregate limit of $25,000,000.
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PART FIVE AUDIT COMMITTEE INFORMATION
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee are James Haggarty (Chair), Rodney Cooper and William Matlack. All of the members are deemed to be "independent" and "financially literate" as such terms are defined in National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees (" NI 52-110 ").
The Board has adopted a written mandate for the Audit Committee in accordance with NI 52-110 in carrying out its audit and financial review functions (the " Audit Committee Mandate "). The text of the Audit Committee Mandate is set out in Schedule "A" of the AIF which is available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Additional information regarding the Audit Committee is also available in the AIF under the heading " Audit Committee Disclosure ".
The Audit Committee reviews all financial statements of the Company prior to their publication, reviews audits or communications, recommends the appointment of independent auditors, reviews and approves the professional services to be rendered by them and reviews fees for audit services. The Audit Committee typically meets quarterly. The Audit Committee meets both separately with auditors (without management present) as well as with management present. The Audit Committee and the auditors discuss the various aspects of the Company's financial presentation in the areas of audit risk and International Financial Reporting Standards.
Relevant Education and Experience
James Haggarty is a Chartered Professional Accountant (C.P.A. and C.A.) and holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Windsor. As a financial and operational executive with over 20 years of experience ranging from strategic planning to M&A transactions to managing diverse businesses day-to-day, Mr. Haggarty is highly experienced and adept at managing complex financial structures, partnership agreements/regulations/business technologies and systems. He has held senior executive positions as Executive VP Operations, VP Financial Operations, and VP Corporate Development with public and private companies like SHOP.CA where he currently is Chief Executive Officer. He has extensive experience with audit committees and public company boards throughout his career, stemming back to 1993 with Metall Mining. Mr. Haggarty is also on the board of directors of SHOP.CA, and the board of directors of the Toronto Blue Jays Care Foundation.
Rodney Cooper has been involved in the mining industry for over 30 years, with broad experience in technical services, operations, project management, investment evaluation and finance. He is a mining engineer, having obtained the P.Eng. designation, and a past director of the Mining Association of Canada and the Alberta Chamber of Resources. Currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited, he previously served as Vice President and Senior Analyst at Dundee Securities, Chief Operating Officer at Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation and Vice President Technical Services at Kinross Gold Corporation.
William Matlack has a B.A. Geology, Carleton College and a M.S. Geology, University of Minnesota. He has 20 years experience in the mining industry, primarily with major gold mining companies, followed by 17 years in mining finance in the securities industry, including 4 years in metals & mining equity research, which included large-cap gold producers, with major brokerage firms.
For more information see " Part Two Business of the Meeting Election of Directors ".
PART SIX STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES
Canadian securities regulatory policy as reflected in National Instrument 58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices requires that TSX-listed companies disclose on an annual basis their approach to corporate governance. National Policy 58-201 Corporate Governance Guidelines provides regulatory staff's guidance as to preferred governance practices, although such guidelines are not prescriptive (other than for audit committees). Disclosure of the Company's approach to corporate governance in the context of this instrument and policy (together, the " Policies ") is set out below.
- 27 -
Board Mandate
The Board has adopted a written mandate that acknowledges that it is responsible for the stewardship of the business and affairs of the Company. The Board seeks to perform such responsibility by reviewing, discussing and approving the Company's strategic planning and organizational structure and supervising management to ensure that the foregoing enhance and preserve the underlying value of the Company and that the Company operates with honesty and integrity in the conduct of its business. The Board reviews and assesses the adequacy of the Board mandate at least annually or otherwise, as it deems appropriate, and makes any necessary changes. A copy of this mandate is attached to this Circular as Schedule "A".
Position Descriptions
The Board has adopted written position descriptions for the Chairman of the Board, the CEO, the Chair of each Board committee, and the Lead Director (in the absence of an independent Chairman of the Board). Currently, the position of Board Chair is occupied by Mr. Richard J. Hall, an independent director, and the position of CEO is occupied by Mr. Paul Huet. The responsibilities of the Chairman are further outlined in the Chairman Agreement between the Company and Mr. Hall. Pursuant to the Chairman Agreement, Mr. Hall shall be primarily responsible for the management and effective performance of the Board and shall provide leadership to the Board and, in connection therewith shall:
(a) |
act in an advisory capacity to the senior officers of the Company in all matters concerning the interests and management of the Company; |
|
(b) |
provide leadership to the Board, including: |
(i) |
leading, managing and organizing the Board consistent with the approach to corporate governance established by the Board from time to time; |
|
(ii) |
promoting cohesiveness among the directors; |
|
(iii) |
being satisfied, together with the Lead Director, if any, that the responsibilities of the Board and the committees of the Board are well understood by the Board; |
|
(iv) |
assisting the Board in ensuring the integrity of the senior officers and that such senior officers create a culture of integrity throughout the Company; |
|
(v) |
together with the Lead Director, if any, and the Chair of the Compensation and Governance Committee, reviewing from time to time the committees of the Board, the Chairs of such committees and the mandates of such committees; and |
|
(vi) |
together with the Lead Director, if any, and the Chair of the Compensation and Governance Committee, ensuring that the Board, the committees of the Board, individual directors and the senior officers understand and discharge their respective obligations consistent with the approach to corporate governance established by the Board from time to time; |
(c) |
in connection with meetings of the Board, be responsible for the following (in consultation with the Lead Director, if any, and the Chair of the Compensation and Governance Committee, as appropriate): |
(i) |
scheduling meetings of the Board; |
|
(ii) |
coordinating with the Chairs of the committees of the Board the scheduling of meetings of the committees; |
- 28 -
(iii) |
reviewing with the Lead Director, if any, matters for consideration by the Board; |
|
(iv) |
together with the Lead Director, if any, ensuring that all matters required to be considered by the Board are presented to the Board; |
|
(v) |
setting the agenda for meetings of the Board; |
|
(vi) |
monitoring the adequacy of materials provided to the Board; |
|
(vii) |
ensuring that the Board has sufficient time to review the materials provided and to fully discuss the business that is presented to the Board; |
|
(viii) |
presiding over meetings of the Board; and |
|
(ix) |
encouraging free and open discussion at meetings of the Board; and |
(d) |
carry out such other duties and obligations as is typical for a director or non-executive chairman of a publicly listed company and as required by applicable law. |
Mr. Hall agreed to provide the services on a part-time basis during the term of the Chairman Agreement or otherwise as may be agreed. Pursuant to the Chairman Agreement, Mr. Hall may perform services for and on behalf of third parties other than the Company, provided that: (i) Mr. Hall is available to perform in a timely manner the agreed upon services under the Chairman Agreement, and (ii) the performance of services by Mr. Hall for and on behalf of such third party does not create a material conflict of interest in respect of his obligations to the Company, whether under the Chairman Agreement or otherwise.
The Board also relies upon past practice to delineate the role and responsibilities of the Board Chair. The roles of the Chair of the Audit Committee, the Chair of the Compensation and Governance Committee and the Chair of the Mine Safety and Health Committee are described in the respective mandates for such committees. The role of the CEO is based upon the role of chief executive officers carried out at companies of similar size, scope and industry.
As the Company has transitioned into a gold producer with the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill in February of 2014 and the development of the Fire Creek project, the Compensation and Governance Committee is currently undertaking a review of the Company's corporate governance mandates, codes and policies. The Company continues to monitor developments in Canada with a view to keeping its governance policies and practices current.
Composition of the Board
Currently, the Board is currently comprised of seven members, five of whom are independent directors. Paul Huet is non-independent, due to the fact that he serves as the President and CEO of the Company. Given his enhanced role with the Company, subsequent to August 12, 2014, as executive director, pursuant to the Schultz Agreement, as further described under the heading "Part Three Statement of Executive Compensation Summary Compensation Table" , the Board made a determination that Blair Schultz was also not considered to be independent within the meaning of NI 58-101 during the year ended December 31, 2014. The Board considers that Mark J. Daniel, if elected to the Board, will be independent within the meaning of NI 58-101.
- 29 -
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Board held nine meetings, the Audit Committee held four meetings, the Compensation and Governance Committee held six meetings, the Mine Safety and Health Committee held two meetings and the Legacy Committee held one meeting. The table below sets out the number of meetings of the Board and its committees attended by each director. The independent directors make it a practice to hold an in-camera session at every Board meeting or shortly thereafter and held eight such meetings during the 2014 year.
Name |
Board
Meetings
Attended |
Audit
Committee
Meetings Attended |
Compensation
and Governance Committee Meetings Attended |
Mine Safety
and
Health Committee Meetings Attended |
Legacy
Committee Meetings Attended |
Renaud Adams (1) | 9 of 9 | N/A | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | N/A |
Rodney Cooper | 9 of 9 | 4 of 4 | N/A | 2 of 2 | N/A |
James Haggarty | 9 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 6 | N/A | N/A |
Richard J. Hall (2) | 2 of 2 | N/A | 1 of 1 | N/A | 1 of 1 |
Paul Huet | 9 of 9 | N/A | N/A | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
William Matlack (3) | 9 of 9 | 1 of 1 | N/A | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Blair Schultz (4) | 9 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 5 | N/A | 1 of 1 |
Notes:
(1) |
Mr. Adams was appointed a member of the Compensation and Governance Committee effective June 17, 2014. |
(2) |
Mr. Hall was appointed a director and Chairman of the Board on September 9, 2014, was appointed as a member of the Compensation and Governance Committee on October 31, 2014 and was appointed as a member of the Legacy Committee on October 31, 2014. |
(3) |
Mr. Matlack was appointed a member of the Audit Committee effective August 11, 2014. |
(4) |
Mr. Schultz served as a member of the Audit Committee and Compensation and Governance Committee prior to August 11, 2014. |
Directorships
As of the date hereof, none of the directors of the Company serves on the board of any other reporting issuers, other than as set out below.
Name | Reporting Issuer | Market |
Renaud Adams | Richmont Mines Inc. | TSX, NYSE MKT |
Mark J. Daniel | AuRico Gold Inc. | TSX, NYSE |
Richard J. Hall
|
IAMGOLD Corporation
Kaminak Gold Corporation |
TSX, NYSE
TSX Venture Exchange |
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board's committees include the Audit Committee, the Compensation and Governance Committee, the Mine Safety and Health Committee and the Legacy Committee. The Board does not have a separate nominating committee. The Compensation and Governance Committee is charged with annually evaluating the size of the Board and the persons to recommend as nominees for the position of a director of the Company, as well as other positions as detailed below.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is currently comprised of three independent directors, James Haggarty (Chair), Rodney Cooper, and William Matlack, in compliance with the composition requirements of NI 52-110. All members of the Audit Committee are "financially literate" as defined in NI 52-110. The Audit Committee typically meets quarterly. For further information relating to the Audit Committee, see " Part Five Audit Committee Information ".
Compensation and Governance Committee
The Compensation and Governance Committee is currently comprised of three independent directors, Renaud Adams, James Haggarty and Richard J. Hall, each of whom the Board believes has direct and indirect expertise, experience and education relevant to their role as members thereof. The Board has also adopted a formal mandate for the Compensation and Governance Committee.
- 30 -
The overall purposes of the Compensation and Governance Committee are to assist the Board in:
(a) |
maintaining high standards of corporate governance by developing, recommending and monitoring effective guidelines and procedures applicable to the Company; and |
|
(b) |
fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in relation to compensation by developing, monitoring and assessing the Company's approach to the compensation of its directors, senior management and employees. |
Responsibilities of the Compensation and Governance Committee include, but are not limited to:
(a) |
recommending candidates for senior officer positions; |
|
(b) |
recommending candidates for Board memberships; |
|
(c) |
reviewing and making recommendations regarding amendments to the Board charter and Board committee charters; |
|
(d) |
reviewing and evaluating the performance of directors and officers; |
|
(e) |
conducting reviews and making recommendations regarding the Company's human resource and compensation policies, programs and philosophies; and |
|
(f) |
annually reviewing and making recommendations in respect of director and officer remuneration, including the grant of share-based and option-based awards. |
Mine Safety and Health Committee
The Mine Safety and Health Committee is currently comprised of four directors, Renaud Adams, Rodney Cooper, Paul Huet and William Matlack, each of whom the Board believes has direct and indirect expertise, experience and education relevant to their roles as members thereof. Rodney Cooper is the chair of the Mine Safety and Health Committee.
The role, responsibility, authority and power of the Mine Safety and Health Committee includes, but is not limited to:
(a) |
reviewing and recommending to the Board, for approval, changes in or additions to the environmental policies, standards, accountabilities and programs of the Company in the context of competitive, legal and operational considerations; |
|
(b) |
reviewing reports on the nature and extent of the compliance or any non-compliance of the Company with the environmental policies, standards, accountabilities and programs of the Company and environmental legislation applicable to the Company and monitoring the correction of any deficiencies and reporting to the Board on the status of such matters; |
|
(c) |
reviewing the scope of potential material environmental liabilities of the Company and the adequacy of the environmental management procedures of the Company to manage these liabilities; |
|
(d) |
satisfying itself that management of the Company monitors trends and reviews relevant current and emerging environmental matters and evaluates their impact on the Company; |
- 31 -
(e) |
reviewing such other environmental matters as the Mine Safety and Health Committee considers advisable or the Board may specifically direct the Mine Safety and Health Committee to review or consider; |
|
(f) |
reviewing and recommending to the Board, for approval, changes in, or additions to, the occupational health and safety policies, standards, accountabilities and programs of the Company in the context of competitive, legal and operational considerations; |
|
(g) |
reviewing reports on the nature and extent of the compliance or any non- compliance of the Company with the occupational health and safety policies, standards, accountabilities and programs of the Company and occupational health and safety legislation applicable to the Company and monitoring the correction of any deficiencies and reporting to the Board on the status of such matters; |
|
(h) |
satisfying itself that management of the Company monitors trends and reviews relevant current and emerging health and safety matters and evaluates their impact on the Company; and |
|
(i) |
reviewing such other occupational health and safety matters as the Mine Safety and Health Committee considers advisable or the Board may specifically direct the Mine Safety and Health Committee to review or consider. |
Legacy Committee
The Board has a Legacy Committee, currently comprised of four directors, William Matlack (Chair), Richard J. Hall, Paul Huet and Blair Schultz. The primary role of the Legacy Committee is to oversee the ongoing litigation involving the Company and certain of its former directors and officers.
Majority Voting Policy
The Board believes that each of its members should have the confidence and support of the Shareholders. On May 9, 2013, as recommended by the Compensation and Governance Committee, the Board adopted a majority voting policy for the election of directors (the " Majority Voting Policy "). The Majority Voting Policy provides that in an uncontested election, any nominee for director who receives more "withheld" votes than "for" votes will tender his or her resignation to the Board, effective on acceptance by the Board. The Board will refer the resignation to the Compensation and Governance Committee for consideration. The Board will promptly accept the resignation unless the Compensation and Governance Committee determines that there are extraordinary circumstances relating to the composition of the Board or the voting results that should delay the acceptance of the resignation or justify rejecting it. In any event, it is expected that the resignation will be accepted (or in rare cases, rejected) within 90 days of the Meeting. A copy of the Majority Voting Policy is attached as Schedule "B" to the Company's management information circular dated May 9, 2013, available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Director Orientation and Continuing Education
When new directors are appointed, they receive orientation on the Company's business, current projects and industry and on the responsibilities of directors generally. Each director is provided with copies of all mandates of the Board and its committees as well as all corporate governance related policies of the Company. Board meetings also include presentations by the Company's management and employees to give the directors additional insight in the Company's business. The Board is responsible for ensuring that all directors receive a comprehensive orientation program and continuing education in connection with their role, responsibilities, the business of the Company and the skills they must use in their roles as directors. The Compensation and Governance Committee is mandated to approve an appropriate orientation and education program for directors and oversee the training and orientation of directors. The directors of the Company are also expected to maintain their currency in the knowledge and skills necessary to meet their obligations as directors.
- 32 -
Ethical Business Conduct
The directors and officers of the Company are aware that they have a fiduciary obligation to act in the best interests of the Company and to disclose any potential conflicts of interest to the Company. The Board has adopted a written code of conduct applicable to employees, officers and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries, "Code of Ethics, Trading Restrictions and Whistleblowing" (the " Code "). A copy of the Code, filed on SEDAR on May 12, 2008, is located under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Code also contains insider trading restrictions to ensure compliance with insider trading restrictions under applicable securities laws, as well as a formal whistleblowing policy to deal with possible violations of the Code.
The Board encourages and promotes an overall culture of ethical business conduct by promoting compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, and advocating awareness of the guidelines and policies detailed in the Code. Through its meetings with management and other informal discussions with management, the Board believes the Company's management team likewise promotes and encourages a culture of ethical business conduct throughout the Company's operations, and the management team is expected to monitor the activities of the Company's employees, consultants and agents in that regard.
Board Decision Making
The Board has established guidelines which outline items which must be approved by the Board or a committee of the Board and may not be delegated to management without Board approval. These items include: the approval of annual budgets and the interim and annual financial statements and management's discussion and analysis; entering into transactions of a fundamental nature (such as amalgamations, mergers and material acquisitions or dispositions); entering into any agreement or commitment to acquire or dispose of assets that are material to the Company including, but not limited to, those which involve consideration that exceeds the budgeted amount by 15% (an " Out of Budget Transaction ") and that is not already part of an approved budget; committing to making any material capital expenditure which is an Out of Budget Transaction; adoption of hedging policies; entering into any agreement with an officer, director or 10% shareholder of the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the Company outside of the ordinary course of business; and initiating or settling any legal proceeding involving a payment in excess of $25,000.
Assessment of Board Performance
The Compensation and Governance Committee is mandated to evaluate the performance of (a) individual directors, (b) the Board, (c) Board committees and (d) the CEO. The purpose of the evaluations is to assess and, where possible, increase the effectiveness of the Board and its committees. The Compensation and Governance Committee may make recommendations to the Board for improving the Board's effectiveness and shall discuss annually with the full Board its effectiveness. The Board does understand that an assessment will consider, in the case of the Board or a Board committee, its mandate or charter and in the case of an individual director, any applicable position description, as well as the competencies and skills each individual director is expected to bring to the Board.
Director Term Limits and Other Mechanisms of Board Renewal
As set forth above under " Part Two Business of the Meeting Election of Directors ", each director (if elected) serves until the next annual meeting of Shareholders or until his successor is duly elected or appointed. The Board does not currently have a limit on the number of consecutive terms for which a director may sit and believes that arbitrary term or age limits often prevent or restrict the continued service on the Board of the most experienced and valuable Board members who will have acquired an institutional knowledge of the Company from such years of service. Rather, the Board maintains a flexible approach to Board succession whereby it considers the addition of potential candidates in conjunction with its assessments of current Board members and the Board as a whole. The Compensation and Governance Committee and the Board have an effective director evaluation process which is used at least annually and which is a more effective method to assess the fitness for service on the Board than age or term served. The Board believes that this approach allows the Company to maintain an effective Board succession process.
- 33 -
Composition of the Board
The members of the Board have diverse backgrounds and expertise, and were selected on the belief that the Company and its stakeholders would benefit materially from such a broad range of talent and experience. As the need for new directors or executive officers arises, the Board and the Compensation and Governance Committee assess candidates on the basis of knowledge, industry experience, financial literacy, professional ethics and business acumen, among other factors. While the Board and the Compensation and Governance Committee recognize the potential benefits from new perspectives that could manifest through greater gender diversity and recognizes that diversity can enhance culture and create value for the Company and its stakeholders, the Company has not formally adopted a written diversity policy and, given the size and stage of development of the Company, the Board and the Compensation and Governance Committee do not at this time formally consider the level of representation of women on the board or in senior management when identifying candidates for such positions. Currently, the number of women directors and executive officers of the Company is nil (or zero percent of current directors and executive officers, respectively). While the Company has not set a target with respect to the appointment of female directors or executive officers, the Company is committed to providing an environment in which all employees and directors are treated with fairness and respect, and have equal access to opportunities for advancement based on skills and aptitude.
Additional Information
Financial information relating to the Company is set out in the Company's annual comparative consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014. Additional information is also available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and upon request from the Company's Corporate Secretary at 1055 West Hastings Street, Suite 2200, Vancouver, B.C., V6E 2E9, telephone number: (775) 284-5757. Copies of documents will be provided free of charge to securityholders of the Company. The Company may require the payment of a reasonable charge from any person or company who is not a securityholder of the Company who requests a copy of any such document.
Approval
The contents of this Circular and the sending thereof to the Shareholders have been approved by the Board.
DATED the 14 th day of May, 2015.
(signed) Paul Huet |
Paul Huet |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
SCHEDULE "A" |
KLONDEX MINES LTD. |
MANDATE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
1. |
General |
The board of directors (the " Board ") of Klondex Mines Ltd. (" Klondex ") is responsible for the stewardship of the business and affairs of the Corporation. The Board seeks to discharge such responsibility by reviewing, discussing and approving the Corporation's strategic planning and organizational structure and supervising management to ensure that the foregoing enhance and preserve the underlying value of the Corporation and that the Corporation operates with honesty and integrity in the conduct of its business.
Although directors may be elected by the shareholders to bring special expertise or a point of view to Board deliberations, they are not chosen to represent a particular constituency. The best interests of the Corporation as a whole must be paramount at all times.
2. |
Composition |
The Board will be comprised of a minimum of three members and a maximum of ten members, the majority of whom shall be, in the determination of the Board, "independent" for the purposes of National Instrument 58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices . Each Board member shall satisfy the independence and experience requirements, if any, imposed by applicable securities laws, rules or guidelines, any applicable stock exchange requirements or guidelines and any other applicable regulatory rules.
The Chairman of the Board will be elected by vote of a majority of the full Board membership, on the recommendation of the Compensation and Governance Committee. The Chairman of the Board with the assistance of the lead director (who shall be an independent director), if any, will chair Board meetings and shall be responsible for overseeing the performance by the Board of its duties, for setting the agenda of each Board meeting (in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer (the " CEO ")), for communicating periodically with committee chairs regarding the activities of their respective committees, for assessing the effectiveness of the Board as a whole as well as individual Board members and for ensuring the Board works as a cohesive team and providing the leadership essential to achieve this.
3. |
Meetings |
Meetings will be scheduled to facilitate the Board carrying out its responsibilities. Additional meetings will be held as deemed necessary by the Chairman of the Board. The independent directors of the Board shall hold regularly scheduled in camera meetings at which non-independent directors and management are not in attendance. Any director of the Corporation may request the Chairman of the Board to call a meeting of the Board.
Meetings of the Board shall be validly constituted if a majority of the members of the Board is present in person or by telephone conference. A resolution in writing signed by all the members of the Board entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of the Board is as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Board.
4. |
Board Charter and Performance |
The Board shall have a written charter that sets out its mandate and responsibilities, and the Board shall review and assess the adequacy of such charter and the effectiveness of the Board at least annually or otherwise, as it deems appropriate, and make any necessary changes. Unless and until replaced or amended, this mandate constitutes that charter. The Board will ensure that this mandate or a summary that has been approved by the Board is disclosed in accordance with all applicable securities laws or regulatory requirements in the Corporation's annual management information circular or such other annual filing as may be permitted or required by applicable securities regulatory authorities.
A-2
5. |
Responsibilities and Duties of Directors |
The Board discharges its responsibility for overseeing the management of the Corporation's business by delegating to the Corporation's senior officers the responsibility for day-to-day management of the Corporation. The Board also discharges its responsibilities, both directly and indirectly, through its committees: the Audit Committee and the Compensation and Governance Committee. In addition to these regular committees, the Board may appoint ad hoc committees periodically to address certain issues of a more short-term nature. In addition to the Board's primary roles of overseeing corporate performance and providing quality, depth and continuity of management to meet the Corporation's strategic objectives, principal duties include the following:
5.1 |
Appointment of Management |
(a) |
The Board has the responsibility for approving the appointment of the CEO and all other senior management, and approving their compensation, following a review of the recommendations of the Compensation and Governance Committee. To the extent feasible, the Board shall satisfy itself as to the integrity of the CEO and other executive officers and that the CEO and other executive officers create a culture of integrity throughout the Corporation. |
|
(b) |
The Board, from time to time, delegates to senior management the authority to enter into certain types of transactions, including financial transactions, subject to specified limits. Investments and other expenditures above the specified limits and material transactions outside the ordinary course of business are reviewed by and subject to the prior approval of the Board. |
|
(c) |
The Board oversees that succession planning programs are in place, including programs to appoint, train, develop and monitor management. |
5.2 |
Board Organization |
(a) |
The Board will respond to recommendations received from the Compensation and Governance Committee, but retains the responsibility for managing its own affairs by giving its approval for its composition and size, the selection of the Chairman of the Board, candidates nominated for election to the Board, committee and committee chair appointments, committee charters and director compensation. |
|
(b) |
The Board may delegate to Board committees matters it is responsible for, including the approval of compensation of the Board and management, the conduct of performance evaluations and oversight of internal controls systems and health, safety and environmental policies, but the Board retains its oversight function and ultimate responsibility for these matters and all other delegated responsibilities. |
5.3 |
Strategic Planning |
(a) |
The Board has oversight responsibility to participate directly, and through its committees, in reviewing, questioning and approving the mission of the business and its objectives and goals. |
|
(b) |
The Board is responsible for adopting a strategic planning process and approving and reviewing, on at least an annual basis, the business, financial and strategic plans by which it is proposed that the Corporation may reach those goals, and such strategic plans will take into account, among other things, the opportunities and risk of the business. |
|
(c) |
The Board has the responsibility to provide input to management on emerging trends and issues and on strategic plans, objectives and goals that management develops. |
A-3
5.4 |
Monitoring of Financial Performance and Other Financial Reporting Matters |
(a) |
The Board is responsible for enhancing congruence between shareholder expectations, corporate plans and management performance. |
|
(b) |
The Board is responsible for adopting processes for monitoring the Corporation's progress toward its strategic and operational goals, revising its direction to management where necessary, and taking action when Corporation performance falls short of its goals or other special circumstances warrant. |
|
(c) |
The Board is responsible for approving the audited financial statements, interim financial statements and the notes and Management's Discussion and Analysis accompanying such financial statements. |
|
(d) |
The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving the Corporation's annual budget, if any, presented by management. |
|
(e) |
The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving material transactions outside the ordinary course of business and those matters which the Board is required to approve under the Corporation's governing statute, including the payment of dividends, issuance, purchase and redemptions of securities, acquisitions and dispositions of material capital assets and material capital expenditures. |
5.5 |
Environmental Matters |
The Board is responsible for overseeing the establishment of health, safety and environmental policies for its operations that are consistent with accepted industry practice and comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
5.6 |
Risk Management |
(a) |
The Board has responsibility for the identification of the principal risks of the Corporation's business and ensuring the implementation of appropriate systems to effectively monitor and manage such risks with a view to the long-term viability of the Corporation and achieving a proper balance between the risks incurred and the potential return to the Corporation's shareholders. |
|
(b) |
The Board is responsible for the Corporation's internal control and management information systems. |
5.7 |
Policies and Procedures |
(a) |
The Board is responsible for: |
(i) |
developing the Corporation's approach to corporate governance, including approving and monitoring compliance with all significant policies and procedures related to corporate governance; and |
|
(ii) |
approving policies and procedures designed to ensure that the Corporation operates at all times within applicable laws and regulations and to the highest ethical and moral standards and, in particular, adopting a written code of business conduct and ethics which is applicable to directors, officers and employees of the Corporation and which constitutes written standards that are reasonably designed to promote integrity and to deter wrongdoing. |
A-4
(b) |
The Board enforces its policy respecting confidential treatment of the Corporation's proprietary information and Board deliberations. |
5.8 |
Communications and Reporting |
(a) |
The Board is responsible for overseeing the Corporation's financial reporting and disclosure obligations in accordance with applicable law, including: |
(i) |
overseeing the accurate reporting of the financial performance of the Corporation to shareholders, other security holders and regulators on a timely and regular basis; |
|
(ii) |
overseeing that the financial results are reported fairly and in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards and related legal disclosure requirements; |
|
(iii) |
taking steps to enhance the timely disclosure of any other developments that have a significant and material impact on the Corporation; |
|
(iv) |
reporting annually to shareholders on its stewardship for the preceding year; and |
|
(v) |
overseeing the Corporation's implementation of systems which accommodate feedback from stakeholders. |
5.9 |
Position Descriptions |
(a) |
The Board is responsible for: |
(i) |
developing position descriptions for the Chairman of the Board, the lead director, if applicable and the chair of each Board committee; |
|
(ii) |
developing and approving the corporate goals and objectives that the CEO is responsible for meeting; and |
|
(iii) |
developing a description of the expectations and responsibilities of directors, including basic duties and responsibilities with respect to attendance at Board meetings and advance review of meeting materials. |
5.10 |
Orientation and Continuing Education |
The Board is responsible for ensuring that all directors receive a comprehensive orientation program and continuing education in connection with their role, responsibilities, the business of the Corporation, and the skills they must use in their roles as directors.
5.11 |
Nomination of Directors |
(a) |
In connection with the nomination or appointment of individuals as directors, the Board is responsible for: |
(i) |
considering what competencies and skills the Board, as a whole, should possess; |
|
(ii) |
assessing what competencies and skills each existing director possesses; and |
|
(iii) |
considering the appropriate size of the Board, with a view to facilitating effective decision making. |
A-5
In carrying out each of these responsibilities, the Board will consider the advice and input of the Compensation and Governance Committee.
5.12 |
Board Evaluation |
The Board is responsible for ensuring that the Board, its committees and each individual director are regularly assessed regarding his, her or its effectiveness and contribution. An assessment will consider, in the case of the Board or a Board committee, its mandate or charter and in the case of an individual director, any applicable position description, as well as the competencies and skills each individual director is expected to bring to the Board.
6. |
Resources and Authority of the Committee to Engage Outside Advisors |
The Corporation shall provide the Board with the resources, and the Board shall have the authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities including the authority, to:
(a) |
engage independent counsel and other outside advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its duties; and |
|
(b) |
set and pay the compensation for any such advisors engaged by the Board and for ordinary administrative expenses of the Board that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties. |
March 26, 2012
KLONDEX MINES LTD. |
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING |
OF SHAREHOLDERS |
NOTICE is hereby given that the annual meeting (the " Meeting ") of the shareholders of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the " Company ") will be held at Toronto Region Board of Trade, Suite 350, 77 Adelaide St. West, Toronto, Ontario on June 17, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), for the following purposes:
1. |
To receive the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the report of the auditor thereon. |
2. |
To set the number of directors of the Company to be elected at eight. |
3. |
To elect directors of the Company for the ensuing year. |
4. |
To appoint the auditors and to authorize the directors of the Company to fix their remuneration. |
5. |
To transact such further and other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof. |
An "ordinary resolution" is a resolution passed by at least a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of the Company who voted in respect of that resolution at the Meeting.
A shareholder wishing to be represented by proxy at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof must deposit his or her duly executed form of proxy with the Company's transfer agent and registrar, Computershare Investor Services Inc., 2nd Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B9, Attention: Proxy Department, or by facsimile to (416) 263-9524 or 1-866-249-7775 not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on June 15, 2015 or, if the Meeting is adjourned, 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before any adjournment of the Meeting. A shareholder may also vote by telephone or via the internet by following the instructions on the form of proxy. If a shareholder votes by telephone or via the internet, completion or return of the proxy form is not needed. The directors of the Company have fixed the close of business on May 11, 2015 as the record date for the determination of the shareholders of the Company entitled to receive notice of the Meeting.
This notice of meeting (the " Notice ") is accompanied by: (a) the Circular; and (b) either a form of proxy for registered shareholders or a voting instruction form for beneficial shareholders. The Circular accompanying this Notice is incorporated into and shall be deemed to form part of this Notice.
DATED the 14 th day of May, 2015.
By Order of the Board |
(signed) Paul Huet |
Paul Huet |
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
510 Burrard St, 3rd Floor | |
Date: April 16, 2015 | Vancouver BC, V6C 3B9 |
www.computershare.com |
To: All Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities
Subject: KLONDEX MINES LTD.
Dear Sir/Madam:
We advise of the following with respect to the upcoming Meeting of Security Holders for the subject Issuer:
Meeting Type : | Annual General and Special Meeting |
Record Date for Notice of Meeting : | May 11, 2015 |
Record Date for Voting (if applicable) : | May 11, 2015 |
Beneficial Ownership Determination Date : | May 11, 2015 |
Meeting Date : | June 17, 2015 |
Meeting Location (if available) : | Toronto, ON |
Issuer sending proxy related materials directly to NOBO: | No |
Issuer paying for delivery to OBO: | No |
Notice and Access (NAA) Requirements: | |
NAA for Beneficial Holders | No |
NAA for Registered Holders | No |
Voting Security Details:
Description | CUSIP Number | ISIN |
COMMON | 498696103 | CA4986961031 |
Sincerely,
Computershare
Agent for
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE is hereby given that the annual meeting (the " Meeting ") of the shareholders of Klondex Mines Ltd. (" Company ") will be held at Toronto Region Board of Trade Suite 350, 77 Adelaide St. West, Toronto, Ontario on June 17, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), for the following purposes:
1. |
To receive the financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended December 31, 2013 and the report of the auditors thereon. |
2. |
To elect directors to the board of directors of the Company (the " Board "). |
3. |
To appoint auditors and to authorize the Board to fix their remuneration. |
4. |
To transact such further and other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof. |
An "ordinary resolution" is a resolution passed by at least a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of the Company who voted in respect of that resolution at the Meeting.
A shareholder wishing to be represented by proxy at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof must deposit his or her duly executed form of proxy with the Company's transfer agent and registrar, Computershare Investor Services Inc., 2nd Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B9, Attention: Proxy Department, or by facsimile to (416) 263-9524 or 1-866-249-7775 not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on June 13, 2014 or, if the Meeting is adjourned, 48 hours (excluding Saturdays and holidays) before any adjournment of the Meeting. A shareholder may also vote by telephone or via the internet by following the instructions on the form of proxy. If a shareholder votes by telephone or via the internet, completion or return of the proxy form is not needed. The directors of the Company have fixed the close of business on May 5, 2014 as the record date for the determination of the shareholders of the Company entitled to receive notice of the Meeting.
This notice of meeting (the " Notice ") is accompanied by: (a) the management information circular of the Company (the " Circular "); and (b) either a form of proxy for registered shareholders or a voting instruction form for beneficial shareholders. The Circular accompanying this Notice is incorporated into and shall be deemed to form part of this Notice.
DATED the 9 th day of May, 2014
By Order of the Board | |
(signed) Paul Huet | |
Paul Huet | |
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR
PART ONE VOTING INFORMATION
May 9, 2014
Solicitation of Proxies
This management information circular (this "Circular") is furnished in connection with the solicitation by management of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the "Company" or the "Corporation") of proxies to be used at the annual meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders of the Company ("Shareholders") to be held on June 17, 2014, at the time and place and for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting (the "Notice") . It is expected that the solicitation of proxies will be primarily made by mail and may be supplemented by telephone or other personal contact by the directors, officers and employees of the Company. Directors, officers and employees of the Company will not receive any extra compensation for such activities. The cost of solicitation by management will be borne by the Company.
Appointment and Revocation of Proxies
The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy are directors and officers of the Company. A Shareholder desiring to appoint some other person (who need not be a Shareholder) to represent the Shareholder at the Meeting and any adjournment thereof may do so either by inserting such person's name in the blank space provided in the applicable form of proxy or by completing another proper form of proxy and, in either case, depositing his or her duly executed form of proxy with the Company's transfer agent and registrar, Computershare Investor Services Inc., 2nd Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B9, Attention: Proxy Department, or by facsimile to (416) 263-9524 or 1-866-249-7775 not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on June 13, 2014 or, if the Meeting is adjourned, 48 hours (excluding Saturdays and holidays) before any adjournment of the Meeting. You may also vote by telephone or via the internet by following the instructions on the form of proxy. If you vote by telephone or via the internet, do not complete or return the proxy form.
In addition to revocation in any other manner permitted by law, a proxy may be revoked by an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by his or her attorney authorized in writing deposited either at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, at which the proxy is to be used or with the Chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting, or adjournment thereof, and upon either of such deposits, the proxy is revoked.
Exercise of Discretion by Proxies
The person named in the enclosed form of proxy will vote or withhold from voting the common shares of the Company (" Common Shares ") in respect of which he is appointed in accordance with the direction of the Shareholder appointing him. If the Shareholder specifies a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the Common Shares will be voted accordingly. In the absence of any direction to the contrary in respect of a matter to be voted on, all Common Shares represented by proxy will be voted FOR or IN FAVOUR of such matter.
The enclosed form of proxy confers discretionary authority upon the person named therein with respect to the matters identified in the Notice and with respect to other matters which may properly come before the Meeting. As of the date hereof, management of the Company knows of no such amendments, variations or other matters to come before the Meeting. However, if any such amendment, variation or other matter properly comes before the Meeting, it is the intention of the person named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote on such other business in accordance with his best judgment.
- 2 -
The form of proxy must be signed by the Shareholder or the duly appointed attorney thereof authorized in writing or, if the Shareholder is a corporation, by an authorized officer of such corporation. A form of proxy signed by the person acting as attorney of the Shareholder or in some other representative capacity, including an officer of a corporation which is a Shareholder, should indicate the capacity in which such person is signing. A Shareholder or his or her attorney may sign the form of proxy or a power of attorney authorizing the creation of a proxy by electronic signature provided that the means of electronic signature permits a reliable determination that the document was created or communicated by or on behalf of such Shareholder or by or on behalf of his or her attorney, as the case may be.
Non-Registered Holders
Only registered Shareholders or the person they appoint as their proxy are entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting. The Common Shares beneficially owned by a person (a " Non-Registered Holder ") are registered either: (i) in the name of an intermediary (an " Intermediary ") with whom the Non-Registered Holder deals in respect of the Common Shares (Intermediaries include, among others, banks, trust companies, securities dealers or brokers and trustees or administrators of self-administered RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs and similar plans); or (ii) in the name of a clearing agency (such as CDS Clearing Depositary Services Inc. (" CDS ") of which the Intermediary is a participant). In accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 54-101 Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the Company will have distributed copies of the Notice, this Circular and the form of proxy (collectively, the " meeting materials ") to the clearing agencies and Intermediaries for onward distribution to Non-Registered Holders.
Non-Registered Holders who have not waived the right to receive meeting materials will receive either a voting instruction form or, less frequently, a form of proxy. The purpose of these forms is to permit Non-Registered Holders to direct the voting of the Common Shares they beneficially own. Non-Registered Holders should follow the procedures set out below, depending on which type of form they receive.
1. |
Voting Instruction Form . In most cases, a Non-Registered Holder will receive, as part of the meeting materials, a voting instruction form. If the Non-Registered Holder does not wish to attend and vote at the Meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the Non-Registered Holder's behalf), the voting instruction form must be completed, signed and returned in accordance with the directions on the form. Voting instruction forms in some cases permit the completion of the voting instruction form by telephone or through the internet. If a Non-Registered Holder wishes to attend and vote at the meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the Non-Registered Holder's behalf), the Non-Registered Holder must complete, sign and return the voting instruction form in accordance with the directions provided and a form of proxy giving the right to attend and vote will be forwarded to the Non-Registered Holder. |
2. |
Form of Proxy . Less frequently, a Non-Registered Holder will receive, as part of the meeting materials, a form of proxy that has already been signed by the Intermediary (typically by a facsimile, stamped signature) which is restricted as to the number of Common Shares beneficially owned by the Non- Registered Holder but which is otherwise uncompleted. If the Non-Registered Holder does not wish to attend and vote at the meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the Non-Registered Holder's behalf), the Non-Registered Holder must complete the form of proxy and deposit it with the Corporate Secretary of the Company c/o Computershare Investor Services Inc. , Attention: Proxy Department, 2nd Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B9 or by facsimile to (416) 263-9524 or 1- 866-249-7775 or vote by telephone or internet as described above. If a Non- Registered Holder wishes to attend and vote at the meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the Non- Registered Holder's behalf), the Non-Registered Holder must strike out the names of the persons named in the proxy and insert the Non-Registered Holder's (or such other person's) name in the blank space provided. |
Non-Registered Holders should follow the instructions on the forms they receive and contact their Intermediaries promptly if they need assistance.
- 3 -
Voting Securities
The authorized capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares. As of May 9, 2014, the Company had outstanding an aggregate of 111,295,476 Common Shares, each carrying the right to one vote per share.
The record date for the determination of Shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Meeting has been fixed as May 5, 2014 (the " Record Date "). Only Shareholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date who either attend the Meeting in person or complete, sign and deliver a form of proxy in the manner and subject to the provisions described above will be entitled to vote or to have their Common Shares voted at the Meeting. A quorum for the transaction of business at the Meeting is the presence of one person who is, or who represents by proxy one or more Shareholders who, in the aggregate, hold at least 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares entitled to be voted at the Meeting.
Interest of Certain Persons or Companies in matters to be acted upon
No director or executive officer of the Company, or any person who has held such a position since the beginning of the last completed financial year of the Company, nor any nominee for election as a director of the Company, nor any associate or affiliate of the foregoing persons, has any substantial or material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted on at the Meeting other than the election of directors, the appointment of the auditor and as may be set out herein.
Interest of Informed Persons in Material Transactions
On February 11, 2014, in connection with the acquisition by the Company of the Midas mine and mill, the Company entered into a senior secured loan facility agreement with a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp., and including The K2 Principal Fund L.P. (" K2 ") and Jones, Gable & Company Limited pursuant to which the Company issued units consisting of an aggregate of $25,000,000 principal amount of notes, issued at a 2.5% discount to par value, and 3,100,000 warrants to purchase Common Shares (the " Debt Financing "). K2 holds over 10% of the outstanding Common Shares (see " Principal Holders of Voting Securities "). Additional information on the Debt Financing is included in the Company's annual information form dated March 31, 2014 for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the " AIF ") which is available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Unless as otherwise disclosed, none of the directors or officers of the Company, nor any proposed nominees for election as directors, nor any associate or affiliate of any such person, had any direct or indirect material interest, during 2013, in respect of any matter that has materially affected or will materially affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Principal Holders of Voting Securities
To the knowledge of the directors and senior officers of the Company as at the Record Date, no persons or companies beneficially own or exercise control or direction over 10% or more of the votes attached to the Common Shares, other than as set out below.
Shareholder Name
|
Number of Common Shares Held
|
Percentage of Outstanding Common
Shares Held |
The K2 Principal Fund L.P. | 15,370,164 | 13.8% |
Sun Valley Gold LLC | 15,251,800 | 13.7% |
Sentry Investments Inc. | 11,140,000 | 10.0% |
- 4 -
PART TWO BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
Annual Financial Statements
The financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended December 31, 2013 and the auditors' report thereon will be placed before the Shareholders at the Meeting.
Election of Directors
The term of office of each of the current directors will end at the conclusion of the Meeting. The Company has fixed the number of directors to be elected at the Meeting at six. The directors of the Company are to be elected in accordance with the Company's majority voting policy (see " Part Six Statement of Corporate Governance Practices Majority Voting Policy "). Unless the director's office is vacated earlier in accordance with the articles of the Company or the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the " BCBCA "), each director elected will hold office until the next annual meeting or until a successor is duly elected or appointed, unless his office is earlier vacated in accordance with the Company's articles.
The following table sets out the names of management's nominees for election as directors, all major offices and positions with the Company and any of its significant affiliates each now holds, each nominee's principal occupation, business or employment, the period of time during which each has been a director of the Company and the number of Common Shares beneficially owned by each, directly or indirectly, or over which each exercised control or direction, as at May 9, 2014.
Name and Residence |
Office Held |
Principal Occupation during the Past Five Years |
Date First
Elected or Appointed |
No. of Shares |
Renaud Adams
Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Director |
Currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Primero Mining Corp., a precious metals producer in Mexico and Canada; previously, Chief Operating Officer of Primero Mining Corp. since November 2011; Senior Vice-President, Operations Americas of IAMGOLD Corporation from February 2010 to October 2011; prior thereto, Vice President and General Manager of the Rosebel Gold Mine in Suriname for IAMGOLD Corporation. |
July 2013 | 21,900 |
Rodney Cooper
(1)(2)
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada |
Director |
Currently, President and Chief Operating Officer of Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited, a mining and exploration company; prior thereto, Vice President, Senior Mining Analyst at Dundee Securities; Chief Operating Officer at Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation. |
August 2012 | 42,077 |
James
Haggarty (1)(3) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Director |
Chief Operating Officer, SHOP.CA; previously, Executive, J.E.L.L. Advisors, a private consulting firm; prior thereto, Executive Vice President at Rogers Communications Inc. |
June 2012 | 60,420 |
Paul Huet
(2)
Reno, Nevada, USA |
President and Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Currently, President & Chief Executive Officer of Klondex Mines Ltd.; prior thereto, Chief Operating Officer of Premier Gold Mines from 2011 to 2012; General Manager of Nevada Great Basin Gold from 2007 to 2011. |
September 2012 | 370,860 |
William Matlack
(2)
Reno, Nevada, USA |
Director |
Investment Banker, private investor and mineral explorer. |
June 2012 | 1,376,272 |
- 5 -
Name and Residence |
Office Held |
Principal Occupation during the Past Five Years |
Date First
Elected or Appointed |
No. of Shares |
Blair Schultz
(1)(3)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Director
(Chairman) |
Chairman of the Company; from June 2001 to April 2014, Vice President and Head of Special Situation Analytics, Portfolio Management & Trading at K2 & Associates Investment Management Inc., a hedge fund in Toronto. |
June 2012 | 650,000 |
Notes: | |
(1) |
Member of the Audit Committee. |
(2) |
Member of the Mine Safety and Health Committee. |
(3) |
Member of the Compensation and Governance Committee. |
Renaud Adams, Director
Mr. Adams has 20 years of experience in the mining industry and is currently the President and Chief Operating Officer of Primero Mining Corp., where he is responsible for the operations and organic growth of the companys operations in Mexico and Canada. He previously held senior positions with major operating mines for IAMGOLD Corporation and Breakwater Resources, among others. While at IAMGOLD, he oversaw three operations in Suriname and Quebec producing approximately four hundred thousand ounces of gold and five million kilograms of niobium annually. At Breakwater Resources, he was responsible for mines in Honduras and southern Chile. Mr. Adams has a Mining & Mineral Processing engineering degree from Laval University and brings to Klondex hands-on operations experience with administration, operations, exploration metallurgy and processing, as well as legal, social and environmental aspects of the business.
Rodney Cooper, Director
Mr. Cooper has been involved in the mining industry for over 30 years, with broad experience in technical services, operations, project management, investment evaluation and finance. His experience in gold mining extends over twenty years, including extensive work in the western United States, including Nevada. Mr. Cooper's underground design, development and operations experience is directly applicable to the Company's projects. He is currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Labrador Iron Mines. Previously, he has served as Vice President and Senior Analyst at Dundee Securities, Chief Operating Officer at Baffinland Iron Mines and Vice President Technical Services at Kinross Gold. He was previously employed by Homestake Canada and Echo Bay Mines in various operational and technical roles. Mr. Cooper is a professional mining engineer and a past director of the Mining Association of Canada and the Alberta Chamber of Resources. He graduated with Honours in Applied Science, Mining Engineering, from Queens University, in Kingston, Ontario and earned his MBA from the University of Toronto.
James Haggarty, Director
Mr. Haggarty is a financial and operational executive with over 20 years of experience ranging from strategic planning and M&A deals to managing diverse businesses day-to-day. He is highly experienced at working with boards of directors, investors, suppliers and customers of public and private companies. He is adept at managing complex financial structures/partnership agreements/regulations/business technologies and systems. Mr. Haggarty's career has covered a range of industries from broadcasting, telecommunications, mining and public accounting. After KPMG, Mr. Haggarty worked at Inmet Mining (formerly Metall Mining), Rogers Communications, Corus Entertainment, and, J.E.L.L. Advisors, holding the positions of EVP Operations, VP Financial Operations, VP Corporate Development, and is presently the Chief Operating Officer at SHOP.CA.
In addition to being a member of the Company's Board where he chairs the Audit Committee and the Compensation and Governance Committee, Mr. Haggarty serves on the Board of Directors of the Toronto Blue Jays Care Foundation, and the Advisory Board of the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor. Mr. Haggarty is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA and CA) and holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Windsor.
- 6 -
Paul Huet, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
Mr. Huet brings over 25-years of experience in high-grade mining, with particular expertise in narrow vein gold mining and has supervised mine operations, mine engineering, geology and mine safety in Nevada. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Huet served as Chief Operating Officer of Premier Gold Mines Limited, where he oversaw that company's gold projects. Mr. Huet also served as General Manager at Great Basin's Hollister mine for five years and was previously Mine Manager at Newmont's Midas Mine serving in several roles during his seven-year tenure. Mr. Huet earned an Honors degree in Mining Engineering Technology from Haileybury School of Mines in Ontario and an Executive MBA from the Stanford University School of Business. He was appointed as a director for the Nevada Mining Association in Jan. 2011. He currently serves as a Director of Source Exploration Corp.
William Matlack, Director
Mr. Matlack is an investment banker, private investor, and mineral explorer. He specializes in metals and mining investment banking with Scarsdale Equities LLC. He has 16 years prior experience in metals and mining equities, including equity research positions with BMO Capital Markets and Citigroup Capital Markets. Mr. Matlack was involved in several world-class gold discoveries with Santa Fe Pacific Gold Corp. (now Newmont Mining Corporation) and Gold Fields Ltd. spanning a 20-year career in exploration. He also has significant industry experience in non-ferrous metals and uranium. He previously served as Interim CEO of the Company in 2012. He has a B.A. in Geology from Carleton College and a M.S. in Geology from the University of Minnesota.
Blair Schultz, Chairman of the Board and Director
Mr. Schultz, who has over 13 years of experience evaluating M&A transactions in the mining space, was a Vice President and Head of Special Situation Analytics, Portfolio Management & Trading at K2 & Associates Investment Management Inc. in Toronto, from June 2001 until April 2014. His duties involved portfolio management, special situation analytics, merger arbitrage, commodity and currency hedging and investment execution. Blair has previously worked for Canada Life, TD Securities, Trimark and Perigee Investment Counsel in debt private placements, interest rate derivatives and equity research. Blair holds an Honours Bachelor of Mathematics degree from the University of Waterloo with a Business Administration option from Wilfred Laurier University.
Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties and Sanctions
None of the nominees for election as a director of the Company is, or was within the ten years prior to the date hereof, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company that was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied such company access to any exemption under securities legislation that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days and that was issued while that person was acting in such capacity or that was issued after that person ceased to act in such capacity and which resulted from an event that occurred which that person was acting in such capacity.
None of the nominees for election as a director of the Company is, or was within the ten years prior to the date hereof, a director or executive officer of any company that, while that person was acting in such capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in such capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangements or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.
None of the nominees for election as director of the Company has within the ten years prior to the date hereof become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangements or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.
None of the nominees for election as a director of the Company has been subject to (a) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority, or (b) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable shareholder in deciding whether to vote for a proposed director.
- 7 -
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board has an audit committee (the " Audit Committee "), a compensation and governance committee (the "Compensation and Governance Committee") and a mine safety and health committee (the " Mine Safety and Health Committee "). The current members of the Audit Committee include Rodney Cooper, James Haggarty and Blair Schultz (see " Part Five Audit Committee Information "). The current members of the Compensation and Governance Committee include James Haggarty and Blair Schultz (see " Part Six Statement of Corporate Governance Practices Committees of the Board of Directors Compensation and Governance Committee "). The current members of the Mine Safety and Health Committee include Rodney Cooper, Paul Huet and William Matlack (see " Part Six Statement of Corporate Governance Practices Committees of the Board of Directors Mine Safety and Health Committee ").
Upon the election of the proposed nominees to the Board of Directors, the proposed constitution of the committees will remain as set out above.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the election of the above named nominees. The persons named in the form of proxy accompanying this Circular intend to vote FOR the election of the above named nominees, unless the Shareholder who has given such proxy has directed that the Common Shares represented by such proxy be withheld from voting in respect of the election of such nominee . Management of the Company does not contemplate that any nominees named above will be unable to serve as director; however, if that should occur for any reason prior to the Meeting or any adjournment thereof, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy reserve the right to vote for another nominee in their discretion.
Appointment of Auditors
The Board of Directors recommends the adoption of a resolution appointing PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants (" PWC ") as the auditors of the Company until the close of the next annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company and to authorize the directors to fix the auditors' remuneration. PWC was first appointed as auditors of the Company effective January 6, 2014. In order to be effective, the resolution must be approved by a majority of the votes cast by Shareholders present, or represented by proxy, at the Meeting.
As required by Section 4.11 of National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations , attached as Schedule "B" to this Circular are copies of the following documents which were promptly filed with securities regulatory authorities in connection with the change of auditor described above, and are available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com:
(a) |
Notice of Change of Auditor dated January 9, 2014; |
|
(b) |
Letter from Crowe MacKay LLP, Chartered Accountants (formerly MacKay LLP, Chartered Accountants), dated January 13, 2014; and |
|
(c) |
Letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants, dated January 24, 2014. |
The Board of Directors believes that the appointment of PWC as auditors is in the best interests of the Company and therefore unanimously recommends that the Shareholders vote in favour of this resolution. Unless instructed otherwise, the representatives of the Company named in the accompanying form of proxy intend to vote the Common Shares represented by proxies FOR the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants, as auditors of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and the authorization of the directors to fix their remuneration unless the Shareholder has specified in the proxy that his Common Shares are to be withheld from voting in respect thereof.
- 8 -
Other Matters
Management knows of no other matters to come before the Meeting other than those referred to in the Notice of Meeting. Should any other matters properly come before the Meeting, the Common Shares represented by the form of proxy accompanying this Circular will be voted on such matters in accordance with the best judgment of the persons voting by proxy.
PART THREE STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Compensation Governance
The Compensation and Governance Committee is currently composed of three members, all of whom are independent directors (see " Part Six Statement of Corporate Governance Practices Corporate Governance Guidelines "). The Company's compensation policies and programs are designed to be competitive with similar mining companies and to recognize and reward executive performance consistent with the success of the Company's business. These policies and programs are intended to attract and retain capable and experienced people. The Compensation and Governance Committee's role and philosophy is to ensure that the Company's compensation goals and objectives, as applied to the actual compensation paid to the Company's CEO and other executive officers, are aligned with the Company's overall business objectives and with Shareholder interests.
In addition to industry comparables, the Compensation and Governance Committee considers a variety of factors when determining both compensation policies and programs and individual compensation levels. These factors include the long-range interests of the Company and Shareholders, overall financial and operating performance of the Company and the Compensation and Governance Committee's assessment of each executive's individual performance and contribution toward meeting corporate objectives.
The function of the Compensation and Governance Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to the compensation practices of the executive officers of the Company. The Compensation and Governance Committee is empowered to review the compensation levels of the Company's executive officers and to report and make recommendations thereon to the Board; to review the strategic objectives of the Company's stock option and other stock-based compensation plans and to set stock based compensation; and to consider any other matters which, in the Compensation and Governance Committee's judgment, should be taken into account in reaching any recommendation to the Board concerning the compensation levels of the Company's executive officers.
The Board assumes responsibility for reviewing and monitoring the long-range compensation strategy for the Company's senior management although the Compensation and Governance Committee guides it in this role. The Board determines the type and amount of compensation for the Chief Executive Officer (" CEO "). The Board also reviews the compensation of the Company's senior executives.
Philosophy and Objectives
The compensation program for the Company's senior management is designed to ensure the level and form of compensation achieves certain objectives, including:
(a) |
attracting and retaining talented, qualified and effective executives; |
|
(b) |
motivating the short and long-term performance of these executives; and |
|
(c) |
better aligning their interests with the interests of Shareholders. |
- 9 -
Peer Group
The Compensation and Governance Committee compares the Company's compensation structure and levels with a peer group of companies, including base salary, target compensation and actual compensation for each "Named Executive Officer" according to position title, organizational role and overall scope of responsibility. The 2013 peer group used by the Compensation and Governance Committee in making its recommendations to the Board included the following 18 publicly traded mining companies with which the Company competes for executive talent and which the Company sees as its best comparables. Companies were selected after an in-depth review of many factors, including company size, geographic location, market capitalization, asset composition, degree of complexity and stage of operations.
Company | Company | |
Argonaut Gold Inc. | Nevsun Resources Ltd. | |
Atna Resources Ltd. | Perseus Mining Ltd. | |
Comstock Metals Ltd. | Premier Gold Mines Limited | |
Continental Gold Limited | Pretium Resources Inc. | |
Dalradian Resources Inc. | Primero Mining Corp. | |
Kaminak Gold Corporation | Probe Mines Limited | |
Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. | Romarco Minerals Inc. | |
Midas Gold Corp. | Rubicon Minerals Corporation | |
Midway Gold Corp. | Veris Gold Corp. |
Elements of Compensation Program for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2013
The significant elements of compensation awarded to the CEO and the Chief Financial Officer (the " CFO ") of the Company are cash salary, cash bonuses and stock options. There is no policy or target regarding allocation between cash and non-cash elements of the Company's compensation program. The Compensation and Governance Committee annually reviews the total compensation package of each of the Company's executives on an individual basis, against the backdrop of the compensation goals and objectives described above, and makes recommendations to the Board concerning the individual components of their compensation. In compensating its senior management, the Company employs a combination of cash salary, cash bonuses and equity participation through the Company's share incentive plan (the " Share Incentive Plan ").
Cash Salary
In 2011, the Compensation and Governance Committee engaged an independent consultant to prepare a review of CEO and director compensation as viewed against the backdrop of comparable companies, the results of which study were intended to guide the Compensation and Governance Committee in making its recommendations to the Board regarding compensation for the directors and executive officers of the Company. Based on this independent compensation study prepared for the Company, the Compensation and Governance Committee presented its recommendations to the Board, modifying the Company's compensation practices to fall in line with the peer group that had been selected, which better aligned the Company's practices with current industry standards. In 2012 and 2013, the Compensation and Governance Committee continued to review compensation packages and practices for CEOs and CFOs of a number of small to mid-size public companies in the mining industry, as well as third party compensation reports (see "Peer Group" above). Guided by their review, the Compensation and Governance Committee's recommendations to the Board continue to be in line with the peer groups reviewed. The compensation packages for the CEO and the CFO are based on a base salary, a bonus based on agreed objectives and the achievement of set milestones, and incentive stock options. The CEO's and CFO's compensation packages also include additional benefits, as more clearly set out under the heading " Termination and Change of Control Benefits ".
Equity Participation
The Company believes that encouraging its executives and employees to become shareholders is the best way of aligning their interests with those of Shareholders. Equity participation is accomplished through the Share Incentive Plan. Stock options are granted to senior executives, taking into account a number of factors, including the amount and term of options previously granted, base salary and bonuses and competitive factors. Options vest on terms established by the Board.
- 10 -
Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits
The executive officers of the Company are not generally entitled to significant perquisites or other personal benefits not offered to the Company's other employees.
Share-based and Option-based Awards
The Share Incentive Plan is intended to emphasize management's commitment to the growth of the Company and the enhancements of shareholders' equity through, for example, improvements in its resource base and share price increments. The Company relies on Board discussions without any formal objectives in granting stock options, other than management's consideration of the executive officers' duties and responsibilities, the executive officers' execution of such duties, and the impact of stock options on the total compensation package as envisioned by the Board for each of the executive officers.
Given the evolving nature of the Company's business, the Board, with the assistance of the Compensation and Governance Committee and in consultation with the senior management of the Company, continues to review and redesign the overall compensation plan for senior management so as to continue to address the objectives identified above. At least annually, the Board and the Compensation and Governance Committee review the grants of stock options to management and employees.
After reviewing recommendations from the Compensation and Governance Committee, the Board approves base salaries and stock option grants at the same time to facilitate consideration of targeted direct compensation to executive officers. Generally, the Board grants options on an annual basis in order to minimize ad hoc option grant proposals and to normalize the compensation process. Previous grants of option-based awards are taken into account when considering new grants of options. Options are granted at other times of the year to individuals commencing employment with the Company. The exercise price for the options is set in accordance with Toronto Stock Exchange (" TSX ") policy.
Hedging
The Company has not established any policies related to the purchase by directors or executive officers of the Company of financial instruments (including prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, or units of exchange funds) that are designed to hedge or offset a decrease in market value of equity securities granted as compensation or held, directly or indirectly, by any director or executive officer of the Company.
Risk
The Compensation and Governance Committee recognizes that certain elements of compensation could promote unintended inappropriate risk-taking behaviours; however, the Company seeks to ensure that executive compensation packages appropriately balance short term incentives (e.g., base salary and cash bonuses, if applicable) and long-term incentives (e.g., options). Base salaries and personal benefits are not subject to performance risk given the stage of the Company, as discussed above. To receive the benefit of long-term incentives (options), the executive officers must be employed by the Company (subject to limited exceptions), thereby better aligning executive performance with the interests of the Company and Shareholders. The Compensation and Governance Committee believes that executive compensation risk management is reinforced by ongoing Board oversight of, among other things, the Company's financial results, regulatory disclosure, strategic plans, fraud and error reporting, the Audit Committee's regular meetings with the external auditors (including without the presence of management), the Company's internal control, management information systems and financial control systems. As a result, the Compensation and Governance Committee does not believe that its compensation practices and policies are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
- 11 -
Performance Graph
The following graph compares, from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2013, the total cumulative return on a $100 investment in the Common Shares with the cumulative total return of the S&P/TSX Composite Index.
Summary Compensation Table
Securities legislation requires the disclosure of compensation received by each "Named Executive Officer" or "NEO" of the Company for the three most recently completed financial years. "Named Executive Officer" is defined by the legislation to mean (i) each of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, (ii) each of the Company's three most highly compensated executive officers, or the three most highly compensated individuals acting in a similar capacity, other than the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, at the end of the most recently completed financial year and whose total compensation exceeds $150,000, and (iii) any additional individual who would be an NEO under (ii) but for the fact that the individual was not serving as an executive officer of the Company or in a similar capacity at the end of the most recently completed financial year end of the Company.
The following table sets forth a summary of all compensation for services earned during the completed financial year ended December 31, 2013 by the NEOs.
Name and
Principal Position |
Fiscal
year |
Salary
($) |
Share-
based awards (1) ($) |
Option-
based awards (2) ($) |
Non-equity
incentive plan compensation ($) |
All other
compensation (4) ($) |
Total
compensation ($) |
|
Annual
incentive plans (3) |
Long-
term incentive plans |
|||||||
Paul Huet
,
President and CEO (5)(6) |
2013
2012 |
253,887
69,278 |
53,240
25,400 |
238,978
283,652 |
196,642
Nil |
Nil
Nil |
487,224
46,666 |
1,229,971
424,996 |
- 12 -
Name and
Principal Position |
Fiscal
year |
Salary
($) |
Share-
based awards (1) ($) |
Option-
based awards (2) ($) |
Non-equity
incentive plan compensation ($) |
All other
compensation (4) ($) |
Total
compensation ($) |
|
Annual
incentive plans (3) |
Long-
term incentive plans |
|||||||
Barry L.
Dahl
,
CFO (7) |
2013
|
26,387
|
Nil
|
205,261
|
6,210
|
Nil
|
2,722
|
240,580
|
Jorge
Avelino
,
Corporate Secretary and former CFO (8) |
2013
2012 2011 |
150,000
133,483 129,319 |
Nil
Nil Nil |
25,286
42,415 191,000 |
21,390
Nil 20,000 |
Nil
Nil Nil |
22,040
6,176 6,176 |
218,716
182,074 346,495 |
Notes: | |
(1) |
The share-based awards are based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. |
(2) |
The value of the option-based awards was calculated based on the fair value of the options on their grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company chose the Black-Scholes model because it is a widely recognized and utilized model for option pricing. In calculating the fair value of options for the 2013 option grants, management assumed an average risk-free interest rate of 1.21%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, an expected life of 3 years and an average share price volatility of 49.58%. In calculating the fair value of options for the 2012 option grants, management assumed an average risk-free interest rate of 1.24%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, an expected life of 3 years and an average share price volatility of 51.60%. In calculating the fair value of options for the 2011 option grants, management assumed an average risk-free interest rate of 2.56%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, an expected life of 5 years and an average share price volatility of 100.13%. |
(3) |
Cash bonus paid and/or payable at the end of the year. |
(4) |
Includes payroll and medical benefits paid by the Company. For Mr. Huet, such amounts also include a housing and relocation allowance paid and/or payable at the end of the year. |
(5) |
Mr. Huet was appointed President & CEO of the Company on September 12, 2012. |
(6) |
Mr. Huet received his salary in US dollars. The amounts in the table are stated in Canadian dollars. The translation of compensation into Canadian dollars is done quarterly, using the average closing foreign exchange rate per month for each quarter. |
(7) |
Mr. Dahl was appointed CFO of the Company on November 15, 2013. |
(8) |
Mr. Avelino served as the CFO of the Company until November 15, 2013 and continued to serve as Corporate Secretary of the Company thereafter. |
Incentive Plan Awards
Incentive Plan Awards Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
The following table sets out all share-based awards and option-based awards outstanding as at December 31, 2013, for each NEO in the most recently completed financial year.
- 13 -
Name |
Option-based Awards | Share-based Awards | |||||
Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) |
Option exercise price ($) |
Option expiration date |
Value of unexercised in-the- money options (1) ($) |
Number of shares or units of shares that have not vested (#) |
Market or
payout value of share- based awards that have not vested (2) ($) |
Market or payout value of vested share-based awards not paid out or distributed ($) |
|
Paul Huet
,
President and CEO |
300,000 | 1.20 | Sep. 12, 2015 | 120,000 | 100,000 | 161,000 | N/A |
210,000 | 1.44 | Sep. 12, 2015 | 37,500 | 70,000 | 112,700 | N/A | |
210,000 | 1.68 | Sep. 12, 2015 | Nil | 70,000 | 112,700 | N/A | |
50,000 | 1.35 | Feb. 24, 2016 | 13,000 | Nil | Nil | N/A | |
437,500 | 1.50 | Oct. 11, 2016 | 48,125 | 291,667 | 469,583 | N/A | |
Barry Dahl
,
CFO (3) |
350,000 | 1.58 | Nov. 15, 2015 | 10,500 | 233,333 | 375,667 | N/A |
Jorge Avelino
,
Corporate Secretary and former CFO (4) |
100,000 | 1.25 | Feb. 10, 2020 | 36,000 | Nil | Nil | N/A |
104,000 | 1.35 | May 26, 2020 | 27,040 | Nil | Nil | N/A | |
100,000 | 2.53 | Jan. 5, 2016 | Nil | Nil | Nil | N/A | |
100,000 | 1.24 | Dec. 10, 2015 | 37,500 | Nil | Nil | N/A | |
50,000 | 1.50 | Oct. 11, 2015 | 5,500 | 33,333 | 53,667 | N/A |
Notes: | |
(1) |
Value is based on the difference between the market price of the Common Shares underlying the options and the exercise price of the options as at December 31, 2013. The closing price of the Common Shares as listed on the TSX on December 31, 2013 was $1.61 per share. |
(2) |
Value is shown as at December 31, 2013. The closing price of the Common Shares as listed on the TSX on December 31, 2013 was $1.61 per share. |
(3) |
Mr. Dahl was appointed CFO of the Company on November 15, 2013. |
(4) |
Mr. Avelino served as the CFO of the Company until November 15, 2013 and continued to serve as Corporate Secretary of the Company thereafter. |
Incentive Plan Awards Value Vested or Earned During the Year
The following table sets forth information in respect of all share-based awards and option-based awards vested as at December 31, 2013 in favor of the NEOs of the Company.
Name
|
Option-based awards
Value vested during the year (1) ($) |
Share-based awards
Value vested during the year (2) ($) |
Non-equity incentive plan
compensation Value earned during the year ($) |
Paul Huet , President and CEO | 178,875 | 53,240 | Nil |
Barry L. Dahl , CFO (3) | 68,833 | Nil | Nil |
Jorge Avelino , Corporate Secretary and former CFO (4) | 63,368 | Nil | Nil |
Notes: | |
(1) |
This is the aggregate dollar value that would have been realized if the options vested during the year had been exercised on their respective vesting dates. |
(2) |
This is the aggregate dollar value realized upon vesting of share-based awards as of vesting date. |
(3) |
Mr. Dahl was appointed CFO of the Company on November 15, 2013. |
(4) |
Mr. Avelino served as the CFO of the Company until November 15, 2013 and continued to serve as Corporate Secretary of the Company thereafter. |
- 14 -
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets out equity compensation plan information as at December 31, 2013.
Plan Category |
Number of securities
to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) |
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) |
Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) |
Equity compensation plans approved by securityholders | 5,480,758 | $1.41 | 6,481,186 (1) |
Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Total | 5,480,758 | $1.41 | 6,481,186 |
Notes: | |
(1) |
The maximum aggregate number of options that can be available for issuance under the Share Incentive Plan at any point in time is 15% of the number of outstanding Common Shares at such time, less (i) the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under options granted under share compensation arrangements other than the Share Incentive Plan, and (ii) any Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Share Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2013, there were 79,746,291 Common Shares outstanding. |
Termination and Change of Control Benefits
Each of the NEOs has entered into an employment agreement with the Company. The following provides details on the status of agreements with each of the NEOs as at December 31, 2013.
Paul Huet Employment Contract
Mr. Huet's employment agreement with the Company, dated effective September 12, 2012, as amended effective March 15, 2014, covers the provision of his services as President and CEO of the Company. The employment agreement provides for an annual base salary of US$330,000, a signing bonus of 20,000 Common Shares issued on October 22, 2012 at a fair value of $1.27 per Common Share and a stock option package comprised of 300,000 options to acquire Common Shares exercisable at $1.20 per Common Share; 210,000 options to acquire Common Shares exercisable at $1.44 per Common Share; and 210,000 options to acquire Common Shares exercisable at $1.68 per Common Share, with one-third vesting immediately; one-third vesting on September 12, 2013 and one-third vesting on September 12, 2014.
Mr. Huet is also eligible for a target annual bonus of 60% of annual base salary. On January 3, 2013, the Compensation and Governance Committee approved a bonus based on 3 months of employment. The bonus amount paid was $28,875 less applicable taxes. The employment agreement also provides for a housing allowance of US$1,900 per month (net of any taxes). Additionally, the Company agreed to match, in the form of restricted shares, any direct purchase of Common Shares in the first financing that Mr. Huet may purchase, subject up to a maximum of 25% of such Common Shares. Mr. Huet participated in the November 2012 private placement financing of the Company, acquiring 170,368 Common Shares; on January 16, 2013, the Company issued 42,592 Common Shares to Mr. Huet in respect of this matching provision.
Upon a termination with cause, Mr. Huet has no entitlement to further pay or compensation and all unexercised options shall be forfeited. Upon a termination without cause, Mr. Huet shall be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to one year's salary plus an additional lump sum payment of six months' salary for every subsequent full year employed by the Company after September 12, 2013, up to an aggregate maximum of two years' salary, and Mr. Huet shall have six months from his termination date to exercise any vested options.
- 15 -
Upon a termination in the event of change of control, or resignation in the event Mr. Huet's position or salary is substantially and detrimentally changed following change of control, Mr. Huet shall be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to two years' salary and all options shall immediately vest and become exercisable for one year following cessation of employment.
Barry Dahl Employment Contract
Barry Dahl entered into an employment agreement with the Company on October 11, 2013 for the provision of his services as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The employment agreement provides for a base salary of US$200,000 per annum, less required and authorized deductions, to be reviewed by the President and CEO from time to time. The employment agreement provides for a target annual bonus of 40% of annual base salary; the annual bonus is to be determined at the beginning of each year based on agreed upon objectives, and annual option grants will be in accordance with the annual meeting each year. During the term of the employment agreement, Mr. Dahl is entitled to participate in any group insurance plans or programs of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans, with the premium costs for such benefits to be paid by the Company. Mr. Dahl is entitled to four weeks' paid vacation per annum, prorated for any partial year of employment. Mr. Dahl is also entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties and functions.
On November 15, 2013, in connection with his appointment under the employment agreement, Mr. Dahl was granted 350,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $1.58 and an expiry date on November 15, 2016, which options were to vest 1/3 on December 15, 2013, 1/3 on November 15, 2014 and 1/3 on November 15, 2015.
Under the employment agreement, the Company agreed to match, in the form of restricted common shares, 15% of any direct purchase of Common Shares in the first financing (or purchase from treasury), subject to a maximum amount provided by the Company, in respect of such matching provision, of $112,500 in Common Shares. In connection with the Company's subscription receipt financing completed on January 9, 2014, Mr. Dahl subscribed for 103,500 subscription receipts. The Company matched this subscription by granting Mr. Dahl 15,525 Common Shares pursuant to the Share Incentive Plan.
Mr. Dahl may terminate the employment agreement at any time by giving the Company 60 days' notice. The Company may terminate the employment at any time without notice for just cause, in which case, Mr. Dahl shall not be entitled to receive any further pay or compensation, severance, pay, notice, payment in lieu of notice, benefits or damages of any kind.
The Company may terminate the agreement at any time without cause by providing Mr. Dahl (a) if prior to May 15, 2014, a lump sum payment equal to six months of base salary; (b) if between May 15, 2014 and November 15, 2014, a lump sum equal to 12 months of base salary; and (c) if after November 15, 2014, a lump sum equal to 12 months of base salary plus an additional month's base salary for each full year of service starting on November 15, 2014, subject to a maximum total severance amount of 24 months' base salary. In the event of such a termination without cause, Mr. Dahl shall have three months from the termination date to exercise any stock options held that have vested prior to the termination date.
If, within 90 days of a change of control of the Company, Mr. Dahl is terminated without just cause or his position or salary is substantially and detrimentally changed by the Company and he resigns, (i) all Mr. Dahl's unvested options shall immediately vest on the termination date and he shall have one year after the change of control to exercise the vested options; (ii) the Company shall provide Mr. Dahl with the greater of a lump sum payment of 12 months' base salary or the amount of severance he would have received under a termination without cause otherwise than under a change of control; (iii) the Company shall continue to provide benefits that had been provided until the earlier of (1) twelve months from the termination date and (2) the date when Mr. Dahl would be eligible to receive coverage under the benefit plans of his new employer; and (iv) Mr. Dahl shall not be entitled to any further pay or compensation, severance pay, benefits or bonus.
- 16 -
Jorge Avelino Employment Contract
In 2010, Mr. Avelino entered into an agreement with the Company for the provision of his services, for a minimum monthly fee of C$5,000. Effective November 2012, his annual salary was increased to $150,000 a year. The agreement may be terminated by the Company at any time upon payment of all accrued and unpaid fees and vacation pay, together with a lump sum payment of C$75,000. The agreement may, at the option of Mr. Avelino, be terminated upon a change of control, in which case the payments set out above will also be payable by the Company. Upon any termination other than for cause, all granted but unvested options will immediately vest, and shall remain exercisable for a period of six months. The agreement may be terminated by the Company for cause at any time except the period lasting 30 days after a change of control, without payment of any consideration being due from the Company other than base fees and benefits due up to the date of termination.
Termination and Change of Control Payments
The estimated incremental payments from the Company to each of Messrs. Huet, Dahl and Avelino, assuming the triggering event occurred on December 31, 2013, are as follows:
Employee | Termination without cause | Termination upon change of control |
Paul Huet | US$550,000 | US$550,000 |
Barry Dahl | US$100,000 | US$100,000 |
Jorge Avelino | $75,000 | $75,000 |
PART FOUR REPORT ON DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Director Compensation Table
The Company does not have any non-cash compensation plans for its directors other than the possible grant of incentive stock options. The compensation provided to the directors, excluding directors who are included in disclosure for NEOs above, for the Company's financial year ended December 31, 2013, is expressed in Canadian dollars as follows.
Name (1) |
Fees
Earned (2)(3) ($) |
Share-based
awards ($) |
Option-based
awards (4) ($) |
All Other
Compensation (3) ($) |
Total ($) |
Renaud Adams (5) | 18,280 | Nil | 50,886 | Nil | 69,166 |
Rodney Cooper | 37,609 | Nil | 80,941 | Nil | 118,550 |
James Haggarty | 57,120 | Nil | 93,584 | Nil | 150,704 |
William Matlack | 84,222 | Nil | 112,018 | Nil | 196,240 |
Larry Phillips (6) | 59,283 | 25,000 | 126,248 | Nil | 211,071 |
Blair Schultz | 41,937 | Nil | 118,870 | Nil | 160,807 |
Notes: | |
(1) |
Paul Huet's compensation for acting as a director of the Company is disclosed under the Summary Compensation Table. |
(2) |
Includes all fees awarded, earned or paid in cash for services as a director. |
(3) |
Includes all compensation paid, awarded, granted, given or otherwise provided, directly or indirectly, wherein the director received compensation for services rendered. |
(4) |
The value of the option-based awards was calculated based on the fair value of the options on their grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company chose the Black-Scholes model because it is a widely recognized and utilized model for option pricing. In calculating the fair value of options for the option grants, management assumed an average risk-free interest rate of 1.24%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, an expected life of 3 years and an average share price volatility of 49.90%. |
(5) |
Was appointed a director of the Company in July 2013. |
(6) |
Resigned as a director of the Company in September 2013. Upon his resignation, 200,000 unvested options previously granted to Mr. Phillips were cancelled. |
Effective June 30, 2011, each independent director was to receive an honorarium of $20,000 per annum. In addition, a meeting fee of $1,000 per Board or Committee meeting is to be paid to each independent director with an additional $5,000 for the Chair of the Audit Committee and $2,500 for the Chair of the Compensation and Governance Committee.
- 17 -
Effective July 1, 2013, the following changes were made: (1) the honorarium was increased to $30,000 per annum for each independent director, except for the Chairman of the board, which was increased to $50,000 per annum; and (2) the meeting fee of $1,000 per board or committee meeting was reduced to $500 per meeting.
Director Option-Based and Share-Based Awards
Incentive Plan Awards Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
The following table sets forth information in respect of all awards outstanding at the end of the financial year ended December 31, 2013. This includes awards granted prior to and during the most recently completed financial year.
Name (1) |
Option-based Awards | Share-based Awards | |||||
Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) |
Option exercise price ($) |
Option expiration date |
Value of unexercised in-the- money options (1) ($) |
Number of shares or units of shares that have not vested (#) |
Market or
payout value of share- based awards that have not vested (2) ($) |
Market or
payout value of vested share-based awards not paid out or distributed (3) ($) |
|
Renaud Adams (4) | 100,000 | 1.56 | Sep 5, 2015 | 5,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Rodney Cooper | 50,000 | 1.21 | Aug 13, 2015 | 20,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
50,000 | 1.35 | Feb 24, 2016 | 13,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
125,000 | 1.50 | Oct 11, 2016 | 13,750 | 83,333 | 134,167 | Nil | |
James Haggarty | 50,000 | 1.21 | Aug 13, 2015 | 20,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
50,000 | 1.35 | Feb 24, 2016 | 13,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
150,000 | 1.50 | Oct 11, 2016 | 16,500 | 100,000 | 161,000 | Nil | |
William Matlack | 100,000 | 1.21 | Aug 13, 2015 | 40,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
50,000 | 1.35 | Jan 18, 2016 | 13,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
50,000 | 1.35 | Feb 24, 2016 | 13,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
150,000 | 1.50 | Oct 11, 2016 | 16,500 | 100,000 | 161,000 | Nil | |
Larry Phillips (5) | 300,000 (5) | 1.20 | Jun 30, 2014 | 41,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
50,000 | 1.50 | Jun 30, 2014 | 5,500 | 50,000 | 80,500 | Nil | |
Blair Schultz | 100,000 | 1.20 | Sep 12, 2015 | 40,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
50,000 | 1.35 | Feb 24, 2016 | 13,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
200,000 | 1.50 | Oct 11, 2016 | 22,000 | 133,333 | 214,667 | Nil |
Notes: | |
(1) |
Value is based on the difference between the market price of the Common Shares underlying the options and the exercise price of the options as at December 31, 2013. The closing price of the Common Shares as listed on the TSX on December 31, 2013 was $1.61 per share. |
(2) |
Value is shown as at December 31, 2013. The closing price of the Common Shares as listed on the TSX on December 31, 2013 was $1.61 per share. |
(3) |
Value is shown as at December 31, 2013. The closing price of the Common Shares as listed on the TSX on December 31, 2013 was $1.61 per share. |
(4) |
Was appointed a director in July 2013. |
(5) |
Resigned as a director in September 2013. Upon his resignation, 200,000 unvested options previously granted to Mr. Phillips were cancelled. |
- 18 -
Incentive Plan Awards Value Vested or Earned During the Year
The following table sets out the value vested or earned under incentive plans during the year ended December 31, 2013, for each director, excluding a director who is already set out in disclosure for an NEO for the Company.
Name |
Option-based awards
Value vested during the year (1) ($) |
Share-based awards
Value vested during the year (2) ($) |
Non-equity incentive plan
compensation Value earned during the year ($) |
Renaud Adams (3) | 50,886 | Nil | Nil |
Rodney Cooper | 38,750 | Nil | Nil |
James Haggarty | 43,000 | Nil | Nil |
William Matlack | 61,500 | Nil | Nil |
Larry Phillips (4) | 38,000 | 25,000 | Nil |
Blair Schultz | 51,500 | Nil | Nil |
Notes: | |
(1) |
This is the aggregate dollar value that would have been realized if the options vested during the year had been exercised on their respective vesting dates. |
(2) |
This is the aggregate dollar value realized upon vesting of share-based awards as of vesting date. |
(3) |
Was appointed a director in July 2013. |
(4) |
Resigned as a director in September 2013. |
Indebtedness of Officers and Directors
No directors, proposed nominees for election as directors, executive officers or their respective associates or affiliates were indebted to the Company since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year. No executive officers, directors, employees and former executive officers, directors and employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries are indebted to the Company or any of its subsidiaries as of the date hereof.
Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance
The Company has purchased directors and officers liability insurance coverage for the directors and officers of the Company. The insurance coverage has an aggregate limit of $20,000,000.
PART FIVE AUDIT COMMITTEE INFORMATION
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee are James Haggarty (Chair), Blair Schultz and Rodney Cooper. All of the members are deemed to be "independent" and "financially literate" as such terms are defined in NI 52-110.
The Board has adopted a written mandate for the Audit Committee in accordance with NI 52-110 in carrying out its audit and financial review functions (the " Audit Committee Mandate "). The text of the Audit Committee Mandate is set out in Schedule "A" of the AIF which is available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Additional information regarding the Audit Committee is also available in the AIF under the heading " Audit Committee Disclosure ".
The Audit Committee reviews all financial statements of the Company prior to their publication, reviews audits or communications, recommends the appointment of independent auditors, reviews and approves the professional services to be rendered by them and reviews fees for audit services. The Audit Committee typically meets quarterly. The Audit Committee meets both separately with auditors (without management present) as well as with management present. The Audit Committee and the auditors discuss the various aspects of the Company's financial presentation in the areas of audit risk and International Financial Reporting Standards.
- 19 -
Relevant Education and Experience
James Haggarty is a Chartered Accountant and holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Windsor. As a financial and operational executive with over 20 years of experience ranging from strategic planning to M&A transactions to managing diverse businesses day-to-day, Mr. Haggarty is highly experienced and adept at managing complex financial structures, partnership agreement/regulations/business technologies and systems. He has held senior executive positions as Executive VP Operations, VP Financial Operations, and VP Corporate Development with public and private companies and has significant experience with audit committees throughout his career. Mr. Haggarty is also on the Advisory Board for the Odette School of Business, University of Windsor, and the board of directors of the Toronto Blue Jays Care Foundation.
Blair Schultz has over 13 years of experience evaluating M&A transactions in the mining space. He was Vice President and Head of Special Situation Analytics, Portfolio Management & Trading at K2 & Associates Investment Management Inc., a hedge fund in Toronto, from June 2001 until April 2014, where he was involved with portfolio management, special situation analytics, merger arbitrage, commodity and currency hedging and investment execution. Mr. Schultz has previously worked for a number of financial institutions and holds an Honours Bachelor of Mathematics degree from the University of Waterloo with a Business Administration option from Wilfred Laurier University.
Rodney Cooper has been involved in the mining industry for over 30 years, with broad experience in technical services, operations, project management, investment evaluation and finance. He is a mining engineer, having obtained the P.Eng. designation, and a past director of the Mining Association of Canada and the Alberta Chamber of Resources. Currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited, he previously served as Vice President and Senior Analyst at Dundee Securities, Chief Operating Officer at Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation and Vice President Technical Services at Kinross Gold Corporation.
For more information see " Part Two Business of the Meeting Election of Directors ".
PART SIX STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES
Canadian securities regulatory policy as reflected in National Instrument 58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices requires that TSX-listed companies disclose on an annual basis their approach to corporate governance. National Policy 58-201 Corporate Governance Guidelines provides regulatory staff's guidance as to preferred governance practices, although such guidelines are not prescriptive (other than for audit committees). Disclosure of the Company's approach to corporate governance in the context of this instrument and policy (together, the " Policies ") is set out below.
Board Mandate
The Board has adopted a written mandate that acknowledges that it is responsible for the stewardship of the business and affairs of the Company. The Board seeks to discharge such responsibility by reviewing, discussing and approving the Company's strategic planning and organizational structure and supervising management to ensure that the foregoing enhance and preserve the underlying value of the Company and that the Company operates with honesty and integrity in the conduct of its business. The Board reviews and assesses the adequacy of the Board mandate at least annually or otherwise, as it deems appropriate, and makes any necessary changes. A copy of this mandate is attached to this Circular as Schedule "A".
Position Descriptions
The Board has adopted written position descriptions for the CEO, the Chair of each Board committee, and the Lead Director (in the absence of an independent Board Chair). Currently, the position of Board Chair is occupied by Mr. Blair Schultz, an independent director, and the position of CEO is occupied by Mr. Paul Huet. The Board relies upon past practice to delineate the role and responsibilities of the Board Chair. The roles of the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Chair of the Compensation and Governance Committee are described in the respective mandates
- 20 -
for such committees. The role of the CEO is based upon the role of chief executive officers carried out at companies of similar size, scope and industry.
Composition of the Board
Currently, the Board is comprised of six members, five of whom are independent directors. Only Paul Huet is non-independent, due to the fact that he serves as the President and CEO of the Company.
Name | Independent/Non-Independent |
Renaud Adams | Independent |
Rodney Cooper | Independent |
James Haggarty | Independent |
Paul Huet | Non-Independent |
William Matlack | Independent |
Blair Schultz | Independent |
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the Board held 12 meetings, the Audit Committee held 4 meetings and the Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee held 8 meetings. Matters relating to mine safety and health during 2013 were addressed by the Board as a whole during Board meetings. The table below sets out the number of meetings of the Board and its committees attended by each director. The independent directors make it a practice to hold an in-camera session at every board meeting or shortly thereafter.
Name |
Board Meetings Attended |
Audit Committee Meetings Attended |
Compensation and
Governance Committee Meetings Attended |
Mine Safety and Health Committee Meetings Attended |
Renaud Adams (1) | 5 of 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Rodney Cooper (2)(3) | 12 of 12 | 3 of 3 | N/A | 0 of 0 |
James Haggarty (2)(4) | 12 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 8 | N/A |
Paul Huet (3) | 12 of 12 | N/A | N/A | 0 of 0 |
William Matlack (3) | 12 of 12 | N/A | N/A | 0 of 0 |
Larry Phillips (5) | 6 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | N/A |
Blair Schultz (2)(4) | 12 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 8 | N/A |
Notes: | |
(1) |
Became a director of the Company in July 2013. |
(2) |
Member of the Audit Committee. |
(3) |
Member of the Mine Safety and Health Committee. |
(4) |
Member of the Compensation and Governance Committee. |
(5) |
Resigned as a director of the Company in September 2013. |
Directorships
As of the date hereof, none of the directors of the Company serve on the boards of any other reporting issuers, other than as set out below.
Name | Reporting Issuer | Market |
William Matlack | Phoenix Gold Resources Corp. | TSX Venture Exchange |
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Company has an Audit Committee, a Compensation and Governance Committee and a Mine Safety and Health Committee. The Board does not have a separate nominating committee. The Compensation and Governance Committee is charged with annually evaluating the size of the Board and the persons to recommend as nominees for the position of a director of the Company, as well as other positions as detailed below.
- 21 -
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is currently comprised of three independent directors, Rodney Cooper, James Haggarty and Blair Schultz, in compliance with the composition requirements of NI 52-110. All members of the Audit Committee are "financially literate" as defined in NI 52-110. The Audit Committee typically meets quarterly. For further information relating to the Audit Committee, see " Part Five Audit Committee Information ".
Compensation and Governance Committee
The Board has a Compensation and Governance Committee, and is currently comprised of two independent directors, James Haggarty and Blair Schultz, each of whom the Board believes has direct and indirect expertise, experience and education relevant to their role as members thereof. The Board has also adopted a formal mandate for the Compensation and Governance Committee.
The overall purposes of the Compensation and Governance Committee are to assist the Board in (i) maintaining high standards of corporate governance by developing, recommending and monitoring effective guidelines and procedures applicable to the Company, and (ii) fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in relation to compensation by developing, monitoring and assessing the Company's approach to the compensation of its directors, senior management and employees.
Responsibilities of the Compensation and Governance Committee include, but are not limited to, recommending candidates for senior officer positions; recommending candidates for Board memberships; reviewing and making recommendations regarding amendments to the Board charter and Board committee charters; reviewing and evaluating the performance of directors and officers; conducting reviews and making recommendations regarding the Company's human resource and compensation policies, programs and philosophies; and annually reviewing and making recommendations in respect of director and officer remuneration, including the grant of share option awards.
Mine Safety and Health Committee
The Board has a Mine Safety and Health Committee, currently comprised of three directors, Rodney Cooper, Paul Huet and William Matlack, each of whom the Board believes has direct and indirect expertise, experience and education relevant to their roles as members thereof. Rodney Cooper is the chairman of the Mine Safety and Health Committee.
The role, responsibility, authority and power of the Mine Safety and Health Committee shall, until changed, include, but not be limited to:
(a) |
reviewing and monitoring and the making recommendations, as appropriate, in respect of the environmental, health and safety policies and activities of the Company, |
||
(b) |
reviewing and making recommendations, as appropriate, in respect of environmental, health and safety compliance issues relating to the Company, |
||
(c) |
satisfying itself that management of the Company monitors trends and reviews relevant current and emerging environmental, health and safety matters and evaluates their impact on the Company, |
||
(d) |
determining policy regarding incident reports, compliance reports and environmental health and safety management performance reports to be made by management of the Company to the Mine Safety and Health Committee, |
||
(e) |
reviewing incident reports to |
||
(i) |
assess whether environmental, health and safety management procedures were effective in such incidents and making recommendations for improvement, where appropriate, and |
- 22 -
(ii) |
determine if such incidents are of such significance so as to be reported to the directors of the Company, |
(f) |
reviewing the scope of potential material environmental liabilities of the Company and the adequacy of the environmental management procedures of the Company to manage these liabilities, and |
||
(g) |
reviewing the health and safety performance of the Company to |
||
(i) |
assess the effectiveness of the health and safety program of the Company and make recommendations for improvement, where appropriate, and |
||
(ii) |
determine if any health and safety issues that may be identified as a result of such review are of such significance so as to be reported to the directors of the Company. |
Majority Voting Policy
The Board believes that each of its members should have the confidence and support of the Shareholders. On May 9, 2013, as recommended by the Compensation and Governance Committee, the Board adopted a majority voting policy for the election of directors (the " Majority Voting Policy "). The Majority Voting Policy provides that in an uncontested election, any nominee for director who receives more "withheld" votes than "for" votes will tender his or her resignation to the Board, effective on acceptance by the Board. The Board will refer the resignation to the Compensation and Governance Committee for consideration. The Board will promptly accept the resignation unless the Compensation and Governance Committee determines that there are extraordinary circumstances relating to the composition of the Board or the voting results that should delay the acceptance of the resignation or justify rejecting it. In any event, it is expected that the resignation will be accepted (or in rare cases, rejected) within 90 days of the Meeting. A copy of the Majority Voting Policy is attached as Schedule "B" to the Company's management information circular dated May 9, 2013, available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Director Orientation and Continuing Education
When new directors are appointed, they receive orientation on the Company's business, current projects and industry and on the responsibilities of directors generally. Each director is provided with copies of all mandates of the Board and its committees as well as all corporate governance related policies of the Company. Board meetings also include presentations by the Company's management and employees to give the directors additional insight in the Company's business. The Board is responsible for ensuring that all directors receive a comprehensive orientation program and continuing education in connection with their role, responsibilities, the business of the Company and the skills they must use in their roles as directors. The Compensation and Governance Committee is mandated to approve an appropriate orientation and education program for directors and oversee the training and orientation of directors. The directors of the Company are also expected to maintain their currency in the knowledge and skills necessary to meet their obligations as directors.
Ethical Business Conduct
The directors and officers of the Company are aware that they have a fiduciary obligation to act in the best interests of the Company and to disclose any potential conflicts of interest to the Company. The Board has adopted a written code of conduct applicable to employees, officers and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries, "Code of Ethics, Trading Restrictions and Whistleblowing" (the " Code "). A copy of the Code, filed on May 12, 2008, is located under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Code also contains insider trading restrictions to ensure compliance with insider trading restrictions under applicable securities laws, as well as a formal whistleblowing policy to deal with possible violations of the Code.
The Board encourages and promotes an overall culture of ethical business conduct by promoting compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, and advocating awareness of the guidelines and policies detailed in the Code.
- 23 -
Through its meetings with management and other informal discussions with management, the Board believes the Company's management team likewise promotes and encourages a culture of ethical business conduct throughout the Company's operations, and the management team is expected to monitor the activities of the Company's employees, consultants and agents in that regard.
Board Decision Making
The Board has established guidelines which outline items which must be approved by the Board or a committee of the Board and may not be delegated to management without Board approval. These items include: the approval of annual budgets and the interim and annual financial statements and management's discussion and analysis; entering into transactions of a fundamental nature (such as amalgamations, mergers and material acquisitions or dispositions); entering into any agreement or commitment to acquire or dispose of assets that are material to the Company including, but not limited to, those which involve consideration that exceeds the budgeted amount by 15% (an " Out of Budget Transaction ") and that is not already part of an approved budget; committing to making any material capital expenditure which is an Out of Budget Transaction; adoption of hedging policies; entering into any agreement with an officer, director or 10% shareholder of the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the Company outside of the ordinary course of business; and initiating or settling any legal proceeding involving a payment in excess of $25,000.
Assessment of Board Performance
The Compensation and Governance Committee is mandated to evaluate the performance of (a) individual directors, (b) the Board, (c) Board committees and (d) the CEO. The purpose of the evaluations is to assess and, where possible, increase the effectiveness of the Board and its committees. The Compensation and Governance Committee may make recommendations to the Board for improving the Board's effectiveness and shall discuss annually with the full Board its effectiveness. The Board does understand that an assessment will consider, in the case of the Board or a Board committee, its mandate or charter and in the case of an individual director, any applicable position description, as well as the competencies and skills each individual director is expected to bring to the Board.
Additional Information
Financial information relating to the Company is set out in the Company's annual comparative consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2013. Additional information is also available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and upon request from the Company's Corporate Secretary at Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2T5, telephone number: (604) 662-3902, fax number: (604) 662-3904. Copies of documents will be provided free of charge to securityholders of the Company. The Company may require the payment of a reasonable charge from any person or company who is not a securityholder of the Company who requests a copy of any such document.
Approval
The contents of this Circular and the sending thereof to the Shareholders have been approved by the Board.
DATED the 9 th day of May, 2014.
(signed) Paul Huet | |
Paul Huet | |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
SCHEDULE "A"
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
MANDATE OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1. | General |
The board of directors (the " Board ") of Klondex Mines Ltd. (" Klondex ") is responsible for the stewardship of the business and affairs of the Corporation. The Board seeks to discharge such responsibility by reviewing, discussing and approving the Corporation's strategic planning and organizational structure and supervising management to ensure that the foregoing enhance and preserve the underlying value of the Corporation and that the Corporation operates with honesty and integrity in the conduct of its business.
Although directors may be elected by the shareholders to bring special expertise or a point of view to Board deliberations, they are not chosen to represent a particular constituency. The best interests of the Corporation as a whole must be paramount at all times.
2. | Composition |
The Board will be comprised of a minimum of three members and a maximum of ten members, the majority of whom shall be, in the determination of the Board, "independent" for the purposes of National Instrument 58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices . Each Board member shall satisfy the independence and experience requirements, if any, imposed by applicable securities laws, rules or guidelines, any applicable stock exchange requirements or guidelines and any other applicable regulatory rules.
The Chairman of the Board will be elected by vote of a majority of the full Board membership, on the recommendation of the Compensation and Governance Committee. The Chairman of the Board with the assistance of the lead director (who shall be an independent director), if any, will chair Board meetings and shall be responsible for overseeing the performance by the Board of its duties, for setting the agenda of each Board meeting (in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer (the " CEO ")), for communicating periodically with committee chairs regarding the activities of their respective committees, for assessing the effectiveness of the Board as a whole as well as individual Board members and for ensuring the Board works as a cohesive team and providing the leadership essential to achieve this
3. | Meetings |
Meetings will be scheduled to facilitate the Board carrying out its responsibilities. Additional meetings will be held as deemed necessary by the Chairman of the Board. The independent directors of the Board shall hold regularly scheduled in camera meetings at which non-independent directors and management are not in attendance. Any director of the Corporation may request the Chairman of the Board to call a meeting of the Board.
Meetings of the Board shall be validly constituted if a majority of the members of the Board is present in person or by telephone conference. A resolution in writing signed by all the members of the Board entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of the Board is as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Board.
4. | Board Charter and Performance |
The Board shall have a written charter that sets out its mandate and responsibilities, and the Board shall review and assess the adequacy of such charter and the effectiveness of the Board at least annually or otherwise, as it deems appropriate, and make any necessary changes. Unless and until replaced or amended, this mandate constitutes that charter. The Board will ensure that this mandate or a summary that has been approved by the Board is disclosed in accordance with all applicable securities laws or regulatory requirements in the Corporation's annual management information circular or such other annual filing as may be permitted or required by applicable securities regulatory authorities
A-1
5. | Responsibilities and Duties of Directors |
The Board discharges its responsibility for overseeing the management of the Corporation's business by delegating to the Corporation's senior officers the responsibility for day-to-day management of the Corporation. The Board also discharges its responsibilities, both directly and indirectly, through its committees: the Audit Committee and the Compensation and Governance Committee. In addition to these regular committees, the Board may appoint ad hoc committees periodically to address certain issues of a more short-term nature. In addition to the Board's primary roles of overseeing corporate performance and providing quality, depth and continuity of management to meet the Corporation's strategic objectives, principal duties include the following:
5.1 |
Appointment of Management |
|
(a) |
The Board has the responsibility for approving the appointment of the CEO and all other senior management, and approving their compensation, following a review of the recommendations of the Compensation and Governance Committee. To the extent feasible, the Board shall satisfy itself as to the integrity of the CEO and other executive officers and that the CEO and other executive officers create a culture of integrity throughout the Corporation. |
|
(b) |
The Board, from time to time, delegates to senior management the authority to enter into certain types of transactions, including financial transactions, subject to specified limits. Investments and other expenditures above the specified limits and material transactions outside the ordinary course of business are reviewed by and subject to the prior approval of the Board. |
|
(c) |
The Board oversees that succession planning programs are in place, including programs to appoint, train, develop and monitor management |
5.2 |
Board Organization |
|
(a) |
The Board will respond to recommendations received from the Compensation and Governance Committee, but retains the responsibility for managing its own affairs by giving its approval for its composition and size, the selection of the Chairman of the Board, candidates nominated for election to the Board, committee and committee chair appointments, committee charters and director compensation. |
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(b) |
The Board may delegate to Board committees matters it is responsible for, including the approval of compensation of the Board and management, the conduct of performance evaluations and oversight of internal controls systems and health, safety and environmental policies, but the Board retains its oversight function and ultimate responsibility for these matters and all other delegated responsibilities. |
|
5.3 |
Strategic Planning |
|
(a) |
The Board has oversight responsibility to participate directly, and through its committees, in reviewing, questioning and approving the mission of the business and its objectives and goals. |
|
(b) |
The Board is responsible for adopting a strategic planning process and approving and reviewing, on at least an annual basis, the business, financial and strategic plans by which it is proposed that the Corporation may reach those goals, and such strategic plans will take into account, among other things, the opportunities and risk of the business. |
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(c) |
The Board has the responsibility to provide input to management on emerging trends and issues and on strategic plans, objectives and goals that management develops. |
A-2
5.4 |
Monitoring of Financial Performance and Other Financial Reporting Matters |
||
(a) |
The Board is responsible for enhancing congruence between shareholder expectations, corporate plans and management performance. |
||
(b) |
The Board is responsible for adopting processes for monitoring the Corporation's progress toward its strategic and operational goals, revising its direction to management where necessary, and taking action when Corporation performance falls short of its goals or other special circumstances warrant. |
||
(c) |
The Board is responsible for approving the audited financial statements, interim financial statements and the notes and Management's Discussion and Analysis accompanying such financial statements. |
||
(d) |
The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving the Corporation's annual budget, if any, presented by management. |
||
(e) |
The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving material transactions outside the ordinary course of business and those matters which the Board is required to approve under the Corporation's governing statute, including the payment of dividends, issuance, purchase and redemptions of securities, acquisitions and dispositions of material capital assets and material capital expenditures. |
||
5.5 |
Environmental Matters |
||
The Board is responsible for overseeing the establishment of health, safety and environmental policies for its operations that are consistent with accepted industry practice and comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements. |
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5.6 |
Risk Management |
||
(a) |
The Board has responsibility for the identification of the principal risks of the Corporation's business and ensuring the implementation of appropriate systems to effectively monitor and manage such risks with a view to the long-term viability of the Corporation and achieving a proper balance between the risks incurred and the potential return to the Corporation's shareholders. |
||
(b) |
The Board is responsible for the Corporation's internal control and management information systems. |
||
5.7 |
Policies and Procedures |
||
(a) |
The Board is responsible for: |
||
(i) |
developing the Corporation's approach to corporate governance, including approving and monitoring compliance with all significant policies and procedures related to corporate governance; and |
||
(ii) |
approving policies and procedures designed to ensure that the Corporation operates at all times within applicable laws and regulations and to the highest ethical and moral standards and, in particular, adopting a written code of business conduct and ethics which is applicable to directors, officers and employees of the Corporation and which constitutes written standards that are reasonably designed to promote integrity and to deter wrongdoing. |
A-3
(b) |
The Board enforces its policy respecting confidential treatment of the Corporation's proprietary information and Board deliberations. |
5.8 |
Communications and Reporting |
||
(a) |
The Board is responsible for overseeing the Corporation's financial reporting and disclosure obligations in accordance with applicable law, including. |
||
(i) |
overseeing the accurate reporting of the financial performance of the Corporation to shareholders, other security holders and regulators on a timely and regular basis; |
||
(ii) |
overseeing that the financial results are reported fairly and in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards and related legal disclosure requirements; |
||
(iii) |
taking steps to enhance the timely disclosure of any other developments that have a significant and material impact on the Corporation; |
||
(iv) |
reporting annually to shareholders on its stewardship for the preceding year; and |
||
(v) |
overseeing the Corporation's implementation of systems which accommodate feedback from stakeholders. |
5.9 |
Position Descriptions |
||
(a) |
The Board is responsible for: |
||
(i) |
developing position descriptions for the Chairman of the Board, the lead director, if applicable and the chair of each Board committee; |
||
(ii) |
developing and approving the corporate goals and objectives that the CEO is responsible for meeting; and |
||
(iii) |
developing a description of the expectations and responsibilities of directors, including basic duties and responsibilities with respect to attendance at Board meetings and advance review of meeting materials. |
||
5.10 |
Orientation and Continuing Education |
||
The Board is responsible for ensuring that all directors receive a comprehensive orientation program and continuing education in connection with their role, responsibilities, the business of the Corporation, and the skills they must use in their roles as directors. |
|||
5.11 |
Nomination of Directors |
||
(a) |
In connection with the nomination or appointment of individuals as directors, the Board is responsible for: |
||
(i) |
considering what competencies and skills the Board, as a whole, should possess; |
||
(ii) |
assessing what competencies and skills each existing director possesses; and |
||
(iii) |
considering the appropriate size of the Board, with a view to facilitating effective decision making. |
A-4
In carrying out each of these responsibilities, the Board will consider the advice and input of the Compensation and Governance Committee. |
|
5.12 |
Board Evaluation |
The Board is responsible for ensuring that the Board, its committees and each individual director are regularly assessed regarding his, her or its effectiveness and contribution. An assessment will consider, in the case of the Board or a Board committee, its mandate or charter and in the case of an individual director, any applicable position description, as well as the competencies and skills each individual director is expected to bring to the Board. |
6. | Resources and Authority of the Committee to Engage Outside Advisors |
The Corporation shall provide the Board with the resources, and the Board shall have the authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities including the authority, to:
(a) |
engage independent counsel and other outside advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its duties; and |
|
(b) |
set and pay the compensation for any such advisors engaged by the Board and for ordinary administrative expenses of the Board that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties. |
March 26, 2012
A-5
SCHEDULE "B"
CHANGE OF AUDITOR PACKAGE
[See attached]
B-1
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
NOTICE OF CHANGE OF AUDITOR
TO: | MacKay LLP, Chartered Accountants |
AND TO: | PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants |
TAKE NOTICE THAT:
(a) |
MacKay LLP, Chartered Accountants, the former auditors of KLONDEX MINES LTD. (the "Corporation") tendered their resignation effective January 6, 2014 and the directors of the Corporation on January 6, 2014 have appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants, as successor auditors in their place; |
|
|
||
(b) |
the former auditors of the Corporation were requested to resign at the request of the Corporation; |
|
|
||
(c) |
the resignation of MacKay LLP, Chartered Accountants and the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants in their place have been approved by the board of directors of the Corporation; |
|
|
||
(d) |
there were no modified opinions expressed in the former auditors' reports on any of the financial statements of the Corporation commencing at the beginning of the two most recently completed fiscal years and ending on January 6, 2014; and |
|
|
||
(e) |
there are no reportable events (as defined in section 4.11 of National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations ). |
DATED this 9 th day of January, 2014.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD | |
"Barry Dahl" | |
Barry Dahl | |
Chief Financial Officer |
Crowe MacKay LLP | |
Member Crowe Horwath International | |
1100, 1177 West Hastings Street | |
Vancouver, BC V6E 4T5 | |
+1.604.687.4511 Tel | |
+1.604.687.5805 Fax | |
+1.800.351.0426 Toll Free | |
www.crowemackay.ca |
January 13, 2014
British Columbia Securities Commission
Alberta Securities
Commission
Saskatchewan Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority, Securities
Division
The Manitoba Securities Commission
Ontario Securities
Commission
New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission
Nova
Scotia Securities Commission
Prince Edward Island Office of the Attorney
General, Securities Division
Financial Services Regulation Division
Newfoundland and Labrador
Dear Sirs/Mesdames:
Re: Change of Auditor for Klondex Mines Ltd. (the "Corporation")
In accordance with National Instrument 51-102, we have reviewed the Corporation's Notice of Change of Auditor (the Notice) dated January 9, 2014, and based on our knowledge of the information at the time, we agree with the information contained in the Notice.
We understand that the Notice, this letter and a similar letter from the successor auditor will be included in the Information Circular to be mailed to the shareholders of the Corporation for the next meeting of shareholders of the Corporation at which action is to be taken concerning the change of auditor.
Yours truly,
Crowe MacKay LLP
January 24,2014
To: | British Columbia Securities Commission |
Alberta Securities Commission | |
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan | |
Manitoba Securities Commission | |
Ontario Securities Commission | |
New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services | |
Nova Scotia Securities Commission | |
Office of the Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island | |
Office of the Superintendent of Securities Services, Newfoundland and Labrador |
Dear Sirs:
We have read the statements made by Klondex Mines Ltd. in the attached copy of change of auditor notice dated January 9, 2014, which we understand will be filed pursuant to Section 4.11 of National Instrument 51-102.
We agree with the statements in the change of auditor notice dated January 9,2014, except that we have no basis to agree or disagree with the statement that there were no reportable events (as defined in Section 4.11 of National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations).
Yours very truly,
Chartered Accountants
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP | |
PricewaterhouseCoopers Place, 250 Howe Street, Suite 700, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 3S7 | |
T: +1 6048067000, F: +1 6048067806, www.pwc.com/ca | |
"PwC" refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. |
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE is hereby given that the annual meeting (the " Meeting ") of the shareholders of Klondex Mines Ltd. (" Company ") will be held at Toronto Region Board of Trade Suite 350, 77 Adelaide St. West, Toronto, Ontario on June 17, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), for the following purposes:
1. |
To receive the financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended December 31, 2013 and the report of the auditors thereon. |
2. |
To elect directors to the board of directors of the Company (the " Board "). |
3. |
To appoint auditors and to authorize the Board to fix their remuneration. |
4. |
To transact such further and other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof. |
An "ordinary resolution" is a resolution passed by at least a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of the Company who voted in respect of that resolution at the Meeting.
A shareholder wishing to be represented by proxy at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof must deposit his or her duly executed form of proxy with the Company's transfer agent and registrar, Computershare Investor Services Inc., 2nd Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B9, Attention: Proxy Department, or by facsimile to (416) 263-9524 or 1-866-249-7775 not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on June 13, 2014 or, if the Meeting is adjourned, 48 hours (excluding Saturdays and holidays) before any adjournment of the Meeting. A shareholder may also vote by telephone or via the internet by following the instructions on the form of proxy. If a shareholder votes by telephone or via the internet, completion or return of the proxy form is not needed. The directors of the Company have fixed the close of business on May 5, 2014 as the record date for the determination of the shareholders of the Company entitled to receive notice of the Meeting.
This notice of meeting (the " Notice ") is accompanied by: (a) the management information circular of the Company (the " Circular "); and (b) either a form of proxy for registered shareholders or a voting instruction form for beneficial shareholders. The Circular accompanying this Notice is incorporated into and shall be deemed to form part of this Notice.
DATED the 9 th day of May, 2014
By Order of the Board | |
(signed) Paul Huet | |
Paul Huet | |
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
510 Burrard St, 3rd Floor | |
Date: April 9, 2014 | Vancouver BC, V6C 3B9 |
www.computershare.com |
To: All Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities
Subject: KLONDEX MINES LTD.
Dear Sirs:
We advise of the following with respect to the upcoming Meeting of Security Holders for the subject Issuer:
Meeting Type : | Annual General Meeting |
Record Date for Notice of Meeting : | May 05, 2014 |
Record Date for Voting (if applicable) : | May 05, 2014 |
Beneficial Ownership Determination Date : | May 05, 2014 |
Meeting Date : | June 17, 2014 |
Toronto Region Board of Trade | |
Meeting Location (if available) : | Suite 350, 77 Adelaide St. West |
Toronto, ON | |
M5X 1C1 | |
Issuer sending proxy related materials directly to NOBO: | No |
Issuer paying for delivery to OBO: | No |
Notice and Access (NAA) Requirements: | |
NAA for Beneficial Holders | No |
NAA for Registered Holders | No |
Voting Security Details:
Description | CUSIP Number | ISIN |
COMMON | 498696103 | CA4986961031 |
Sincerely,
Computershare
Agent for
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
510 Burrard St, 3rd Floor | |
Date: January 27, 2014 | Vancouver BC, V6C 3B9 |
www.computershare.com |
To: All Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities
Subject: KLONDEX MINES LTD. (CANCELLED MEETING)
Dear Sirs:
We advise of the following with respect to the upcoming Meeting of Security Holders for the subject Issuer:
Meeting Type : | Special Meeting |
Record Date for Notice of Meeting : | December 24, 2013 (CANCELLED) |
Record Date for Voting (if applicable) : | December 24, 2013 (CANCELLED) |
Beneficial Ownership Determination Date : | December 24, 2013 (CANCELLED) |
Meeting Date : | January 29, 2014 (CANCELLED) |
TBA | |
Meeting Location (if available) : | Toronto, ON |
Issuer sending proxy related materials directly to NOBO: | No |
Issuer paying for delivery to OBO: | No |
Notice and Access (NAA) Requirements: | |
NAA for Beneficial Holders | No |
NAA for Registered Holders | No |
Voting Security Details:
Description | CUSIP Number | ISIN |
COMMON | 498696103 | CA4986961031 |
Sincerely,
Computershare
Agent for
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Increases Fire Creek and Midas Mineral Resources
Vancouver, BC September 16, 2015 Klondex Mines Ltd. (KDX:TSX; KLNDF:OTCQX) (Klondex or the Company) is pleased to report its mineral resource updates for its Fire Creek Project (Fire Creek) and its Midas Mine (Midas), both in northern Nevada. The updated mineral resource estimates have effective dates of June 30, 2015 and May 31, 2015 for Fire Creek and Midas, respectively.
Mineral Resource Update Highlights:
Fire Creek:
Midas:
Table 1: Fire Creek Mineral Resources
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
TABLE 2: Midas Mineral Resources
Notes to Table 1 and 2:
1. |
Grams per tonne (g/t) |
2. |
Mineral resources have been calculated using a gold price of $1,200 per troy ounce and a silver price of $19.00 per troy ounce. |
3. |
Fire Creeks m ineral resources are calculated at a grade thickness cut-off grade of 1.126 Au equivalent opt-feet and a diluted Au equivalent cut-off grade of 0.256 opt. |
4. |
Midas m ineral resources are calculated at a grade thickness cut-off grade of 0.99 Au equivalent opt-feet and a diluted Au equivalent cut-off grade of 0.225 opt. |
5. |
The minimum mining width is defined as four feet or the vein true thickness plus one foot, whichever is greater. |
6. |
Mineral resources include dilution to achieve mining widths and an additional 10% unplanned dilution. |
7. |
Mineral resources include allowance for 5% mining losses. |
8. |
Mineral resources are inclusive of mineral reserves. |
9. |
Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. |
10. |
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there is insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. |
11. |
Mineral resource estimates can be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio- economic, marketing, political or other factors. |
Paul Huet, President and CEO stated, "I am pleased that our 2015 exploration and development programs are performing as expected; invest the necessary capital to replace depletion and extend the mine life of our assets on an annual basis. We are just beginning to understand the true potential of these assets, particularly at Fire Creek where ~93% of our land package remains untested. With the rest of the years exploration and development programs still ahead of us, we are excited about continuing to unlock the true potential of these deposits.
The Fire Creek mineral resources are based on 836 drill holes totaling 176,934 m (580,491 ft) and includes data from 147 new drill holes totaling 15,050 m (49,375 ft), completed by Klondex in 2015. In addition to the drilling, the mineral resource estimate also utilizes 2,322 channel samples provided from mining on the structures.
The Midas mineral resources are based on 4,248 drill holes totaling 869,830 m (2,853,772 ft) and includes data from 145 new drill holes totaling 25,984 m (85,248 ft), completed by Klondex in 2015.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
In addition to the drilling, the mineral resource estimate also utilizes 19,351 channel samples provided from mining on the structures.
Mineral Resource Assumptions
Classification of the mineral resource as measured, indicated or inferred was done based on the number of drill and channel sample composites used and the average distance from the block to the composites. For measured mineral resources, a block must have used four composites within a distance of 40 feet. For indicated mineral resources, a block must have used three composites within 100 feet, and inferred mineral resources must have two composites within 300 feet at Fire Creek and two composites within 200 feet at Midas. The search orientation ellipse was maintained approximately parallel to each vein. Gold and silver values were estimated independently.
Drill and channel assays were performed by ALS Chemex and SGS Laboratories of Elko, Nevada or American Assay Laboratories (AAL) of Reno, Nevada (all independent laboratories), Dave Francisco Labs of Fallon using fire assay with gravimetric finish as directed under the supervision of Klondex staff.
Drill samples cited in this news release were obtained from drilling by independent contractor American Drilling of Spokane, Washington under the direction of Klondex staff. Logging, splitting, and sampling are conducted at the Fire Creek and Midas sites. Standards and blanks are inserted every 20 samples or at least one per hole. Duplicates are generated by the lab and re-assayed. QA/QC samples are tracked and if a results is outside of pre-determined limits the batch is reassayed and the results replace the previous values.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
We are a well-capitalized, junior-tier gold and silver mining company focused on exploration, development, and production in a safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective manner. We have 100% interests in two producing mineral properties: the Fire Creek project and the Midas mine and ore milling facility, both of which are located in the State of Nevada, USA. Our milling and processing facilities, which are located at Midas, process mineralized material from both Midas and Fire Creek. Fire Creek is located approximately 100 miles south of Midas.
For More Information
John Seaberg
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
O: 775-621-5512
M: 303-668-7991
jseaberg@klondexmines.com
Qualified Person
Brian Morris, Vice President Exploration, is the Klondex Qualified Person, who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the magnitude and the quality of the Midas and Fire Creek projects, statements regarding the estimation of mineral resources and the potential delineation of additional mineral resources through further exploration at the Midas and Fire Creek project, the accuracy of current interpretation of drill and other exploration results, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek project, project development and related permitting, cash flows and the financial condition of the Company. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Completes $26,270,000 Bought Deal Public Offering of Common Shares
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Vancouver, BC – September 10, 2015 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed the previously announced bought deal offering pursuant to which the Company issued 7,400,000 common shares (the "Common Shares") at a price of C$3.55 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$26,270,000 (the "Offering"). The Offering was underwritten by a syndicate of underwriters led by GMP Securities L.P. and including Canaccord Genuity Corp., Clarus Securities Inc., Dundee Securities Ltd., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc. and Haywood Securities Inc.
The Company plans to use $23,226,000 of the net proceeds from the Offering towards the repayment of the Company's currently outstanding senior secured notes, with the remainder of the net proceeds to be used for general working capital purposes.
The Common Shares were offered by way of a short form prospectus filed in all of the provinces of Canada (other than the province of Quebec) pursuant to National Instrument 44-101 – Short Form Prospectus Distributions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
We are a well-capitalized, junior-tier gold and silver mining company focused on exploration, development, and production in a safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective manner. We have 100% interests in two producing mineral properties: the Fire Creek project and the Midas mine and ore milling facility, both of which are located in the State of Nevada, USA. Our milling and processing facilities, which are located at Midas, process mineralized material from both Midas and Fire Creek. Fire Creek is located approximately 100 miles south of Midas.
For More Information
John Seaberg
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
O: 775-621-5512 | M: 303-668-7991
jseaberg@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Language to Forward-Looking Statements
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas project by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the Company's anticipated uses of the net proceeds of the Offering. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward- looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 2200, 1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6E 2E9 | Telephone +1 775.284.5757 | www.klondexmines.com |
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
FORM 51-102F3
MATERIAL CHANGE REPORT
Item 1 – Name and Address of Company:
Klondex Mines Ltd. (the "
Corporation
")
1055 West Hastings Street, Suite 2200
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2E9
Item 2 – Date of Material Change:
August 20, 2015
Item 3 – News Release:
A news release with respect to the material change referred to in this report was issued by the Corporation through Marketwired on August 20, 2015 and subsequently filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR).
Item 4 – Summary of Material Change:
On August 20, 2015, the Corporation entered into an agreement with GMP Securities L.P. (" GMP ") pursuant to which agreement GMP, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, the " Underwriters ") agreed to purchase, on a "bought deal" basis, 7,400,000 common shares (the " Common Shares ") of the Corporation at a price of C$3.55 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$26,270,000 (the " Offering "). In addition, the Corporation has granted to the Underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the Common Shares sold pursuant to the Offering, exercisable in whole or in part, at any time up to thirty days following the closing of the Offering.
Item 5 – Full Description of Material Change:
On August 20, 2015, the Corporation entered into an agreement with GMP pursuant to which agreement GMP, on behalf of the Underwriters, agreed to purchase, on a "bought deal" basis, 7,400,000 Common Shares at a price of C$3.55 per Common Share for aggregate- gross proceeds of C$26,270,000. In addition, the Corporation has granted to the Underwriters an over allotment option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the Common Shares sold pursuant to the Offering, exercisable in whole or in part, at any time up to thirty days following the closing of the Offering.
The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used for debt repayment and for working capital and general corporate purposes.
The Common Shares to be issued under the Offering will be offered by way of a short form prospectus to be filed in all of the provinces of Canada (other than the Province of Quebec) pursuant to National Instrument 44-101 Short Form Prospectus Distributions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
2
The Common Shares have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 , as amended, or applicable state securities laws, and the Common Shares may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.
The Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory and stock exchange approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about September 10, 2015.
Item 6 – Reliance on Subsection 7.1(2) of National Instrument 51 - 102:
Not applicable.
Item 7 – Omitted Information:
Not applicable.
Item 8 – Executive Officer:
The following executive officer of the Corporation is knowledgeable about the material change and this report and may be contacted as follows:
Barry Dahl
Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: (775) 284-5757
Item 9 – Date of Report:
August 31, 2015
Klondex Mines Ltd.
PRESS RELEASE |
|
|
|
NEWS RELEASE | |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2015 Toronto, Ontario |
TSX SYMBOL: KDX |
Klondex Announces $26 Million Bought Deal Financing
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR RELEASE OVER U.S. NEWSWIRES
Vancouver, British Columbia – August 20, 2015 – Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX:KDX) (" Klondex " or the " Company ") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by GMP Securities L.P. (the “ Underwriters ”), which has agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis, 7,400,000 common shares (the “ Shares ”) of the Company at a price of C$3.55 per Share, for aggregate gross proceeds of C$26,270,000 (the “ Offering ”). The Underwriters will also have the option, exercisable in whole or in part at any time up to 30 days after the closing of the Offering, to purchase up to an additional 1,110,000 Shares to cover the Underwriters' over-allotment position. In the event that the option is exercised in its entirety, the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering will be C$30,210,500.
The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used for debt repayment, the continued exploration and development at the Midas Mine and Fire Creek project, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Shares will be offered by way of a short form prospectus to be filed in all of the provinces of Canada (other than the Province of Quebec) pursuant to National Instrument 44-101 Short Form Prospectus Distributions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The Shares have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or applicable state securities laws, and the Shares may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.
The Offering is expected to close on or about September 10, 2015. Closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions typical for a transaction of this nature and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
We are a well-capitalized, junior-tier gold and silver mining company focused on exploration, development, and production in a safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective manner. We have 100% interests in two producing mineral properties: the Fire Creek project and the Midas mine and ore milling facility, both of which are located in the State of Nevada, USA. Our milling and processing facilities, which are located at Midas, process mineralized material from both Midas and Fire Creek. Fire Creek is located approximately 100 miles south of Midas.
Contact:
John Seaberg
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
O: 775-621-5512 | M: (303) 668-7991
jseaberg@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43 -101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, completion of the proposed Offering; the risks and hazards associated with environmental compliance and permitting for its existing underground operations; the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; and the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present. There is no assurance that the Offering will be completed, either on the terms proposed or at all. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are mor e fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Reports Second Quarter 2015 Cash Increase of $13.1 million; Net Income of $4.8 million ($0.04 per Share); Sells Record 34,189 GEOs
Vancouver, BC - August 12, 2015 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex", the "Company", "we", "our", or "us") announces its operational and financial results for the second quarter of 2015. This release should be read in conjunction with our second quarter 2015 unaudited financial statements and related management's discussion & analysis ("MD&A"), which are available on both our website ( www.klondexmines.com) and on SEDAR ( www.sedar.com) . All dollar amounts included in this press release are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. References to US$ refers to United States dollars.
Quarterly Highlights
| Health, Safety, and Environmental - No lost-time accidents; received two permits critical to our long-term growth plans: the water pollution control permit and the tailings expansion permit. |
| Operating Cash Flows and Liquidity - Cash balance increased from the end of the first quarter of 2015 by $13.1 million (23.9%) to $68.0 million; generated $23.1 million in operating cash flows. |
| Ounces Sold - A record 34,189 gold equivalent ounces ("GEOs") sold, consisting of 26,768 gold ounces and 543,251 silver ounces (a record). Now anticipate full-year 2015 GEOs produced will total approximately 125,000 to 130,000 ounces, an increase of 5,000 GEOs from our beginning of the year estimate. |
| Revenues - A record $51.0 million of revenue; average realized selling prices per gold and silver ounce of $1,492 (US$1,213) and $20.37 (US$16.56), respectively. |
| Performance Measures - Significant margins from quarterly realized metal prices and improvement in unit costs over prior year period: |
Production cash costs per gold | Production cash costs per | All-in sustaining costs per | ||||||||||||||||
ounce sold on a by-product basis | gold equivalent ounce sold | gold ounce sold | ||||||||||||||||
Three months ended June 30, | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||
Non-IFRS Measure - CDN$ (1) | $ | 537 | $ | 550 | $ | 744 | $ | 731 | $ | 732 | $ | 835 | ||||||
Non-IFRS Measure - US$ (1) | $ | 437 | $ | 504 | $ | 605 | $ | 670 | $ | 595 | $ | 766 |
(1) See Non-IFRS Performance Measures in this press release.
| Operations - Produced 26,552 ounces of gold and 472,473 ounces of silver. Higher average daily ore tons milled (approximately 693 tons per day) and higher average silver mill head grades (8.00 oz/ton) than the first quarter of 2015. Average gold mill head grades (0.45 oz/ton) slightly lower than the first quarter of 2015. |
| Exploration Results - Continued to encounter high gold grades in both new and existing veins of mineralized material at our Fire Creek project ("Fire Creek") and Midas mine ("Midas"). |
Paul Huet, President and Chief Executive Officer said, "Our team efforts in the second quarter resulted in record gold equivalent ounces sold and a reduction of our all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold from the first quarter. Additionally, our collective efforts working with the regulators obtained two environmental permits necessary for our long-term growth. Lastly, I am excited to announce that we have increased our 2015 capital expenditure guidance by US$10 million to build upon the exploration successes of the first half of the year."
Suite 2200, 1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 2E9 | Telephone +1 775.284.5757 | www.klondexmines.com |
2015 Full Year Outlook
As a result of our record second quarter 2015 GEOs sold, we now anticipate our full-year 2015 GEOs produced will total approximately 125,000 to 130,000 ounces, an increase of 5,000 GEOs from our beginning of the year estimate. We anticipate the additional ounces produced will primarily come from Midas, which has higher cost GEOs, and are revising our estimated full-year production cash costs per GEO sold to US$575 to US$625 (up from US$550 to US$600). We are revising our all-in sustaining cash costs per gold ounce sold to US$750 to US$800 (down from US$800 to US$850) due to increased first half actual and estimated full-year silver revenues. As a result of our exploration successes during the first half of 2015, we have elected to increase our annual capital additions total by approximately US$10.0 million (between both sites) to US$43.0 million, as we have increased the scope of our development and drilling programs. We are using cash for the exploration and development of our mines that may otherwise be utilized to further reduce our debt. We currently believe this approach allows us to create the most near and long-term value while maintaining our annual total cash flows. Our annual estimates are summarized in the following table and presented with results for the six months ended June 30, 2015:
Six months ended | 2015 full year g uidance | ||||||||
June 30, 2015 | Low | High | |||||||
Gold equivalent ounces produced (ounces) | 65,167 | 125,000 | 130,000 | ||||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold (US$/ounce) | $ | 646 | $ | 575 | $ | 625 | |||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold (US$/ounce) | $ | 695 | $ | 750 | $ | 800 | |||
Capital additions (US$ 000s) | $ | 23,084 | $ | 43,000 |
(1) Gold equivalent ounces produced is calculated using our actual average realized selling prices for the six months ended June 30, 2015.
Second Quarter Selected Financial Information
Three months ended June 30, | Si x months ended J une 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Revenues | $ | 50,991 | $ | 36,444 | $ | 98,243 | $ | 39,071 | ||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||
Production costs | 25,429 | 18,723 | 52,289 | 20,398 | ||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 8,709 | 6,649 | 18,298 | 6,926 | ||||||||
Gross profit | 16,853 | 11,072 | 27,656 | 11,747 | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 3,717 | 2,173 | 7,159 | 4,403 | ||||||||
Loss on asset classified as held for sale | 432 | | 432 | | ||||||||
Income from operations | 12,704 | 8,899 | 20,065 | 7,344 | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 4,815 | $ | 4,441 | $ | 14,877 | $ | 2,029 | ||||
Net income per share - basic | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0 .04 | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.02 |
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, Fire Creek and Midas operated at planned levels which resulted in 26,768 and 53,903 gold ounces sold, respectively, and 543,251 and 847,808 silver ounces sold, respectively. R evenues , Pro d uction costs , and Depreciation and depletio n increased during the three and six months s ended June 30, 2015 from the same periods of 2014 as the Midas acquisition was completed in February 2014, after which we began increasing production and ramped up operations at both Midas and Fire Creek.
Second Quarter Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our cash balance increased from the end of the first quarter of 2015 by 23.9% to $68.0 million as we generated $23.1 million in operating cash flows, used $10.5 million in investing activities, and received $1.1 million in financing activities.
2 | www.klondexmines.com |
June 30, | Dece m ber 31, | ||||||||
2015 | 2 0 14 | Change | |||||||
Total current assets | $ | 101,242 | $ | 86,427 | $ | 14,815 | |||
Total current liabilities | 40,740 | 30,418 | 10,322 | ||||||
Working capital | $ | 60,502 | $ | 56,009 | $ | 4,493 | |||
Working capital ratio | 2.49 | 2.84 | (0.35 | ) |
Our working capital increased $4.5 million (approximately 8.0%) from December 31, 2014 to June 30, 2015, while our working capital ratio decreased by 12.3%. During the first six months of 2015 our $15.2 million increase in C a sh was partially offset by a $6.0 million increase in Accounts payable an d accrued liabilities and a $3.0 million increase in Incom e taxes payabl e .
Second Quarter Summary Operational Results
Three months ended June 30, 2015 | Th r ee months | ||||||||||||||
en d ed June 30, | |||||||||||||||
Mine operations | Fire Creek | Midas | Total | 2014 | Change | ||||||||||
Ore tons milled | 19,631 | 43,428 | 63,059 | 46,047 | 17,012 | ||||||||||
Average gold mill head grade (oz/ton) | 1.00 | 0.20 | 0.45 | 0.38 | 0.07 | ||||||||||
Average silver mill head grade (oz/ton) | 1.31 | 11.03 | 8.00 | 7.38 | 0.62 | ||||||||||
Average gold recovery rate (%) | 94.5% | 94.1% | 94.4% | 92.8% | 1.6% | ||||||||||
Average silver recovery rate (%) | 93.0% | 93.7% | 93.6% | 95.4% | (1.8% | ) | |||||||||
Gold produced (ounces) | 18,558 | 7,994 | 26,552 | 17,093 | 9,459 | ||||||||||
Silver produced (ounces) | 23,852 | 448,621 | 472,473 | 325,018 | 147,455 | ||||||||||
Gold sold (ounces) (1) | 18,457 | 8,311 | 26,768 | 20,293 | 6,475 | ||||||||||
Silver sold (ounces) | 33,383 | 509,868 | 543,251 | 343,025 | 200,226 | ||||||||||
Gold equivalent sold (ounces) (1) | 18,925 | 15,183 | 34,189 | 25,603 | 8,586 | ||||||||||
Non-IFRS Measures - CDN$ | |||||||||||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by- product basis (1) | $ | 577 | $ | 446 | $ | 537 | $ | 550 | $ | (13 | ) | ||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold (1) | $ | 600 | $ | 927 | $ | 744 | $ | 731 | $ | 13 | |||||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold (1) | $ | 732 | $ | 835 | $ | (103 | ) | ||||||||
Non-IFRS Measures - US$ | |||||||||||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by- product basis (1)(2) | $ | 469 | $ | 363 | $ | 437 | $ | 504 | $ | (67 | ) | ||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold (1)(2) | $ | 488 | $ | 754 | $ | 605 | $ | 670 | $ | (65 | ) | ||||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold (1)(2) | $ | 595 | $ | 766 | $ | (171 | ) |
(1) This is a non-IFRS measure, refer to the Non-I F RS Performanc e Measure s section of this press release for additional detail.
(2) See the U.S. Dollar Conversion s section of this press release for exchange rates s used to present U.S. dollar Non-IFRS Measures.
Fire Creek's and Midas's second quarter 2015 results included the sale of an all-time high 34,189 gold equivalent ounces, consisting of 26,768 gold ounces and 543,251 silver ounces, as metal was produced according to our second quarter plan, which included reducing our costs and increasing our production levels compared to the first quarter of 2015.
Fire Creek continued to operate as planned during the second quarter of 2015, with an average daily milling rate of approximately 216 tons per day (232 tons per day in the first quarter of 2015), an average gold mill head grade of 1.00 oz/ton (0.91 oz/ton in the first quarter of 2015), and quarterly gold production of 18,558 ounces (17,897 gold ounces produced in the first quarter of 2015).
The second quarter 2015 results at Midas were stronger than anticipated, selling a record 15,183 GEOs due to the benefits of high silver grades and previously completed development activities in which additional mining faces were created. During the second quarter of 2015, quarterly production totaled 7,994 gold ounces and 448,621 silver ounces, with an average daily milling rate of approximately 477 tons per day (409 tons per day in the first quarter of 2015), an average gold mill head grade of 0.20 oz/ton (0.26 oz/ton in the first quarter of 2015), and an average silver mill head grade of 11.03 oz/ton (10.09 oz/ton in the first quarter of 2015).
3 | www.klondexmines.com |
Conference Call
Management will host a conference call on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 10:30 am ET/7:30 am PT. The call can be accessed by dialing: +1 800-319-4610 (North America, toll-free), +1 416-915-3239 (Toronto and International) and +1 604-638-5340 (Outside of Canada and the US).
Registration is required for the call. Please dial in at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
A replay will be available until 11:59 pm on Wednesday, August 19, 2015. The replay can be accessed by dialing toll free from the US and Canada: +1 855-669-9658 or dialing international toll: +1 604-674-8052 and entering passcode: 3599, followed by the # sign.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
We are a well-capitalized, junior-tier gold and silver mining company focused on exploration, development, and production in a safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective manner. We have 100% interests in two producing mineral properties: the Fire Creek project and the Midas mine and ore milling facility, both of which are located in the State of Nevada, USA. Our milling and processing facilities, which are located at Midas, process mineralized material from both Midas and Fire Creek. Fire Creek is located approximately 100 miles south of Midas.
For More Information Contact:
John Seaberg
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
775-284-5757
jseaberg@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under t h e bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge o f Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43 -101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated w ith such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration and development activities, the timing and success of mining operations, the Company's ability to produce and sell GEOs, the Co m pany's ability to meet annual operations estimates, the ability to maintain average daily milling rates, the Company's capital addition expenditures, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the results of economic studies regarding the Company's mineral projects, the Company's financial conditions, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project and project development and related permitting. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained i n such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral de p osit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to u pdate the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
4 | www.klondexmines.com |
Technical Information
Scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Brian Morris, a "qualified person" within the meaning of NI 43-101.
For further information on the Fire Creek project, please see the technical report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada", dated as of and filed on SEDAR on March 16, 2015 (with an effective date of December 31, 2014). For further information on the Midas project, please see the technical report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada", filed on SEDAR on April 2, 2015 (with an effective date of August 31, 2014).
U.S. Dollar Conversions
All amounts included in this press release are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars ("CDN$") unless otherwise noted. To provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate certain of our Non-IFRS Measures (as defined in the Non-IFRS Performance Me a sures section) and realized sales prices per ounce to those of other issuers, we have presented such Non-IFRS Measures and certain per ounce amounts in both Canadian and United States dollars. Amounts presented in United States dollars are calculated by multiplying the period's average noon CDN$:US$ exchange rate (as published by the Bank of Canada) by the respective Canadian dollar amount being presented in United States dollars. The following table provides the exchange rates used only to present certain amounts in n United States dollars, as such exchange rates are not indicative of amounts, translations, or transactions recorded in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Three month s ended June 30, | Si x months ended J une 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2 0 15 | 2014 | |||||||||
A v erage CDN$ to US$ exchange r ate | 0.813 | 0 . 917 | 0.810 | 0.912 |
Non-IFRS Performance Measures
We have included the non-IFRS measures Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis, "Production cash costs per gold equivalent ounce", and All-in sustaining costs per ounce (collectively, the "Non-IFRS Measures") in this press release. These Non-IFRS Measures are used internally to assess our operating and economic performance and to provide key performance information to management. We believe that these Non-IFRS Measures, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate our performance and ability to generate cash flows required to fund our business. These Non-IFRS Measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These Non-IFRS Measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to or consistent with measures used by other issuers or with amounts presented in our financial statements.
Our primary business is gold production and our future development and current operations primarily focus on maximizing returns from such gold production. As a result, our Non-IFRS Measures are calculated and disclosed on a per gold ounce basis.
Production Cash Costs Per Gold Ounce Sold on a By-product Basis
Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis presents our cash costs associated with the production of gold and, as such, non-cash depreciation and depletion charges are excluded. Production cash costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis is calculated on a per ounce of gold sold basis, and includes all direct and indirect operating costs related to the physical activities of producing gold, including mining, processing, third party refining expenses, on-site administrative and support costs, and royalties (State of Nevada net proceeds taxes are excluded), net of revenues earned from silver sales (table in thousands, except ounces sold and per ounce amounts):
5 | www.klondexmines.com |
Three months ended June 30, 2015 | Three months e nded June 30, 2 014 | |||||||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | Total | Fir e Creek | Midas | Total | |||||||||||||
Production costs | $ | 11,351 | $ | 14,078 | $ | 25,429 | $ | 10,060 | $ | 8,663 | $ | 18,723 | ||||||
Less: silver by-product revenues | (694 | ) | (10,372 | ) | (11,066 | ) | (355 | ) | (7,205 | ) | (7,560 | ) | ||||||
10,657 | 3,706 | 14,363 | 9,705 | 1,458 | 11,163 | |||||||||||||
Gold ounces sold (1) | 18,457 | 8,311 | 26,768 | 17,476 | 2,817 | 20,293 | ||||||||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce
sold on a by-product basis - CDN$ |
$ | 577 | $ | 446 | $ | 537 | $ | 555 | $ | 518 | $ | 550 | ||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce
sold on a by-product basis - US$ |
$ | 469 | $ | 363 | $ | 437 | $ | 509 | $ | 475 | $ | 504 |
Six months ended June 30, 2015 | Six months e n ded June 30, 2 0 14 | |||||||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | Total | Fir e Creek | Midas | Total | |||||||||||||
Production costs | $ | 22,464 | $ | 29,825 | $ | 52,289 | $ | 10,060 | $ | 10,338 | $ | 20,398 | ||||||
Less: silver by-product revenues | (938 | ) | (16,563 | ) | (17,501 | ) | (355 | ) | (8,481 | ) | (8,836 | ) | ||||||
21,526 | 13,262 | 34,788 | 9,705 | 1,857 | 11,562 | |||||||||||||
Gold ounces sold (1) | 36,540 | 17,363 | 53,903 | 17,476 | (2) | 3,747 | 21,223 | (2) | ||||||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce
sold on a by-product basis - CDN$ |
$ | 589 | $ | 764 | $ | 645 | $ | 555 | $ | 496 | $ | 545 | ||||||
Production cash costs per gold ounce
sold on a by-product basis - US$ |
$ | 477 | $ | 619 | $ | 522 | $ | 506 | $ | 452 | $ | 497 |
(1) Includes ounces sold (if any) under the agreement dated as
of March 31, 2011 and amended and restated as of October 4, 2011 between our
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Company, and
Waterton Global Value, L.P. (the "Gold Supply Agreement") and ounces delivered
under the agreement dated February 11, 2014 between Klondex and Franco-Nevada
GLW Holdings Corp. (the "Gold Purchase Agreement").
(2) Excludes
2,439 gold ounces ($3.3 million in cash receipts) sold during the first quarter
of 2014, the proceeds of which were used to reduce the carrying value of the Fire Creek
mineral property.
6 | www.klondexmines.com |
Production Cash Costs per Gold Equivalent Ounce Sold
Production cash costs per gold equivalent ounce sold presents our cash costs associated with the production of gold equivalent ounces and, as such, non-cash depreciation and depletion charges are excluded. Production cash costs per gold equivalent ounce sold is calculated on a per gold equivalent ounce sold basis, and includes all direct and indirect operating costs related to the physical activities of producing gold, including mining, processing, third party refining expenses, on-site administrative and support costs, and royalties (State of Nevada net proceeds taxes are excluded). Gold equivalent ounces are computed as the number of silver ounces required to generate the revenue derived from the sale of one gold ounce, using average realized selling prices. Beginning with the second quarter of 2015, we began using realized selling prices instead of budgeted selling prices to calculate gold equivalent ounces and, as such, gold equivalent ounces presented below may differ from previously reported amounts (table in thousands, except ounces sold and per ounce e amounts):
Three months ended June 30, 2015 | Three months ended June 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | Total | Fire Creek | Midas | Total | |||||||||||||
Average realized price per gold ounce sold | $ | 1,484 | $ | 1,508 | $ | 1,511 | $ | 1,426 | $ | 1,410 | $ | 1,423 | ||||||
Average realized price per silver ounce sold | $ | 20.79 | $ | 20.34 | $ | 200.63 | $ | 22.97 | $ | 22.00 | $ | 22.04 | ||||||
Silver ounces equivalent to revenue from one gold ounce | 71.4 | 74.2 | 73.2 | 62.1 | 64.1 | 64.6 | ||||||||||||
Silver ounces sold | 33,383 | 509,868 | 543,251 | 15,456 | 327,569 | 343,025 | ||||||||||||
GEOs from silver ounces sold | 468 | 6,872 | 7,421 | 249 | 5,110 | 5,310 | ||||||||||||
Gold ounces sold ( 1) | 18,457 | 8,311 | 26,768 | 17,476 | 2,817 | 20,293 | ||||||||||||
Gold equivalent ounces | 18,925 | 15,183 | 34,189 | 17,725 | 7,927 | 25,603 | ||||||||||||
Production costs | $ | 11,351 | $ | 14,078 | $ | 25,429 | $ | 10,060 | $ | 8,663 | $ | 18,723 | ||||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold - CDN$ | $ | 600 | $ | 927 | $ | 744 | $ | 568 | $ | 1,093 | $ | 731 | ||||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold - US$ | $ | 488 | $ | 754 | $ | 605 | $ | 521 | $ | 1,002 | $ | 670 |
Six months ended June 30, 2015 | Six months ended June 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
Fire Creek | Midas | Total | Fire Creek | Midas | Total | |||||||||||||
Average realized price per gold ounce sold | $ | 1,492 | $ | 1,511 | $ | 1,498 | $ | 1,419 | $ | 1,420 | $ | 1,425 | ||||||
Average realized price per silver ounce sold | $ | 20.86 | $ | 20.63 | $ | 200.64 | $ | 22.97 | $ | 21.99 | $ | 22.03 | ||||||
Silver ounces equivalent to revenue from one gold ounce | 71.5 | 73.2 | 72.6 | 61.8 | 64.6 | 64.7 | ||||||||||||
Silver ounces sold | 44,970 | 802,838 | 847,808 | 15,456 | 385,622 | 401,078 | ||||||||||||
GEO from silver ounces sold | 629 | 10,968 | 11,678 | 250 | 5,969 | 6,199 | ||||||||||||
Gold ounces sold ( 1) | 36,540 | 17,363 | 53,903 | 17,476 | (2) | 3,747 | 21,223 | (2) | ||||||||||
Gold equivalent ounces | 37,169 | 28,331 | 65,581 | 17,726 | 9,716 | 27,422 | ||||||||||||
Production costs | $ | 22,464 | $ | 29,825 | $ | 52,289 | $ | 10,060 | $ | 10,338 | $ | 20,398 | ||||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold - CDN$ | $ | 604 | $ | 1,053 | $ | 797 | $ | 568 | $ | 1,064 | $ | 744 | ||||||
Production cash costs per GEO sold - US$ | $ | 489 | $ | 853 | $ | 646 | $ | 518 | $ | 970 | $ | 679 |
(1)
Includes ounces sold (if any) under the Gold
Supply Agreement and ounces delivered under the Gold Purchase
Agreement.
(2)
Excludes 2,439 gold ounces ($3.3 million in cash
receipts) sold during the first quarter of 2014, the proceeds of which were used
to reduce the carrying value of the Fire Creek mineral property.
All-in Sustaining Costs per Gold Ounce Sold
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold presents the full cost of gold production from our current operations, therefore, capital amounts related to expansion projects are excluded. Certain other cash expenditures, including State of Nevada net proceeds taxes, federal tax payments, and financing costs are also excluded. Our calculation of all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce is consistent with the June 2013 guidance released by the World Gold Council, a non-regulatory, non-profit market development organization for the gold industry.
7 | www.klondexmines.com |
We calculate our all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold on a consolidated basis as ore from both Fire Creek and Midas is processed at Midas and because general and administrative expenses are related to our mining operations as a whole. All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold includes all (1) direct and indirect operating cash costs related to the physical activities of producing gold, including mining, processing, third party refining expenses, on-site administrative and support costs, and royalties, (2) general and administrative expenses, (3) decommissioning provision accretion, and (4) sustaining capital expenditures, the total of which h is reduced for revenues earned from silver sales (table in thousands, except ounces sold and per ounce amounts):
T hree months e n ded June 30, | Six m o nths ended Jun e 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2 0 14 | |||||||||
Production costs | $ | 25,429 | $ | 18,7 2 3 | $ | 52,289 | $ | 20,398 | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 3,717 | 2,1 7 3 | 7,159 | 4,403 | ||||||||
Decommissioning provision accretion | 112 | 7 4 | 231 | 217 | ||||||||
Sustaining capital expenditures | 1,413 | 3,5 4 2 | 4,076 | 6,080 | ||||||||
Less: Silver revenue | (11,066 | ) | (7,5 6 0 | ) | (17,501 | ) | (8,836 | ) | ||||
19,605 | 16,9552 | 46,254 | 22,262 | |||||||||
Gold ounces sold (1) | 26,768 | 20,2 9 3 | 53,903 | 21,223 | (2) | |||||||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold - CDN$ | $ | 732 | $ | 835 | $ | 858 | $ | 1,049 | ||||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold - US$ | $ | 595 | $ | 7 6 6 | $ | 695 | $ | 957 |
(1)
Includes ounces sold (if any) under the Gold
Supply Agreement and ounces delivered under the Gold Purchase
Agreement.
(2)
Excludes 2,439 gold ounces ($3.3 million
in cash receipts) sold during the first quarter of 2014,, the proceeds of which
were used to reduce the carrying value of the Fire Creek mineral property.
We define sustaining capital expenditures as those costs which do not contribute to a material increase in annual gold ounce production over the next 12 months. As such, sustaining capital expenditures exclude amounts for certain exploration activities, underground mine development in which the production benefit will be primarily realized in periods greater than the next 12 months, certain capital expenditures at the corporate office, and permitting activities related to expansion efforts. The following table reconciles sustaining capital expenditures to our total capital expenditures (in thousands):
Three month s ended June 30, | Si x months ended J une 30, | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Sustaining capital expenditures | $ | 1,413 | $ | 3 , 542 | $ | 4,076 | $ | 6,080 | ||||
Expansion and non-sustaining expenditures | 13,313 | 3 , 085 | 21,700 | 4,795 | ||||||||
$ | 14,726 | $ | 6 , 627 | $ | 25,776 | $ | 10,875 |
8 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Mines Bolsters Executive Team by Appointing John Seaberg as Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
Vancouver, BC August 6, 2015 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) is pleased to announce the appointment of John Seaberg to the Klondex Executive team as Senior Vice President, Investor Relations. Mr. Seaberg will be primarily responsible for advancing the Companys investor relations strategy and will be based in Reno, Nevada.
Klondex President and CEO, Paul Huet commented, I am thrilled to have John join our Klondex family. We consider John to be an expert in investor relations and corporate development. His experience will complement the executive team as we move closer to advancing our listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Johns appointment further illustrates our focus on attracting expert talent as we continue to develop and grow Klondex .
Mr. Seaberg has over 20 years of experience in the mining industry. He joins Klondex from Newmont Mining Corporation where he was a key member of the executive team, most recently as Vice President Investor Relations where he managed the global investor relations strategy. John received his undergraduate degree from Colorado State University and his MBA from the University of Denver.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
We are a well-capitalized, junior-tier gold and silver mining company focused on exploration, development, and production in a safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective manner. We have 100% interests in two producing mineral properties: the Fire Creek project and the Midas mine and ore milling facility, both of which are located in the State of Nevada, USA. Our milling and processing facilities, which are located at Midas, process ore from both Midas and Fire Creek. Fire Creek is located approximately 100 miles south of Midas.
For More Information
Klondex Mines
John Seaberg,
MBA
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
775-284-5757
jseaberg@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin, CPIR
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Language to Forward-Looking Statements
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas project by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Mines Schedules 2Q 2015 Conference Call for Thursday, August 13, 2015
Vancouver, BC August 5, 2015 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) provides the schedule of its second quarter 2015 earnings conference call.
Date : | Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 10:30 am ET/7:30am PT. |
Presenters : | Paul Huet, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Brent Kristof, Chief Operating Officer | |
Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer | |
Dial in: | +1 800-319-4610: Canada & USA Toll Free |
+1 416-915-3239: Toronto and International | |
+1 604-638-5340: Outside of Canada & USA call | |
Registration is required for the call. Please dial in at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time. | |
Results: | The Company's second quarter results and related press release will be issued after market close on Wednesday, August 12, 2015. |
Replay: | A conference call replay will be available until end of day on Wednesday, August 19. For Canada & USA Toll Free, please dial, +1 855-669-9658, followed by 3599#. Outside Canada and US, please dial +1 604-674-8052, followed by 3599#. |
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
We are a well-capitalized, junior-tier gold and silver mining company focused on exploration, development, and production in a safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective manner. We have 100% interests in two producing mineral properties: the Fire Creek project and the Midas mine and ore milling facility, both of which are located in the State of Nevada, USA. Our milling and processing facilities, which are located at Midas, process ore from both Midas and Fire Creek. Fire Creek is located approximately 100 miles south of Midas.
For More Information
Klondex Mines
Alison
Dwoskin, CPIR
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Language to Forward-Looking Statements
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas project by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Discovers New Veins at Fire Creek; Intercepts 9.1 g/t (0.266 opt) Au over 17.1 m (56.0 ft)
Vancouver, BC August 4, 2015 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") provides an update on recent drill results from underground and surface core drilling at its Fire Creek gold project in northern Nevada ( FIGURE 1 ).
The intent of this drilling was to increase the mineral resources by stepping out vertically and laterally on known veins to the West and follow up on favorable targets south of the underground development ( WEST TABLE 1 and SOUTH TABLE 2 ).
West Zone Drilling Highlights :
| 9.6 g/t (0.281 opt) Au over 6.1 m (20.0 ft) FCU-0016 New Vein | |
| 42.5 g/t (1.240 opt) Au over 0.9 m (3.0 ft) FCU-0016B Honeyrunner | |
| 19.9 g/t (0.580 opt) Au over 1.5 m (5.0 ft) FCU-0172 Vein 21 | |
| 14.5 g/t (0.423 opt) Au over 1.5 m (5.0 ft) FCU-0174 Vein 22 | |
| 79.7 g/t (2.325 opt) Au over 0.8 m (2.5 ft) FCU-0192 Honeyrunner | |
| 221.6 g/t (6.463 opt) Au over 0.3 m (1.0 ft) FCU-0318 Vein 46 |
South Zone Drilling Highlights:
| 9.1 g/t (0.266 opt) Au over 17.1 m (56.0 ft) FCC-0003 New Vein | |
| 19.3 g/t (0.563 opt) Au over 1.2 m (4.0 ft) FCC-0003 New Vein | |
| 15.8 g/t (0.461 opt) Au over 3.7 m (12.1 ft) FCC-0003 Vein 6 | |
| 16.5 g/t (0.483 opt) Au over 2.3 m (7.4 ft) FCC-0021 Vein 6 |
The West Zone drilling ( FIGURE 2 ) is comprised of 44 underground core drill holes totaling 4,391 m (14,407 ft) from six drill platforms and from the Karen vein sills. The drilling extended the four known mineralized veins by a collective of 426.7 m (1,400 ft) laterally and 182.8 m (600 ft) vertically in the West Zone. Additionally, new parallel mineralized structures were intercepted 152.4 m (500 ft) west of the Karen vein or 167.6 m (550 ft) west of the underground workings.
The South Zone drilling ( FIGURES 3 and 4 ) includes two surface drill holes, totaling 494.1 m (1,621 ft), located south of the underground development. The drilling followed up on RC drill results described in the December 19, 2013 press release, filled a gap in the Vein 6 resource model, and indicates additional mineralization to the south.
Brian Morris, VP Exploration and Geology Services of Klondex, commented, These results continue to demonstrate that the project is significantly under drilled. Continued drilling will be critical in gaining the geologic understanding to increase our effectiveness at expanding our current mineral resources and to lead us to new discoveries within the district.
All 44 underground core drill holes and two surface drill holes will be included in the upcoming mineral resource estimate update.
Drill assays were performed by American Assay Laboratories (AAL) of Sparks, Nevada ( independent laboratory), using fire assay with gravimetric finish as directed under the supervision of Klondex staff. True width are not known at this time. A description of the sampling procedures, quality assurance program and quality control measures applied is found in the technical report titled "Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada", with an effective date of December 31, 2014, which is available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex owns and operates the Fire Creek Project and Midas Mine and Mill in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tons per day capacity milling facility is processing mineralized materials from both Midas and Fire Creek. Fire Creek is located approximately 100 miles south of Midas.
For More Information
Alison Dwoskin
Manager,
Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Qualified Person
Brian Morris, Klondex Mines VP Exploration is the Qualified Person (AIPG CPG-11786), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the mine. Klondex has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing, extent and success of exploration drilling activities, the timing and completion of an updated mineral resource and mineral reserve estimate at the Fire Creek Project and the possible expansion of mineral resources at the Fire Creek Project. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; the risks associated with environmental and governmental compliance; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Reports Record Sales of 34,188 GEOs in 2Q2015; Increases Production Guidance for 2015
Vancouver, BC July 22, 2015 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") today reports its second quarter operational results for fiscal year 2015 from its Midas Mine and Fire Creek Project. Below is a table highlighting key metrics for the Company, compared to the prior years comparative period.
Three Months ended June 30, | Six Months ended June 30, | |||||
2015 | 2014 |
%
Difference |
2015 | 2014 |
%
Difference |
|
Underground Operations | ||||||
Tons Mined | 65,741 | 54,659 | 20% | 120,932 | 77,029 | 57% |
Processing | ||||||
Tons Milled | 63,059 | 46,047 | 37% | 120,723 | 67,774 | 78% |
Au Grade OPT | 0.45 | 0.38 | 18% | 0.47 | 0.43 | 9% |
Ag Grade OPT | 8.00 | 7.38 | 8% | 7.42 | 7.49 | -1% |
Au Ounces Recovered | 26,552 | 17,093 | 55% | 53,777 | 30,638 | 76% |
Ag Ounces Recovered | 472,473 | 325,018 | 45% | 826,928 | 483,390 | 71% |
Au Ounces Sold | 26,768 | 20,293 | 32% | 53,903 | 23,662 (2) | 128% |
Ag Ounces Sold | 543,251 | 343,025 | 58% | 847,808 | 401,078 | 111% |
GEOs Sold (1) | 34,188 | 25,605 | 34% | 65,601 | 29,852 (2) | 120% |
(1) |
Au Equivalent ratios of approximately 73.22:1 and 64.58:1 during the first quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively; Au Equivalent ratios of approximately 72.56:1 and 64.67:1 during the first six months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Au Equivalent ratios are based on average realized metal prices received by the Company. |
|
(2) |
Includes 2,439 gold ounces reported as sale of mineralized material, and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek Project. |
Paul Andre Huet, Klondex President and CEO commented, These second quarter results from Fire Creek and Midas demonstrate the systematic growth taking place at our operations. The average daily mining rate increased to 722 tons per day (tpd) in 2Q2015, up from 601 tpd in 2Q2014, which we attribute to the additional development and mining faces at both operations. In 2Q2015, our gold equivalent ounces (GEOs) sold increased to 34,188 ounces, up from 25,605 GEOs in 2Q2014.
Mr. Huet continued, We also made significant progress on the permitting front with both Fire Creek and Midas receiving essential permits. At Fire Creek, our cap on tonnage processed was removed after receiving the Water Pollution Control Permit. Subsequent to the quarter-end at Midas, we received our tailings expansion permit, and construction of the new lift at the tailings facility is already underway.
He continued, After a strong first half of the year, we are increasing our 2015 production guidance to 125,000-130,000 GEOs from 120,000-125,000 GEOs.
Klondex will report its financial results for the second quarter 2015 in the week of August 10, 2015, followed shortly by a conference call.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex owns and operates the Fire Creek Project and Midas Mine and Mill in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tons per day capacity milling facility is processing mineralized materials from both Midas and Fire Creek. Fire Creek is located approximately 100 miles south of Midas.
For More Information
Klondex Mines, Ltd.
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Qualified Person
Brian Morris, Klondex Mines VP Exploration is the Qualified Person (Nevada AIPG CPG-11786), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the mine. Klondex has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the recovery of gold equivalent ounces, production targets, the financial condition of the Company and the growth of operations of the Company including expected future production and sales levels of the Company. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; the risks associated with environmental and governmental compliance; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Begins Construction of Midas Tailings Expansion
Vancouver, BC July 14, 2015 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) (Klondex or the Company) today reports the required permits for the tailings expansion at the Company's Midas project have been issued and construction of the expansion has kicked off.
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Resources, has granted the final permit for expansion of the Midas tailings impoundment. This permit acquisition allows Klondex to construct the Phase VI raise to the tailings impoundment, to a maximum elevation of 5,680 feet above mean sea level, adding approximately 400,000 tons of tailings capacity.
Klondex has contracted NewFields Engineering and Remington Construction to complete the raise. The raise is an engineered reinforced concrete wall, that when coupled with the existing tailings, will provide Klondex with approximately 900,000 tons of tailings capacity at Midas. Construction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.
Brent Kristof, Klondex COO commented, The tailings expansion permit is an important milestone in our long-term planning for Midas and Fire Creek. The expansion will provide Klondex with a timeline to be able to build a second tails dam at the Midas property. Studies to design, permit and construct a new, long term tailings facility have been initiated. Also, Id like to thank the environmental team, for delivering the second major permit to Klondex within a month. The Water Pollution Control Permit at Fire Creek, and Tailings Expansion permit at Midas are key to supporting our long-term growth plan.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex owns and operates the Fire Creek Project and Midas Mine and Mill in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1,200 tons per day capacity milling facility is processing mineralized materials from both Midas and Fire Creek. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013.
For More Information
Klondex Mines, Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
In Europe
Swiss Resource Capital AG
Jochen
Staiger, CEO
info@resource-capital.ch
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the mine. Klondex has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing and completion of the expansion and construction of the Midas tailings impoundment and the timing and completion of a second tails dam at the Midas project. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Receives WPCP Permit from State of Nevada;
The
Tonnage Constraint at Fire Creek is Lifted.
Vancouver, BC June 18, 2015 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) (Klondex or the Company) today reports that the Water Pollution Control Permit (WPCP) for its Fire Creek project (the "Fire Creek Project") is in hand, and the tonnage cap linked to Fire Creeks operations is now lifted. The Company also provides an update on other environmental permitting at the Fire Creek Project, located in north central Nevada, USA.
Tonnage Cap Removed
The Company has received the Notice of Decision (NoD) for the WPCP for the Fire Creek Project from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation. The NoD removes the 120,000 tonnage limitation, allowing Fire Creek to ramp up to full-production levels. Klondex expects to receive the final permit by the end of June.
Environmental Assessment
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) determination from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) confirms that an Environmental Assessment (EA) level of NEPA analysis is required to be completed for the Fire Creek Project. Klondex received a letter from the BLM Battle Mountain District confirming the EA level is required to evaluate the Fire Creek Project moving into full-production operations. The letter was issued following the BLMs review of the Plan of Operations document and the required baseline environmental studies to support the proposed mine expansion activities. It is expected that full-production operations will allow Fire Creek to expand mine support facilities, including the construction of a new waste rock storage facility and additional water management ponds. Klondex remains on track to complete the EA within the second half of 2015.
Mike Doolin, Klondex Vice President Business Development commented, This news represents a milestone for the Fire Creek Project. I would like to recognize the efforts of the regulators and our environmental Manager, Lucy Hill, through this process. Together, they have completed a very detailed, thorough review in a timely manner. Klondexs environmental team continues to demonstrate some of our industry's best standards. Environmental stewardship is a key focus to our company's objectives."
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex owns and operates the Fire Creek Project and Midas Mine and Mill in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tons per day capacity milling facility is processing mineralized materials from both Midas and Fire Creek. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013.
For More Information
Paul Huet
President &
CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the mine. Klondex has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing and receipt of a full-production permit for the Fire Creek Project, the ramp-up of operations at the Fire Creek Project and the timing and completion of the EA in respect of the Fire Creek Project. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Announces AGM Results, Appoints Mark Daniel to the Board of Directors and Charles Oliver as Special Advisor to the Board
Vancouver, BC June 17, 2015 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) (Klondex or the Company) is pleased to announce the results of its annual meeting of shareholders held today (the Meeting) and welcomes Mark Daniel to the Board of Directors and Charles Oliver as Special Advisor to the Board.
Mark Daniel, a Ph.D. in Economics, brings over 30 years of experience to Klondex. He started his career at the Government of Canada as an Economist, and soon after joined the Conference Board of Canada, responsible for the Boards research and networking programs in management effectiveness. Most currently, Mr. Daniel was Vice President, Human Resources at CVRD INCO, where he was responsible for Companys world-wide people strategy including Industrial Relations, Recruitment, Organizational Development and Compensation. Mr. Daniel now provides counsel to Boards, CEOs and senior management on organizational design, executive recruitment and development, compensation and performance improvement in organizations that range from startups to global multi-billion dollar enterprises. He is a current Board member of AuRico Gold Inc.
Charles Oliver, a CFA, HB.Sc. in Geology, brings to Klondex over 25 years of experience as an award winning fund manager. He recently retired from Sprott Asset Management as Lead Portfolio Manager of the Gold and Precious Metals Fund. Mr. Oliver is currently a board member for Integra Gold. He began his career as a field geologist in Québec after which, he moved to Toronto to work as a trader and broker, eventually joining the buy-side at AGF Funds where he was Senior Vice President and Lead Portfolio Manager of several funds including their Precious Metals Funds.
Paul Andre Huet, President and CEO commented, We are thrilled to welcome Mark Daniel and Charles Oliver to our team as experts in their fields of economics and market strategy, respectively. The two gentlemen bring unique and qualified backgrounds to round our Company. We look forward to their valuable contributions, as we continue to build Klondex into a mid-tier gold producer.
Results of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
A total of 95,721,484 common shares were represented at the Meeting, representing 73.86% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. All matters presented for approval at the Meeting were duly authorized and approved, as follows:
1. |
fixing the number of directors of the Company at eight; |
|
2. |
election of all management nominees to the board of directors of the Company; and |
|
3. |
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and authorization of the directors to fix their remuneration. |
Detailed voting results for the election of directors were as follows:
Name | Shares Voted For | % Voted For | Shares Withheld | % Withheld |
Renaud Adams | 83,784,850 | (99.36%) | 536,600 | (0.64%) |
Rodney Cooper | 84,040,010 | (99.67%) | 281,440 | (0.33%) |
Mark J. Daniel | 84,038,984 | (99.67%) | 282,466 | (0.33%) |
James Haggarty | 93,668,640 | (99.23%) | 652,810 | (0.77%) |
Richard J. Hall | 84,042,000 | (99.67%) | 279,450 | (0.33%) |
Paul Huet | 84,042,944 | (99.67%) | 278,506 | (0.33%) |
William Matlack | 81,638,816 | (96.82%) | 2,682,634 | (3.18%) |
Blair Schultz | 66,190,573 | (78.50%) | 18,130,877 | (21.50%) |
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Further details on the above matters are set forth in the Company's meeting materials which are accessible under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . Complete results of voting on all matters of business conducted at the Meeting are included in the report of voting results for the Meeting which is also available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex owns and operates the Fire Creek Project and Midas Mine and Mill in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tons per day capacity milling facility is processing mineralized materials from both Midas and Fire Creek. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013.
For More Information
Paul Huet
President &
CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the mine. Klondex has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Drilling at Fire Creek Intercepts 13.5 opt (461.6 g/t) over 11.5 feet (3.5 metres); Begins Development for Long Hole Stoping on Hui Wu Vein
Highlights of Hui Wu Vein :
| 13.5 opt (461.6 g/T) AuEq over 11.5 ft (3.5 metres) FCU-0214 | |
| 5.1 opt (174.3 g/T) AuEq over 3.2 ft (1.0 metres) FCU-0328 | |
| 64.0 opt (2,194.7 g/T) AuEq over 1.1 ft (0.3 metres) FCU-0357 | |
| 1.5 opt (52.7 g/T) AuEq over 12.3 ft (3.7 metres) FCU-0213 | |
| 2.1 opt (72.0 g/T) AuEq over 4.4 ft (1.3 metres) FCU-0360 |
Vancouver, BC May 21, 2015 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") provides an update on recent drilling and development on the Hui Wu Vein at its Fire Creek project in northern Nevada.
Drill assays ( SEE TABLE 1 ) from 19 core holes drilled in 2015 were recently received indicating significant gold intercepts in the north end of the Hui Wu Vein. These holes, targeting the Hui Wu Vein and Joyce Vein, were predominately drilled east from the north end of the Karen Vein. Based on the assay results, it was determined that the Hui Wu could be accessed and developed along the vein.
Development began in April near the north end of the Hui Wu Vein and was excavated north 139 feet (42.4 metres) along the vein ( SEE FIGURES ). The average fully-diluted grade mined was 1.0 AuEq opt (34.5 g/T) over an average sill width of 7 feet (2.1 metres) ( SEE TABLE 2 ) compared to the modeled mineral resource grade of 0.47 opt AuEq (16.1 g/T) in the Hui Wu Vein (see Fire Creek Pre-feasibility Study, with an effective date of December 31, 2014). Development of a top cut for long-hole stoping of the Hui Wu Vein began in May.
Brian Morris, Klondex VP Exploration, comments: These results continue to demonstrate the high grade nature of the Fire Creek deposit and its exploration opportunity. Assay results from development on the Hui Wu Vein compare favorably to the predicted M&I mineral resource grade of 0.47 opt AuEq. Additionally, the recent drilling was not included in the mineral reserve estimates but is expected to be included in the updated mine plans for Q3. We are continuing the exploration drift to the north, as per schedule, with drill results expected to be released in the second half of 2015.
Drill and channel assays were performed by ALS Chemex or American Assay Laboratories (AAL) of Sparks, Nevada (both independent laboratories), using fire assay with gravimetric finish as directed under the supervision of Klondex staff.
A description of the data verification methods, quality assurance program and quality control measures applied is found in the technical report titled "Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada", with an effective date of December 31, 2014, which is available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex owns and operates the Fire Creek Project and Midas Mine and Mill in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tons per day capacity milling facility is processing mineralized materials from both Midas and Fire Creek. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013.
For More Information
Alison Dwoskin
Manager,
Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Qualified Person
Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC is the Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration and metallurgical sampling activities, the timing and success of mining operations, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the results of economic studies regarding the Company's mineral projects, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project and project development and related permitting. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
Klondex Reports 2015 Q1 Net Income of $10.1 Million or $0.08 per share
Vancouver, BC May 12, 2015 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") announces that it is filing its Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") and its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 which will be available on the Company's web site at www.klondexmines.com and will be posted on SEDAR, at www.sedar.com. The financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Unless otherwise stated, all currency amounts included in this release are expressed in Canadian dollars . The U.S. dollar is presented as US$.
First Quarter Financial Highlights
| Revenue was $47.3 million | |
|
The Company recovered 32,542 gold equivalent ounces (GEO) comprised of 27,225 gold ounces and 354,455 silver ounces |
|
| The Company sold 31,703 GEO , comprised of 27,135 gold ounces and 304,557 silver ounces | |
| Production costs (See Non-IFRS Measures): |
o | Production costs per GEO sold were $842 (US$678) | |
o | Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $745 (US$600) | |
o | All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold (AISC) were $978 (US$788) |
|
Net income was $10.1 million, $0.08 per basic share |
|
|
Cash balance was $54.9 million, and working capital was $56.2 million at the end of the quarter |
|
|
Cash provided by operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital was $10.2 million |
|
|
Cash payments in the first quarter include annual payments for which the costs will be amortized over one year including State of Nevada net proceeds tax |
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO commented:
Im very pleased to report that Klondex had yet another strong quarter. Our net income was $10.1 million. Our company wide all-in sustaining costs are better than guidance, at $978 (US$788) in the first quarter, which helps position us to achieve our guidance for 2015 AISC of $1,000-$1,063 (US$800-$850). While we continue to work on reducing costs, we intend to review and update our 2015 cost guidance later in the year. We have plans to reduce spending over the next three quarters to finish the year with another solid performance generating free cash flow.
We made substantial progress on a number of projects during the quarter, including accelerated development to access new levels at Fire Creek and new zones at Midas. Our ultimate goal is to have two years waste development ahead of ourselves providing us with additional ore working faces. The team is well on its way with six to twelve months currently ahead of ourselves. As a result, our expensed development is front-end loaded in 2015.
One of our biggest accomplishments in the first quarter was issuing Preliminary Feasibility Studies on our Fire Creek and Midas projects, using a gold price of US$1,000/oz. for our mineral reserve estimates. These studies help demonstrate our ability to generate free cash flow from operations in a weaker gold environment. As shareholders ourselves, we believe in being proactive and managing operational risks that will contribute to increased value for our company.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) | 2015 | 2014 | ||||
Revenues | $ | 47,252 | $ | 2,627 | ||
Cost of sales | ||||||
Production costs | 26,860 | 1,675 | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | 9,589 | 277 | ||||
Gross profit | 10,803 | 675 | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 3,442 | 2,229 | ||||
Income (loss) from operations | 7,361 | (1,554 | ) | |||
Business acquisition costs | - | (1,874 | ) | |||
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivative | 222 | 558 | ||||
Finance charges | (2,650 | ) | (1,510 | ) | ||
Foreign currency gain | 9,507 | - | ||||
Income (loss) before tax | 14,440 | (4,380 | ) | |||
Income tax expense (recovery) | 4,378 | (1,968 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) | $ | 10,062 | $ | (2,412 | ) | |
Net income (loss) per share | ||||||
Basic | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.02 | ) | |
Diluted | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.02 | ) | |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | ||||||
Basic | 127,909,015 | 107,262,995 | ||||
Diluted | 132,688,310 | 107,262,995 |
R evenue
Revenue during the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $47.3 million and $2.6 million, respectively. In the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company sold 27,135 gold ounces and 304,557 silver ounces, compared to the sale of 930 gold ounces and 58,053 silver ounces in the quarter ended March 31, 2014. In the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the average gold price was $1,504 (US$1,212) and the average silver price was $21.14 (US$17.03) . In the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the average gold price was $1,453 (US$1,311) and the average silver price was $21.97 (US$19.82) . See "U.S. Dollar Conversion".
The Company acquired Midas on February 11, 2014 and recorded sales from Midas from the acquisition date. Based on the material quantities of gold generated under the bulk-sample permit, the Company first recognized revenue from the bulk sample program at the Fire Creek Project in the second quarter of 2014.
Cost of Sales
Production costs in the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $26.9 million and $1.7 million respectively. In the quarter ended March 31, 2015, production costs per GEO sold were $842 (US$678), production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis were $745 (US$600), and AISC were $978 (US$788) compared to production costs per GEO sold of $906 (US$818), production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis of $429 (US$387) in the first quarter of 2014. See "Non-IFRS Measures" and "U.S. Dollar Conversion".
During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the following contributed to higher production costs:
Depreciation and depletion in the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $9.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
Gross Profit
Gross profit in quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $10.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $3.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The increase in G&A expenses over the prior year is due to the growth of the Company as a result of the Midas acquisition mid-February 2014 and bulk-sample production at Fire Creek.
Business Acquisition Costs
Business acquisition costs during the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were nil and $1.9 million, respectively. Business acquisition costs incurred in 2014 were related to the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill.
Gain (loss) on Change in Fair Value of Derivative
During the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded a gain of $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, on the change in the fair value of the derivative associated with the gold supply agreement, dated March 31, 2011 and amended and restated on October 4, 2011 between the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Company, and Waterton Global Value, L.P. (the " Gold Supply Agreement " or " GSA "). The derivative is valued at each reporting period. The change in the derivative value is principally related to gold ounces produced and offered under the GSA and changes in the estimated forward gold spot price and in the estimated volatility of the gold price over the remaining term of the GSA.
Finance Charges
Finance charges for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $2.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The finance charges are mainly related to the obligations under the gold purchase agreement and the loan payable under the senior secured loan facility agreement, each entered into by the Company in connection with the purchase of Midas.
Foreign Currency Gain
Foreign currency gain for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $9.5 million and nil, respectively. The foreign currency gains are mainly unrealized and primarily relate to intercompany loans that are expected to be settled in due course.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense (recovery) for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $4.4 million and ($2.0 million), respectively. Income tax expense includes the State of Nevada net proceeds tax.
Net Income
Net income (loss) for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $10.1 million and ($2.4 million), respectively.
2015 Operational Targets
Klondex retains the following guidance for 2015:
The cost guidance was prepared in USD and converted to CAD using an exchange rate of 1.2511, the Bank of Canada noon rate at March 24, 2015.
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The Company has included non-IFRS measures for "Production costs per gold equivalent ounce",
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis and All-in sustaining costs per ounce in this news release and in the MD&A to supplement its financial statements which are presented in accordance with IFRS. Management believes that these measures provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the performance of the Company. Non-IFRS measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. Therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The following tables provide a reconciliation of production per the financial statements to production costs per GEO sold and production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||
Production Costs Per Gold Equivalent Ounce Sold | March 31, 2015 | March 31, 2014 | ||||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 26,860 | $ | 1,675 | ||
Toll mill costs | (470 | ) | - | |||
Total costs | 26,390 | 1,675 | ||||
GEO sold, net of toll mill ounces | 31,344 | 1,849 | ||||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 842 | $ | 906 |
The silver to gold ratio used to calculate GEO in 2015 and 2014 are 65.79:1 and 66.67:1 respectively.
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||
Production Costs Per Gold Ounce Sold on a By-product Basis | March 31, 2015 | March 31, 2014 | ||||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 26,860 | $ | 1,675 | ||
Toll mill costs | (470 | ) | - | |||
Silver by-product credit | (6,437 | ) | (1,276 | ) | ||
Production costs after silver credit | $ | 19,953 | $ | 399 | ||
Gold ounces sold, net of toll mill | 26,776 | 930 | ||||
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 745 | $ | 429 |
All-in Sustaining Costs per Gold Ounce
The World Gold Council ( WGC ) published All-in sustaining costs guidelines in June 2013. The WGC is a non-profit association that worked closely with its member companies to develop this non-IFRS measure which is intended to provide further transparency into the costs associated with producing gold. The WGC is not a regulatory body and does not have the authority to develop accounting standards or disclosure requirements.
The Company defines all-in sustaining costs per ounce as the sum of total production costs, sustaining capital expenditures, general and administrative costs and environmental reclamation costs net of byproduct credits divided by the total gold ounces sold to arrive at a per ounce figure. Corporate general and administrative costs will be recognized only in the consolidated all-in sustaining costs. Non-sustaining costs are subtracted from capital expenditures to arrive at sustaining costs. Non-sustaining costs are those cost incurred at new operations and costs related to projects at existing operations where these projects will materially increase production.
Three Months Ended | |||
All-in Sustaining Costs Per Ounce | March 31, 2015 | ||
Total | |||
Production costs | $ | 26,860 | |
Toll mill costs | (470 | ) | |
General and administrative expenses | 3,442 | ||
Accretion expense | 119 | ||
Sustaining capital expenditures | 2,663 | ||
Silver by-product credit | (6,437 | ) | |
Total | 26,177 | ||
Gold ounces sold, net of toll mill | 26,776 | ||
All-in sustaining cost per gold ounce sold | $ | 978 |
U.S. DOLLAR CONVERSION
The U.S. dollar amounts presented were calculated using the average exchange rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 of 1.2412 and for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 of 1.1082 (US$ to CAD).
Conference Call
Management will host a conference call on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 10:30 am ET/7:30 am PT. The call can be accessed by dialing: +1 877-881-1303 (North America, toll-free), +1 416-915-3239 (Toronto and International) and +1 604-638-5340 (Outside of Canada and the US).
Registration is required for the call. Please dial in at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
A replay will be available until 11:59 pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. The replay can be accessed by dialing toll free from the US and Canada: +1 855-669-9658 or dialing international toll: +1 604-674-8052 and entering passcode: 3599, followed by the # sign.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. ( www.klondexmines.com )
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tons per day milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration and metallurgical sampling activities, the timing and success of mining operations, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the results of economic studies regarding the Company's mineral projects, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project and project development and related permitting. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Mines Schedules 1Q 2015 Conference Call for Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Vancouver, BC May 8, 2015 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) provides the schedule of its first quarter 2015 earnings conference call.
Date : | Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 10:30 am ET/7:30am PT. |
Presenters : | Paul Huet, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Brent Kristof, Chief Operating Officer | |
Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer | |
Dial in: | +1 877-881-1303: Canada & USA Toll Free |
+1 416-915-3239: Toronto and International | |
+1 604-638-5340: Outside of Canada & USA call | |
Registration is required for the call. Please dial in at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time. | |
Results: | The Company's first quarter results and related press release will be issued after market close on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. |
Replay: | A conference call replay will be available until end of day on Wednesday, May 20. For Canada & USA Toll Free, please dial, +1 855-669-9658, followed by 3599#. Outside Canada and US, please dial +1 604-674-8052, followed by 3599#. |
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex owns and operates the Fire Creek Project and Midas Mine and Mill
in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tons per
day capacity milling facility is processing mineralized materials from both
Midas and Fire Creek. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations since
1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an
ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013.
For More Information
Klondex Mines
Alison
Dwoskin, Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Language to Forward
-
Looking
Statements
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has
not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a
production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized
material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is
processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas project by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43 - 101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
Suite 2200, 1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6E 2E9 | Telephone +1 775.284.5757 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Recovers 32,542 GEO in 1Q2015
Vancouver , BC April 14, 2015 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") today reports its first quarter operational results for fiscal year 2015 at its Midas and Fire Creek projects. Klondex tons mined and milled increased 147% and 165%, respectively, over Q12014. Total gold equivalent ounces (GEOs) recovered and sold increased 103% and 639%, respectively, over Q12014.
(1) |
The Midas Mine and Mill Acquisition was completed on February 11, 2014. |
|
(2) |
Au Equivalent ratio of 66.67:1 in 2015; Au Equivalent ratio of 63.16:1 in 2014. |
Paul Andre Huet, Klondex President and CEO commented, Our team achieved great results in the first quarter of 2015, setting ourselves up for another strong year of production. During the quarter we recovered 32,542 GEOs, and we are on track to realize our 2015 target of 120,000-125,000 GEOs. Im proud of our team and their results, most of all, their safety. They continue to deliver strong results through safe mining, minimizing dilution, and testing multiple mining methods.
He continued, The quarter was highlighted by our strong operations, in addition to the release of initial mineral reserves and mine plans for both Fire Creek and Midas properties. These plans demonstrate Fire Creek and Midas as robust operations with flexibility to metal prices. Follow-up drill programs are underway at both properties with the goal to build five year mine plans at our projects.
Klondex remains on track to recover between 120,000-125,000 GEOs in 2015, comprised of approximately 102,000 gold ounces and 1.2 million silver ounces. Klondex is targeting production costs per GEO of $688-750 (US$550- $600) and all-in sustaining costs per GEO of $1,000-1,063 (US$800 - $850). (See the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014, available at www.sedar.com , for a discussion of non-IFRS measures, including "production costs per GEO" and "all-in sustaining costs per GEO".)
Klondex will report its financial results for the first quarter 2015 in the week of May 11, 2015, followed shortly by a conference call.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex owns and operates the Fire Creek Project and Midas Mine and Mill
in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tons per
day capacity milling facility is processing mineralized materials from both
Midas and Fire Creek. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations since
1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an
ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013.
For More Information
Paul Huet
President &
CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire
Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling
phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been
made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the
bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing, extent and success of exploration and mining operations, the ability to monetize mineralized material and its effect on the Company's cash flow, results and costs of production and the ability to achieve targeted production. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Releases Midas Phase I Drill Program Results
Highlights:
• | 280.3 g/t (8.2 opt) Au Eq over 1.5 m (4.9 ft) - MUC-2685 - 505 Vein |
• | 41.6 g/t (1.2 opt) Au Eq over 2.1 m (7.0 ft) - MUC-2746 - 505 Vein |
• | 70.9 g/t (2.1 opt) Au Eq over 0.3 m (1.0 ft) - MUC-2643 - 705 Vein |
• | 51.8 g/t (1.5 opt) Au Eq over 0.6 m (2.0 ft) - MUC-2645 - 705 Vein |
• | 108.3 g/t (3.2 opt) Au Eq over 1.3 m (4.2 ft) - MUC-2743 - 905 Vein |
• | 136.8 g/t (4.0 opt) Au Eq over 0.4 m (1.2 ft) - MUC 2614 - 905 Vein |
Vancouver , BC April 7, 2015 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX) (OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") today provides an update on recent underground drilling from its Midas Mine in Elko County, Nevada (See FIGURES 1-4).
The focus of our 2015 Phase I drill program at Midas is to drill untested areas and to expand on known high grade shoots in close proximity to the existing infrastructure. Our drilling targeted gaps in the recently published Midas mineral resource estimate, and followed up on historic high grade drill intercepts on the 505, 705 and 905 Veins. Since January 2015, 40 underground core holes have been drilled from multiple platforms for a total of approximately 7,600 meters (25,000 ft) (see TABLE 1).
Brian Morris, VP Exploration and Geology Services of Klondex, commented, "These drilling results are very exciting, having thepotential to add significant mineral resources at Midas. Of particular interest are the results from the newly identified mineralized zone on the 505 Vein, which lies only 100 feet east of the current development and has the potential to be incorporated into the 2015 mine plan. Furthermore, the drilling on the 905 Vein further to the east confirms the presence of high grade mineralization to the south of Spiral 8." Mr. Morris continued, "Phase II of the 2015 drill program will follow up on these new zones, which remain open both laterally and vertically.Additional step-out drilling will delineate the margins of the high grade mineralization, with the goal of expanding on these promising, near-mine targets." Assays were performed by American Assay Laboratories (AAL) of Reno, Nevada an ISO 17025 accredited laboratoryas directed under the supervision of Klondex staff.
A description of the data verification methods, quality assurance program and quality control measures applied is found in the technical report titled "Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada", amended on April 2, 2015 and with an effective date of August 31, 2014, which is available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex is focused on the
exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver
projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200
tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and
the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations
since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an
ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in
place at Fire Creek.
Qualified Person
Mark Odell of Practical
Mining LLC is the Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME
2402150), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for
the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing, extent and success of drilling activities at Midas. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul
Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor
Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Files Pre-Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine
Vancouver, BC March 31, 2015 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX or OTCQX: KLNDF) today announced that further to its news release dated February 23, 2015, Klondexs independent technical report, titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada has been filed on SEDAR and is now available on the Klondex Mines website. Practical Mining LLC authored the report, which is dated March 31, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development and
production of its two high quality gold and silver projects in the
mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling
facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire
Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998.
Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk
sampling program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at
Fire Creek.
For More Information
Alison
Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Language Regarding Technical Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas project by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Reports Net Income of $18.3 Million or
$0.16 per share in
Inaugural Year of Production
Vancouver, BC March 25, 2015 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") announces that it is filing its Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") and its audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 which will be available on the Company's web site at www.klondexmines.com and will be posted on SEDAR, at www.sedar.com . The financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Unless otherwise stated, all currency amounts included in this release are expressed in Canadian dollars .
Fourth Quarter and Year End 2014 Financial Highlights
2015 Operational Targets
Klondex provides the following guidance for 2015:
The cost guidance was prepared in USD and converted to CAD using an exchange rate of 1.2511, the Bank of Canada noon rate at March 24, 2015.
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO commented:
I am so proud of what Klondex accomplished in 2014, none of which would have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the talented individuals who make up the Klondex team. In our inaugural year of production, we recovered approximately 108K gold equivalent ounces, and our working capital increased to $56.0 million. The year was highlighted by the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill, transforming the Company into a multi-asset producer. We were able to take advantage of the many synergies between Fire Creek and Midas to become one of the lowest cost gold producers with a company-wide production cost per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis of US$454 in 2014.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
We begin 2015 with newly published reserve plans for Midas and Fire Creek that will generate free cash flow and profitability for years to come. We are dedicated to ongoing resource development with a view to deliver sustainable production and organic growth. We will build on the foundations we established in 2014 as we benefit from continuing cost reductions and productivity improvements.
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
Three months ended | Year ended | |||||||||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Revenues | $ | 44,609 | $ | - | $ | 121,693 | $ | - | ||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||
Production costs |
22,333 | 59,985 | - | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 10,764 | 25,664 | - | |||||||||
Gross profit | 11,513 | 36,044 | - | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,573 | 1,851 | 9,953 | 4,614 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 8,940 | (1,851 | ) | 26,091 | (4,614 | ) | ||||||
Business acquisition costs | (804 | ) | (2,257 | ) | (804 | ) | ||||||
Gain (Loss) on change in fair value of derivative | 1,637 | (8,763 | ) | 3,671 | (8,763 | ) | ||||||
Finance charges | (2,696 | ) | (9,683 | ) | - | |||||||
Foreign currency gain | 3,717 | 60 | 8,973 | 60 | ||||||||
Other expenses | (845 | ) | (845 | ) | - | |||||||
Income (loss) before tax | 10,753 | (11,358 | ) | 25,950 | (14,121 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense | 1,706 | 7,649 | - | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 9,047 | $ | (11,358 | ) | $ | 18,301 | $ | (14,121 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per share | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.07 | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | 0.16 | $ | (0.21 | ) | ||
Diluted | $ | 0.07 | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | 0.16 | $ | (0.21 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | ||||||||||||
Basic | 124,334,857 | 71,711,407 | 115,481,622 | 66,240,800 | ||||||||
Diluted | 126,196,801 | 71,711,407 | 117,909,471 | 66,240,800 |
Revenue
During the three months and the year
December 31, 2014, Klondex's revenue was $44.6 million and $121.7 million,
respectively, from the sale of 26,272 gold ounces and 400,706 silver ounces and
70,661 gold ounces and 1,117,288 silver ounces, respectively. The revenue
increased 17% during the fourth quarter from the third quarter due to a 16%
increase in GEOs sold and 1.3% increase in the average price per GEO.
Cost of Sales
Production costs for the
three months and the year ended December 31, 2014 were $22.3 million and $60.0
million, respectively. Production costs per GEO sold in the three months and the
year ended December 31, 2014 were $685 (US $603) and $679 (US $585),
respectively. Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis in the
three months and the year ended December 31, 2014 were $553 (US $487) and $526
(US $454), respectively. See "Non-IFRS Measures". The production costs per GEO
sold and the production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis in the
fourth quarter were higher by 13% and 16%, respectively, compared to the third
quarter of 2014. Depreciation and depletion costs in the three months and the
year ended December 31, 2014 were $10.8 million and $25.7 million, respectively.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Gross Profit
Gross profit in the three months and
the year ended December 31, 2014 was $11.5 million and $36.0 million,
respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and
administrative expenses for the three months and the year ended December 31,
2014 were $2.6 and $10.0 million, respectively (2013 $1.9 million and $4.6
million, respectively). The increase in G&A expenses over the prior year is
due to the growth of the Company as it has transformed from an exploration stage
company to a production stage company.
Business Acquisition Costs
Business acquisition
costs for the year ended December 31, 2014 of $2.3 million were related to the
acquisition of the Midas mine and mill.
Gain on Change in Fair Value of Derivative
The
Company recorded a gain on the valuation of the derivative associated with a
gold supply agreement with a third party (the Gold Supply Agreement) in the
three months and the year ended December 31, 2014 of $1.6 million and $3.7
million, respectively. The derivative is valued at each quarter end. The
reduction in the derivative value from previous periods is principally related
to gold ounces produced and offered under the Gold Supply Agreement and a
decrease in the estimated forward gold spot price and in the estimated
volatility of gold price over the remaining term of the Gold Supply Agreement.
Finance Charges
The finance charges for the three
months and the year ended December 31, 2014 were $2.7 million and $9.7 million,
respectively. The finance charges are mainly related to the obligations under a
gold purchase agreement and a senior secured facility agreement, each of which
was entered into in connection with the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill
in February 2014. In 2013, the finance charges were capitalized into the Fire
Creek evaluation and exploration assets.
Income Tax Expense
The income tax expense for the
three months and the year ended December 31, 2014 was $1.7 million and $7.6
million, respectively. Income tax expense includes the State of Nevada net
proceeds tax and reflects unbenefited losses in Canada.
Net Income
Total net income for the three months and
the year ended December 31, 2014 was $9.0 million and $18.3 million,
respectively, (2013 ($11.4 million) and ($14.1 million), respectively). The
net income increase for the three months and the year ended December 31, 2014
over the previous year is due to the recognition of revenue and profit from the
Fire Creek Project and Midas mine.
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The Company has included
non-IFRS measure for "Production costs per gold equivalent ounce" and
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis herein and in the
MD&A to supplement its financial statements which are presented in
accordance with IFRS. Management believes that these measures provide investors
with an improved ability to evaluate the performance of the Company. Non-IFRS
measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. Therefore,
they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The
data are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered
in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in
accordance with IFRS. The following tables provide a reconciliation of
production per the financial statements to production costs per gold equivalent
ounce sold and production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis:
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 22,333 | $ | 59,985 | ||
Gold equivalent ounces sold | 32,617 | 88,352 | ||||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 685 | $ | 679 | ||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold | US$ | 603 | US$ | 585 | ||
The silver to gold ratio used is 63.1579:1 | ||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 22,333 | $ | 59,985 | ||
Less: silver credit | (7,808 | ) | (22,832 | ) | ||
Production costs after silver credit | $ | 14,525 | $ | 37,153 | ||
Gold ounces sold | 26,272 | 70,661 | ||||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 553 | $ | 526 | ||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold on a by-product basis | US$ | 487 | US$ | 454 |
Canadian dollars were converted to United States dollars using the average Bank of Canada noon rate for the three months and the year ended December 31, 2014, which were 1 CAD = 0.8806 USD and 1 CAD = 0.8620 USD, respectively.
2014 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results Conference Call
Management will host a conference call on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at
10:30 am ET/7:30 am PT to discuss fourth quarter and fiscal results. Presenting
on the call will be Paul Huet, President and CEO, Brent Kristof, COO and Barry
Dahl, Chief Financial Officer.
The call can be accessed by dialing: +1 800-319-4610 (North America, toll-free), +1 416-915-3239 (Toronto and International) and +1 604-638-5340 (Outside of Canada and the US).
Registration is required for the call. Please dial in at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
A replay will be available until 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 1, 2015. The replay can be accessed by dialing toll free from the US and Canada: +1 800-319-6413 or dialing international toll: +1 604-638-9010 and entering passcode: 3599, followed by the # sign.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex Mines is focused on
the exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and
silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The
1200 tons per day milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the
Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted. Fire Creek is
located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling
program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoksin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC is the Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire
Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling
phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been
made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the
bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration and metallurgical sampling activities, the timing and success of mining operations, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, project development and related permitting and the results and timing of the release of a pre-feasibility study in respect of Midas. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Files Pre-Feasibility Study Technical Report in relation to its Fire Creek Project
Vancouver, BC March 17, 2015 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX or OTCQX: KLNDF) today announced that further to its news releases dated January 29, 2015 and February 23, 2015, Klondexs independent technical report, titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada has been filed on SEDAR and is now available on the Klondex Mines website. Practical Mining LLC authored the report, which is dated March 16, 2015, with an effective date of December 31, 2014.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex is focused on the
exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver
projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200
tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and
the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations
since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an
ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in
place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Alison Dwoskin
Manager,
Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Language Regarding Technical Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas project by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
FORM 51-102F3
MATERIAL CHANGE REPORT
Item 1 – Name and Address of Company:
Klondex Mines Ltd. (the "Corporation")
1055 West Hastings Street, Suite 2200
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2E9
Item 2 – Date of Material Change:
February 23, 2015
Item 3 – News Release:
A news release with respect to the material change referred to in this report was issued by the Corporation through Marketwired on February 23, 2015 and subsequently filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR).
Item 4 – Summary of Material Change:
The Corporation has completed an initial mineral reserve estimate for each of its Fire Creek project in Nevada (the "Fire Creek Project") and its Midas mine in Nevada (the "Midas Project").
The mineral reserve estimate at the Fire Creek Project consists of 119,600 gold equivalent ounces of proven mineral reserves (within 80,900 tons), including 118,200 gold ounces at 1.462 opt gold and 89,600 silver ounces at 1.108 opt silver, and 121,800 gold equivalent ounces of probable mineral reserves (within 104,900 tons), including 120,500 gold ounces at 1.149 opt gold and 82,600 silver ounces at 0.787 opt silver.
The mineral reserve estimate at the Midas Project consists of 78,800 gold equivalent ounces of proven mineral reserves (within 134,100 tons), including 51,100 gold ounces at 0.381 opt gold and 1,790,500 silver ounces at 13.349 opt silver, and 53,800 gold equivalent ounces of probable mineral reserves (within 108,000 tons), including 40,600 gold ounces at 0.376 opt gold and 855,200 silver ounces at 7.918 opt silver.
The Corporation expects to file technical reports prepared by Practical Mining, LLC ("Practical Mining") for each of the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project on SEDAR within 45 days of the date of the news release (or earlier in accordance with applicable securities laws).
Item 5 – Full Description of Material Change:
The Corporation has completed an initial mineral reserve estimate for each of the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project.
2.
The highlights of the mineral reserve estimates are as follows:
Fire Creek | Midas |
|
|
All dollar amounts in this material change report are in US dollars. "Total Costs" above include all capital spent at the projects. The mineral reserves were calculated assuming $1,000/oz Au and $15.83/oz Ag, representing approximately 80% of the mineral resource price assumptions.
The mineral reserve estimate at the Fire Creek Project consists of 119,600 gold equivalent ounces of proven mineral reserves (within 80,900 tons), including 118,200 gold ounces at 1.462 opt gold and 89,600 silver ounces at 1.108 opt silver, and 121,800 gold equivalent ounces of probable mineral reserves (within 104,900 tons), including 120,500 gold ounces at 1.149 opt gold and 82,600 silver ounces at 0.787 opt silver.
Tons
(000's) |
Au opt | Ag opt | Au Eq opt |
Au Ounces
(000's) |
Ag Ounces
(000's) |
Au Equiv. Ounces
(000's) |
|
Proven Reserves | 80.9 | 1.462 | 1.108 | 1.479 | 118.2 | 89.6 | 119.6 |
Probable Reserves | 104.9 | 1.149 | 0.787 | 1.161 | 120.5 | 82.6 | 121.8 |
Proven + Probable | 185.8 | 1.285 | 0.927 | 1.3 | 238.7 | 172.2 | 241.4 |
Notes:
1. Mineral reserves have been estimated with a gold price of $1,000/ounce and a silver price of $15.83/ounce.
2. Metallurgical recoveries for gold and silver are 94% and 92% respectively.
3. Mining losses of 5% and unplanned mining dilution of 10% have been applied to the designed mine excavations.
4. Mineral reserve uses an effective date of December 31, 2014.
The mineral reserve estimate at the Midas Project consists of 78,800 gold equivalent ounces of proven mineral reserves (within 134,100 tons), including 51,100 gold ounces at 0.381 opt gold and 1,790,500 silver ounces at 13.349 opt silver, and 53,800 gold equivalent ounces of probable mineral reserves (within 108,000 tons), including 40,600 gold ounces at 0.376 opt gold and 855,200 silver ounces at 7.918 opt silver.
Tons
(000's) |
Au opt | Ag opt | Au Eq opt |
Au Ounces
(000's) |
Ag Ounces
(000's) |
Au Equiv. Ounces
(000's) |
|
Proven Reserves | 134.1 | 0.381 | 13.349 | 0.588 | 51.1 | 1,790.50 | 78.8 |
Probable Reserves | 108 | 0.376 | 7.918 | 0.498 | 40.6 | 855.2 | 53.8 |
Proven + Probable | 242.1 | 0.387 | 10.926 | 0.548 | 91.7 | 2,645.70 | 132.6 |
3.
Notes:
1. Mineral reserves have been estimated with a gold price of $1,000/ounce and a silver price of $15.83/ounce.
2. Metallurgical recoveries for gold and silver are 94% and 92% respectively.
3. Mining losses of 5% and unplanned mining dilution of 10% have been applied to the designed mine excavations.
4. Mineral reserve uses an effective date of August 31, 2014.
Key Operating and Financial Statistics Fire Creek and Midas @ $1,000/oz Au and $15.83/oz Ag
FIRE CREEK | MIDAS | |
Avg. Gold Metallurgical Recovery | 94% | 94% |
Avg. Silver Metallurgical Recovery | 92% | 92% |
Recovered AuEq (koz) | 226.9 | 124.6 |
Reserve Life (years) | 3.8 | 2.8 |
Operating Cost ($/ton) | $460 | $315 |
Total Cost ($/oz Au) | $503 | $932 |
Total Cost ($/oz), Net of by]product credits | $492 | $485 |
Cash Flow on an after]tax basis (Millions) | $83.60 | $33.10 |
Using a $1,000/oz Au and $15.83/oz Ag mine plan, the following table shows the impact on cash flow (on an after‐tax basis) at various metal prices. The following table only reflects the increase of metal price and does not alter the mine plan the Corporation would use at gold prices of $1,200/oz or $1,400/oz.
$1,000/oz Au | $1,200/oz Au | $1,400/oz Au | |
(in millions) | $15.83/oz Ag | $19.00/oz Ag | $22.16/oz Ag |
Fire Creek Cash Flow | $83.60 | $115.90 | $146.00 |
Midas Cash Flow | $33.10 | $49.60 | $66.00 |
Mineral resources and mineral reserve estimates have been prepared in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's (CIM) "CIM Definition Standards – For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014. Proven and probable mineral reserves are the economically minable portions of the measured and indicated Mineral Resources after the application of appropriate modifying factors. Such factors include, but are not restricted to, mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors.
The Corporation expects to file technical reports prepared by Practical Mining for each of the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project on SEDAR within 45 days of the date of the news release (or earlier in accordance with applicable securities laws).
For details relating to the mineral resource assumptions please see the technical report in respect of the Midas Project filed on SEDAR on November 14, 2014 and the press release of the Corporation dated January 29, 2015, both of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Details of the mineral resource assumptions associated with the mineral reserve estimates discussed in this material change report will be contained in the corresponding technical reports to be filed on SEDAR.
The technical information contained in this material change report has been reviewed and approved by Mark Odell of Practical Mining (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150), an independent Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43‐101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
4.
Item 6 – Reliance on Subsection 7.1(2) of National Instrument 51-102:
Not applicable.
Item 7 – Omitted Information:
Not applicable.
Item 8 – Executive Officer:
The following executive officer of the Corporation is knowledgeable about the material change and this report and may be contacted at the following telephone and fax numbers:
Paul Huet
President and Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: (775) 284‐5757
Item 9 – Date of Report:
March 5, 2015
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex to Exhibit and Present at the PDAC,
Present at Red Cloud Pre-PDAC Private Preview
Vancouver, BC February 25, 2015 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) welcomes you to join us at the Prospectors and Developers Association Convention at the Metro Convention Center, South Building in Toronto. The convention spans from Sunday March 1 to Wednesday March 4, 2015. Klondex will also be presenting at the Red Cloud pre-PDAC event on Friday February 27.
PDAC
Investors
Exchange
:
Booth 2835, Level 800, South Building, Sunday to Wednesday
Core
Shack
: Booth 23N, Hall C - North Building, Session B, Tuesday and
Wednesday
Klondex
Presentation
, by President and CEO,
Paul
Huet:
Monday
March 2 @
10:40p
Session:
Gold in Americas
1
Room:
801B
Representing Klondex at the PDAC will
be:
Paul
Huet, President and
CEO
Brent
Kristof,
COO
Brian
Morris, VP
Exploration
Alison
Dwoskin, Manager, Investor Relations
Red
Cloud
Pre
-
PDAC
Private
Review
Klondex will be presenting at the Red Clouds 4
th
Annual,
Pre-PDAC Private Preview on Friday February 27. Three 20 minute presentations
will take place from 2:10p to 3:20p. For more details on the event, please
contact Kristina Knopp, Corporate Development and IR, Red Cloud,
kknopp@redcloudmining.com
.
About
Klondex
Mines
Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex is
focused on the exploration, development and production of its two high quality
gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central
Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from
the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been
in operations since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is
operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major
infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
For
More
Information
Klondex Mines
Alison Dwoskin, Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Reports Initial Fire Creek and Midas Mineral Reserves
Vancouver, BC February 23, 2015 Klondex Mines Ltd. (KDX:TSX; KLNDF:OTCQX) ( Klondex or the Company) reports its initial mineral reserves for its Fire Creek project and Midas mine in northern Nevada. All dollar amounts are expressed in US dollars.
Mineral
Reserve
Highlights:
Fire
Creek
Midas
Total Costs include all capital spent at the projects. The mineral reserves were calculated assuming $1,000/oz Au and $15.83/oz Ag, representing approximately 80% of the mineral resource price assumptions. Klondex intends to update the mineral resources and mineral reserves annually.
FIRE CREEK MINERAL RESERVES
|
Tons (000's) |
Au opt |
Ag opt |
Au Eq opt |
Au
Ounces (000's) |
Ag
Ounces (000's) |
Au Equiv.
Ounces (000's) |
Proven Reserves | 80.9 | 1.462 | 1.108 | 1.479 | 118.2 | 89.6 | 119.6 |
Probable Reserves | 104.9 | 1.149 | 0.787 | 1.161 | 120.5 | 82.6 | 121.8 |
Proven + Probable | 185.8 | 1.285 | 0.927 | 1.300 | 238.7 | 172.2 | 241.4 |
Notes:
1. Mineral reserves have been estimated with a gold
price of $1,000/ounce and a silver price of $15.83/ounce;
2. Metallurgical
recoveries for gold and silver are 94% and 92% respectively;
3. Mining losses
of 5% and unplanned mining dilution of 10% have been applied to the designed
mine excavations.
4. Mineral reserve uses an effective date of December 31,
2014.
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO stated, Our production is coming from what we believe to be two of the highest grade mines in North America. Fire Creek exhibits a gold mineral reserve grade of 1.28 opt extending over a 3.8 year mine plan. The mine plan confirms Fire Creek as a low cost gold project, flexible to metal prices, and with an undiscounted cash flow of $83.6 million. If we assume the same plan, and a $1,200 gold price, our cash flow increases by 39% to $115.9 million. Fire Creeks free cash flow provides the funding to invest in its continued growth. We are confident that our ongoing exploration and development programs will demonstrate that Fire Creek is a world-class deposit.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
MIDAS MINERAL RESERVES
|
Tons (000's) |
Au opt |
Ag opt |
Au Eq opt |
Au Ounces (000's) |
Ag Ounces (000's) |
Au
Equiv. Ounces (000's) |
Proven Reserves | 134.1 | 0.381 | 13.349 | 0.588 | 51.1 | 1,790.5 | 78.8 |
Probable Reserves | 108.0 | 0.376 | 7.918 | 0.498 | 40.6 | 855.2 | 53.8 |
Proven + Probable | 242.1 | 0.378 | 10.926 | 0.548 | 91.7 | 2,645.7 | 132.6 |
Notes:
1. Mineral reserves have been estimated with a gold
price of $1,000/ounce and a silver price of $15.83/ounce;
2. Metallurgical
recoveries for gold and silver are 94% and 92% respectively;
3. Mining losses
of 5% and unplanned mining dilution of 10% have been applied to the designed
mine excavations; and,
4. Mineral reserve uses an effective date of August
31, 2014.
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO stated, "A 2.8 year reserve at the Midas Mine is a major milestone for Klondex. It provides us with the much needed time to pursue our exploration programs. When we purchased Midas, the mine plan we inherited depleted in 2015. After only six months of owning Midas and through the effective date of the mineral reserve, we were able to successfully extend the mine plan through our exploration programs, our use of refined mining techniques, and our knowledge of the deposit. Again, this mineral reserve provides us a significant amount of time to systematically define already discovered veins and the opportunity to discover new structures. This initial mineral reserve estimate establishes a strong economic foundation for our future growth at Midas.
Key Operating and Financial Statistics Fire Creek and Midas @ $ 1,000/oz Au and $15.83/oz Ag
|
FIRE
CREEK |
MIDAS |
Avg. Gold Metallurgical Recovery
Avg. Silver Metallurgical Recovery Recovered AuEq (koz) Reserve Life (years) Operating Cost ($/ton) Total Cost ($/oz Au) Total Cost ($/oz), Net of by-product credits Cash Flow on an after-tax basis (Millions) |
94%
92% 226.9 3.8 $460 $503 $492 $83.6 |
94%
92% 124.6 2.8 $315 $932 $485 $33.1 |
SENSITIVITY
ANALYSIS
Using a
$1,000/oz Au and $15.83/oz Ag mine plan, the following table shows the impact on
cash flow (on an after-tax basis) at various metal prices. The following table
only reflects the increase of metal price and does not alter the mine plan we
would use at $1,200 or $1,400 gold.
(in millions) |
Metal Prices | ||
$1,000/oz Au
$15.83/oz Ag |
$1,200/oz Au
$19/oz Ag |
$1,400/oz Au
$22.16/oz Ag |
|
Fire Creek Cash Flow
Midas Cash Flow |
$83.6
$33.1 |
$115.9
$49.6 |
$146.0
$66.0 |
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Exploration
Klondexs budget for 2015 is
approximately $15 million per site, for a total of $30 million, and includes
surface drilling, and underground exploration and development.
Mineral resources and mineral reserve estimates have been prepared in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleums (CIM) CIM Definition Standards For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014. Proven and probable mineral reserves are the economically minable portions of the measured and indicated Mineral Resources after the application of appropriate modifying factors. Such factors include, but are not restricted to, mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors.
The mineral reserves and corresponding technical reports prepared by Practical Mining, LLC (Practical Mining) will be posted within 45 days of the date of this news release (or earlier in accordance with applicable securities laws) to the Klondex website ( www.klondexmines.com ) and SEDAR ( www.sedar.com ).
For complete mineral resource assumptions please see Midas technical report update dated September 30, 2014. For Fire Creeks mineral resource update, see the press release dated January 30, 2015. Details of the mineral resource assumptions associated with the mineral reserve estimates discussed in this press release will be contained in the corresponding technical reports to be filed on SEDAR.
About
Klondex
Mines
Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development and
production of its two high quality gold and silver projects in the
mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling
facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire
Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998.
Fire Creek is located 112 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk
sampling program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at
Fire Creek.
For
More
Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Qualified
Person
Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC is the Independent Qualified
Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150), who has reviewed and approved the
contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a fea sibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking informatio n under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the magnitude and the quality of the Midas and Fire Creek projects, statements regarding the estimation of mineral resources and the potential delineation of additional mineral resources through further exploration at the Midas and Fire Creek project, the accuracy of current in terpretation of drill and other exploration results, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized ma terial, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek project, project development and related permitting, cash flows and the financial condition of the Company. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectation s, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainti es and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertaint ies about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and availableat www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Increases Mineral Resource Estimate at Fire Creek
I ncreases Measured and Indicated Ounces by 47%
Vancouver, BC January 29, 2015 Klondex Mines Ltd. (KDX:TSX; KLNDF:OTCQX) (Klondex or the Company) reports an update to the mineral resource estimate at its 100%-owned Fire Creek Project in Nevada. The technical report, with an effective date of December 31, 2014, is to be prepared by Practical Mining, LLC (Practical Mining) and will be posted on the Klondex website ( www.klondexmines.com) and SEDAR ( www.sedar.com ) within 45 days of the date of this news release.
Table 1: Fire Creek Mineral Resources
Notes to Table
1:
1. Mineral resources are
estimated at a gold price of US$1,200 per troy ounce and silver price of
US$19.00 per troy ounce and metallurgical recoveries of 94% and 92%
respectively.
2. Mineral resources have been
estimated at a cutoff grade thickness of 1.126 ounce per ton -
feet;
3. Mineral resources include
the planned dilution necessary to achieve the minimum mining width of four feet;
4. Mineral resources include allowances of 5%
mining losses and 10% additional unplanned
dilution;
5. Mineral resources, which are not
mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of
mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting,
legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues, and;
6. The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral
resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature, and there is insufficient
exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or
measured mineral resource, and it is uncertain if further exploration will
result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category.
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO stated
,
"We are extremely pleased with the success of our 2014 infill and exploration
drill programs. Our team achieved a 47% growth in Measured and Indicated mineral
resources. To promote sustainability within the Company, we stress the
importance of adding to each mineral resource as we progress with the bulk
sampling program. Our team is dedicated to the future growth of Klondex. Looking
to 2015, we are confident that Klondex is well capitalized to complete our
planned $33 million exploration and development programs at Fire Creek and
Midas.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Brian Morris, Klondexs new VP Exploration elaborated , The underground exploration drill program primarily focused on the delineation of veins east and west of the main decline. As a result of this drilling, several new favorable veins and structures were intersected which require additional drilling to further delineate and advance.
Klondexs plan for 2015 includes extending the underground infrastructure 304.8 m (1,000 ft) to the north and at depth to the south by 442 m (1,450 ft) lateral and 91.5 m (300 ft) vertical. This is expected to provide the necessary new drill platforms required to improve Klondexs understanding of the mineralization north and south. In addition, Klondex will also drill the vertical extents of several veins to gain additional information of the deposit.
The updated Fire Creek mineral resource estimate, with an effective date of December 31, 2014, is based on 689 drill holes totaling 161,945 m (531,322ft) and includes data from 272 new drill holes totaling 22,353 m (73,335 ft), completed by Klondex in 2014. In addition to the drilling, the mineral resource estimate also utilizes 1,553 channel samples provided from trial mining on the structures. The updated mineral resource estimate was calculated using a 1.126 ounce per ton - feet cut-off, and includes depletion and sterilization.
Mineral Resource Assumptions
Classification of the mineral resource as measured, indicated
or inferred was done based on the number of drill and channel sample composites
used and the average distance from the block to the composites. For measured
mineral resources, a block must have used four composites within a distance of
40 feet. For indicated mineral resources, a block must have used three
composites within 100 feet, and inferred mineral resources must have two
composites within 300 feet. The search orientation ellipse was maintained
approximately parallel to each vein. Gold and silver values were estimated
independently.
Drill and channel assays were performed by ALS Chemex and SGS Laboratories of Elko, Nevada or American Assay Laboratories (AAL) of Reno, Nevada (all independent laboratories), Dave Francisco Labs of Fallon or the Pinson lab using fire assay with gravimetric finish as directed under the supervision of Klondex staff.
Drill samples cited in this news release were obtained from drilling by independent contractor American Drilling of Spokane, Washington under the direction of Klondex staff. Logging, splitting, and sampling are conducted at the Fire Creek site. Standards and blanks are inserted every 20 samples or at least one per hole. Duplicates are generated by the lab and re-assayed. QA/QC samples are tracked and if a results is outside of pre-determined limits the batch is reassayed and the results replace the previous values.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development and production of its
two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of
north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized
materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is
fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998. Fire Creek is located
~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that
began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Qualified Person
Mark Odell of Practical
Mining LLC is the Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME
2402150), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for
the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the
Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk
sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not
been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under
the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the magnitude and the quality of the Fire Creek Project, statements regarding the estimation of mineral resources and the potential delineation of additional mineral resources through further exploration at the Fire Creek Project, the accuracy of current interpretation of drill and other exploration results, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, the ability of the Company to execute planned exploration and development programs at the Fire Creek and Midas projects, project development and related permitting and information about the financial condition of the Company. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Recovers 107,860 Au Equivalent Ounces in First Year of Production
Vancouver, BC January 19, 2015 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") is pleased to report its 2014 annual production and its operations guidance for 2015 at its Midas and Fire Creek projects.
1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q |
Total
2014 |
|
Underground Operations | |||||
Tons Mined | 22,370 | 54,659 | 54,842 | 48,950 | 180,821 |
Processing | |||||
Tons Milled | 21,727 | 46,047 | 54,743 | 49,327 | 171,844 |
Au Grade OPT |
0.541 | 0.382 | 0.637 | 0.471 | 0.509 |
Ag Grade OPT |
7.73 | 7.38 | 6.95 | 11.05 | 8.34 |
Au Ounces Recovered | 13,545 | 17,093 | 33,339 | 22,262 | 86,239 |
Ag Ounces Recovered | 158,372 | 325,018 | 364,435 | 517,761 | 1,365,586 |
Au Equivalent Ounces Recovered (1) | 16,052 | 22,239 | 39,109 | 30,460 | 107,860 |
Au Ounces Sold | 3,369 | 20,293 | 23,166 | 26,272 | 73,100 |
Ag Ounces Sold | 58,053 | 343,025 | 315,504 | 400,706 | 1,117,288 |
Au Equivalent Ounces Sold (1) | 4,288 | 25,724 | 28,162 | 32,617 | 90,791 |
(1) Au Equivalent ounces used a 63.15:1 silver to gold ratio
Paul Andre Huet, Klondex President and CEO commented, Our fourth quarter results capped an exceptional year for Klondex. Actual production results for 2014 exceeded our original budgeted ounces by over 25%. Solid performances at both operations demonstrate our teams ability to deliver and sustain operations while generating free cash flow, both of which are critical to the growth of the Company.
He continued, Looking forward to 2015, we have increased our operations target by approximately 15% to 120-125k Au equivalent ounces. We enter 2015 with momentum, the right people and the confidence to execute our exploration, development and production plans. We are well positioned to execute the Companys strategy to optimize operations and grow both resources.
Klondex will report its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2014 on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 followed by a conference call on Wednesday, March 25, 2015.
Klondex is conducting its final review of the updated Fire Creek mineral resource estimate which is expected to be released by the end of January 2015.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development and production of its
two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of
north central Nevada. The 1200 tons per day capacity milling facility is
processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project.
Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998. Fire Creek is
located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling
program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
For More Information
Paul Huet
President &
CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire
Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling
phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been
made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the
bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may
constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities
legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing, extent
and success of mining operations, the ability to monetize mineralized material
and its effect on the Company's cash flow, and the timing and completion of an
updated mineral resource estimate for the Fire Creek Project. This
forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are
based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from
those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but
are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold;
operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource
estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which
factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the
risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of
Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are
more fully discussed in the Companys d
isclosure materials filed with the
securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com.
Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to
update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual
results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Mines Bolsters Executive Team by Appointing Brian Morris as Vice President Exploration
Vancouver, BC December 16, 2014 - Klondex Mines Ltd. ("Klondex" or the "Company") (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Brian Morris, as Vice President Exploration and Geology Services. Beginning in January, Mr. Morris will head all exploration and support geologic production activities at the Companys portfolio of projects in Nevada.
Mr. Morris has over 25 years of experience in the mining industry. His previous experience encompasses senior positions in geology, exploration and underground production for several North American companies and their subsidiaries, including Hecla, Barrick and Newmont. Mr. Morris tenure at the Midas Mine was from 2002 2007 and was involved in district exploration, underground near mine resource expansion and production. At Hollister Mr. Morris was Chief Geologist until being promoted as VP of Geology and Business Development. Most recently, Mr. Morris served as President of American Mining and Tunneling. He is considered to be an expert in both epithermal vein systems and Carlin style deposits, and has a substantial understanding of Klondexs two existing underground operations in Northern Nevada. Mr. Morris holds a Bachelors degree in Geology from Humboldt State University in California.
Mr. Morris will support production geology at both Fire Creek and Midas, including overseeing resource and reserve calculations. He will be focused on the organic growth of the Companys projects, while continuing to reinforce its long term mine plans. Klondex controls over 40,000 acres of mineral rights in Nevada and currently has seven active drill rigs across its two gold and silver projects.
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO commented, We are dedicated to building an expert team to operate and grow Klondex. Brian Morris, a professional in Nevada gold mining, particularly narrow vein underground deposits, is a key addition to this team. During my career in Nevada I have had the pleasure of working with Brian at several operations including Midas; Hollister and Fire Creek. Adding Brian to an already skilled executive team demonstrates our serious commitment to growing our assets. His experience and leadership will be a welcome addition to the group.
About Klondex Mining
Klondex is focused on the
exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver
projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200
tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and
the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations
since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an
ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in
place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Paul Huet
President &
CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire
Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling
phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been
made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the
bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing, extent and success of mining operations. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations . Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Enters into Toll Milling Agreement with LKA Gold
Vancouver, BC December 3, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) (Klondex or the Company) announces that its subsidiary, Klondex Midas Operations, has entered into a toll milling agreement with LKA Gold, Inc. (OTCQB:LKAI) to process high grade ore produced from the Golden Wonder Mine at Klondexs Midas mill.
The toll milling agreement with LKA has a one year term beginning December 1, 2014, and is subject to renewal annually. Under the terms of the agreement, high grade ore, greater than 51.4 g/t (1.5 opt) Au from the Golden Wonder Mine, located near Lake City, Colorado, will be delivered to the Midas Mill for processing. Pursuant to the toll milling agreement, all dore produced will become the property of Klondex, and Klondex will pay LKA the value of the recovered gold minus all toll mill charges.
Mike Doolin, Klondex VP Business Development and Technical Services stated, This agreement marks the second toll milling agreement put in place since we bought Midas in February. Processing third party material makes good use of the mill, while still leaving us with ample capacity as we continue to develop the Midas and Fire Creek mines. We look forward to working with the LKA team on the Golden Wonder project.
Klondex is presently evaluating other toll milling opportunities to determine which materials are best suited to being processed at the Companys Midas Mill.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development and production of its
two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of
north central Nevada. The 1,200 tons per day milling facility is processing
mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is
fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998. Fire Creek is located
approximately 100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling
program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Paul Huet
President &
CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by prior
owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine
by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based
on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical
viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but was based on internal
studies conducted by the prior owner of the mine. Klondex has no reason to
believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of
such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is
increased
uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical
failure associated with such production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the availability of potential toll milling opportunities. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Mines Receives $10.3 Million from the Exercise of Warrant
Vancouver, BC November 25, 2014 - Klondex Mines Ltd. ("Klondex" or the "Company") (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) is pleased to announce that in October and November 2014, an aggregate of 5,859,177 common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") were exercised at a price of $1.75 per common share for aggregate proceeds of $10.3 million. A total of 8,492,023 Warrants (not inclusive of broker warrants) were issued on November 20, 2012 in connection with an equity financing completed by Klondex which expired on November 20, 2014. In aggregate, of 7,525,560 common shares were issued in connection with the exercise of the Warrants for total proceeds of $13.2 million, inclusive of the $10.3 million noted above.
"Wed like to thank our shareholders their continued support in Klondex," commented Paul Andre Huet, President and CEO of Klondex.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1,200 tons per day milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998. Fire Creek is located approximately 100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Paul Huet
President &
CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information
This news release contains certain information that may
constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities
legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing, extent
and success of mining operations. This forward-looking information entails
various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and
actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information.
These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of
the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks;
the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral
resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit
commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with
underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial
capital requirements and operations
. Risks and uncertainties about the
Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure
materials filed with the securities regulatory
authorities in Canada and
available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex
assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the
reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by
law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Files Technical Report in relation to its Midas Mine and Mill
Vancouver, BC November 14, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX or OTCQX: KLNDF) today announced that further to its news release dated September 30, 2014, Klondexs independent technical report, entitled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, has been filed with SEDAR and is now available on the Klondex Mines website. Practical Mining LLC authored the technical report, which is dated November 14, 2014, with an effective date of August 31, 2014.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex is focused on the
exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver
projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200
tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and
the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations
since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an
ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in
place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Paul Huet
President &
CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Language Regarding Technical Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous
operators of the mine prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas
project by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent
to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the
knowledge of Klondex, the production decision made by the previous operator were
not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and
technical viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument
43
-
101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty
and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such
production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Reports Q3 Production Cost of US$439 per Ounce Sold with By-Product Credit
Vancouver, BC November 12, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") today announces that it has filed its Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") and its unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 which are available on the Company's web site at www.klondexmines.com and are posted on SEDAR, at www.sedar.com . The financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Unless otherwise stated, all currency amounts included in this release are expressed in Canadian dollars .
Third Quarter 2014 Financial Highlights
Updated Operational Targets
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO commented:
The third quarter operational results continue to transform Klondex from a development company into a profitable low-cost precious metals producer. The strength of our first three quarters of production allows us to increase our targeted production to 95k GEOs recovered. I am very grateful for the dedicated efforts of the Midas and Fire Creek teams as they continue to produce exceptional operational results. We anticipate that even within the current volatile gold price environment, Klondex will continue to generate positive cash flows from operations, further strengthening our balance sheet.
In my opinion, the updated Midas mineral resource estimate is the most significant accomplishment for Klondex within the quarter. The updated resource includes measured and indicated gold equivalent ounces of 526k at a grade of 0.47 GEO per ton (858k tons), and inferred gold equivalent ounces of 286k at 0.33 GEO per ton (1,117k tons). This is game-changing for Klondex.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Income (Loss)
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Revenues | $ | 38,012,787 | $ | - | $ | 77,083,745 | $ | - | ||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||
Production costs | 17,254,621 | - | 37,652,263 | - | ||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 7,974,402 | - | 14,900,176 | - | ||||||||
Gross profit | 12,783,764 | - | 24,531,306 | - | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,976,545 | 987,572 | 7,379,974 | 2,762,671 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 9,807,219 | (987,572 | ) | 17,151,332 | (2,762,671 | ) | ||||||
Business acquisition costs | - | - | (2,257,018 | ) | - | |||||||
Gain on change in fair value of derivative | 442,514 | - | 2,034,305 | - | ||||||||
Finance charges | (2,751,340 | ) | - | (6,987,316 | ) | - | ||||||
Foreign currency gain | 4,243,667 | - | 5,255,983 | - | ||||||||
Income (loss) before tax | 11,742,060 | (987,572 | ) | 15,197,286 | (2,762,671 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense | (4,517,000 | ) | - | (5,943,000 | ) | - | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 7,225,060 | $ | (987,572 | ) | $ | 9,254,286 | $ | (2,762,671 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per share | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.06 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.04 | ) | ||
Diluted | $ | 0.06 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.04 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | ||||||||||||
Basic | 118,717,882 | 64,512,225 | 112,498,115 | 64,449,572 | ||||||||
Diluted | 121,641,031 | 64,512,225 | 115,152,301 | 64,449,572 |
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Revenue
During the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2014, Klondex's revenue was $38.0 million and $77.1 million,
respectively, from the sale of 23,166 gold ounces and 315,504 silver ounces and
46,828 gold ounces and 716,582 silver ounces, respectively. The revenue
increased 4% during the third quarter from the second quarter due to a 9%
increase in GEOs sold offset by a 5% decrease in the average price per GEO.
Cost of Sales
Production costs for the three and
nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $17.3 million and $37.7 million,
respectively. Production costs per GEO sold in the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2014 were $613 (US $563) and $676 (US $617), respectively.
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis in the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2014 were $478 (US $439) and $510 (US $465),
respectively. See "Non-IFRS Measures". The production costs per GEO sold and the
production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis in the third quarter
were lower by 16% and 13%, respectively, compared to the second quarter of 2014.
Depreciation and depletion costs in the three and nine months ended September
30, 2014 were $8.0 million and $14.9 million, respectively.
Gross Profit
Gross profit in the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2014 was $12.8 million and $24.5 million,
respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and
administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014
were $3.0 and $7.4 million, respectively (2013 $1.0 million and $2.8 million,
respectively). During the third quarter, G&A expenses increased by $0.8
million compared to the second quarter of 2014. The increase is principally
related to non-cash share-based compensation expenses. The increase in G&A
expenses over the prior year is due to the growth of the Company as it has
transformed from an exploration stage company to a production stage company.
Business Acquisition Costs
Business acquisition
costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $2.3 million were related
to the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill. There was no recorded business
acquisition cost for the three months ended September 30, 2014.
Gain on Change in Fair Value of Derivative
The
Company recorded a gain on the valuation of the derivative associated with a
gold supply agreement with a third party (the Gold Supply Agreement) in the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $0.4 million and $2.0 million,
respectively. The derivative is valued at each quarter end. The reduction in the
derivative value is principally related to gold ounces produced and offered
under the Gold Supply Agreement and a decrease in the estimated forward gold
spot price and in the estimated volatility of gold price over the remaining term
of the Gold Supply Agreement.
Finance Charges
The finance charges for the three
and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $2.8 million and $7.0 million,
respectively. The finance charges are mainly related to the obligations under a
gold purchase agreement and a senior secured facility agreement, each of which
was entered into in connection with the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill
in February 2014. In 2013, the finance charges were capitalized into the Fire
Creek evaluation and exploration assets.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Income Tax Expense
The income tax expense for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $4.5 million (38.5%) and $5.9
million (39.1%), respectively. Income tax expense includes the State of Nevada
net proceeds tax. The income tax expense reflects unbenefited losses in Canada.
Net Income
Total net income for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2014 was $7.2 million and $9.3 million, respectively,
(2013 ($1.0 million) and ($2.8 million), respectively). The net income
increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 over the
previous year is due to the recognition of revenue and profit from the Fire
Creek Project and Midas mine.
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The Company has included
non-IFRS measure for "Production costs per gold equivalent ounce" and
Production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis herein and in the
MD&A to supplement its financial statements which are presented in
accordance with IFRS. Management believes that these measures provide investors
with an improved ability to evaluate the performance of the Company. Non-IFRS
measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. Therefore,
they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The
data are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered
in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in
accordance with IFRS. The following tables provide a reconciliation of
production per the financial statements to production costs per gold equivalent
ounce sold and production costs per gold ounce sold on a by-product basis:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 17,254,621 | $ | 37,652,263 | ||
Gold equivalent ounces sold | 28,162 | 55,735 | ||||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 613 | $ | 676 | ||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold | US$ | 563 | US$ | 617 |
The silver to gold ratio used is 63.1579:1
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Total | ||||||
Production costs | $ | 17,254,621 | $ | 37,652,263 | ||
Less: silver credit | (6,189,099 | ) | (15,024,995 | ) | ||
Production costs after silver credit | $ | 11,065,522 | $ | 22,627,268 | ||
Gold ounces sold | 23,166 | 44,389 | ||||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold on a by-product basis | $ | 478 | $ | 510 | ||
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce sold on a by-product basis | US$ | 439 | US$ | 465 |
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Canadian dollars were converted to United States dollars using the average Bank of Canada rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 which were 1 CAD = 0.91829 USD and 1 CAD = 0.91249 USD, respectively.
Third Quarter 2014 Results Conference Call
Management will host a conference call on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at
10:00 am ET/7:00 am PT to discuss third quarter results. Presenting on the call
will be Paul Huet, President and CEO, and Barry Dahl, Chief Financial
Officer.
The call can be accessed by dialing: +1 800-319-4610 (North America, toll-free), +1 416-915-3227 (Toronto and International) and +1 604-638-5340 (Outside of Canada and the US).
Registration is required for the call. Please dial in at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
A replay will be available until 11:59 pm on Saturday, November 22, 2014. The replay can be accessed by dialing toll free from the US and Canada: +1 800-319-6413 or dialing international toll: +1 604-638-9010 and entering passcode: 3599, followed by the # sign.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex Mines is focused on
the exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and
silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The
1200 tons per day milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the
Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted. Fire Creek is
located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling
program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoksin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC is the Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire
Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling
phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been
made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the
bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration and metallurgical sampling activities, the timing and success of mining operations, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, project development and related permitting and the results and timing of the release of a pre-feasibility study in respect of Midas. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Mines Schedules Third Quarter 2014 Conference Call for Thursday, November 13, 2014
Vancouver, BC October 28, 2014 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) announces the schedule of its third quarter 2014 earnings conference call.
Date : |
Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 10:00 am ET/7:00am PT |
Presenters : |
Paul Huet, President and CEO |
Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer |
|
Also present on the call will be Ritch Hall, Chairman; Blair Schultz, Executive Director, Brent Kristof, Chief Operating Officer and Mike Doolin, VP Business Development and Technical Services. |
|
Dial in: |
+1 800-319-4610 (North America, toll-free) |
+1 416-915-3227 (Toronto and International) |
|
+1 604-638-5340 (outside of Canada and USA). |
|
Registration is required for the call. Please dial in at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time. |
|
Results: |
The Company's third quarter 2014 results press release will be issued after market close on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. |
Replay: |
A replay will be available until 11:59 pm on Saturday, November 22, 2014. The replay can be accessed by dialing: + 1 800-319-6413 (North America, toll-free) or +1-604-638-9010 (outside Canada and USA), and enter passcode: 3599#. |
About
Klondex
Mines
Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex is
focused on the exploration, development and production of its two high quality
gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central
Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from
the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been
in operations since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is
operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major
infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
For
More
Information
Klondex Mines
Alison Dwoskin, Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary
Language
to
Forward
-
Looking
Statements
A
production
decision
at
the
Fire
Creek
Project
has
not
been
made
by
Klondex,
as
it
is
still
in
the
bulk
sampling
phase.
Although
a
production
decision
at
the
Fire
Creek
Project
has
not
bee n
made,
the
mineralized
material
extracted
from
the
Fire
Creek
Project
under
the
bulk
sample
permit
is
proce
ssed
through
the
Midas
mill.
A
production
decision
at
the
Midas
mine
was
made
by
previous
operators
of
the
mine
prior
to
the
completion
of
the
acquisition
of
the
Midas
project
by
Klondex
and
Klondex
made
a
decision
to
continue
production
subsequent
to
the
acquisition.
This
decision
by
Klondex
to
continue
production
and,
to
the
knowledge
of
Klondex,
the
production
decision
made
by
the
previous
operator
were
not
based
on
a
feasibility
study
of
mineral
reserves
demonstrating
economic
and
technical
viability
prepared
in
accordance
with
National
Instrument
43
-
101.
Readers
are
cautioned
that
there
is
increased
uncertainty
and
higher
risk
of
economic
and
technical
failure
associated
with
such
production
decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Celebrates 2 years No Lost Time
Accidents at Fire Creek;
Presenting at New
Orleans 2014 Investment Conference
Vancouver, BC October 23, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (KDX:TSX; KLNDF:OTCQX) (Klondex or the Company) Klondex today reports that its Fire Creek gold project has completed two years with No Lost Time Accidents (LTA).
Paul Andre Huet, Klondex President and CEO commented on achieving two years with no LTAs, I am extremely proud of the team at Fire Creek for their commitment to safety. On the heels of being named the Safest Small Underground Mine in Nevada by the Nevada Mining Association earlier this fall, Fire Creek has now completed two years with no LTAs. It takes an outstanding team to achieve this significant milestone. I couldnt be more proud of all of those involved.
In addition, please join Klondex at the New Orleans 2014 Investment Conference from Thursday October 23 to Saturday October 25, booth #418 at the Hilton Riverside, New Orleans. Mr. Huet, Klondex President and CEO will be presenting on Saturday at 4:45p.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development and production of its
two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of
north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized
materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is
fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998. Fire Creek is located
~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that
began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire
Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling
phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been
made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the
bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous
operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas
mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to
the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the
knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a
feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical
viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that
there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure
associated with such production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing, extent and success of infill exploration drilling activities, the timing and completion of an updated mineral resource estimate at the Fire Creek Project and the possible upgrading of mineral resources at the Fire Creek Project. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Mines Reports Third Quarter 2014 Operations Results
Vancouver, BC October 20, 2014 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) is pleased to report preliminary selected operational results for the Companys third quarter ended September 30, 2014.
1Q 2014 | 2Q 2014 | 3Q 2014 | Total YTD | |
Underground Operations | ||||
Tons Mined | 22,370 | 54,659 | 54,842 | 131,871 |
Processing | ||||
Tons Milled | 21,727 | 46,047 | 54,743 | 122,517 |
Au Grade OPT | 0.541 | 0.382 | 0.637 | 0.524 |
Ag Grade OPT | 7.73 | 7.38 | 6.95 | 7.25 |
Au Ounces Recovered | 13,545 | 17,093 | 33,339 | 63,977 |
Ag Ounces Recovered | 158,372 | 325,018 | 364,404 | 847,794 |
Au Equivalent Ounces Recovered | 16,052 | 22,239 | 38,552 | 76,843 |
AuEq is calculated using the monetized silver to gold ratio | 63.15:1 | 63.15:1 | 69.9:1 | |
Au Ounces Sold | 3,369 | 20,293 | 23,342 | 47,004 |
Ag Ounces Sold | 58,053 | 343,025 | 315,504 | 716,582 |
Au Equivalent Ounces Sold | 4,288 | 25,724 | 28,337 | 58,349 |
Paul Andre Huet, Klondex President and CEO commented, This past year has been one with important milestones for Klondex as we transform from a development company into a producer. The realized synergies in Nevada are demonstrated in the production results. The mill throughput remained consistent averaging approximately 600 tpd for the quarter with gold and silver recoveries of 94.7% and 95.8%, respectively. Our recovered ounces increased in Q3 due to the processing of multiple zones of very high grade at Fire Creek.
With these Q3 results we anticipate our recovered ounces for 2014 to be higher than management's previous expectation of 75k to 85k AuEq ounces. At this point, we anticipate our recovered ounces for 2014 to be approximately 95k AuEq. With our strong Q3, and our expected finish to the year, Klondex expects that we can monetize an aggregate of approximately 85k ounces for the 2014 year.
Im extremely proud of the efforts put forward by this entire team. The transformation Klondex has undergone this year is remarkable and I look forward to sharing further important updates through the end of 2014.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development and production of its
two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of
north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized
materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is
fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998. Fire Creek is located
~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that
began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
For More Information
Paul Huet
President &
CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC is the Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire
Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling
phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been
made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the
bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing, extent and success of mining operations and the ability to monetize mineralized material. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
FORM 51-102F3
MATERIAL CHANGE REPORT
Item 1 – Name and Address of Company:
Klondex Mines Ltd. (the "Corporation")
1055 West Hastings Street, Suite 2200
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2E9
Item 2 – Date of Material Change:
September 30, 2014
Item 3 – News Release:
A news release with respect to the material change referred to in this report was issued by the Corporation through Marketwired on September 30, 2014 and subsequently filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR).
Item 4 – Summary of Material Change:
The Corporation has completed an updated mineral resource estimate (the "Estimate") on its Midas project in Nevada (the "Midas Project") with an effective date of August 31, 2014. The Estimate consists of measured mineral resources of 195,000 gold equivalent ounces at 19.0 g/t (0.555 opt) gold, indicated mineral resources of 331,000 gold equivalent ounces at 14.8 g/t (0.433 opt) and inferred mineral resources of 287,000 gold equivalent ounces at 11.5 g/t (0.334 opt). The Corporation expects to file a technical report prepared by Practical Mining, LLC ("Practical Mining") on SEDAR within 45 days of the date of the news release.
Item 5 – Full Description of Material Change:
The Corporation has completed the Estimate on its Midas Project with an effective date of August 31, 2014. The Estimate consists of measured mineral resources of 195,000 gold equivalent ounces at 19.0 g/t (0.555 opt) gold, indicated mineral resources of 331,000 gold equivalent ounces at 14.8 g/t (0.433 opt) and inferred mineral resources of 287,000 gold equivalent ounces at 11.5 g/t (0.334 opt):
2.
Category |
Au
g/t |
Au
opt |
Ag
g/t |
Ag
opt |
AuEq
g/t |
AuEq
opt |
AuEq
koz |
Au
koz |
Ag
koz |
kton |
Cut-off
Grade Thickness |
Mineral Resources at $1,200/oz Au and $19/oz Ag | |||||||||||
Measured | 15.1 | 0.440 | 253.8 | 7.401 | 19.0 | 0.555 | 195 | 155 | 2,605 | 352 | 10 m g/t |
Indicated | 11.9 | 0.349 | 186.5 | 5.440 | 14.8 | 0.433 | 331 | 267 | 4,161 | 765 | 10 m g/t |
M&I | 12.9 | 0.377 | 207.7 | 6.058 | 16.2 | 0.471 | 526 | 421 | 6,765 | 1,117 | 10 m g/t |
Inferred | 9.6 | 0.280 | 119.3 | 3.480 | 11.5 | 0.334 | 287 | 241 | 2,988 | 858 | 10 m g/t |
Mineral Resources Sensitivity at $800/oz Au and $12.76/oz Ag | |||||||||||
Measured | 19.4 | 0.567 | 285.3 | 8.32 | 23.9 | 0.696 | 168 | 137 | 2,010 | 242 | 15 m g/t |
Indicated | 15.8 | 0.461 | 212.7 | 6.205 | 19.1 | 0.557 | 262 | 217 | 2,914 | 470 | 15 m g/t |
M&I | 19.0 | 0.497 | 237.4 | 6.924 | 20.7 | 0.604 | 430 | 354 | 4,924 | 711 | 15 m g/t |
Inferred | 13.7 | 0.400 | 136.3 | 3.976 | 15.8 | 0.462 | 195 | 169 | 1,675 | 421 | 15 m g/t |
TABLE 1: Midas Mineral Resources
Notes:(1) |
Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues.
|
(2) |
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category.
|
(3) |
Gold and silver recoveries are 94% and 92%, respectively.
|
The mineral resources delineated in the Estimate are contained within sixteen distinct veins, with the majority of the mineral resources occurring within close proximity to the current mine workings at the Midas Project in previously mined veins.
The Estimate is based primarily on data from 4,149 surface and underground drill holes totaling 698,000 m (2.29 million ft) and includes data from 76 new drill holes totaling 12,594 m (41,321 ft), completed by the Corporation since acquiring the Midas Project in February 2014 to August 31, 2014. In addition to the drilling, the Estimate also utilizes 18,456 channel samples including 749 samples taken by Klondex. The Estimate was calculated using a 10 meters g/t gold equivalent cut-off and includes depletion and sterilization.
Classification of the mineral resources as measured, indicated or inferred was done based on the number of drill and channel sample composites used and the average distance from the block to the composites. For measured mineral resources, a block must have used five composites with an average distance less than 50 feet. For indicated mineral resources, a block must have used two composites within less than 100 feet, and inferred mineral resources must have two composites within 200 feet. The search orientation ellipse was maintained approximately parallel to each vein. Gold and silver values were estimated independently.
The Corporation expects to file a technical report prepared by Practical Mining on SEDAR within 45 days of the date of the news release.
The technical information contained in this material change report has been reviewed and approved by Mark Odell of Practical Mining (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150), an independent Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
3.
Item 6 – Reliance on Subsection 7.1(2) of National Instrument 51-102:
Not applicable.
Item 7 – Omitted Information:
Not applicable.
Item 8 – Executive Officer:
The following executive officer of the Corporation is knowledgeable about the material change and this report and may be contacted at the following telephone and fax numbers:
Paul Huet
President and Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: (775) 284‐5757
Item 9 – Date of Report:
October 10, 2014
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Releases Fire Creek Drill Program Results
Highlights:
| 157.8 g/t (4.6 opt) Au over 3.55 m (11.4 ft) - FCU-0199 Karen Vein |
| 85.7 g/t (2.5 opt) Au over 4.68 m (15.0 ft) FCU-0209 Karen Vein |
| 1,474.6 g/t (43.0 opt) Au over 0.62 m (2.0 ft) - FCU-0043 Joyce Vein |
| 367.6 g/t (10.7 opt) Au over 1.87 m (6.0 ft) FCU-0086 Joyce Vein |
| 1,404.6/t (41.1 opt) Au over 0.53 m (1.7 ft) - FCU-0011 Vonnie Vein |
| 174.9 g/t (5.1 opt) Au over 1.00 m (3.2 ft) - FCU-0160 Hui Wu Vein |
Vancouver, BC October 8, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (KDX:TSX; KLNDF:OTCQX) (Klondex or the Company) today provides an update on recent underground infill and exploration drilling from its Fire Creek gold project near Elko, Nevada. An updated mineral resource estimate for Fire Creek, which includes these drill results, is expected to be released in 4Q2014.
In all, 124 infill and exploration core holes have been drilled since February 1, 2014 for a total of 12,490 meters (40,976 ft) (see TABLE 1 ) . The core holes were drilled from multiple drill platforms and from various locations in existing mineral headings (See FIGURE 1 ). Drilling from the existing headings provided opportunities to define the veins in areas that were previously inaccessible to drilling. The objective of the infill drill program (<100 ft drill spacing) is to convert the inferred mineral resource to the measured and indicated category.
The increased confidence of the strike length and up/down dip projections in our model will allow Klondex to develop more accurate short and long term mine plans. The known limits of the veins projected dip and strike length remain open and are constrained only by drilling.
Main Zone
Vonnie Vein
:
Joyce Vein :
West Zone
Hui Wu Vein
:
Karen Vein :
Honeyrunner:
Brent Kristof, Chief Operating Operator of Klondex, commented, We are encouraged by these high grade drill intercepts and the results of additional infill and exploration drilling at Fire Creek. All vein structures remain open along strike and up and down dip. Given this, Klondex continues to look to expand the life of the Fire Creek Project through its drilling programs.
We intend to continue delineating the veins and increasing the
quality of the mineral resource. We are excited to update our technical report
later this year. The new mineral resource will add more data from the West Zone,
including the Karen, Hui Wu and Honeyrunner, as well as the new drilling on
Joyce and Vonnie.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Assays were performed by ALS Chemex of Elko, Nevada and American Assay Laboratories (AAL) of Reno, Nevada (both independent laboratories), as directed under the supervision of Klondex staff.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex is focused on the
exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver
projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200
tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and
the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations
since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an
ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in
place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Qualified Person
Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC
is the Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150), who has
reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of
National Instrument 43-101.
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire
Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling
phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been
made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the
bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous
operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas
mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to
the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the
knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a
feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical
viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that
there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure
associated with such production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
This news release contains certain information that may
constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities
legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing, extent
and success of infill exploration drilling activities, the timing and completion
of an updated mineral resource estimate at the Fire Creek Project and the
possible upgrading of mineral resources at the Fire Creek Project. This
forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are
based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from
those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but
are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold;
operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource
estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which
factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the
risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of
Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations
.
Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in
the
Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities
regulatory authorities in Canada and available
at www.sedar.com. Readers
are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could
differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Increases Mineral Resource Estimate at Midas
Highlights of the mineral resource update includes:
- Increased total M&I AuEq ounces to 526k oz
- Increased Inferred AuEq ounces to 287k oz
- Increased M&I grade to 0.47 opt AuEq
- Mineralization located near current mine workings
Vancouver, BC – September 30, 2014 – Klondex Mines Ltd. (KDX:TSX; KLNDF:OTCQX) (“Klondex” or the “Company”) reports an update to the mineral resource estimate at its 100%- owned Midas underground gold mine in Nevada (see TABLE 1 below). The majority of the updated mineral resource occurs within close proximity to the current mine workings, in previously mined veins including the Colorado Grande, Discovery and Snow White Veins as well as the Gold Crown and 905 Veins ( See FIGURE 1 ). The technical report, with an effective date of August 31, 2014, is to be prepared by Practical Mining, LLC (“Practical Mining”) and will be posted on the Klondex website ( www.klondexmines.com ) and SEDAR ( www.sedar.com ) within 45 days of the date of this news release.
1. |
Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues.
|
|
2. |
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category.
|
|
3. |
Gold and silver recoveries are 94% and 92%, respectively.
|
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO stated, "As a result of our initial drilling at Midas, we are starting to unlock Midas’ potential value. Within the first seven months of purchasing the Midas Mine, we have increased the gold equivalent grade and the total gold equivalent ounces in the mineral resource estimate. This is a major accomplishment for Klondex. The new mineral resource estimate underscores the flexibility of this deposit at lower metal prices. This is just the beginning of our exploration and development at Midas. There are many planned targets that we intend to follow up on over the next 18 months. The Northern Nevada Rift, host to both Fire Creek and Midas, is a unique district to operate in, based on its gold grades and its exploration opportunities.”
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
The Midas mineral resource is contained within sixteen distinct veins, defined by drilling from both surface and underground, and by underground mining. The new mineral resource estimate, with an effective date of August 31, 2014, is based on 4,149 drill holes totaling 698,000 m (2.29 million ft) and includes data from 76 new drill holes totaling 12,594 m (41,321 ft), completed by Klondex since acquiring the property earlier this year to August 31, 2014. In addition to the drilling, the mineral resource estimate also utilizes 18,456 channel samples including 749 samples taken by Klondex. The updated mineral resource estimate was calculated using a 10 meters g/t gold equivalent cut-off and includes depletion and sterilization.
Two of the major drivers for increasing the mineral resources are: 1) the ability of Klondex to mine narrower veins with lower waste dilution compared to previous production and 2) positive 2014 drilling results in the remnant areas, which have driven technical evaluation of all historically mined veins at Midas. Since beginning operations in 1998, the Midas Mine has produced over two million ounces of gold and twenty-seven million ounces of silver.
Mineral Resource Assumptions
Classification of the mineral resource as measured, indicated or inferred was done based on the number of drill and channel sample composites used and the average distance from the block to the composites. For measured mineral resources, a block must have used five composites with an average distance less than 50 feet. For indicated mineral resources, a block must have used two composites within less than 100 feet, and inferred mineral resources must have two composites within 200 feet. The search orientation ellipse was maintained approximately parallel to each vein. Gold and silver values were estimated independently.
All new drill core was assayed by American Assay Laboratories (AAL) of Sparks (an independent laboratory) using fire assay with ICP finish. Samples with values greater than 10 ppm Au or 100 ppm Ag were re-assayed using fire assay with gravimetric finish assay methods. Channel samples were analyzed by Newmont’s Twin Creeks, Dave Francisco Labs of Fallon and the Pinson lab using fire assay with gravimetric finish.
Channel samples are collected across the mining face after each round. Three samples are normally taken to represent the face. The geologist begins by chipping material from the face beginning at the left rib and continuing to the left margin of the vein. The second sample is taken across the vein, and the third sample is collected from beyond the right margin of the vein to the right rib. In the event of multiple veins or other visually-identified mineralization zones, the geologist takes additional samples as necessary to characterize the face with appropriate resolution. A blank is inserted into the channel sample stream at least once per shift.
Pursuant to drill sampling protocol, experienced staff identifies the mineralized intervals. Samples are taken across the mineralized interval, beginning and ending in waste beyond the margins of the interval. Samples are collected throughout the mineralized interval, consuming the whole core, with the goal of obtaining the best possible characterization of the interval. Minimum sample length is 0.8 feet and maximum sample length is 5 feet for NQ size core. A standard or blank is inserted in the sample stream every 25 samples with a minimum of 2 QAQC samples per hole.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been in operations since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Qualified Person
Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC is the Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the magnitude and the quality of the Midas project, statements regarding the estimation of mineral resources and the potential delineation of additional mineral resources through further exploration at the Midas project, the accuracy of current interpretation of drill and other exploration results, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, project development and related permitting. This forwardlooking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex to Trade on S&P/TSX SmallCap Index
Vancouver, BC – September 18, 2014 – Klondex Mines Ltd. (KDX:TSX; KLNDF:OTCQX) (“Klondex” or the “Company”) is pleased to report that as at the close of trading on Friday, September 19, 2014, Klondex will be added to the S&P/TSX SmallCap Index.
The S&P/TSX SmallCap Index serves as an investable index in addition to a benchmark for the Canadian small cap market. It is designed to capture the investment opportunity set for small cap investment managers. The index is comprised of approximately 210 TSX listed companies.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Qualified Person
Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC is the Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing, extent and success of exploration, development and mining activities. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forwardlooking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Identifies Another New Structure, the Honeyrunner
Vancouver, BC September 15, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (KDX:TSX; KLNDF:OTCQX) (Klondex or the Company) announces the discovery of a third mineralized structure in the West Zone at its Fire Creek project that was excluded from the initial Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), released earlier this year. The Honeyrunner Structure is located approximately 33.5 m (110 ft) west of, and parallel to the Karen Vein ( FIGURE 1 ) and crosses the 5400 vent raise access drift. Drifting on the Honeyrunner is scheduled to begin in 4Q2014.
A total of 22 drill holes (13 previously released surface and 9 underground) intersected the structure, including the most recent intercept of 2,184 g/t (63.7 opt) Au and 27 g/t (0.8 opt) Ag over 0.4 m (1.4 ft) in drill hole FCU-0158 ( TABLE 1 ). Based on current drilling, the defined strike length of the Honeyrunner is approximately 472 m (1,550 ft), and 160 m (525 ft) of known vertical dip extent. The structure is open both north and south along strike and up and down dip ( FIGURE 2 ). (Surface drilling on the West Zone was completed between 2004 and 2011). The structure is characterized as a quartz and calcite cemented fault breccia.
Brent Kristof, Klondex Chief Operating Officer stated, The identification of the Honeyrunner structure is the third mineralized structure identified since releasing this years PEA. These results continue to support our view that the Fire Creek project will continue to grow.
Assays were performed by ALS Chemex of Elko, Nevada (an independent laboratory), as directed under the supervision of Klondex staff.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex is focused on the
exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver
projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200
tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and
the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted. Fire Creek is located ~100
miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that
began in 2013. All major infrastructures are in place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Qualified Person
The technical information contained
in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Odell of Practical
Mining LLC, an Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150)
for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire
Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling
phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been
made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the
bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing, extent and success of exploration, development and metallurgical sampling activities, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, project development and related permitting. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Comments on Report
Vancouver, BC September 10, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (KDX:TSX; KLNDF:OTCQX) (Klondex or the Company) provides comments on Mine Safety and Health Administrations (MSHA) final report of the accident at the Midas mine.
Brent Kristof, Klondex Mines Chief Operating Officer commented, Klondex recently received MSHAs report on the tragic accident resulting in the death of Rich Otto at our Midas Mine. The tragic loss of our co-worker, friend, and employee affected us very deeply. Rich Otto was an experienced miner with over 32 years in mining. He was organized, safety conscious and was often used to train other employees. He would never have allowed himself to work in the conditions alleged by MSHA. Safety is and has always been our first priority at Klondex. Our Fire Creek Project was recently recognized for its outstanding safety performance by the Nevada Mining Association in the small underground mine category. We applied this same level of safety to our Midas Mine upon its acquisition in 2014.
Mr. Kristof continued, Despite our complete cooperation with MSHA during the investigation, we believe that MSHA failed to consider critical information and reached conclusions which dont appear to be supported by the evidence in the report. The report fails to analyze root causes of the accident or explain how the physical evidence and facts support its conclusions. We have contested the enforcement actions taken by MSHA and are continuing to challenge the unsupported allegations in the report.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex is focused on the
exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver
projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200
tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and
the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted. Fire Creek is located ~100
miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that
began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul
Andre Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire
Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling
phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been
made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the
bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous
operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas
mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by
Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior
production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves
demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI
43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher
risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production
decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
This news release contains certain information that may
constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities
legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations
on the timing, extent and success of exploration, development and metallurgical
sampling activities, the timing and success of mining operations, the timing and
completion of an updated mineral resource estimate in respect of the Midas
Project, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material,
the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project,
project development and related permitting. This forward-looking information
entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations,
and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such
information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the
strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and
liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective
of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a
mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards
associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its
substantial capital requirements and operations
. Risks and uncertainties
about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys
disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to
read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could
differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Reports on Midas Infill Drilling Program
Vancouver , BC September 10, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (KDX:TSX; KLNDF:OTCQX) (Klondex or the Company) today provides an update on recent underground infill and exploration drilling from its Midas Mine, near Winnemucca, Nevada. More than 100 core holes have been drilled since Klondex purchased the property, totaling approximately 18,288 m (60,000 ft). The drilling was included in the original 2014 drilling budget (see TABLE 1 for all drill results). The current drilling program supports the Companys development and exploration program scheduled to begin in late September (see press release dated September 4, 2014 ).
ADVANCE
Advance infill drilling on the 905 vein at
planned production Spirals 8 and 9 has produced encouraging results for
potentially increasing the mineral resources (
see
FIGURE 1
). Sixty-six (66) core holes have been
completed along approximately 914 m (3,000 ft) of vein strike at 23 to 38 m (75
to 125 ft) centers. Results of this program support the existing inferred
mineral resource estimate and have provided additional information for use in
mine planning (see
FIGURE 2
and
FIGURE 3
). Engineering is underway,
incorporating these zones into production planning.
Highlights from the 905 Vein at Spirals 8 and 9 include (from North to South):
DEVELOP
Drilling and technical work to develop
additional mineral resources is focused on remnant areas adjacent to
historically mined veins and on the Queen Vein south of current workings
(
FIGURE 4
). Identification of drill
targets adjacent to historically mined veins has been driven by two factors: 1)
a lack of drilling on vein edges, and 2) Klondexs ability to mine narrower
stopes using more selective mining methods. Forty-two Remnant Targets have been
identified at Midas. Drilling on the first three of these targets has identified
a combination of indicated and inferred mineral resources the Company intends to
mine, located very near to existing infrastructure (See
FIGURE 5, FIGURE 6
and
FIGURE 7
).
Significant intercepts from the Remnant drilling program include:
Intercept | Au Grade | Ag Grade | Au Equiv. Grade* | Length |
Remnant Area 305 Vein North |
||||
MUC-02577 | 87.3 g/t (2.5 opt) Au | 864 g/t (25 opt) Ag | 101 g/t (2.9 opt) | 0.3 m (0.9 ft) |
MUC-02586 | 121.3 g/t (3.5 opt) Au | 672 g/t (20 opt) Ag | 132 g/t (3.8 opt) | 0.3 m (1.1 ft) |
Remnant Area 205 Vein North |
||||
MUC-02589 | 25.0 g/t (0.7 opt) Au | 349 g/t (10 opt) Ag | 31 g/t (0.9 opt) | 2.4 m (7.8 ft) |
MUC-02592 | 40.0 g/t (1.2 opt) Au | 168 g/t (5 opt) Ag | 43 g/t (1.3 opt) | 0.6 m (2.0 ft) |
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Remnant Area 105 Vein Central |
||||
MUC-02537 | 10.0 g/t (0.3 opt) Au | 202 g/t (6 opt) Ag | 13 g/t (0.4 opt) | 2.9 m (9.4 ft) |
MUC-02539 | 9.7 g/t (0.3 opt) Au | 184 g/t (5 opt) Ag | 12 g/t (0.4 opt) | 1.9 m (6.3 ft) |
MUC-02538 | 8.9 g/t (0.3 opt) Au | 161 g/t (5 opt) Ag | 11 g/t (0.3 opt) | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) |
*AuEq calculated using 63:1 Au to Ag conversion ($1200/oz Au and $19/oz Ag) |
Technical work has also been advancing to prepare a mineral resource estimate on the Queen Vein, located immediately south of current Midas underground workings. Metallurgical assessment, geologic modeling, and block modeling on drill intercepts at 90 foot centers will be used to quantify a potential mineral resource.
Paul Huet, Klondexs President and CEO, commented: We are very committed to Midas and remain focused on our goal to increase its mineral resource. This accelerated exploration program is quickly producing encouraging results within close proximity to the existing mine workings.
Channel assays were completed by Klondex laboratories and Dave Francisco Lab (Fallon, Nevada). Drill assays were analyzed by American Assay Labs (Sparks, Nevada). All assay programs were under Klondex staff supervision and best practice quality control systems.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex is focused on the
exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver
projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200
tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and
the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted. Fire Creek is located ~100
miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that
began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
Cindy Williams of GeoInsights Inc. is the Independent Qualified Person (SME #4038498 and SEG #865470), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Qualified Person
Cindy Williams, BSc, MSc Geology,
Principal at GeoInsights Inc, a "qualified person" as defined by National
Instrument 43-101
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects
("NI
43-101"), reviewed and is responsible for the technical information contained in
this press release.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been
made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a
production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized
material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is
processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may
constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities
legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations
on the timing, extent and success of exploration, development and metallurgical
sampling activities, the timing and success of mining operations, the timing and
completion of an updated mineral resource estimate in respect of the Midas
Project, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material,
the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project,
project development and related permitting. This forward-looking information
entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations,
and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such
information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the
strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and
liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective
of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a
mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards
associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its
substantial capital requirements and operations
. Risks and uncertainties
about the Companys
business are more
fully discussed in the
Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities
in
Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to
read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could
differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Appoints Richard J. Hall as Chairman of the Board of Directors
Vancouver, BC September 9, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) today announces Richard J. Halls appointment as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO commented, It is with great joy that we welcome Ritch as Klondexs Chairman. His guidance will be a key asset as Klondex continues its growth towards being a significant gold and silver producer. I would also like to acknowledge Blair Schultzs outstanding contributions as Chairman of the Company during its transformation into the two asset operator it is today. We look forward to Blairs ongoing commitment with the executive team to continue the growth and development of Klondex, as Executive Director.
Mr. Hall is a seasoned mining executive, bringing over 40 years of building leading precious metals companies in the Americas and Australia, to Klondex. In addition to consulting to the mining industry, he presently serves on the Board of Directors for IAMGOLD Corporation and Kaminak Gold Corporation. Previously, he was Chairman of Premier Gold Mines, while Mr. Huet was Chief Operating Officer at Premier. Mr. Hall served as CEO of Northgate Minerals Corp, and Metallica Resources Inc., Chairman of Grayd Resource Corp. and as Chairman of the Special Committee for Creston Moly Corp. From 1998 to 2008, as President and CEO of Metallica, he was involved in all aspects of the companys development, including the financing, construction and commissioning of the Cerro San Pedro gold and silver mine in Mexico. While at Metallica, the El Morro deposit was discovered in Chile and was brought through to a final feasibility study in conjunction with Metallicas operating partner on the project, Xstrata. Metallica was part of a $1.6 billion three-way merger with Peak Gold Ltd. into what is now New Gold Inc. Prior to his tenure at Metallica, Mr. Hall has held senior management positions with Dayton Mining Corp. and Pegasus Gold Corp.
Mr. Hall holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in geology, and a Master of Business Administration from Eastern Washington University. He also completed an executive development program at the University of Minnesota. Mr. Hall is also a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors and member of both the Audit and Investment Committees of the Society of Economic Geologists.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production
of its two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly
jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is
processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project.
Midas is fully-permitted and has been producing gold and silver since 1998. Fire
Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk
sampling program that began in 2013 and is in the process of obtaining the full
mining permit. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire
Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling
phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been
made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the
bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to the extent and success of exploration, development and mining activities. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com . Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex to Present at 2014 Denver Gold Forum and Precious Metals Summit
Vancouver, BC September 5, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (KDX:TSX, KLNDF:OTCQX), Nevada gold producer, will be exhibiting and presenting at the both the upcoming 2014 Precious Metals Summit and the 2014 Denver Gold Forum respectively taking place September 10-12 in Beaver Creek, CO, and September 15-17 in Denver, CO. Both presentations by Klondex President and CEO, Paul Huet, will be webcast and available on the Klondex website following the events.
The Precious Metals Summit presentation will take place on Thursday September 11 at 9:30a MDT in Room 1. Live webcasting will be posted on the Precious Metals website.
The Denver Gold Forum presentation will take place on Wednesday September 17 at 11:30a MDT. Live webcasting will be available on the Denver Gold Forum website, on the Klondex profile page .
Mr. Huet will provide an update on the precious metals operations at both Fire Creek and Midas in Northern Nevada along with an overview of upcoming catalysts at Klondex.
About
Klondex
Mines
Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development and production of its
two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of
north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized
materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is
fully-permitted. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is
operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major
infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
For
More
Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing, extent and success of exploration, development and metallurgical sampling activities, the timing and success of mining operations, the timing and completion of an updated mineral resource estimate in respect of the Midas Project, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, project development and related permitting. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Initiates Midas Exploration Program
Vancouver, BC September 4, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") today announced the Company is commencing its exploration program at its Midas Mine, located near Winnemucca, Nevada.
Following a detailed review of Midass historic database, Klondex has identified multiple drilling targets to assess over the next 18 months. The exploration program includes surface and underground drilling totaling approximately 240,000 feet, plus 4,000 feet of underground development. Klondex has scheduled the exploration work to begin in the last two weeks of September.
Key objectives of the Midas drill program include:
Advance the 805 and 905 Veins to support mine planning and mine development (FIGURE 1) ;
Develop additional data to prepare an updated mineral resource estimate by evaluating remnant targets on historic veins, employing more selective mining methods, and completing drilling and technical work on known veins including Queen, 777 and SR (FIGURE 2) ; and,
Discover new mineralization by testing the extensions of known structures and exploring new priority targets in the Opal Hill, Rico and Rattler zones.
Brent Kristof, Klondex Chief Operating Officer stated, Following our operational success in Q2 and our subsequent bought deal financing, we are initiating our Midas exploration program with the intent of increasing its mineral resources. In any epithermal system, the most difficult part of the exploration program is finding the targets. We have the advantage that the targets have already been identified through previous drilling. Our goal is to gain a better understanding of the quality and character of the mineralization. We are optimistic about Midass potential surrounding the historically mined veins, given our extensive experience and knowledge of this property and by working with our geologists and third party expertise to continue enhancing our understanding of the mineralization.
The surface and underground drilling will be completed by American Drilling Corporation and the underground development by Magorian Mine Services and American Mining and Tunneling, LLC (AMT). AMT was one of four mining contractors to share first place for the 2013 Safest Mining Contractor, awarded by the Nevada Mining Association for their work at Fire Creek, as they had no reportable injuries in 2013.
Cindy Williams of GeoInsights Inc. is the Independent Qualified Person (SME #4038498 and SEG #865470), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
About
Klondex
Mines
Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development and production of its
two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of
north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized
materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is
fully-permitted. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is
operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013. All major
infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
For
More
Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Dwoskin
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at the Fire Creek Project has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from the Fire Creek Project under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill.
A production decision at the Midas Mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing, extent and success of exploration, development and metallurgical sampling activities, the timing and success of mining operations, the timing and completion of an updated mineral resource estimate in respect of the Midas Project, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, project development and related permitting. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’ s business are more fully discussed in the Company’ s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Reports Net Income of $4.4 Million, $0.04 per Share, in 2Q2014
Vancouver, BC August 12, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") today announced that it has filed its Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") and its unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. Unless otherwise stated, all currency amounts included in this release are expressed in Canadian dollars, and financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Klondex's MD&A and full financial results for the second quarter are available on SEDAR, at www.sedar.com, and also have been posted on the Company's web site at www.klondexmines.com.
Second Quarter 2014 Financial Highlights
Revenue was $36.4 million from the sale of 25,725 gold equivalent ounces consisting of 20,293 gold ounces and 343,025 silver ounces
Gold equivalent ounces produced were 22,239, consisting of 17,093 gold ounces and 325,018 silver ounces, an increase of 38.5% from 1Q2014
Consolidated production cost per gold equivalent ounce sold was $730, a decline of 19.4% from 1Q2014
Net income totaled $4.4 million, $0.04 per share
Cash flow provided by operating activities was $14.2 million
Capital expenditures were $7.1 million
Cash balance of $15.1 million at the end of 2Q2014
Working capital of $21.2 million at the end of 2Q2014
Paul Huet, President and CEO commented, Our strong second quarter results reflect Klondexs continuing transformation into a low-cost producer of gold and silver in north central Nevada. On a sequential basis, our recovered ounces increased while production costs decreased. We anticipate that production costs will continue to improve as we increase output from Fire Creek and further optimize operations at Midas.
Subsequent to the quarter end, we substantially improved our financial position by closing a bought-deal financing for aggregate gross proceeds of $16.1 million. Net proceeds from this offering will be used primarily to help accelerate exploration and development at the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. After a busy first half of 2014, we believe we have the right team, the right assets and the financial strength to continue to strive towards generating long-term value for shareholders.
1
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Income (Loss)
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Revenue | $ | 36,444,386 | $ | - | $ | 39,070,959 | $ | - | ||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||
Production costs | 18,722,571 | - | 20,397,642 | - | ||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 6,648,860 | - | 6,925,774 | - | ||||||||
Gross profit | 11,072,955 | - | 11,747,543 | - | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,174,473 | 790,637 | 4,403,430 | 1,775,099 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 8,898,482 | (790,637 | ) | 7,344,113 | (1,775,099 | ) | ||||||
Business acquisition costs | (383,367 | ) | - | (2,257,018 | ) | - | ||||||
Gain on change in fair value of derivative | 1,033,299 | - | 1,591,792 | - | ||||||||
Finance charges | (2,725,880 | ) | - | (4,235,976 | ) | - | ||||||
Realized foreign currency gain | 1,012,316 | 1,012,316 | ||||||||||
Income (Loss ) before tax | 7,834,850 | (790,637 | ) | 3,455,227 | (1,775,099 | ) | ||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (3,394,000 | ) | - | (1,426,000 | ) | - | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 4,440,850 | $ | (790,637 | ) | $ | 2,029,227 | $ | (1,775,099 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per share - basic | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.03 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per share - diluted | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.03 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic | 111,390,375 | 64,425,272 | 109,338,086 | 64,418,153 | ||||||||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted | 113,912,003 | 64,425,272 | 111,818,752 | 64,418,153 |
Revenue
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, Klondex's revenue was $36.4 million and $39.1 million, respectively. The Company did not recognize revenue in 2013. The Company acquired Midas on February 11, 2014 and recorded sales from Midas beginning in 1Q2014. A production decision at Fire Creek has not been made by Klondex, as it is still in the bulk sampling phase. Although a production decision at Fire Creek has not been made, the mineralized material extracted from Fire Creek under the bulk sample permit is processed through the Midas mill. Based on the quantities of gold generated under the bulk sample permit, the Company first recognized revenue from the bulk sample program at the Fire Creek Project in 2Q2014. In 2Q2014, the Company sold 25,725 gold equivalent ounces and in 1H2014 sold 27,573 gold equivalent ounces.
2
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Cost of Sales
The production costs in 2Q2014 were $18.7 million and in 1H2014 were $20.4 million. The production cost per gold equivalent ounce sold in 2Q2014 was $730 and for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $742. See "Non-IFRS Measures". The depreciation and depletions costs in 2Q2014 were $6.6 million and in 1H2014 were $6.9 million.
Gross Profit
The gross profit in 2Q2014 was $11.1 million and in 1H2014 was $11.7 million which can be attributed to higher volume of gold and silver produced at the Companys projects.
General and Administrative Expenses
The general and administrative expenses in 2Q2014 were $2.2 million (2Q2013 $0.8 million) and in 1H2014 were $4.4 million (1H2013 $1.8 million). The increase in G&A expenses over the prior year are due the growth of the Company as it has transformed from an exploration stage company to a production stage company.
Net Income
The net income in 2Q2014 was $4.4 million (2Q2013 ($0.8 million)) and in 1H2014 was $2.0 million (1H2013 ($1.8 million)). In 2Q2014, the Company generated net income as it transformed into a producing mining company and generated sufficient revenue to cover general and administrative expenses and all other costs.
Second Quarter 2014 Results Conference Call
Management will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 10:00 am ET/7:00am PT to discuss second quarter results. Presenting on the call will be Paul Huet, President and CEO, and Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer. Present on the call will be Brent Kristof, Chief Operating Officer and Mike Doolin, VP Business Development and Technical Services.
The call can be accessed by dialing: +1 800-319-4610 (North America, toll-free), +1 416-915-3227 (Toronto and International) and +1 604-638-5340 (Outside of Canada and the US).
Registration is required for the call. Please dial in at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
A replay will be available until 11:59 pm on Saturday, September 13, 2014. The replay can be accessed by dialing international toll: +1 604-638-9010 or toll free from the US and Canada: +1 800-319-6413 and entering passcode: 3599, followed by the # sign.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex Mines is focused on
the exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and
silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The
1200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas
Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted. Fire Creek is located
~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that
began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
3
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The Company has included a non-IFRS measure for "Production costs per gold equivalent ounce" in this MD&A to supplement its financial statements which are presented in accordance with IFRS. Management believes that this measure provides investors with an improved ability to evaluate the performance of the Company. Non-IFRS measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. Therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The following table provides a reconciliation of production per the financial statements to cash cost per gold equivalent ounce sold:
Three months | Six months | |||||
ended June 30, | ended June 30, | |||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||
Production Cost | $ | 18,722,571 | $ | 20,397,642 | ||
Gold equivalents ounces (1) | 25,658 | 27,507 | ||||
Production Cost per gold equivalent ounce | $ | 730 | $ | 742 |
(1)
Does not include toll mill ounces
The gold to
silver ratio is an estimate of gold price divided by silver price. The gold
ratio used is 63.1579.
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas
mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the
acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue
production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue
production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not
based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and
technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned
that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical
failure associated with such production decisions.
4
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration and metallurgical sampling activities, the timing and success of mining operations, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, project development and related permitting. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. R isks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
5
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Honoured as Safety Awards Recipient from Nevada Mining Association
Vancouver, BC August 7, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX or OTCQX: KLNDF) is honored to receive multiple recognitions from the Nevada Mining Associations Safety Awards for 2013. These annual awards recognize operations with the most hours worked without a lost time injury. Winners are calculated using a formula factoring the number of mine employees and number of hours without incident, with penalties for reportable incidents and lost-time days. The three main award categories are: Open Pit operations, Underground operations, and Contractor operations. Awards are further divided by size of the mine.
Additionally, employees are nominated for individual awards to recognize outstanding safety performance. A Nevada Mining Association committee reviews the nominations and selects the winners based on personal safety record and advocacy of safety in the workplace.
Klondex sites winning performance awards include:
Fire Creek - First Place, Underground Small Mine
Midas
Second Place, Underground Medium Mine (under Newmonts ownership)
Klondex Safety Champions included:
Jim Schmidt, Klondex Mining, Fire Creek
Greg Parker,
Klondex Mining, Midas
Kim Spear, Klondex Mining, Midas
Paul Huet, Klondex Chief Executive Officer commented, Its a privilege for Klondex employees to be recognized for their commitment to safety. Klondexs most valuable assets are its employees, and our success depends on everyones dedication to maintaining a safe working environment.
Mr. Huet continued, In addition, wed like to thank American Mining & Tunnelings dedication to their safety standards. Within the contractors category, AMT shares the stage for first place with no reportable injuries in 2013 for their work at Fire Creek.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex Mines is focused on the
exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver
projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200
tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and
the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been producing gold and
silver since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is
operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013 and is in the
process of obtaining the full mining permit. All major infrastructure is in
place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Paul Huet
President &
CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas project by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing and success of exploration drilling, sampling and mapping activities and the development of the Fire Creek project. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Mines Begins Drifting on new Hui Wu Vein at Fire Creek;
Weighted Average of 126.9 g/t (3.7 opt) Gold over a 1.1 Meter (3.5 ft) Vein Width and 11
Meters (37 ft) Along Strike
Vancouver, BC – August 5, 2014 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) today announced that it began initial drifting on Fire Creek’s fourth identified vein, the Hui Wu (pronounced “wey woo”) Vein. The Vein is located 30.5 m (100 ft) west of the main ramp and 15.2 m (50 ft) east of the Karen Vein (Figure 1). The structure was identified as a target during the 2013 drill program (see press release dated January 21, 2014), but was not included in the 2013 mineral resource estimate or subsequent Preliminary Economic Assessment, with respect to the Fire Creek project (see press release dated, April 29, 2014).
Based on current drilling, the known strike length of the Hui Wu Vein is 243.8 m (800 ft) and the known vertical dip extent is 76.2 m (250 ft), remaining open both north and south along strike, and up and down dip.
To date, 11 m (37 ft) of exploration development has been completed along strike of the Hui Wu Vein. Face samples range from 31.6 g/t (0.9 opt) Au to 395.9 g/t (11.5 opt) Au. The weighted average grade of samples taken from the Hui Wu Vein is 126.9 g/t (3.7 opt) Au over an average vein width of 1.1 m (3.5 ft). The fully diluted mined grade averaged 60.8 g/t (1.8 opt) Au over an average mining width of 2.2 m (7.4 ft). Assay results from samples from the Hui Wu Vein are summarized and detailed in Table 1, below.
Brent Kristof, Klondex Mines COO, commented, "The Fire Creek team has done an exceptional job continuing the drilling, sampling, and mapping program to identify yet another mineralized area. The Hui Wu Vein represents another growth opportunity to be targeted during our 2014 and 2015 exploration and development programs.”
Table 1: Hui Wu Exploration Developmentlength, feet | vein width, meter |
vein width,
feet |
vein
channel, g/t |
vein
channel, auopt |
265-271 | 2.0 | 6.4 | 114.50 | 3.34 |
261-265 | 0.6 | 1.9 | 80.05 | 2.33 |
257-261 | 1.5 | 4.9 | 159.88 | 4.66 |
252-257 | 0.8 | 2.5 | 395.95 | 11.55 |
247-252 | 1.2 | 3.8 | 92.03 | 2.68 |
241-247 | 0.7 | 2.3 | 31.59 | 0.92 |
234-241 | 0.8 | 2.6 | 52.5 | 1.53 |
5360 Access | ||||
5360
Average |
1.1 | 3.5 | 126.87 | 3.70 |
5360 Hui
total strike |
11.0 | 37.0 |
Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC is the Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Channel assays were analyzed by SGS Minerals Services (Elko, Nevada) and Dave Francisco Lab (Fallon, Nevada), and drill assays were analyzed by ALS Chemex (Reno, Nevada) and American Assay Labs (Sparks, Nevada) under Klondex staff supervision. These are all independent laboratories. Sampling a given face is conducted after the face location has been washed, measured, mapped in detail and photographed. Continuous rock-chip channel samples are then collected by Klondex staff directly into 11" x 17" sample bags from the footwall, vein, and hanging wall. Individual samples are defined by geology and do not exceed 3’ in length in order to better define the location of grade. Salient features including sample number, channel length, location on face, rock type, and alteration are documented. Blank samples are inserted into the sample stream to help monitor QA/QC of the labs. Channel samples and respective assays are loaded into an Access database, and ultimately visualized in Vulcan where they are correctly located in space and utilized in resource estimation.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been producing gold and silver since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013 and is in the process of obtaining the full mining permit. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas project by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing and success of exploration drilling, sampling and mapping activities and the development of the Fire Creek project. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Completes $16.1 Million Bought Deal Public Offering of Common Shares
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Vancouver, BC July 30, 2014 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed a previously announced bought deal public offering of 8,050,000 common shares (the "Common Shares") at a price of $2.00 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $16.1 million (the "Offering") through a syndicate of underwriters led by GMP Securities L.P. and including RBC Dominion Securities Inc., M Partners Inc., Industrial Alliance Securities Inc., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Mackie Research Capital Corporation (collectively, the "Underwriters"). The Offering included the issue of 1,050,000 Common Shares at the offering price upon the exercise of the over-allotment option granted by the Company to the Underwriters under the Offering, which was fully exercised.
The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Offering towards accelerated exploration and development at the Company's Midas Mine, and exploration and development at its Fire Creek gold project.
About
Klondex
Mines
Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex is
focused on the exploration, development and production of its two high quality
gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central
Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from
the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been
producing gold and silver since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of
Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013 and
is in the process of obtaining the full mining permit. All major infrastructure
is in place at Fire Creek.
For
More
Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the Company's expected use of proceeds from the Offering, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’ s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Mines Karen Vein at Fire Creek Yields 7,300 Tons Containing 6,700 Au
Ounces from 2nd Quarter Bulk Sampling
Vancouver, BC July 30, 2014 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") today announced that the Fire Creek Gold Projects Karen Vein is now accessed from multiple levels, as part of its bulk sampling program. A total of 7,300 tons of mineralized material containing approximately 6,700 Au ounces were extracted during development of the 5360 and 5420 levels of the Karen Vein during 2Q2014. The average mined grade was 31.5 g/t (0.9 opt) Au over an average mining width of 3.0 m (9.9 ft) .
The Company developed 97 m (317 ft) along strike on the 5360 level during 2Q2014. The weighted average vein width on this level is 0.8 m (2.6 ft) with an average grade of 117.6 g/t (3.4 opt) Au. On a second level, approximately 18.3 m (60.0 ft) above, the company developed 93.0 m (306.0 ft) along strike on the 5420 level during 2Q2014. The average vein width on this level is 1.3 m (4.2 ft) with an average grade of 116.6 g/t (3.4 opt) Au. Channel samples from the Karen Vein, taken north and south of the 5360 and 5420 accesses, are summarized and detailed in Tables 1 and 2.
Brent Kristof, Klondex Chief Operating Officer stated, The Karen Vein provides Fire Creek a unique opportunity to expand the West Zone within existing infrastructure. We anticipate that by year-end we will have a new mineral resource estimate that will include up to date results from the Western Zone.
Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC is the Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150), who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Assays were analyzed by SGS Minerals Services of Elko, Nevada and Dave Francisco Assay Services of Fallon, Nevada (both independent laboratories), under Klondex staff supervision. For additional sampling parameters, please refer to the Fire Creek Preliminary Economic Assessment, as amended, which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR.
About
Klondex
Mines
Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is
focused on the exploration, development and production of its two high quality
gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central
Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from
the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted and has been
producing gold and silver since 1998. Fire Creek is located ~100 miles south of
Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program that began in 2013 and
is in the process of obtaining the full mining permit. All major infrastructure
is in place at Fire Creek.
For
More
Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas project by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration sampling activities and the timing of an updated mineral resource estimate at the Fire Creek project. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Mines Schedules Second Quarter 2014 Conference Call for Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Vancouver, BC July 29, 2014 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 10:00 am ET/7:00am PT to discuss second quarter results. Presenting on the call will be Paul Huet, President and CEO, and Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer. Present on the call will be Brent Kristof, Chief Operating Officer and Mike Doolin, VP Business Development and Technical Services.
The Company's second quarter 2014 results press release will be issued after market close on Tuesday, August 12, 2014.
The call can be accessed by dialing: +1 800-319-4610 (North America, toll-free), +1 416-915-3227 (Toronto and International) and +1 604-638-5340 (Outside of Canada and the US).
Registration is required for the call. Please dial in at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
A replay will be available until 11:59 pm on Saturday, September 13, 2014. The replay can be accessed by dialing international toll: +1 604-638-9010 or toll free from the US and Canada: +1 800-319-6413 and entering passcode: 3599, followed by the # sign.
About
Klondex
Mines
Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is
focused on the exploration, development and production of its two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of
north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is being mineralized
materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is
fully-permitted and has been producing gold and silver since 1998. Fire Creek is
located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling
program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek,
and Klondex is in the process of obtaining the full mining permit.
For
More
Information
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas project by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, the production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Mines Clarifies Technical Disclosure
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Vancouver, BC July 25, 2014 - As a result of a review by the British Columbia Securities Commission, Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") is issuing the following news release to clarify its disclosure with respect to the Company's Fire Creek project (the "Fire Creek Project") and its Midas mine and mill (the "Midas Project"). The Company advises that the clarified disclosure is being made in connection with its previously announced filing of a preliminary short form prospectus.
All non-compliant technical disclosure has been removed from the Company's website and social media pages controlled by the Company in respect of the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Project in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Specifically, the Company has removed from its website and from social media pages controlled by the Company a webcast presentation dated May 8, 2014 from the Denver Gold European Gold Forum (the "Webcast").
Midas Project
In the Webcast, the Company made certain statements regarding the "reserves remaining" at the Midas Project. These statements related to historical reserves, as disclosed in the technical report titled "Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada" , dated March 31, 2014 (effective January 31, 2014), as amended, prepared by Mark Odell, P.E. and Adam Knight, P.E. of Practical Mining LLC, Michele White, C.P.G. of All One River, LLC and Karl Swanson, M.Eng., SME, AusIMM, Independent Mining & Geological Consultant (the "Midas Report"). Readers are advised that the reserves the Webcast referred to comprise a historical estimate and that a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify such historical estimate as current mineral reserves. The Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral reserves. Further, statements made in the Webcast regarding operations underway at a "new high-grade ore pod" at the Midas Project represent management objectives and the Company hereby retracts the statement with respect to the economic viability of additional veins for which mineral resources have not been established in accordance with NI 43-101.
The Company notes that a production decision at the Midas mine was made by previous operators of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas Project by Klondex and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision made by the previous operator were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions."Readers are advised to refer to the full text of the Midas Report, which is available for review under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .
Fire Creek Project
Certain oral statements contained in the Webcast regarding the
"robustness" of the preliminary economic assessment in respect of the Fire Creek
Project (the "Fire Creek PEA") represented the opinion of management and were
not intended to suggest that there is certainty that the Fire Creek PEA will be
realized. The Company hereby retracts the oral statements made in its Webcast
presentation regarding the "de-risking" of the Fire Creek Project and reminds
readers that the Fire Creek PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred
mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the
economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized
as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the Fire Creek PEA will be
realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
The Company is in the process of updating the slide presentation relating to the Webcast to comply with the requirements of NI 43-101, including the requirements to (i) disclose categories of mineral resources at the Fire Creek Project separately, (ii) disclose the quantity and grade or quality of each category of mineral resources, and (iii) include a statement that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. For detailed information regarding mineral resources at the Fire Creek Project, readers are advised to refer to the full text of the Fire Creek PEA contained in the technical report titled "Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada" , dated June 13, 2014 (effective date of January 31, 2014), as amended, prepared by Mark Odell, P.E., Laura Symmes, SME and Sarah Bull, P.E. of Practical Mining LLC and Karl Swanson, M.Eng., SME, AusIMM, Independent Mining & Geological Consultant, which report is available for review under the Company's profile on SEDAR.
Readers are advised not to rely on retracted information, including information contained in the Webcast, to the extent that such information continues to be available in the public domain.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production
of its two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly
jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is
processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project.
Midas is fully-permitted and has been producing gold and silver since 1998. Fire
Creek is located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk
sampling program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at
Fire Creek, and Klondex is in the process of obtaining the full mining permit.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking
Information
This news release contains certain information that may
constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities
legislation. This forward-looking information entails various risks and
uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may
differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties
and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy;
the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which
mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the
degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable
are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and
the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and
operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully
discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities
regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are
urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could
differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Mines Reports Second Quarter 2014 Operational Results
Vancouver, BC July 16, 2014 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) is pleased to report preliminary selected operational results for the Companys second quarter ended June 30, 2014.
Klondex Mines Operational Results
2Q 2014 | 1Q 2014 | Total | |
Underground Operations | |||
Tons Mined | 54,659 | 22,370 | 77,029 |
Processing | |||
Tons Milled | 46,047 | 21,727 | 67,774 |
Au Ounces Recovered | 17,093 | 13,545 | 30,638 |
Ag Ounces Recovered | 325,018 | 158,372 | 483,390 |
Au Equivalent Ounces Recovered | 22,239 | 16,052 | 38,291 |
Au Ounces Sold | 20,293 | 3,369 | 23,662 |
Ag Ounces Sold | 343,025 | 58,053 | 401,078 |
Au Equivalent Ounces Sold | 25,724 | 4,288 | 30,012 |
Paul Huet, President and CEO commented, As we continued to ramp up our Nevada operations, our team delivered excellent results. Based on our first half operating results, we are on track to meet management's expectations in 2014. More importantly, we have a stronger balance sheet as cash and working capital increased at the end of 2Q2014, compared to 1Q2014. The recently announced bought deal financing, expected to close by July 31, 2014, will provide for development programs and accelerated exploration at Midas and Fire Creek.
Klondex will release its 2014 second quarter financial and operational results after market close on Tuesday August 12, 2014, and will hold a conference call on Wednesday August 13, 2014, at 10:30 AM EST. The Company invites you to participate in the upcoming conference call to discuss its second quarter financial and operating results for 2014.
A playback of the conference call will be available via the website and will be posted within 24 hours of the call.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production
of its two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly
jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1200 tpd milling facility is being
mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the Fire Creek Project. Midas is
fully-permitted and has been producing gold and silver since 1998. Fire Creek is
located ~100 miles south of Midas and is operating an ongoing bulk sampling
program that began in 2013. All major infrastructure is in place at Fire Creek,
and Klondex is in the process of obtaining the full mining permit.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
For More Information
Paul Huet
President &
CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas
mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the
acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this
production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves
demonstrating economic and technical viability
prepared in
accordance with NI 43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the
prior owner of the mine. Klondex has no reason to believe that the data on which
such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable.
However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher
risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production
decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may
constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities
legislation, including but not limited to the preliminary selected
operational results for the Companys second quarter ended June 30, 2014.
This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties
that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially
from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include,
but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold;
operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource
estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which
factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the
risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of
Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and
uncertainties about the
Companys business are more fully discussed in
the Companys disclosure materials filed wi
th the securities regulatory
authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read
these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking
information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such
information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
KLONDEX MINES LTD.
FORM 51
-
102F3
MATERIAL CHANGE REPORT
Item 1. Name and Address of Company:
Klondex Mines Ltd. ("
Klondex
")
Suite 600, 595 Howe
Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5
Item 2. Date of Material Change:
July 10, 2014
Item 3. News Release:
A news release with respect to the material change referred to in this report was issued by Klondex through Marketwired on July 10, 2014 and filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) on July 10, 2014.
Item 4. Summary of Material Change:
On July 10, 2014, Klondex entered into an agreement with GMP Securities L.P. (" GMP ") pursuant to which agreement GMP, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, the " Underwriters ") agreed to purchase, on a "bought deal" basis, 7,000,000 common shares (the " Common Shares ") of Klondex at a price of $2.00 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of Cdn$14 million (the " Offering "). In addition, Klondex has granted the Underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the Common Shares pursuant to the Offering, exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to the 30th day following the closing of the Offering.
Item 5. Full Description of Material Change:
On July 10, 2014, Klondex entered into an agreement with GMP pursuant to which agreement GMP, on behalf of the Underwriters, agreed to purchase, on a "bought deal" basis, 7,000,000 Common Shares at a price of Cdn$2.00 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of Cdn$14 million. In addition, Klondex has granted the Underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the Common Shares pursuant to the Offering, exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to the 30th day following the closing of the Offering.
The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used for the accelerated exploration and development at the Midas gold project and Fire Creek gold project and for working capital and general corporate purposes.
The Common Shares to be issued under the Offering will be offered by way of a short form prospectus to be filed in all of the provinces of Canada (other than the Province of Quebec) pursuant to National Instrument 44-101 Short Form Prospectus Distributions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
2
The Common Shares have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or applicable state securities laws, and the Common Shares may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.
The Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory and stock exchange approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about July 30, 2014.
Item 6. Reliance on Subsection 7.1(2) of National Instrument 51 - 102:
Not applicable.
Item 7. Omitted Information:
Not applicable.
Item 8. Executive Officer:
For further information, contact:
Barry Dahl
Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: (775)
284-5757 ext. 12
Item 9. Date of Report:
July 16, 2014
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Announces $14 Million Bought Deal Financing
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR RELEASE OVER U.S. NEWSWIRES
Vancouver, British Columbia July 10, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX:KDX) ("Klondex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by GMP Securities L.P. and including RBC Dominion Securities Inc., M Partners Inc., Industrial Alliance Securities Inc., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Mackie Research Capital Corporation (collectively, the Underwriters), which has agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis, 7,000,000 common shares (the Shares) of the Company at a price of C$2.00 per Share, for aggregate gross proceeds of C$14 million (the Offering). The Underwriters will also have the option, exercisable in whole or in part at any time up to 30 days after the closing of the Offering, to purchase up to an additional 1,050,000 Shares to cover the Underwriters' over-allotment position. In the event that the option is exercised in its entirety, the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering will be C$16,100,000.
The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used for the accelerated exploration and development at the Midas Gold project and Fire Creek gold project and for working capital and general corporate purposes.
The Shares will be offered by way of a short form prospectus to be filed in all of the provinces of Canada (other than the Province of Quebec) pursuant to National Instrument 44-101 Short Form Prospectus Distributions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The Shares have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or applicable state securities laws, and the Shares may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.
The Offering is expected to close on or about July 30, 2014. Closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions typical for a transaction of this nature and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.
About
Klondex
Mines
Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is
focused on the exploration, development and production of its high quality gold
and silver projects. The company is operating an ongoing bulk sampling
program at its Fire Creek gold project located in north central Nevada. Fire
Creek is in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with onsite power and mining
infrastructure, and near major producers. Midas, Klondex's newly acquired
operating mine and milling facility, is located 110 miles north of Fire
Creek.
Contact: | |
Paul Huet | Alison Tullis |
President & CEO | Manager, Investor Relations |
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
775-284-5757 | 647-233-4348 |
investors@klondexmines.com | atullis@klondexmines.com |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain information that may
constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. This
forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are
based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from
those contained in such information. These risks and uncertainties include, but
are not limited to, completion of the proposed Offering; the risks and hazards
associated with environmental compliance and permitting for its existing
underground operations; the strength of the global economy; the price of gold;
operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource
estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; and the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present. There is no assurance that the Offering will be completed, either on the terms proposed or at all. Risks and
uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these
materials. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
Klondex Mines Ltd. |
P RESS R ELEASE |
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | TSX SYMBOL: KDX |
July 10, 2014 | |
Toronto, Ontario |
Klondex Announces $14 Million Bought Deal Financing
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR RELEASE OVER U.S. NEWSWIRES
Vancouver, British Columbia July 10, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX:KDX) (" Klondex " or the " Company ") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by GMP Securities L.P. and including RBC Dominion Securities Inc., M Partners Inc., Industrial Alliance Securities Inc., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Mackie Research Capital Corporation (collectively, the Underwriters ), which has agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis, 7,000,000 common shares (the Shares ) of the Company at a price of C$2.00 per Share, for aggregate gross proceeds of C$14 million (the Offering ). The Underwriters will also have the option, exercisable in whole or in part at any time up to 30 days after the closing of the Offering, to purchase up to an additional 1,050,000 Shares to cover the Underwriters' over-allotment position. In the event that the option is exercised in its entirety, the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering will be C$16,100,000.
The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used for the accelerated exploration and development at the Midas Gold project and Fire Creek gold project and for working capital and general corporate purposes.
The Shares will be offered by way of a short form prospectus to be filed in all of the provinces of Canada (other than the Province of Quebec) pursuant to National Instrument 44-101 Short Form Prospectus Distributions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The Shares have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or applicable state securities laws, and the Shares may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.
The Offering is expected to close on or about July 30, 2014. Closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions typical for a transaction of this nature and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production of
its high quality gold and silver projects. The company is operating an ongoing
bulk sampling program at its Fire Creek gold project located in north central
Nevada. Fire Creek is in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with onsite power and
mining infrastructure, and near major producers. Midas, Klondex's newly acquired
operating mine and milling facility, is located 110 miles north of Fire Creek.
Contact: | |
Paul Huet | Alison Tullis |
President & CEO | Manager, Investor Relations |
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
775-284-5757 | 647-233-4348 |
investors@klondexmines.com | atullis@klondexmines.com |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, completion of the proposed Offering; the risks and hazards associated with environmental compliance and permitting for its existing underground operations; the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; and the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present. There is no assurance that the Offering will be completed, either on the terms proposed or at all. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Compan ys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Announces Results of Annual Meeting
Vancouver, BC June 18, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (" Klondex " or the " Company ") (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) is pleased to announce the results of its annual meeting of shareholders (the " Meeting ") held on June 17, 2014.
A total of 58,363,427 common shares were represented at the Meeting, representing 52.50% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. All matters presented for approval at the Meeting were duly authorized and approved, as follows:
(i) |
election of all management nominees to the board of directors of the Company; and |
|
(ii) |
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and authorization of the directors to fix their remuneration. |
Detailed voting results for the election of directors were as follows:
Name | Shares Voted For (By Proxy) | Shares Withheld (By Proxy) |
Renaud Adams | 47,619,463 | 69,340 |
Rodney Cooper | 47,931,668 | 69,240 |
James Haggarty | 47,930,668 | 70,240 |
Paul Huet | 47,931,668 | 69,240 |
William Matlack | 47,931,668 | 69,240 |
Blair Schultz | 47,922,168 | 78,740 |
Further details on the above matters, including the report of voting results thereon, are set forth in the Company Meeting materials accessible on the Corporation's SEDAR corporate profile page.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production
of its high quality gold and silver projects. The company is operating an
ongoing bulk sampling program at its Fire Creek gold project located in north
central Nevada. Fire Creek is in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with onsite
power and mining infrastructure, and near major producers. Midas, Klondex's
newly acquired operating mine and milling facility, is located 110 miles north
of Fire Creek.
For More Information
Paul Huet
President &
CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Forward-looking Information
This news release contains certain information that may
constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities
legislation. This forward-looking information entails various risks and
uncertainties are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ
materially from those contained in such information. These risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to the risks and hazards associated
with environmental compliance and permitting for its underground operations, the
strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and
liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective
of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a
mineral deposit commercially viable are present. Risks and uncertainties about
the Corporation's business are more fully discussed in the Corporation's
disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada
and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials.
Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to
update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless
required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Files Preliminary Economic Assessment in Connection with its Fire Creek Gold Project in Nevada
Vancouver, BC – June 13, 2014 – Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX or OTCQX: KLNDF) today announced that further to its news release dated April 29, 2014, Klondex’s independent Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) on its Fire Creek gold project, entitled “Preliminary Economic Assessment of Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada,” has been filed with SEDAR and is now available on the Klondex Mines website. Practical Mining LLC authored the PEA, dated June 13, 2014, with an effective date of January 31, 2014.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production of its high quality gold and silver projects. The company is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program at its Fire Creek gold project located in north central Nevada. Fire Creek is in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with onsite power and mining infrastructure, and near major producers. Midas, Klondex's newly acquired operating mine and milling facility, is located 110 miles north of Fire Creek.
For More Information
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration activities, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, project development and related permitting. This forward-looking information entail various risks and uncertainties, are based on current expectations, is subject to a number of uncertainties and risks, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold and silver; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Permits Water Management System at Fire
Creek
- Final Development Milestone Complete at Fire
Creek -
Vancouver, BC June 9, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX or OTCQX: KLNDF) is pleased to announce that it received the final permit for the Rapid Infiltration Basin (RIB) at the Fire Creek Project. The RIB is expected to be complete in third quarter of 2014. This is the final construction project for operations at Fire Creek and represents the projects long-term water management solution.
The Bureau of Land Management has issued a Determination of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Adequacy related to the RIB pipeline and infiltration basin. The RIB design infiltrates water that complies with State and Federal drinking water standards and discharges it into the ground.
Mike Doolin, Klondex Vice President Business Development commented, Construction of the RIB improves our water management at Fire Creek, resulting in more flexible operations. We are now focusing our attention on acquiring the environmental permits for full-production, expected in the second half of 2015.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex Mines is focused on the
exploration, development and production of its high quality gold and silver
projects. The company is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program at its Fire
Creek gold project located in north central Nevada. Fire Creek is in a
mining-friendly jurisdiction, with onsite power and mining infrastructure, and
near major producers. Midas, Klondex's newly acquired operating mine and milling
facility is located 110 miles north of Fire Creek.
For More Information
Paul Huet
President &
CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Forward-looking Information
This news release contains certain information that may
constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities
legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations
on the timing and success of exploration activities, the successful execution of
the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, project development
(including the timing and completion of the RIB construction at the Fire Creek
Project) and related permitting. This forward-looking information entail various
risks and uncertainties, are based on current expectations, is subject to a
number of uncertainties and risks, and actual results may differ materially from
those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but
are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold and
silver; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral
resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to
which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are
present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the
ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations.
Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in
the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory
authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read
these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking
information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such
information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Announces Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Vancouver, BC May 29, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its annual meeting of shareholders of the Company (the "Meeting") will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. (EDT) at Toronto Region Board of Trade Suite 350, 77 Adelaide St. West, Toronto, Ontario.
The shareholders of record as of May 5, 2014 will be entitled to vote on the election of directors and appointment of auditors at the Meeting, as more particularly described in the Company's management information circular dated May 9, 2014 (the "Circular"). A copy of the Circular is available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR and on the Company's website.
An open presentation will follow the Meeting. Interested parties unable to attend the Meeting can listen by using the conference call details provided below. The presentation slides will be made available on the homepage of the Klondex website prior to the Meeting.
Live Dial In: | |
Canada & USA Toll Free: | +1 800 319 4610 |
Toronto and International: | +1 416 915 3227 |
Outside of Canada & USA: | +1 604 638 5340 |
Conference Call Replay | |
Canada & USA Toll Free: | +1 800 319 6413 |
Outside Canada & USA: | +1 604 638 9010 |
Code: | 3599# |
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development and production of its
high quality gold and silver projects. The Company is operating an ongoing bulk
sampling program at its Fire Creek gold project located in north central Nevada.
Fire Creek is in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with onsite power and mining
infrastructure, and near major producers. Midas, Klondex's newly acquired
operating mine and milling facility are located ~100 miles north of Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking
Information
This news release contains certain information that
may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities
legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing of
certain events. This forward-looking information entails various risks and
uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may
differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are
not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold;
operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource
estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which
factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the
risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of
Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations
.
Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in
the Companys disclosur
e materials filed with the securities regulatory
authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read
these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking
information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such
information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Exploration Program Extends Joyce Vein and Vonnie Vein at Fire Creek
| 40.0 g/t (1.17 opt) Au over 1.49 m (4.9 ft) - FCU-0004 | |
| 12.8 g/t (0.37 opt) Au over 6.16 m (20.2 ft) - FCU-0008 | |
| 30.4 g/t (0.90 opt) Au over 2.47 m (8.1 ft) - FCU-0029 | |
| 158.7 g/t (4.63 opt) Au over 1.13 m (3.7 ft) --FCU-0049 | |
| 350.0 g/t (10.21 opt) Au over 0.70 m (2.3 ft) -- FCU-0050 |
Vancouver, BC May 21, 2014 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) today provides an update on recent underground infill and exploration drilling from its Fire Creek Project near Elko, Nevada. A total of 21 holes have been drilled to the east of the main decline in 2014 from the Joyce drifts (5400 and 5420 South), Spiral 2, and Diamond Drill Station (DDS) 6 ( See FIGURE 1 ).
A total of eight core holes were drilled east from multiple drill stations located in the Joyce 5400 South drift to test the southern extension of the Vonnie Vein. Drilling intersected the Vonnie Vein in seven of the eight drill holes. These holes suggest mineralization continues along the Vonnie Vein another 45.7 m (150 ft) to the south, and at depth 15.2 m (50 ft). Additional 2014 drilling is scheduled to the south of these intercepts to continue defining the southern extension of the Vonnie Vein.
Drilling east from DDS-6 continues to suggest continuity of mineralization along the Joyce Vein and the Vonnie Vein. The drilling intercepted significant mineralized material in seven of the eight drill holes. These drill holes infilled an area 45.7 m (150 ft) along strike and 53.3 m (175 ft) of vertical extent on the Joyce Vein. Additionally, the Joyce Vein widths demonstrate the potential to introduce long hole stoping, which could result in lower costs and more efficiency.
Brent Kristof, Klondex Chief Operating Officer, stated, "These drill results continue to unlock value at Fire Creek. The 2014 drilling program is intended to enhance our understanding of the epithermal mineralization while raising confidence in the resource categories. Fire Creek continues to add value to the Company with its high grades. Excavating an additional level provides a top cut access that may be used to set up long hole stoping as well as providing additional drilling platforms for exploration drilling.
Hole ID | Drill Stn | Azi | Dip | TD | From | To | Lth | From | To | Lth | Au Grade | Ag Grade | |||
(m) | (ft) | (m) | (ft) | (g/t) | (oz/st) | (g/t) | (oz/st) | ||||||||
FC14113U | DDS-6 | 106 | -57 | 115.8 | 380 | No Significant Results | |||||||||
FC14114U | DDS 6 | 106 | -38 | 121.0 | 397.0 | 52.3 | 53.6 | 1.34 | 171.6 | 176.0 | 4.4 | 4.27 | 0.125 | 1.7 | 0.050 |
And | 57.9 | 61.3 | 3.35 | 190.0 | 201.0 | 11.0 | 18.43 | 0.538 | 13.1 | 0.382 | |||||
Incl. | 57.9 | 58.6 | 0.67 | 190.0 | 192.2 | 2.2 | 66.80 | 1.949 | 18.6 | 0.543 | |||||
Incl. | 58.6 | 59.4 | 0.85 | 192.2 | 195 | 2.8 | 5.79 | 0.169 | 11.2 | 0.327 | |||||
Incl. | 59.4 | 59.7 | 0.27 | 195.0 | 195.9 | 0.9 | 12.95 | 0.378 | 18.0 | 0.525 | |||||
Incl. | 59.7 | 61.3 | 1.55 | 195.9 | 201.0 | 5.1 | 5.47 | 0.160 | 10.9 | 0.318 | |||||
And | 80.5 | 80.9 | 0.40 | 264.0 | 265.3 | 1.3 | 8.59 | 0.251 | 7.3 | 0.213 |
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
And | 95.1 | 95.9 | 0.82 | 312.0 | 314.7 | 2.7 | 4.42 | 0.129 | 3.7 | 0.108 | |||||
FCU-0004 | DDS 6 | 69 | -39 | 113.4 | 372.0 | 29.6 | 31.1 | 1.52 | 97.0 | 102.0 | 5.0 | 44.50 | 1.298 | 6.1 | 0.178 |
And | 42.2 | 43.7 | 1.49 | 138.5 | 143.4 | 4.9 | 40.01 | 1.167 | 38.4 | 1.119 | |||||
Incl. | 42.2 | 43.1 | 0.91 | 138.5 | 141.5 | 3.0 | 59.30 | 1.730 | 54.0 | 1.575 | |||||
Incl. | 43.1 | 43.4 | 0.30 | 141.5 | 142.5 | 1.0 | 7.19 | 0.210 | 8.0 | 0.233 | |||||
Incl. | 43.4 | 43.7 | 0.27 | 142.5 | 143.4 | 0.9 | 12.20 | 0.356 | 20.0 | 0.583 | |||||
And | 44.8 | 45.5 | 0.67 | 147.0 | 149.2 | 2.2 | 4.01 | 0.117 | 9.0 | 0.263 | |||||
And | 79.9 | 81.4 | 1.52 | 262.0 | 267 | 5.0 | 5.07 | 0.148 | 2.0 | 0.058 | |||||
FCU-0005 | DDS 6 | 85 | -48 | 122.5 | 402 | 54.3 | 54.4 | 0.12 | 178.0 | 178.4 | 0.4 | 42.2 | 1.231 | 26.8 | 0.782 |
And | 57.6 | 58.5 | 0.91 | 189.0 | 192.0 | 3.0 | 8.99 | 0.262 | 5.4 | 0.158 | |||||
FCU-0006 | DDS 6 | 89 | -38 | 145.7 | 478 | 45.4 | 46.6 | 1.22 | 149.0 | 153.0 | 4.0 | 7.38 | 0.215 | 6.9 | 0.200 |
Incl. | 45.4 | 46.0 | 0.61 | 149.0 | 151.0 | 2.0 | 11.50 | 0.335 | 6.3 | 0.184 | |||||
Incl. | 46.0 | 46.6 | 0.61 | 151.0 | 153.0 | 2.0 | 3.25 | 0.095 | 7.4 | 0.216 | |||||
And | 47.2 | 48.8 | 1.58 | 155.0 | 160.2 | 5.2 | 11.56 | 0.337 | 15.5 | 0.453 | |||||
Incl. | 47.2 | 48.0 | 0.79 | 155.0 | 157.6 | 2.6 | 5.33 | 0.155 | 10.2 | 0.298 | |||||
Incl. | 48.0 | 48.6 | 0.52 | 157.6 | 159.3 | 1.7 | 8.56 | 0.250 | 11.3 | 0.330 | |||||
Incl. | 48.6 | 48.8 | 0.27 | 159.3 | 160.2 | 0.9 | 35.20 | 1.027 | 38.9 | 1.135 | |||||
FCU-0008 | DDS 6 | 64.5 | 10 | 93.9 | 308 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 0.24 | 13.0 | 13.8 | 0.8 | 96.60 | 2.818 | 49.0 | 1.429 |
And | 10.8 | 11.0 | 0.15 | 35.5 | 36.0 | 0.5 | 14.45 | 0.422 | 13.0 | 0.379 | |||||
And | 32.4 | 38.6 | 6.16 | 106.3 | 126.5 | 20.2 | 12.80 | 0.373 | 12.1 | 0.353 | |||||
Incl. | 32.4 | 32.6 | 0.15 | 106.3 | 106.8 | 0.5 | 14.00 | 0.408 | 4.1 | 0.119 | |||||
Incl. | 36.4 | 36.6 | 0.27 | 119.3 | 120.2 | 0.9 | 27.60 | 0.805 | 48.0 | 1.400 | |||||
Incl. | 36.6 | 37.8 | 1.19 | 120.2 | 124.1 | 3.9 | 1.91 | 0.056 | 7.0 | 0.204 | |||||
Incl. | 37.8 | 38.0 | 0.21 | 124.1 | 124.8 | 0.7 | 247.00 | 7.205 | 186.0 | 5.426 | |||||
Incl. | 38.9 | 38.6 | 0.52 | 124.8 | 126.5 | 1.7 | 3.85 | 0.112 | 8.0 | 0.233 | |||||
And | 78.9 | 79.6 | 0.61 | 259.0 | 261.0 | 2.0 | 4.88 | 0.142 | 10.3 | 0.299 | |||||
FCU-0009 | DDS 6 | 64.5 | 20 | 70.1 | 230 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 0.34 | 14.1 | 15.2 | 1.1 | 30.6 | 0.893 | 19.0 | 0.554 |
And | 11.3 | 11.6 | 0.30 | 37.0 | 38.0 | 1.0 | 4.65 | 0.136 | 5.5 | 0.160 | |||||
And | 14.0 | 15.1 | 1.10 | 46.0 | 49.6 | 3.6 | 5.96 | 0.174 | 10.0 | 0.292 | |||||
Incl. | 14.0 | 14.6 | 0.61 | 46.0 | 48.0 | 2.0 | 1.13 | 0.033 | 6.0 | 0.175 | |||||
Incl. | 14.6 | 15.1 | 0.49 | 48.0 | 49.6 | 1.6 | 12.0 | 0.350 | 15.0 | 0.438 | |||||
And | 17.1 | 19.5 | 2.44 | 56.0 | 64.0 | 8.0 | 4.09 | 0.119 | 8.8 | 0.256 | |||||
Incl. | 17.1 | 17.7 | 0.61 | 56.0 | 58.0 | 2.0 | 2.37 | 0.069 | 6.0 | 0.175 | |||||
Incl. | 17.7 | 18.4 | 0.76 | 58.0 | 60.5 | 2.5 | 3.36 | 0.098 | 8.0 | 0.233 | |||||
Incl. | 18.4 | 19.0 | 0.52 | 60.5 | 62.2 | 1.7 | 4.26 | 0.124 | 13.0 | 0.379 | |||||
Incl. | 19.0 | 19.5 | 0.55 | 62.2 | 64.0 | 1.8 | 6.84 | 0.200 | 9.0 | 0.263 | |||||
And | 24.9 | 25.5 | 0.58 | 81.6 | 83.5 | 1.9 | 4.37 | 0.127 | 6.0 | 0.175 | |||||
And | 36.3 | 37.5 | 1.22 | 119.0 | 123.0 | 4.0 | 8.83 | 0.258 | 16.1 | 0.470 | |||||
Incl. | 36.3 | 36.7 | 0.40 | 119.0 | 120.3 | 1.3 | 25.0 | 0.729 | 35.0 | 1.021 | |||||
Incl. | 36.7 | 37.5 | 0.82 | 120.3 | 123.0 | 2.7 | 1.05 | 0.031 | 7.0 | 0.204 | |||||
FCU-0029 | DDS 6 | 82 | 10 | 95.9 | 314.5 | 17.3 | 17.7 | 0.37 | 56.8 | 58.0 | 1.2 | 948.00 | 27.653 | 409.0 | 11.931 |
And | 28.3 | 34.4 | 6.1 | 93.0 | 113.0 | 20.0 | 5.81 | 0.169 | 1.8 | 0.054 | |||||
Incl. | 28.3 | 29.9 | 1.52 | 93.0 | 98.0 | 5.0 | 3.43 | 0.100 | 3.9 | 0.114 | |||||
Incl. | 29.9 | 31.4 | 1.52 | 98.0 | 103.0 | 5.0 | 6.13 | 0.179 | 1.3 | 0.038 |
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Incl. | 31.4 | 32.9 | 1.52 | 103.0 | 108.0 | 5.0 | 5.69 | 0.166 | 0.3 | 0.007 | |||||
Incl. | 32.9 | 34.4 | 1.52 | 108.0 | 113.0 | 5.0 | 7.99 | 0.233 | 1.9 | 0.055 | |||||
And | 36.0 | 38.4 | 2.47 | 118.0 | 126.1 | 8.1 | 30.41 | 0.887 | 25.2 | 0.735 | |||||
Incl. | 36.0 | 37.1 | 1.16 | 118.0 | 121.8 | 3.8 | 4.47 | 0.13 | 2.5 | 0.073 | |||||
Incl. | 37.1 | 37.4 | 0.24 | 121.8 | 122.6 | 0.8 | 36.6 | 1.068 | 51.0 | 1.488 | |||||
Incl. | 37.6 | 37.7 | 0.15 | 123.2 | 123.7 | 0.5 | 26.6 | 0.776 | 34.0 | 0.992 | |||||
Incl. | 37.7 | 38.4 | 0.73 | 123.7 | 126.1 | 2.4 | 77.80 | 2.269 | 57.0 | 1.663 | |||||
And | 72.2 | 72.5 | 0.37 | 236.8 | 238.0 | 1.2 | 21.70 | 0.633 | 14.4 | 0.420 | |||||
FCU-0047 | Joyce South Drift | 77 | -30 | 57.9 | 190 | 24.5 | 24.8 | 0.30 | 80.5 | 81.5 | 1.0 | 439.00 | 12.806 | 347.0 | 10.122 |
And | 31.6 | 31.8 | 0.21 | 103.7 | 104.4 | 0.7 | 5.41 | 0.158 | 3.7 | 0.108 | |||||
FCU-0048 | Joyce South Drift | 75 | -16 | 57.9 | 190 | 22.2 | 22.3 | 0.12 | 72.8 | 73.2 | 0.4 | 256.00 | 7.468 | 189.0 | 5.513 |
And | 25.9 | 26.6 | 0.67 | 85.0 | 87.2 | 2.2 | 15.56 | 0.454 | 13.9 | 0.406 | |||||
Incl. | 25.9 | 26.2 | 0.30 | 85.0 | 86.0 | 1.0 | 7.84 | 0.229 | 7.0 | 0.204 | |||||
Incl. | 26.2 | 26.6 | 0.37 | 86.0 | 87.2 | 1.2 | 22.0 | 0.642 | 19.7 | 0.575 | |||||
FCU-0049 | Joyce South Drift | 75 | -40 | 73.2 | 240 | 26.3 | 27.4 | 1.13 | 86.3 | 90.0 | 3.7 | 158.69 | 4.629 | 122.4 | 3.573 |
Incl. | 26.3 | 26.7 | 0.40 | 86.3 | 87.6 | 1.3 | 448.00 | 13.068 | 346.0 | 10.093 | |||||
Incl. | 26.7 | 27.4 | 0.73 | 87.6 | 90.0 | 2.4 | 1.99 | 0.058 | 1.4 | 0.041 | |||||
FCU-0050 | Joyce South Drift | 102 | -36 | 76.2 | 250 | 24.6 | 25.3 | 0.70 | 80.7 | 83.0 | 2.3 | 350.00 | 10.210 | 218.0 | 6.359 |
And | 27.8 | 29.1 | 1.31 | 91.2 | 95.5 | 4.3 | 12.47 | 0.364 | 12.0 | 0.350 | |||||
Incl. | 27.8 | 28.3 | 0.55 | 91.2 | 93.0 | 1.8 | 16.6 | 0.484 | 18.0 | 0.525 | |||||
Incl. | 28.3 | 28.5 | 0.18 | 93.0 | 93.6 | 0.6 | 12.25 | 0.357 | 13.0 | 0.379 | |||||
Incl. | 28.5 | 29.1 | 0.58 | 93.6 | 95.5 | 1.9 | 8.62 | 0.251 | 6.0 | 0.175 | |||||
FCU-0051 | Joyce South Drift | 93 | 3 | 57.9 | 190 | 40.1 | 41.1 | 1.10 | 131.4 | 135.0 | 3.6 | 5.75 | 0.168 | 5.6 | 0.163 |
Incl. | 40.1 | 40.6 | 0.52 | 131.4 | 133.1 | 1.7 | 5.51 | 0.161 | 7.9 | 0.230 | |||||
Incl. | 40.6 | 41.1 | 0.58 | 133.1 | 135.0 | 1.9 | 5.96 | 0.174 | 3.5 | 0.102 | |||||
FCU-0053 | Joyce South Drift | No Significant Results | |||||||||||||
FCU-0054 | Joyce South Drift | 114 | -7 | 76.2 | 250 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 0.27 | 20.8 | 21.7 | 0.9 | 3.55 | 0.104 | 2.5 | 0.073 |
And | 19.8 | 20.6 | 0.82 | 65.0 | 67.7 | 2.7 | 5.12 | 0.149 | 7.7 | 0.224 | |||||
Incl. | 19.8 | 20.4 | 0.58 | 65.0 | 66.9 | 1.9 | 1.78 | 0.052 | 2.5 | 0.073 | |||||
Incl. | 20.4 | 20.6 | 0.24 | 66.9 | 67.7 | 0.8 | 13.05 | 0.381 | 20.0 | 0.583 | |||||
FCU-0055 | Joyce South Drift | 95 | 2 | 77.7 | 255 | 18.0 | 18.3 | 0.3 | 59.0 | 60.0 | 1.0 | 4.66 | 0.136 | 30.0 | 0.875 |
FCU-0087 | Joyce 5420 Drift | 66 | -2 | 45.7 | 150 | 13.2 | 13.7 | 0.52 | 43.3 | 45.0 | 1.7 | 10.25 | 0.299 | 9.5 | 0.277 |
And | 20.8 | 21.1 | 0.27 | 68.2 | 69.1 | 0.9 | 7.12 | 0.208 | 5.4 | 0.158 | |||||
And | 30.5 | 32.0 | 1.52 | 100.0 | 105.0 | 5.0 | 6.83 | 0.199 | 6.2 | 0.181 | |||||
And | 41.0 | 42.0 | 1.01 | 134.5 | 137.8 | 3.3 | 4.23 | 0.123 | 7.8 | 0.228 | |||||
FCU-0088 |
Joyce
5420
Drift |
No Significant Results |
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
FCU-0094 | Spiral 2 | 62 | -18 | 45.7 | 150 | 39.3 | 39.8 | 0.52 | 128.9 | 130.6 | 1.7 | 4.16 | 0.121 | 3.2 | 0.093 |
FCU-0095 | Spiral 2 | 65 | 33 | 45.7 | 150 | 19.7 | 20.3 | 0.64 | 64.5 | 66.6 | 2.1 | 10.30 | 0.300 | 2.5 | 0.073 |
And | 30.1 | 31.2 | 1.04 | 98.8 | 102.2 | 3.4 | 23.50 | 0.685 | 28.0 | 0.817 | |||||
FCU-0096 | Spiral 2 | No Significant Results |
Note: True widths are not yet known.
The technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC, an Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150) for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Assays were performed by ALS Chemex of Elko, Nevada (an independent laboratory), as directed under the supervision of Klondex staff.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production
of its high quality gold and silver projects. The Company is operating an
ongoing bulk sampling program at its Fire Creek gold project located in north
central Nevada. Fire Creek is in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with onsite
power and mining infrastructure, and near major producers. Midas, Klondex's
newly acquired operating mine and milling facility are located ~100 miles north
of Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas
mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the
acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this
production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves
demonstrating economic and technical viability
prepared in
accordance with NI 43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the
prior owner of the mine. Klondex has no reason to believe that the data on which
such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable.
However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher
risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production
decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the timing and success of exploration drilling activities. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Reports Incident at Midas Mine
Vancouver, BC May 16, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") regrets to announce an employee at its Midas mine in Northern Nevada was recently found unconscious and unresponsive in a working underground heading. Emergency response was immediately dispatched, and the employee was transported to the hospital for advanced care where he was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.
The Company notified the regulatory agencies, and an investigation has been initiated. At this point in time, the cause of the incident has yet to be determined "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this tragic event", said Paul Huet, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. "We are working closely with the regulators and the authorities to determine the cause of the incident. The health and safety of our employees and contractors is our highest priority."
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Corrects Typographical Error in Interim Financial Statements
Vancouver, BC – May 13, 2014 – Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) (“Klondex” or the “Company”) has re-filed its condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (the "Financial Statements") filed on SEDAR earlier today to correct a typographical error regarding the comprehensive income for the period ended March 31, 2014, as stated in the condensed consolidated interim statement of comprehensive (loss) income.
The comprehensive income for the period ended March 31, 2014 was incorrectly stated in the condensed consolidated interim statement of comprehensive (loss) income on page 5 of the Financial Statements as "(1,101,386)". The re-filed Financial Statements have been corrected to include the corrected figure of "1,101,386" for the comprehensive income for the three month period ended March 31, 2014.
The Company's corrected condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 have been filed under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex is focused on becoming a leading integrated gold producer. It is focused on the production, development and exploration of its high quality gold and silver projects, including its central 1200 tpd mill in North Central Nevada. The Company is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program at Fire Creek, and is producing gold and silver on an ongoing basis from the Midas Project, located ~100 miles north of Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Announces First Quarter 2014 Results
• Reports 16,052 AuEq ounces recovered
• Successfully integrates Midas mine and mill into Company operations
Vancouver, BC – May 13, 2014 – Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex" or the "Company") today announces it has filed its unaudited consolidated financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2014. In the first quarter 2014, the Company realized revenue from sales of precious metals for the first time in its history through its income statement. Klondex’s full financial results for the first quarter are available on SEDAR, at www.sedar.com, and also have been posted on the Company’s web site at www.klondexmines.com. Dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. A conference call will be held tomorrow at 10:30 am EST; details are at the bottom of this press release.
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO, stated, “In the first quarter, we made significant progress with our strategy to build Klondex into a leading integrated precious metals producer. In February, we acquired and successfully integrated the Midas mine and mill into Klondex’s operations, providing a strong platform for growth and creating value for our shareholders. We are pleased with the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill and remain on track to achieve free cash flows this year, and to process 43,500 AuEq ounces from Fire Creek in 2014, as set out in our recently announced independent preliminary economic assessment, in addition to production from the Midas mine.”
First Quarter Highlights | ||
Units | Q1 2014 | |
Gold equivalent production | Ounces | 16,052 |
Total mineralized material mined | Tons | 22,370 |
Recovery | Au | 94.5% |
Recovery | Ag | 94.3% |
Revenue | $ | 2,626,573 |
Net Income (loss) | $ | (2,411,623) |
Cash | $ | 7,638,711 |
Working Capital | $ | 2,054,260 |
The table below summarizes the activity for the first quarter of 2014:
Gold Equivalent Ounces | |
Recovered | 16,052 |
Distribution of produced ounces | |
Fire Creek revenue (sold) applied to mineral properties | 2,438 |
Midas revenue (sold) | 1,849 |
Finished goods, dore & refined metal | 9,148 |
Work-in-process | 2,617 |
Total | 16,052 |
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Financial Highlights
For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company received payment of $3.3 million (US$3.0 million) from the sale of 2,439 ounces of gold delivered to the Midas mill in 2013. This amount was reported as sale of mineralized material and credited to the carrying value of Fire Creek mineral properties. The Company also sold 930 ounces of gold and 58,053 ounces of silver from Midas that were recorded as revenue. At March 31, 2014, the Company had finished goods and work-in-process inventory of 11,765 gold equivalent ounces which we anticipate will generate approximately $15 million in cash flow for use in operations. Subsequent to the quarter, in early April, the Company recorded revenue and received payment of US$8.7 million for 6,620 ounces of gold sold under Fire Creek’s gold supply agreement for its March refined gold production.
The production costs for the quarter were $1.7 million or $906 per gold equivalent ounce. Production costs per gold equivalent ounce is a non-IFRS measure and is discussed below. The depreciation and depletion costs were $1.7 million. The gross profit was $0.7 million.
General and administrative expenses in the quarter were $2.2 million (2013 Q1 - $1.0 million). The increase in general and administrative expenses was mainly due to an increase in employee and sharebased compensation (principally for additional personnel), legal and regulatory expenses and other general expenses associated with the growth of the Company from an exploration stage company to one with two producing properties. The Company recognized $1.9 million in business acquisition costs from the purchase on the Midas mine and mill from Newmont, a $0.6 million gain on the fair value of a derivative related to a gold supply agreement and $1.5 million in finance charges principally related to financing agreements entered into for the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill.
The Midas Project
After entering into a stock purchase agreement in December 2013 with Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newmont USA Limited, Klondex Holdings USA Inc., a whollyowned subsidiary of the Company, acquired the Midas mine and mill on February 11, 2014. The purchase price of the acquisition was approximately US$55 million in cash and the issuance by the Company to Newmont USA of 5 million warrants to purchase common shares of Klondex at an exercise price of $2.15, with a 15-year term, which are subject to acceleration in certain circumstances. The Company was also required to deposit approximately $28 million for reclamation bonds to replace Newmont USA’s surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities. In addition, the Company paid approximately US$3 million for a mining tax which was associated with the acquired company.
The acquisition was funded by a three-part financing consisting of a $42.6 million subscription receipt equity financing, a $25 million debt financing and a US$35 million gold purchase agreement and royalty from Franco-Nevada Corporation. The 2.5% royalty to Franco-Nevada will begin in 2019, after the gold under the gold purchase agreement is delivered.
Midas Mine
Mineral and waste development at Midas totaled 334 m (1,098 ft) and 268 m (880 ft), respectively, in the first quarter of 2014. The Company extracted a total of 16,145 tons of mineralized material containing 1,945 ozs Au and 182,622 ozs Ag in the quarter.
Midas Mill
The Company’s Midas mill started operations on February 19, 2014. During the last five weeks of the quarter, the mill processed 13,961 tons of Midas material containing 1,726 ozs Au and 157,918 ozs Ag, and 7,766 tons of Fire Creek material containing 10,027 ozs Au and 10,027 ozs Ag.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Gold and silver recoveries achieved for the quarter were 94.5% and 94.3%, respectively. Total metal recovered from both the Fire Creek and Midas operations was 13,545 ozs Au and 158,372 ozs Ag, for a total of 16,052 ozs AuEq (63 ounces of silver :1 ounce of gold).
Subsequent to the quarter, Klondex signed a toll milling agreement with French Gulch Mining Corporation to process gravity concentrates from the Washington Mine in California. The Company is currently in discussions with other groups for additional toll milling agreements.
Permitting
Required production permits at Midas have been maintained since operations began in 1998. Klondex has begun to assess the options for permitting a new tailings impoundment or expanding the current tailings.
Exploration
The Company has initiated exploration drilling and underground mining in the 7-4640 South area of the Midas Mine. The Company began an underground exploration drilling program at Midas, in March of 2014, to develop the southern portion of the eastern veins. A total of 3,702 m (12,179 ft) of underground drilling was completed during the first quarter, with assays expected in the second quarter 2014.
Fire Creek Project
The Company continues to transition the Fire Creek Exploration Project into a fully-permitted operation in 2015. Subsequent to the quarter, Klondex announced the results of an independent Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) for its wholly-owned Fire Creek project (“Fire Creek” or the “Project”) near Elko, Nevada, including expected all-in sustaining cash costs of $636/oz Gold (see press release dated April 29, 2014).
The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Operations
The current bulk sampling program is expected to continue throughout 2014, to evaluate mining methods and the metallurgical characteristics of the Fire Creek material. Mineral and waste development at the Fire Creek Project totaled 139 m (457 ft) and 189 m (621 ft), respectively in the first quarter of 2014. A total of 66 m (218 ft) and 73 m (239 ft) of mineral development was completed on the Joyce Vein and Vonnie Vein, respectively, in the quarter. The Company extracted a total of 6,225 tons of mineralized material, containing 6,244 ozs Au and 7,393 ozs Ag in the quarter.
Subsequent to the quarter, Klondex announced that it began initial drifting at Fire Creek Project on the newly discovered Karen Vein, located 45.7 m (150 ft) west of the main decline, parallel to the Joyce Vein and Vonnie Vein. As of May 5, 2014, 25 m (82 ft) of exploration development had been completed along strike of the Karen Vein. The weighted average grade of samples from the Karen Vein was 74.9 g/t (2.18 opt) Au with an average width of 0.5 m (1.5 ft) (May 5, 2014).
Permitting
Currently, Klondex is operating Fire Creek under a small scale mining permit which allows for the extraction of up to 120,000 tons of mineralized material over a three year period. During the quarter, full-production baseline investigations and data collection continued.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
The Rapid Infiltration Basins are expected to be permitted and constructed during Q2 2014. The completion of the RIB will mark the final construction project at Fire Creek.
Exploration
The Company continued underground infill drilling during the first quarter of 2014, testing the continuity and extent of the Joyce Vein and Vonnie Vein. In addition, underground drilling to test the West Zone was completed from existing infrastructure. Assays were announced May 5, 2014. A total of 2,788 m (9,171 ft) of underground drilling was conducted in the first quarter.
The Fire Creek project continues to indicate the potential for exploration upside, with exploration totaling only 7% of the total land position. Klondex plans to fund a $5 million infill and exploration drilling program with cash from operations.
Conference Call
Klondex will host a conference call on Wednesday May 14, 2014 at 10:30 am EST with representatives from senior management, to discuss the results of the quarter and the recent Fire Creek preliminary economic assessment.
Dial in numbers are as follows:
Canada and US: 1-800-319-7310
Toronto and International: +1-416-915-3227
Passcode: 42231#
Non-IFRS Measures
The Company has included a non-IFRS measure for “Production costs per gold equivalent ounce” in this management’s discussion and analysis, dated May 12, 2014, related to its financial statements which are presented in accordance with IFRS. Management believes that this measure provides investors with an improved ability to evaluate the performance of the Company. Non-IFRS measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. Therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The following table provides a reconciliation of production per the financial statements to cash cost per gold ounce sold:
Three months ended | March 31, 2104 |
Production costs | $1,675,071 |
Gold equivalent ounces | 1,849 |
Production costs per gold equivalent ounce | $906 |
Qualified Person
The technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Odell (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150) for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Odell is considered an Independent Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43- 101.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex Mines is focused on becoming a leading integrated gold producer. It is focused on the production, development and exploration of its high quality gold and silver projects, including its central 1200 tpd mill in North Central Nevada. The Company is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program at Fire Creek, and is producing gold and silver on an ongoing basis from the Midas Project, located ~100 miles north of Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the mine. Klondex has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration sampling activities, the timing and success of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, the final mine design and timing of receipt of the determination for full production at the Fire Creek Project, the timing and success of mining operations, the capacity of the Midas mill and processing of mineralized material at the mill, the expansion of the tailings capacity at Midas. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Mines Begins Drifting on new Karen Vein
at Fire Creek;
Average of 74.9 g/t (2.18 opt)
Gold over 25 m (82 ft) of Strike Length
Vancouver, BC May 5, 2014 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) (Klondex or the Company) today announced that it began initial drifting at its Fire Creek Project on the Karen Vein, located 45.7 m (150 ft) west of the main decline, parallel to the Joyce Vein and Vonnie Vein. This structure is one of the western veins initially discovered in 2013 during development work on the secondary egress. In addition, nine drill holes were drilled to the west of the decline with the intent to define and extend the Karen Vein and test for additional paralleling structures in this zone ( Figure 1 ).
To date, 25 m (82 ft) of exploration development has been completed along strike of the Karen Vein. The weighted average grade of samples from the Karen Vein is 74.9 g/t (2.18 opt) Au with an average width of 0.5 m (1.5 ft). This information was derived from face samples ranging from 4.6 g/t (0.14 opt) Au to 176.5 g/t (5.1 opt) Au. Channel samples from the Karen Vein, taken north and south of the 5360 access, are summarized and detailed in Table 1.
Brent Kristof, Klondex Mines COO, commented, "This is very encouraging news for Fire Creek because it is further evidence of the assets considerable potential and a classic example of how additional mineralization is typically discovered during underground development in these epithermal vein systems. These initial results further support our theory that Fire Creek is under drilled. The addition of the Karen Vein provides us additional flexibility to execute the 2014 mine plan. At this stage, we do not know how many ounces will result but are encouraged by the fact that a mineralized vein is visible on the North and South Faces ( Figure 2 ). We will continue to extend the drift along strike while our drills define the vertical extensions.
Mr. Kristof continued, The Karen Vein has the potential to add to our current mineral resource estimate. We are in the process of planning an infill drilling program around the Karen Vein designed to extend the vein both along strike, north and south, and up and down dip. We expect that by year-end we will have an updated mineral resource estimate for Fire Creek that will include more of this western zone.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
A total of six underground exploration drill holes from Muck Bay 5 (MB5) and three infill drill holes from the Main Decline to the west have defined and expanded the Karen Vein. Mineralization of the Karen Vein is consistent with the first intercept of FC-12-120U ( January 20, 2014). Infill drilling from the Main Decline has increased our confidence in the vertical extent of the Karen Vein 45.7 m (150 ft) below and 10.7 m (35 ft) above the Main Decline. Previously drilled surface holes, underground drill holes and underground development suggests the Karen Vein can possibly extend at least 548.6 m (1800 ft) to the north and 106.7 m (350 ft) to the south along strike from MB5. Table 2 below shows the significant results of these drill holes.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Au cutoff 3.43 g/t (0.1 opt) for diluted grade
Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC, an independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150) for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, reviewed and approved the contents of this press release.
Face sample assays were analyzed by SGS Minerals Services and drill core assays were analyzed by ALS Chemex of Elko, Nevada (independent laboratories), under Klondex staff supervision. For additional sampling parameters, please refer to the press release dated September 30, 2013.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production
of its high quality gold and silver projects. The Company is operating an
ongoing bulk sampling program at its Fire Creek gold project located in north
central Nevada. Fire Creek is in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with onsite
power and mining infrastructure, and near major producers. Midas, Klondex's
newly acquired operating mine and milling facility are located ~100 miles north
of Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas
mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the
acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this
production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves
demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI
43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the
mine. Klondex has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were
based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are
cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and
technical failure associated with such production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration sampling activities, the timing and success of mining operations and timing of an updated mineral resource estimate at the Fire Creek Project. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Announces Fire Creek PEA Results, including All-in Sustaining Cash Costs of $636/oz Gold
Vancouver, BC April 29, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) (Klondex or the Company) is pleased to announce the results of an independent Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its wholly-owned Fire Creek Exploration Project (Fire Creek or the Project) near Elko, Nevada. The PEA was prepared by Practical Mining, LLC (PM). All figures are quoted in US dollars. The technical report associated with the PEA will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days.
Note: The IRR could not be calculated because the cash flow is positive in the first year and every succeeding year of the project.
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO stated, The Fire Creek PEA represents a significant and encouraging milestone for Klondex. The PEA details an initial mine plan with immediate positive cash flows that have the potential to remain economic in low gold price environments. We believe Fire Creek is a unique project, and what sets it apart are the gold grades, short path to production, and the substantial exploration upside. The PEA establishes that our mining operation has the potential to be the cornerstone for our growth for many years.
He continued, Drilling in the past few years has been constrained to surface and infill drilling for definition, within 7% of our land package. This year, we have allocated $9mm for waste development and new drilling platforms to test new extensions of our current veins and the potential for new discoveries, particularly to the West and North Zones.
Assuming an average gold and silver price of $1,250 and $18 per ounce, respectively, Fire Creek has an estimated $157.3 mm after-tax cash flow, a $141.5mm after-tax net present value (NPV) at a 5% discount rate and a $128.3 mm after-tax NPV at a 10% discount rate. The PEA cash flow is presented at the project level and does not include obligations for servicing corporate debt.
The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral
resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic
considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as
mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment
will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Mineral Resources
The PEA is based on a mineral resource estimate with an effective date of December 31, 2013. The Fire Creek database used for the mineral resource estimate includes 408 drill holes totaling over 133,000 m (437,000 ft) and 1,120 channel and face samples and is reflective of underground development work at Fire Creek during 2013 resulting in the processing of 8,007 tons of mineralized material.
The PEA provides a basis to estimate project operating and capital costs and establish a projection of the potential mineable mineral resources including measured, indicated and inferred categories in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. The mineral resource estimate which forms the basis of the PEA is as follows, at a 0.225 opt Au cut-off grade:
Measured | Indicated | |||||||||
Cont. | Cont. | Cont. | Cont. | |||||||
Cut-off | Gold | Silver | Gold | Silver | ||||||
Grade | Tons | Gold | Silver | (000's | (000's | Tons | Gold | Silver | (000's | (000's |
(opt) | (000's) | (opt) | (opt) | oz) | oz) | (000's) | (opt) | (opt) | oz) | oz) |
0.15 | 22 | 1.67 | 1.08 | 37 | 24 | 308 | 0.85 | 0.64 | 263 | 197 |
0.20 | 22 | 1.68 | 1.09 | 37 | 24 | 248 | 1.02 | 0.73 | 253 | 180 |
0.225 | 22 | 1.68 | 1.09 | 37 | 24 | 213 | 1.16 | 0.80 | 246 | 171 |
0.25 | 22 | 1.68 | 1.09 | 37 | 24 | 200 | 1.22 | 0.83 | 244 | 166 |
0.30 | 22 | 1.69 | 1.10 | 37 | 24 | 175 | 1.36 | 0.88 | 237 | 154 |
Measured and Indicated | Inferred | |||||||||
Cont. | Cont. | Cont. | Cont. | |||||||
Cut-off | Gold | Silver | Gold | Silver | ||||||
Grade | Tons | Gold | Silver | (000's | (000's | Tons | Gold | Silver | (000's | (000's |
(opt) | (000's) | (opt) | (opt) | oz) | oz) | (000's) | (opt) | (opt) | oz) | oz) |
0.15 | 331 | 0.91 | 0.67 | 300 | 221 | 904 | 0.52 | 0.37 | 470 | 334 |
0.20 | 270 | 1.08 | 0.76 | 290 | 204 | 705 | 0.62 | 0.42 | 439 | 299 |
0.225 | 235 | 1.21 | 0.83 | 284 | 195 | 627 | 0.68 | 0.45 | 424 | 281 |
0.25 | 222 | 1.26 | 0.85 | 281 | 190 | 576 | 0.72 | 0.47 | 413 | 269 |
0.30 | 197 | 1.40 | 0.91 | 275 | 178 | 473 | 0.82 | 0.50 | 387 | 236 |
1. |
Notes: Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. |
2. |
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there is insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading such inferred mineral resources to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. |
3. |
Mineral resources have been estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.225 opt (7.7 g/t) calculated with a $1,250 per ounce gold price, $18 per ounce silver price 94% gold recovery and 92% silver recovery mineral resources include allowances of 5% mining losses and 10% dilution. |
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Mine Planning
The Fire Creek mine plan assumes that a total of 439,000 tons of material containing 297,300 ounces of gold and 150,800 ounces of silver will be mined over the five year period. Key projected production statistics are summarized below.
The Fire Creek PEA mine plan only includes mineral resources within the veins which can be readily accessed from the existing development platform. The majority of mineral resources in the North Zone and all of the mineral resources in the Far North Zone were not considered in the current mine plan due to the mine development requirements for these zones. As additional exploration information is gained, the mine plan may be extended to the north to include these mineral resources.
Additionally, some of the mineral resources near the current development platform are contained in veins of insufficient width to meet cut-off grades when minimum mining widths are applied. Alternative mining methods which reduce dilution and/or development requirements should be investigated for the extraction of these mineral resources.
Underground Mining
The proposed mining methods for Fire Creek will be any one or more of the following: end slice stoping with delayed backfill, also referred to as long hole stoping; cut and fill stoping; and shrinkage stoping. The final choice of mining method will depend upon the geometry of the stope block, proximity to main access ramps, ventilation and escape routes, the relative strength or weakness of the mineral resources and adjacent wall rock, and finally the value or grade of the mineral resources. The choice of mining method for individual stoping areas will not be made until stope delineation and definition drilling is completed.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Metallurgy & Processing
Mined material from Fire Creek will be shipped to Klondexs Midas Mill for processing. The Fire Creek material will be blended with the Midas material prior to milling.
The Midas Mill was constructed in 1997 and has a nameplate capacity of 1,200 short tons per day. The mill uses conventional leach technology with counter current decantation followed by Merrill Crowe precipitation. Doré is further refined at Johnson Matthey refineries in Utah. Process toll milling has been performed periodically since 2008. Historically, the gold recovery has ranged from 92% to 97%, and silver recovery from 87% to 93%, depending upon processing rates and ore types. Mill availability for the life of the project is estimated at 95%.
Klondex began operating the Midas Mill on February 19, 2014 and immediately began processing a blend of the Fire Creek and Midas mineralized material at a rate averaging 25 tons per hour. At the end of the first quarter of 2014, over 7,800 tons of Fire Creek mineralized material was processed with gold and silver recoveries calculated at 96% and 95%, respectively. Currently, the mill is being operated at 50% of its capacity.
Capital Costs
Projected Life of Mine (LOM) constant dollar capital expenditures are detailed in the table below. Mine development comprises over 57% of total capital requirements, resource conversion drilling 23% and mining equipment 11%.
Fire Creek Capital Costs (mms) | ||||||
Category | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Total |
Waste Development | 6.7 | 6.8 | 9.4 | 5.5 | 0.0 | 28.4 |
RIB Construction | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 |
Site Facilities | 1.6 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.7 |
Environmental Assessment | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.9 |
Mining Equipment | 0.4 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 5.5 |
Drilling | 2.3 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 11.3 |
Total | 12.7 | 13.1 | 14.4 | 9.4 | 0.0 | 49.6 |
Operating Costs
Projected operating costs are based on actual costs incurred to
date, internal estimates and costs from similar operations in the area.
Operating cost estimates are summarized in the following table.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Fire Creek Operating Costs | ||||
Category | $/ dry ton | $/oz | ||
Mining Cost | $ 169.74 | $ 266.57 | ||
Surface Transportation | $ 36.75 | $ 57.72 | ||
Processing | $ 40.00 | $ 62.82 | ||
Site Administration and Overhead | $ 13.67 | $ 21.47 | ||
Refining and Sales | $ 3.18 | $ 5.00 | ||
Royalties Payable | $ 8.84 | $ 13.89 | ||
Nevada Net Proceeds | $ 25.46 | $ 40.03 | ||
Silver By-product Sales Credit | $ (5.68) | $ (8.93) | ||
Total Cash Cost | $291.96 | $ 458.57 | ||
Capital | $ 113.01 | $ 177.48 | ||
Total Cost | $ 404.97 | $ 636.05 |
Project Sensitivities
The project shows resilience to variances in gold price from $750/oz Au up to $1750/oz Au.
After-tax NPV @ 5% Discount ($ mms) | |||||
Gold Price | $750 | $1,000 | $1,250 | $1,500 | $1,750 |
NPV | $32 | $92 | $141 | $200 | $256 |
Environmental
Klondex conducts mineral exploration activities in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal environmental protection legislation. Klondex is unaware of any existing environmental issues or compliance problems which have the potential to impact proposed production at Fire Creek. Klondex is working closely with all regulators to ensure that the permitting and compliance strategies are acceptable and minimize delays in production or mine development. At this time, there are no community or social impact matters associated with work being completed at Fire Creek .
Future Permitting
Klondex is currently waiting for approval to an amendment to
the Plan of Operations and Reclamation permits (NVN-07976 and reclamation permit
0028); this amendment will allow Klondex to construct and operate two Rapid
Infiltration Basins (RIBs) at Fire Creek. Klondex received approval for the
Water Pollution Permit for construction and operations of the RIBs (WPCP2013102)
in February 2014. Also, Klondex does not anticipate any delays or permitting
issues associated with acquiring the required permits for Fire
Creek full production. Klondex has initiated a baseline data collection program
to as part of anticipated future permitting necessities.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Qualified Person
The technical information contained
in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Odell (Nevada PE
13708 and SME 2402150) and Karl Swanson (SME 443076 and AusIMM 304871), who are
considered independent Qualified Persons as defined by Canadian National
Instrument 43-101.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on becoming a leading integrated gold producer.
It is focused on the production, development and exploration of its high quality
gold and silver projects, including its central 1200 tpd mill in North Central
Nevada. The company is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program at Fire Creek,
and is producing gold and silver on an ongoing basis from the Midas Project,
located ~100 miles north of Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was
made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of
the Midas mine by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision
was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic
and technical viability
prepared in accordance with National Instrument
43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the
mine. Klondex has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were
based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are
cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and
technical failure associated with such production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration, development and metallurgical sampling activities, the timing, extent and success of mining operations, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, project development and related permitting, the results of economic analyses in respect of the Fire Creek Project (including those contained in the PEA), the extension of the proposed mine plan beyond the existing development platform at the Fire Creek Project, the ability to expand mineral resources beyond the current mineral resource estimate at the Fire Creek Project, estimates of gold and silver prices, estimates of costs, and estimates of mine development and construction. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold and silver; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Enters into Toll Milling Agreement with French Gulch
Vancouver, BC April 23, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) announces that its subsidiary, Klondex Midas Operations, today entered into a toll milling agreement with French Gulch Nevada Mining Corp. to process gravity concentrates produced from the Washington Mine at Klondexs Midas mill.
Mike Doolin, Klondex VP Corporate Development stated, This is a mutually beneficial agreement for both parties. Processing third party material makes excellent use of the excess capacity at the Midas Mill. Toll milling provides the Company with additional revenue, which will increase the cash flow from the operations.
The toll milling agreement with French Gulch Nevada Mining Corp has a one year term beginning April 17, 2014, and is subject to be renewed annually. Under the terms of the agreement, gravity concentrates from the Washington Mine, located in French Gulch, California, will be delivered to the Midas Mill for processing. The toll milling agreement is structured so that all dore produced from the concentrate will become the property of Klondex, and Klondex will pay French Gulch the value of the recovered gold minus all toll mill charges.
Klondex is presently evaluating other toll milling opportunities to determine which materials are best suited to being processed at the Companys Midas Mill.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and
production of its high quality gold and silver projects. The company is
operating an ongoing bulk sampling program at its Fire Creek gold project
located in north central Nevada. Fire Creek is in a mining-friendly
jurisdiction, with onsite power and mining infrastructure, and near major
producers. Midas, Klondex's newly acquired operating mine and milling facility
are located ~100 miles north of Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas
mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the
acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this
production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves
demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI
43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the
mine. Klondex has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were
based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are
cautioned that there is increased
uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical
failure associated with such production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about the ability to generate revenue from the provision of toll milling services to third parties, the impact of toll milling on the Company's cash flows and the availability of potential toll milling opportunities. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
Klondex Reports Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Results
| Proceeds of $8.4 mm from the sale of 6,208 ounces of Gold from Fire Creek. | |
| Acquisition of the Midas mine and milling facilities from Newmont Mining. | |
| Defined a high-grade Gold deposit at Fire Creek. | |
|
Extended known mineralization at Fire Creek which is open at depth and along strike. |
Vancouver, BC March 31, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) is pleased to announce that it has filed its audited annual consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2013.
Paul Huet, President and CEO commented, Klondex began 2013 with a strong foundation to unlock value for its shareholders. We completed the Companys 2013 plan to finance and develop our key asset after strengthening the board and management team in 2012. As we look towards an even stronger 2014 with both the Fire Creek project and the Midas mine, we will continue our growth and transformation to a Gold and silver producer. We have built a team of strong operators who have ambitious aspirations for Klondex and are aligned with the shareholders to generate returns.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company continued working towards its objective of transitioning its Fire Creek Project from the exploration and evaluation stage to a producing asset. With the completion of the Midas Mine acquisition, the Company intends to continue to explore and develop Klondex properties, continue its Midas mining operations, process mineralized material from its Fire Creek Project under a Bulk Sample Permit and seek further opportunities to provide third party toll milling services.
Fourth Quarter 2013 Highlights and Significant Events
|
Beginning in August 2013, Klondex shipped a total of 8,007 dry short tons at a head grade of 44.3 g/t (1.291 opt) Au from Fire Creek to Midas for processing. Klondex received total proceeds of $8.4mm from the sale of 6,208 ounces of gold delivered to the Midas mill. |
||
o |
This amount was reported as sale of mineralized material and credited to Exploration and Evaluation Assets. |
||
|
The updated Fire Creek mineral resource estimate was announced on September 16. The updated mineral resource estimate, using inverse distance cubed methodology and a 7 g/t Au cut-off, consisted of the following: |
||
o |
44.7 g/t (1.304 opt) Au totaling 295,900 ounces of Gold, Measured and Indicated. |
||
o |
19.2 g/t (0.560 opt) Au totaling 421,400 ounces of Gold, Inferred. |
||
|
On October 8, the 26 hole Fire Creek infill drilling program extended the Joyce structure by 91m (300ft) south, remaining open to the north, and extended the Vonnie structure by 50m (165ft) north and 110m (360ft) south. Highlights included: |
||
o |
FC-13-079U - 61.9 g/t (1.8 opt) gold over 0.9m (3.1ft) |
||
o |
FC-13-085U - 211.0 g/t (6.2 opt) gold over 0.2m (0.6ft) |
||
o |
FC-13-089U - 43.3 g/t (1.3 opt) gold over 1.1m (3.7ft) |
||
o |
FC-13-092U - 23.2 g/t (0.7 opt) gold over 1.5m (5.0ft) |
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
|
On October 16, Klondex completed a $19.5 million special warrant financing, priced at $1.37 per special warrant. Subsequently, on October 22, Klondex retired all of its outstanding short term debt of $4 million. |
||
|
In October, Klondex completed the excavation of the secondary egress. |
||
|
On October 31, Klondex began drilling the West Zone mineralization to follow up on previously identified targets. Phase one drilling targeted the northern extension of mineralization, and phase two and three, will target the potential southern extension. |
||
|
On December 4, Klondex entered into a stock purchase agreement with Newmont Mining to acquire the Midas mine and milling facility for total consideration of US$83mm. This included US$55mm in cash and US$28mm to replace the reclamation bond as well as the issuance of 5mm purchase warrants to Newmont with an exercise price of C$2.15 and a 15 year term: |
||
o |
The acquisition was completed in early February 2014 and was funded through an equity offering ($42.6mm), debt ($25mm) and a Gold purchase arrangement with Franco-Nevada (US$33.8mm). |
||
|
On December 19, Klondex announced that three of five reverse circulation drill holes, part of a water hydrology study, encountered mineralization suggesting possible extensions of the current resource model. Intercepts and their locations included: |
||
o |
FC-13-27S - 13.0 g/t (0.38 opt) Au over 10.7m (35 ft), 250 ft north of the known Joyce structure block model, and 1070 ft north of the last blasted Joyce face round. |
||
o |
FC-13-26S - 9.2 g/t (0.27 opt) Au over 4.6m (15 ft), 480 ft south of the closest modeled vein and west of the main ramp. |
||
o |
FC-13-25S - 10.4 g/t (0.30 opt) Au over 1.5m (5 ft), 250 ft south of the resource model. |
||
|
As at December 31, 2013, the Company had cash of $13,509,155. |
Underground
Development
and
Bulk
Sampling
at
Fire
Creek
Underground development and testing of
Fire Creek Project mineralized structures began in May 2013 and continued
throughout the year. By the end of 2013, the program totaled 573 m (1,880 ft)
including 418 m (1,371 ft) and 155 m (509 ft) of development on the Joyce (A)
and Vonnie (B) structures, respectively, for a total of 6,208 ounces of Gold
extracted, at an average head grade of 44.3 g/t (1.291 opt) gold.
Subsequent to the quarter, in the first two months of 2014, a total of 174 m (572 ft) of mineral development occurred on the Joyce, 59 m (193.6 ft) and Vonnie, 115 m (377.3 ft), structures. Development along these structures is planned to continue throughout 2014.
Future
Business
Activities
The focus over the course of 2014
will be to continue to advance current activities related to the Fire Creek
Project and Midas Mine, with the objective of completing the following items:
| Prepare a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on the Fire Creek Project. | |
|
Continued operations at Fire Creek and Midas; shipping mineralized material from the Fire Creek Project to the Midas Mill where it will be blended with the material from the Midas Mine and processed to recover precious metal. |
|
| Continued infill and exploration drilling at Fire Creek and Midas. |
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
|
Fire Creek development will include work on the Fire Creek Environmental Assessment ("EA") permit, allowing full-scale mining at the Fire Creek Project, and constructing a RIB as part of the Fire Creek Project's long-term water management plan. |
For details regarding Klondex's 2013 annual results, readers should refer to the comparative audited consolidated financial statements of Klondex for the year ended December 31, 2013 (together with the auditor's report thereon) and management's discussion and analysis in relation thereto, each of which is available under Klondex's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
2013
Annual
Results
Conference
Call
Management will host a
conference call to discuss the year-end financial results and will take
questions from call participants. The call will coincide with Klondex Mines
upcoming Fire Creek PEA expected mid-April. Details of the call will be provided
within the PEA announcement.
Mark Odell, P.E., Principal Engineer, Practical Mining LLC, is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") responsible for and has approved the technical information contained in this press release.
About
Klondex
Mines
Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production
of its high quality gold and silver projects. The company is operating an
ongoing bulk sampling program at its Fire Creek gold project located in north
central Nevada. Fire Creek is in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with onsite
power and mining infrastructure, and near major producers. Midas, Klondex's
newly acquired operating mine and milling facility are located ~100 miles north
of Fire Creek.
For
More
Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 but was based on internal studies conducted by the prior owner of the mine. Klondex has no reason to believe that the data on which such studies were based or that the results of such studies are unreliable. However, readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
PRESS RELEASE |
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration and metallurgical sampling activities, the timing and success of mining operations, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, the completion and expected timing of the PEA in respect of the Fire Creek Project, project development and related permitting. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Suite 304, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 | Telephone +1 604.662.3902 | www.klondexmines.com |
Klondex Secures High-Calibre Mining Executive, Brent Kristof, as COO
Vancouver, BC March 18, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) is very pleased to announce that Mr. Brent Kristof has accepted a position with the company as its Chief Operating Officer, effective April 15, 2014. Brent will lead the operations of the Company's key properties in Nevada, ensuring that mining, safety and environmental best practices are followed as we move into production. This new role at Klondex further strengthens the operations-focused team to position the company for continued growth.
Paul Huet, President and CEO stated, Having had the opportunity to experience Brents leadership first hand, I am confident our operations will be in extremely capable hands. His vast technical and operational expertise is a key addition to the Klondex group as we transition into a multi-project gold and silver producer. Brent will join the executive team without missing a beat resulting from his previous experience in Northern Nevada; specifically, Brent was the General Manager of Midas from 2004 to 2006. Brents addition will allow me to focus on the continued growth and transformation of Klondex. On behalf of the Board of Directors and Klondex, we welcome Brent and are thrilled he is joining us as COO.
Mr. Kristof joins Klondex with over 33 years of mining experience in technical, operations, maintenance, and leadership roles in underground and open pit mines. Brent has spent the last 13 years in senior roles for both Newmont and Barrick serving as Mine Manager and General Manager with Newmont Mining Corporation in Ontario and Nevada, and Barrick Gold Corporation in Nevada, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Most recently, Mr. Kristof has been General Manager at the Porgera Gold Mine in Papua New Guinea, a complex, 500,000 ounces per year producer with 2,700 employees and several hundred contractors.
Brent has a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering from the University of Manitoba, a Business Diploma from the University of Toronto, and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario. He has also served as Chairman of the Minister's National Advisory to CANMET, the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (Mining Section).
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex Mines
is focused on the exploration, development and production of its high quality
gold and silver projects. The company is operating an ongoing bulk sampling
program at its Fire Creek gold project located in north central Nevada. Fire
Creek is in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with onsite power and mining
infrastructure, and near major producers. Midas, Klondex's newly acquired
operating mine and milling facility are located ~100 miles north of Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and
Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by prior
owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of the Midas mine
by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based
on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical
viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Readers are
cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and
technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration and metallurgical sampling activities, the timing and success of mining operations, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, project development and related permitting. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Klondex Provides Operational Update
Vancouver, BC February 28, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) today provides an operational update for its Fire Creek gold project and the Midas gold and silver mine and mill, in Northern Nevada.
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO stated, Its with a great amount of pleasure that we provide Klondexs first operational update since the acquisition of the Midas mine and mill. We assumed ownership of Midas on February 11 th of this year and immediately started drilling and blasting the underground stopes. Our initial blast rounds exposed high-grade gold and silver veins in an area along strike from the existing workings on the 905 vein. I believe the success of the operations team hitting the ground running, is a direct result of the leadership team having previous experiences at Midas.
Midas Mine and Mill
Transitioning the mine and
milling facilities from Newmont to Klondex is complete, including the hiring and
orientation of 110 Midas employees, and operations are well-underway.
The first underground excavations at Midas were taken in the 7-4640 South area of the mine ( Figure 1 ) . After the second blast round, the vein widened and the grade increased. The average grade in this area is 20.6 g/t (0.6) opt Au and 1975.0 (57.60 opt) Ag over an average vein width of 4.8 ft; assays range from 97.7 g/t (2.9 opt) Au and 10,821.2 g/t (315.6 opt) Ag to 3.8 g/t (0.11 opt) Au and 611.8 g/t (17.8 opt) Ag. See Table 1 below for more details. Since encountering the high grade zone, the drift has been extended 91 ft along strike of the vein. This drift will serve for a primary drilling and mucking horizon for future long hole stoping.
The mill began operating on February 19, 2014 and is currently running at a rate of 600 tpd. It is currently being fed by a blend of the Midas and Fire Creek mineralized materials. The first dore pour is expected to be March 4, 2014 with an initial shipment to Johnson Matthey on March 6 th . Klondex is currently evaluating opportunities to provide third party toll milling services.
Taurus Drilling, experts in narrow vein long hole mining have been contracted for drilling and blasting at Midas. Sandvik has been awarded the contract for mobile maintenance at both Fire Creek and Midas. Sandvik are experts in this field and have a proven track record at Midas as well having worked there for over four years, from 2002 through 2006.
Fire Creek
Bulk sampling at Fire Creek is
fully-commissioned and benching the Vonnie and Joyce veins is well underway.
Shipments of mineralized material from Fire Creek commenced on February 11,
2014, to the Midas mill, approximately 100 miles north at a haulage cost of
$32/t.
The technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC, an Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150) for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Assays were performed at Newmonts Twin Creeks operation.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production
of its high quality gold and silver projects. The company is operating an
ongoing bulk sampling program at its Fire Creek gold project located in north
central Nevada. Fire Creek is in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with onsite
power and mining infrastructure, and near major producers. Midas, Klondex's
newly acquired operating mine and milling facility are located 112 miles north
of Fire Creek.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis,
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Table 1: 7S4640 Heading, GP Vein
Gold | Silver | |||||||||||
length, feet |
vein
width, meter |
vein
width, feet |
mining
width, meter |
mining
width, feet |
vein
channel, g/t |
vein
channel, auopt |
mining
channel, g/t |
mining
channel, auopt |
vein
channel, g/t |
vein
channel, agopt |
mining
channel, g/t |
mining
channel, agopt |
414-423 | 0.34 | 1.1 | 1.86 | 6.1 | 21.4 | 0.76 | 4.1 | 0.14 | 4176.0 | 147.3 | 776.8 | 27.4 |
423-427 | 0.88 | 2.9 | 2.47 | 8.1 | 22.6 | 0.80 | 9.4 | 0.33 | 4079.5 | 143.9 | 1501.1 | 52.9 |
427-446 | 1.95 | 6.4 | 2.26 | 7.4 | 33.6 | 1.19 | 29.1 | 1.03 | 3837.8 | 135.4 | 3319.5 | 117.1 |
446-456 | 1.16 | 3.8 | 2.74 | 9.0 | 4.8 | 0.17 | 3.1 | 0.11 | 831.4 | 29.3 | 536.1 | 18.9 |
456-463 | 1.55 | 5.1 | 2.13 | 7 | 21.2 | 0.75 | 15.9 | 0.56 | 1852.6 | 65.3 | 1384.5 | 48.8 |
Notes:
1. |
Mining width assays are a weighted average of the vein and surrounding rock exposed across the full width of the drift. |
Cautionary Note Regarding Technical Information and Forward-looking Information
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of Midas by Klondex. To the knowledge of Klondex, this production decision was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 . Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including but not limited to information about current expectations on the timing and success of exploration and metallurgical sampling activities, the timing and success of mining operations, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, the successful execution of the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project, project development and related permitting. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information.
These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations . Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are mor e fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
FORM 51-102F3
MATERIAL CHANGE REPORT
Item 1 | Name and Address of the Company |
Klondex Mines Ltd. (" Klondex " or the " Company ") |
|
Suite 600, 595 Howe Street |
|
Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 |
|
Item 2 |
Date of Material Change |
February 11, 2014 |
|
Item 3 |
News Release |
A news release with respect to the material change referred to in this report was issued by the Company through Marketwired on February 11, 2014 and filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) on February 12, 2014. |
|
Item 4 |
Summary of Material Change |
On February 11, 2014, the Company completed its previously announced acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, which indirectly owns the Midas mine and ore milling facility located in the State of Nevada (collectively, " Midas "), from Newmont USA Limited, a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation (" Newmont ") for approximately US$83 million in cash and the issuance of 5 million common share purchase warrants with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances, and an exercise price of C$2.15 (the " Acquisition "). |
|
|
|
The Acquisition was financed through net proceeds of the following: (i) Klondex's previously announced private placement of 29.4 million subscription receipts for total gross proceeds of approximately C$42.6 million, which was completed on January 9, 2014; (ii) a gold purchase agreement dated February 11, 2014 (the " Gold Purchase Agreement ") between Klondex and a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation (" Franco-Nevada ") pursuant to which Klondex agreed to sell and deliver an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold to Franco-Nevada by December 31, 2018 at a pre-paid purchase price of US$33,763,640 in cash; and (iii) a private placement completed on February 11, 2014 of units consisting of C$25 million aggregate principal amount of 11.00% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 (the " Notes ") and 3,100,000 common share purchase warrants with a three-year term and an exercise price of C$1.95 to a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp. and including K2 Principal Fund LP and Jones, Gable & Company Limited. |
Item 5 |
Full Description of Material Change |
On February 11, 2014, the Company announced the completion of the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, which indirectly owns Midas, from Newmont USA Limited, a subsidiary of Newmont for approximately US$83 million, which included a cash payment of approximately US$55 million and the replacement of the reclamation bond for approximately US$28 million. Klondex also issued 5 million common share purchase warrants to Newmont with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances, and an exercise price of C$2.15. |
|
|
|
The Acquisition was financed through the net proceeds of the following (collectively, the "Acquisition Financings"): |
|
|
|
(i) Equity : Klondex previously completed a private placement on January 9, 2014 of 29.4 million subscription receipts at an issue price of C$1.45 per subscription receipt for total gross proceeds of approximately C$42.6 million. The subscription receipts automatically converted into common shares on a one-for-one basis in accordance with their terms upon closing of the Acquisition. |
|
|
|
(ii) Gold Purchase Agreement : Klondex entered into the Gold Purchase Agreement with a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada pursuant to which Klondex agreed to sell and deliver an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold to Franco- Nevada by December 31, 2018 at a pre-paid purchase price of US$33,763,640 in cash. Under the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement, gold deliveries will be made at the end of each month, with the first delivery due on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces of gold is completed on December 31, 2018. The annualized delivery schedule is detailed below: |
Year | Au (ounces) | |
2014 | 6,750 | |
2015 | 7,500 | |
2016 | 8,000 | |
2017 | 8,000 | |
2018 | 8,000 | |
Total | 38,250 |
In addition, on the date following completion of the Acquisition, Klondex granted to a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek and Midas properties in consideration for the payment of an aggregate of US$1,236,360 in cash. Monthly royalty payments will commence in 2019, after the scheduled gold deliveries are completed.
(iii) Debt : Klondex completed a private placement of units consisting of C$25 million aggregate principal amount of 11.00% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 (the "Notes") and 3,100,000 common share purchase
warrants with a three-year term and an exercise price of C$1.95 to a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp. and including K2 Principal Fund LP and Jones, Gable & Company Limited. |
|
|
|
Beginning January 31, 2015, Klondex is obligated to repay C$4 million in principal on the Notes per annum, with the balance due upon maturity. |
|
|
|
The security granted for the performance of Klondex's obligations under the Notes and the Gold Purchase Agreement rank pari passu. |
|
|
|
In connection with the Acquisition Financings, Klondex repaid in full from existing working capital the C$7 million principal amount of senior unsecured notes issued in January 2013 and otherwise due in January 2015. |
|
|
|
Item 6 |
Reliance on subsection 7.1(2) of National Instrument 51-102 |
|
|
Not applicable. |
|
|
|
Item 7 |
Omitted Information |
|
|
Not applicable. |
|
|
|
Item 8 |
Executive Officer |
|
|
For further information, contact Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer, at: |
|
Telephone: (775) 284-5757 ext. 12 |
|
|
|
Item 9 |
Date of Report |
|
|
February 21, 2014 |
Klondex Mines Infill Drilling Extends Joyce and Vonnie Veins at Fire Creek
• 166.0 g/t (4.8 opt) Au over 1.52 m (5.0 ft) - FC-13-99U
• 47.5 g/t (1.4 opt) Au over 2.50 m (8.2 ft) - FC-13-104U
• 146.2 g/t (4.3 opt) Au over 1.92 m (6.3 ft) - FC-13-106U
• 69.6 g/t (2.0 opt) Au over 1.52 m (5.0 ft) – FC-13-107U
Vancouver, BC – February 13, 2014 – Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF), a gold exploration and development company, today provides an update on recent underground infill and exploration drilling from its Fire Creek gold project near Elko, Nevada. A total of seventeen drill holes were drilled to the east of the main decline from Muck Bay (MB) 6 and Diamond Drill Station (DDS) 6 and 17 (See FIGURE 1).
Drilling east from MB6, designed to test the northern extension of the Vonnie vein, intersected the Vonnie structure in all five holes of the fan. The lower two holes successfully extended mineralization at depth, from 42.7 m (140 ft) to 96 m (315 ft) below the current workings. The location of mineralization intersected in these holes is consistent with the known geometry of mineralization along the Vonnie vein. The upper three holes did not encounter mineralization above the cut-off grade of 5 g/t (0.15 opt) Au.
Drilling east from DDS-17 continues to demonstrate continuity of mineralization along the Joyce vein. Drill intercepts on the Joyce vein extended mineralization north by 61 m (200 ft) along strike of the current underground development, and by 27 m (90 ft) down dip and 46 m (150 ft) up dip. FC-13-107U identified one new mineralized structure northeast of the Vonnie vein, continuing to support and demonstrate the potential for finding additional mineralization within the Fire Creek property. Drilling encountered the Vonnie structure, but did not locate mineralization above the cut-off grades. Klondex will continue testing the northern extensions of the veins, by extending the main decline to the northwest to establish additional drill platforms.
Infill fan drilling from DDS 6 extended the Joyce and the Vonnie vein mineralization, slightly updip and downdip. Additional fan drilling is currently underway in DDS 6. Assays are pending.
Mike Doolin, Klondex General Manager stated, “Our drilling program continues to impress us as we have intersected several new areas of gold and silver mineralization. This continues to support our geologic model that there is a strong likelihood to encounter additional subparallel veins within the East and West zones. Our planned infill and exploration drill programs for 2014 will be expanded in all directions in an effort to increase the current known mineral resources at Fire Creek.”
The technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Odell of Practical Mining LLC, an Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150) for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. - See more at: http://klondexmines.com/s/news.
Assays were performed by SGS Minerals Services of Elko, Nevada (an independent laboratory), under the supervision of Klondex staff. For additional sampling parameters, please see the press release dated September 30, 2013.
Figure 1: Underground infill drilling, cut-off grade of 5 g/t (0.15 opt) Au
Table 1: Fire Creek Drilling Assays and Locations, cut-off grade of 5 g/t (0.15 opt) Au, true widths are not known.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(
www.klondexmines.com
)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production of its high quality gold and silver projects. The company is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program at its Fire Creek gold project located in north central Nevada. Fire Creek is in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with onsite power and mining infrastructure, and near major producers. Midas, Klondex’ newly acquired operating mine and milling facility are located 112 miles north of Fire Creek.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Huet
President & CEO
1-775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis
Manager, Investor Relations
1-647-233-4348
adwoskin@klondexmines.com
Forward-looking statements
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including information about the magnitude and quality of the Fire Creek Project the results of exploration at the Fire Creek Project, . This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the risks and hazards associated with environmental compliance and permitting for its underground operations, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forwardlooking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Klondex Completes Acquisition of the Midas Mine and Mill Complex from Newmont
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR RELEASE OVER U.S. NEWSWIRES
Vancouver, British Columbia February 11, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX:KDX) ("Klondex" or the "Company") today reports that the previously announced acquisition (the "Acquisition") of the Midas mine and related ore milling facility located in the State of Nevada (collectively, "Midas") from a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation ("Newmont") has closed. The aggregate purchase price totaled approximately US$83 million, including a US$55 million payment to Newmont and US$28 million to replace the reclamation bond. Klondex has also issued 5 million common share purchase warrants to Newmont with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances, and an exercise price of C$2.15.
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO, stated Completing this transformational and highly synergistic acquisition is very exciting for us. The addition of the operating Midas mine and mill complex to our portfolio creates an enhanced platform for future growth in one of the worlds most prolific and mining-friendly jurisdictions. We believe that Fire Creek is a tremendous high-grade gold asset with substantial upside potential on its own and, through this acquisition, we have cemented a long-term milling solution, minimizing the risks associated with toll milling, and ultimately enhancing the potential for increased cash flows from our operations. We are extremely pleased to have worked with Newmont to complete the acquisition of Midas, a mine that I, along with several others on the Klondex leadership team operated, and look forward to a continued relationship.
Klondex Chairman, Blair Schultz, added On behalf of the board, I would like to recognize the hard work and dedication from our entire team in closing the Midas mine and mill acquisition within a short time frame. The acquisition transforms Klondex from an explorer, only a year ago, to a producer with fully-integrated operations in 2014, forever changing the face of our company and positioning us well for future success.
The Acquisition was financed through the net proceeds of the following (collectively, the "Acquisition Financings"):
(i) |
GOLD FINANCING PACKAGE: a gold financing package from subsidiaries of Franco-Nevada Corporation ("Franco-Nevada") in the amount of US$35 million, consisting of a gold purchase arrangement (the Gold Purchase) for 38,250 ounces of gold to be delivered by December 31, 2018, and a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek and Midas properties commencing 2019, after the scheduled gold deliveries are completed. Under the terms of the Gold Purchase, gold deliveries will be made at the end of each month with the first delivery due on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces is completed on December 31, 2018. The annualized delivery schedule is detailed below: |
Year | Au (ounces) | |
2014 | 6,750 | |
2015 | 7,500 | |
2016 | 8,000 | |
2017 | 8,000 | |
2018 | 8,000 | |
Total | 38,250 |
(ii) |
DEBT: Klondex completed a private placement of C$25 million principal amount of 11.00% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 (the "Notes") to a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp. and including K2 Principal Fund LP and Jones Gable. Beginning January 31, 2015, Klondex is obligated to repay C$4 million in principal per annum, with the balance due upon maturity. Klondex also issued to the Note holders a total of 3.1 million common share purchase warrants that have a three year term and an exercise price of C$1.95. The security granted for the performance of the obligations under the Notes and the Gold Purchase rank pari passu. |
|
(iii) |
EQUITY: Klondex previously completed a private placement of 29.4 million subscription receipts at an issue price of C$1.45 per subscription receipt for total gross proceeds of approximately C$42.6 million. The subscription receipts automatically converted into common shares on a one-for-one basis in accordance with their terms upon closing of the Acquisition. |
In connection with the Acquisition Financings, Klondex repaid in full from existing working capital the C$7 million principal amount of senior unsecured notes issued in January 2013 and otherwise due in January 2015.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available.
Advisors
GMP Securities L.P. acted as financial
advisor to Klondex and its Board of Directors in connection with the Acquisition
and Acquisition Financings. The Company's legal advisors are Bennett Jones LLP
and Dorsey & Whitney LLP.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration, development and production of
its high quality gold and silver projects. The company is operating an ongoing
bulk sampling program at its Fire Creek gold project located in north central
Nevada. Fire Creek is in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with onsite power and
mining infrastructure, and near major producers. Midas, Klondex newly acquired
operating mine and milling facility are located 112 miles north of Fire Creek.
As at February 11, 2014, the Company had 109 million shares issued and
outstanding and 137 million shares fully diluted.
About Midas
Midas is an underground gold and silver
mine located in north central Nevada, between Elko and Reno. Newmont acquired
Midas through its merger with Normandy in 2002. The mine is fully-permitted,
with a 1200 tpd mill onsite.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain information that may
constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities
legislation, including information about current expectations regarding the
completion of the post-closing items, cash flow from operations and the upside
potential of the Fire Creek Project and the Company and the benefits of the
Acquisition. This forward-looking information entails various risks and
uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may
differ materially from those contained in such information. These risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks and hazards associated
with environmental compliance and permitting for its existing underground
operations; the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational,
funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are
reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would
make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; risks associated with
the realization of the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition; risks associated
with the integration of Midas into Klondex's existing operations; and the
ability of Klondex to fund
its substantial capital requirements and
operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully
discussed in the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities
regulatory authorities in
Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers
are urged to read these materials. The Company assumes no obligation to update
any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results
could differ from such information unless required by law.
Klondex Completes Acquisition of the Midas Mine and Mill Complex from Newmont
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR RELEASE OVER U.S. NEWSWIRES
Vancouver, British Columbia - February 11, 2014 - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX:KDX) ("Klondex" or the "Company") today reports that the previously announced acquisition (the "Acquisition") of the Midas mine and related ore milling facility located in the State of Nevada (collectively, "Midas") from a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation ("Newmont") has closed. The aggregate purchase price totaled approximately US$83 million, including a US$55 million payment to Newmont and US$28 million to replace the reclamation bond. Klondex has also issued 5 million common share purchase warrants to Newmont with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances, and an exercise price of C$2.15.
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO, stated "Completing this transformational and highly synergistic acquisition is very exciting for us. The addition of the operating Midas mine and mill complex to our portfolio creates an enhanced platform for future growth in one of the world's most prolific and mining-friendly jurisdictions. We believe that Fire Creek is a tremendous high-grade gold asset with substantial upside potential on its own and, through this acquisition, we have cemented a long-term milling solution, minimizing the risks associated with toll milling, and ultimately enhancing the potential for increased cash flows from our operations. We are extremely pleased to have worked with Newmont to complete the acquisition of Midas, a mine that I, along with several others on the Klondex leadership team operated, and look forward to a continued relationship."
Klondex Chairman, Blair Schultz, added "On behalf of the board, I would like to recognize the hard work and dedication from our entire team in closing the Midas mine and mill acquisition within a short time frame. The acquisition transforms Klondex from an explorer, only a year ago, to a producer with fully-integrated operations in 2014, forever changing the face of our company and positioning us well for future success."
The Acquisition was financed through the net proceeds of the following (collectively, the "Acquisition Financings"):
(i) |
GOLD FINANCING PACKAGE: a gold financing package from subsidiaries of Franco-Nevada Corporation ("Franco-Nevada") in the amount of US$35 million, consisting of a gold purchase arrangement (the "Gold Purchase") for 38,250 ounces of gold to be delivered by December 31, 2018, and a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Fire Creek and Midas properties commencing 2019, after the scheduled gold deliveries are completed. Under the terms of the Gold Purchase, gold deliveries will be made at the end of each month with the first delivery due on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces is completed on December 31, 2018. The annualized delivery schedule is detailed below: |
Year | Au (ounces) | |
2014 | 6,750 | |
2015 | 7,500 | |
2016 | 8,000 | |
2017 | 8,000 | |
2018 | 8,000 | |
Total | 38,250 |
(ii) |
DEBT: Klondex completed a private placement of C$25 million principal amount of 11.00% senior secured notes due August 11, 2017 (the "Notes") to a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp. and including K2 Principal Fund LP and Jones Gable. Beginning January 31, 2015, Klondex is obligated to repay C$4 million in principal per annum, with the balance due upon maturity. Klondex also issued to the Note holders a total of 3.1 million common share purchase warrants that have a three year term and an exercise price of C$1.95. The security granted for the performance of the obligations under the Notes and the Gold Purchase rank pari passu. |
|
(iii) |
EQUITY: Klondex previously completed a private placement of 29.4 million subscription receipts at an issue price of C$1.45 per subscription receipt for total gross proceeds of approximately C$42.6 million. The subscription receipts automatically converted into common shares on a one-for-one basis in accordance with their terms upon closing of the Acquisition. |
In connection with the Acquisition Financings, Klondex repaid in full from existing working capital the C$7 million principal amount of senior unsecured notes issued in January 2013 and otherwise due in January 2015.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available.
Advisors
GMP Securities L.P. acted as financial
advisor to Klondex and its Board of Directors in connection with the Acquisition
and Acquisition Financings. The Company's legal advisors are Bennett Jones LLP
and Dorsey & Whitney LLP.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration,
development and production of its high quality gold and silver projects. The
company is operating an ongoing bulk sampling program at its Fire Creek gold
project located in north central Nevada. Fire Creek is in a mining-friendly
jurisdiction, with onsite power and mining infrastructure, and near major
producers. Midas, Klondex newly acquired operating mine and milling facility
are located 112 miles north of Fire Creek. As at February 11, 2014, the Company
had 109 million shares issued and outstanding and 137 million shares fully
diluted.
About Midas
Midas is an underground gold and silver
mine located in north central Nevada, between Elko and Reno. Newmont acquired
Midas through its merger with Normandy in 2002. The mine is fully-permitted,
with a 1200 tpd mill onsite.
For More Information
Klondex Mines Ltd.
Paul Huet
President & CEO
775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis
Manager, Investor Relations
647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain information that may
constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities
legislation, including information about current expectations regarding the
completion of the post-closing items, cash flow from operations and the upside
potential of the Fire Creek Project and the Company and the benefits of the
Acquisition. This forward-looking information entails various risks and
uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may
differ materially from those contained in such information. These risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks and hazards associated
with environmental compliance and permitting for its existing underground
operations; the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational,
funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are
reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would
make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; risks associated with
the realization of the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition; risks associated
with the integration of Midas into Klondex's existing operations; and the
ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations.
Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in
the Companys disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory
authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read
these materials. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking
information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such
information unless required by law.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR
DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Klondex Mines Ltd. Announces Intention to Seek Written Shareholder Approval for Midas Financing Private Placements
Elko, NV & Vancouver, BC January 21, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX:KDX; OTCQX:KLNDF) ("Klondex", or the "Company") announces that in connection with the Company's brokered private placement (the "Equity Offering") of 29,400,000 subscription receipts ("Subscription Receipts") for gross proceeds of C$42,630,000 completed on January 9, 2014 (see press release dated January 9, 2014 ) and the proposed $25 million private placement debt offering (the "Debt Offering" and with the Equity Offering, the "Offerings") announced December 6, 2013 , the Company will be seeking shareholder approval pursuant to the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") of the Offerings together with the issuance of 5,000,000 common share purchase warrants (the "Consideration Warrants") to Newmont Mining Corporation (or its subsidiary) in connection with the Midas Acquisition (as defined below) (collectively, the "Issuances"). Shareholder approval of the Issuances is required pursuant to the rules of the TSX as the Issuances will result in the issuance of common shares of the Company ("Common Shares") in excess of 25% of the number of outstanding Common Shares. In addition, as the total number of Common Shares to be issued to insiders of the Company pursuant to the Offerings and previous private placements within the last six months represents more than 10% of the outstanding Common Shares, the TSX requires that the shareholder approval of the Offerings exclude the insiders of the Company participating in the Offerings. The Company advises that, in accordance with Section 604(d) of the TSX Company Manual, the Company will be seeking to obtain the requisite shareholder approval of the Issuances by way of written consents.
Under the Equity Offering, each Subscription Receipt was issued at a price of C$1.45 and will be deemed to be converted, without payment of any additional consideration, into one Common Share upon (i) the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent (other than the purchase price) to the proposed acquisition (the "Midas Acquisition") by the Company of the Midas mine and related ore milling facility (see press release dated December 4, 2013); and (ii) receipt by the Company of the requisite approval of the Companys shareholders to the Equity Offering pursuant to the requirements of the TSX, (collectively, the "Escrow Release Conditions").
The Equity Offering was completed through a syndicate of agents, led by GMP Securities L.P., and including MGI Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., Jones, Gable & Company Limited and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the "Agents"). Pursuant to the terms of the Equity Offering, the Company issued compensation options to the Agents exercisable to acquire up to an aggregate of 1,176,000 Common Shares at a price of C$1.55 per Common Share at any time prior to January 9, 2016 (the "Compensation Options") upon the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions.
As disclosed in its news release dated December 6, 2013, under the Debt Offering the Company intends to issue units ("Units") consisting of $25,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 11.00% senior first lien secured notes due on or about June 30, 2017 and warrants ("Warrants") to purchase an aggregate of 3,100,000 Common Shares. The Warrants will be exercisable at a price of $1.95 per Common Share for a period up to three years from the date of closing of the Debt Offering.
Under the Offerings, an aggregate of up to 11,079,290 Common Shares may be issued or made issuable to insiders of the Company, representing approximately 17.20% of the Common Shares issued and outstanding prior to the completion of the first private placement of the Company completed in the six months prior to the date hereof. The insider participation under the Offerings includes (i) the K2 Principal Fund L.P., which held 11,921,864 Common Shares and 1,545,294 warrants prior to the closing of the Equity Offering, and which subscribed for 3,448,300 Subscription Receipts and is expected to subscribe
for 5,000 Units under the Debt Offering that will include 620,000 Warrants, and (ii) Sun Valley Gold LLC, which held 8,700,000 Common Shares prior to the closing of the Equity Offering, and subscribed for 6,551,800 Subscription Receipts. In addition, certain officers and directors of the Company also participated in the Equity Offering, purchasing in the aggregate 459,190 Subscription Receipts as set out below:
Name | Number of Subscription Receipts | |
Paul Huet | 13,000 | |
Blair Schultz | 205,000 | |
James Haggarty | 10,000 | |
William Matlack | 104,290 | |
Rodney Cooper | 20,000 | |
Barry Dahl | 103,500 | |
Mike Doolin | 3,400 | |
Total | 459,190 |
The Consideration Warrants issued to Newmont in connection with the Midas Acquisition will be exercisable at a price equal to 120% of the five-day volume weighted average price of the Common Shares on the TSX during the five trading days immediately preceding the closing date of the Midas Acquisition, for a period of 15 years following their issuance (subject to early expiry in certain circumstances).
The maximum number of Common Shares issued or made issuable pursuant to the Issuances, including the issue of the Compensation Options and assuming the closing of the Debt Offering and the Midas Acquisition, is 38,676,000, which represents approximately 48.50% of the 79,746,291 Common Shares currently outstanding. The Company is relying on the exemption from the requirement to hold a shareholder meeting, as set forth in section 604(d) of the TSX Company Manual, and is seeking to obtain the approval of the Issuances by written consent by more than 50% of the shareholders of the Company, with such approval to exclude the Common Shares owned by the insiders of the Company participating in the Offerings.
As previously announced, the net proceeds from the Offerings are expected to be used to partially fund the purchase price of the Midas Acquisition and for the repayment of $7 million in outstanding notes. The Company is targeting to complete the Midas Acquisition in early February.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(
http://www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is
focused on the exploration and development of its high-grade Fire Creek gold
deposit in north central Nevada. Fire Creek is a compelling gold project located
in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, near major producers, power, transportation,
mining infrastructure and milling facilities. As at January 20, 2014, the
Company had 79.7 million shares issued and outstanding and 127.3 million shares
fully diluted.
Contact: | |
Paul Huet | Alison Tullis |
President & CEO | Manager, Investor Relations |
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
775-284-5757 | 647-233-4348 |
investors@klondexmines.com | atullis@klondexmines.com |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain information that may
constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities
legislation, including information about the release of the proceeds of the
Equity Offering upon
satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions, the ability of the Company to obtain the requisite shareholder approval, the timing of the Debt Offering and current expectations on the expected use of proceeds of the Offerings. This
forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited
to, the approval of the shareholders of the Company (to the extent required) of the Issuances; the timing of the Debt Offering; the completion of the Midas Acquisition; the risks and hazards associated with environmental compliance and permitting
for its existing underground operations; the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; and the degree to
which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present. There is no assurance that the Midas Acquisition or any related
financing will be completed, either on the terms proposed or at all. Risks and uncertainties
about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials f
iled with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. The
Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Klondex Mines Drilling Details Three Mineralized Structures in the West Zone
Reno, NV & Vancouver, BC January 20, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF), a Nevada gold exploration and development company, today announces assay results from its exploration drill program being conducted west of the main decline at its Fire Creek gold project near Elko, Nevada (Table 1).
Drill hole FC-13-120U ( Figure 1 ) drilled from Muckbay 5 (MB5) and located approximately 30.5 m (100 ft) north of the vent raise access discovery ( January 21, 2013 ) encountered three significant intervals of mineralization starting approximately 39.6 m (130 ft) west of the main decline and 67.1 m (220 ft) west of the Joyce Vein. Previously drilled surface holes, underground drill holes, and underground rib sampling suggests continuity of mineralization of three distinct structures in this west zone, ranging in strike length from 243.8 m (800 ft) to 335.8 m (1,100 ft) and are open along strike and up and down dip.
These structures are all parallel to the Joyce and Vonnie veins with similar distances between each. All three structures were crosscut during development work. The current drill program continues to focus on drilling to increase the confidence in the mineralization along these three structures. Future drilling will also step out to the north and south, along the main decline, to continue testing the extensions of all mineralized structures.
Hole No. |
AZI |
DIP |
Drill
Station |
Length (m) |
LENGTH (ft) |
From (meters) |
To (meters) |
Length (meters) |
From (ft) |
To (ft) |
Length (ft) |
Grade (g Au/ Tonne) |
Grade (oz Au/st) |
FC-13- 120U | 260 | 0 |
DDS 20
/ MB 5 |
147.6 | 484.2 | 14.1 | 14.6 | 0.55 | 46.2 | 48 | 1.8 | 96.1 | 2.803 |
and | 18.2 | 18.5 | 0.30 | 59.8 | 60.8 | 1 | 11.6 | 0.338 | |||||
and | 49.7 | 51.9 | 2.19 | 163 | 170.2 | 7.2 | 14.8 | 0.430 | |||||
and | 102.7 | 103.6 | 0.91 | 337 | 340 | 3 | 28.4 | 0.828 |
Table 1: Drill Hole FC-13-120U, true widths are unknown
Mike Doolin, Klondex General Manager stated, We are very excited with the recent results from Fire Creeks drill program. This drilling demonstrates the potential of the Fire Creek deposit to host multiple parallel mineralized structures. Our 2014 program is designed to strengthen our knowledge of the deposit and to expand the current resources.
The technical information contained in this press release has been approved and approved by Marc Odell. He is the Klondex acting Independent Qualified Person (Nevada PE 13708 and SME 2402150) for Practical Mining LLC, and has reviewed and approved the contents of the press release, for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
Assays were performed by SGS Minerals Services of Elko, Nevada (an independent laboratory), under the supervision of Klondex staff. For additional sampling parameters, please see the press release dated September 30, 2013.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration and development of its high-grade Fire Creek gold deposit in north central Nevada. Fire Creek is a compelling gold project located in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, near major producers, power, transportation, mining infrastructure and its toll milling facility. As at January 20, 2014, following the closing of the Offering, the Company had 103 million shares issued and outstanding and 135 million shares fully diluted.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Huet
President & CEO
1-775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis
Manager, Investor Relations
1-647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including information about the magnitude and quality of the Fire Creek Project the results of exploration and metallurgical sampling at the Fire Creek Project, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, timing of the updated mineral resource estimate at the Fire Creek Project and the bulk sampling program. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the risks and hazards associated with environmental compliance and permitting for its underground operations, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com . Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
FORM 51-102F3
MATERIAL CHANGE REPORT
Item 1 | Name and Address of the Company |
Klondex Mines Ltd. (the " Company ") | |
Suite 600, 595 Howe Street | |
Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 | |
Item 2 |
Date of Material Change |
January 9, 2014 |
|
Item 3 |
News Release |
A news release with respect to the material change referred to in this report was issued by the Company through Marketwired and filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) on January 9, 2014, a copy of which is attached hereto. |
|
Item 4 |
Summary of Material Change |
On January 9, 2014, the Company completed its previously announced best efforts private placement (the " Offering ") of subscription receipts (" Subscription Receipts ") which was upsized to raise aggregate gross proceeds of C$42,630,000 on the sale of 29,400,000 Subscription Receipts at a price of C$1.45 per Subscription Receipt. |
|
Item 5 |
Full Description of Material Change |
On January 9, 2014, the Company completed the Offering which was upsized to raise gross proceeds of C$42,630,000 on the sale of 29,400,000 Subscription Receipts. A syndicate of agents, led by GMP Securities L.P., and including MGI Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., Jones, Gable & Company Limited and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the " Agents "), acted as agents under the Offering. |
|
|
|
Each Subscription Receipt issued pursuant to the Offering was sold at a price of C$1.45 and will be deemed to be converted upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below), without payment of any additional consideration, into one common share of the Company (an " Underlying Share "). The Subscription Receipts provide for appropriate adjustments to be made in the event of share dividends, consolidations, distributions and other forms of capital reorganizations. |
|
|
The gross proceeds of the Offering, less the Agents' expenses and out-pocket-costs and legal expenses (the " Escrowed Funds "), have been deposited in escrow. The Escrowed Funds will be released from escrow to the Company upon the satisfaction of the following conditions (together, the " Escrow Release Conditions "): (i) the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent to the proposed acquisition of the Midas mine and related ore milling facility (previously announced by the Company on December 4, 2013) (the " Acquisition "), other than the delivery of the purchase price of the Acquisition; and (ii) receipt by the Company of the requisite approval of the Companys shareholders to the Offering pursuant to the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange. If the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied on or before February 28, 2014, the gross proceeds will be returned to the holders of the Subscription Receipts and the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled. The Subscription Receipts are and the Underlying Shares will be subject to a four month plus one day hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. |
|
|
|
The net proceeds from the Offering are expected to be used to partially fund the purchase price of the Acquisition and for the repayment of $7 million in outstanding notes. |
|
Item 6 |
Reliance on subsection 7.1(2) of National Instrument 51-102 |
Not applicable. |
|
Item 7 |
Omitted Information |
Not applicable. |
|
Item 8 |
Executive Officer |
For further information, contact Barry Dahl, Chief Financial Officer, at: |
|
Telephone: (705) 284 -5757 ext. 12 |
|
Item 9 |
Date of Report |
January 14, 2014 |
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE
SERVICES OR FOR
DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Klondex Announces Closing of C$42.6 Million Midas Financing
Elko, NV & Vancouver, BC January 9, 2014 Further to its news release dated December 6, 2013 and its announcement to purchase the Midas mine and mill from Newmont Mining Corporation, Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX:KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex", or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of its private placement offering (the "Offering") of subscription receipts ("Subscription Receipts"). The Offering was upsized to gross proceeds of C$42,630,000 on the sale of 29,400,000 Subscription Receipts. A syndicate of agents, led by GMP Securities L.P., and including MGI Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., Jones, Gable & Company Limited and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the "Agents"), acted as agents under the Offering.
Each Subscription Receipt issued pursuant to the Offering was sold at a price of C$1.45 and will be deemed to be converted upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below), without payment of any additional consideration, into one common share of the Company (an "Underlying Share"). The Subscription Receipts provide for appropriate adjustments to be made in the event of share dividends, consolidations, distributions and other forms of capital reorganizations.
The gross proceeds of the Offering, less the Agents' expenses and out-pocket-costs and legal expenses (the "Escrowed Funds"), have been deposited in escrow. The Escrowed Funds will be released from escrow to the Company upon the satisfaction of the following conditions (together, the "Escrow Release Conditions"): (i) the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent to the proposed acquisition of the Midas mine and related ore milling facility (previously announced by the Company on December 4, 2013) (the "Acquisition"), other than the delivery of the purchase price of the Acquisition; and (ii) receipt by the Company of the requisite approval of the Companys shareholders to the Offering pursuant to the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange. If the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied on or before February 28, 2014, the gross proceeds will be returned to the holders of the Subscription Receipts and the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled. The Subscription Receipts are and the Underlying Shares will be subject to a four month plus one day hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.
The net proceeds from the Offering are expected to be used to partially fund the purchase price of the Acquisition and for the repayment of $7 million in outstanding notes. The Company is targeting to complete the Acquisition in early February.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration and development of its
high-grade Fire Creek gold deposit in north central Nevada. Fire Creek is a
compelling gold project located in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, near major
producers, power, transportation, mining infrastructure and milling facilities.
As at January 9, 2014, following the closing of the Offering, the Company had
79.2 million shares issued and outstanding and 127.3 million shares fully
diluted.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including information about the release of the Escrowed Funds and current expectations on the expected use of proceeds of the Offering. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the approval of the shareholders of the Company (to the extent required) of the Offering; the completion of the Acquisition; the risks and hazards associated with environmental compliance and permitting for its existing underground operations; the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; and the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present. There is no assurance that the Acquisition or any related financing will be completed, either on the terms proposed or at all. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
Klondex Mines Continues to Strengthen Nevada Operations Team;
Klondex to Exhibit and Present at the Vancouver Resource Show
Reno, NV & Vancouver, BC January 14, 2014 Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF), a Nevada gold exploration and development company, is pleased to announce additions to the Klondex team. John Marma joins as Chief Geologist and Lee Morrison joins as Safety Supervisor. In addition, Klondex will be exhibiting (booth #1507) at the Cambridge House Vancouver Resource Investment Conference on January 19-20, 2014 at the Vancouver Convention Centre - West and presenting on Sunday January 19 at 1:30p PST.
John Marma, M.Sc., adds 17 years of experience to the KDX team. His role as Chief Geologist will be to lead and mentor the geology team in production and exploration. Mr Marma joins from Newmont Mining Corporation where he has held increasingly senior positions for the past ten years. From 2004-2011, as part of both the Midas production and exploration geology teams, he developed successful infill and exploration drill programs. In 2011, he was transferred to Newmonts Long Canyon, as Senior Geologist. Mr. Marma has focused his career around the exploration, development and production of underground narrow vein systems; specifically, epithermal, bonanza-style vein systems. He also has experience working in Carlin-type deposits. Among Mr. Marmas accomplishments, he is credited with leading the Midas geology team in the discovery of the eastern veins at Midas and authoring two publications detailing the geological controls and evolution of epithermal gold-silver veins within the northern Nevada Rift, specifically related to the Midas Mine. Mr. Marma earned his Masters of Geology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Lee Morrison brings to Klondex Mines over 35 years of management experience in the Safety, Security and Human Resource areas. Mr. Morrison has spent many years working at numerous mines in Northern Nevada being promoted several times within the Safety and Human Resources disciplines, including Florida & Relief Canyon, Hycroft, Mineral Ridge and Pinson. Mr. Morrison worked at the Midas mine from 1999 to 2007 and most recently from the Hollister Mine.
Paul Huet, Klondex President and CEO stated, We welcome John and Lee, experts in narrow vein underground gold mines, to the Klondex team. As we look to complete the acquisition of the Midas Mine and Mill in February, a strong operations team is critical to our successes in Nevada.
Klondexs new Chief Geologist, John Marma, will present in Workshop #3 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference on Sunday, January 19 at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Marma will review the recent acquisition from Newmont Mining Corp. of the Midas Mine and Milling facility, progress at Klondexs Fire Creek gold project also in Nevada, as well as review the Companys plans and goals for 2014.
Representing Klondex will be Mike Doolin, General Manager, John Marma, Chief Geologist and Alison Tullis, Manager, Investor Relations.
About Klondex Mines Ltd. ( www.klondexmines.com )
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration and development of its high-grade Fire Creek gold deposit in north central Nevada. Fire Creek is a compelling gold project located in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, near major producers, power, transportation, mining infrastructure and its toll milling facility. As at January 9, 2014, following the closing of the Offering, the Company had 79.2 million shares issued and outstanding and 127.3 million shares fully diluted.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Huet
President & CEO
1-775-284-5757
investors@klondexmines.com
Alison Tullis
Manager, Investor Relations
1-647-233-4348
atullis@klondexmines.com
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including information about the magnitude and quality of the Fire Creek Project the results of exploration and assay sampling at the Fire Creek Project, the Company's intention and ability to monetize mineralized material, timing of the updated mineral resource estimate at the Fire Creek Project and the bulk sampling program. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the risks and hazards associated with environmental compliance and permitting for its underground operations, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Com pany’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com . Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE
SERVICES OR FOR
DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Klondex Announces Closing of C$42.6 Million Midas Financing
Elko, NV & Vancouver, BC January 9, 2014 Further to its news release dated December 6, 2013 and its announcement to purchase the Midas mine and mill from Newmont Mining Corporation, Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX:KDX; OTCQX: KLNDF) ("Klondex", or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of its private placement offering (the "Offering") of subscription receipts ("Subscription Receipts"). The Offering was upsized to gross proceeds of C$42,630,000 on the sale of 29,400,000 Subscription Receipts. A syndicate of agents, led by GMP Securities L.P., and including MGI Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., Jones, Gable & Company Limited and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the "Agents"), acted as agents under the Offering.
Each Subscription Receipt issued pursuant to the Offering was sold at a price of C$1.45 and will be deemed to be converted upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below), without payment of any additional consideration, into one common share of the Company (an "Underlying Share"). The Subscription Receipts provide for appropriate adjustments to be made in the event of share dividends, consolidations, distributions and other forms of capital reorganizations.
The gross proceeds of the Offering, less the Agents' expenses and out-pocket-costs and legal expenses (the "Escrowed Funds"), have been deposited in escrow. The Escrowed Funds will be released from escrow to the Company upon the satisfaction of the following conditions (together, the "Escrow Release Conditions"): (i) the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent to the proposed acquisition of the Midas mine and related ore milling facility (previously announced by the Company on December 4, 2013) (the "Acquisition"), other than the delivery of the purchase price of the Acquisition; and (ii) receipt by the Company of the requisite approval of the Companys shareholders to the Offering pursuant to the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange. If the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied on or before February 28, 2014, the gross proceeds will be returned to the holders of the Subscription Receipts and the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled. The Subscription Receipts are and the Underlying Shares will be subject to a four month plus one day hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.
The net proceeds from the Offering are expected to be used to partially fund the purchase price of the Acquisition and for the repayment of $7 million in outstanding notes. The Company is targeting to complete the Acquisition in early February.
About Klondex Mines Ltd.
(www.klondexmines.com)
Klondex Mines is focused on the exploration and development of its
high-grade Fire Creek gold deposit in north central Nevada. Fire Creek is a
compelling gold project located in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, near major
producers, power, transportation, mining infrastructure and milling facilities.
As at January 9, 2014, following the closing of the Offering, the Company had
79.2 million shares issued and outstanding and 127.3 million shares fully
diluted.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including information about the release of the Escrowed Funds and current expectations on the expected use of proceeds of the Offering. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the approval of the shareholders of the Company (to the extent required) of the Offering; the completion of the Acquisition; the risks and hazards associated with environmental compliance and permitting for its existing underground operations; the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; and the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present. There is no assurance that the Acquisition or any related financing will be completed, either on the terms proposed or at all. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.
NOTICE TO READER
The technical report titled "Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada" (the "Technical Report") was originally filed on SEDAR on March 31, 2015. The Technical Report is being re-filed in order to correct certain typographical errors in Table 22-1 (page 192) and Table 22-2 (pages 192-193). The changes to Table 22-1 were made in order to: (i) correct the headers of the columns, which incorrectly referred to the years 2015 through 2018, rather than 2014 through 2017, as reflected in the attached Technical Report, and (ii) to correct the total amount for the line item "Total Revenue". The changes to Table 22-2 were made to correct the headers of the columns, which incorrectly referred to the years 2015 through 2019, rather than 2014 through 2018, as reflected in the attached Technical Report. Other than the changes noted above, and a note in the first paragraph of Section 2 noting these changes, the Technical Report remains the same in all respects.
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Date and
Signature Page
The undersigned prepared this Technical Report (Technical
Report), titled: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County,
Nevada, amended the 2nd day of April, 2015, with an effective date of August
31, 2014, in support of the public disclosure of mineral resource and mineral
reserve estimates for the Midas Project. The format and content of the Technical
Report have been prepared in accordance with Form 43-101F1 of National
Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian
Securities Administrators.
Dated April 2, 2015
Signed Mark Odell | No. 13708, Nevada |
Mark Odell, P.E. | SME No. 2402150 |
Practical Mining LLC | (Sealed) |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89815, USA | |
(775) 345-3718 | |
Email: markodell@practicalmining.com | |
Signed Laura Symmes | SME No. 4196936 |
Laura Symmes | (Sealed) |
Practical Mining LLC | |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89815, USA | |
(775) 345-3718 | |
Email: laurasymmes@practicalmining.com | |
Signed Sarah Bull | No. 22797, Nevada |
Sarah Bull, P.E. | (Sealed) |
Practical Mining LLC | |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89815, USA | |
775-304-5836 | |
Email: sarahbull@practicalmining.com | |
Signed Karl T. Swanson | AusIMM No. 304871 |
Karl T. Swanson, M.Eng., SME, AusIMM | SME No. 4043076 |
PO Box 86 | (Sealed) |
Larkspur, CO 80118, USA | |
Fax: (501) 638-9162 | |
Email: karl.swanson@yahoo.com |
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Table of Contents
Date and Signature Page | iii | ||
Table of Contents | iv | ||
List of Tables | ix | ||
List of Figures | xi | ||
List of Abbreviations | xv | ||
1. | Summary | 16 | |
1.1. | Property Description | 16 | |
1.2. | Geology | 16 | |
1.3. | History | 17 | |
1.4. | Project Status | 17 | |
1.5. | Mineral Resource Estimate | 18 | |
1.6. | Mineral Reserve Estimate | 21 | |
1.7. | Cash Flow and Economic Analysis | 21 | |
1.8. | Conclusions | 22 | |
1.9. | Recommendations | 23 | |
2. | Introduction | 24 | |
2.1. | Terms of Reference and Purpose of this Technical Report | 24 | |
2.2. | Qualification of the Authors | 24 | |
2.3. | Sources of Information | 25 | |
2.4. | Units of Measure | 25 | |
2.5. | Coordinate Datum | 26 | |
3. | Reliance on Other Experts | 27 | |
4. | Property Description and Location | 28 | |
4.1. | Property Description | 28 | |
4.2. | Property Location | 28 | |
4.3. | Status of Mineral Titles | 30 | |
4.4. | Royalties | 35 | |
4.5. | Location of Mineralization | 39 | |
5. | Infrastructure | 41 |
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11.8. | Sampling Protocol Issues | 93 | ||
11.9. | Standards and Blanks Performance Issues | 93 | ||
12. | Data Verification | 94 | ||
12.1. | Data Validation Procedures | 94 | ||
12.2. | Datasets Submitted for Evaluation | 94 | ||
12.3. | Collar Location Checks | 96 | ||
12.4. | Down Hole Survey Checks | 96 | ||
12.5. | Lithology Review | 97 | ||
12.6. | Sample ID and Sample Interval Checks | 97 | ||
12.7. | Assay Certificate Checks | 98 | ||
12.8. | Format Conversions | 98 | ||
12.9. | Summary of Database Verification | 99 | ||
13. | Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing | 100 | ||
13.1. | Midas Mill | 100 | ||
13.2. | Mineralogy | 100 | ||
13.2.1. | Main Veins | 100 | ||
13.2.2. | East Veins | 100 | ||
13.3. | Testing and Procedures | 100 | ||
13.4. | Toll Milling | 102 | ||
14. Mineral Resource Estimate | 104 | |||
14.1. | Introduction | 104 | ||
14.2. | Drill Data Base and Compositing | 106 | ||
14.2.1. | Assays | 106 | ||
14.2.2. | Geology Logs | 107 | ||
14.2.3. | Compositing | 107 | ||
14.3. | Vein Modelling | 108 | ||
14.4. | Density | 108 | ||
14.5. | Statistics | 108 | ||
14.6. | Grade Capping | 113 | ||
14.7. | Variography | 115 |
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19. | Market Studies and Contracts | 177 | |
19.1. | Precious Metal Markets | 177 | |
19.2. | Contracts | 177 | |
19.3. | Project Financing | 178 | |
20. | Environmental Studies, Permitting and Social or Community Impact | 181 | |
20.1. | Environmental Management Activities | 181 | |
20.2. | Tailings Impoundment Description and Management | 182 | |
20.3. | Air Emissions Control | 183 | |
20.4. | Reclamation Cost and Bonding | 184 | |
20.5. | Permits | 184 | |
20.6. | Social Impact | 187 | |
21. | Capital and Operating Cost Estimates | 188 | |
21.1. | Capital Costs | 188 | |
21.2. | Operating Costs and Cutoff Grade | 188 | |
22. | Economic Analysis | 191 | |
22.1. | Life of Mine Plan and Economics | 191 | |
22.2. | Sensitivity Analysis | 193 | |
23. | Other Relevant Data and Information | 195 | |
24. | Interpretation and Conclusions | 196 | |
24.1. | Conclusions | 196 | |
24.2. | Project Risks | 196 | |
25. | Recommendations | 198 | |
26. | Bibliography | 199 | |
27. | Glossary | 200 | |
28. | Appendix A: Certification of Authors and Consent Forms | 208 |
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List of Tables
Table 1-1 Chronology of Ownership and Activities at the Midas Mine | 18 |
Table 1-2 Mineral Resource Statement | 18 |
Table 1-3 Midas Mineral Reserve Estimate as of August 31, 2014 | 21 |
Table 1-4 Key Operating and After Tax Financial Statistics | 22 |
Table 2-1 Units of Measure. | 26 |
Table 4-1 Summary of Klondex Owned Unpatented Mining Claims | 30 |
Table 4-2 Summary of Leased Unpatented Mining Claims . | 33 |
Table 4-3 Summary of Patented Mining Claims | 33 |
Table 4-4 Summary of Fee Land Holdings | 35 |
Table 4-5 Midas Town Site Lots | 35 |
Table 4-6 Summary of Midas Project Holding Costs | 36 |
Table 4-7 Royalties | 36 |
Table 6-1 Annual Midas Mill Production | 45 |
Table 6-2 Newmont Historic Mineral Reserve Estimates | 45 |
Table 6-3 Newmont Historic Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources | 46 |
Table 6-4 Newmont Historic Inferred Mineral Resources | 46 |
Table 7-1 Significant Veins | 58 |
Table 11-1 Newmont Standard Performance Summary, Drill Samples, ALS | 81 |
Table 11-2 Current Standard Performance Summary, Drill Samples, AAL | 87 |
Table 11-3 Current Standard Performance Summary, Channel Samples, Klondex Pinson Lab | 92 |
Table 12-1 Data Verification Summary | 96 |
Table 13-1 Midas Eastern Expansion Composite Mineralogy Head Descriptions | 101 |
Table 13-2 Summary of Mineralization Sourced from Other Properties Processed at Midas from 2008 through 2014 | 103 |
Table 14-1 Summary of Drill Hole and Channel Samples | 106 |
Table 14-2 Summary of Composites | 107 |
Table 14-3 Density and Tonnage Factor by Vein | 108 |
Table 14-4 Gold Composite Statistics by Vein | 109 |
Table 14-5 Silver Composite Statistics by Vein | 110 |
Table 14-6 Gold and Silver Grade Caps | 113 |
Table 14-7 Sill 1 Ordinary Kriging Parameters for Gold | 115 |
Table 14-8 Sill 2 Ordinary Kriging Parameters for Gold | 115 |
Table 14-9 Model Orientations and Extents | 116 |
Table 14-10 Estimation Search Parameters by Resource Category | 117 |
Table 14-11 Estimation Search Ellipsoids | 117 |
Table 14-12 Gold Estimation Comparison | 123 |
Table 14-13 Silver Estimation Comparison | 123 |
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Table 14-14 Cutoff Grade Parameters | 145 | ||
Table 14-15 Mineral Resource Statement | 145 | ||
Table 15-1 Mineral Reserves Cut Off Grade Calculation | 148 | ||
Table 15-2 Midas Mineral Reserves as of August 31, 2014 | 149 | ||
Table 16-1 Underground Equipment List | 153 | ||
Table 16-2 Surface Support Equipment List | 153 | ||
Table 16-3 Midas Mine Heading Advance Rates | 158 | ||
Table 16-4 Annual Production and Development Plan | 163 | ||
Table 17-1 Process Equipment Itemization by Area | 168 | ||
Table 17-2 Midas Mill Operating Costs | 172 | ||
Table 17-3 2014 Midas Mineralized Material Processed at the Midas Mill | 172 | ||
Table 18-1 Electrical Transformer Details | 174 | ||
Table 19-1 FNC Gold Delivery Schedule | 179 | ||
Table 20-1 Midas Operations Comprehensive Permit List | 185 | ||
Table 21-1 Capital Costs . | 188 | ||
Table 21-2 Underground Development Unit Costs | 188 | ||
Table 21-3 Operating Costs | 188 | ||
Table 21-4 Cut-off Grade Calculation | 190 | ||
Table 22-1 Income Statement 2014 2017 ($000s) | 192 | ||
Table 22-2 Cash Flow Statement 2014 2018 ($000s) | 192 | ||
Table 22-3 Key Operating and After Tax Financial Statistics | 193 | ||
Table 24-1 Potential Project Risks | 197 | ||
Table 25-1 Recommendations | 198 |
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List of Figures
Figure 4-1 Midas Mine Location Map | 29 |
Figure 4-2 Klondex Land Position | 30 |
Figure 4-3 Location of the Midas Mine Relative to the NNR | 40 |
Figure 5-1 Location Map | 41 |
Figure 7-1 Regional Geologic Map with Mines in and adjacent to the Northern Nevada Rift | 48 |
Figure 7-2 Midas Trough in the NNR | 49 |
Figure 7-3 Midas Stratigraphic Section | 53 |
Figure 7-4 Section through Midas Mine Area | 54 |
Figure 7-5 Midas Mine Local Geology | 56 |
Figure 7-6 Vein Locations | 57 |
Figure 8-1 Schematic Diagram of Low-Sulfidation Gold, Silver Solutions in Relationship with Magma at Depth | 59 |
Figure 9-1 CSAMT Image of Veins at Depth, Structure and Target Areas | 62 |
Figure 9-2 Newmonts 2011 to 2012 Exploration Drill Targets | 66 |
Figure 9-3 Midas Underground Target Areas | 68 |
Figure 9-4 Geologic Cross-Section through Opal Hill | 68 |
Figure 9-5 Geologic Cross-Section through Grant Jackson / Missing Link | 69 |
Figure 9-6 Geologic Cross-Section through Redscrabble | 70 |
Figure 9-7 Geologic Cross-Section through Hardscrabble | 71 |
Figure 10-1 Plan view of Midas Drilling | 72 |
Figure 10-2 Typical Cross Section with Drill Traces through the 205, 805, 905-2 and 905 Veins at 2,365,700N | 73 |
Figure 10-3 Typical Cross Section with Drill Traces through the 505 and 905 Veins at 2,362,400N | 73 |
Figure 10-4 Long Section Showing Drill and Channel Composites on the 205 Vein | 74 |
Figure 10-5 Long Section Showing Drill and Channel Composites on the 505 Vein | 74 |
Figure 10-6 Long Section Showing Drill and Channel Composites on the 805 Vein | 75 |
Figure 10-7 Long Section Showing Drill and Channel Composites on the 905 Vein | 75 |
Figure 11-1 Standard G01 Assay Performance | 82 |
Figure 11-2 Standard GVL Assay Performance | 83 |
Figure 11-3 Standard LUB Assay Performance | 83 |
Figure 11-4 Standard MDS1 Assay Performance | 84 |
Figure 11-5 Standard MS7 Assay Performance | 84 |
Figure 11-6 Standard PR6 Assay Performance | 85 |
Figure 11-7 Standard G399-5 Assay Performance | 85 |
Figure 11-8 Standard MS1 Assay Performance | 86 |
Figure 11-9 Standard SL-77 Au Assay Performance | 88 |
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Figure 11-10 Standard SL-77 Silver Assay Performance | 88 |
Figure 11-11 Standard SN-74 Au Assay Performance | 89 |
Figure 11-12 Standard SN-74 Silver Assay Performance | 89 |
Figure 11-13 Standard SQ-70 Au Assay Performance | 90 |
Figure 11-14 Standard SQ-70 Silver Assay Performance | 90 |
Figure 11-15 Blank Au Assay Performance | 91 |
Figure 11-16 Blank Silver Assay Performance | 91 |
Figure 11-17 Blank Au Assay Performance for Channels, Klondex Pinson Lab | 92 |
Figure 11-18 Blank Silver Assay Performance for Channels, Klondex Pinson Lab | 93 |
Figure 13-1 Example of Composite #20 Summary | 101 |
Figure 13-2 Example of Composite #25 Summary | 102 |
Figure 14-1 Plan View of the Principal Midas Veins at the 5700 Elevation | 104 |
Figure 14-2 Cross Sectional View of Midas Veins at 236200N | 105 |
Figure 14-3 Section View of Midas Veins at 2366000N | 106 |
Figure 14-4 905 Vein Gold Composite Histogram and Cumulative Frequency | 111 |
Figure 14-5 905 Vein Silver Composite Histogram and Cumulative Frequency | 112 |
Figure 14-6 905 Vein Gold Composite Grade Distribution | 114 |
Figure 14-7 905 Vein Silver Composite Grade Distribution | 114 |
Figure 14-8 Grade Thickness Legend (opt-feet) | 119 |
Figure 14-9 105 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization | 119 |
Figure 14-10 205 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization | 120 |
Figure 14-11 305 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization | 120 |
Figure 14-12 405 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization | 121 |
Figure 14-13 505 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization | 121 |
Figure 14-14 805 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization | 122 |
Figure 14-15 905 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization | 122 |
Figure 14-16 Gold and Silver Legend (opt) | 125 |
Figure 14-17 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 101 Vein | 126 |
Figure 14-18 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 101 Vein | 126 |
Figure 14-19 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 105 Vein | 127 |
Figure 14-20 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 105 Vein | 127 |
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Figure 14-21 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 108 Vein | 128 |
Figure 14-22 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 108 Vein | 128 |
Figure 14-23 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 201 Vein | 129 |
Figure 14-24 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 201 Vein | 129 |
Figure 14-25 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 205 Vein | 130 |
Figure 14-26 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 205 Vein | 130 |
Figure 14-27 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 208 Vein | 131 |
Figure 14-28 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 208 Vein | 131 |
Figure 14-29 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 305 Vein | 132 |
Figure 14-30 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 305 Vein | 132 |
Figure 14-31 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 405 Vein | 133 |
Figure 14-32 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 405 Vein | 133 |
Figure 14-33 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 505 Vein | 134 |
Figure 14-34 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 505 Vein | 134 |
Figure 14-35 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 605 Vein | 135 |
Figure 14-36 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 605 Vein | 135 |
Figure 14-37 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 705 Vein | 136 |
Figure 14-38 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 705 Vein | 136 |
Figure 14-39 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 805 Vein | 137 |
Figure 14-40 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 805 Vein | 137 |
Figure 14-41 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 905 Vein | 138 |
Figure 14-42 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 905 Vein | 138 |
Figure 14-43 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 9052 Vein | 139 |
Figure 14-44 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 9052 Vein | 139 |
Figure 14-45 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 1081 Vein | 140 |
Figure 14-46 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 1081 Vein | 140 |
Figure 14-47 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 1605 Vein | 141 |
Figure 14-48 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 1605 Vein | 141 |
Figure 14-49 Long Section View of Gold Grades for 5005 Vein | 142 |
Figure 14-50 Long Section View of Silver Grades for 5005 Vein | 142 |
Figure 14-51 905 Vein Gold Swath Plot in North Direction | 143 |
Figure 14-52 905 Vein Gold Swath Plot in Elevation | 143 |
Figure 14-53 905 Vein Silver Swath Plot in North Direction | 144 |
Figure 14-54 905 Vein Silver Swath Plot in Elevation | 144 |
Figure 16-1 Long Section of Main Vein Development Looking Due West | 150 |
Figure 16-2 Typical Heading Design and Actual Rib Detail | 151 |
Figure 16-3 Location of Queen South of 3-Haulage | 151 |
Figure 16-4 Planned East Vein Development Overview | 152 |
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Figure 16-5 Sublevel Stoping Mining Sequence | 155 |
Figure 16-6 Typical cut & fill stope long section | 156 |
Figure 16-7 Sublevel Stope in Competent Ground | 158 |
Figure 16-8 Vein 105 Planned Sublevel Stoping Fill (Looking West) | 159 |
Figure 16-9 Vein 205 Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 159 |
Figure 16-10 Vein 305 Planned Sublevel Stoping and Cut & Fill (Looking West) | 160 |
Figure 16-11 Vein 405 Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 160 |
Figure 16-12 Vein 505 Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 161 |
Figure 16-13 Vein 605 Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 161 |
Figure 16-14 Vein 805 Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 162 |
Figure 16-15 905 Vein Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 162 |
Figure 16-16 Vein 9052 Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 163 |
Figure 17-1 Process Facility Flow Sheet | 167 |
Figure 17-2 Midas Plant Performance Prior to 2014 | 173 |
Figure 18-1Water System at Midas (Newmont, 2013) | 175 |
Figure 18-2 Location of Site Facilities | 176 |
Figure 19-1 Historical Monthly Average Gold and Silver Prices and 36 Month Trailing Average | 177 |
Figure 21-1 Cutoff Grade Sensitivity to Gold Price | 190 |
Figure 22-1 5% NPV Sensitivity | 194 |
Figure 22-2 10% NPV Sensitivity | 194 |
Figure 22-3 Profitability Index Sensitivity | 195 |
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List of Abbreviations
A | Ampere | kA | kiloamperes |
AA | atomic absorption | kCFM | thousand cubic feet per minute |
A/m 2 | amperes per square meter | Kg | Kilograms |
AGP | Acid Generation Potential | km | kilometer |
Ag | Silver | km2 | square kilometer |
ANFO | ammonium nitrate fuel oil | kWh/t | kilowatt-hour per ton |
ANP | Acid Neutralization Potential | LOI | Loss On Ignition |
Au | Gold | LoM | Life-of-Mine |
AuEq | gold equivalent | m | meter |
btu | British Thermal Unit | m 2 | square meter |
°C | degrees Centigrade | m 3 | cubic meter |
CCD | counter-current decantation | masl | meters above sea level |
CIL | carbon-in-leach | mg/L | milligrams/liter |
CoG | cut-off grade | mm | millimeter |
cm | centimeter | mm 2 | square millimeter |
cm 2 | square centimeter | mm 3 | cubic millimeter |
cm 3 | cubic centimeter | MME | Mine & Mill Engineering |
cfm | cubic feet per minute | Moz | million troy ounces |
ConfC | confidence code | Mt | million tonnes |
CRec | core recovery | MTW | measured true width |
CSS | closed-side setting | MW | million watts |
CTW | calculated true width | m.y. | million years |
° | degree (degrees) | NGO | non-governmental organization |
dia. | diameter | NI 43-101 | Canadian National Instrument 43-101 |
EIS | Environmental Impact Statement | oz | Troy Ounce |
EMP | Environmental Management Plan | opt | Troy Ounce per short ton |
FA | fire assay | % | percent |
Ft | Foot | PLC | Programmable Logic Controller |
Ft 2 | Square foot | PLS | Pregnant Leach Solution |
Ft 3 | Cubic foot | PMF | probable maximum flood |
g | Gram | POO | Plan of Operations |
g/L | gram per liter | ppb | parts per billion |
g-mol | gram-mole | ppm | parts per million |
g/t | grams per tonne | QAQC | Quality Assurance/Quality Control |
ha | hectares | RC | reverse circulation drilling |
HDPE | Height Density Polyethylene | ROM | Run-of-Mine |
HTW | horizontal true width | RQD | Rock Quality Description |
ICP | induced couple plasma | SEC | U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission |
ID2 | inverse-distance squared | Sec | second |
ID3 | inverse-distance cubed | SG | specific gravity |
ILS | Intermediate Leach Solution | SPT | Standard penetration test |
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1. |
Summary |
On February 11, 2014, Klondex Mines Ltd. ("Klondex" or the "Company") completed the acquisition of all of the shares of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, which indirectly owns the Midas mine and mill located in Elko County, Nevada (formerly known as the Ken Snyder Mine and Mill) (collectively, "Midas" or the "Midas Property" or the "Project"), from Newmont USA Limited, a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation ("Newmont") for $83 million, including approximately $55 million in cash and approximately $28 million for the replacement of Newmonts reclamation surety arrangement, in addition to five million common share purchase warrants (the "Midas Acquisition").
The Midas Property includes the underground mine (the Midas Mine), the Merrill Crowe processing facility, related support infrastructure, and mining and milling equipment. The land package includes fee lands, patented mining claims, and unpatented mining claims. The Midas Acquisition included an assignment of Newmonts interest in seven lease agreements for patented and unpatented mining claims. The total land package comprises approximately 30,000 acres.
Klondex has engaged Practical Mining LLC (PM or Practical Mining) to prepare this Technical Report on the status of the property and related infrastructure.
This document was produced by PM based on site visits by the qualified persons (QPs), evaluation of extensive information provided by Klondex and Newmont and by interviewing Klondexs site management and technical staff. This document relies heavily on the information supplied by Klondex and Newmont, and it is the opinion of the QPs that this information is accurate.
1.1. |
Property Description |
The Midas project is approximately 58 miles northeast of Winnemucca, Nevada, in Elko County. The Midas Property covers approximately 30,000 acres and includes owned fee lands and unpatented mining claims in addition to seven lease agreements.
1.2. |
Geology |
The Midas Mine is the largest known Au-Ag epithermal deposit along the Northern Nevada Rift (NNR) and is located, located in the mining district of Midas, also known as the Gold Circle district. The Midas Property is located in Elko County in north-central Nevada one mile east of the town of Midas, Nevada, about 62 miles from Winnemucca on Nevada State Highway 789 from Interstate Highway I-80 or 80 miles from the town of Battle Mountain.
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The Midas Property is centered on latitude 41° 15 North (N) and longitude 116° 46 West (W). Most of the current Project activity is located in Township 39 N Range 46 East (E) Mount Diablo Meridian.
The Midas deposit consists of a series of complex steeply dipping, quartz-calcite-adularia precious metal veins hosted by volcanic and volcanoclastic rocks and locally contains mineral grades greater than (>) ten ounces per ton (opt) of gold. Gold mineralization occurs as electrum and is intimately associated with selenide and sulfide minerals. It belongs to a suite of middle Miocene low-sulfidation epithermal gold and silver mineralizing systems associated with magmatism and faulting along the NNR (Leavitt et al., 2004). The mineralization model at Midas is a shallow, low-sulfidation, vertically- and laterally-zoned, epithermal gold-silver system. Rocks in the Midas district are primarily ash flow, air-fall and lithic tuffs, felsic plugs, volcanoclastic sediments and gabbroic sills and dikes.
1.3. |
History |
Gold was discovered in the Midas district (then named Gold Circle district) in the summer of 1907, and by March 1908 the camp population grew to over 1,500 people. A number of companies operated the mines of the district and six or more mills operated at different times until the 1940s. (Rott, 1931)
Modern exploration of the Midas district began in the early 1990s under the direction of Ken Snyder and Franco-Nevada Mining Corporation (Franco-Nevada Mining). Construction of the present day Midas Mine began in 1997, with the first gold poured in December 1998. Newmont acquired Midas through its acquisition of Normandy Mining Corporation (Normandy) in February 2002. A history of Midas ownership is listed Table 1-1
1.4. |
Project Status |
During 2014, Klondex staff prioritized the near mine mineral resource areas for further evaluation and drilling. These areas were prioritized based on ounce potential, ease of accessibility from the existing mine development and geotechnical, ventilation and hydrologic considerations. Areas drill tested to date include the Colorado Grande, Discovery, and GP veins with the Discovery Vein showing the best results to date. Approximately 4,500 feet of exploration drifting has also been undertaken to test targets on the Queen and Link Veins that cannot be reached from the existing development platform.
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Table 1-1 Chronology of Ownership and Activities at the Midas Mine
Dates | Company | Activity Details |
1907-1941 | Several Companies | Explored and mined using underground mining methods. Placers were also mined. |
1992-1994 | Franco-Nevada and Euro- Nevada Mining Corporation Limited (Euro-Nevada) | Assembled land package, explored property, drilled discovery hole in 1994. |
1994-1997 | Franco-Nevada and Euro- Nevada 50/50 | Delineation drilling, mine development, construction of mill. |
1998-2001 | Franco-Nevada and Euro- Nevada 50/50 | First gold pour in 1998, operated mine until Normandy acquired it in 2001. |
2001-2002 | Normandy | Normandy acquired and operated mine until Newmont acquisition of Normandy in 2002. |
2002-2014 | Newmont | Newmont acquired Midas through its Normandy acquisition, operated property until sale of Midas to Klondex. |
Feb. 2014- present | Klondex | Klondex purchased Midas from Newmont. |
1.5. |
Mineral Resource Estimate |
Gold and silver mineralization at Midas is hosted in several north-west striking veins. The veins are divided into four principle groups based on their location and orientation. The two groups hosting mineral resources are the Main Veins which dip easterly and are predominantly gold mineralization, while the East Veins dip to the west and have a much higher silver content then the main veins. The main veins produced in excess of 2.2 million ounces of gold and 26.9 million ounces of silver between 1998 and 2013. Initial production from the East Veins recently began in 2012.
Klondexs previous mineral resource estimate only included the five veins which were the target of near term production. This mineral resource estimate was updated to include all known veins proximal to the Midas Mine workings.
There are several additional veins known to occur within the Midas land package, these have not been included in the mineral resource estimate. A summary of the Midas Mine mineral resources is listed in Table 1-2.
Table 1-2 Mineral Resource Statement
Vein True | |||||||||
Vein | Thickness | AuEq | AuEq | ||||||
Vein Name | No. | Feet | kton | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | Au koz | Ag koz | koz |
Measured |
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Vein True | |||||||||
Vein | Thickness | AuEq | AuEq | ||||||
Vein Name | No. | Feet | kton | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | Au koz | Ag koz | koz |
Colorado Grande | 105 | 3.2 | 80 | 0.502 | 6.311 | 0.600 | 40 | 504 | 48 |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 3.1 | 0.2 | 0.197 | 2.812 | 0.240 | 0.05 | 0.7 | 0.1 |
Midas Trend (MT) | 201 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 5.1 | 130 | 0.478 | 6.592 | 0.580 | 62 | 856 | 75 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 2.4 | 2 | 0.284 | 2.858 | 0.328 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 2.9 | 31 | 0.601 | 6.577 | 0.703 | 18 | 201 | 21 |
Snow White | 405 | 1.8 | 22 | 0.430 | 4.933 | 0.507 | 10 | 109 | 11 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.7 | 39 | 0.494 | 7.447 | 0.609 | 19 | 287 | 23 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.3 | 1 | 0.511 | 5.585 | 0.597 | 1 | 8 | 1 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 2.2 | 13 | 0.117 | 18.205 | 0.399 | 2 | 245 | 5 |
GP | 905 | 2.4 | 19 | 0.086 | 11.310 | 0.261 | 1.6 | 217 | 5 |
Ace | 9052 | 2.5 | 14 | 0.084 | 11.771 | 0.267 | 1.2 | 168 | 4 |
Happy | 1081 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.143 | 6.285 | 0.240 | 0.1 | 4 | 0 |
Queen | 1605 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SR | 5005 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Measured | 3.7 | 352 | 0.440 | 7.401 | 0.555 | 155 | 2,605 | 195 | |
Indicated | |||||||||
Colorado Grande | 105 | 5.4 | 183 | 0.418 | 4.872 | 0.494 | 77 | 892 | 90 |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 4.8 | 7.3 | 0.279 | 4.663 | 0.351 | 2.04 | 34.1 | 2.6 |
MT | 201 | 6.5 | 10 | 0.217 | 2.161 | 0.251 | 2 | 21 | 2 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 3.8 | 150 | 0.316 | 4.019 | 0.378 | 47 | 603 | 57 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 3.6 | 16 | 0.280 | 1.806 | 0.308 | 4 | 28 | 5 |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 2.8 | 103 | 0.470 | 5.484 | 0.555 | 48 | 564 | 57 |
Snow White | 405 | 2.2 | 59 | 0.391 | 4.355 | 0.458 | 23 | 256 | 27 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.8 | 79 | 0.397 | 5.896 | 0.489 | 31 | 463 | 38 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.2 | 31 | 0.305 | 6.059 | 0.399 | 9 | 186 | 12 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 3.6 | 13 | 0.370 | 1.689 | 0.397 | 5 | 23 | 5 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 4.6 | 31 | 0.083 | 15.421 | 0.322 | 3 | 472 | 10 |
GP | 905 | 2.5 | 34 | 0.097 | 9.942 | 0.251 | 3.3 | 337 | 9 |
Ace | 9052 | 3.4 | 23 | 0.101 | 9.685 | 0.251 | 2.3 | 219 | 6 |
Happy | 1081 | 3.1 | 5.2 | 0.329 | 7.653 | 0.448 | 1.7 | 39 | 2 |
Queen | 1605 | 4.1 | 22 | 0.327 | 0.977 | 0.342 | 7 | 22 | 8 |
SR | 5005 | 8.1 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Indicated | 3.9 | 765 | 0.349 | 5.440 | 0.433 | 267 | 4,161 | 331 | |
Measured and Indicated | |||||||||
Colorado Grande | 105 | 4.7 | 263 | 0.444 | 5.309 | 0.526 | 117 | 1,396 | 138 |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 4.8 | 7.5 | 0.276 | 4.605 | 0.347 | 2.08 | 34.7 | 2.6 |
MT | 201 | 6.5 | 10 | 0.217 | 2.161 | 0.251 | 2 | 21 | 2 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 4.4 | 280 | 0.391 | 5.212 | 0.472 | 109 | 1,459 | 132 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 3.5 | 17 | 0.280 | 1.919 | 0.310 | 5 | 33 | 5 |
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Vein True | |||||||||
Vein | Thickness | AuEq | AuEq | ||||||
Vein Name | No. | Feet | kton | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | Au koz | Ag koz | koz |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 2.8 | 133 | 0.500 | 5.734 | 0.589 | 67 | 765 | 79 |
Snow White | 405 | 2.1 | 81 | 0.402 | 4.512 | 0.471 | 33 | 365 | 38 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.8 | 117 | 0.429 | 6.406 | 0.528 | 50 | 750 | 62 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.2 | 32 | 0.314 | 6.038 | 0.408 | 10 | 194 | 13 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 3.6 | 13 | 0.370 | 1.689 | 0.397 | 5 | 23 | 5 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 3.9 | 44 | 0.094 | 16.272 | 0.346 | 4 | 718 | 15 |
GP | 905 | 2.4 | 53 | 0.093 | 10.437 | 0.255 | 4.9 | 554 | 14 |
Ace | 9052 | 3.1 | 37 | 0.094 | 10.492 | 0.257 | 3.5 | 387 | 9 |
Happy | 1081 | 2.9 | 5.8 | 0.307 | 7.495 | 0.424 | 1.8 | 44 | 2 |
Queen | 1605 | 4.1 | 22 | 0.327 | 0.977 | 0.342 | 7 | 22 | 8 |
SR | 5005 | 8.1 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Meas. and Ind. | 3.8 | 1,117 | 0.377 | 6.058 | 0.471 | 421 | 6,765 | 526 | |
Inferred | |||||||||
Colorado Grande | 105 | 3.3 | 179 | 0.298 | 3.156 | 0.347 | 53 | 565 | 62 |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 4.3 | 9.3 | 0.179 | 3.396 | 0.232 | 1.66 | 31.4 | 2.1 |
MT | 201 | 4.0 | 68 | 0.236 | 1.585 | 0.260 | 16 | 109 | 18 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 4.7 | 157 | 0.225 | 2.281 | 0.260 | 35 | 359 | 41 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 4.3 | 9 | 0.227 | 2.870 | 0.271 | 2 | 25 | 2 |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 1.7 | 86 | 0.339 | 2.746 | 0.381 | 29 | 237 | 33 |
Snow White | 405 | 3.7 | 42 | 0.395 | 3.019 | 0.442 | 17 | 128 | 19 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.7 | 78 | 0.352 | 4.616 | 0.424 | 28 | 361 | 33 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.0 | 41 | 0.186 | 5.250 | 0.268 | 8 | 214 | 11 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 5.7 | 13 | 0.325 | 2.040 | 0.356 | 4 | 26 | 5 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 3.0 | 10 | 0.080 | 10.486 | 0.242 | 1 | 101 | 2 |
GP | 905 | 3.3 | 82 | 0.154 | 6.043 | 0.248 | 12.6 | 494 | 20 |
Ace | 9052 | 2.2 | 41 | 0.167 | 6.459 | 0.268 | 6.9 | 265 | 11 |
Happy | 1081 | 3.4 | 5.4 | 0.182 | 6.291 | 0.279 | 1.0 | 34 | 2 |
Queen | 1605 | 2.6 | 29.3 | 0.273 | 0.862 | 0.286 | 8.0 | 25 | 8 |
SR | 5005 | 3.7 | 8 | 2.113 | 1.684 | 2.139 | 18 | 14 | 18 |
Total Inferred | 4.0 | 858 | 0.280 | 3.480 | 0.334 | 241 | 2,988 | 287 |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Mineral resources have been calculated based on a gold price of $1,200/troy ounce and a silver price of $19.00 per troy ounce. |
|
2. |
Mineral resources are calculated at a grade thickness cut-off grade of 0.96 Au equivalent opt-feet and a diluted Au equivalent cut-off grade of 0.225 opt. |
|
3. |
Gold equivalent ounces were calculated based on one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver. |
|
4. |
The minimum mining width is defined as four feet or the vein true thickness plus one foot, whichever is greater. |
|
5. |
Mineral resources include dilution to achieve mining widths and an additional 10% unplanned dilution. |
|
6. |
Mineral resources include allowance for 5% mining losses. |
|
7. |
Mineral Resources are inclusive of mineral reserves. |
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8. |
Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. |
|
9. |
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there is insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. |
|
10. |
Mineral resource estimates can be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political or other factors. |
1.6. |
Mineral Reserve Estimate |
Excavation designs for stopes, stope development drifting, and access development were created using Vulcan Software. Stope designs were aided by the Vulcan Stope Optimizer Module. The stope optimizer produces the stope cross section which maximizes value within given geometric design constraints.
Design constraints included a four-foot minimum mining width for long-hole stopes with development drifts spaced at 50-foot vertical intervals. Stope development drift dimensions maintained a constant height of 11 feet and a minimum width of seven feet. Cut and fill stope dimensions are six feet in width, with each cut 10 feet high.
Table 1-3 Midas Mineral Reserve Estimate as of August 31, 2014
Au | Ag | Au Equiv. | |||||
Tons | Au Eq | Ounces | Ounces | Ounces | |||
Vein Designation | (000's) | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | (000's) | (000's) | (000's) |
Proven Reserves | 134.1 | 0.381 | 13.35 | 0.588 | 51.1 | 1,790 | 78.8 |
Probable Reserves | 108.0 | 0.376 | 7.92 | 0.498 | 40.6 | 855 | 53.8 |
Proven + Probable Reserves | 242.1 | 0.378 | 10.93 | 0.548 | 91.6 | 2,646 | 132.6 |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Mineral Reserves have been estimated based on a gold price of $1,000/ounce and a silver price of $15.83/ounce. |
|
2. |
Metallurgical recoveries for gold and silver are 94% and 92% respectively. |
|
3. |
Gold equivalent ounces are calculated on the basis of one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver. |
|
4. |
Mineral Reserves are estimated at a cutoff grade of 0.335Au opt and an incremental cutoff grade of 0.110 Au opt. |
|
5. |
Mine losses of 5% and unplanned mining dilution of 10% have been applied to the designed mine excavations. |
1.7. |
Cash Flow and Economic Analysis |
The reserves mine plan was evaluated using constant dollar cash flow analysis, and the results are summarized in Table 1-4. The minimal capital requirement result in a 0.6 year capital payback period and a relatively high 21.1 profitability index (PI) calculated at a 10% discount rate and a 523% rate of return over 2.8 years.
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Table 1 - 4 Key Operating and After Tax Financial Statistics
Material Mined and Processed (kt) | 242 |
Avg. Gold Grade (opt) | 0.378 |
Avg. Silver Grade (opt) | 10.93 |
Contained Gold (koz) | 91.6 |
Contained Silver (koz) | 2,646 |
Avg. Gold Metallurgical Recovery | 94% |
Avg. Silver Metallurgical Recovery | 92% |
Recovered Gold (koz) | 86.1 |
Recovered Silver (koz) | 2,434 |
Reserve Life (years) | 2.8 |
Operating Cost ($/ton) | $315 |
Cash Cost ($/oz) 1. | $466 |
Total Cost ($/oz) 1. | $485 |
Gold Price ($/oz) | $1,000.00 |
Silver Price ($/oz) | $15.83 |
Capital Costs ($ Millions) | $1.6 |
Payback Period (Years) | 0.6 |
Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $33.1 |
5% Discounted Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $30.2 |
10% Discounted Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $27.7 |
Profitability Index (10%) 2. | 21.1 |
Internal Rate of Return | 523% |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Net of byproduct credits. |
|
2. |
Profitability index (PI) is the ratio of payoff to investment of a proposed project. It is useful for ranking projects as a measure of the amount of value created per unit of investment. A PI of 1 indicates break even. |
1.8. |
Conclusions |
|
The Midas Mine is a modern, mechanized narrow vein mine. |
|
|
Significant mineral resources have been identified on the main and eastern veins and other veins near the active mine workings. Klondex staff has been actively drill testing these areas and has prioritized them based on ounce expectations, accessibility from existing development and geotechnical, ventilation, and hydrological considerations. Mine plans are being updated on a regular basis as results are received. Additionally, alternative mining methods including shrinkage stoping and alimak stoping are being investigated where the development requirements for long hole stoping render these areas sub-economic. |
|
|
The conventional Merrill Crowe mill facility is an efficient well maintained modern mineral processing plant capable of processing 1,200 tons per day (tpd). The plant is capable of operating with a minimum crew compliment resulting in cost reductions when operated at capacity. Excess milling capacity will allow the mill to process material from Klondexs nearby properties and also from third party toll milling sources. |
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| The Midas Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) is nearing design capacity and has approximately 700,000 tons of capacity remaining. A significant percentage of the remaining capacity is displaced by the excess water volume generated from mine dewatering and is stored in the TSF. |
1.9. |
Recommendations |
The authors recommend that Klondex should pursue the following initiatives.
1. |
Continue the near mine exploration program initiated in 2014, evaluating targets in order of the relative ranking given by Midas staff and management. |
|
2. |
Continually update the comprehensive engineering study, evaluating mineralization peripheral to abandoned mining areas using alternative mining methods that may allow an increase in mine production. |
|
3. |
Test the four district exploration targets identified by Newmont for additional work in 2011 and 2012. |
|
4. |
Consider whether an additional TSF must be designed, permitted, and constructed to expand the capacity beyond the current 700,000 tons of remaining capacity. This must be completed within the next three to four years in order that operations may continue without interruption. |
|
5. |
Geologic Database Administration: All of the Project data collected to date including drill samples, channel samples and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) samples need to be stored and archived in a permanent and indelible manner. The system software for this system has been procured. |
|
6. |
QAQC: Timely follow-up of QAQC assay deviations and re-assay requests needs to be aggressively pursued. This should become an automated process once the database is implemented and will streamline tracking of QA/QC results and re-assay data entry. |
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2. |
Introduction |
2.1. |
Terms of Reference and Purpose of this Technical Report |
This Technical Report was prepared in accordance with the standards for disclosure of National Instrument (NI) 43-101 and Form 43-101F1 for technical reports of the Canadian Securities Administrators to support the disclosure by Klondex of its mineral reserve estimate on February 23, 2015, and was amended on April 2, 2015 to correct certain typographical errors in Table 22-1 and Table 22-2. This Technical Report uses the definitions published by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) in CIM Definitions for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by CIM Council, May 10, 2014, and follows industry best practices.
This Technical Report documents the status of the Midas Mine and related infrastructure and includes an estimate of mineral resources and mineral reserves based on drilling and sampling completed by Klondex and by previous operators.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of Midas by Klondex, and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, this prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development, and production of its two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1,200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the bulk sampling program at Klondexs Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted.
2.2. |
Qualification of the Authors |
This Technical Report presents summaries based on a technical evaluation by four independent qualified professionals (QPs). The QPs are specialists in the fields of geology, geological engineering, exploration and mining data management, mineral resource and mineral reserve estimation and classification, and mine engineering, including open pit and underground mining.
None of the QPs has any beneficial interest in Klondex or any of its subsidiaries or in the assets of Klondex or any of its subsidiaries. The QPs will be paid a fee for this work in accordance with normal professional consulting practice.
The individuals who have provided input to the current Technical Report are cited as author and are listed below with the dates on which they visited the Midas Project. These authors have extensive experience in the mining industry and are members in good standing of appropriate professional institutions.
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Mr. Swanson last visited the Midas Project on September 23, 2014.
Ms. Symmes last visited the Midas Project on February 5, 2015.
Mr. Odell and Ms. Bull last visited the Midas Project on March 12, 2015.
Mr. Odell and Mr. Swanson have previously been engaged by Newmont to provide consulting services to the Midas Project. Ms. Bull was previously employed as a mining engineer at Midas.
Mr. Odell is the QP for this Technical Report and is cited as primary author.
Mr. Odell, Ms. Symmes and Ms. Bull inspected the underground mining operations, and Ms. Symmes and Mr. Swanson reviewed the site geology. Mr. Odell and Ms. Symmes reviewed reports detailing Klondexs land position at the Midas Project.
2.3. |
Sources of Information |
The sources of information used for the preparation of this Technical Report include data and reports supplied by Klondex staff. In addition, some information was included in the Technical Report which was based on discussions with Klondex staff as related to their field of expertise with the cost data and operating statistics also provided by Klondex.
Sources of information are documented either within the text and cited in references, or are cited in references only. The authors believe the information provided by Klondex and Newmont staff to be accurate, based on their work experience at Midas. The authors asked detailed questions of specific individuals to help verify and clearly state contributions included in this document. These contributions are clearly stated within this Technical Report.
2.4. |
Units of Measure |
The units of measure used in this report are shown in Table 2-1 below. United States (US) Imperial units of measure are used throughout this document unless otherwise noted. The glossary of geological and mining related terms is also provided in Section 27 of this Technical Report. Currency is expressed in United States dollars ($) unless stated otherwise.
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Table 2-1 Units of Measure.
US Imperial to Metric conversions |
Linear Measure |
1 inch = 2.54 cm |
1 foot = 0.3048 m |
1 yard = 0.9144 m |
1 mile = 1.6 km |
Area Measure |
1 acre = 0.4047 ha |
1 square mile = 640 acres = 259 ha |
Weight |
1 short ton (st) = 2,000 lbs = 0.9071 metric tons |
1 lb = 0.454 kg = 14.5833 troy oz |
Assay Values |
1 oz per short ton = 34.2857 g/t |
1 troy oz = 31.1036 g |
1 part per billion = 0.0000292 oz/ton |
1 part per million = 0.0292 oz/ton = 1g/t |
2.5. | Coordinate Datum |
All spatial measurements used in the mineral resource estimate are in US feet. The coordinate datum is projected to North American Datum (NAD) 1927 Nevada State Plane, Central Zone.
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3. |
Reliance on Other Experts |
The status of the environmental program and mine permitting were provided by Klondex and are assumed to be accurate portrayals, at the time of writing this Technical Report.
Observations made on-site by the authors include observing all aspects of mining activities encompassing: underground mining, safety procedures, haulage and equipment maintenance, water treatment, security, road maintenance, general geology, and character of mineralization, the mill and Merrill Crowe zinc precipitation methods of precious metal recovery.
The authors reviewed land tenure to verify Klondexs mining claim standing with the Bureau of Land Managements (BLM) Land and Mineral Legacy Rehost 2000 System (LR2000). The Midas claim status and title was also reviewed by Klondexs counsel (Erwin, 2014).
The opinions expressed in this Technical Report are based on the authors field observations and assessment of the technical data in respect of the Midas Mine.
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4. |
Property Description and Location |
4.1. |
Property Description |
The Midas Project is a high-grade gold-silver vein deposit hosted in faulted and brecciated Tertiary volcanic rocks. Midas is located in a sage and grass covered hillside of the Snowstorm Mountains overlooking Squaw Valley to the south. The Midas Mine is located one mile from the town of Midas and 38 miles from the town of Tuscarora, both of which are small historic mining towns with a small number of year round residents. The Midas Property extends a little over 30,000 acres.
The portal to the underground mine is located approximately one-half mile west of the mill and other site facilities. The portal provides entry to a system of declines and ramps that access the gold and silver-bearing veins. Mining levels are developed at vertical intervals of nominally 50 feet to access the mineralized vein. The mineralized material is excavated and loaded into underground haul trucks, which transport it to a surface transfer stockpile located outside the mine portal. The mineralized material is then trucked from the transfer stockpile to the main stockpile area adjacent to the mill. In the mill, the mineralized material is crushed, processed, and refined to extract gold and silver. Molten gold/silver is poured from the refinery furnace into molds, and the resulting doré is shipped off-site for refining.
4.2. |
Property Location |
The Midas Mine is located in Elko County in north-central Nevada one mile from the town of Midas, Nevada, about 58 miles (93 kilometers) east of Winnemucca on Nevada State Highway 789 from Interstate Highway I-80, or 80 miles (128 kilometers) from Battle Mountain driving west then north, (Figure 4-1). The closest towns with comprehensive services are either Winnemucca or Battle Mountain off of Interstate-80. The closest commercial air service is located in Elko. Elko is approximately three hours driving time through Battle Mountain or about 150 miles. There is a remote, back roads access to Midas from Elko through Tuscarora on a road which does not have winter maintenance. The remote access from Elko to Midas is 90 miles, but the drive time would also be about two hours due to the unimproved roads. A location map for the Midas Mine and Mill is shown in Figure 4-1.
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4.3. |
Status of Mineral Titles |
Klondexs total land package in the Midas district (including easements) covers approximately 30,000 acres (Figure 4-2). This includes fee lands, federal unpatented mining claims, seven mining leases, BLM rights-of-way, general agreements, easements, and surface use agreements. Within the 30,000 acres, there are 1,489 federal unpatented mining claims, of which 1,456 are owned and 33 are leased (Klondex Mines Ltd., 2014). Fee lands comprise approximately 2,417 acres of the land package. About 1,311 acres of the fee land includes surface and mineral rights, while the other 1,106 acres includes only the surface rights. Some of the surface-only fee lands are lots within the town of Midas.
Table 4-1 Summary of Klondex Owned Unpatented Mining Claims
Claim Name | No. of Claims |
Acme, Acme R, Acme No. 1-3 | 5 |
Dot #1, Dot Lode, Dot Lode #2, Dot Lode NO.4 | 4 |
Marty, Marty 2R-6R, Midas 95R | 7 |
MDS 1-49 | 49 |
CAT 1-58 | 58 |
Amsterdam 1-96 | 96 |
Amsterdam 97R, 98R | 2 |
Amsterdam Fraction #1-2 | 2 |
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Claim Name | No. of Claims |
Amsterdam 99-108 | 10 |
Amsterdam 109R-111R | 3 |
Amsterdam 12-115 | 4 |
Amsterdam 116R, 118R | 2 |
Amsterdam 117, 119 | 2 |
Amsterdam 120R-122R | 3 |
Amsterdam 123-136 | 14 |
Amsterdam 137R, 138R | 2 |
Amsterdam 139-144 | 6 |
Amsterdam 145R | 1 |
Amsterdam 146-165 | 20 |
Amsterdam 166R, 167R | 2 |
Amsterdam 168-172 | 5 |
Amsterdam 173R-175R | 3 |
Amsterdam 176-185 | 10 |
Amsterdam 186R | 1 |
Amsterdam 187RR | 1 |
Amsterdam 188-195 | 8 |
Amsterdam 197-300 | 104 |
Amsterdam 301R, 302R | 2 |
Amsterdam 303-380 | 78 |
Amsterdam 381R, 382R | 2 |
Amsterdam 383-411 | 29 |
Amsterdam 412R | 1 |
Amsterdam 413-418 | 6 |
Amsterdam 420-423 | 4 |
Amsterdam 424R | 1 |
Amsterdam 425-428 | 4 |
Amsterdam 433, 438, 439 | 3 |
Amsterdam 440R | 1 |
Amsterdam 442-450 | 9 |
Amsterdam 452-459 | 8 |
Midas 1R-12R | 12 |
Midas 13-16 | 4 |
Midas 17R-23R, 25R | 8 |
Midas 26 RR, 32RR | 2 |
Midas 27R, 28R, 31R | 3 |
Midas 30, 30-34 | 6 |
Midas 33-41 | 9 |
Midas 42R-80R | 39 |
Midas 81 | 1 |
Midas 82R-93R | 12 |
Midas 94, 96 | 2 |
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Claim Name | No. of Claims |
Midas 97R-106R, 109R | 11 |
Midas 110 | 1 |
Midas 111R-113R | 3 |
Midas 114, 115 | 2 |
Midas 116R, 117R | 2 |
Midas 118, 119 | 2 |
Midas 120RR | 1 |
Midas 121-144 | 24 |
Midas 146-158 | 13 |
Midas 159R, 160R | 2 |
Midas 165-174 | 10 |
Midas 175R-180R | 6 |
Midas 181-188 | 8 |
Midas 189R, 190R | 2 |
Midas 191-264 | 74 |
Midas 266R-268R | 3 |
Midas 269-278 | 10 |
Midas 279R, 281R, 283R, 286R | 4 |
Midas 280, 282, 284-285, 287-290 | 8 |
Midas 299R-324R | 26 |
Midas 325-326 | 2 |
Midas 327RR-328RR, 330RR, 332RR | 4 |
Midas 335R-342R | 8 |
Midas 343RR-347RR | 5 |
Midas 349-350 | 2 |
Midas 351R-352R | 2 |
Midas 353-420 | 68 |
Midas 421R-422R | 2 |
Midas 423-484 | 62 |
Midas 506-509 | 4 |
Midas 510R-514R | 5 |
Midas 543-550 | 8 |
Midas 583-586, 588 | 5 |
Midas 623-637 | 15 |
Midas 639, 641, 643, 645, 647, 649, 651 | 7 |
Midas 661, 663, 665, 667, 669-798 | 134 |
Midas 809-832, 841-843 | 27 |
Midas 844R | 1 |
Midas 845-849 | 5 |
Midas 850R | 1 |
Midas 851 | 1 |
Midas 852RR, 854RR-855RR | 3 |
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Table 4-2 Summary of Leased Unpatented Mining Claims
Claim Name | No. of Claims |
Redar 1-5 | 5 |
Estar 1-19 | 19 |
Laura 6, Laura 20 | 2 |
King Midas, King Midas No. 2 | 2 |
Dixie, Dixie 1-3 | 4 |
H-2 | 1 |
Total Leased Unpatented Mining Claims | 33 |
Table 4-3 Summary of Patented Mining Claims
Patent Name | M.S. No. | Patent No. | Assessor Parcel No. |
Elko Prince Annex Fraction | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Elko Prince No. 1 | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Elko Prince No. 2 | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Elko Prince No. 4 Fraction | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Tod Fraction | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Hanks Fraction | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Little Willie Fraction | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Merle | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
June Bell | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
June Bell Fraction | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Ripsaw No. 2 | 3991 | 298366 | 0PM-298-036 |
Gold Crown | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-256-001 |
Oversight Fraction (Portion) | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-256-001 |
Banner | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-560-016 |
Gift No. 1 | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-560-016 |
Oversight Fraction (Portion) | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-060-016 |
Gift No. 2 | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-060-016 |
Rabbit's Foot | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-256-006 |
Banner Fraction | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-256-006 |
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Patent Name | M.S. No. | Patent No. | Assessor Parcel No. |
Wedge | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-668-021 |
Old Judge No. 1 | 4327 | 668211 | 0PM-668-021 |
Hardscrabble No. 1 | 4356 | 827131 | 0PM-827-013 |
Hardscrabble No. 2 | 4356 | 827131 | 0PM-827-013 |
Hardscrabble Fraction | 4356 | 827131 | 0PM-827-013 |
Water Witch No. 1 (E. Portion) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-004 |
Water Witch No. 2 (E. Portion) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-008 |
Water Witch No. 3 | 4192 | 567990 | 0PM-567-099 |
Water Witch No. 4 | 4192 | 567990 | 0PM-567-099 |
Water Witch Fraction | 4192 | 567990 | 0PM-567-099 |
Water Witch No. 1 (Parcel 1) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-001 |
Water Witch No. 1 (Parcel 2) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-002 |
Water Witch No. 1 (Parcel 3) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-003 |
Water Witch No. 2 (Parcel 4) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-005 |
Water Witch No. 2 (Parcel 5) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-006 |
Water Witch No. 2 (Parcel 6) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-007 |
Sleeping Beauty | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Poor Man | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Orphan Boy | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Orphan Boy 2 | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Pan Handle | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Pan Handle 2 | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Little Dot | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Red Top | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Sunset Fraction | 4667 | 1037358 | 0PM-373-058 |
Claim locations are based on the location of monuments and associated dimensions cited to the BLM. The authors are not aware of any conflicting surface rights within the Midas land package. Other considerations that might affect accessing claim status include grazing rights and protected habitats. Grazing rights may exist in the area; however, conflicts with local ranchers are not common in north-central Nevada. Newly established protected habitat for sage grouse has not been defined in this area at the time of this Technical Report. There are archaeological considerations in the immediate area of Midas; however, all proposed surface disturbance is reviewed and approved by BLM. The land information outlining claim status and fee lands was provided by Klondex, and to the authors knowledge at the time this document was prepared, there were no environmental or social factors that would affect land title.
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Table 4-4 Summary of Fee Land Holdings
Section | Legal Description | Acres (Approx) |
T38N R46E MDB&M, APN 004-250-0003, Surface and Mineral Rights | 40.9 | |
Section 2 | NW4NW4 | |
T39N R46E MDM, APN 004-260-03, Surface and Mineral Rights | 840 | |
Section 9 | E2NE4 | |
Section 10 | W2N4, SW4 | |
Section 22 | E2N W4, SE4 | |
Section 27 | NE4, NE4NW4 | |
Section 28 | W2NW4 | |
T39N R46E MDM, APN 004-260-03, Surface Rights Only | 1019 | |
Section 9 | W2NE4, E2NW4 | |
Section 15 | E2W2, W2E2 | |
Section 22 | NE4 | |
Section 28 | W2SE4, E2SW4 | |
Section 33 | NE4 | |
Section 34 | SW4NW4, Lot 1 | |
Total acres: | 1899.9 |
Table 4-5 Midas Town Site Lots
Lot No. | Block No. | Assessor's Parcel No. |
6-7 | I (Gold Circle) | 03-523-03-2 |
8 | I (Gold Circle) | 03-523-02-4 |
11-12 | Q (Gold Circle) | 03-526-01-9 |
1 | S (Gold Circle) | 03-521-05-1 |
2 | S (Gold Circle) | 03-521-04-4 |
1 | W (Gold Circle) | 03-513-03-3 |
3-16 | W (Gold Circle) | 03-513-01-7 |
4.4. |
Royalties |
Property agreement and holding cost obligations are listed in Table 4-6. As part of Klondexs financing package to acquire the Midas Mine, a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation (FNC) will receive a 2.5% net smelter return (NSR) royalty from all production commencing in 2019. Royalties applicable to the project are listed in Table 4-7 below.
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Table 4-6 Summary of Midas Project Holding Costs
Table 4-7 Royalties
Agreement | Recorded | Royalty |
Mining Lease Dated August 1, 1990 | Recorded in short form version as Document No. 297863 in Book 735 at Pages 508-514 of the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada | 5% NSR |
Grant Deed Dated January 12, 1993 | Recorded as Document No. 333428 in Book 809, Page 904-905 of the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada | 2 patented mining claims; Banner, Gift No. 1 (1% NSR to a $30,000 maximum royalty payment). |
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Agreement | Recorded | Royalty |
Grant Deed dated January 25, 1993 | Recorded as Document No. 334437 in Book 811, Page 472-473 of the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada | 1 unpatented lode mining claim known as the New Grant; (1% NSR to a $100,000 maximum royalty payment). |
Grant Deed dated January 27, 1993 | Recorded as Document No. 333895 in Book 810, Page 708-709 of the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada. | 2 patented mining claims; Gold Crown and portion of Oversight Fraction (1% NSR to a $100,000 maximum royalty payment). |
Grant Deed dated March 17, 1993 | Recorded as Document No. 336177 in Book 814, Page 923-924 of the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada. | 1 patented mining claim; Ripsaw No. 2 (1% NSR to a $100,000 maximum royalty payment). |
Mining Lease dated October 30, 1995 | BLM Serial Numbers 105502 to 105507, 105509 recorded in Book 1095, Pages 890-896. | During the 30 year term of agreement: (i) advance minimum royalties totaling $135,000 in the aggregate payable between execution of lease and third anniversary; (ii) advance minimum royalty of $50,000 payable annually after fourth anniversary of lease. Production royalty of 2.5% of NSR. |
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Agreement | Recorded | Royalty |
Lease Dated July 1, 2000 | Recorded as a memorandum as Document No. 467521 in Book 1, Pages 5290-5317 in the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada, on February 28, 2001. The Lease affects unpatented lode mining claims and agreements pertaining to lands situated in Sections 12 and 13, Township 39 North, Range 46 East, and in Sections 7, 18 and 19, Township 39 North, Range 47 East, MDM, Elko County, Nevada. | Advance minimum royalty totaling $150,000 payable between execution of lease and fourth anniversary and of $75,000 until the lease is terminated or expires, whichever first occurs. NSR payable as a production royalty as follows: (i) 4% if the average spot price of gold quoted on the London Bullion Market, Afternoon fix, for a particular payment period is $500 or less; or (ii) 5% if the average spot price of gold quoted on the London Bullion Market, Afternoon fix, for a particular payment period is $700 or less; or (iii) 6% if the average spot price of gold quoted on the London Bullion Market, Afternoon fix, for a particular payment period is greater than $700.When the Lessee has cumulatively paid the Lessor the sum of $1,000,000 in advance minimum royalties, production royalties or other form of pre- payment of same, the production royalty shall be reduced by 1% of NSR so that the above percentages will be 3%, 4% and 5%, respectively. |
Agreement dated August 11, 2000 | Recorded as Document No. 462327 in Book 0 at Pages 23222-23233 of the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada, and on September 18, 2000 | Laura 6 and 20 unpatented lode mining claims are subject to a 2% NSR and portions of the REDAR 3, 4 and 5, and ESTAR 1, 7, 8, 11, 18 and 19 unpatented lode mining claims are subject to a 1% NSR |
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Agreement | Recorded | Royalty |
Mining Lease and Agreement dated April 18, 2005 | Recorded as a memorandum as Document No. 534181 in the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada, and amended on December 21, 2006 | Advance royalty payments going forward of $75,000 on April 18, 2014, $100,000 on April 18, 2015 and $100,000 on each April 18 thereafter; commencing on April 18, 2016, advance royalty payments shall escalate by 5% each year. 50% of all advance royalty payments to be credited against production royalty payments otherwise payable: (i) for precious metals, 4% NSR if average gold price per ounce ("AGP") is less than or equal to $500.00, 5% if AGP is between $500.01 and $700.00, and 6% if AGP is $700.01 and above; and (ii) 3% NSR for ores other than precious metals, all subject to proportionate reduction in certain circumstances in accordance with terms of lease. |
Mining Sublease and Option dated April 2, 2007 | Recorded as a memorandum as Document No. 571656 in the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada, on April 20, 2007 | 1.5% NSR on properties identified in Part 1 of Exhibit A of the Mining Lease with Conditional Purchase Obligation Agreement dated April 2, 2007 (attached as Exhibit I to sublease), 3.0% NSR on properties identified in Part 2 of Exhibit A, subject to proportionate reduction in certain circumstances in accordance with terms of sublease. |
Royalty Agreement dated February 12, 2014 | The payee under the royalty agreement will receive a 2.5% NSR royalty from all production on the Midas Property starting in 2019. |
4.5. |
Location of Mineralization |
The Midas Mine and associated infrastructure are located near the southern limits of the land package, primarily within sections 22 and 27 of T39N R 46E.
Klondex has an approved plan of operations with the BLM for exploration activities on the property. Klondex has a second plan of operations associated with the construction of five vent raises which were designed for ventilation to remote areas of the proposed expanded underground. The mill and most of the Midas infrastructure are located on private lands. The permits required to operate the mine and mill are listed in Section 20.5. The authors are not aware of any environmental liabilities beyond normal reclamation and site closure that exist at the Project. The existing TSF is nearing capacity, and further expansion carries a relatively high unit cost per ton of tailings compared to constructing a new TSF. A new TSF will be required to be permitted by both state and federal authorities, and such permits will take two or more years to secure. There are no other regulatory issues known to the authors related to the continued operation of the Midas Project.
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Ponce 2008
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5. |
Infrastructure |
5.1. |
Access to the Midas Mine |
The Midas Mine can be reached from the town of Winnemucca by driving east on Interstate Highway I-80 for 15 miles to the Golconda Exit Number 194. From Exit 194, turn left onto Nevada State Highway 790 (NV 790) for 0.3 miles, then take the first right onto Nevada State Highway 789 (NV 789) and drive northeast for 43 miles towards the town of Midas. NV 789 turns into NV 18 / Midas Road at about mile thirty. One quarter mile past the turn-off to the town of Midas, continue to follow the Midas Road to a mine direction sign. The entrance to the mine site is about two and one half miles past the town of Midas. To reach the Midas Mine from Battle Mountain, drive west on I-80 for 36.5 miles to reach the Golconda Exit, and then proceed as described above. (Figure 5-1)
The roads leading to the mine are mostly unpaved but are maintained by state, county and Midas operational crews in order to service the ranches and mines in the vicinity. In this part of Nevada, it is common for mine staff to commute long distances for work on a daily basis. The average commute for Midas staff is one and one quarter to one and one half hours each way.
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5.2. |
Climate |
The climate at Midas is typical for northern Nevada with hot summers and cold winters. Average daily summer temperatures range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) to 95°F, and average winter temperatures range from 15°F to 40°F. Summer temperature extremes may reach above 100°F for short periods, and winter extreme temperatures may drop to below 0°F for short periods. Fieldwork, including exploration drilling, is commonly conducted throughout the year except for winter. Mines in northern Nevada typically operate all year without experiencing any major weather-related problems.
5.3. |
Vegetation |
Midas vegetation is mainly limited to sagebrush, other species of low vegetation, and some grasses. There are no trees at the Project. As a result of the low quantity of rainfall, the vegetation is low and sparse.
5.4. |
Physiography |
The Midas Mine is in the foothills on the southeast slope of the Snowstorm Mountains on the north side of Squaw Valley. The elevation of surface infrastructure lies mostly between 5,400 to 5,800 feet. The topographic relief is moderate with mature topography consisting mostly of rounded hills with steeper grades along more competent strata. The Midas project falls on the USGSs Midas, Oregon Canyon, Scraper Springs, and Squaw Valley Ranch 7.5 minute topographic quadrangles, and on the Tuscarora 1:100,000 scale quadrangle
5.5. |
Local Resources and Infrastructure |
The Midas Mine is a well-established facility with extensive underground mine workings and a proven processing facility with nameplate capacity of 1,200 tpd. Prior to the Midas Acquisition, power was supplied from Newmonts Dunphy power plant via NV Energy Corp. (NV Energy) transmission lines and the Osgood substation. Klondex purchases electrical power from NV Energy which is transmitted through the same infrastructure to Midas.
The towns of Winnemucca and Battle Mountain, about 58 miles southwest and 43 miles south of the Project, respectively, are the nearest larger towns and are home to the workforce and industrial suppliers. These towns are the only locations with amenities and services such as motels, fuel, grocery stores and restaurants. Newmont supplied its Midas operations through its centralized warehousing rather than maintaining an on-site warehouse. Klondex has established business relationships with the suppliers necessary to support ongoing operations and has inventoried on site those items frequently used.
Maintenance of the main access roads is reliable because the roads are also used by ranchers and other mining companies. State road NV 789 serves as access to Newmonts Twin Creeks mine, Atna Resources Ltd.s Pinson Gold Project Mine, and Barrick Gold Corporations Turquoise Ridge Mine along the Getchell Gold Belt. In addition, Waterton Global Mining Companys Hollister Mine access road is roughly eight miles beyond the Midas Mine turn-off on NV 18.
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The most accessible rail siding is located near the town of Golconda, a small community of about 200 people, the point of departure from the interstate on the best maintained route to Midas. Golconda has no services with the exception of an intermittently operating convenience store.
The local infrastructure and Midas Mine land position are adequate to support ongoing exploration and mining activity. There is land available adjacent to the existing TSF to support expansion of that facility as needed.
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6. |
History |
6.1. |
Exploration History |
The Midas Mining district, also known as the Gold Circle district in its earlier years, had historic gold production dating as early as 1907 (Rott, 1931). Modern exploration methods were employed in the district casually in the 1970s and 1980s by various companies, and exploration began in earnest in the early 1990s when Franco-Nevada Mining assembled a land package at the urging of Ken Snyder.
The official discovery of high grade veins at Midas occurred in 1994 at the Rex Grande prospect, which grew into the Colorado Grande vein . Mine development commenced in 1997, and Franco-Nevada Mining operated the mine on behalf of the Midas Joint Venture (Franco-Nevada/Euro-Nevada) until the mine was acquired by Normandy in 2001, followed by the Newmont acquisition of Normandy in 2002. Prior to the Midas Mine acquisition by Klondex in February 2014, Newmont was the operator from 2002 through 2014. Klondex is currently the operator of the Midas Mine.
The Midas land package is quite large, extending well beyond the known mineralized extents, and exploration is ongoing, with pauses to focus on near-mine vein delineation. In 2012, Newmont ceased all exploration activity at Midas and began to plan for final depletion and closure.
Historic exploration activities include soil and rock chip sampling, surface mapping, geophysics, and drilling. Thirty-eight holes were drilled by Newmont in the 2011 to 2012 field season to test 15 targets with follow-up work recommended in four of the areas tested. The follow up work was Not completed.
6.2. |
Production History |
Midas is a historic mining district, with recorded production beginning in the early 1900s. Most accounts estimate approximately 300,000 ounces of gold and three million ounces of silver production between 1907 and 1942 when non-essential mining activity was suspended by the War Production Board. This production was from predominately underground mining of high grade veins that outcropped at surface, sporadically augmented by discoveries of placer deposits. The largest historic producer was the Elko-Prince mine in the northern part of the district.
Since modern mining began in 1998, 2.2 million ounces of gold and 26.9 million ounces of silver were produced by Franco-Nevada Mining, Normandy, and Newmont.
Recent production from the Midas mill, prior to the acquisition of the Project by Klondex, is presented in Table 6-1. Production rates peaked in 2011 and declined in succeeding years. Gold grades have also declined, indicating Newmonts planned depletion of the Main Veins. Silver grades increased in 2013 indicating the shift in production from the Main Veins to the East Veins where the silver gold ratio is substantially greater.
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Table 6-1 Annual Midas Mill Production
Year | Kt | Au (opt) | Ag (opt) |
2013 (1) | 190 | 0.21 | 5.7 |
2012 | 330 | 0.23 | 4.1 |
2011 | 367 | 0.31 | 4.3 |
2010 (2) | 327 | 0.43 | 6 |
2009 (3) | 291 | 0.51 | 6.9 |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Ten months through October. |
|
2. |
Includes toll milling 35kt containing 27 koz. Au and 194 koz. Ag from Hollister. |
|
3. |
Includes toll milling 35kt containing 34 koz. Au and 361 koz. Ag from Hollister. |
6.3. |
Historical Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates |
Newmonts historic mineral reserves and mineral resources are presented in Table 6-2 through Table 6-4 (Newmont Mining Corporation, 2013). A qualified person within the meaning of the NI 43-101, has not classified these historic estimates as current mineral reserves or mineral resources, and Klondex is not treating these historic estimates as a current mineral reserves or mineral resources. The authors are unaware of methods, parameters or assumptions used to generate these historic estimates and cannot comment to their accuracy.
Table 6-2 Newmont Historic Mineral Reserve Estimates
Proven | Probable | Proven + Probable | |||||||||||||
Year | kt | Au | Ag | Au | Ag | kt | Au | Ag | Au | Ag | kt | Au | Ag | Au | Ag |
Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) | Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) | Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) | ||||
2012 | 200 | 0.19 | 3.07 | 30 | 510 | 400 | 0.06 | 9.73 | 20 | 3,900 | 600 | 0.10 | 7.79 | 50 | 4,410 |
2011 | 300 | 0.32 | 4.62 | 80 | 1,200 | 500 | 0.18 | 8.63 | 80 | 4,050 | 800 | 0.23 | 7.20 | 160 | 5,250 |
2010 | 200 | 0.39 | 100 | 300 | 0.26 | 90 | 500 | 0.32 | 190 | - | |||||
2009 | 400 | 0.48 | 200 | 300 | 0.35 | 100 | 700 | 0.43 | 300 | - |
Source: Modified from Newmont Mining Corporation website
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Table 6-3 Newmont Historic Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources
Measured | Indicated | Measured + Indicated | |||||||||||||
Au | Ag | Au | Ag | Au | Ag | Au | Ag | Au | Ag | Au | Ag | ||||
Year | kt | Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) | kt | Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) | kt | Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) |
2012 | 18 | 0.149 | 2.24 | 3 | 40 | 100 | 0.039 | 7.72 | 4 | 700 | 118 | 0.095 | 7.79 | 7 | 740 |
2011 | 10 | 0.094 | 1.72 | 1 | 17 | 100 | 0.066 | 4.76 | 6 | 476 | 110 | 0.226 | 7.20 | 7 | 493 |
2010 | 20 | 0.152 | 3 | 100 | 0.172 | 17 | 120 | 0.170 | 20 | ||||||
2009 | 100 | 0.188 | 19 | 100 | 0.118 | 19 |
Source: Modified from Newmont Mining Corporation website
Table 6-4 Newmont Historic Inferred Mineral Resources
Inferred | |||||
Au | Ag | Au | Ag | ||
Year | kt | Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) |
2012 | 3000 | 0.070 | 7.16 | 20 | 2,500 |
2011 | 100 | 0.049 | 9.56 | 5 | 96 |
2010 | 100 | 0.214 | - | 21 | - |
2009 | 100 | 0.248 | - | 25 | - |
Source: Modified from Newmont Mining Corporation website
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7. |
Geological Setting and Mineralization |
7.1. |
Regional Geology |
The Midas Mine is located on the southeast flank of the Snowstorm Mountain range near the eastern margin of the NNR structural domain, hosted in a bimodal suite of volcanic rocks. Several other structurally controlled, epithermal precious-metal vein deposits are hosted in similar Miocene-age volcanic rocks along the NNR, including Klondexs Fire Creek Project, Newmonts Mule Canyon Mine (Mule Canyon), and Waterton Globals Hollister Mine, (under the name of Carlin Resources). All occur along the NNR (Figure 7-1) and share similar mineralization characteristics, including epithermal textures and trace-elements, locally high grade Au and Ag, mid-Miocene ages of mineralization (15.1 -15.6 Ma) and close temporal association with the Miocene host rocks (John et al., 2003; John, 2001; Leavitt et al., 2004; Wallace, 2003).
The NNR is distinguishable on regional-scale magnetic maps as a prominent north-northwest-trending lineament of magnetic highs. This distinctive positive magnetic anomaly is caused by Miocene-age syn-rift mafic and intermediate volcanic rocks of basaltic to dacitic composition
The NNR originated at the McDermitt caldera in northwest Nevada, site of the initial eruption of the Yellowstone hot spot (Zoback et al., 1994), and propagated 500 km to southeast Nevada. The rift is readily visible on regional aeromagnetic maps as a narrow positive anomaly for approximately 250 km (John et al, 2000) and is defined by an accumulation of basaltic to dacitic lava flows and dikes of mid-Miocene age. In the central portion of the rift between the Malpais Rim and Midas, John et al. (2000) defined it as a 5- to 30-km wide north-northwest-trending zone that corresponds to a magnetic high, to mafic dikes and high-angle normal faults that parallel the anomaly, and to middle Miocene volcanic flows that overlie the anomaly. The primary extension direction during rift development and magmatism at 16.5 15 Ma was ENE to WSW, perpendicular to the N22°W axis of the rift. These syn-rift faults sharply bound the present-day NNR on the west and decrease towards the east. From 10 Ma to about 6 Ma, the regional stress field rotated clockwise, resulting in an extension direction that was NNW-SSE (Zoback et al., 1994). This resulted in the formation of horst and graben faults that cut the NNR to form ENE-trending grabens such as the Midas Trough, the Argenta Rim, and the Malpais Rim (Figure 7-2).
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(Modified from Ludington et al., 2005).
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(Modified from Wallace et al., 1998)
The chemical composition of the volcanic and intrusive rocks varies greatly within the rift, ranging from mafic to intermediate volcanic flows at the Malpais and Argenta Rims, mafic flows at Fire Creek, felsic tuff and andesite at Ivanhoe, and a bimodal sequence at Midas of felsic flows, tuffs and domes, and basaltic sills and dikes. Consequently, rocks from one mining district generally cannot be correlated directly with those from another, except in a time sense where high-resolution radiometric dates are available. Gold mineralization at Midas is structurally controlled by normal faults within the NNR. The style of structurally controlled mineralization observed at the Midas Mine is typical of rift-hosted epithermal style mineralization associated with an intrusive center.
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7.2. |
Midas Mine Local Geology |
The Midas deposit belongs to a group of middle Miocene low-sulfidation epithermal gold and silver mineralizing systems associated with magmatism and faulting along the rift. Interpretation of argon-argon (40Ar/39Ar) dates from volcanic rocks and hydrothermal minerals related to gold mineralization, and additional isotopic dates throughout the Midas region, constrain the timing of volcanic, tectonic, and hydrothermal activity. The Midas hydrothermal system developed following a change from mafic-dominated bimodal volcanism and basin formation to felsic volcanism and extensional faulting at about 15.6 Ma. (Leavitt et al. 2004).
From 15.6 to 15.2 Ma, lacustrine sediments and tuffs were deposited on a relatively impermeable rhyolite flow at Midas. During this period, faulting and tilting of the volcanic edifice created pathways for hydrothermal fluids that flowed to the surface forming sinter and hydrothermal breccia. The Midas district at this time was the site of an epithermal hot-spring system, with deposition of volcaniclastic rocks in a series of fresh-water lakes. Approximately 200 thousand years after the change in volcano-tectonic regime, dip-slip normal faulting incurred a small component of left-lateral oblique-slip stress along zones of pre-existing weakness, creating dilational zones and additional channel ways for mineralizing fluids (Leavitt et al., 2004; Rhys, 2002).
At 15.4 Ma, epithermal quartz-calcite-adularia veins formed in fault zones and open conduits in the geothermal field. Ore is confined to steeply dipping, banded quartz veins within north-northwest-striking faults. Highest ore grades display an elevation control related to the paleo-water table, brittle felsic host rocks, and the widest veins (including the Colorado Grande shear vein and the Gold Crown extension vein). The deposition of high-grade Au-Ag mineralization at 15.37 Ma (Leavitt et al, 2004) is identical to the age of rhyolite intrusions which likely provided the heat necessary to drive the hydrothermal system. The age of an unaltered tuff that unconformably overlies opalized sediments establishes that tilting of the units and the hydrothermal system had ceased by 15.2 Ma. The temporal and spatial coincidence of rhyolite volcanism, faulting, and high-grade mineralization may reflect the importance of contributions from deeper fluid reservoirs containing magmatic components or highly exchanged meteoric waters (Leavitt et al., 2004).
The paragenesis of gangue and ore minerals in the Midas veins are consistent with an epithermal hot spring (geothermal) system dominated by meteoric water. Fluid inclusions within the quartz veins indicate low salinities (as expected from meteoric water), and homogenization temperatures between 190-260°C (Riederer and Brown, 2008; Simpson and Mauk, 2001). The paleosurface above the quartz and calcite veins was estimated by Simpson and Mauk (2001) to be between 6200 and 7570 ft above sea level, indicating at least 330 to 1090 ft of erosion, and averaging 500-1000 ft. There are no sinters present in the central part of the district, particularly above the Colorado Grande or Gold Crown veins.
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At a microscopic scale, the mechanism to deposit the bonanza ore grades of electrum and selenide minerals can be attributed to colloidal precipitation (Saunders et al., 2007) in which charged particles of gold and silver suspended in a saturated hydrothermal fluid quickly coagulate along the open walls of the veins. The bulk of the gold and silver metal was precipitated early, forming the highest precious-metal grades symmetrically on the outside walls of the veins, followed by less gold and silver in successive depositional events, and lastly depositing low-grade to barren quartz-calcite in the centers of some of the veins.
Veins at Midas pinch and swell along strike, and up and down dip. Veins commonly split before merging along strike. The geometrical shapes of the veins are described as cymoids (Marma and Vance, 2011); these shapes are fractal in nature, with predictable outcomes and can be used to predict ore chutes and vein structures in the underground workings.
Some of the wider and more complex veins, such as the Colorado Grande and Gold Crown, show evidence for repeated brecciation and mineralization resulting in the highest precious-metal grades in the district where electrum and naumannite are distributed across the width of the veins. The individual pulses of saturated metal-bearing hydrothermal fluid into the geothermal reservoir seem likely to be key to forming high-grade gold-silver veins at Midas.
The Midas veins formed during a middle Miocene pulse of bimodal basalt-rhyolite magmatism that was widespread throughout the northern Great Basin. Drilling in the district has shown that Miocene tuffs, flows, and volcaniclastic rocks extend to a depth of at least 1.5 kilometers (km) beneath the present eroded surface. The depth to older Tertiary volcanic rocks or pre-Tertiary basement is unknown, however, xenoliths of quartzite and metasedimentary rock resembling Paleozoic siliciclastic lithology and representing the pre-Tertiary basement, have been uncovered in a mafic dike or sill of basaltic andesite.
The middle Miocene stratigraphic column at Midas is shown in Figure 7-3 (Goldstrand and Schmidt, 2000; Leavitt et al., 2004). From bottom to top the Miocene rocks consists of:
Tlt - a lower tuff unit, which forms the base of the altered section of Miocene ash-flow tuffs in the district;
Tjb - The June Belle formation, which overlies the lower tuff unit and comprises a rhyolite flow-dome-tuff complex, 10 to 250 meters (m) thick;
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Tep - The Elko Prince formation, which has both gradational and sharp contacts with the underlying June Belle formation. The Elko Prince formation is composed of a variety of ash-flow tuffs and volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks and is divided into three informal members:
Tep 1 - is up to 155 m thick and consists of green-gray poorly welded lithic-crystal ash-flow tuff that contains clasts of basalt, welded tuff, banded rhyolite, and pumice;
Tep2 - is a distinctive marker unit composed of gray carbonaceous lacustrine and volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks that are laterally discontinuous and up to 30 m thick;
Tep3 is the upper member consisting of light-green lapilli tuff that has undergone little to no welding and weak to moderate compaction. The unit is 30 to 105 m thick in the mine area.;
Tepu - a fine-grained, white, sanidine-rich air-fall tuff overlies Tep 3 in some areas;
Tes - sediments of the Esmeralda formation, 85 to 260 m thick, consist of an alternating sequence of tuffaceous and carbonaceous lacustrine sedimentary rocks, pebble conglomerates, and fine-grained amygdaloidal tuffs that form five distinct informal members, Tes1 through 5;
Trf - the so-called red rhyolite tuff, the top of which caps the altered rocks in the district, and is dated at 15.63 Ma.
This stratigraphic section is cut by numerous mafic sills and dikes known as Tbg (Tertiary basaltic gabbro). Locally the sills are 700-1200 ft thick in the eastern part of the district and inflate the stratigraphic pile (Fig. 7-4). Peperites (a sedimentary rock that contains fragments of igneous material and is formed when magma comes into contact with wet sediments) grade laterally into a feature described locally as a clastic dike (Tcd). The clastic dike is sub-parallel to a north-southstriking fault that contains the Colorado Grande vein.
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(Leavitt et al., 2004, Modified from Goldstrand and Schmidt, 2000.)
The structural setting of the Colorado Grande shear vein was provided in a laterally and vertically persistent, north-south to N10-30°W-striking, steeply northeast- dipping normal fault. The Gold Crown extension vein formed in a steeply northeast-dipping, N 50° to 60° W-striking fault that splays into the footwall of the Colorado Grande vein on the Midas fault. Other fault splays of similar orientation in the hanging wall host additional veins (Leavitt et al., 2004). The Midas fault is the principal structure in the mine and dips typically exceed 70° to the northeast. Late oblique-slip stress with minor left-lateral offset on the Midas fault created dilational openings that were filled by the Colorado Grande vein (Rhys, 2002). The Gold Crown, Discovery, and Snow White veins to the northwest are all extensional veins, differing in character from the Colorado Grande shear vein.
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The Colorado Grande and Gold Crown veins formed during multiple episodes of deposition and brecciation. Early silica flooding and brecciation of the wall rocks was followed by deposition of banded veins, several centimeters to several meters wide, which comprise high-grade ore. Dark bands variably enriched in electrum, naumannite (Ag2Se), aguilarite (Ag4SeS), acanthite (Ag2S), and lesser chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, and marcasite alternate with quartz-, chalcedony-, adularia-, and calcite-rich bands (Rhys, 2002; Leavitt et al., 2004).
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The alteration assemblages at Midas show zonation centered on the main veins. Weak propylitic alteration occurs at distances greater than 1,300 feet from the veins. Minor veining and partial replacement of phenocrysts and groundmass by chlorite, calcite, minor smectite (predominantly montmorillonite), and a trace of pyrite characterize this alteration (Leavitt et al 2004).
In summary, the structural geology of the district is as follows:
There are three general stress regimes responsible for the fault geometries and mineralization in the Midas district.
Generally, NW-striking normal faults compose an orthorhombic system that is consistent with the regional mid-Miocene strain field;
These faults were re-activated under a transient change in the stress field that coincided with gold deposition, a return to normal faulting followed, and;
Data collected to date indicate that the late Owyhee faults comprise a normal fault system, with minor left-lateral oblique slip
Application of a structural model in the periphery of the district will be hampered by the high-level of exposure in the system known to have blind veins. Growth faults at this level may display minimal displacement, much of which may be post-mineral. Improved geologic mapping of the outlying areas, in concert with the CSAMT (Controlled Source Audio Frequency Magnetotellurics Testing) geophysical survey technique, will likely become the primary targeting tools outside the main district (Postlethwaite, 2011).
The Midas fault, host to the Colorado Grande vein, is the principal structure in the mine. It strikes approximately N15°W and coincides with a structural high or arch within the district. Closure of rock exposures to the south and general convergence of bedding strike on the west and east sides of the arch to the south indicate a shallow southerly plunge. Based on drill hole information, the Midas fault shows apparent normal movement, down to the east, of more than 1,000 feet as determined from offset stratigraphy. Left-lateral shear movement along the Midas fault later created northwest oriented, dilatant openings that host bonanza vein mineralization (Rhys, 2002). Owyhee structures oriented N65°E show syn- to post-ore - movement, as the Colorado Grande (Midas fault) is displaced along the Northern and Southern Owyhee faults. The most recent movement on the Owyhee structures resulted from basin and range extension during the last 10 Ma (Graf, 2013; Zoback et al, 1994).
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7.3. |
Vein Nomenclature |
The near mine veins at Midas are divided into four major groups, which are shown graphically in Figure 7-6 and listed in Table 7-1. Prior to 2013, all production was from the Main Vein group, particularly the Colorado Grande and Gold Crown Veins. Development of the East Veins began in 2012.
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The third group of veins is comprised of the Queen and SR veins located to the south of the existing workings and south of the South Owyhee (SOW) Fault. There has been no mining on these veins; they are defined only by surface drilling. They represent a high priority near mine target, and the Queen Vein has been added to the mineral resources estimate.
The fourth group of veins are west of the main vein system and includes the Link and Midas Trend veins. Like the southern vein group, these veins have yet to be delineated from underground.
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Table 7-1 Significant Veins
Vein | ||
Group | Vein Name | No. |
Colorado Grande | 105 | |
Gold Crown | 205 | |
Gold Crown HW | 305 | |
Snow White | 405 | |
Discovery | 505 | |
Main Veins | Sleeping Beauty | 605 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | |
Gold Crown Southern Ext | 108 | |
Gold Crown HW Split | 208 | |
Happy | 1081 | |
Homestead | 777 | |
Charger Hill | 805 | |
East Veins | GP | 905 |
Ace | 9052 | |
South | Queen | 1605 |
Veins | SR | 5005 |
SV | 101 | |
West Veins | Midas Trend | 201 |
Link | 1026 |
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8. |
Deposit Types |
8.1. |
Alteration and Mineralization |
On a general scale, the hydrothermal system and subsequent mineralization developed at Midas is currently interpreted as a low sulfidation, epithermal precious-metal vein system, as part of a larger magmatic system at depth. A model of this type shows how loss of volatiles from magmas at depth can form large porphyry deposits adjacent to the intrusions (Figure 8-1). If the correct structural and/or hydrologic conditions exist, then metal-rich magmatic fluids potentially can migrate upward and outward to form low-sulfidation epithermal deposits (Saunders et al, 2007).
(Hodenquist and Lowenstern)
Mineralization at Midas appears to be part of a convective system related to emplacement of a magmatic heat source at depth. In this schematic model, contacts, faults, and fractures likely provided conduits for geothermal fluids to migrate to the surface, mix with meteoric water, and form epithermal hot springs. Siliceous minerals and gold and silver precipitated as banded bonanza veins in open veins and conduits. Later oxidation of the upper part of this hydrothermal system likely occurred due to convection of a localized plume of low acidity (pH) groundwater. This oxidation effect altered the host rocks under the silica cap to an assemblage of clays, zeolites, and iron oxides. Such an oxide zone at Midas is mostly limited.
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A chronology of magmatic and hydrothermal events leading to mineralization (Leavitt et al., 2004) at Midas include:
The Midas hydrothermal system developed after mafic volcanism waned and during rift-related felsic-dominated volcanism. The close spatial association of mineralization with felsic volcanism (units Tjb, Tep) suggests that felsic intrusions provided a heat source to drive convection of hydrothermal fluids.
Gentle tilting and faulting during the felsic-dominated volcanism provided plumbing for fluid flow. Gently dipping flows of the relatively impermeable red rhyolite (Trf) near the paleo-surface probably formed a cap to the hydrothermal system that was breached locally by normal faults. Normal faults facilitated fluid up-flow.
Shallow lakes were present in the vicinity of Midas during formation of the host rocks (units Tep2, Tes). During hydrothermal activity, water from the lakes recharged the meteoric water-dominated geothermal system.
The nearly synchronous deposition of high-grade Au-Ag seleniumrich veins throughout the Midas area suggests that the quartz-adularia-calcite veins were derived from the same hydrothermal system by common depositional mechanisms. The source of the precious metals, however, may be sourced from mafic magmas at depth, rather than from the felsic intrusions, and transported quickly to the Midas hydrothermal system as colloids (Saunders et al, 2007) where the particles precipitate on the vein walls. At Midas, the thickest portions of high-grade veins occur in dilational zones created by oblique-slip stress along a north-northwest to northwest-striking fault system. Evidence of coeval faulting and high-grade mineralization (vein breccia, Tcd) suggests that seismic events may have triggered movement along existing fault zones with release of metal-bearing fluids from deeper hydrothermal reservoirs. The presence of bladed quartz-after-calcite and adularia in quartz veins are indicative of boiling, possibly caused by the decreased pressure along fault conduits.
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9. |
Exploration |
Most recently, Newmont utilized analysis from CSAMT geophysical surveys to target district-wide veins at depth. The CSAMT helped Newmont define distinct structures across the Midas District in conjunction with surface mapping and analysis of previous drilling data. Resistivity anomalies defined distinct structures and near surface silicification commonly associated with veining at depth.
9.1. |
2011 to 2012 Drill Target Selection Methodology |
Newmonts exploration program for 2011 and 2012 included the identification of 16 target areas. Newmont drill tested 14 of the areas, and identified four areas for follow-up. Drill intercepts with notable mineralization from those four areas include:
| Opal Hill - DMC-00251 = 7.3 feet at 0.073 opt Au / 0.126 opt Ag; | |
| Grant Jackson/Missing link - DMC-00226 = 5.0 feet at 0.249Au / 0.028Ag; | |
| Redscrabble 31.0 feet at 0.041 Au / 0.128 Ag, and; | |
| Hardscrabble - DMC-00232A = 14.1 feet at 0.068Au / 4.66Ag. |
Midas drill targets were ranked by Newmont using the following data sets:
1. |
Soil and Rock Chip Geochemistry As, Hg, Se and Sb anomalies; |
|
2. |
Surface mapping Large mapped fault structure with favorable orientation; |
|
3. |
Geophysics Resitivity anomalies from (CSAMT) and; |
|
4. |
Application of the epithermal model |
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Results of Newmonts2011 to 2012 drilling are summarized below: (Graf 2013):
Opal Hill - One core-tail was drilled in the Opal Hill target during 2012 to test a CSAMT anomaly and previously drilled high grade reverse-circulation (RC) intercepts. Mapping in this area has defined opalization, eruption breccias and drill hole geochemical signatures of a high-level epithermal system indicating possible mineralization at depth. It was recommended to drill two holes at various depths along this fault to further define the potential for high grade Gold veins at depth.
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Redscrabble - Two core-tails and one RC hole were drilled in the Redscrabble area in 2012. These holes originally targeted the northwest (NW) striking Hardscrabble fault, but drilling intercepts have led to a new interpretation of the structure. The Redscrabble fault appears to be the northern extension of the Hardscrabble fault, offset along the Southern Owyhee Fault. It was recommended to drill two more holes into this structure (500 feet above and below gold intercept) to determine where high grade veins could be located in this fault.
Grant Jackson / Missing Link - Six core-tail holes were drilled in the Grant Jackson-Missing Link area in 2012. These holes were drilled to test veins at depth. There is limited drilling on these targets below 5,200 ft due to this being the conceptual ore horizon throughout the Midas District. This new drill data suggests potential remains for bonanza grade veins at depth. The Missing Link Vein has limited drilling. This new intercept suggests that the vein may be striking NW, which may make it a southern extension of the Midas Trend Vein. It was recommended to drill one hole on each of these veins in 2013, a deep hole on Grant Jackson to test depth, and one hole on Missing Link to test strike.
Hardscrabble - Three core-tails and one RC hole were drilled in the Hardscrabble target during 2011-2012 to test a CSAMT anomaly and offset previously drilled high grade intercepts. Geology and mineralization suggest this structure may horsetails as it moves to the south. There is some inconsistency in logged chips from 2002 to present. These chips and core should be re-logged. It was recommended to drill two holes 200 feet deeper along this fault to the north to further define the potential for high grade gold veins at depth.
Golden Belle - Four core-tail holes were drilled in the Golden Belle area in 2011, and three core-tail follow-up holes were drilled in 2012. Five holes were previously completed in the mid 2000s, intercepting higher grade silver. These more recent holes were drilled to test for higher grade gold at depth. Due to inconsistency in logging of core and chips, a cross section was not constructed until geologic units can be determined. It was recommended to re-log RC drill chips to provide consistency within this structural zone. If questions still remain on lithologies, a litho-geochemical study should be completed to determine chemical identities of Midas geologic units to aid in district wide RC logging.
Eastern Star - One core-tail and two RC holes were drilled targeting the Eastern Star fault in 2011. Mercury (Hg) anomalies in this area suggest the gold/silver system is below the Hg anomaly. The holes were drilled to test for high grade veins at depth. The deepest hole appears to have missed the interpreted structure, and one follow-up RC hole was recommended to test this structure at depth.
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Red Bluff - One core hole was drilled into the Red Bluff fault in 2011. This hole was drilled with an underground U-8 rig due to pad restriction size and shallow angle of the drilled hole. A weak fault zone with quartz was encountered 985 feet down hole, which corresponds with the west dipping Red Bluff fault. This area has the potential to host Au mineralization, but no further drilling was recommended at this time.
Fe Oxide fault - Two RC holes and two core-tails were drilled into the FeOx target during 2011-2012 to test a CSAMT anomaly and surface mapped fault. The two RC holes were drilled into the footwall (FW) of the fault, and the two core tails crossed the fault. The fault contact was Tep1/Tess, indicating significant offset; however, there was no Au or vein mineralization present within the fault. There are weak anomalies of arsenic (As) along the fault. No drilling was recommended in the FeOx area.
Astralagus - One core-tail and one RC hole were drilled into the Astralagus target during 2012 to test a CSAMT anomaly and surface mapped fault with unit test in the hanging wall and unit Tep1 in the footwall. This is similar to offset seen to the south in the FeOx area. There was no Au or vein mineralization present within the fault. No significant geochemical anomalies were found within the drill holes. No drilling was recommended in the Astralagus area.
Mill Hill - One RC hole was drilled into the East Squaw Creek Fault during 2011 to test a CSAMT anomaly. This hole had no Au or geochemical anomalies, and no fault structures were encountered. No drilling was recommended in the Mill Hill area.
Homestead - Two core-tail holes were drilled in the Homestead area during 2011-2012. These holes were drilled about 500-foot and about 1,500-foot north of the limit of underground drilling along the Homestead Vein. The furthest north underground intercept along the vein assayed 1.0 foot at 0.119 opt Au and 47.80 opt Ag. Both of the holes crossed the modeled structure; however, returned no significant intercepts. No further drilling was recommended on this vein structure until further mining occurs development along the East Veins.
Colorado Norte / Hoodoos - One core-tail and one RC hole were drilled into the Colorado Norte/Hoodoos faults during 2011-2012 encountering a fault structure (repeated section suggesting down drop to the west) filled with a mafic dike. There was no gold anomaly, but significant anomalies in As, Hg, and stibnite (Sb) existed, suggesting high level mineralization. One hole was drilled into the Hoodoos fault structure. This hole had no Au or geochemical anomalies, and no fault structures were encountered. It was recommended to drill below the anomalies in the Colorado Norte area, but due to the lack of Au encountered, it was not considered a priority. No drilling was recommended for the Hoodoos area.
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Eastern Sleeper - One RC hole was drilled into the Eastern Sleeper fault to test a CSAMT anomaly. This hole had no Au or geochemical anomalies, and no fault structures were encountered. No further drilling was recommended in the Eastern Sleeper area.
Saddle - One RC hole was drilled into the Saddle fault to test a CSAMT anomaly. This hole had no Au or geochemical anomalies, and no fault structures were encountered. No further drilling was recommended in the Saddle area.
In summary: Fourteen drill targets were tested by Newmont in 2011 and 2012 after careful review of geologic and geophysical features. Four areas have the potential for large Au deposits which may merit follow up drilling. They include:
1. |
Opal Hill; |
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2. |
Redscrabble; |
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3. |
Grant Jackson/Missing link, and ; |
|
4. |
Hardscrabble. |
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(Graf 2013)
9.2. |
Klondexs 2014 Drill Program |
The Midas exploration team has adopted the low-sulfidation epithermal model. On a general scale, the hydrothermal system and subsequent mineralization developed at Midas is currently interpreted as a low-sulfidation, epithermal precious-metal vein system, as part of a larger magmatic system at depth. A model of this type shows how loss of volatiles from magmas at depth can form large porphyry deposits adjacent to the intrusions. If the correct structural and/or hydrologic conditions exist, then metal-rich magmatic fluids potentially can migrate upward and outward to form low-sulfidation epithermal deposits (Saunders et al, 2007) (Figure 8-1).
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This model information, coupled with a geochemical study on the Colorado Grande Vein, has increased the understanding of the depth to which high grade mineralization exists along vein systems. Two conclusions have been adopted to understand zoning within the mineralization systems:
1. |
Arsenic is relatively enriched above the mineralization body. Arsenic values ranging from 0-10 parts per million (ppm) indicate a position below the mineralization body; values ranging from 10-25 ppm indicate a position within the mineralization body; and values ranging from 25 to over 100 ppm indicate a position above the mineralization body. |
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2. |
Base metal enrichment with depth is not recognized. However, Cu is somewhat enriched at depth, where values ranging from 150 to 200 ppm occur below the mineralization body; values ranging from 50 to 150 ppm occur within the mineralization body; and values ranging from 0 to 50 ppm occur above the mineralization body. |
Drilling along these four exploration targets to further define location of high-grade mineralization is recommended:
1. |
Opal Hill; |
|
2. |
Grant Jackson / Missing Link; |
|
3. |
Redscrabble, and; |
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4. |
Hardscrabble. |
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(Graf 2013)
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(Graf 2013)
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(Graf 2013)
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(Graf 2013)
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10. |
Drilling and Sampling Methodology |
10.1. |
Introduction |
Klondex completed 112 new drill holes totaling 76,990 feet which were included in the current mineral resource estimate. As of the effective date of this report, August 31, 2014, drilling was ongoing. The previous operators of the Midas Mine have completed 4,037 drill holes totaling over 2.7 million feet of drilling on over a dozen major veins. The distribution of drill holes throughout the Midas Project area is shown in Figure 10-1. Typical cross sections through the veins with drill traces are shown in Figure 10-2 and Figure 10-3.
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The 21 veins included in the mineral resource estimate are defined by 2,990 drill holes which contain 10,116 feet of mineralized vein intercepts. There are an additional 18,041 channel samples totaling 160,764 feet of vein sampling. Of this total, approximately 1.5% of the drilling and 4.5% of the channel samples are attributable to Klondex and the balance to the previous owners of the project. True thickness of the veins varies from a fraction of a foot to several feet. Typical long sections showing the composite drilling and channel sampling locations are shown in Figure 10-4 through Figure 10-7.
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10.2. |
Drill Core Sampling |
In September 2014, authors of this report visited the Midas site but did not observe any drilling or sample recovery. The procedures used have been summarized from interviews with the Midas technical staff that have been employed at Midas by both Newmont and Klondex. These procedures are as follows:
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1. |
Handling of the drilled core from the station includes drilling with a Diamec U8 core rig (other types of drill rigs have been used in the past). Drillers label core box lids with a unique Bore Hole Identification number (BHID, which includes the year), box number, and drilled interval. Drillers put the core in with top of drilled sequence leading the run in the box and end of drilled interval ending the run in the box. Drillers label the end of the run to the nearest one tenth of a foot, and measure and record the recovery in feet on wooden blocks, which are put at the end of the drilled interval. |
|
2. |
Drillers stack full core boxes on a pallet in numerical order. |
|
3. |
Drillers or geotechnicians either deliver the pallet to surface or take a partial delivery of core boxes in the back of their motorized underground personnel vehicle. They leave the pallet of core boxes (or individual core boxes on a spare pallet) at the core logging facility. |
Collar locations and downhole surveys were conducted by Newmont staff with Newmont equipment, and the data uploaded directly into acQuire.
Channel samples along production drifts were also incorporated into this mineral resource estimate. The channel sample locations are stored as synthetic drill holes in AcQuire in order to utilize them spatially with software (northings, eastings, elevations, azimuth, dip, and length). The northing, easting, and elevation of the samples were derived from Vulcan after geologists digitized the channel sample locations into the digital underground drift asbuilt survey. The channel sample locations were not survey points that can be verified by the author, but the asbuilts are derived from surveys.
It is not known by the authors what percent of core recovery Newmont experienced at Midas. Since February 2014, Klondexs percent of core recovery at Midas is 95%.
Material from core, rejects, RC chips, and pulps were stored by Newmont onsite within a fenced and protected facility. This practice has been continued by Klondex.
Newmont logged core utilizing electronic tablets and uploaded data directly into acQuire. Newmonts logging protocols for core have not been reviewed by the authors. Klondexs logging protocols are as follows:
| When core is delivered to the core shed, the core shed manager enters it into a core tracking spreadsheet located on the server. This allows the geologists to easily check core processing status. | |
| Core is laid out on the logging table. | |
| The logging form for the hole is downloaded from the AcQuire 4 data entry software to the logging computer. |
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| Geologists log details of lithology, alteration, structure, veins and sample interval directly into the logging computer. | |
| When the log is finished, it is uploaded from the logging computer to the database. | |
| Sample IDs are tracked on a separate Master spreadsheet. After the hole is logged, the geologist opens the spreadsheet named Master, which contains the sample IDs from the previous hole. The geologist over-writes the sample intervals from the previous hole with the sample intervals for the current hole then uses the next sample ID in the sequence to start generating sample IDs for the current hole. Once the geologist has generated the sample IDs, including IDs for QA/QC samples, the Master spreadsheet is over-written. Two copies are saved with the name of the hole. The first copy serves as the cutsheet, which is the document the geotechnician uses to sample the core. The cutsheet contains a comments column which contains QA/QC information. The second copy has the comments column deleted and serves as the lab submittal. | |
| Sample IDs are loaded to the database. |
10.3. |
Face Sampling |
Face sampling methodology at Midas by Newmont and Klondex geologists is typical of narrow vein mining operations. The geologists collected material from the face by hand with a rock hammer to chip off multiple fragments in the face across the vein and wall rock representing all material from a variety of features, such as silicified patches, oxidized breccias, vug-fill, free gold, etc. The geologist collect various features proportionately within a measured zone for one sample as follows:
1. |
Before sampling and mapping a face, the geologist washes the face with water from a hose to expose the vein, structures such as faults, and alteration and to remove contaminants from the blast. |
|
2. |
Sampling and mapping followed the wash. |
|
3. |
Three samples were collected from the face: left wall rock, vein, and right wall rock from left to right. The area sampled was from the sill to the extent of reach by hand. |
|
4. |
Samples consisted of chips removed by rock hammer into a bag, which was slipped inside a bucket. |
NOTE: A geologist pre-labeled the bags on the surface during pre-shift with a bar-coded sticky label, which was also stapled on. Additionally, the geologist also labeled the bags with a permanent magic marker.
5. |
All samples had a three letter prefix followed by a six digit number: KSF000000 = channel sample. |
|
6. |
After the sampling procedures were completed, the geologist mapped the face and recorded vein widths, sample locations, and structural features in hand-written notes on a face sheet. |
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7. |
The geologist marked the vein margins, structures, face heading, and distance with spray paint on the wall rock. |
|
8. |
The geologist took the bagged samples to the geology office and hand-entered data into a central Excel spreadsheet including SampleID, face distance, date, geologist name, sample widths, and a geologic description of the sample. |
NOTE: The location of the sample channels are measured from known points along the drift alignment and posted on face sheets and plan maps. Location sheets are then scanned. Channel locations (faces) are digitized with Vulcan Software. Channel collar eastings, northings, and elevations are obtained using Vulcan software. Individual sample widths are obtained from mapping at the time of sampling. Channel location coordinates are exported from Vulcan into CSV (comma-separated values) formatted collar files. Sample width values are hand entered into CSV formatted sample files with assay results pasted from laboratory reports. The channel sample files are then imported into Vulcan Software and modeled as synthetic drill holes using the eastings, northings, elevation, width, and assay values.
9. |
All samples collected within a twelve-hour shift were entered into a sample submittal form, which was saved on the company server. |
NOTE: QA/QC samples were not inserted in the channel sample stream at Midas. Channel sample assays were performed at Newmonts Twin Creeks laboratory rather than an independent assay lab. Twin Creeks analyses production and grade control samples for Newmonts other western Nevada mines. The past production history of over 2 million gold ounces from the Midas Mine supports the validity of the channel samples, and the authors believe that they are accurate.
10. |
The samples were sent to the assay lab after every twelve-hour shift. |
Klondex has an agreement with Pinson Mining Company (PMC) to lease PMCs assay laboratory and has staffed the facility with Klondex personnel. Klondex now sends channel samples to the Pinson lab for analysis. A blank is inserted into the channel sample stream at least once per shift. Otherwise, channel sampling protocol has remained unchanged.
The authors are not aware of any drilling, sampling or recovery factors that could materially impact the accuracy and reliability of the results.
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11. |
Sample Preparation Analysis and Security |
11.1. |
Core Sample Preparation |
Core is sampled after the core logging procedure is complete. Only mineralized intervals are sampled in holes drilled for delineation purposes. Mineralized intervals are identified by projecting modeled mineralized trends to expected down-hole intercept depths and by experienced staff consistently recognizing mineralization characteristics. Holes drilled for exploration purposes would be sampled entirely. All of the Klondex drilling to date has been for delineation purposes.
Once a mineralized interval is identified, the geologist chooses sample intervals with the goal of obtaining the best possible characterization of the interval. Samples are taken across the mineralized interval, consuming the whole core, beginning and ending in waste beyond the margins of the interval. Minimum sample length is 0.8 feet, and maximum sample length is 5 feet for NQ size core. A standard or blank is inserted in the sample stream every 25 samples with a minimum of 2 QA/QC samples per hole.
Samples are placed into cloth sample bags according to their sample intervals. Sample bags are labeled with sample ID. Sample IDs for core holes begin with the KMC- prefix followed by 5 digits.
QA/QC samples for the hole are assembled and kept with the lab submittal form.
Sample bags are placed in a bin in the core yard to await shipment to American Assay Laboratories (AAL) in Reno, Nevada. AAL is an ISO 17025 accredited facility and is independent of Klondex. When enough samples have accumulated to constitute a full shipment, the AAL driver is called to the core shed. Bins of samples are loaded onto the AAL truck, and the submittals and QA/QC samples are handed to the driver.
When the core sampling procedure is complete, remaining core is discarded except for categorically unaltered basalt. Unaltered basalt is thoroughly chip sampled and set aside. The chip samples are sent to AAL for analysis. If the result of the analysis is below the detection limit, the basalt is used for blank QA/QC material. If the result of the analysis yields a measurable result, the basalt is discarded.
11.2. |
Channel Sample Preparation |
The following outlines the channel sample preparation methodology.
Channel samples at Midas were bagged on site at the face;
Full bags were brought to the Geology office;
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QA/QC materials were not inserted into the channel sample dispatch; and
Channel samples were delivered to the Pinson lab every shift.
11.3. |
Sample Analysis Protocol |
Drill samples are analyzed by AAL. The sample analysis protocol is as follows:
1. |
Each sample of core will be dried and crushed to a state that permits 80% of the sample passes through a 10 mesh screen; |
|
2. |
The sample is then split using a rotary splitter to 1,000 grams; |
|
3. |
The 1000 gram splits are then pulverized to a state that 80% of the sample passes through a 200 mesh screen, creating a pulp; |
|
4. |
Returning to the original 1,000 gram pulp, 50 to 60 grams are then analyzed by fire assay for gold and silver with a two acid digestion and an ICP finish; |
|
5. |
Samples that are over 10 PPM Au or 100 PPM Ag then receive a 50 to 60 Gram Fire assay with a gravimetric finish for gold and silver; |
|
6. |
All results will be reported in opt Au and opt Ag; |
|
7. |
All coarse rejects and pulps are returned to the Klondex Midas core shed by American Assay courier during normal sample pickup; and |
|
8. |
Sample turnaround time is 20 calendar days from the date the samples are picked up at the Midas core shed. |
Channel samples are analyzed by the Klondex lab. The channel sample analysis protocol is as follows:
Sample Preparation:
| Sample received, inventoried, panned, and dried at 250° F; | |
| Sample crushed to 80% passing 10 mesh; | |
| Crusher cleanout rock/air after every sample, high grade cleanout twice; | |
| Sample homogenized, 300 gram riffle split taken; | |
| 300 gram split pulverized to 85% passing 200 mesh; and | |
| Pulverizer cleanout sand/air after every sample, high grade cleanout twice. |
Fire Assay:
| 30 gram prepared sample weighed in 40 gram crucible for fire assay gold/silver; | |
| Sample custom fluxed for oxide/sulfide matrix; | |
| Quality Control (QC), Certified Reference Material (CRM), blank, and 5% analytical duplicates inserted and reported by batch; |
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| Sample are fused, poured, cupelled, and finished gravimetrically; and | |
| Gold/silver grades calculated. |
11.4. |
Sample Security Measures |
Sample pulps and coarse rejects are returned to the Midas core shed, a fenced facility. Pulps are stored in shipping containers at the core shed facility. Coarse rejects are sorted, high grade samples are saved, and waste samples are discarded.
11.5. |
Historic Quality Control Measures |
Starting in 2008, Newmont geologists routinely inserted blind standards and blanks with the drill core samples submitted to ALS for assaying. These standards and blanks were selected from an inventory of QA/QC materials maintained by Newmont at their Nevada operations. The authors have reviewed the gold assay QA/QC performance for drill core submitted to ALS by Newmont from about 5 percent of the drill hole data used in the current estimation. Most Newmont standards were not certified for silver, so the silver QA/QC data for Newmont drill samples were not reviewed. Gold and silver QA/QC data for the channel samples was also not reviewed by the authors.
ALS is an independent laboratory and has branches located worldwide, and locally in Sparks and Elko, Nevada. Most ALS Geochemistry laboratories are registered or are pending registration to ISO 9001:2008, and a number of analytical facilities have received ISO 17025 accreditations for specific laboratory procedures.
The performance of standard samples submitted with drill core to ALS is summarized in Table 11-1 below, and graphical results for individual standards are presented in Figure 11-1 through Figure 11-8. All of these results are within acceptable statistical limits with the exception of standard GVL. The value for standard GVL of 0.0049 gold opt is below the detection limit for the assay method employed by ALS on the Midas drill core samples, and the discrepancy is insignificant.
Table 11-1 Newmont Standard Performance Summary, Drill Samples, ALS
Standard | |||||||
Standard | Value | Count | Mean | Std. dev. | T-statistic | T 0.95 | Comment |
G01 | 0.377 | 5 | 0.4 | 0.02 | 2.589 | -2.775 | Accept |
GVL | 0.00049 | 135 | 5.9 x 10-6 | 3.4 x 10-5 | -31.61 | -1.978 | Detection Limit |
LUB | 0.422 | 16 | 0.417 | 0.01 | -1.94 | -2.131 | Accept |
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Standard | |||||||
Standard | Value | Count | Mean | Std. dev. | T-statistic | T 0.95 | Comment |
MDS1 | 2.77 | 27 | 2.765 | 0.088 | -0.308 | -2.056 | Accept |
MS7 | 0.079 | 41 | 0.078 | 0.003 | -2.129 | -2.021 | Inconclusive |
PR6 | 0.013 | 25 | 0.013 | 0.003 | 0.892 | -2.064 | Accept |
G399-5 | 0.0254 | 4 | 0.028 | 0.005 | 1.291 | -3.182 | Accept |
MS1 | 0.00298 | 3 | 0.00693 | 0.004 | 1.842 | -4.303 | Accept |
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11.6. |
Current Quality Control Measures |
The current QA/QC protocol for drill samples at Midas is to insert a standard, blank or duplicate every 25 samples, with a minimum of two QA/QC samples per hole, or at least one blank and one standard for holes with less than 25 samples.
For channel samples, a blank is inserted into the sample stream at least once per shift.
Pulps and coarse rejects from AAL are being set aside for check analysis. Check samples include high-grade intercepts and waste samples, which are representative of the core sampling method, involves sampling from waste, through the mineralized interval, back into waste. The check samples are accumulating at the core shed and have not yet been submitted to Inspectorate.
Klondex geologists routinely insert blind standards and blanks with the drill core samples submitted to AAL for assaying. Duplicates have been inserted irregularly. Klondexs inventory of QA/QC material currently consists of three standards purchased from Rocklabs, a reputable supplier of certified reference material. All three of the standards have certified values for both gold and silver. Blank material used for QA/QC is obtained by thoroughly chip sampling unaltered mafic drilled material. The chip samples are sent to AAL for assay analysis. If the assay results are below detection, the core is bagged in one foot to two foot increments and used as blank reference material.
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The authors have reviewed the gold and silver assay QA/QC performance for all 112 holes drilled by Klondex. All were submitted to AAL for analysis. The gold and silver QA/QC data for about five percent of the channel samples was also reviewed by the authors.
The performance of standard samples submitted with drill core to AAL is summarized in Table 11-2 below, and graphical results for individual standards are presented in Figure 11-9 through Figure 11-16. All of these results are within acceptable statistical limits with the exception of standard SN-74 for both gold and silver and blanks for gold and silver.
Table 11-2 Current Standard Performance Summary, Drill Samples, AAL
Standard | |||||||
Standard | Value | Count | Mean | Std. dev. | T-statistic | T 0.95 | Comment |
SL-77 Au | 0.151 | 11 | 0.151 | 0.002 | 0.378 | -2.228 | Accept |
SL-77 Ag | 0.849 | 11 | 0.864 | 0.023 | 0.224 | -2.228 | Accept |
SN-74 Au | 0.262 | 16 | 0.259 | 0.003 | -4.329 | -2.131 | Reject Mean less than one std. dev. from value |
SN-74 Ag | 1.502 | 16 | 1.522 | 0.03 | 2.669 | -2.131 | Reject Mean less than one std. dev. from value. |
SQ-70 Au | 1.156 | 13 | 1.156 | 0.015 | -0.011 | -2.179 | Accept |
SQ-70 Ag | 4.652 | 13 | 4.708 | 0.119 | 1.688 | -2.179 | Accept |
Blank Au | 0 | 72 | 0 | 0.001 | 2.076 | -1.994 | Reject 3 assays from Aug. 26 and 27 reported high values. |
Blank Ag | 0 | 72 | 0.006 | 0.012 | 4.419 | -1.994 | Reject Several assays beginning Aug. 27 report high values. |
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Table 11-3 Current Standard Performance Summary, Channel Samples, Klondex Pinson Lab
Standard | Standard Value | Count | Mean | Std. dev. | T-statistic | T 0.95 | Comment |
Blank Au | 0 | 6 | 0.0025 | 0 | All values reported at ½ of detection limit. | ||
Blank Ag | 0 | 6 | 0.05 | 0 | All values reported at ½ of detection limit. |
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11.7. |
Opinion on the Adequacy of the Sampling Methodologies |
Staff at Midas have shown a solid understanding with regard to management of the drilled core and associated digital data. The methods of handling the drilled material both physically and electronically, are acceptable for use in an analysis of the mineral resource; however, there exist system improvements that should be implemented. The anticipated implementation of the Klondex AcQuire database in 2015 will increase reliability of digital data.
11.8. |
Sampling Protocol Issues |
There are no known issues with sampling protocol by Newmont or Klondex at Midas.
11.9. |
Standards and Blanks Performance Issues |
There are no known quality assurance, quality control or sample security issues with sampling protocol by Newmont or Klondex at Midas. Klondex should implement a program of inserting standards and duplicates in the channel sample stream similar to that used for drill core. QA/QC procedures should be expanded to include duplicate assays at a second independent lab for both core and channel sampling. When the QA/QC sample for an assay set exceeds the acceptable deviation, the set shoud be rerun and the earlier results replaced in the data base. The implementation of the AcQuire database will streamline tracking of QA/QC results and re-assay data entry.
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12. |
Data Verification |
12.1. |
Data Validation Procedures |
The authors of this report have reviewed Newmont and Klondex drill and channel sample data used for the current mineral resource and mineral reserve estimate. This review was performed for verification purposes to allow the datasets to contribute to evaluation of the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimate. The authors work included review of protocols for data management and sample collection, preparation and analysis. Assay values from the Klondex database were verified by correlation with original assay certificates and by review of QA/QC procedures and results.
Midas geologists provided the Midas database and corresponding raw data files (source data) for the validation. The Midas database was derived by merging the Newmont AcQuire database with Klondex data. The authors analyzed a random population of data representing five percent of the total samples produced from drilled and channel sampled material used in the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimate.
In addition to verifying gold and silver values for sampled material, this validation also reviewed general technical data related to sampling, such as the location of the drill hole collars and downhole survey data. Geologic logs were also reviewed to validate the data used for shaping and projecting vein trends. Channel samples were verified by comparing the geologists daily face sheets with sample interval and geology data. There were no assay certificates provided to the authors for Newmont channel samples because the channel samples were processed in-house at the Newmonts Twin Creeks laboratory and the results were uploaded from the assay Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) directly into the Newmont AcQuire database system. Assay results for channel samples completed by Klondex were provided and reviewed.
Values were compared for direct correlation, record-by-record, between the original source data and the September 2014 tables exported from the Midas database used for the mineral resource estimation. The scale of detailed examination record-by-record produced a positive data validation covering 5% of the data used in the resource estimate, which upholds the integrity of the assay values for use in the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimate.
12.2. |
Datasets Submitted for Evaluation |
Two datasets, drilling and channel sampling, were used for estimating the mineral resource and mineral reserve. The authors compared the values in both data sets with the data in the source files. Source files were requested for 152 of the 2,990 drill holes used in the mineral resource estimate and 73 of the 18,041 channels used in the mineral resource estimate. Data categories reviewed include:
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Collar locations : raw collar survey reports for 152 holes out of 2990 (about 5%) of the drill holes used in the mineral resource estimate. Survey reports were compared to values in the Midas database. (Channel locations are derived from geologists measurements and do not have formal survey reports).
Downhole surveys : raw downhole survey reports for 112 holes and 40 collar and quill projected surveys out of 2990 (about 5%) of the drill holes used in the mineral resource estimate. (Channel surveys are derived from geologists measurements and do not have formal survey reports).
Lithology : electronic or scanned paper geological logs for 152 out of 2990 (about 5%) of the drill holes used in the mineral resource estimate. For channels, geologists face sheets for 35 Newmont channels out of 18,041 (about 0.2%) and 38 out of 295 Klondex channels (about 12%) of channel samples used in the mineral resource estimate. Reliability of Newmont channels has been supported by mine reconciliation, and unavailability of source data limit the value of a thorough check of Newmont channels.
Sample intervals : Newmont and Klondex electronic cut-sheets with SampleID and sample intervals for 5% of the drill holes used in the mineral resource estimate. Face sheets with SampleID and sample intervals for 12% of the Klondex channels used in the mineral resource estimate.
Assays: original ALS and AAL PDF assay result certificates for five percent of the drill holes used in the mineral resource estimate were compared with the Midas database. For Klondex channel samples, assay results in XLSX format from Twin Creeks Lab, Dave Francisco Lab and Klondex Lab were compared with the Midas database for 12% of the channels. There are no assay certificates for the Newmont channel samples.
Table 12-1 summarizes the number of records and percent of drilling and channel samples reviewed for this report.
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Table 12-1 Data Verification Summary
Dataset |
Total Samples Utilized
Resource Estimate |
Collar XYZ, Az., Dip,
TD Records Reviewed |
Downhole Survey
Records Reviewed |
Sample Lithology
Records Reviewed |
Sample Intervals Reviewed |
Sample Assay
Certificates Reviewed |
Drilled Samples | 4,370 | 152 | 497 | 264 | 10,730 | 10,73 |
Klondex Channel Samples | 36 | N/A | N/A | 43 | 76 | 76 |
Newmont Channel Samples | 24,689 | N/A | N/A | 37 | 107 | 0 |
Totals | 29,421 | 264 | 497 | 344 | 10,913 | 10,806 |
Percent Population Reviewed | of | 5% | 5% | 1% | 1% | 1% |
12.3. |
Collar Location Checks |
The authors reviewed 152 collar survey reports, representing about five percent of the drill holes utilized in this mineral resource estimate. Easting, northing, elevation and depth data from the original survey sheets were compared with the values in the Midas database. Two errors were found: two eastings were off by less than 1 foot from the collar survey report. This yields a 99.6% match between the original report values and the Midas database for drill hole collar locations. It is unknown to the authors in which datum the original surveys were collected or if the data was subsequently re-projected.
There were no channel sample surveys, but the location of the samples fits the surveyed asbuilts. For 38 of the 295 channels collected by Klondex, the authors checked geologists measurements from the face sheets with the channel locations relative to the asbuilt and observed good correlation. In summary, the authors observe a positive correlation between original survey reports and the Midas database for drill hole collar locations. Channel sample locations show positive location correlation based on their projection relative to asbuilts.
12.4. |
Down Hole Survey Checks |
The authors reviewed 6,497 original down hole survey records from International Directional Services (IDS) for 111 drill holes against the records in the Midas database. Collar and quill survey records were reviewed for 20 holes. Collar and quill surveys are used underground for short holes where little deviation is expected. The azimuth and dip is measured during the collar survey and projected to the total depth. In total, about five percent of the total down hole survey record population used in the mineral resource estimate was reviewed. There were 6,387 direct matches and 110 records with discrepancies in the azimuth uniformly off by 10 degrees in the drill hole MUC-01889. The azimuth of that hole is not expected to impact the mineral resource estimate. In summary, 5% of the down hole surveys in Newmonts AcQuire database were matched with original down hole survey records, demonstrating reliable data integrity. Channel sample locations show positive azimuth and dip correlation based on their projection relative to asbuilts.
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12.5. |
Lithology Review |
From the 2,990 drill holes utilized in this mineral resource estimate, 152 (or about 5%) of the geological logs were randomly selected and reviewed by the authors. The vein flag field was the focus of the review because it is the component of the geology dataset that primarily affects the model. Of the 4,370 flagged records for drilled material used in the mineral resource estimate, 264 (or about 6%) were reviewed. One non-match was identified, yielding a 99.6% correlation.
Of the 295 Klondex channels used in this mineral resource estimate, 38 (about 12%) of the geological summaries in original face sheets were reviewed by the authors. Of the 18,155 Newmont channels used in this mineral resource estimate, 35 (about 0.2%) of the geological summaries in original face sheets were reviewed by the authors. In total, about 0.4% of channels were reviewed. No discrepancies were found in the channel vein identification. In summary, the Midas channel sample database shows excellent correlation with the correct vein identification.
12.6. |
Sample ID and Sample Interval Checks |
The drill hole sample records in the Midas database exports are sorted by their sampling interval and do not include SampleID in the tables. From the 2,990 drill holes utilized in this mineral resource estimate, 152 (or about 5%) of the sample intervals in original cut sheets were randomly selected and reviewed by the authors in comparison to the Midas database exported tables. From the 10,730 records reviewed for drilled material used in the mineral resource estimate, 10,723 sample intervals were directly matched to the cut sheets. Seven mismatched records were found but do not affect samples used in the mineral resource estimation. The sample intervals correlate well between the cut sheets and the Midas database.
Of the 25,051 channel samples used in this mineral resource estimate, 12% of Klondex samples and 0.15% of Newmont samples, or 0.3% of the sample intervals and SampleIDs in original face sheets were reviewed by the authors. There were 184 total records reviewed in the selected dataset with 100% direct correlation between the face sheet and the Midas database.
In summary, the Midas database shows excellent correlation with the sample intervals in the corresponding original cut sheets.
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12.7. |
Assay Certificate Checks |
The authors compared assay values for samples from 152 drill holes in the Midas database to the original PDFs of certified assay results from ALS and AAL, which is about five percent of the total drill holes and includes 6% of the flagged drill samples utilized in this mineral resource estimate. In total, 10,730 samples were checked of the 201,033 samples from holes used in the mineral resource estimation. Thirty-two mismatches were identified in the gold values and 26 mismatches were identified in the silver values. There was one discrepancy in a sample used in the estimate: Hole MUC-02181 has a silver value of 156.22 opt Ag for sample interval 525.7 to 526.5, whereas the assay certificate has 116.5. The gold values match for this sample interval. It is possible that this sample, due to its high grade, was resampled, and the later assay certificate is the source of the larger silver value. In any case, both values contribute equally to the mineral resource estimate, and this discrepancy is not considered an issue by the authors. The other mismatches are in samples which were not used in the mineral resource estimate calculation. Most of the mismatches are minor and attributable to inconsistent choice of best assay value for samples with more than one assay, rounding discrepancies and inconsistent handling of under limit values.
There were no assay certificates provided for the Newmont channel samples. This material was processed in Newmonts own laboratories, and their LIMS uploaded assay results directly into AcQuire without generating individual reports. Due to the excellent correlation between drilled sample results and the AcQuire database, the methodology for uploading data from LIMS to AcQuire is probably excellent, though a review of Newmonts laboratory results or external audit of their lab has not been evaluated by the authors for this report. Assay values were checked for about 12% of Klondex channel samples. Two errors were found, neither of which affected a sample used in the mineral resource estimate. The errors were a result of manual data entry; values were swapped for two adjacent samples, and one gold value was entered as 0.016 instead of 0.061. Implementation of the Klondex AcQuire database will prevent this type of data entry error.
In summary, the Midas database demonstrates excellent correlation with the original assay certificates for drilled material; but the assays for Newmont channel samples are reliant on supposing that the Newmont in-house laboratory produces accurate assay results. The upload of Newmonts LIMS data to AcQuire was probably seamless. The assay data for Klondex channel samples is acceptable.
12.8. |
Format Conversions |
Gold and silver assay results from ALS were reported to Newmont in both opt and in ppm. Newmont directly imported the assay values into AcQuire and relied on AcQuire to automatically adjust the units. Gold and silver assay results from AAL are reported to Klondex in both opt and in ppm. Conversions are made in Excel when necessary. The authors observed that the calculations have been performed correctly.
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12.9. |
Summary of Database Verification |
The database utilized for this mineral resource estimate complies with standards prescribed by CIM protocol.
In summary, 5% of each data set (with the exception of channel assays) under review was verified against original source data as listed above for accuracy. The authors consider that the validation work for this report is at a sufficient level to allow the use of the database in a CIM mineral resource estimate. In particular, the accuracy of the assay database has been quantified by independent review for five percent of the drill hole assays by direct correlation with assay certificates from accredited laboratories. The authors verification of the results indicates there is no significant grade bias in the primary laboratory data.
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13. |
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing |
The Midas Mill has been in operation since 1998 and has successfully recovered over 2.2M ounces of gold and over 27M ounces of silver.
13.1. |
Midas Mill |
The Midas Mill uses conventional leach technology and Merrill-Crowe precipitation, with gravity concentration after crushing and grinding. A complete process description is given in Section 17.
13.2. |
Mineralogy |
As the Midas underground mine has matured, production has shifted from the Main Veins to the East Veins. The metallurgy of the East Veins may be complex and has been the focus of metallurgical testing in recent years.
13.2.1. |
Main Veins |
Main Vein mineralization contains free-milling gold, associated with silver in electrum. Small amounts of silver associated minerals also contain recoverable silver values.
13.2.2. |
East Veins |
The East Veins have gold values that are diminished compared to the Main Veins. The ratio of silver to gold is much higher in the East Veins. Mined silver-to-gold ratios in the East Veins can be as high as 50:1 and average approximately 22:1. Silver occurs in gold related electrum as well as in various sulfide and selenide minerals.
Primary silver minerals in the Midas East Veins are argentite (Ag2S), naumannite (Ag2Se), and aguilerite (Ag4SeS). Processing and recovery of these clay-related minerals have been studied by Newmont metallurgists. It has been determined that silver selenides are less soluble than electrum and argentite. Successful recovery requires a combination of finer grinding, higher levels of cyanide in solution, and increased leach retention times.
13.3. |
Testing and Procedures |
Third party metallurgical testing results are not available. Newmont conducted extensive testing, both on-site and at other Newmont laboratories.
Recent Midas test work focused on the East Vein mineralization. Analysis included iterative leach tests varying the following parameters: blend, grind, leach time, cyanide, zinc, and leach catalysts such as lead-nitrate.
Metallurgical test work was completed on multiple requested Midas Eastern Expansion composites made up of exploration samples. The composites represented defined areas of Charger Hill, Ace, GP, Homestead, and Corral veins. Test parameters were targeted at a 75 to 80 percent passing a 200 mesh grind, and cyanide additions were monitored and maintained at 5.0 pounds per ton for the first twenty-four hours of a ninety-six hour residence leach. All percent recoveries are based on the back calculated head grades.
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Table 13-1 indicates the type of samples that were used in East Vein test work starting in 2010 (Newmont Mining Corporation, 2010).
Table 13-1 Midas Eastern Expansion Composite Mineralogy Head Descriptions
Vein | Composite Sample | Au Recovery | Ag Recovery | Calc. Au Head opt | Calc. Ag Head opt | |
Charger Hill | Comp. #6 | 91.54 | 37.89 | 0.054 | 21.7 | Low Ag Recovery |
Charger Hill | Comp. #8 | 95.41 | 63.79 | 0.062 | 14.7 | Highest Ag Recovery |
Ace | Comp. #15 | 92.98 | 23.9 | 0.316 | 55.2 | Lowest Ag Recovery |
Ace | Comp. #19 | 82.13 | 57.54 | 0.028 | 9.7 | Higher Ag Recovery |
GP | Comp. #20 | 92.92 | 28.54 | 0.353 | 26.7 | Lowest Ag Recovery |
GP | Comp. #29 | 80.4 | 73.55 | 0.034 | 7.1 | Higher Ag Recovery |
Homestead | Comp. #30 | 81 | 75.71 | 0.038 | 16.1 | Only comp representing Homestead |
Corral | Comp. #31 | 75.79 | 63.45 | 0.051 | 21.5 | Lowest Ag Recovery |
Corral | Comp. #32 | 83.16 | 72.65 | 0.061 | 25.2 | Highest Ag Recovery |
Results of the total test exceed the scope of this report. Summary results are shown in Figure 13-1 and Figure 13-2.
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13.4. |
Toll Milling |
Toll milling of material from third party sources has been processed periodically at the Midas Mill since 2008. The focus of ongoing metallurgical testing has been to determine how these materials typically behave in processing as blended with Midas mineralization. Table 13-2 summarizes the tonnage of processing toll milling at Midas from 2008 through 2014.
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Table 13-2 Summary of Mineralization Sourced from Other Properties Processed at Midas from 2008 through 2014
Source | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |
Fire Creek |
Tons
Au oz Ag Oz |
56,000
67,500 |
||||||
Hollister |
Tons
Au oz Ag oz |
29,061
37,707 327,156 |
35,162
33,930 361,359 |
34,662
27,096 193,913 |
||||
French Gulch |
Tons
Au oz Ag oz |
3
282 201 |
0
50 27 |
6
640 331 |
8
583 326 |
7
463 365 |
5,000
492 |
|
Klondex |
Tons
Au oz Ag oz |
1,165
1,727 1,842 |
||||||
LKA |
Tons
Au oz Ag oz |
21,000
36 |
||||||
Granite Construction |
Tons
Au oz Ag oz |
494
253 0 |
|
195
77 0 |
394
185 0 |
368
131 0 |
|
|
In summary, careful metallurgical practices during processing of variable mineralized material while maintaining gold recovery despite changing silver grades have proven successful at Midas. Controlling the reagents in the refinery based on mineralogy have allowed the operation to benefit from the higher silver grades in the East Veins.
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14. |
Mineral Resource Estimate |
14.1. |
Introduction |
The general arrangement of the Midas veins are shown in Figure 14-1 through Figure 14-3. The veins commonly referred to as the Main Veins are the Colorado Grande (105), Gold Crown (205), Gold Crown Hanging Wall (305), Snow White (405), Discovery (505) and Happy (1081). These strike north westerly and dip 75 80 degrees east. Other veins in the main group, but not shown, are the Sleeping Beauty (605) and the Colorado Sur (705). The East Vein group is comprised of the Homestead (777), Charger Hill (805), GP (905) and Ace (9052). These veins also strike north westerly but dip 70 75 degrees west. Nearly all of the previous mining has occurred on the Main Veins with development and production of the East Veins beginning in 2013.
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14.2. |
Drill Data Base and Compositing |
14.2.1. |
Assays |
Assays are grouped by vein and given a name designation. For drill holes, the vein number is preceded by 'DH'. For channels, the vein number is preceded by 'CH'. Where channels have replaced a drill hole intercept, the 'DH' is replaced with an 'ODH' designation, and the drill sample is no longer used for statistics or estimation as it is superseded by channel data.
Table 14-1 Summary of Drill Hole and Channel Samples
DH Flag | ODH Flag | CH Flag | |||||||
Vein |
No.
Holes |
No.
Assays |
Length
Flagged |
No.
Holes |
No.
Assays |
Length
Flagged |
No.
Channels |
No.
Assays |
Length
Flagged |
101 | 25 | 36 | 121 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
105 | 508 | 616 | 1631 | 418 | 737 | 2,073 | 9,129 | 12,719 | 28,685 |
108 | 153 | 201 | 388 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 12 |
201 | 48 | 74 | 335 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
205 | 281 | 422 | 1258 | 238 | 467 | 1,382 | 3,944 | 6,475 | 16,477 |
208 | 96 | 132 | 425 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 57 | 121 |
305 | 178 | 195 | 527 | 74 | 100 | 287 | 901 | 1,119 | 1,880 |
405 | 166 | 174 | 500 | 99 | 121 | 313 | 1.085 | 1,146 | 1,804 |
505 | 270 | 318 | 846 | 139 | 205 | 454 | 1,431 | 1,751 | 2,948 |
605 | 149 | 187 | 506 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 125 | 158 | 559 |
705 | 127 | 160 | 307 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 30 | 46 |
777 | 38 | 52 | 98 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
805 | 267 | 316 | 625 | 7 | 12 | 19 | 195 | 206 | 317 |
905 | 239 | 273 | 536 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 808 | 882 | 1,259 |
9051 | 62 | 73 | 165 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
9052 | 164 | 191 | 349 | 39 | 71 | 102 | 341 | 356 | 717 |
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DH Flag | ODH Flag | CH Flag | |||||||
Vein |
No.
Holes |
No.
Assays |
Length
Flagged |
No.
Holes |
No.
Assays |
Length
Flagged |
No.
Channels |
No.
Assays |
Length
Flagged |
1026 | 56 | 77 | 272 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
1081 | 219 | 252 | 618 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 61 | 62 | 79 |
1605 | 70 | 86 | 235 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
1707 | 7 | 8 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
5005 | 63 | 78 | 341 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
14.2.2. |
Geology Logs |
The geology database includes fields for lithology, rock type, silicification, quartz and naumanite. These fields, along with assay values, are used to define the vein solids.
14.2.3. |
Compositing |
The gold and silver assays from drill holes and channels were composited by vein. Only one composite is created for each vein intersection. The vein name prefixes (CH, DH, or ODH) allow the correct composites to be used to estimate the vein blocks during the estimation.
Table 14-2 Summary of Composites
DH Flag | CH Flag | |||||
Vein | No. Holes |
No.
Comps |
Length Flagged | No. Channels |
No.
Comps |
Length Flagged |
101 | 25 | 25 | 121 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
105 | 508 | 508 | 1629 | 9,129 | 9,134 | 28,700 |
108 | 153 | 153 | 388 | 8 | 8 | 12 |
201 | 48 | 48 | 335 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
205 | 281 | 281 | 1258 | 3,944 | 3,944 | 16,478 |
208 | 96 | 97 | 425 | 52 | 52 | 121 |
305 | 178 | 178 | 527 | 901 | 901 | 1,881 |
405 | 166 | 167 | 500 | 1.085 | 1,085 | 1,804 |
505 | 270 | 270 | 851 | 1,431 | 1,431 | 2,948 |
605 | 149 | 150 | 506 | 125 | 125 | 559 |
705 | 127 | 127 | 307 | 21 | 21 | 46 |
777 | 38 | 38 | 98 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
805 | 267 | 267 | 625 | 195 | 195 | 317 |
905 | 239 | 240 | 536 | 809 | 809 | 1,259 |
9051 | 62 | 64 | 165 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
9052 | 164 | 165 | 349 | 341 | 341 | 717 |
1026 | 57 | 57 | 272 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
1081 | 219 | 219 | 618 | 60 | 60 | 77 |
1605 | 70 | 70 | 235 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
1707 | 7 | 7 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
5005 | 63 | 64 | 341 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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14.3. |
Vein Modelling |
Hanging wall and footwall surfaces are created for each vein by snapping to the appropriate assay composite endpoint. These surfaces are then joined to form the three dimensional vein solid model and trimmed to the surface topography where necessary.
14.4. |
Density |
Newmont completed a density study in 2009, and the results are listed in Table 14-3. The details of this work have not been reviewed by the authors; however, the authors believe it to be accurate, and no additional study is warranted at this time.
Table 14-3 Densityand Tonnage Factor by Vein
Vein | Tonnage Factor (ft 3 /ton) | Density (ton/ft 3 ) |
101 | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
105 | 12.67 | 0.0789 |
108 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
201 | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
205 | 12.57 | 0.0795 |
208 | 12.57 | 0.0795 |
305 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
405 | 12.77 | 0.0783 |
505 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
605 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
705 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
777 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
805 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
905 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
9051 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
9052 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
1026 | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
1081 | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
1605 | 12.75 | 0.0784 |
1707 | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
5005 | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
waste | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
14.5. |
Statistics |
Univariate statistics for gold and silver composites are presented in Table 14-4 and Table 14-5 below. Histogram and cumulative frequency plots of gold and silver composite values for each vein were created. Typical examples of these are shown in Figure 14-4 and Figure 14-5.
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Table 14-4 Gold Composite Statistics by Vein
Vein | # Comps | Min | Max | Mean | Std Dev | CV |
101 | 25 | 0.0003 | 0.4115 | 0.1283 | 0.1436 | 1.1193 |
105 | 9638 | 0.0001 | 78.64 | 1.8027 | 3.3763 | 1.8729 |
108 | 161 | 0.001 | 1.5105 | 0.0994 | 0.2157 | 2.1696 |
201 | 47 | 0.0003 | 6.0807 | 0.3152 | 0.9787 | 3.1051 |
205 | 4224 | 0.0009 | 30.133 | 1.0003 | 1.8852 | 1.8847 |
208 | 149 | 0.001 | 14.223 | 0.5133 | 1.4453 | 2.8159 |
305 | 1073 | 0.0009 | 70.052 | 1.3453 | 3.0684 | 2.2808 |
405 | 1248 | 0.0002 | 29.200 | 1.2132 | 2.4462 | 2.0164 |
505 | 1698 | 0.0002 | 58.917 | 1.4996 | 3.5020 | 2.3353 |
605 | 273 | 0.0003 | 7.189 | 0.5185 | 0.8620 | 1.6627 |
705 | 148 | 0.0001 | 8.7321 | 0.2466 | 0.9071 | 3.6783 |
777 | 35 | 0.0001 | 0.181 | 0.0236 | 0.0473 | 2.0030 |
805 | 461 | 0.0001 | 4.230 | 0.1619 | 0.4189 | 2.5865 |
905 | 1049 | 0.0001 | 87.218 | 0.726 | 3.5907 | 4.9462 |
9051 | 64 | 0.0001 | 0.7856 | 0.0626 | 0.1558 | 2.4899 |
9052 | 506 | 0.0003 | 12.05 | 0.1901 | 0.6132 | 3.2251 |
1026 | 57 | 0.0006 | 2.13 | 0.1334 | 0.3157 | 2.3660 |
1081 | 272 | 0.0001 | 3.41 | 0.1084 | 0.3278 | 3.0237 |
1605 | 70 | 0.0001 | 2.57 | 0.3127 | 0.5717 | 1.8285 |
1707 | 7 | 0.0006 | 0.667 | 0.1806 | 0.2558 | 1.4166 |
5005 | 64 | 0.0002 | 17.4969 | 0.5095 | 2.3210 | 4.5553 |
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Table 14-5 Silver Composite Statistics by Vein
Vein | # Comps | Min | Max | Mean | Std Dev | CV |
101 | 24 | 0.016 | 38.623 | 4.4279 | 8.5723 | 1.9360 |
105 | 9623 | 0.006 | 645.65 | 19.4428 | 28.9988 | 1.4915 |
108 | 161 | 0.025 | 124.001 | 5.256 | 12.2757 | 2.3355 |
201 | 44 | 0.006 | 33.596 | 3.5736 | 7.1103 | 1.9897 |
205 | 4218 | 0.006 | 241.003 | 13.0752 | 20.0937 | 1.5368 |
208 | 149 | 0.010 | 208.9 | 7.2747 | 19.1959 | 2.6387 |
305 | 1073 | 0.010 | 330.024 | 15.9149 | 21.4855 | 1.3500 |
405 | 1238 | 0.004 | 274.003 | 14.2543 | 23.7753 | 1.6679 |
505 | 1680 | 0.009 | 450.03 | 22.8973 | 39.1655 | 1.7105 |
605 | 264 | 0.010 | 82.1 | 6.9869 | 9.0149 | 1.2903 |
705 | 146 | 0.005 | 59.701 | 2.2082 | 6.8612 | 3.1072 |
777 | 34 | 0.001 | 108.0 | 11.4759 | 26.2174 | 2.2846 |
805 | 459 | 0.010 | 522.965 | 22.3317 | 41.5662 | 1.8613 |
905 | 1045 | 0.002 | 1697.0 | 53.2579 | 119.3044 | 2.2401 |
9051 | 64 | 0.054 | 84.4 | 5.7762 | 15.5484 | 2.6918 |
9052 | 504 | 0.010 | 387.179 | 29.8391 | 51.4782 | 1.7252 |
1026 | 56 | 0.005 | 19.0 | 1.9050 | 3.4728 | 1.8230 |
1081 | 273 | 0.006 | 126.0 | 5.6141 | 13.1488 | 2.3421 |
1605 | 67 | 0.006 | 7.268 | 1.0321 | 1.1709 | 1.1344 |
1707 | 7 | 0.018 | 0.531 | 0.1727 | 0.1996 | 1.1556 |
5005 | 57 | 0.003 | 14.2 | 1.0908 | 2.5394 | 2.3281 |
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14.6. |
Grade Capping |
Grade caps for gold and silver were estimated individually for each vein. Table 14-6 list the cap values applied and the number of composites affected. Typical composite grade distribution curves for gold and silver are shown in Figure 14-6 and Figure 14-7.
Table 14-6 Gold and Silver Grade Caps
Vein | Variable | Cap Grade | Composites Affected |
101 | au | 0.5 | 0 |
101 | ag | 13 | 4 |
105 | au | 32 | 17 |
105 | ag | 300 | 11 |
108 | au | 0.5 | 7 |
108 | ag | 25 | 6 |
201 | au | 1 | 2 |
201 | ag | 5 | 8 |
205 | au | 17 | 9 |
205 | ag | 170 | 7 |
208 | au | 2 | 9 |
208 | ag | 20 | 9 |
305 | au | 9 | 13 |
305 | ag | 90 | 10 |
405 | au | 15 | 9 |
405 | ag | 105 | 9 |
505 | au | 17 | 13 |
505 | ag | 200 | 17 |
605 | au | 2.5 | 8 |
605 | ag | 30 | 8 |
705 | au | 1.5 | 5 |
705 | ag | 15 | 3 |
777 | au | 0.1 | 4 |
777 | ag | 20 | 4 |
805 | au | 0.55 | 18 |
805 | ag | 115 | 10 |
905 | au | 9 | 11 |
905 | ag | 500 | 15 |
1026 | au | 0.5 | 3 |
1026 | ag | 5 | 6 |
1081 | au | 0.6 | 8 |
1081 | ag | 30 | 13 |
1605 | au | 0.9 | 6 |
1605 | ag | 3 | 1 |
1707 | au | 1 | 0 |
1707 | ag | 1 | 0 |
5005 | au | 0.5 | 8 |
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Vein | Variable | Cap Grade | Composites Affected |
5005 | ag | 2 | 8 |
9051 | au | 1 | 0 |
9051 | ag | 30 | 3 |
9052 | au | 1 | 12 |
9052 | ag | 150 | 15 |
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Composites which exceed the grade cap value are valid data; however, their use must be restricted. To accomplish this, composites which exceed the grade capping value are only used to estimate the grade of the 25 foot by 25 foot block in which they are contained and then discarded. They are not used in the grade estimation of any other blocks.
14.7. |
Variography |
The 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 905 and 9052 veins all have a large enough number of channel samples that are spaced closely enough to permit the construction of variograms for gold. The other veins do not have enough drill or channel samples to permit the construction of valid variograms. The variography results for gold are listed in Table 14-7 and Table 14-8.
Table 14-7 Sill 1 Ordinary Kriging Parameters for Gold
Vein | Nugget | Type1 | Sill1 | Bearing | Plunge | Dip | Major | Semi | Minor |
105 | 0.551 | Exp | 0.309 | 150 | 39 | -13 | 92 | 31 | 102 |
205 | 0.3 | Exp | 0.298 | 85 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 33 | 123 |
305 | 0.407 | Exp | 0.417 | 52 | -27 | -22 | 112 | 401 | 8 |
405 | 0.1 | Exp | 0.465 | 75 | 23 | -57 | 71 | 4 | 223 |
505 | 0.196 | Exp | 0.464 | 46 | 35 | -39 | 12 | 10 | 66 |
905 | 0.057 | Exp | 0.841 | 57 | -10 | 55 | 57 | 11 | 232 |
9052 | 0.1 | Exp | 0.591 | 115 | -11 | -38 | 33 | 5 | 7 |
Table14-8 Sill 2 Ordinary Kriging Parameters for Gold
Vein | Nugget | Type1 | Sill2 | Bearing | Plunge | Dip | Major | Semi | Minor |
105 | 0.551 | Exp | 0.14 | 89 | -3 | -10 | 80 | 1122 | 330 |
205 | 0.3 | Exp | 0.402 | 174 | 56 | -12 | 273 | 521 | 199 |
305 | 0.407 | Exp | 0.176 | 69 | -18 | 72 | 219 | 862 | 1276 |
405 | 0.1 | Exp | 0.435 | 133 | -29 | -47 | 70 | 211 | 97 |
505 | 0.196 | Exp | 0.339 | 226 | 3 | -1 | 205 | 117 | 694 |
905 | 0.057 | Exp | 0.102 | 51 | -9 | 40 | 74 | 144 | 694 |
9052 | 0.1 | Exp | 0.309 | 147 | -7 | 23 | 104 | 51 | 527 |
14.8. |
Block Models |
Individual block models were constructed for each vein. These models are rotated to match the Y direction to the veins strike trend. Block sizes in all models are five by five feet in the Y and Z directions. The X dimension of a block is set to the width of the vein and is variable in 0.2 foot increments up to 5 feet. The models were constructed from the vein wireframe models. Table 14-9 lists the geometry of each model.
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Table 14-9 Model Orientations and Extents
Vein | Bearing | Plunge | Dip | LL_X | LL_Y | LL_Z | X_ft | Y_ft | Z_ft |
101 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 471300 | 2355900 | 4650 | 500 | 4050 | 1300 |
105 | 75 | 0 | 0 | 471150 | 2358400 | 3800 | 800 | 9750 | 2500 |
108 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 470550 | 2363550 | 4200 | 650 | 2450 | 1200 |
201 | 37 | 0 | 0 | 467800 | 2361450 | 4550 | 550 | 3550 | 1400 |
205 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 469800 | 2364500 | 4100 | 950 | 4150 | 2200 |
208 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 468950 | 2365400 | 4600 | 500 | 650 | 1200 |
305 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 468850 | 2365200 | 4300 | 850 | 4200 | 2000 |
405 | 68 | 0 | 0 | 471700 | 2358900 | 4300 | 1000 | 5000 | 1900 |
505 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 472200 | 2360100 | 4250 | 750 | 5150 | 2000 |
605 | 85 | 0 | 0 | 470100 | 2358000 | 4200 | 900 | 5650 | 1700 |
705 | 80 | 0 | 0 | 470900 | 2357700 | 4100 | 650 | 4400 | 1700 |
777 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 472200 | 2364000 | 4150 | 1000 | 5200 | 1850 |
805 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 471100 | 2363500 | 3950 | 1100 | 4600 | 2350 |
905 | 68 | 0 | 0 | 472000 | 2360550 | 3500 | 1100 | 9050 | 2700 |
9051 | 55 | 0 | 0 | 470300 | 2365550 | 4100 | 300 | 700 | 900 |
9052 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 470700 | 2364700 | 4000 | 1000 | 3450 | 2300 |
1026 | 65 | 0 | 0 | 469850 | 2357900 | 4150 | 1200 | 9300 | 1900 |
1081 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 471050 | 2362700 | 4300 | 750 | 4400 | 1900 |
1605 | 70 | 0 | 0 | 471600 | 2355500 | 4550 | 900 | 3500 | 1150 |
1707 | 80 | 0 | 0 | 475400 | 2380700 | 4450 | 350 | 550 | 2350 |
5005 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 473400 | 2355200 | 4100 | 600 | 4050 | 1300 |
Grade estimation variables in the models are:
| Ordinary kriging gold; |
| Inverse distance gold; |
| Nearest neighbor gold; |
| Inverse distance silver; and, |
| Nearest neighbor silver. |
Other calculated variables in each model include:
| Gold equivalent; |
| Density; |
| Estimation pass; |
| True thickness; |
| Gold equivalent grade thickness; |
| Resource class; and, |
| Block status to indicate, intact, mined or sterile. |
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14.9. |
Grade Estimation |
The gold and silver values were estimated using the inverse distance cubed and nearest neighbor estimation methods for all of the veins using the channel and drill composites within each vein. Blocks outside of the vein were not estimated. Seven veins, 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 905, and 9052 had gold estimated using ordinary kriging as there were enough channel samples to calculate reasonable variograms.
Anisotropic search parameters for gold and silver were set to the general orientation of each vein. Distances were selected based on the drill spacing of samples intercepting the solids and on the general orientation and shape of the interpreted solids. However, larger search distances were used in the inferred passes to ensure that most of the blocks inside the veins were estimated. The estimation search parameters are listed in Table 14-10. Parameters for the search ellipsoids for each vein are listed in Table 14-11.
Table 14-10 Estimation Search Parameters by Resource Category
Parent | Major | Semi | Minor | Min | Max | Max | |||
Pass | X | Y | Z | (ft) | (ft) | (ft) | Samp | Samp | /DH |
Measured | 25 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 50 | 25 | 4 | 6 | 1 |
Indicated | 25 | 25 | 25 | 100 | 100 | 50 | 3 | 6 | 1 |
Inferred | 25 | 25 | 25 | 200 | 200 | 100 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
Table 14-11 Estimation Search Ellipsoids
Vein | Est ID | Bearing | Plunge | Dip |
101 | v101 | 315 | 0 | -85 |
105 | v105 | 345 | 0 | -80 |
108 | v108 | 150 | 0 | -72 |
201 | v201 | 127 | 0 | -79 |
205 | v205 | 297 | 0 | -79 |
208 | v208 | 285 | 0 | -70 |
305 | v305 | 315 | 0 | -80 |
405 | v405 | 338 | 0 | -83 |
505 | v505 | 330 | 0 | -84 |
605 | v605 | 175 | 0 | -85 |
705 | v705 | 350 | 0 | -84 |
777 | v777 | 150 | 0 | -70 |
805 | v805 | 140 | 0 | -76 |
905 | v905 | 158 | 0 | -70 |
1026 | v1026 | 335 | 0 | -80 |
1081 | v1081 | 330 | 0 | -75 |
1605 | v1605 | 160 | 0 | -63 |
1707 | v1707 | 350 | 0 | -85 |
5005 | v5005 | 330 | 0 | -74 |
9051 | v9051 | 325 | 0 | -90 |
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Vein | Est ID | Bearing | Plunge | Dip |
9052 | v9052 | 140 | 0 | -70 |
Significant parameters used in the gold interpolation include:
1. |
Assigning of parent block values to sub-blocks. Estimates are only calculated at the center of each parent block, and those values are assigned to all sub-blocks existing within the parent block space. |
2. | Only composites with a value >=0 were used. |
3. | A minimum of four and maximum of six samples were used to estimate measured blocks, minimum of three and maximum of six to estimate indicated, and minimum of two and maximum of six to estimate inferred blocks. |
4. | A maximum of one composite was used per drill hole or channel. |
5. | Composites were selected using anisotropic distances. |
6. | Only composites within the veins were used to estimate blocks within the veins. |
7. | Grades were capped (search restricted) for each vein. |
8. | A gold value of 0.0001 opt was assigned to the unestimated vein blocks and waste blocks. |
9. | A silver value of 0.001 opt was assigned to the unestimated vein blocks and waste blocks. |
14.10. |
Classification |
Measured mineral resources include only blocks estimated with four to six composites within 50 feet. Indicated mineral resources include blocks that were estimated with three to six composites within 100 feet. Inferred mineral resources include only blocks estimated with two to six composites within 200 feet.
14.11. |
Mined Depletion and Sterilization |
Blocks contained within mined out areas were flagged as mined. Additionally, all blocks within 100 feet vertically of the surface were flagged as sterile. Remaining blocks were reviewed, and additional areas were marked as sterile when they were deemed inaccessible by Midas staff. Figure 14-9 through Figure 14-15 show the impact of depletion and sterilization on the seven veins with significant mining activity.
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14.12. |
Model Validation |
Model validation for each vein included comparison of the kriged, inverse distance cubed and nearest neighbor grades, visual comparison of block grades to composites and creating swath plots along strike and elevation for each vein. A global comparison of each grades estimation method for all the veins is listed in Table 14-12 for gold and Table 14-13 for silver.
Table 14-12 Gold Estimation Comparison
Gold Grades | ||||
Ordinary | Inverse | Nearest | ||
Vein | Kriging | Distance | Neighbor | Composite |
101 | NA | 0.133 | 0.138 | 0.128 |
105 | 1.032 | 1.017 | 0.975 | 1.803 |
108 | NA | 0.080 | 0.082 | 0.099 |
201 | NA | 0.131 | 0.128 | 0.315 |
205 | 0.724 | 0.721 | 0.725 | 1.003 |
208 | NA | 0.164 | 0.155 | 0.513 |
305 | 0.565 | 0.529 | 0.488 | 1.345 |
405 | 0.441 | 0.418 | 0.399 | 0.399 |
505 | 0.429 | 0.425 | 0.438 | 1.500 |
605 | NA | 0.131 | 0.132 | 0.519 |
705 | NA | 0.103 | 0.103 | 0.247 |
777 | NA | 0.011 | 0.011 | 0.024 |
805 | NA | 0.037 | 0.037 | 0.162 |
905 | 0.160 | 0.158 | 0.151 | 0.726 |
9051 | NA | 0.053 | 0.062 | 0.063 |
9052 | 0.068 | 0.065 | 0.060 | 0.190 |
1026 | NA | 0.070 | 0.069 | 0.133 |
1081 | NA | 0.039 | 0.040 | 0.108 |
1605 | NA | 0.107 | 0.107 | 0.313 |
1707 | NA | 0.193 | 0.207 | 0.181 |
5005 | NA | 0.111 | 0.111 | 0.510 |
Table 14-13 Silver Estimation Comparison
Silver Grades | |||
Inverse | Nearest | ||
Vein | Distance | Neighbor | Composite |
101 | 1.80 | 1.80 | 4.43 |
105 | 11.75 | 11.36 | 19.44 |
108 | 3.59 | 3.59 | 5.26 |
201 | 1.12 | 1.08 | 3.57 |
205 | 9.47 | 9.10 | 13.08 |
208 | 2.13 | 2.12 | 7.27 |
305 | 7.17 | 6.91 | 15.91 |
405 | 5.19 | 4.83 | 14.25 |
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Silver Grades | |||
Inverse | Nearest | ||
Vein | Distance | Neighbor | Composite |
505 | 7.32 | 7039 | 22.90 |
605 | 2.58 | 2.73 | 6.99 |
705 | 0.88 | 0.80 | 2.21 |
777 | 3.59 | 3.39 | 11.48 |
805 | 4.55 | 4.44 | 22.33 |
905 | 9.77 | 8.86 | 53.26 |
9051 | 4.32 | 4.76 | 5.78 |
9052 | 8.28 | 8.03 | 29.84 |
1026 | 0.94 | 0.96 | 1.91 |
1081 | 1.91 | 1.90 | 5.61 |
1605 | 0.52 | 0.49 | 1.03 |
1707 | 0.16 | 0.17 | 0.17 |
5005 | 0.30 | 0.32 | 1.09 |
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Figure 14-51 through Figure 14-54 show swath plots for the 905 vein in the north direction and elevation for gold and silver. The swath plots compare the ordinary kriging to inverse distance cubed to the nearest neighbor estimations with the composites within the vein. The estimations compare well with each other and with the composites on this local scale.
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14.13. |
Mineral Resource Statement |
The narrow vein mining methods practiced at the Midas Mine require a minimum stope width of four feet. The veins at Midas can vary in thickness from a few inches to over ten feet. Potentially economic mineralization must meet standard cut-off grade criteria as well as a grade thickness criterion before it is included as a mineral resource. Grade thickness is calculated by multiplying the block true width by its equivalent grade. The parameters used in determining the cut-off grade and grade thickness cut-off are listed in Table 14-14.
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Table 14-14 Cutoff Grade Parameters
Gold | Silver | ||
Sales Price | $/Ounce | $1,200 | $19.00 |
Refiningand Sales Expense | $/Ounce | $5.00 | $0.00 |
Production Royalty | 0% | ||
Metallurgical Recovery | 94% | 92% | |
Operating Costs | |||
OreHaulage (Portal to Mill) | $/ton | $2.00 | |
Direct Processing | $/ton | $52.00 | |
Administration and Overhead | $/ton | $10.00 | |
Mining | $/ton | $190.00 | |
Total | $/ton | $254.00 | |
Gold Equivalent | 1 | 64.53 | |
Unplanned Dilution | 10% | ||
Cut-off Grade | Eq.opt | 0.226 | |
Minimum Mining Width | feet | 4 | |
Grade Thickness cut-off | Eq.opt-ft. | 0.99 |
Mineral resources meeting the dual constraints of cut-off grade and grade-thickness cut-off for each vein are listed in Table 14-15 below.
Table 14-15 Mineral Resource Statement
Vein True | |||||||||
Vein | Thickness | AuEq | AuEq | ||||||
Vein Name | No. | Feet | kton | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | Au koz | Ag koz | koz |
Measured | |||||||||
Colorado Grande | 105 | 3.2 | 80 | 0.502 | 6.311 | 0.600 | 40 | 504 | 48 |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 3.1 | 0.2 | 0.197 | 2.812 | 0.240 | 0.05 | 0.7 | 0.1 |
MT | 201 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 5.1 | 130 | 0.478 | 6.592 | 0.580 | 62 | 856 | 75 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 2.4 | 2 | 0.284 | 2.858 | 0.328 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 2.9 | 31 | 0.601 | 6.577 | 0.703 | 18 | 201 | 21 |
Snow White | 405 | 1.8 | 22 | 0.430 | 4.933 | 0.507 | 10 | 109 | 11 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.7 | 39 | 0.494 | 7.447 | 0.609 | 19 | 287 | 23 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.3 | 1 | 0.511 | 5.585 | 0.597 | 1 | 8 | 1 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 2.2 | 13 | 0.117 | 18.205 | 0.399 | 2 | 245 | 5 |
GP | 905 | 2.4 | 19 | 0.086 | 11.310 | 0.261 | 1.6 | 217 | 5 |
Ace | 9052 | 2.5 | 14 | 0.084 | 11.771 | 0.267 | 1.2 | 168 | 4 |
Happy | 1081 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.143 | 6.285 | 0.240 | 0.1 | 4 | 0 |
Queen | 1605 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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Vein Name | Vein No. |
Vein True
Thickness Feet |
kton | Au opt | Ag opt | AuEq opt | Au koz | Ag koz |
AuEq
koz |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 4.3 | 9.3 | 0.179 | 3.396 | 0.232 | 1.66 | 31.4 | 2.1 |
MT | 201 | 4.0 | 68 | 0.236 | 1.585 | 0.260 | 16 | 109 | 18 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 4.7 | 157 | 0.225 | 2.281 | 0.260 | 35 | 359 | 41 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 4.3 | 9 | 0.227 | 2.870 | 0.271 | 2 | 25 | 2 |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 1.7 | 86 | 0.339 | 2.746 | 0.381 | 29 | 237 | 33 |
Snow White | 405 | 3.7 | 42 | 0.395 | 3.019 | 0.442 | 17 | 128 | 19 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.7 | 78 | 0.352 | 4.616 | 0.424 | 28 | 361 | 33 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.0 | 41 | 0.186 | 5.250 | 0.268 | 8 | 214 | 11 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 5.7 | 13 | 0.325 | 2.040 | 0.356 | 4 | 26 | 5 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 3.0 | 10 | 0.080 | 10.486 | 0.242 | 1 | 101 | 2 |
GP | 905 | 3.3 | 82 | 0.154 | 6.043 | 0.248 | 12.6 | 494 | 20 |
Ace | 9052 | 2.2 | 41 | 0.167 | 6.459 | 0.268 | 6.9 | 265 | 11 |
Happy | 1081 | 3.4 | 5.4 | 0.182 | 6.291 | 0.279 | 1.0 | 34 | 2 |
Queen | 1605 | 2.6 | 29.3 | 0.273 | 0.862 | 0.286 | 8.0 | 25 | 8 |
SR | 5005 | 3.7 | 8 | 2.113 | 1.684 | 2.139 | 18 | 14 | 18 |
Total Inferred | 4.0 | 858 | 0.280 | 3.480 | 0.334 | 241 | 2,988 | 287 |
Notes: | |
1. |
Mineral Reserve Estimat e |
2. | Mineral resources have been calculated based on a gold price of $1,200/troy ounce and a silver price of $19.00 per troy ounce. |
3. | Mineral resources are calculated at a grade thickness cut-off grade of 0.96 Au equivalent opt-feet and a diluted Au equivalent cut-off grade of 0.225 opt. |
4. | Gold equivalent ounces were calculated based on oneounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver. |
5. | The minimum mining width is defined as four feet or the vein true thickness plus one foot, whichever is greater. |
6. | Mineral resources include dilution to achieve mining widths and an additional 10% unplanned dilution. 6. Mineral resources include allowance for 5% mining losses. |
7. | Mineral Resources are inclusive of mineral reserves. |
8. | Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. |
9. | The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there is insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. |
10. | Mineral resource estimates can be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political or other factors. |
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15. |
Mineral Reserve Estimate |
Excavation designs for stopes, stope development drifting and access development were created using Vulcan Software. Stope designs were aided by the Vulcan Stope Optimizer Module. The stope optimizer produces the stope cross section which maximizes value within given geometric and economic constraints.
Design constraints included four feet minimum width for longhole stopes with development drifts spaced at 50-foot vertical intervals. Stope development drift dimensions maintained a constant height of 11 feet and a minimum width of seven feet. Cut and fill stopes are a minimum of six feet in width, and each cut is ten feet high.
Mining and backfill tasks were created from all designed excavations. These tasks were assigned costs and productivities specific to the excavation or backfill task type. Additionally, the undiscounted cash flow for each task was calculated. All tasks were then ordered in the correct sequence for mining and backfilling. Any sequence or subsequence that did not achieve a positive cumulative undiscounted cash flow was removed from consideration for mineral reserves. Stope development necessary to reach reserve excavations and exceeding the incremental cut-off grade shown in Table 15-1 is also included in mineral reserves.
Table 15-1 Mineral Reserves Cut Off Grade Calculation
Gold | Silver | ||
Metal Sales Price | $/Ounce | $1,000 | $15.83 |
Refining and Sales Expense | $/Ounce | Included in Milling | |
Royalty | 0% | ||
Metallurgical Recovery | 94% | 92% | |
Operating Costs | |||
Ore Haulage (Portal to Mill) | $/ton | $2.00 | |
Direct Processing | $/ton | $67.85 | |
Administration and Overhead | $/ton | $33.19 | |
Mining | $/ton | $211.83 | |
Total | $/ton | $314.87 | |
Gold Equivalent | 1 | 64.53 | |
Unplanned Dilution | 10% | ||
Incremental Cut Off Grade | 0.110 | ||
Cut-off Grade | Eq. opt | 0.335 | |
Minimum Mining Width | feet | 4 | |
Grade Thickness cut-off | Eq. opt-ft. | 1.474 |
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Table 15-2 Midas Mineral Reserves as of August 31, 2014
Au | Ag | Au Equiv. | |||||
Tons | Au Eq | Ounces | Ounces | Ounces | |||
Vein Designation | (000's) | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | (000's) | (000's) | (000's) |
Proven Reserves | 134.1 | 0.381 | 13.35 | 0.588 | 51.1 | 1,790 | 78.8 |
Probable Reserves | 108.0 | 0.376 | 7.92 | 0.498 | 40.6 | 855 | 53.8 |
Proven + Probable Reserves | 242.1 | 0.378 | 10.93 | 0.548 | 91.6 | 2,646 | 132.6 |
Notes: | |
1. |
Mineral Reserves have been estimated based on a gold price of $1,000/ounce and a silver price of $15.83/ounce. |
2. |
Metallurgical recoveries for gold and silver are 94% and 92% respectively. |
3. |
Gold equivalent ounces are calculated on the basis of one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver. |
4. |
Mineral Reserves are estimated at a cutoff grade of 0.335Au opt and an incremental cutoff grade of 0.110 Au opt. |
5. |
Mine losses of 5% and unplanned mining dilution of 10% have been applied to the designed mine excavations. |
Midas mineral reserves could be materially affected by economic, geotechnical, permitting, metallurgical or other relevant factors. Mining and processing costs are sensitive to production rates. A decline in the production rate can cause an increase in costs and cutoff grades resulting in a reduction in mineral reserves. Geotechnical conditions requiring additional ground support or more expensive mining methods will also result in higher cutoff grades and reduced mineral reserves.
The Project has the necessary permits to continue exploration and current operations. Failure to maintain permit requirements may result in the loss of critical permits necessary for continued operations.
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16. |
Mining Methods |
16.1. |
Primary Mine Development |
Midas is a modern, mechanized, narrow vein underground mine using rubber tired haulage equipment to transport mineralized material and waste to the surface. Main haulage ramps are excavated 16 feet wide by 17 feet high. Spirals are typically located 1,200 feet apart along strike to optimize development and are best located in the more competent rock of the footwall (Figure 16-1). Spiral accesses are 15 feet wide by 15 feet high, with a standard radius of 70 feet and standard gradient of approximately 12.5% . A typical level access has a ventilation/escape raise and access to an ore pass and a waste pass. Level crosscuts to the veins are located on nominal 50-foot vertical sublevels (Figure 16-2).
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Access for the East Veins is from existing development of the Main Veins. Spiral 7 is east of Spiral 4 and is accessed from the 4-4550 and the 4-4800 accesses. Spiral 8 is east of Spiral 3 and is accessed through the 3-4550 and the 3-4851 accesses. Additional drilling is required to determine the economic potential of Spiral 9, which would be accessed from the 1-5001 and the 4720 Haulage. (Figure 16-3)
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16.2. |
Ventilation and Secondary Egress |
Fresh air intake to the mine is provided by the Deep Vent Raise (DVR) at 690 thousand cubic feet per minute (kcfm) and by the portal at 420 kcfm. Three exhaust raises are strategically located to complete the ventilation circuit. The ventilation circuit is powered by seven main fans located at the surface of the ventilation raises. The main fans total 2,025 connected horse power (HP).
The raise near Spiral 4 is equipped with an escape hoist and capsule to provide emergency egress if the main evacuation route is blocked during an emergency. Additionally, there are 15 refuge chambers distributed throughout the mine in the event evacuation is not feasible. These refuge chambers are equipped with carbon dioxide filters, breathable grade compressed air tanks, food, and communication to the surface.
16.3. |
Power Distribution and Dewatering |
Electrical power to the mine is provided by a 4,160-volt feeder and stepped down to 480 volts for distribution. Step down transformers and circuit protection are provided by 22 load centers located throughout the mine.
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Mine water requirements average 110 gpm and are provided by treatment, storage, and recirculation of discharge water from the mine. Approximately 10-15 gpm of excess mine discharge water are pumped to the tailings dam for evaporation.
16.4. |
Equipment Fleet |
Underground mining equipment and surface support equipment are listed in Table 16-1 and Table 16-2, respectively.
Table 16-1 Underground Equipment List
Description | Manufacturer | Quantity |
Loader 2 cubic yard | Tamrock | 8 |
Loader 6 cubic yard | Caterpillar | 1 |
Haul Trucks | Caterpillar AD30 | 3 |
Jumbo Drill | Sandvik | 1 |
Jumbo Drill | Atlas Copco | 1 |
Jumbo Drill | Vein Runner | 0 |
Jumbo Drill | Quasar | 1 |
Bolters | Sandvik | 1 |
Ring Drills | Stopemaster | 0 |
Shotcrete Spray Truck and Robbotic Boom | Eimco/SC Technology | 1 |
Shotcrete Transmixers 6 cubic yard | Normet | 1 |
Crew Transportation | Ford, Moller & Tacoma | 10 |
Support Equipment - forklifts, boom trucks, scissor lifts and water truck | 10 |
Table 16-2 Surface Support Equipment List
Description | Manufacturer | Quantity |
Loader | Caterpillar988 | 2 |
Loader | Caterpillar966 | 1 |
HaulTrucks | Caterpillar777C | 2 |
MotorGraders | Caterpillar14G | 1 |
MotorGraders | Caterpillar16G | 1 |
WaterTruck | FordL-8000 | 1 |
Forklifts | 4 | |
Crane25-Ton | 1 | |
BoomTruck | 1 | |
SkidSteer | 1 | |
SnowPlow/SandTruck | 1 | |
EmergencyVehicle | 1 | |
ATV | PolarisRanger | 1 |
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16.5. |
Mining Methods |
16.5.1. |
Longitudinal Sub Level Stoping |
Longitudinal sublevel (longhole) stoping has historically been the primary mining method for the five narrow Main Veins at Midas as well as the East Veins, including 905, 9052, and 805. From the portal, there are three major haulages that access these veins through eight different spirals. Generally, upper and lower sections of the same spiral connect only through ventilation/escape raises. All mineralized material produced is hauled out of the portal in trucks to a temporary stockpile where it is loaded onto a surface haul truck and delivered to the on-site mill.
Mine development is controlled by geological conditions in the area. For the sublevel stoping method, sill development is driven at a nominal seven feet wide by twelve feet high to accommodate the size of longhole drills and two-cubic yard (yd 3 ) loaders. Where the vein thickness is wider than six feet, the sill width is increased to capture the entire vein. Sills are typically driven 600 feet north and south from the spiral cross cut. Once sills are developed, stoping begins. Stopes are drilled with a longhole drill from the floor of one level to the back of the one below, then remote mucked from the bottom level, and finally backfilled from the top level.
Typically, the mineralized material is divided into stope blocks of about four levels for development, or 200 feet vertically. Stoping begins by creating a cemented backfill barrier pillar at the bottom level of the mineralized material block by benching eight feet below the level horizon. The bench is then filled with 6% by volume cemented rock fill (CRF). Alternatively, the bottom level of the mineralized material block may be stoped and filled with by volume CRF to establish the cemented backfill barrier pillar. The first stope has a drop raise drilled nearest to the mining face. Subsequent holes are blasted one at a time into the free face created by the drop raise to a standard panel length of 60 feet.
Once empty, the stope is filled with dry unconsolidated waste backfill (GOB) until it reaches ten feet above the brow of the bottom cut. Next, a pillar of two percent by volume CRF is placed into the stope until it reaches within ten feet of the top cut (the drilling level). Next, the remainder of the open stope is filled with GOB. Finally, before the next stope is drilled, the toe of dry GOB is removed to reveal a free face that the next stope will be blasted into, eliminating the need to drill another drop raise. Rather, a fan pattern is drilled in the initial portion of the stope design to initiate extraction, followed by the same one-hole-at-a-time drill pattern for the remainder of the panel. The final or intersection panel of every level is filled completely with 6% CRF (Figure 16-5). Bridged stopes are filled with nominal six percent CRF to ensure the bridge is fully encapsulated.
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This sequence continues inward toward the intersection of the
spiral access and upward to the top of the stope block in an advancing V pattern
until all but the top level of the block is mined and backfilled. The longhole
drill then drills up-holes from the top level upward to within six feet of the
backfilled bench above. These up-hole stopes have been left open in the past,
and it is vital to the mining sequence that the mining block above is completed
and backfilled prior to mining the up-hole stopes on the last level of the stope
block.
16.5.2. |
Cut and Fill |
Cut and fill production costs are significantly higher than sublevel stoping. The disadvantage of cut and fill is the high cost of the foaming additive that is added to the cement and pumped up the raise back into the cut. The advantage is that it requires significantly less waste development since a ramp is not required to span the vertical extent of the mineralization. Cut and fill mining can also be much more selective than longhole and generally would reduce dilution from overbreaking into the hanging wall and footwall. A cut and fill stope can extend up to 300 feet along strike in each direction from a central access raise. A typical cut and fill arrangement is shown in Figure 16-6.
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Figure 16-6 Typical cut & fill stope long section
Cut and fill stoping is initiated by cross-cutting the vein on the bottom mining horizon with an access drift that will house the raise for the life of the stope. The raise is timbered with drawpoints for the mineralized material to pass through and also travelways for personnel and supplies. Drilling and blasting is carried by breasting down from the raise to the stope limits. The broken mineralized material is then slushed to the rock chute and mucked from the bottom access where it is loaded into trucks and removed. Once an entire cut is breasted down, cellular backfill is pumped from the bottom of the raise into the open cut, and the sequence begins again. The cellular backfill consists of a concrete additive that expands in place, filling any cracks or open voids. The density of the cellular backfill once cured is 38 lb/ft³. Due to the high costs of the concrete additive and the timbered raise, this cut and fill method can only be profitable in very high-grade pockets that are uneconomic for a spiral development in waste. There are currently two active cut and fill stopes utilizing this raise-up and cellular fill method. One was developed entirely by Newmont prior to Klondexs purchase and is located on the 305 vein between Spirals 4 and 5. The other was developed by Klondex and is on the 505 vein in Spiral 1, above an area that was sublevel stoped below.
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16.6. |
Ground Control and Dilution |
During either waste or mineralized material development, ground control is a major part of the mining sequence. The face miners bar down loose rock immediately after a blast and install wire mesh and split-set bolts after every round in every heading. Some of the upper zones contain high clay content and low rock mass rating (RMR), which requires installation of Swellex bolts.
Dilution in the stopes is generally controlled by the drill pattern but is also affected by the jointing of the wall rock immediately adjacent to the stope. Figure 16-7 shows an ideal open stope with minimal dilution. When jointing and/or weak wall rock is present, the wall of the stope breaks into an hourglass shape and increases dilution.
In areas where poor rock conditions are anticipated, prior to stoping, engineers issue a design to install cable bolts into the hanging wall of the stope. In cases of rock instability, the panel length is also reduced from 60 feet to 30 feet to increase wall stability and decrease the length of time a stope sits open before being back filled. In general, dilution in the longhole stopes is well controlled even in weak ground by adjusting drill patterns, installing cable bolts, and reducing panel length when necessary.
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16.7. |
Mine Plan |
The current plan will contain a blend of sublevel stopes and cut and fill over the 2.8 year reserve mine plan. The Midas Mine can continue ore flow from the currently developed sublevel areas in Spiral 7 and 8, as well as the two previously mentioned cut and fill areas, while working toward developing future areas that employ these two methods (Figure 16-8 through Figure 16-16).
Table 16-3 Midas Mine Heading Advance Rates
Heading Type | Units | Daily Rate |
Capital Development Drift | Feet/day | 16 |
Drop Raise | Feet/Day | 5 |
Stope Development (7 x 11) | Feet/day | 21 |
Sublevel (Long Hole) Stoping | Ton/day | 160 |
Cut and Fill Stoping | Ton/Day | 100 |
Backfill | Ton/Day | 200 |
Cellular Backfill | Ton/Day | 18 |
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Table 16-4 Annual Production and Development Plan
Calendar Year | 2014 1. | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Total |
Reserves Mined | |||||
Proven Ore Mined (000's Tons) | 30.5 | 61.2 | 32.7 | 9.7 | 134.1 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.135 | 0.389 | 0.533 | 0.585 | 0.381 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 12.880 | 15.735 | 10.579 | 9.120 | 13.349 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 4.1 | 23.8 | 17.4 | 5.7 | 51.1 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 393.2 | 962.6 | 346.2 | 88.4 | 1,790.5 |
Probable Ore Mined (000's Tons) | 13.1 | 51.6 | 29.6 | 13.6 | 108.0 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.124 | 0.282 | 0.717 | 0.231 | 0.376 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 4.126 | 7.273 | 8.461 | 12.838 | 7.918 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 1.6 | 14.6 | 21.3 | 3.1 | 40.6 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 54.2 | 375.4 | 250.8 | 174.8 | 855.2 |
Total Reserves Mined (000's Tons) | 43.7 | 112.8 | 62.4 | 23.3 | 242.1 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.132 | 0.340 | 0.621 | 0.378 | 0.378 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 10.246 | 11.863 | 9.572 | 11.292 | 10.926 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 5.8 | 38.4 | 38.7 | 8.8 | 91.6 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 447.4 | 1,338.0 | 597.0 | 263.2 | 2,645.6 |
Contained Gold Equiv. (000's Ounces) | 12.7 | 59.1 | 48.0 | 12.9 | 132.6 |
Production Mining | |||||
Stope Development and Drift and Fill Mining (000's Tons) | 21.3 | 36.7 | 10.0 | 1.9 | 69.9 |
Longhole Stope Mining (000's Tons) | 22.4 | 74.7 | 52.4 | 21.4 | 170.9 |
Reserves Mined (000's Tons) | 43.7 | 111.5 | 62.4 | 23.3 | 240.8 |
Reserves Mining Rate (tpd) | 358 | 309 | 170 | 129 | 234 |
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Calendar Year | 2014 1. | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Total |
Backfill | |||||
Cellular Backfill (000's Tons) | 2.8 | 4.4 | 3.2 | 10.5 | |
CRF and GOB Backfill (000's Tons) | 30.5 | 69.8 | 37.9 | 21.3 | 159.5 |
Total Backfill (000's Tons) | 30.5 | 65.6 | 37.9 | 20.6 | 154.6 |
Waste Mining | |||||
Expensed Drift Waste (000's Tons) | 5.0 | 1.1 | - | 0.1 | 6.2 |
Bench Waste (000's Tons) | - | - | - | - | - |
Expensed Waste (000's Tons) | 1.1 | - | 0.1 | 1.2 | |
Primary Capital Drifting (Feet) | 694 | - | 142 | 836 | |
Secondary Capital Drifting (Feet) | 98 | - | 50 | 148 | |
Capital Raising (Feet) | 116 | - | 116 | ||
Capitalized Mining (000's Tons) | 13.8 | - | 3.2 | 17.0 | |
Total Tons Mined (000's Tons) | 48.7 | 127.7 | 62.4 | 26.6 | 265.3 |
Mining Rate (tpd) | 399 | 350 | 170 | 147 | 257 |
Notes: | |
1. |
The mine plan for 2014 includes only the period of September 1 through December 31. |
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17. |
Recovery Methods |
Mineralized material from the Midas Project is processed in the Midas Mill. Material from each project is segregated through the crushing circuit. The mill has two 500-ton fine ore bins located between the secondary crusher and the ball mill, and one bin is dedicated to each mine. Head samples are taken on each reclaim conveyor at regular intervals, and tonnage measured by a belt scale prior to comingling the mineralization streams.
The Midas Mill was constructed in 1997 and has a nameplate capacity of 1,200 tpd. The mill uses conventional leach technology with Counter Current Decantation followed by Merrill Crowe precipitation. Doré refining is finalized by Johnson Matthey refineries in Salt Lake City, Utah. Midas has performed toll milling periodically since 2008.
17.1. |
Mill Capacity and Process Facility Flow Diagram |
Underground mineralized material is hauled from the Midas mine portal to the run of mine (ROM) pad where it is placed on short term ROM mineralized material stockpiles. Typical mineralized material classifications are: low grade (less than [<] 0.3 opt gold or < 6 opt silver; high grade (0.3 to 0.5 opt gold or 6 to 20 opt silver); and ultra-high grade (> 0.5 opt gold or > 20 opt silver). Underground mineralized material is hand-picked on the pad for scrap wire mesh and rock bolts before being fed to the crusher.
Mineralized material is crushed in two stages through a 30-inch by 40-inch primary jaw crusher and 53 inch secondary cone crusher. Both jaw and secondary crusher products are fed to a six feet by 20 feet Nordberg double deck vibrating screen fitted with two-inch top deck and one-half inch bottom deck screen panels to produce a 95% passing three-eighths inch product. A continuous self-cleaning belt magnet and a metal detector are used to remove tramp metal from the crusher screen feed and to protect the cone crusher from damage. Screen undersize is conveyed to one of two 500-ton fine mineralized material bins.
Crushed and screened material is transported from the fine material bins by individual belt feeders into the 10.5 feet by 15 feet rubber lined Nordberg ball mill. The ball mill is charged with a blend of three-inch and two-inch grinding balls to maintain an operating power draw of 800 horse power (HP). Mill discharge pulp is pumped to a nest of four ten-inch Krebs cyclones (three duty, one standby) for classification. Cyclone overflow, at 85% passing 200 mesh, reports to the trash screen. Cyclone underflow reports to a two millimeter (mm) aperture scalping screen, with the screen undersize being distributed by three-way splitter to the ball mill, verti-mill, and gravity circuit. Lead nitrate solution is added to the ball mill feed chute to enhance silver leach kinetics.
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A split of the screened cyclone underflow reports to the 250 HP verti-mill for open circuit grinding with the verti-mill discharge overflowing back to the primary ball mill discharge pump box. The verti-mill is charged with one inch grinding balls. A split of the screened cyclone underflow also reports to the 20-inch Knelson concentrator for gravity gold recovery. The Knelson operates on a 45-minute cycle providing concentrate for cyanidation in the CS500 Acacia Leach Reactor which conducts three 750 to 1,000 kilogram (kg) batch leaches each week. Pregnant solution (batch containing 100 ounces on average) from the leach reactor reports to the Counter Current decantation (CCD) circuit pregnant solution tank.
Cyclone overflow is screened to remove any plastic debris before reporting to a 42 feet diameter pre-leach thickener. Thickener underflow at 50% solids is pumped to the leach circuit consisting of eight 28 feet by 30 feet air sparged leach tanks, providing a leach residence time of approximately 90 hours at 600 tph feed rate. The pH in the first leach tank is maintained at 10.4 to 11.0 through the addition of hydrated lime, produced from the on-site slaking of pebble lime. Sodium cyanide concentration in the second leach tank is maintained at 1.25 grams per liter (gpl).
The leach circuit discharge is pumped to the first of five 42.5 feet diameter CCD thickeners, where the pulp is counter-current washed with barren Merrill Crowe liquor at a wash ratio of approximately 2.5:1, and CCD thickener underflow at each stage is maintained at between 50 and 56% solids to maximize wash efficiency.
Pregnant CCD solution at a pH of 11.0 and 400 gallons/minute flow rate is fed to one of two disc filters operating in duty/standby mode utilizing diatomaceous earth for clarification. The clarified pregnant solution is then pumped to a packed bed vacuum de-aeration tower, prior to the addition of zinc dust and lead nitrate to precipitate precious metals from solution. The Merrill Crowe precipitate solution is then pumped to one of two plate and frame filter presses for sludge recovery ahead of smelting on site to produce 5,000 troy ounce silver/gold doré bars.
Tailings pulp from the last CCD thickener is pumped to the Inco SO2/Air circuit for cyanide destruction. Cyanide destruction is performed in a single 20 feet by 20 feet agitated, air sparged tank providing approximately one-hour reaction time. Ammonium bi-sulphate, lime, and copper sulphate as a catalyst, are added to the tank on a ratio control basis to achieve target weak acid dissociable (WAD) cyanide levels below five ppm. Routine picric acid determinations are used by operating personnel to maintain WAD cyanide in the INCO cyanide destruction tank discharge pulp at target levels.
Following cyanide destruction, the plant tailings pulp is discharged to one of two lined tailings storage facilities for consolidation and water recovery. Clarified decant pond solution is evaporated or returned to the mill process water tank for reuse in the plant.
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17.2. |
Physical Mill Equipment |
The Midas process equipment list is shown in Table 17-1:
Table 17-1 Process Equipment Itemization by Area
Description | Number | Spare | Note | Description | Number | Spare | Note |
AREA 350 GRINDING | |||||||
BIN, MILL TROMMEL REJECTS CS Construction, w/lift lugs, 6.5' x 6.5' x 4' | 1 | HEATER, MILL FEED CONVEYOR GALLERY w/fan | 1 | 5 kW | |||
CHUTE, BALL TRANSFER | 1 | LAUNDER, MILL DISCHARGE CS, Rubber Lined | 1 | ||||
CHUTE. FINE ORE BIN DISCHARGE CS Plate Construction, AR Plate Lined | 1 | PUMP BOX, CYCLONE FEED 6' x 6' x 6', 1200 gal, CS, Rubber Lined | 1 | ||||
CHUTE, FINE ORE FEEDER DISCHARGE CS Plate Construction, AR Lined | 1 | PUMP, CYLCONE FEED 550 gpm, 4 x 3, Centrifugal Slurry, VFD, Rubber Lined CS | 1 | 1 | 50 HP | ||
CHUTE, MILL FEED Includes ball charge attachment, CS Construction, AR Lined | 1 | SAMPLER, CYCLONE OVERFLOW 223 gpm, single stage slurry cutter, CS Rubber Lined | 1 | 0.5 HP | |||
CHUTE, BALL DISCHARGE CS Plate Construction, AR Plate Lined | 1 | BELT SCALE, MILL FEED 30 tph, 24", 4 idler weigh bridge | 1 | ||||
CHUTE, MILL TROMMEL COVER CS Plate Construction | 1 | CYCLONE PACKAGE 2 - DS15LB-1826 Cyclones, radial manifold, w/ launders | 2 | ||||
CHUTE, MILL TROMMEL REJECTS CS Plate Construction | 1 | DUST COLLECTOR PACKAGE PULSE Air, induction, 5000 cfm, 0.5 psi | 1 | 20 HP | |||
CONVEYOR, MILL FEED 30 tph, troughed rubber type, 36" width, 116' Length, 12' lift, 50 fpm | 1 | 7.5 HP | F EEDER, FINE ORE DISCHARGE Rotary Valve | 1 | 5 HP | ||
FAN, FINE ORE LOWER BUILDING VENT 4000 cfm, Wall exhaust | 2 | 1.0 HP | LUBE SYSTEM, BALL MILL Air operated, w/heater | 2 | 5 kW | ||
FEEDER, FINE ORE 30 tph, 30" width, 29' length, VFD | 1 | 5.0 HP | MILL, BALL 10.5' Diameter, 14' Length, Rubber Lined | 1 | 800 HP |
Practical Mining LLC | April 2, 2015 |
Page 169 | Recovery Methods | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Description | Number | Spare | Note | Description | Number | Spare | Note |
AREA 410 LEACH | |||||||
Knelson gravity concentrator, 20 inch |
CS 500 Acacia leach reactor |
||||||
AGITATOR, LEACH 109" Diam., Dual Impellers, 8' sch 80 Shaft, 292" Length, CS Construction, Rubber Lined |
8 | 40 HP |
SAMPLER, LEACH TAILS 330 gpm, Slurry Cutter |
1 | 0.5 HP | ||
FAN, PRE-LEACH THICKENER VENT 3000 CFM @ 0.25 WG |
1 | 0.5 HP |
SCREEN, TRASH 4' X 5', Vibrating |
2 | 2.5 HP | ||
HEATER, PRE-LEACH THICKENER VENT 40,000 BTU, propane |
1 | 35 HP |
STANDPIPE, PRE-LEACH THICKENER O/F 2.5' Diam., 20' high, Open Top, CS Construction |
1 | |||
LAUNDER, LEACH, INTERTANK CS Construction, w/Gate |
8 |
PUMP BOX, CCD FEED SPLIT TO #1 AND #2 600 gal, 4X4X6' w/weirs, CS Construction, Rubber Lined |
1 | ||||
LAUNDER, LEACH, INTERTANK bypass CS Construction, w/Gate |
7 |
PUMP, PRE-LEACH THICKENER AREA SUMP 200 gpm, 2.5" Diam. Vertical Slurry, Rubber Lined |
1 | 7.5 HP | |||
PUMP BOX, LEACH TAILS 6' x 6' x 6', 1200 gal, CS, Rubber Lined |
1 |
PUMP, LEACH THICKENER AREA SUMP 200 gpm, 2.5" Diam. Vertical Slurry, Rubber Lined |
1 | 7.5 HP | |||
PUMP, LEACH TAILS 327 gpm, 4X3, Centrifugal, CS Rubber Lined | 2 | 1 | 7.5 HP | TANK, LEACH 28' x 30', Open top, CS Construction | 8 | ||
PUMP, PRE-LEACH THICKENER O/F 533 gpm, 3X4, Centrifugal, CS Construction, Packed Seal |
1 | 1 | 15 HP |
THICKENER, PRE-LEACH 59.5' Diameter, 19.5' Height, Feed well, All Gear, CS Construction |
1 | 15 HP | |
PUMP, PRE-LEACH THICKENER U/F 330 gpm, 3X4, Centrifugal, CS Construction, Rubber Lined |
1 | 10 HP | |||||
AREA 430 CCD THICKENING | |||||||
FAN, CCD ARE VENT 6000 cfm, Wall Exhaust |
4 | 1 HP |
PUMP, CCD THICKENER U/F ADVANCE 160 gpm, 3X4, Centrifugal, CS Construction, Packed Seal |
5 | 5 | 4.5 HP |
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 170 |
Description | Number | Spare | Note | Description | Number | Spare | Note |
HEATER, CCD ARE VENT 20 MBH, Propane w/motor |
4 | 1 HP |
SAMPLER, LEACH TAILS 330 gpm, Slurry Cutter |
1 | 0.5 HP | ||
PUMP, LEACH CCD AREA SUMP 200 gpm, 2.5" Diam. Vertical Slurry, Rubber Lined |
1 | 7.5 HP |
STANDPIPE, CCD thickener 2.5' Diam., 20' high, Open Top, CS Construction |
5 | |||
PUMP, CCD THICKENER O/F ADVANCE 300 gpm, 3X4, Centrifugal, CS Construction, Packed Seal |
5 | 1 | 7.5 HP |
THICKENER, CCD 42.5' Diam. 19.5' high, feed well, all gear |
5 | ||
AREA 450 CYANIDE DESTRUCTION | |||||||
AGITATOR, CYANIDE DESTRUCTION 121" Diam., Dual Impellers, 10' sch 160 Shaft, 292" Length, CS Const., Rubber Lined |
1 | 125 HP |
TANK, CYANIDE DESTRUCTION 20' X 20', Open Top, CS Construction |
1 | |||
SAMPLER, CYANIDE DESTRUCTION 200 gpm, Slurry Cutter |
1 | 0.5 HP | |||||
AREA 470 TAILING HANDLING | |||||||
PUMP, TAILINGS DISTRUBUTION 420 gpm, 3X4, Centrifugal, CS Construction, Rubber Lined |
1 | 10 HP |
PIPE, TAILINGS 8" HDPE, SDR 11 |
800 ft | |||
PUMP, CCD THICKENER U/F ADVANCE 160 gpm, 3X4, Centrifugal, CS Construction, Rubber Lined |
5 | 1 | 7.5 HP |
PIPE, TAILINGS 12" HDPE, SDR 11 |
800 ft | ||
AREA 510 MERRILL CROWE | |||||||
FILTER, CLARIFYING 1 400 ft 2 , 210 gpm, 25 ppm solids, 54" diam. X 8', flushing |
1 HP |
PUMP, PREGNANT SOLUTION 600 gpm, 3X4, CS Construction |
1 | 1 | 30 HP | ||
PUMP, BARREN SOLUTION 600 gpm, 4X8, Centrifugal, CS Construction |
1 | 1 | 15 HP |
PUMP, FILTER FEED 600 gpm, 3X4, CS Construction, flooded mechanical seal |
1 | 1 | 15 HP |
Page 171 | Recovery Methods | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Description | Number | Spare | Note |
Description |
Number | Spare | Note |
FEEDER, ZINC 50 lb./hr |
1 |
TANK, DEAERATION 3' Diam. X 20' high, 22 in. water vacuum |
1 | ||||
AREA 550 REAGENTS |
|||||||
PUMP, FLOCCULANT METERING 2 gpm, Progressive Cavity |
1 | 1.5 HP |
PUMP, ABS METERING 75 gpm, Metering Type, Mechanical Seal |
1 | 1 | ||
PUMP, FLOCCULANT METERING 0.5 gpm, Progressive Cavity |
5 | 1 HP |
TANK, COPPER SULFATE STORAGE 2900 gal, 8' Diameter X 9' high, closed, SS Construction |
1 | |||
PUMP, REAGENT METERING 25 gpm, Metering Type |
3 | 1 | 1 HP |
FLOCCULANT PACKAGE, SELF CONTAINED Includes Agitator, Blower, Bin Feeder, Mixer, Tanks, SS Construction |
1 | 3 HP | |
AREA 650 UTILITIES |
|||||||
PUMP, PROCESS WATER 1200 gpm, 6X8, CS Construction, Packed Seal |
1 | 125 HP |
BLOWER, CYANIDE DETOXIFICATION 1000 cfm, Rotary, Two Stage, Intercooler, Filter Intake |
1 | 75 HP | ||
BLOWER, LEACH TANK 320 cfm @ 20 psig, Rotary, Two Stage, Intercooler, Filter Intake |
1 | 30 HP |
17.3. |
Operation and Recoveries |
Midas mineralization performs quite well under direct cyanidation with daily recoveries as high as 95.1% for gold and up to 95% for silver. The process performance is consistent with gold recovery having a standard deviation of less than two percent. Variances in gold recovery are due to the head grade and grind size, and do not appear to be associated with mineralized material type. The standard deviation of silver recovery is less than four percent with variance due to head grade, grind size, and clay content. Clay enriched mineralization often has higher silver to gold ratios and tend to present recovery difficulties. Recoveries occasionally fall outside the expected distribution because of plant or operating issues. The current grind is 85% passing through 200 mesh. The feasibility of producing a finer grind product to improve gold and silver recovery is currently under analysis by Klondex.
17.4. |
Processing Costs |
Midas Mill operating costs for 2012 through 2014 are summarized in Table172.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 172 |
Table 172 Midas Mill Operating Costs
$/ton | Total Tonnage | |||||
Year | Budget | Actual | Variance | Budget | Actual | Variance |
2012 | $33.12 | $35.02 | $1.90 | 373,000 | 330,000 | -43,000 |
2013 (Oct) | $35.49 | $39.05 | $3.56 | 255,600 | 207,600 | -48,000 |
2014 1 | 62.53 | $57.49 | -$5.04 | 174,425 | 171,818 | -2,607 |
Notes: | |
1. | Klondex has only been the operator of the Midas Mill since February 19, 2014. Newmont was the prior operator. |
The elevated cost per ton for 2013 and 2014 is the result of the inflexibility of fixed costs versus diminished throughput.
Future processing cost projections reflect 2014 consumption rates and pricing levels for reagents, and electrical power. Adequate water is available from onsite supply wells and the Midas Underground Mine.
17.5. |
Production |
Doré is shipped to the refinery as 5500 oz. bars that average approximately 3.94% gold and 90.1% silver plus minor constituents, including less than 4% selenium. Table 17-3 provides a monthly summary of the processing at the Midas Mill of mineralized material extracted from Midas during2014.
Table 173 2014 Midas Mineralized Material Processed at the Midas Mill
Feb 1 | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total | |
Tons (000s) | 2.8 | 11.2 | 10.7 | 9.8 | 11.2 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.7 | 11.6 | 9.7 | 12.7 | 117.0 |
Au grade | 0.078 | 0.135 | 0.089 | 0.102 | 0.182 | 0.214 | 0.106 | 0.165 | 0.163 | 0.126 | 0.256 | 0.155 |
Ag grade | 8.13 | 12.11 | 11.58 | 10.43 | 9.24 | 11.02 | 8.53 | 8.92 | 18.11 | 15.53 | 13.02 | 11.69 |
feed Au oz (000s) | 0.2 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 3.2 | 18 |
feed Ag oz (000s) | 22.7 | 135.2 | 123.9 | 102.4 | 103.7 | 135.5 | 104.6 | 113.1 | 209.9 | 150.2 | 165.1 | 1,366 |
% Au recovery | 94.5% | 94.5% | 96.3% | 90.2% | 92.1% | 94.7% | 95.6% | 93.8% | 93.8% | 95.2% | 91.8% | 93.6% |
% Ag recovery | 95.7% | 94.1% | 97.5% | 95.8% | 92.6% | 95.4% | 94.5% | 97.6% | 94.8% | 96.2% | 94.1% | 95.2% |
recovered Au oz (000s) | 0.2 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 2.5 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 3.0 | 17 |
recovered Ag oz (000s) | 21.7 | 127.2 | 120.7 | 98.1 | 96.0 | 129.2 | 98.8 | 110.4 | 198.9 | 144.4 | 155.4 | 1,301 |
Note: | |
1. | Includes only production following the completion of the Midas purchase from Newmont on February 11, 2014. |
Page 173 | Recovery Methods | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
17.6. |
Midas Mill Operating Permits |
The Midas Mill is currently operating under three Air Quality Operating Permits administered by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP) Bureau of Air Pollution Control and one Water Pollution Control Permit administered by the Nevada NDEP Bureau of Water Pollution Control. The permits are discussed in detail in Section 20.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 174 |
18. |
Project Infrastructure |
The Midas underground mine is a modern mine site with all the facilities generally associated with mechanized mining and ore processing. The Midas operation is served by Nevada State Highway 789 connected to a 32.4 -mile all-weather gravel access road.
18.1. |
Infrastructure |
The Midas Project includes an underground mine, waste rock area, crushing plant, conventional mill, refinery, cyanide destruction circuit, tailings impoundment, and a TSF. Mine operations also includes ancillary facilities such as: a maintenance shop, warehouse, administration and security building, and facilities for distributing diesel fuel, gasoline, and propane.
18.2. |
Tailings Containment |
Klondex has evaluated the potential for increasing tailings capacity. The remaining capacity in the existing Midas Phase 4/5 tailings is estimated to be 700,000 tons, as of year-end 2014. Two alternatives are available for increasing tailings capacity. The first would raise the existing embankment approximately four feet using an engineered retaining wall. This option would add approximately 400,000 tons capacity and is estimated to cost $1M. This option has the advantage of staying inside the existing TSF footprint and can be permitted with a minor modification to the existing plan of operations. The second option would involve new construction outside the existing TSF footprint. Permit modifications would likely take two to three years to secure. New TSF construction could be completed by early 2018. Klondex is proceeding with construction of the four-foot embankment raise.
The 2012 performance of the TSF included evaporation of over 90M gallons of water utilizing ten evaporator units. Currently, 14 evaporators operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week during the peak evaporation season to assist in the evaporation of excess water in the TSF.
18.3. |
Power |
The Midas Mine has six main electrical transformers which are located on the surface. The total line capacity for the Midas Project is 12 megawatt (MW) or 15,500 HP. Details of the main transformers in the system are listed in Table 18-1.
Table 181 Electrical Transformer Details
Location |
Service Voltage
Kilovolts (kV) |
Size |
Current Power Draw(MW) |
UG Portal | 24.9kV | 5MVA | 1.8 |
South Vent Raise | 24.9kV | 2.5MVA | 0.9 |
Deep Vent Raise | 24.9kV | 1MVA | 0.6 |
North Vent Raise | 24.9kV | 5MVA | 1.7 |
Mill/Truck Shop | 24.9kV | 5MVA | 2.1 |
Page 175 | Project Infrastructure | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Location |
Service Voltage
Kilovolts (kV) |
Size |
Current Power Draw(MW) |
Tails Evaporation | 24.9kV | 1MVA | 0.6 |
Total | 7.7 MW |
Midas also has a 1.4 kilowatt (kW) diesel generator for backup. Prior to Klondexs acquisition of the Midas Project, electrical power supply to Midas was from Newmonts Dunphy Power Plant from the 120kV transfer line to the Osgood Substation. Transmission from the Osgood Station to the site is on a 24.9kV line. Site voltage available is from 480 volts (V) service to 4160V service. Klondex purchases electrical power from NV Energy which is transmitted using the same infrastructure.
18.4. |
Water |
Midas Project water is supplied by two main wells: the Plant Site Well and the Valley Well. The combined capacity of both is 300 gallons per minute (gpm).
18.5. |
Communication Infrastructure |
Digital data communication service is provided from fiber optic cable and has a 1.1 gigabyte per second capacity. Telephone service is standard multi-line voice service.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 176 |
Page 177 | Market Studies and Contracts | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
19. |
Market Studies and Contracts |
19.1. |
Precious Metal Markets |
Gold and silver markets are mature with reputable smelters and refiners located throughout the world. Following several years of increases, gold and silver prices began declining in 2012. As of December 2014, the 36-month trailing average gold price was $1,449 per ounce, the 24-month trailing average price was $1,339 while the monthly average had dropped to $1,202. The silver price trend shows similar behavior, and both are shown in Figure 19-1.
19.2. |
Contracts |
As part of normal mining activities, Klondex has entered into several contracts with several mining industry suppliers and contractors. The terms of these agreements are customary for mines in the area.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 178 |
19.3. |
Project Financing |
On December 4, 2013, the Corporation entered into a stock purchase agreement with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc., and Newmont USA Limited ("Newmont USA") to acquire all of the shares of Klondex Midas Holdings Limited (formerly Newmont Midas Holdings Limited), which indirectly owns the Midas Project. The Midas Acquisition was completed on February 11, 2014. The purchase price of the Midas Acquisition was comprised of:
1. |
Approximately US$55 million in cash; |
|
|
||
2. |
The replacement of Newmont surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities in the amount of approximately US$28 million; and |
|
|
||
3. |
The issuance by the Corporation to Newmont USA of 5 million warrants to purchase Common Shares of Klondex at an exercise price of $2.15, with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances. |
The Midas Acquisition was financed through the Subscription Receipt Financing (as defined below), the 2014 Debt Financing (as hereinafter defined) and the Gold Purchase Arrangement (as hereinafter defined).
On January 9, 2014, the Corporation completed an offering (the "Subscription Receipt Financing") of 29,400,000 subscription receipts at a price of $1.45 per subscription receipt on a private placement basis, raising aggregate gross proceeds of $42,630,000 (the "SR Proceeds") pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement dated December 6, 2013 between the Corporation and GMP Securities L.P., MGI Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., Jones, Gable & Company Limited and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the "SR Agents"). The SR Proceeds, less the SR Agents' expenses and out-of-pocket costs and legal expenses, were placed in escrow pending (i) the closing of the Midas Acquisition, and (ii) the receipt by the Corporation of the requisite shareholder approval of the Subscription Receipt Financing and the 2014 Debt Financing (as hereinafter defined) pursuant to the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Upon both of these conditions being satisfied, on February 11, 2014, the net proceeds of the Subscription Receipt Financing were paid out of the escrowed funds to the Corporation.
On February 11, 2014, the Corporation entered into a senior secured loan facility agreement (the "Facility Agreement") with a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp., pursuant to which the Corporation issued units consisting of an aggregate of $25,000,000 principal amount of notes, issued at a 2.5% discount to par value, and 3,100,000 warrants ("2014 Lender Warrants") to purchase Common Shares (the "2014 Debt Financing"). The 2014 Lender Warrants have an exercise price of $1.95 and will expire on February 11, 2017. The notes mature on August 11, 2017.
Page 179 | Market Studies and Contracts | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
On February 11, 2014, the Corporation entered into a gold purchase agreement (the "Gold Purchase Agreement") with Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation ("FNC"), pursuant to which the Corporation raised proceeds of US$33,763,640 (the "Gold Purchase Arrangement") in consideration for the delivery of an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold on a monthly basis over a five year period ending on December 31, 2018. Under the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement, the Corporation is required to make gold deliveries at the end of each month, with the first delivery having been due on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces of gold is completed on December 31, 2018. The annualized delivery schedule is shown in Table 19-1.
Table 191 FNC Gold Delivery Schedule
Year | Gold Ounces |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Corporation's obligations under each of the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Agreement are secured against all of the assets and property of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. The security granted for the performance of the Corporation's obligations under the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Agreement rank pari-passu.
The Facility Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature, including limitations on future indebtedness during its term. Early repayment of the loan under the Facility Agreement by the Corporation is required under an event of default under the Facility Agreement, including in the event that the Corporation has failed to pay within three business days of being due any principal or interest totaling $250,000 or more on any indebtedness of the Corporation other than the indebtedness (other than permitted indebtedness) under the Facility Agreement. In addition, the Corporation may not incur indebtedness where, on the date of such incurrence, and after giving effect thereto and the application of proceeds therefrom, the Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Facility Agreement) of the Corporation and its subsidiaries divided by the sum of the consolidated debt expense (net of consolidated interest income) of the Corporation and its subsidiaries would be less than 3.5.
The Gold Purchase Agreement also contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature. A default under the Facility Agreement would also constitute a default under the Gold Purchase Agreement. As at the date hereof, the Corporation is in compliance with all requirements under the Facility Agreement and the Gold Purchase Agreement.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 180 |
On February 12, 2014, the Corporation entered into a royalty agreement (the "Midas Royalty Agreement") with Franco-Nevada U.S. Corporation ("Franco-Nevada US"), a subsidiary of FNC, and, Klondex Midas Operations Inc. (formerly Newmont Midas Operations Inc.) (Midas Operations), the owner of the Midas Project and now an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, pursuant to which Midas Operations raised proceeds of US$218,310 from the grant of a 2.5% NSR royalty to Franco-Nevada US on the Midas Mine.
Page 181 | Environmental Studies, Permitting and Social or Community Impact | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
20. | Environmental Impact Studies, Permitting and Social or Community |
As with any mine, new environmental regulations have the potential to add expenses and restrictions to operations. Restrictions have the potential to adversely affect the scope of new exploration and development on the Midas property, and subsequently, the potential for production at the Property may be affected.
The Midas Mine is subject to the laws and regulations relating to environmental matters in all jurisdictions in which it operates, including provisions relating to property reclamation, discharge of hazardous material and other matters. Mineral exploration and mining operations are completed in compliance with applicable environmental regulations. The authors of this Technical Report are not aware of any existing environmental liabilities.
20.1. |
Environmental Management Activities |
Ongoing environmental management issues at Midas include regulatory reporting on:
| Water Pollution Control Reports | |
| Air Quality Reports and Compliance Testing | |
| Water Rights | |
| Reclamation Report and Bond Updates | |
| Toxic Release Inventory Reports | |
| Dam Permit Reporting | |
| Hazardous Waste Inspections and Reporting | |
| Wildlife Inspections and Reports | |
| Additionally, reclamation financial assurances require reporting on: | |
| Annual Corporate Guarantee Review and Approval | |
| Triennial Reclamation Cost Estimate Update | |
| Other environmental management obligations include: | |
| Permit Renewals/Modifications | |
| Reclamation and Final Permanent Closure Plan | |
| Cultural Resources Mitigation Actions | |
| Greater Sage-grouse Mitigation Actions | |
| Regulatory Inspections |
Waste Rock Dump Description and Management
The waste rock dump (WRD) at Midas is located downhill and to the south-east of the portal. Primary waste rocks lithologies are tuff, rhyolite, and basalt. The current WRD design covers eleven acres of disturbance on private property. Maximum storage capacity is approximately 1.4 million tons.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 182 |
Waste rock at Midas is used as fill in the underground openings. During phases of increased development, the WRD inventory increases, and when the mine development level is normalized, the inventory decreases.
During waste rock placement, composite samples of felsic and mafic rock lithologies are taken on a daily basis. In compliance with the Water Pollution Control Permit, the sample analysis is reported on a quarterly basis. The Meteoric Water Mobility Procedure (MWMP) Profile I is reported to the BMRR, which measures 31 constituents. The potential for the WRD to generate acid is also calculated and reported. Lime is added during quarterly monitoring if the Acid Neutralization Potential (ANP) to Acid Generation Potential (GNP) ratio is less than 1.0.
During 2012 and 2013, no constituents average value taken from the WRD was outside of the acceptable Profile I standard (from the fourth quarter 2011 through third quarter, 2013 reports). During this period, 627,000 tons of felsic and 74,400 tons of mafic rock were placed on the WRD. The average ANP to AGP readings for that time were a ratio of 2.3. Additionally, Monitoring Well-9, in the drainage below the WRD, is sampled on the quarterly.
Waste rock is routinely reclaimed from the WRD and placed in the underground stopes. It is anticipated that, during the latter stages of mining, stope fill requirements will allow a much higher rate of waste rock re-placement diminishing the volume of the WRD.
The Midas Revised Three-Year Reclamation Plan was approved by the BMRR in October 2012. The plan states on Page 23:
All of the mine waste rock that is stored on the temporary waste rock facility will be removed from this area and backfilled into the decline. Once the rock is removed, the topography in this area will approximate the original contour. Reclamation will consist of the placement of 0.5 feet of cover and 0.5 feet of growth media and seeding. (US Department of the Interior (DOI) BLM, 2013)
Topsoil for the WRD is stored immediately downhill from the Midas Mine. When reclamation is complete, the potential for future waste rock acid drainage will be mitigated.
20.2. |
Tailings Impoundment Description and Management |
The TSF is located on the west flank of a wide canyon on the southern periphery of the Project. The tailings coverage entails 95 acres of disturbance located entirely on private property. The embankment has undergone four permitted lifts to expand capacity since its original construction. The current lift is known as Phase 5. The Phase 5 lift was designed by the engineering firm, Smith Williams Consultants, Inc., and is permitted with Dam Safety Permit J-555 by the Nevada Department of Water Resources. The current cumulative capacity of the TSF is 3.70 million tons, of which approximately 700,000 tons are still available. It is expected that an expansion will be required in approximately the next 4 years.
Page 183 | Environmental Studies, Permitting and Social or Community Impact | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
The TSF is a synthetic lined pond with 2:1 slope ratio on the internal walls and 3:1 slope ratio on the external walls comprised of compacted earth and rock buttress construction. The TSF has a maximum permitted vertical lift (Phase Six which has not yet been built) of 200 feet on the external, downslope side. The pond contains approximately 2,750,000 tons of detoxified cyanide tailings ground to 80% passing a 200 mesh screen. Tailings placement occurs simultaneously with process water decantation and active evaporation within the margins of the TSF.
The cumulative, drained process tailings are subjected to downward migrating water. There is potential for this water to escape the lined TSF. Furthermore, meteoric waters in the alluvium outside the pond host potential to leach chemicals from the tailings through the outer walls of the TSF and then enter the drainage at the toe of the dam. The possible occurrences of seepage are monitored by quarterly sampling from ten monitoring wells, nine of which are down-gradient of the TSF and one up-gradient. Results from these samples are reported quarterly to BMRR, according to the Water Pollution Control Permit.
Incidental seepage is prevented from entering the waters of the State by federal law. Any seepage solutions are captured in an underdrain pond and drainage wells prior to release to the regional hydrologic system. Seepage water is pumped back into the TSF.
The Midas Reclamation Plan provides for proper reclamation and closure of the TSF. This plan includes a period of Process Fluid stabilization followed by placement of an Evapotranspiration (ET) barrier, designed to force meteoric water to evaporate instead of infiltrating the pond. Seeding for vegetation follows ET placement. Water quality monitoring will continue for a period of five years and be reported on a quarterly basis.
The Midas Revised Three Year Reclamation plan was approved by the BMRR in October 2012. When reclamation is completed, the potential for future seepage from the TSF will be mitigated.
20.3. |
Air Emissions Control |
Air emission standards for Midas are defined in the BLM Environmental Assessment titled, Midas Underground Support Facilities, Newmont Mining Corporation, issued in March 2013. These emissions include diesel particulate and dust expelled from underground mining operations, fugitive dust from surface operations, road maintenance, crushing activities, and mercury emissions from refinery furnaces and mercury retorts.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 184 |
Klondexs current Midas operations are regulated by a number of BAPC permits. Operations at Midas are permitted under Class II Air Quality Operating Permit AP1041-0766.02. A Title V application was submitted in January 2012, and the permit approval is currently pending BAPC review. Surface disturbance and fugitive emissions are regulated under three Class II Surface Area Disturbance Permits: AP1041-1444.01 (Borrow Pit), AP1041-1454.01 (Exploration), and AP1442-2674 (Jakes Creek Gravel Pit).
To allow for potential increases in mercury emission, as is anticipated in processing custom ores at Midas, Newmont obtained a Nevada Mercury Control air permit from the BAPC and Klondex is currently operating in Phase 1 of this permit. The purpose of Phase 1 is to monitor and operate properly under existing mercury controls and to implement work practice standards on units without controls in order to minimize emissions until the appropriate technologies under the Nevada Maximum Achievable Control Technology (NvMACT) standards are determined. At the existing Midas facility, Klondex is operating under Mercury OPTC: Phase 1, AP1041-2253 for a number of units.
20.4. |
Reclamation Cost and Bonding |
Klondex posted $28M in reclamation bonding upon the completion of the Midas Acquisition.
20.5. |
Permits |
The Midas Project, including the Ken Snyder Mine and the Midas Processing facility, have been in operation since 1998. Beginning in 1992 and up until 1997, a full suite of exploration, operating, and tailings permits were acquired, and since 1998 have been maintained and modified to suit the full range of operations at Midas.
In overview, permits are maintained at the state level with the NDEP and State Fire Marshal; at the Federal level with the BLM; and locally with the Counties of Elko and Humboldt. A list of the most significant operational permits maintained by the Midas Project are listed in Table 20-1.
Air Quality Permit
Air permits include Surface Air Disturbance permitting, Class I and Class II Operating Permits, and Mercury Control Permits. These permits, administered by the NDEP, are in compliance with Federal EPA Emissions Inventory Systems.
Page 185 | Environmental Studies, Permitting and Social or Community Impact | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Water Quality permit
Water permits include Water Pollution Control permits, various Storm Water Control permits, permits for dams and Industrial Artificial Ponds. These permits are administered by the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the NDEP and adhere to the Federal EPA Discharge and Release Standards. Public Water Systems and Treatment facilities are also covered.
Rights of Way
Rights to operate on Federal Lands are administered by the BLM. Midas holds four main Rights of Way.
Plans of Operation
Two plans of operations are in effect. The first covering the location of five vent raises, and the second covering exploration activities on the surrounding land package. Both plans of operation are administered by the BLM.
Water Rights
The Midas Mine has acquired sufficient water rights for operation of the two water supply wells and mine dewatering system.
Other Permits
Other permits include state fire protection permits, solid waste disposal permits, reclamation permits, and septic systems.
Midas holds and maintains 26 major permits. Table 20-1 lists these permits and their respective reporting and expiration periods.
Table 201 Midas Operations Comprehensive Permit List
Permit | Number | Description | Agency | Current | Period | Expiration |
Class II Air Quality | AP1041-0766 | Processing Permit | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 5/11/2014 |
Class I Operating | AP1041-2989 | Permit to Construct | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 6/5/2014 |
Nevada Mercury Control | AP1041-2253 | Mercury Operating Permit | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 6/5/2014 |
Surface Air Disturbance | AP1041-1444 | Midas Gravel Pit | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 8/19/2014 |
Surface Air Disturbance | AP1041-1454 | Exploration | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 9/7/2014 |
Surface Air Disturbance (SAD) | AP1442-2674 | Jakes Creek Gravel Pit | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 5/5/2015 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 186 |
Permit | Number | Description | Agency | Current | Period | Expiration |
IAP | S35289 | Industrial Artificial Ponds Permit | NDOW | yes | Quarterl y | 6/30/2018 |
Dam Permit | J-555 | Dam Safety Phases 4 - 5 | NDEP-NDWR | yes | Bi-Ann. | 6/30/2014 |
Right of Way | N83284 | Power Line | BLM | yes | N/A | 8/28/2027 |
Right of Way | N61100 | Road and Power Line | BLM | yes | N/A | 4/23/2027 |
Right of Way | N-66023 | Road and Waterline | BLM | yes | N/A | 11/20/2029 |
Right of Way | N088016 | Snow Fence | BLM | yes | N/A | 12/31/2039 |
Plan of Operations | NVN 071128 | Exploration POO | BLM | yes | N/A | N/A |
Plan of Operations | NVN 088898 | Operations Plan | BLM | hold | N/A | N/A |
Storm Water | CSW-19747 | Jakes Creek Storm Water Runoff | NDEP-BWPC | yes | Annual | 7/1/2014 |
Storm Water | ISW-1464 | Midas Gravel Pit Storm Water | NDEP-BWPC | yes | Annual | 7/1/2014 |
Storm Water | MSW-221 | Mine Ops Storm Water Runoff | NDEP-BWPC | yes | Annual | 7/1/2014 |
WPCP | NEV-96107 | Water Pollution Control Permit | NDEP-BMRR | yes | Quarterl y | 2/5/2013 |
Potable Water P | EL-0908- 12NTC | Public Water System | NDEP-BSDW | yes | Quarterl y | 6/30/2014 |
Potable Water T | EL-0908- TP01- 12NTNC | Treatment Facility | NDEP-BSDW | yes | Quarterl y | 6/30/2014 |
Reclamation Permit | #0098 | Exploration | NDEP-BMRR | yes | Annual | 2/28/2014 |
Reclamation Permit | #0125 | Mine Operations | NDEP-BMRR | yes | Annual | 10/5/2015 |
Fire Safety Plan | 27455 | HAZMAT Permit | NV Fire Marshal | yes | Annual | 2/28/2014 |
EPCRA | 8941KNSNY 60MIL | Waste Generation | EPA-BWM | yes | Annual | 6/30/2014 |
Notes of significance about the permits in place are listed below:
Air Quality
Midas is currently operating under two permits, the Class II operating permit AP1041-0766 and the Mercury Operating Permit AP1041-2253. The Class 1A Permit AP1041-2989 is currently a permit to construct. This permit includes the mercury capture and mitigation process hardware which has not yet been installed. It was Newmonts intention to incorporate the Class II and Mercury permits into the Class 1 Permit upon inspection and approval of the mercury circuit. The site will thus operate under only one Air Quality Operating Permit.
Page 187 | Environmental Studies, Permitting and Social or Community Impact | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Solid Waste
There is no landfill permit. Solid waste is removed from site and disposed at the Humboldt County Landfill.
Jakes Creek
The Jakes Creek ROW and SAD permits are held to access and maintain the Jakes Creek area and road. This is part of a county road maintenance agreement, mentioned in the following section.
Water Pollution Control Permit (WPCP)
The current site WPCP expired February 2013. Newmont filed an Application for Renewal (Renewal) within the required 90-day application timeline. Klondex refiled the Renewal during the summer of 2014, and it is under review by NDEP. Klondex is currently operating Midas under the expired permit which is allowed, as long as the renewal was filed during the renewal application period.
20.6. |
Social Impact |
Midas Mine management incurs responsibility to address these issues:
Road agreements with Elko County and Humboldt County related to drilling two wells on Humboldt County-owned land. The drilling would entail supporting dust suppression on the access road (from the Y to the mine entrance). The drilling was scheduled for Spring 2013 (presently awaiting water rights transfer at State of Nevada from Humboldt County to Klondex).
Additionally, Midas provides labor, materials, and equipment for maintenance of State Route 18. In 2012, a total of $285,000 was spent on the following areas of road maintenance:
| Dust suppression | |
| Grading | |
| Routine repairs | |
| Maintenance of signage and cattle guards | |
| Snow removal |
Klondex also participates in community support of the following organizations:
| Midas Fire Department: July 4 parade and first responder program | |
| Nevada Bighorns Unlimited: August fundraiser | |
| Annual community picnic to provide update on mine operations (held in July) |
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 188 |
21. |
Capital and Operating Cost Estimates |
21.1. |
Capital Costs |
Life of Mine (LOM) constant dollar capital expenditures are detailed in Table 21-1. Mine development comprises 100% of total capital. Owner operated mine development unit costs, for similarly sized excavations in north Nevada, are shown in Table 21-2.
Table 211 Capital Costs
Cost(000's) | |||||
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Total | |
MineDevelopment | $1,301 | $259 | $1,560 | ||
SiteFacilities | |||||
MiningEquipment | |||||
Total | $0 | $1,301 | $0 | $259 | $1,560 |
Table 212 Underground Development Unit Costs
Unit | |||
Width | Height | Cost | |
Description | (ft) | (ft) | ($/ft) |
PrimaryCapitalDrifting | 1415 | 1517 | $1,350 |
SecondaryCapitalDrifting | 14 | 14 | $1,350 |
Raising | 10 | 10 | $2,000 |
21.2. |
Operating Costs and Cutoff Grade |
LOM operating costs are presented in Table 21-3 below. Unit mining costs are based on actual costs incurred at Midas in 2014. These costs have been adjusted to reflect the planned mining rate where appropriate. The weighted average cost is based on the LOM quantities in each category.
Table 213 Operating Costs
Description | Unit Cost | Unit |
Mining | ||
Production Stoping | $170.00 | /ton |
5 x 11 Stope Development Drift | $200.00 | /ton |
Backfill | $30.00 | /ton |
Cellular Backfill | $235.00 | /ton |
Average Mining Cost | $211.83 | /ton |
Transportation, Processing and G&A |
Page 189 | Capital and Operating Cost Estimates | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Description | Unit Cost | Unit | |
Haulage Portal to Mill | $2.00 | /ton | |
Processing - Fixed Cost | $16,733 / Process Rate (tpd) | $41.67 | /ton |
- Variable Cost | $26.18 | /ton | |
Site Administration and G&A | $7,888.89 / Mineral Reserves Mining Rate (tpd) | $33.19 | /ton |
Total | $314.87 | /ton |
Processing costs include fixed and variable components. Appling these to the 2014 actual tonnage processed predicts a total cost of $61.24 per ton. Actual costs for 2014 averaged $57.49 per ton or six percent below the predicted cost.
Site administration costs are based on actual Midas cost reporting for 2014. These costs include surface support, environmental, land, legal and other costs allocated to the Project. These costs are treated as 100% fixed and amount to $236,670 per month.
Using the operating costs and parameters above, cut-off grades were calculated at varying gold prices. These are shown in Table 21-4 and Figure 21-1. The incremental cut-off represents the required minimum grade of mineralization to be profitable to process after it has been mined and transported to the surface. Mineralization from development excavations is included in the LOM plan and mineral reserves if it exceeds the incremental cut off since processing the incremental material improves the Project cash flow over the alternative of sending this material to the waste dump.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 190 |
Table 214 Cutoff Grade Calculation
Gold | Silver | ||
Metal Sales Price | $/Ounce | $1,000 | $15.83 |
Refining and Sales Expense | $/Ounce | Included in Milling | |
Royalty | 0% | ||
Metallurgical Recovery | 94% | 92% | |
Operating Costs | |||
Ore Haulage (Portal to Mill) | $/ton | $2.00 | |
Direct Processing | $/ton | $67.85 | |
Administration and Overhead | $/ton | $33.19 | |
Mining | $/ton | $211.83 | |
Total | $/ton | $314.87 | |
Gold Equivalent | 1 | 64.53 | |
Unplanned Dilution | 10% | ||
Incremental Cut Off Grade | 0.110 | ||
Cut-off Grade | Eq. opt | 0.335 | |
Minimum Mining Width | feet | 4 | |
Grade Thickness cut-off | Eq. opt-ft. | 1.474 |
Page 191 | Economic Analysis | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
22. |
Economic Analysis |
The LOM plan and technical and economic projections in the LOM plan model include forward looking statements that are not historical facts and are required in accordance with the reporting requirements of the Canadian Securities Administrators. These forward-looking statements include estimates and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially.
The estimates of capital and operating costs have been developed specifically for the Project and are summarized in Section 21. These costs are derived from actual mine and process operating experience for the Project during 2014, and where appropriate, include adjustments applicable to the planned production rates.
The cash flow estimate includes only costs, taxes and other factors applicable to the project. Corporate obligations, financing costs, and taxes at the corporate level are excluded. The cash flow estimate includes 35% Federal income tax after appropriate deductions for depreciation and depletion. No consideration has been given for carry forward losses incurred prior to 2014. Nevada does not impose an income tax but does levy a net proceeds tax equal to 5% of the net operating income with some allowances for depreciation of property plant and equipment. The net proceeds tax does not allow a depletion deduction.
Future reclamation costs have been prepaid through reclamation bonding requirements of the BLM and NDEP. These bonds are considered adequate to fund future reclamation liabilities.
22.1. |
Life of Mine Plan and Economics |
Constant dollar cash flow analysis of the reserves production and development plan shown in Table 16-4 is presented in the income and cash flow statements of Table 22-1 and Table 22-2, respectively. Table 22-3 lists the life of mine key operating and financial indicators. The minimal capital requirements yield a 0.6 -year capital payback period and 21.1 profitability index (PI) calculated with a 10% discount rate and a 523% rate of return. PI is the ratio of payoff to investment of a proposed project. It is a useful tool for ranking projects because it allows you to quantify the amount of value created per unit of investment. A profitability index of 1 indicates break even.
Royalties incurred during the LOM plan include the advance minimum royalty payments to third party lessors. The mine plan ends prior to the 2 ½% royalty taking effect as specified in the Midas Royalty Agreement with Franco-Nevada US. None of the planned production is from holdings subject to NSR royalties.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 192 |
Table 221 Income Statement 2014 2017 ($000s)
Year | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Total |
Income Statement (000's) | |||||
Revenue | |||||
Gold Sales | $5,406.9 | $36,076.3 | $36,380.8 | $8,277.6 | $86,141.6 |
Silver Sales | $6,516.1 | $19,486.4 | $8,695.1 | $3,832.5 | $38,530.1 |
Total Revenue | $11,923.0 | $55,562.6 | $45,075.9 | $12,110.1 | $124,671.7 |
Operating Costs | |||||
Ore Mining | ($8,062.0) | ($20,051.0) | ($10,902.6) | ($4,018.0) | ($43,033.6) |
Backfill | ($915.2) | ($2,885.7) | ($2,171.4) | ($1,416.6) | ($7,388.9) |
Expensed Waste | ($700.0) | ($153.2) | $0.0 | ($16.1) | ($869.3) |
Surface Ore Haulage Portal to Mill | ($87.3) | ($225.6) | ($124.7) | ($46.6) | ($484.3) |
Processing | ($2,345.1) | ($6,329.1) | ($4,115.4) | ($3,638.8) | ($16,428.4) |
Site General Administration & Overhead | ($949.3) | ($2,840.0) | ($2,840.0) | ($1,408.3) | ($8,037.6) |
Total Operating Costs | ($13,058.9) | ($32,484.6) | ($20,154.1) | ($10,544.4) | ($76,242.0) |
General & Administrative | |||||
Refining & Sales (Included with Processing Costs) | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Royalty | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Nevada Net Proceeds Tax | $0.0 | ($1,150.6) | ($1,242.8) | ($74.4) | ($2,467.9) |
Total Cash Cost | ($13,058.9) | ($33,635.3) | ($21,397.0) | ($10,618.8) | ($78,709.9) |
EBITDA | ($1,135.9) | $21,927.4 | $23,679.0 | $1,491.4 | $45,961.8 |
Reclamation Accrual (UOP) | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Depreciation | $0.0 | ($581.4) | ($586.3) | ($392.6) | ($1,560.4) |
Total Cost | ($13,058.9) | ($34,216.7) | ($21,983.3) | ($11,011.4) | ($80,270.3) |
Pre-Tax Income | ($1,135.9) | $21,345.9 | $23,092.6 | $1,098.8 | $44,401.4 |
Income Tax | $0.0 | ($4,895.6) | ($6,172.4) | ($205.3) | ($11,273.4) |
Net Income | ($1,135.9) | $16,450.3 | $16,920.2 | $893.5 | $33,128.0 |
Table 222 Cash Flow Statement 2014 2018 ($000s)
Year | 2014. | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Total |
Net Income | ($1,135.9) | $16,450.3 | $16,920.2 | $893.5 | $0.0 | $33,128.0 |
Depreciation | $0.0 | $581.4 | $586.3 | $392.6 | $0.0 | $1,560.4 |
Reclamation | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Working Capital (6 weeks) | ($1,506.8) | ($2,374.2) | $1,412.1 | $1,243.6 | $1,225.2 | $0.0 |
Operating Cash Flow | ($2,642.7) | $14,657.5 | $18,918.7 | $2,529.7 | $1,225.2 | $34,688.4 |
Capital Costs | ||||||
MACRS Equipment | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Capitalized Development | $0.0 | ($1,301.2) | $0.0 | ($259.2) | $0.0 | ($1,560.4) |
Mine Capital | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Total Capital | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Page 193 | Economic Analysis | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Year | 2014. | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Total |
Net Cash Flow | ($2,642.7) | $13,356.3 | $18,918.7 | $2,270.5 | $1,225.2 | $33,128.0 |
Cumulative Cash Flow | ($2,642.7) | $10,713.6 | $29,632.3 | $31,902.8 | $33,128.0 |
Table 22 3 Key Operating and After Tax Financial Statistics
Material MinedandProcessed(kt) | 242 |
Avg.GoldGrade(opt) | 0.378 |
Avg.SilverGrade(opt) | 10.93 |
ContainedGold(koz) | 91.6 |
ContainedSilver(koz) | 2,646 |
Avg.GoldMetallurgicalRecovery | 94% |
Avg.SilverMetallurgicalRecovery | 92% |
RecoveredGold(koz) | 86.1 |
RecoveredSilver(koz) | 2,434 |
ReserveLife(years) | 2.8 |
OperatingCost($/ton) | $315 |
CashCost($/oz)1. | $466 |
TotalCost($/oz)1. | $485 |
GoldPrice($/oz) | $1,000.00 |
SilverPrice($/oz) | $15.83 |
CapitalCosts($Millions) | $1.6 |
PaybackPeriod(Years) | 0.6 |
CashFlow($Millions) | $33.1 |
5%DiscountedCashFlow($Millions) | $30.2 |
10%DiscountedCashFlow($Millions) | $27.7 |
ProfitabilityIndex (10%)2. | 21.1 |
InternalRateofReturn | 523% |
Notes: | |
1. | Net of byproduct credits. |
2. | Profitability index (PI) is the ratio of payoff to investment of a proposed project. It is useful for ranking project as a measure of the amount of value created per unit of investment. A PI of 1 indicates break even. |
22.2. |
Sensitivity Analysis |
The Projects net present value (NPV) at discount rates of 5% and 10% and profitability index from the cash flow model presented above were analyzed for sensitivity to variations in revenue, operating and capital cost assumptions. This analysis is presented graphically in Figure 22-1 through Figure 22-3 below. These graphs demonstrate the economic resilience of the Project by maintaining profitability with up to 40% unfavorable variances of any one of the three categories of gold price, operating cost or capital cost.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 194 |
Page 195 | Other Relevant Data and Information | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
23. |
Other Relevant Data and Information |
The authors are not aware of any other relevant data and information having bearing on the Midas mineral resource estimate, the Midas mineral reserve estimate or ongoing exploration and mining operations at the Project.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 196 |
24. |
Interpretation and Conclusions |
24.1. |
Conclusions |
The Midas mine is a modern, mechanized narrow vein mine. Sufficient capital has not been allocated to near mine exploration to replenish resources depleted through mining. There are several exploration targets in the immediate area and within the mines land position. As a result, underground mining rates will decline resulting in excess milling capacity in the near term.
Significant mineral resources have been identified on the main and eastern veins and other veins near the active mine workings. Klondex staff has been actively drill testing these areas and has prioritized them based on ounce expectations, accessibility from existing development and geotechnical, ventilation, and hydrological considerations. Mine plans are being updated on a regular basis as results are received. Additionally, alternative mining methods including shrinkage stoping and alimak stoping are being investigated where the development requirements for longhole stoping render these areas sub-economic.
The conventional Merrill Crowe mill facility is an efficient well maintained modern mineral processing plant capable of processing 1,200 tpd. The plant is capable of operating with a minimum crew compliment resulting in cost reductions when operated at capacity. Expected mine production of 400 tpd in the next two to three years will allow mill feed to be supplemented from Klondexs nearby properties and third party toll milling.
The Midas TSF is nearing design capacity and has approximately 700,000 tons of capacity remaining. A significant percentage of the remaining capacity is displaced by the excess water volume generated from mine dewatering that is stored in the TSF. The current water inventory in the Midas TSF is approximately 150 million gallons. Midas has installed 14 evaporator units with an annual evaporating capacity of 100 million gallons. Mine dewatering contributes 25 million gallons annually and precipitation another 8 to 10 million gallons. Recirculating and reusing mine water underground and minimizing the quantity discharged into the TSF will greatly enhance the water management scheme and allow filling the TSF to design capacity and reduce the power consumption by the evaporator units.
Klondex is investigating tailings expansion by either constructing a second TSF adjacent to the current TSF or by raising the level of the existing TSF.
24.2. |
Project Risks |
Table 24-1 presents the significant risks identified by the Qualified Person that have potential to impact the Midas Mine. The probability of any of these risks occurring has not been determined, nor has the extent of any impact on the precious metal production.
Page 197 | Interpretation and Conclusions | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Table 241 Potential Project Risks
Risk | Potential Impact | Mitigating Measures | Opportunities |
Water evaporation rates less than required |
Decreased tailings capacity |
Construct water treatment plant to allow mine dewatering to be used as process makeup water |
Water treatment costs less than evaporation costs |
New tailings facility delayed |
Increased capital and operating costs, delayed production |
Construct lift on existing facility |
|
Stope dilution greater than anticipated |
Producton cost increase and loss of resource |
Employ alternative mining methods and/or increase cutoff grade |
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 198 |
25. |
Recommendations |
The recommendations listed in Table 25-1 have either been initiated or are planned to start in 2015. Their purpose is to extend the mine life at Midas beyond the current reserve life. The reserves mine plan and project economics discussed in the previous sections are not contingent upon the successful conclusion of any of these recommendations.
Table 251 Recommendations
Recommendation |
Estimated Cost (000s) |
Continue the near mine exploration program initiated lasr year, evaluating targets in order of the relative ranking given by Midas staff and management. |
$15,000 |
Continually update the comprehensive engineering study, evaluating mineralization peripheral to abandoned mining areas using alternative mining methods that may allow an increase in mine production rates |
Operating costs include mine planning and engineering |
Engineering, permitting and construction raise the embankment four feet and add 400,000 tons of capacity. |
$1,000 |
Geologic Database Administration: All of the Project data collected to date including drill samples, channel samples and QA/QC samples need to be stored and archived in a permanent and indelible manner. The system software for this system has been procured, but a full time data base administrator has not been selected. |
$50 |
QAQC: Timely follow-up for QAQC assay deviations and re-assay requests needs to be aggressively pursued. This should become an automated process once the database is up and running |
QAQC costs included in assaying cost |
Page 199 | Bibliography | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
26. |
Bibliography |
Crowl, W. J. (2011, May 31). NI 43-101 Technical Report, Pinson Project, Humboldt County, Nevada.
Erwin, T. P. (2013, November 27). Mineral Status Report for Klondex Gold and Silver Mining Company - Project King, File NO. 52591.004.
Graf, G. (2013, January 13). Midas 2011 - 2012 Surface Exploration Report. Newmont Internal Memorandum.
Hodenquist, J.W., and Lowenstern,J.B., The Role of Magmas in the Formation of Hydrothermal Ore DepositsNature, v 370, p 519-527.
Infomine Turquoise Ridge Mine, March 2014. htpp://www.infomine.com/minesites
John, D. A. (2003). Geologic Setting and Genesis of the Mule Canuon Low-Sulfidation Epithermal Gold-Silver Deposit, North-Central Nevada. Economic Geology, 98, 424-463.
Klondex Mines Ltd. (2013, December 4). Final Disclosure Schedules to Stock Purchase Agreement.
Leavitt, E. D., Spell, T. L., Goldstrand, P. M., & Arehart, G. B. (2004, December 1). Geochronology of the Midas Low-Sulfidation Epithermal Gold-Silver Deposit, Elko County, Nevada. Econoomic Geology, 99(8), 1665-1686.
Martini, Joseph, SRK Consulting (2014, February). Midas Mine and Mill Reclamation Cost Adequacy, Report for Klondex Mines Ltd.
Newmont Mining Corporation. (2010). Internal Test Parameters Memorandum.
Newmont Mining Corporation. (2013, December). http://www.newmont.com/our-investors/reserves-and-resources.
Ponce, D. A. (2008, February). A Prominent Geophysical Feature Along the Northern Nevada Rift and its Geologic Implications, North-Central Nevada. Geosphere, 4(1), 207-217.
Postlethwaite, C. (2011, December 19). Progress Report of The 20011 Midas District Mapping and Structural Analysis. Newmont Internal Report.
Rott, E. H. (1931). Ore Deposits of the Gold Cirlce Minng District, Elko County, Nevada. Bulletin of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Mackay School of Mines.
Saunders, J. A. (2006). Geochronology of Volcanic-Hosted Low-Sulfidation Au-Ag Deposits, Winnemucca-Sleeper Mine Area, Northern Great Basin, USA. US Geological Survey.
US Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Land Managment (BLM). (2013, March). Midas Underground Support Facilities Newmont Mining Corporation, Environmental Assesment.
Wallace, A. R., & John, D. A. (1998). NewStudies of Tertiary Volcanic Rocks and Mineral Deposits, Northern Nevada Rift. Conributions to Gold Metallogeny of Northern Nevada.
Watt, J. T., Glen, J. M., John, D. A., & Ponce, D. A. (2007, December). Three-dimensional Geologic Model of the Northern Nevada Rift and the Beowawe Geothermal System, North-Central Nevada. Geosphere, 3(6), 667-682.
Zoback, M. L., McKee, E. H., Blakely, R. J., & Thompson, G. A. (1994). The Northern Nevada Rift: Regional Tectono_Magnetic Relations and Middle Miocene Stress Direction. Geologic SOciety of America Bulletin(106), 371-382.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 200 |
27. |
Glossary |
Assay : The chemical analysis of mineral samples to determine the metal content.
Asbuilt : (plural asbuilts), a field survey, construction drawing, 3D model, or other descriptive representation of an engineered design for underground workings.
Composite : Combining more than one sample result to give an average result over a larger distance.
Concentrate : A metal-rich product resulting from a mineral enrichment process such as gravity concentration or flotation, in which most of the desired mineral has been separated from the waste material in the ore.
Crushing : Initial process of reducing material size to render it more amenable for further processing.
Cut-off Grade (CoG) : The grade of mineralized rock, which determines as to whether or not it is economic to recover its gold content by further concentration.
Dilution : Waste, which is unavoidably mined with ore.
Dip : Angle of inclination of a geological feature/rock from the horizontal.
Fault : The surface of a fracture along which movement has occurred.
Footwall : The underlying side of a mineralized body or stope.
Gangue : Non-valuable components of the ore.
Grade :The measure of concentration of valuable minerals within mineralized rock.
Hanging wall : The overlying side of a mineralized body or stope.
Haulage : A horizontal underground excavation which is used to transport mined rock.
Igneous : Primary crystalline rock formed by the solidification of magma.
Kriging : A weighted, moving average interpolation method in which the set of weights assigned to samples minimizes the estimation variance.
Level : A main underground roadway or passage driven along a level course to afford access to stopes or workings and to provide ventilation and a haulage way for the removal of broken rock.
Page 201 | Glossary | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Lithological : Geological description pertaining to different rock types.
Milling : A general term used to describe the process in which the ore is crushed, ground and subjected to physical or chemical treatment to extract the valuable minerals in a concentrate or finished product.
Mineral/Mining Lease : A lease area for which mineral rights are held.
Mining Assets : The Material Properties and Significant Exploration Properties.
Sedimentary : Pertaining to rocks formed by the accumulation of sediments, formed by the erosion of other rocks.
Sill1 : A thin, tabular, horizontal to sub-horizontal body of igneous rock formed by the injection of magma into planar zones of weakness.
Sill2 : The floor of a mine passage way.
Stope : An underground excavation from which ore has been removed.
Stratigraphy : The study of stratified rocks in terms of time and space.
Strike : Direction of line formed by the intersection of strata surfaces with the horizontal plane, always perpendicular to the dip direction.
Sulfide : A sulfur bearing mineral.
Tailings : Finely ground waste rock from which valuable minerals or metals have been extracted.
Thickening : The process of concentrating solid particles in suspension.
Total Expenditure : All expenditures including those of an operating and capital nature.
Variogram : A plot of the variance of paired sample measurements as a function of distance and/or direction.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 202 |
Mineral Resources
Mineral Resources are sub-divided, in order of increasing geological confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured categories. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource. An Indicated Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than an Inferred Mineral Resource but has a lower level of confidence than a Measured Mineral Resource.
A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earths crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling.
Material of economic interest refers to diamonds, natural solid inorganic material, or natural solid fossilized organic material including base and precious metals, coal, and industrial minerals.
The term Mineral Resource covers mineralization and natural material of intrinsic economic interest which has been identified and estimated through exploration and sampling and within which Mineral Reserves may subsequently be defined by the consideration and application of Modifying Factors. The phrase reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction implies a judgment by the Qualified Person in respect of the technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospect of economic extraction. The Qualified Person should consider and clearly state the basis for determining that the material has reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. Assumptions should include estimates of cutoff grade and geological continuity at the selected cut-off, metallurgical recovery, smelter payments, commodity price or product value, mining and processing method and mining, processing and general and administrative costs. The Qualified Person should state if the assessment is based on any direct evidence and testing.
Interpretation of the word eventual in this context may vary depending on the commodity or mineral involved. For example, for some coal, iron, potash deposits and other bulk minerals or commodities, it may be reasonable to envisage eventual economic extraction as covering time periods in excess of 50 years. However, for many gold deposits, application of the concept would normally be restricted to perhaps 10 to 15 years, and frequently to much shorter periods of time.
Page 203 | Glossary | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Inferred Mineral Resource
An Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity.
An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
An Inferred Mineral Resource is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate sampling techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. Inferred Mineral Resources must not be included in the economic analysis, production schedules, or estimated mine life in publicly disclosed Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility Studies, or in the Life of Mine plans and cash flow models of developed mines. Inferred Mineral Resources can only be used in economic studies as provided under NI 43-101.
There may be circumstances, where appropriate sampling, testing, and other measurements are sufficient to demonstrate data integrity, geological and grade/quality continuity of a Measured or Indicated Mineral Resource, however, quality assurance and quality control, or other information may not meet all industry norms for the disclosure of an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource. Under these circumstances, it may be reasonable for the Qualified Person to report an Inferred Mineral Resource if the Qualified Person has taken steps to verify the information meets the requirements of an Inferred Mineral Resource
Indicated Mineral Resource
An Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.
Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.
An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource and may only be converted to a Probable Mineral Reserve.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 204 |
Mineralization may be classified as an Indicated Mineral Resource by the Qualified Person when the nature, quality, quantity and distribution of data are such as to allow confident interpretation of the geological framework and to reasonably assume the continuity of mineralization. The Qualified Person must recognize the importance of the Indicated Mineral Resource category to the advancement of the feasibility of the project. An Indicated Mineral Resource estimate is of sufficient quality to support a Pre-Feasibility Study which can serve as the basis for major development decisions.
Measured Mineral Resource
A Measured Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of Modifying Factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.
Geological evidence is derived from detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to confirm geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.
A Measured Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than that applying to either an Indicated Mineral Resource or an Inferred Mineral Resource. It may be converted to a Proven Mineral Reserve or to a Probable Mineral Reserve.
Mineralization or other natural material of economic interest may be classified as a Measured Mineral Resource by the Qualified Person when the nature, quality, quantity and distribution of data are such that the tonnage and grade or quality of the mineralization can be estimated to within close limits and that variation from the estimate would not significantly affect potential economic viability of the deposit. This category requires a high level of confidence in, and understanding of, the geology and controls of the mineral deposit.
Modifying Factors are considerations used to convert Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves. These include, but are not restricted to, mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors.
Mineral Reserve
Mineral Reserves are sub-divided in order of increasing confidence into Probable Mineral Reserves and Proven Mineral Reserves. A Probable Mineral Reserve has a lower level of confidence than a Proven Mineral Reserve.
A Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted and is defined by studies at Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility level as appropriate that include application of Modifying Factors. Such studies demonstrate that, at the time of reporting, extraction could reasonably be justified.
Page 205 | Glossary | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
The reference point at which Mineral Reserves are defined, usually the point where the ore is delivered to the processing plant, must be stated. It is important that, in all situations where the reference point is different, such as for a saleable product, a clarifying statement is included to ensure that the reader is fully informed as to what is being reported.
The public disclosure of a Mineral Reserve must be demonstrated by a Pre-Feasibility Study or Feasibility Study.
Mineral Reserves are those parts of Mineral Resources which, after the application of all mining factors, result in an estimated tonnage and grade which, in the opinion of the Qualified Person(s) making the estimates, is the basis of an economically viable project after taking account of all relevant Modifying Factors. Mineral Reserves are inclusive of diluting material that will be mined in conjunction with the Mineral Reserves and delivered to the treatment plant or equivalent facility. The term Mineral Reserve need not necessarily signify that extraction facilities are in place or operative or that all governmental approvals have been received. It does signify that there are reasonable expectations of such approvals.
Reference point refers to the mining or process point at which the Qualified Person prepares a Mineral Reserve. For example, most metal deposits disclose mineral reserves with a mill feed reference point. In these cases, reserves are reported as mined ore delivered to the plant and do not include reductions attributed to anticipated plant losses. In contrast, coal reserves have traditionally been reported as tonnes of clean coal. In this coal example, reserves are reported as a saleable product reference point and include reductions for plant yield (recovery). The Qualified Person must clearly state the reference point used in the Mineral Reserve estimate.
Probable Mineral Reserve
A Probable Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of an Indicated, and in some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource. The confidence in the Modifying Factors applying to a Probable Mineral Reserve is lower than that applying to a Proven Mineral Reserve.
The Qualified Person(s) may elect, to convert Measured Mineral Resources to Probable Mineral Reserves if the confidence in the Modifying Factors is lower than that applied to a Proven Mineral Reserve. Probable Mineral Reserve estimates must be demonstrated to be economic, at the time of reporting, by at least a Pre-Feasibility Study.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 206 |
Proven Mineral Reserve (Proved Mineral Reserve)
A Proven Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource. A Proven Mineral Reserve implies a high degree of confidence in the Modifying Factors.
Application of the Proven Mineral Reserve category implies that the Qualified Person has the highest degree of confidence in the estimate with the consequent expectation in the minds of the readers of the report. The term should be restricted to that part of the deposit where production planning is taking place and for which any variation in the estimate would not significantly affect the potential economic viability of the deposit. Proven Mineral Reserve estimates must be demonstrated to be economic, at the time of reporting, by at least a Pre-Feasibility Study. Within the CIM Definition standards the term Proved Mineral Reserve is an equivalent term to a Proven Mineral Reserve.
Pre-Feasibility Study (Preliminary Feasibility Study)
The CIM Definition Standards requires the completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study as the minimum prerequisite for the conversion of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves.
A Pre-Feasibility Study is a comprehensive study of a range of options for the technical and economic viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a stage where a preferred mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit configuration, in the case of an open pit, is established and an effective method of mineral processing is determined. It includes a financial analysis based on reasonable assumptions on the Modifying Factors and the evaluation of any other relevant factors which are sufficient for a Qualified Person, acting reasonably, to determine if all or part of the Mineral Resource may be converted to a Mineral Reserve at the time of reporting. A Pre-Feasibility Study is at a lower confidence level than a Feasibility Study.
Feasibility Study
A Feasibility Study is a comprehensive technical and economic study of the selected development option for a mineral project that includes appropriately detailed assessments of applicable Modifying Factors together with any other relevant operational factors and detailed financial analysis that are necessary to demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that extraction is reasonably justified (economically mineable). The results of the study may reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a proponent or financial institution to proceed with, or finance, the development of the project. The confidence level of the study will be higher than that of a Pre-Feasibility Study.
Page 207 | Glossary | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
The term proponent captures issuers who may finance a project without using traditional financial institutions. In these cases, the technical and economic confidence of the Feasibility Study is equivalent to that required by a financial institution.
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada | Page 208 |
28. |
Appendix A: Certification of Authors and Consent Forms |
CERTIFICATE of QUALIFIED PERSON
Re: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada, amended on the 2nd day of April, 2015 , with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (the Technical Report).
I, Mark A. Odell, P.E., do hereby certify that:
As of April 2, 2015, I am a consulting
mining engineer at:
Practical Mining LLC
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205
Elko, Nevada 89801
775-345-3718
1) |
I am a Registered Professional Mining Engineer in the State of Nevada (# 13708), and a Registered Member (#2402150) of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME). |
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2) |
I graduated from The Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mining Engineering in 1985. I have practiced my profession continuously since 1985. |
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3) |
Since 1985, I have held the positions of mine engineer, chief engineer, mine superintendent, technical services manager and mine manager at underground and surface metal and coal mines in the western United States. The past 9 years, I have worked as a self-employed mining consultant with clients located in North America, Asia and Africa. My responsibilities have included the preparation of detailed mine plans, geotechnical engineering, reserve and resource estimation, preparation of capital and operating budgets and the economic evaluation of mineral deposits. |
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4) |
I have read the definition of qualified person set out in National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43- 101) and certify that by reason of my experience and qualifications and good standing with proper designation within a recognized professional organization fully meet the criteria as a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of NI 43-101. |
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5) |
I am a contract consulting engineer for the Issuer and Project owner: Klondex Mines Ltd. and last visited the Midas Property on March 12, 2015. |
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6) |
I am responsible for preparation of all sections of the Technical Report. |
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7) |
I am independent of the Issuer within the meaning of Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. |
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8) |
I was paid a daily rate for consulting services performed in evaluation of the Midas Project for Klondex Mines Ltd. and do not have any other interests relating to the project. I do not have any interest in adjoining properties in the Midas mine area. |
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9) |
I have read NI 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible have been prepared in accordance with that instrument and form. |
10) |
I consent to the filing of the Technical Report with any stock exchange and other regulatory authority and any publication by them for regulatory purposes, including electronic publication in the public company files on their websites accessible by the public, of the Technical Report. |
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11) |
As at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Technical Report contains all the scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading. |
Dated this 2nd day of April, 2015.
Signed Mark A. Odell | |
Mark A. Odell, P.E. | |
Practical Mining LLC | |
markodell@practicalmining.com |
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
TO: | British Columbia Securities Commission |
Alberta Securities Commission | |
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission | |
The Manitoba Securities Commission | |
Ontario Securities Commission | |
New Brunswick Securities Commission | |
Nova Scotia Securities Commission | |
Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island Securities Office | |
Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador |
I, Mark Odell, P.E., do hereby consent to the public filing of the technical report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada, amended on the 2nd day of April, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (the Technical Report) by Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities listed above and on SEDAR.
The undersigned consents to the use of any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the news release of the Company dated February 23, 2015 (the Written Disclosure).
The undersigned certifies that he has read the Written Disclosure filed by the Company and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which the undersigned is responsible.
Dated this 2nd day of April, 2015.
Signed Mark A. Odell | |
Mark A, Odell, P.E. | |
Practical Mining LLC | |
markodell@practicalmining.com |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHOR
Re: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada , amended on the 2nd day of April, 2015 , with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (the Technical Report).
I, Laura M. Symmes, SME, do hereby certify that:
As of April 2, 2015, I am a geologist at:
Practical Mining, LLC
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205
Elko,
NV 89801
1) |
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Utah State University in 2003. |
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2) |
I am a registered member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) #4196936. |
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3) |
I have worked as a geologist for a total of 11 years since my 2003 graduation from university. My experience has been focused on exploration and production of gold deposits, including planning and supervision of drill projects, generating data from drilled materials and making geologic interpretations, data organization, geologic mapping, building digital models of geologic features and mineral resources, and grade control of deposits in production. |
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4) |
I have read the definition of qualified person set out in National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) and certify that by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association (as defined in NI 43-101) and past relevant work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a qualified person for the Purposes on NI 43-101. |
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5) |
I am responsible for sections 4 and 6-12 of the Technical Report. I last visited the site on February 5, 2015. |
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6) |
I have not had prior involvement with the property that is the subject of the Technical Report. |
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7) |
I am independent of Klondex Mines Ltd. within the meaning of Section 1.5 of National Instrument 43-101. |
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8) |
I was paid a daily rate for consulting services performed in evaluation of the Midas Mine and do not have any other interests relating to the project. I do not have any interest in adjoining properties in the Midas Mine area. |
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9) |
I have read National Instrument 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and the Technical Report has been prepared in compliance with that instrument and form. |
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10) |
I consent to the filing of the Technical Report with any stock exchange and other regulatory authority and any publication by them for regulatory purposes, including electronic publication in the public company files on their websites accessible by the public, of the Technical Report. |
11) |
As of the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Technical Report contains all the scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading. |
Dated this 2nd day of April, 2015.
Signed Laura M. Symmes | ||
Laura M. Symmes, SME | SME No. 4196936 |
Practical Mining LLC
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205
Elko,
NV 89801
775-345-3718
Fax: (501) 638-9162
laurasymmes@practicalmining.com
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
TO: | British Columbia Securities Commission |
Alberta Securities Commission | |
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission | |
The Manitoba Securities Commission | |
Ontario Securities Commission | |
New Brunswick Securities Commission | |
Nova Scotia Securities Commission | |
Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island Securities Office | |
Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador |
I, Laura Symmes, SME., do hereby consent to the public filing of the technical report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada , amended on the 2nd day of April, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (Technical Report) by Klondex Mines Ltd. (Company) with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities listed above and on SEDAR.
The undersigned consents to the use of any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the news release of the Company dated February 23, 2015 (the Written Disclosure).
The undersigned certifies that she has read the Written Disclosure filed by the Company and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which the undersigned is responsible.
Dated this 2nd day of April, 2015.
Signed Laura Symmes | |
Laura Symmes, SME | |
Practical Mining LLC | |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89801 | |
775-345-3718 | |
laurasymmes@practicalmining.com |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHOR
Re: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada , amended on the 2nd day of April, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (the Technical Report).
I, Sarah M Bull, P.E., do hereby certify that:
As of April 2, 2015, I am a consulting mining engineer at:
Practical Mining LLC
495 Idaho
Street, Suite 205
Elko, Nevada 89801
775-345-3718
1) |
I am a Registered Professional Mining Engineer in the State of Nevada (# 22797). |
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2) |
I am a graduate of The University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mining Engineering in 2006. |
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3) |
Since my graduation from university I have been employed as a Mine Engineer at an underground gold mining operation and as Senior Mine Engineer for a consulting engineering firm. My responsibilities have included mine ventilation engineering, stope design and mine planning. |
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4) |
I have read the definition of qualified person set out in National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) and certify that by reason of my experience and qualifications and good standing with proper designation within a recognized professional organization fully meet the criteria as a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of NI 43-101. |
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5) |
I am a contract consulting engineer for the issuer and Project owner: Klondex Mines Ltd. |
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6) |
I am responsible for preparation of sections 15 and 16 of the Technical Report. I last visited the Midas Project in March 12, 2015. |
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7) |
I am independent of Klondex Mines Ltd. within the meaning of Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. |
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8) |
I was paid a daily rate for engineering consulting services performed in evaluation of the Midas Mine for Klondex Mines Ltd. and do not have any other interests relating to the project. I do not have any interest in adjoining properties in the Midas Mine area. |
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9) |
I have read NI 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible have been prepared in accordance with that instrument and form. |
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10) |
I consent to the filing of the Technical Report with any stock exchange and other regulatory authority and any publication by them for regulatory purposes, including electronic publication in the public company files on their websites accessible by the public, of the Technical Report. |
11) |
As at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Technical Report contains all the scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading. |
Dated this 2nd day of April, 2015.
Signed Sarah Bull | |
Sarah M Bull, P.E. | |
Practical Mining LLC | |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89801 | |
775-304-5836 | |
sarahbull@practicalmining.com |
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
TO: | British Columbia Securities Commission |
Alberta Securities Commission | |
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission | |
The Manitoba Securities Commission | |
Ontario Securities Commission | |
New Brunswick Securities Commission | |
Nova Scotia Securities Commission | |
Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island Securities Office | |
Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador |
I, Sarah Bull, P.E., do hereby consent to the public filing of the technical report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada , amended on the 2nd day of April, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (Technical Report) by Klondex Mines Ltd. (Company) with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities listed above and on SEDAR.
The undersigned consents to the use of any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the news release of the Company dated February 23, 2015 (the Written Disclosure).
The undersigned certifies that she has read the Written Disclosure filed by the Company and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which the undersigned is responsible.
Dated this 2nd day of April, 2015.
Signed Sarah Bull | |
Sarah Bull, P.E. | |
Practical Mining LLC | |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89801 | |
775-304-5836 | |
sarahbull@practicalmining.com |
Karl T. Swanson, SME, MAusIMM
PO Box 86
Larkspur, CO
80118, USA
Fax: (501) 638-9162
Email: karl.swanson@yahoo.com
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHOR
Re: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada , amended on the 2nd day of April, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (the Technical Report).
I, Karl T. Swanson, SME, MAusIMM, do hereby certify that:
As of April 2, 2015, I am an independent geological and mining
engineering consultant at:
Karl Swanson
PO Box 86
Larkspur, CO
80118, USA
1) |
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering from Colorado School of Mines in 1990. In addition, I obtained a Master of Engineering degree in Mining Engineering from Colorado School of Mines in 1994. |
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2) |
I am a registered member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) #4043076. I am a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) #304871. |
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3) |
Since my 1990 graduation from university I have been employed as a geologic modeller and resource geologist for metal mining companies and consulting groups. For the past 17 years, I have been a self-employed consulting geologist specializing in digital geologic modelling, geostatistical grade estimation and block modelling for precious metal, base metal and industrial mineral deposits. I have been the principle geostatistician and modeller for several narrow vein gold deposits in the Northern Nevada Rift for over 5 years. |
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4) |
I have read the definition of qualified person set out in National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43- 101) and certify that by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association (as defined in NI 43-101) and past relevant work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a qualified person for the purposes on NI 43-101. |
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5) |
I am responsible for Section 14 of the Technical Report. |
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6) |
I last visited the Midas Mine on September 23, 2014. |
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7) |
I have not had prior involvement with the property that is the subject of the Technical Report. |
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8) |
I am independent of the Issuer within the meaning of Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. |
9) |
I was paid a daily rate for engineering consulting services performed in evaluation of the Midas Mine and do not have any other interests relating to the project. I do not have any interest in adjoining properties in the Midas area. |
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10) |
I have read National Instrument 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and the Technical Report has been prepared in compliance with that instrument and form. |
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11) |
I consent to the filing of the Technical Report with any stock exchange and other regulatory authority and any publication by them for regulatory purposes, including electronic publication in the public company files on their websites accessible by the public, of the Technical Report. |
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12) |
As at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Technical Report contains all the scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading. |
Dated this 2nd day of April, 2015.
Signed Karl T. Swanson | ||
AusIMM No. 304871 | ||
Karl T. Swanson, M.Eng., SME, MAusIMM | SME No. 4043076 | |
PO Box 86 | ||
Larkspur, CO 80118, USA | ||
Fax: (501) 638-9162 | ||
E:mail:karl.swanson@yahoo.com |
Karl T. Swanson, SME
PO Box 86
Larkspur, CO
80118, USA
Fax: (501) 638-9162
Email: karl.swanson@yahoo.com
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
TO: | British Columbia Securities Commission |
Alberta Securities Commission | |
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission | |
The Manitoba Securities Commission | |
Ontario Securities Commission | |
New Brunswick Securities Commission | |
Nova Scotia Securities Commission | |
Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island Securities Office | |
Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador |
I, Karl Swanson, SME, MAusIMM, do hereby consent to the public filing of the technical report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada , amended on the 2nd day of April, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (the Technical Report) by Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) with the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities listed above and on SEDAR.
The undersigned consents to the use of any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the news release of the Company dated February 23, 2015 (the Written Disclosure).
The undersigned certifies that he has read the Written Disclosure filed by the Company and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which the undersigned is responsible.
Dated this 2nd day of April, 2015.
Signed Karl Swanson | |
Karl Swanson, SME, MAusIMM | |
PO Box 86 | |
Larkspur, CO 80118, USA | |
Fax: (501) 638-9162 | |
Email: karl.swanson@yahoo.com |
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Date and Signature Page
The undersigned prepared this Technical Report (Technical Report), titled: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada, dated the 31st day of March, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014, in support of the public disclosure of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates for the Midas Project. The format and content of the Technical Report have been prepared in accordance with Form 43-101F1 of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators.
Dated this March 31, 2015 | |
Signed Mark Odell | No. 13708, Nevada |
Mark Odell, P.E. | SME No. 2402150 |
Practical Mining LLC | (Sealed) |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89815, USA | |
(775) 345-3718 | |
Email: markodell@practicalmining.com | |
Signed Laura Symmes | SME No. 4196936 |
Laura Symmes | (Sealed) |
Practical Mining LLC | |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89815, USA | |
(775) 345-3718 | |
Email: laurasymmes@practicalmining.com | |
Signed Sarah Bull | No. 22797, Nevada |
Sarah Bull, P.E. | (Sealed) |
Practical Mining LLC | |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89815, USA | |
775-304-5836 | |
Email: sarahbull@practicalmining.com | |
Signed Karl T. Swanson | AusIMM No. 304871 |
Karl T. Swanson, M.Eng., SME, AusIMM | SME No. 4043076 |
PO Box 86 | (Sealed) |
Larkspur, CO 80118, USA | |
Fax: (501) 638-9162 | |
Email: karl.swanson@yahoo.com |
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Table of Contents
Date and Signature Page | iii | ||
Table of Contents | iv | ||
List of Tables | ix | ||
List of Figures | xi | ||
List of Abbreviations | xv | ||
1. | Summary | 16 | |
1.1. | Property Description | 16 | |
1.2. | Geology | 16 | |
1.3. | History | 17 | |
1.4. | Project Status | 17 | |
1.5. | Mineral Resource Estimate | 18 | |
1.6. | Mineral Reserve Estimate | 21 | |
1.7. | Cash Flow and Economic Analysis | 21 | |
1.8. | Conclusions | 22 | |
1.9. | Recommendations | 23 | |
2. | Introduction | 24 | |
2.1. | Terms of Reference and Purpose of this Technical Report | 24 | |
2.2. | Qualification of the Authors | 24 | |
2.3. | Sources of Information | 25 | |
2.4. | Units of Measure | 25 | |
2.5. | Coordinate Datum | 26 | |
3. | Reliance on Other Experts | 27 | |
4. | Property Description and Location | 28 | |
4.1. | Property Description | 28 | |
4.2. | Property Location | 28 | |
4.3. | Status of Mineral Titles | 30 | |
4.4. | Royalties | 35 | |
4.5. | Location of Mineralization | 39 | |
5. | Infrastructure | 41 |
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11.8. |
Sampling Protocol Issues | 93 | ||
11.9. |
Standards and Blanks Performance Issues | 93 | ||
12. |
Data Verification |
94 | ||
12.1. |
Data Validation Procedures | 94 | ||
12.2. |
Datasets Submitted for Evaluation | 94 | ||
12.3. |
Collar Location Checks | 96 | ||
12.4. |
Down Hole Survey Checks | 96 | ||
12.5. |
Lithology Review | 97 | ||
12.6. |
Sample ID and Sample Interval Checks | 97 | ||
12.7. |
Assay Certificate Checks | 98 | ||
12.8. |
Format Conversions | 98 | ||
12.9. |
Summary of Database Verification | 99 | ||
13. | Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing | 100 | ||
13.1. |
Midas Mill | 100 | ||
13.2. |
Mineralogy | 100 | ||
13.2.1. | Main Veins | 100 | ||
13.2.2. | East Veins | 100 | ||
13.3. |
Testing and Procedures | 100 | ||
13.4. |
Toll Milling | 102 | ||
14. |
Mineral Resource Estimate |
104 | ||
14.1. |
Introduction | 104 | ||
14.2. |
Drill Data Base and Compositing | 106 | ||
|
14.2.1. | Assays | 106 | |
|
14.2.2. | Geology Logs | 107 | |
14.2.3. | Compositing | 107 | ||
14.3. |
Vein Modelling | 108 | ||
14.4. |
Density | 108 | ||
14.5. |
Statistics | 108 | ||
14.6. |
Grade Capping | 113 | ||
14.7. |
Variography | 115 |
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14.8. |
Block Models | 115 | ||
|
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14.9. |
Grade Estimation | 117 | ||
|
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14.10. |
Classification | 118 | ||
|
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14.11. |
Mined Depletion and Sterilization | 118 | ||
|
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14.12. |
Model Validation | 123 | ||
|
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14.13. |
Mineral Resource Statement | 144 | ||
|
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15. |
Mineral Reserve Estimate |
148 | ||
16. | Mining Methods | 150 | ||
16.1. | Primary Mine Development | 150 | ||
16.2. | Ventilation and Secondary Egress | 152 | ||
16.3. | Power Distribution and Dewatering | 152 | ||
16.4. | Equipment Fleet | 153 | ||
16.5. | Mining Methods | 154 | ||
16.5.1. | Longitudinal Sub Level Stoping | 154 | ||
16.5.2. | Cut and Fill | 155 | ||
16.6. | Ground Control and Dilution | 157 | ||
16.7. | Mine Plan | 158 | ||
17. | Recovery Methods | 165 | ||
17.1. | Mill Capacity and Process Facility Flow Diagram | 165 | ||
17.2. | Physical Mill Equipment | 168 | ||
17.3. | Operation and Recoveries | 171 | ||
17.4. | Processing Costs | 171 | ||
17.5. | Production | 172 | ||
17.6. | Midas Mill Operating Permits | 173 | ||
18. | Project Infrastructure | 174 | ||
18.1. | Infrastructure | 174 | ||
18.2. | Tailings Containment | 174 | ||
18.3. | Power | 174 | ||
18.4. | Water | 175 | ||
18.5. | Communication Infrastructure | 175 |
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List of Tables
Table 1-1 | Chronology of Ownership and Activities at the Midas Mine | 18 |
Table 1-2 | Mineral Resource Statement | 18 |
Table 1-3 | Midas Mineral Reserve Estimate as of August 31, 2014 | 21 |
Table 1-4 | Key Operating and After Tax Financial Statistics | 22 |
Table 2-1 | Units of Measure. | 26 |
Table 4-1 | Summary of Klondex Owned Unpatented Mining Claims | 30 |
Table 4-2 | Summary of Leased Unpatented Mining Claims | 33 |
Table 4-3 | Summary of Patented Mining Claims | 33 |
Table 4-4 | Summary of Fee Land Holdings | 35 |
Table 4-5 | Midas Town Site Lots | 35 |
Table 4-6 | Summary of Midas Project Holding Costs | 36 |
Table 4-7 | Royalties | 36 |
Table 6-1 | Annual Midas Mill Production | 45 |
Table 6-2 | Newmont Historic Mineral Reserve Estimates | 45 |
Table 6-3 | Newmont Historic Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources | 46 |
Table 6-4 | Newmont Historic Inferred Mineral Resources | 46 |
Table 7-1 | Significant Veins | 58 |
Table 11-1 | Newmont Standard Performance Summary, Drill Samples, ALS | 81 |
Table 11-2 | Current Standard Performance Summary, Drill Samples, AAL | 87 |
Table 11-3 | Current Standard Performance Summary, Channel Samples, Klondex Pinson Lab | 92 |
Table 12-1 | Data Verification Summary | 96 |
Table 13-1 | Midas Eastern Expansion Composite Mineralogy Head Descriptions | 101 |
Table 13-2 | Summary of Mineralization Sourced from Other Properties Processed at Midas from 2008 through 2014 | 103 |
Table 14-1 | Summary of Drill Hole and Channel Samples | 106 |
Table 14-2 | Summary of Composites | 107 |
Table 14-3 | Density and Tonnage Factor by Vein | 108 |
Table 14-4 | Gold Composite Statistics by Vein | 109 |
Table 14-5 | Silver Composite Statistics by Vein | 110 |
Table 14-6 | Gold and Silver Grade Caps | 113 |
Table 14-7 | Sill 1 Ordinary Kriging Parameters for Gold | 115 |
Table 14-8 | Sill 2 Ordinary Kriging Parameters for Gold | 115 |
Table 14-9 | Model Orientations and Extents | 116 |
Table 14-10 | Estimation Search Parameters by Resource Category | 117 |
Table 14-11 | Estimation Search Ellipsoids | 117 |
Table 14-12 | Gold Estimation Comparison | 123 |
Table 14-13 | Silver Estimation Comparison | 123 |
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Table 14-14 | Cutoff Grade Parameters | 145 |
Table 14-15 | Mineral Resource Statement | 145 |
Table 15-1 | Mineral Reserves Cut Off Grade Calculation | 148 |
Table 15-2 | Midas Mineral Reserves as of August 31, 2014 | 149 |
Table 16-1 | Underground Equipment List | 153 |
Table 16-2 | Surface Support Equipment List | 153 |
Table 16-3 | Midas Mine Heading Advance Rates | 158 |
Table 16-4 | Annual Production and Development Plan | 163 |
Table 17-1 | Process Equipment Itemization by Area | 168 |
Table 17-2 | Midas Mill Operating Costs | 172 |
Table 17-3 | 2014 Midas Mineralized Material Processed at the Midas Mill | 172 |
Table 18-1 | Electrical Transformer Details | 174 |
Table 19-1 | FNC Gold Delivery Schedule | 179 |
Table 20-1 | Midas Operations Comprehensive Permit List | 185 |
Table 21-1 | Capital Costs | 188 |
Table 21-2 | Underground Development Unit Costs | 188 |
Table 21-3 | Operating Costs | 188 |
Table 21-4 | Cut-off Grade Calculation | 190 |
Table 22-1 | Income Statement 2015 2018 ($000s) | 192 |
Table 22-2 | Cash Flow Statement 2015 2019 ($000s) | 192 |
Table 22-3 | Key Operating and After Tax Financial Statistics | 193 |
Table 24-1 | Potential Project Risks | 198 |
Table 25-1 | Recommendations | 199 |
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List of Figures
Figure 4-1 | Midas Mine Location Map | 29 |
Figure 4-2 | Klondex Land Position | 30 |
Figure 4-3 | Location of the Midas Mine Relative to the NNR | 40 |
Figure 5-1 | Location Map | 41 |
Figure 7-1 | Regional Geologic and Structural Map with Mines in and adjacent to the NNR Area | 48 |
Figure 7-2 | Midas Trough in the NNR | 49 |
Figure 7-3 | Midas Stratigraphic Section | 53 |
Figure 7-4 | Section through Midas Mine Area | 54 |
Figure 7-5 | Midas Mine Local Geology | 56 |
Figure 7-6 | Vein Locations | 57 |
Figure 8-1 | Schematic Diagram of Low-Sulfidation Gold, Silver Solutions in Relationship with Magma at Depth | 59 |
Figure 9-1 | CSAMT Image of Veins at Depth, Structure and Target Areas | 62 |
Figure 9-2 | Newmonts 2011 to 2012 Exploration Drill Targets | 66 |
Figure 9-3 | Midas Underground Target Areas | 68 |
Figure 9-4 | Geologic Cross-Section through Opal Hill | 68 |
Figure 9-5 | Geologic Cross-Section through Grant Jackson / Missing Link | 69 |
Figure 9-6 | Geologic Cross-Section through Redscrabble | 70 |
Figure 9-7 | Geologic Cross-Section through Hardscrabble | 71 |
Figure 10-1 | Plan view of Midas Drilling | 72 |
Figure 10-2 | Typical Cross Section with Drill Traces through the 205, 805, 905-2 and 905 Veins at 2,365,700N | 73 |
Figure 10-3 |
Typical Cross Section with Drill Traces through the 505 and 905 Veins at 2,362,400N |
73 |
Figure 10-4 | Long Section Showing Drill and Channel Composites on the 205 Vein | 74 |
Figure 10-5 | Long Section Showing Drill and Channel Composites on the 505 Vein | 74 |
Figure 10-6 | Long Section Showing Drill and Channel Composites on the 805 Vein | 75 |
Figure 10-7 | Long Section Showing Drill and Channel Composites on the 905 Vein | 75 |
Figure 11-1 | Standard G01 Assay Performance | 82 |
Figure 11-2 | Standard GVL Assay Performance | 83 |
Figure 11-3 | Standard LUB Assay Performance | 83 |
Figure 11-4 | Standard MDS1 Assay Performance | 84 |
Figure 11-5 | Standard MS7 Assay Performance | 84 |
Figure 11-6 | Standard PR6 Assay Performance | 85 |
Figure 11-7 | Standard G399-5 Assay Performance | 85 |
Figure 11-8 | Standard MS1 Assay Performance | 86 |
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Figure 11-9 |
Standard SL-77 Au Assay Performance |
88 |
Figure 11-10 |
Standard SL-77 Silver Assay Performance |
88 |
Figure 11-11 |
Standard SN-74 Au Assay Performance |
89 |
Figure 11-12 |
Standard SN-74 Silver Assay Performance |
89 |
Figure 11-13 |
Standard SQ-70 Au Assay Performance |
90 |
Figure 11-14 |
Standard SQ-70 Silver Assay Performance |
90 |
Figure 11-15 |
Blank Au Assay Performance |
91 |
Figure 11-16 |
Blank Silver Assay Performance |
91 |
Figure 11-17 |
Blank Au Assay Performance for Channels, Klondex Pinson Lab |
92 |
Figure 11-18 |
Blank Silver Assay Performance for Channels, Klondex Pinson Lab |
93 |
Figure 13-1 | Example of Composite #20 Summary | 101 |
Figure 13-2 | Example of Composite #25 Summary | 102 |
Figure 14-1 | Plan View of the Principal Midas Veins at the 5700 Elevation | 104 |
Figure 14-2 | Cross Sectional View of Midas Veins at 236200N | 105 |
Figure 14-3 | Section View of Midas Veins at 2366000N | 106 |
Figure 14-4 | 905 Vein Gold Composite Histogram and Cumulative Frequency | 111 |
Figure 14-5 | 905 Vein Silver Composite Histogram and Cumulative Frequency | 112 |
Figure 14-6 | 905 Vein Gold Composite Grade Distribution | 114 |
Figure 14-7 | 905 Vein Silver Composite Grade Distribution | 114 |
Figure 14-8 | Grade Thickness Legend (opt-feet) | 119 |
Figure 14-9 |
105 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization |
119 |
Figure 14-10 |
205 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization |
120 |
Figure 14-11 |
305 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization |
120 |
Figure 14-12 |
405 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization |
121 |
Figure 14-13 |
505 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization |
121 |
Figure 14-14 |
805 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization |
122 |
Figure 14-15 |
905 Vein Long Section Showing Gold Grade Thickness After Depletion and Sterilization |
122 |
Figure 14-16 |
Gold and Silver Legend (opt) |
125 |
Figure 14-17 |
Long Section View of Gold Grades for 101 Vein |
126 |
Figure 14-18 |
Long Section View of Silver Grades for 101 Vein |
126 |
Figure 14-19 |
Long Section View of Gold Grades for 105 Vein |
127 |
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Figure 14-20 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 105 Vein | 127 |
Figure 14-21 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 108 Vein | 128 |
Figure 14-22 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 108 Vein | 128 |
Figure 14-23 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 201 Vein | 129 |
Figure 14-24 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 201 Vein | 129 |
Figure 14-25 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 205 Vein | 130 |
Figure 14-26 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 205 Vein | 130 |
Figure 14-27 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 208 Vein | 131 |
Figure 14-28 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 208 Vein | 131 |
Figure 14-29 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 305 Vein | 132 |
Figure 14-30 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 305 Vein | 132 |
Figure 14-31 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 405 Vein | 133 |
Figure 14-32 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 405 Vein | 133 |
Figure 14-33 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 505 Vein | 134 |
Figure 14-34 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 505 Vein | 134 |
Figure 14-35 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 605 Vein | 135 |
Figure 14-36 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 605 Vein | 135 |
Figure 14-37 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 705 Vein | 136 |
Figure 14-38 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 705 Vein | 136 |
Figure 14-39 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 805 Vein | 137 |
Figure 14-40 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 805 Vein | 137 |
Figure 14-41 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 905 Vein | 138 |
Figure 14-42 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 905 Vein | 138 |
Figure 14-43 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 9052 Vein | 139 |
Figure 14-44 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 9052 Vein | 139 |
Figure 14-45 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 1081 Vein | 140 |
Figure 14-46 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 1081 Vein | 140 |
Figure 14-47 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 1605 Vein | 141 |
Figure 14-48 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 1605 Vein | 141 |
Figure 14-49 | Long Section View of Gold Grades for 5005 Vein | 142 |
Figure 14-50 | Long Section View of Silver Grades for 5005 Vein | 142 |
Figure 14-51 | 905 Vein Gold Swath Plot in North Direction | 143 |
Figure 14-52 | 905 Vein Gold Swath Plot in Elevation | 143 |
Figure 14-53 | 905 Vein Silver Swath Plot in North Direction | 144 |
Figure 14-54 | 905 Vein Silver Swath Plot in Elevation | 144 |
Figure 16-1 | Long Section of Main Vein Development Looking Due West | 150 |
Figure 16-2 | Typical Heading Design and Actual Rib Detail | 151 |
Figure 16-3 | Location of Queen South of 3-Haulage | 151 |
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Figure 16-4 | Planned East Vein Development Overview | 152 |
Figure 16-5 | Sublevel Stoping Mining Sequence | 155 |
Figure 16-6 | Typical cut & fill stope long section | 156 |
Figure 16-7 | Sublevel Stope in Competent Ground | 158 |
Figure 16-8 | Vein 105 Planned Sublevel Stoping Fill (Looking West) | 159 |
Figure 16-9 | Vein 205 Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 159 |
Figure 16-10 | Vein 305 Planned Sublevel Stoping and Cut & Fill (Looking West) | 160 |
Figure 16-11 | Vein 405 Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 160 |
Figure 16-12 | Vein 505 Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 161 |
Figure 16-13 | Vein 605 Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 161 |
Figure 16-14 | Vein 805 Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 162 |
Figure 16-15 | 905 Vein Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 162 |
Figure 16-16 | Vein 9052 Planned Sublevel Stoping (Looking West) | 163 |
Figure 17-1 | Process Facility Flow Sheet | 167 |
Figure 17-2 | Midas Plant Performance Prior to 2014 | 173 |
Figure 18-1 | Water System at Midas (Newmont, 2013) | 175 |
Figure 18-2 | Location of Site Facilities | 176 |
Figure 19-1 | Historical Monthly Average Gold and Silver Prices and 36 Month Trailing Average | 177 |
Figure 21-1 | Cutoff Grade Sensitivity to Gold Price | 190 |
Figure 22-1 | 5% NPV Sensitivity | 194 |
Figure 22-2 | 10% NPV Sensitivity | 194 |
Figure 22-3 | Profitability Index Sensitivity | 195 |
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List of Abbreviations
A | Ampere | kA | kiloamperes |
AA | atomic absorption | kCFM | thousand cubic feet per minute |
A/m 2 | amperes per square meter | Kg | Kilograms |
AGP | Acid Generation Potential | km | kilometer |
Ag | Silver | km2 | square kilometer |
ANFO | ammonium nitrate fuel oil | kWh/t | kilowatt-hour per ton |
ANP | Acid Neutralization Potential | LOI | Loss On Ignition |
Au | Gold | LoM | Life-of-Mine |
AuEq | gold equivalent | m | meter |
btu | British Thermal Unit | m 2 | square meter |
°C | degrees Centigrade | m 3 | cubic meter |
CCD | counter-current decantation | masl | meters above sea level |
CIL | carbon-in-leach | mg/L | milligrams/liter |
CoG | cut-off grade | mm | millimeter |
cm | centimeter | mm 2 | square millimeter |
cm 2 | square centimeter | mm 3 | cubic millimeter |
cm 3 | cubic centimeter | MME | Mine & Mill Engineering |
cfm | cubic feet per minute | Moz | million troy ounces |
ConfC | confidence code | Mt | million tonnes |
CRec | core recovery | MTW | measured true width |
CSS | closed-side setting | MW | million watts |
CTW | calculated true width | m.y. | million years |
° | degree (degrees) | NGO | non-governmental organization |
dia. | diameter | NI 43-101 | Canadian National Instrument 43-101 |
EIS | Environmental Impact Statement | oz | Troy Ounce |
EMP | Environmental Management Plan | opt | Troy Ounce per short ton |
FA | fire assay | % | percent |
Ft | Foot | PLC | Programmable Logic Controller |
Ft 2 | Square foot | PLS | Pregnant Leach Solution |
Ft 3 | Cubic foot | PMF | probable maximum flood |
g | Gram | POO | Plan of Operations |
g/L | gram per liter | ppb | parts per billion |
g-mol | gram-mole | ppm | parts per million |
g/t | grams per tonne | QAQC | Quality Assurance/Quality Control |
ha | hectares | RC | reverse circulation drilling |
HDPE | Height Density Polyethylene | ROM | Run-of-Mine |
HTW | horizontal true width | RQD | Rock Quality Description |
ICP | induced couple plasma | SEC | U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission |
ID2 | inverse-distance squared | Sec | second |
ID3 | inverse-distance cubed | SG | specific gravity |
ILS | Intermediate Leach Solution | SPT | Standard penetration test |
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1. |
Summary |
On February 11, 2014, Klondex Mines Ltd. ("Klondex" or the "Company") completed the acquisition of all of the shares of Newmont Midas Holdings Limited, which indirectly owns the Midas mine and mill located in Elko County, Nevada (formerly known as the Ken Snyder Mine and Mill) (collectively, "Midas" or the "Midas Property" or the "Project"), from Newmont USA Limited, a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation ("Newmont") for $83 million, including approximately $55 million in cash and approximately $28 million for the replacement of Newmonts reclamation surety arrangement, in addition to five million common share purchase warrants (the "Midas Acquisition").
The Midas Property includes the underground mine (the Midas Mine), the Merrill Crowe processing facility, related support infrastructure, and mining and milling equipment. The land package includes fee lands, patented mining claims, and unpatented mining claims. The Midas Acquisition included an assignment of Newmonts interest in seven lease agreements for patented and unpatented mining claims. The total land package comprises approximately 30,000 acres.
Klondex has engaged Practical Mining LLC (PM or Practical Mining) to prepare this Technical Report on the status of the property and related infrastructure.
This document was produced by PM based on site visits by the qualified persons (QPs), evaluation of extensive information provided by Klondex and Newmont and by interviewing Klondexs site management and technical staff. This document relies heavily on the information supplied by Klondex and Newmont, and it is the opinion of the QPs that this information is accurate.
1.1. Property Description
The Midas project is approximately 58 miles northeast of Winnemucca, Nevada, in Elko County. The Midas Property covers approximately 30,000 acres and includes owned fee lands and unpatented mining claims in addition to seven lease agreements.
1.2. Geology
The Midas Mine is the largest known Au-Ag epithermal deposit along the Northern Nevada Rift (NNR) and is located, located in the mining district of Midas, also known as the Gold Circle district. The Midas Property is located in Elko County in north-central Nevada one mile east of the town of Midas, Nevada, about 62 miles from Winnemucca on Nevada State Highway 789 from Interstate Highway I-80 or 80 miles from the town of Battle Mountain.
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The Midas Property is centered on latitude 41° 15 North (N) and longitude 116° 46 West (W). Most of the current Project activity is located in Township 39 N Range 46 East (E) Mount Diablo Meridian.
The Midas deposit consists of a series of complex steeply dipping, quartz-calcite-adularia precious metal veins hosted by volcanic and volcanoclastic rocks and locally contains mineral grades greater than (>) ten ounces per ton (opt) of gold. Gold mineralization occurs as electrum and is intimately associated with selenide and sulfide minerals. It belongs to a suite of middle Miocene low-sulfidation epithermal gold and silver mineralizing systems associated with magmatism and faulting along the NNR (Leavitt et al., 2004). The mineralization model at Midas is a shallow, low-sulfidation, vertically- and laterally-zoned, epithermal gold-silver system. Rocks in the Midas district are primarily ash flow, air-fall and lithic tuffs, felsic plugs, volcanoclastic sediments and gabbroic sills and dikes.
1.3. History
Gold was discovered in the Midas district (then named Gold Circle district) in the summer of 1907, and by March 1908 the camp population grew to over 1,500 people. A number of companies operated the mines of the district and six or more mills operated at different times until the 1940s. (Rott, 1931)
Modern exploration of the Midas district began in the early 1990s under the direction of Ken Snyder and Franco-Nevada Mining Corporation (Franco-Nevada Mining). Construction of the present day Midas Mine began in 1997, with the first gold poured in December 1998. Newmont acquired Midas through its acquisition of Normandy Mining Corporation (Normandy) in February 2002. A history of Midas ownership is listed Table 1-1
1.4. Project Status
During 2014, Klondex staff prioritized the near mine mineral resource areas for further evaluation and drilling. These areas were prioritized based on ounce potential, ease of accessibility from the existing mine development and geotechnical, ventilation and hydrologic considerations. Areas drill tested to date include the Colorado Grande, Discovery, and GP veins with the Discovery Vein showing the best results to date. Approximately 4,500 feet of exploration drifting has also been undertaken to test targets on the Queen and Link Veins that cannot be reached from the existing development platform.
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Table 1-1 Chronology of Ownership and Activities at the Midas Mine
Dates | Company | Activity Details |
1907-1941 | Several Companies | Explored and mined using underground mining methods. Placers were also mined. |
1992-1994 | Franco-Nevada and Euro- Nevada Mining Corporation Limited (Euro-Nevada) | Assembled land package, explored property, drilled discovery hole in 1994. |
1994-1997 | Franco-Nevada and Euro- Nevada 50/50 | Delineation drilling, mine development, construction of mill. |
1998-2001 | Franco-Nevada and Euro- Nevada 50/50 | First gold pour in 1998, operated mine until Normandy acquired it in 2001. |
2001-2002 | Normandy | Normandy acquired and operated mine until Newmont acquisition of Normandy in 2002. |
2002-2014 | Newmont | Newmont acquired Midas through its Normandy acquisition, operated property until sale of Midas to Klondex. |
Feb. 2014- present | Klondex | Klondex purchased Midas from Newmont. |
1.5. Mineral Resource Estimate
Gold and silver mineralization at Midas is hosted in several north-west striking veins. The veins are divided into four principle groups based on their location and orientation. The two groups hosting mineral resources are the Main Veins which dip easterly and are predominantly gold mineralization, while the East Veins dip to the west and have a much higher silver content then the main veins. The main veins produced in excess of 2.2 million ounces of gold and 26.9 million ounces of silver between 1998 and 2013. Initial production from the East Veins recently began in 2012.
Klondexs previous mineral resource estimate only included the five veins which were the target of near term production. This mineral resource estimate was updated to include all known veins proximal to the Midas Mine workings.
There are several additional veins known to occur within the Midas land package, these have not been included in the mineral resource estimate. A summary of the Midas Mine mineral resources is listed in Table 1-2.
Table 1-2 Mineral Resource Statement
Vein True | |||||||||
Vein | Thickness | AuEq | AuEq | ||||||
Vein Name | No. | Feet | kton | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | Au koz | Ag koz | koz |
Measured |
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Vein True | |||||||||
Vein | Thickness | AuEq | AuEq | ||||||
Vein Name | No. | Feet | kton | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | Au koz | Ag koz | koz |
Colorado Grande | 105 | 3.2 | 80 | 0.502 | 6.311 | 0.600 | 40 | 504 | 48 |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 3.1 | 0.2 | 0.197 | 2.812 | 0.240 | 0.05 | 0.7 | 0.1 |
Midas Trend (MT) | 201 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 5.1 | 130 | 0.478 | 6.592 | 0.580 | 62 | 856 | 75 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 2.4 | 2 | 0.284 | 2.858 | 0.328 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 2.9 | 31 | 0.601 | 6.577 | 0.703 | 18 | 201 | 21 |
Snow White | 405 | 1.8 | 22 | 0.430 | 4.933 | 0.507 | 10 | 109 | 11 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.7 | 39 | 0.494 | 7.447 | 0.609 | 19 | 287 | 23 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.3 | 1 | 0.511 | 5.585 | 0.597 | 1 | 8 | 1 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 2.2 | 13 | 0.117 | 18.205 | 0.399 | 2 | 245 | 5 |
GP | 905 | 2.4 | 19 | 0.086 | 11.310 | 0.261 | 1.6 | 217 | 5 |
Ace | 9052 | 2.5 | 14 | 0.084 | 11.771 | 0.267 | 1.2 | 168 | 4 |
Happy | 1081 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.143 | 6.285 | 0.240 | 0.1 | 4 | 0 |
Queen | 1605 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SR | 5005 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Measured | 3.7 | 352 | 0.440 | 7.401 | 0.555 | 155 | 2,605 | 195 | |
Indicated | |||||||||
Colorado Grande | 105 | 5.4 | 183 | 0.418 | 4.872 | 0.494 | 77 | 892 | 90 |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 4.8 | 7.3 | 0.279 | 4.663 | 0.351 | 2.04 | 34.1 | 2.6 |
MT | 201 | 6.5 | 10 | 0.217 | 2.161 | 0.251 | 2 | 21 | 2 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 3.8 | 150 | 0.316 | 4.019 | 0.378 | 47 | 603 | 57 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 3.6 | 16 | 0.280 | 1.806 | 0.308 | 4 | 28 | 5 |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 2.8 | 103 | 0.470 | 5.484 | 0.555 | 48 | 564 | 57 |
Snow White | 405 | 2.2 | 59 | 0.391 | 4.355 | 0.458 | 23 | 256 | 27 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.8 | 79 | 0.397 | 5.896 | 0.489 | 31 | 463 | 38 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.2 | 31 | 0.305 | 6.059 | 0.399 | 9 | 186 | 12 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 3.6 | 13 | 0.370 | 1.689 | 0.397 | 5 | 23 | 5 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 4.6 | 31 | 0.083 | 15.421 | 0.322 | 3 | 472 | 10 |
GP | 905 | 2.5 | 34 | 0.097 | 9.942 | 0.251 | 3.3 | 337 | 9 |
Ace | 9052 | 3.4 | 23 | 0.101 | 9.685 | 0.251 | 2.3 | 219 | 6 |
Happy | 1081 | 3.1 | 5.2 | 0.329 | 7.653 | 0.448 | 1.7 | 39 | 2 |
Queen | 1605 | 4.1 | 22 | 0.327 | 0.977 | 0.342 | 7 | 22 | 8 |
SR | 5005 | 8.1 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Indicated | 3.9 | 765 | 0.349 | 5.440 | 0.433 | 267 | 4,161 | 331 | |
Measured and Indicated | |||||||||
Colorado Grande | 105 | 4.7 | 263 | 0.444 | 5.309 | 0.526 | 117 | 1,396 | 138 |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 4.8 | 7.5 | 0.276 | 4.605 | 0.347 | 2.08 | 34.7 | 2.6 |
MT | 201 | 6.5 | 10 | 0.217 | 2.161 | 0.251 | 2 | 21 | 2 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 4.4 | 280 | 0.391 | 5.212 | 0.472 | 109 | 1,459 | 132 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 3.5 | 17 | 0.280 | 1.919 | 0.310 | 5 | 33 | 5 |
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Vein True | |||||||||
Vein | Thickness | AuEq | AuEq | ||||||
Vein Name | No. | Feet | kton | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | Au koz | Ag koz | koz |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 2.8 | 133 | 0.500 | 5.734 | 0.589 | 67 | 765 | 79 |
Snow White | 405 | 2.1 | 81 | 0.402 | 4.512 | 0.471 | 33 | 365 | 38 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.8 | 117 | 0.429 | 6.406 | 0.528 | 50 | 750 | 62 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.2 | 32 | 0.314 | 6.038 | 0.408 | 10 | 194 | 13 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 3.6 | 13 | 0.370 | 1.689 | 0.397 | 5 | 23 | 5 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 3.9 | 44 | 0.094 | 16.272 | 0.346 | 4 | 718 | 15 |
GP | 905 | 2.4 | 53 | 0.093 | 10.437 | 0.255 | 4.9 | 554 | 14 |
Ace | 9052 | 3.1 | 37 | 0.094 | 10.492 | 0.257 | 3.5 | 387 | 9 |
Happy | 1081 | 2.9 | 5.8 | 0.307 | 7.495 | 0.424 | 1.8 | 44 | 2 |
Queen | 1605 | 4.1 | 22 | 0.327 | 0.977 | 0.342 | 7 | 22 | 8 |
SR | 5005 | 8.1 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Meas. and Ind. | 3.8 | 1,117 | 0.377 | 6.058 | 0.471 | 421 | 6,765 | 526 | |
Inferred | |||||||||
Colorado Grande | 105 | 3.3 | 179 | 0.298 | 3.156 | 0.347 | 53 | 565 | 62 |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 4.3 | 9.3 | 0.179 | 3.396 | 0.232 | 1.66 | 31.4 | 2.1 |
MT | 201 | 4.0 | 68 | 0.236 | 1.585 | 0.260 | 16 | 109 | 18 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 4.7 | 157 | 0.225 | 2.281 | 0.260 | 35 | 359 | 41 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 4.3 | 9 | 0.227 | 2.870 | 0.271 | 2 | 25 | 2 |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 1.7 | 86 | 0.339 | 2.746 | 0.381 | 29 | 237 | 33 |
Snow White | 405 | 3.7 | 42 | 0.395 | 3.019 | 0.442 | 17 | 128 | 19 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.7 | 78 | 0.352 | 4.616 | 0.424 | 28 | 361 | 33 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.0 | 41 | 0.186 | 5.250 | 0.268 | 8 | 214 | 11 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 5.7 | 13 | 0.325 | 2.040 | 0.356 | 4 | 26 | 5 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 3.0 | 10 | 0.080 | 10.486 | 0.242 | 1 | 101 | 2 |
GP | 905 | 3.3 | 82 | 0.154 | 6.043 | 0.248 | 12.6 | 494 | 20 |
Ace | 9052 | 2.2 | 41 | 0.167 | 6.459 | 0.268 | 6.9 | 265 | 11 |
Happy | 1081 | 3.4 | 5.4 | 0.182 | 6.291 | 0.279 | 1.0 | 34 | 2 |
Queen | 1605 | 2.6 | 29.3 | 0.273 | 0.862 | 0.286 | 8.0 | 25 | 8 |
SR | 5005 | 3.7 | 8 | 2.113 | 1.684 | 2.139 | 18 | 14 | 18 |
Total Inferred | 4.0 | 858 | 0.280 | 3.480 | 0.334 | 241 | 2,988 | 287 |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Mineral resources have been calculated based on a gold price of $1,200/troy ounce and a silver price of $19.00 per troy ounce. |
|
2. |
Mineral resources are calculated at a grade thickness cut-off grade of 0.96 Au equivalent opt-feet and a diluted Au equivalent cut-off grade of 0.225 opt. |
|
3. |
Gold equivalent ounces were calculated based on one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver. |
|
4. |
The minimum mining width is defined as four feet or the vein true thickness plus one foot, whichever is greater. |
|
5. |
Mineral resources include dilution to achieve mining widths and an additional 10% unplanned dilution. |
|
6. |
Mineral resources include allowance for 5% mining losses. |
|
7. |
Mineral Resources are inclusive of mineral reserves. |
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8. |
Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. |
|
9. |
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there is insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. |
|
10. |
Mineral resource estimates can be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political or other factors. |
1.6. |
Mineral Reserve Estimate |
Excavation designs for stopes, stope development drifting, and access development were created using Vulcan Software. Stope designs were aided by the Vulcan Stope Optimizer Module. The stope optimizer produces the stope cross section which maximizes value within given geometric design constraints.
Design constraints included a four-foot minimum mining width for long-hole stopes with development drifts spaced at 50-foot vertical intervals. Stope development drift dimensions maintained a constant height of 11 feet and a minimum width of seven feet. Cut and fill stope dimensions are six feet in width, with each cut 10 feet high.
Table 1 - 3 Midas Mineral Reserve Estimate as of August 31, 2014
Au | Ag | Au Equiv. | |||||
Tons | Au Eq | Ounces | Ounces | Ounces | |||
Vein Designation | (000's) | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | (000's) | (000's) | (000's) |
Proven Reserves | 134.1 | 0.381 | 13.35 | 0.588 | 51.1 | 1,790 | 78.8 |
Probable Reserves | 108.0 | 0.376 | 7.92 | 0.498 | 40.6 | 855 | 53.8 |
Proven + Probable Reserves | 242.1 | 0.378 | 10.93 | 0.548 | 91.6 | 2,646 | 132.6 |
Notes:
1. |
Mineral Reserves have been estimated based on a gold price of $1,000/ounce and a silver price of $15.83/ounce. |
|
2. |
Metallurgical recoveries for gold and silver are 94% and 92% respectively. |
|
3. |
Gold equivalent ounces are calculated on the basis of one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver. |
|
4. |
Mineral Reserves are estimated at a cutoff grade of 0.335Au opt and an incremental cutoff grade of 0.110 Au opt. |
|
5. |
Mine losses of 5% and unplanned mining dilution of 10% have been applied to the designed mine excavations. |
1.7. |
Cash Flow and Economic Analysis |
The reserves mine plan was evaluated using constant dollar cash flow analysis, and the results are summarized in Table 1-4. The minimal capital requirement result in a 0.6 year capital payback period and a relatively high 21.1 profitability index (PI) calculated at a 10% discount rate and a 523% rate of return over 2.8 years.
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Table 1 - 4 Key Operating and After Tax Financial S tatistics
Material Mined and Processed (kt) | 242 |
Avg. Gold Grade (opt) | 0.378 |
Avg. Silver Grade (opt) | 10.93 |
Contained Gold (koz) | 91.6 |
Contained Silver (koz) | 2,646 |
Avg. Gold Metallurgical Recovery | 94% |
Avg. Silver Metallurgical Recovery | 92% |
Recovered Gold (koz) | 86.1 |
Recovered Silver (koz) | 2,434 |
Reserve Life (years) | 2.8 |
Operating Cost ($/ton) | $315 |
Cash Cost ($/oz) 1. | $466 |
Total Cost ($/oz) 1. | $485 |
Gold Price ($/oz) | $1,000.00 |
Silver Price ($/oz) | $15.83 |
Capital Costs ($ Millions) | $1.6 |
Payback Period (Years) | 0.6 |
Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $33.1 |
5% Discounted Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $30.2 |
10% Discounted Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $27.7 |
Profitability Index (10%) 2. | 21.1 |
Internal Rate of Return | 523% |
Notes:
1. |
Net of byproduct credits. |
|
2. |
Profitability index (PI) is the ratio of payoff to investment of a proposed project. It is useful for ranking projects as a measure of the amount of value created per unit of investment. A PI of 1 indicates break even. |
1.8. |
Conclusions |
|
The Midas Mine is a modern, mechanized narrow vein mine. |
|
|
Significant mineral resources have been identified on the main and eastern veins and other veins near the active mine workings. Klondex staff has been actively drill testing these areas and has prioritized them based on ounce expectations, accessibility from existing development and geotechnical, ventilation, and hydrological considerations. Mine plans are being updated on a regular basis as results are received. Additionally, alternative mining methods including shrinkage stoping and alimak stoping are being investigated where the development requirements for long hole stoping render these areas sub-economic. |
|
|
The conventional Merrill Crowe mill facility is an efficient well maintained modern mineral processing plant capable of processing 1,200 tons per day (tpd). The plant is capable of operating with a minimum crew compliment resulting in cost reductions when operated at capacity. Excess milling capacity will allow the mill to process material from Klondexs nearby properties and also from third party toll milling sources. |
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| The Midas Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) is nearing design capacity and has approximately 700,000 tons of capacity remaining. A significant percentage of the remaining capacity is displaced by the excess water volume generated from mine dewatering and is stored in the TSF. |
1.9. |
Recommendations |
The authors recommend that Klondex should pursue the following initiatives.
1. |
Continue the near mine exploration program initiated in 2014, evaluating targets in order of the relative ranking given by Midas staff and management. |
|
2. |
Continually update the comprehensive engineering study, evaluating mineralization peripheral to abandoned mining areas using alternative mining methods that may allow an increase in mine production. |
|
3. |
Test the four district exploration targets identified by Newmont for additional work in 2011 and 2012. |
|
4. |
Consider whether an additional TSF must be designed, permitted, and constructed to expand the capacity beyond the current 700,000 tons of remaining capacity. This must be completed within the next three to four years in order that operations may continue without interruption. |
|
5. |
Geologic Database Administration: All of the Project data collected to date including drill samples, channel samples and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) samples need to be stored and archived in a permanent and indelible manner. The system software for this system has been procured. |
|
6. |
QAQC: Timely follow-up of QAQC assay deviations and re-assay requests needs to be aggressively pursued. This should become an automated process once the database is implemented and will streamline tracking of QA/QC results and re-assay data entry. |
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2. |
Introduction |
This Technical Report was prepared in accordance with the standards for disclosure of National Instrument (NI) 43-101 and Form 43-101F1 for technical reports of the Canadia
2.1. |
Terms of Reference and Purpose of this Technical Report |
n Securities Administrators. This Technical Report uses the definitions published by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) in CIM Definitions for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by CIM Council, May 10, 2014, and follows industry best practices.
This Technical Report documents the status of the Midas Mine and related infrastructure and includes an estimate of mineral resources and mineral reserves based on drilling and sampling completed by Klondex and by previous operators.
A production decision at the Midas mine was made by prior owners of the mine, prior to the completion of the acquisition of Midas by Klondex, and Klondex made a decision to continue production subsequent to the acquisition. This decision by Klondex to continue production and, to the knowledge of Klondex, this prior production decision were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that there is increased uncertainty and higher risk of economic and technical failure associated with such production decisions.
Klondex is focused on the exploration, development, and production of its two high quality gold and silver projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of north central Nevada. The 1,200 tpd milling facility is processing mineralized materials from the Midas Mine and the bulk sampling program at Klondexs Fire Creek Project. Midas is fully-permitted.
2.2. |
Qualification of the Authors |
This Technical Report presents summaries based on a technical evaluation by four independent qualified professionals (QPs). The QPs are specialists in the fields of geology, geological engineering, exploration and mining data management, mineral resource and mineral reserve estimation and classification, and mine engineering, including open pit and underground mining.
None of the QPs has any beneficial interest in Klondex or any of its subsidiaries or in the assets of Klondex or any of its subsidiaries. The QPs will be paid a fee for this work in accordance with normal professional consulting practice.
The individuals who have provided input to the current Technical Report are cited as author and are listed below with the dates on which they visited the Midas Project. These authors have extensive experience in the mining industry and are members in good standing of appropriate professional institutions.
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Mr. Swanson last visited the Midas Project on September 23, 2014.
Ms. Symmes last visited the Midas Project on February 5, 2015.
Mr. Odell and Ms. Bull last visited the Midas Project on March 12, 2015.
Mr. Odell and Mr. Swanson have previously been engaged by Newmont to provide consulting services to the Midas Project. Ms. Bull was previously employed as a mining engineer at Midas.
Mr. Odell is the QP for this Technical Report and is cited as primary author.
Mr. Odell, Ms. Symmes and Ms. Bull inspected the underground mining operations, and Ms. Symmes and Mr. Swanson reviewed the site geology. Mr. Odell and Ms. Symmes reviewed reports detailing Klondexs land position at the Midas Project.
2.3. |
Sources of Information |
The sources of information used for the preparation of this Technical Report include data and reports supplied by Klondex staff. In addition, some information was included in the Technical Report which was based on discussions with Klondex staff as related to their field of expertise with the cost data and operating statistics also provided by Klondex.
Sources of information are documented either within the text and cited in references, or are cited in references only. The authors believe the information provided by Klondex and Newmont staff to be accurate, based on their work experience at Midas. The authors asked detailed questions of specific individuals to help verify and clearly state contributions included in this document. These contributions are clearly stated within this Technical Report.
2.4. |
Units of Measure |
The units of measure used in this report are shown in Table 2-1 below. United States (US) Imperial units of measure are used throughout this document unless otherwise noted. The glossary of geological and mining related terms is also provided in Section 27 of this Technical Report. Currency is expressed in United States dollars ($) unless stated otherwise.
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Table 2 - 1 Units of Measure.
US Imperial to Metric conversions |
Linear Measure |
1 inch = 2.54 cm |
1 foot = 0.3048 m |
1 yard = 0.9144 m |
1 mile = 1.6 km |
Area Measure |
1 acre = 0.4047 ha |
1 square mile = 640 acres = 259 ha |
Weight |
1 short ton (st) = 2,000 lbs = 0.9071 metric tons |
1 lb = 0.454 kg = 14.5833 troy oz |
Assay Values |
1 oz per short ton = 34.2857 g/t |
1 troy oz = 31.1036 g |
1 part per billion = 0.0000292 oz/ton |
1 part per million = 0.0292 oz/ton = 1g/t |
2.5. |
Coordinate Datum |
All spatial measurements used in the mineral resource estimate are in US feet. The coordinate datum is projected to North American Datum (NAD) 1927 Nevada State Plane, Central Zone.
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3. |
Reliance on Other Experts |
The status of the environmental program and mine permitting were provided by Klondex and are assumed to be accurate portrayals, at the time of writing this Technical Report.
Observations made on-site by the authors include observing all aspects of mining activities encompassing: underground mining, safety procedures, haulage and equipment maintenance, water treatment, security, road maintenance, general geology, and character of mineralization, the mill and Merrill Crowe zinc precipitation methods of precious metal recovery.
The authors reviewed land tenure to verify Klondexs mining claim standing with the Bureau of Land Managements (BLM) Land and Mineral Legacy Rehost 2000 System (LR2000). The Midas claim status and title was also reviewed by Klondexs counsel (Erwin, 2014).
The opinions expressed in this Technical Report are based on the authors field observations and assessment of the technical data in respect of the Midas Mine.
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4. |
Property Description and Location |
4.1. |
Property Description |
The Midas Project is a high-grade gold-silver vein deposit hosted in faulted and brecciated Tertiary volcanic rocks. Midas is located in a sage and grass covered hillside of the Snowstorm Mountains overlooking Squaw Valley to the south. The Midas Mine is located one mile from the town of Midas and 38 miles from the town of Tuscarora, both of which are small historic mining towns with a small number of year round residents. The Midas Property extends a little over 30,000 acres.
The portal to the underground mine is located approximately one-half mile west of the mill and other site facilities. The portal provides entry to a system of declines and ramps that access the gold and silver-bearing veins. Mining levels are developed at vertical intervals of nominally 50 feet to access the mineralized vein. The mineralized material is excavated and loaded into underground haul trucks, which transport it to a surface transfer stockpile located outside the mine portal. The mineralized material is then trucked from the transfer stockpile to the main stockpile area adjacent to the mill. In the mill, the mineralized material is crushed, processed, and refined to extract gold and silver. Molten gold/silver is poured from the refinery furnace into molds, and the resulting doré is shipped off-site for refining.
4.2. |
Property Location |
The Midas Mine is located in Elko County in north-central Nevada one mile from the town of Midas, Nevada, about 58 miles (93 kilometers) east of Winnemucca on Nevada State Highway 789 from Interstate Highway I-80, or 80 miles (128 kilometers) from Battle Mountain driving west then north, (Figure 4-1). The closest towns with comprehensive services are either Winnemucca or Battle Mountain off of Interstate-80. The closest commercial air service is located in Elko. Elko is approximately three hours driving time through Battle Mountain or about 150 miles. There is a remote, back roads access to Midas from Elko through Tuscarora on a road which does not have winter maintenance. The remote access from Elko to Midas is 90 miles, but the drive time would also be about two hours due to the unimproved roads. A location map for the Midas Mine and Mill is shown in Figure 4-1.
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4.3. |
Status of Mineral Titles |
Klondexs total land package in the Midas district (including easements) covers approximately 30,000 acres (Figure 4-2). This includes fee lands, federal unpatented mining claims, seven mining leases, BLM rights-of-way, general agreements, easements, and surface use agreements. Within the 30,000 acres, there are 1,489 federal unpatented mining claims, of which 1,456 are owned and 33 are leased (Klondex Mines Ltd., 2014). Fee lands comprise approximately 2,417 acres of the land package. About 1,311 acres of the fee land includes surface and mineral rights, while the other 1,106 acres includes only the surface rights. Some of the surface-only fee lands are lots within the town of Midas.
Table 4 - 1 Summary of Klondex Owned Unpatented Mining Claims
Claim Name | No. of Claims |
Acme, Acme R, Acme No. 1-3 | 5 |
Dot #1, Dot Lode, Dot Lode #2, Dot Lode NO.4 | 4 |
Marty, Marty 2R-6R, Midas 95R | 7 |
MDS 1-49 | 49 |
CAT 1-58 | 58 |
Amsterdam 1-96 | 96 |
Amsterdam 97R, 98R | 2 |
Amsterdam Fraction #1-2 | 2 |
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Claim Name | No. of Claims |
Amsterdam 99-108 | 10 |
Amsterdam 109R-111R | 3 |
Amsterdam 12-115 | 4 |
Amsterdam 116R, 118R | 2 |
Amsterdam 117, 119 | 2 |
Amsterdam 120R-122R | 3 |
Amsterdam 123-136 | 14 |
Amsterdam 137R, 138R | 2 |
Amsterdam 139-144 | 6 |
Amsterdam 145R | 1 |
Amsterdam 146-165 | 20 |
Amsterdam 166R, 167R | 2 |
Amsterdam 168-172 | 5 |
Amsterdam 173R-175R | 3 |
Amsterdam 176-185 | 10 |
Amsterdam 186R | 1 |
Amsterdam 187RR | 1 |
Amsterdam 188-195 | 8 |
Amsterdam 197-300 | 104 |
Amsterdam 301R, 302R | 2 |
Amsterdam 303-380 | 78 |
Amsterdam 381R, 382R | 2 |
Amsterdam 383-411 | 29 |
Amsterdam 412R | 1 |
Amsterdam 413-418 | 6 |
Amsterdam 420-423 | 4 |
Amsterdam 424R | 1 |
Amsterdam 425-428 | 4 |
Amsterdam 433, 438, 439 | 3 |
Amsterdam 440R | 1 |
Amsterdam 442-450 | 9 |
Amsterdam 452-459 | 8 |
Midas 1R-12R | 12 |
Midas 13-16 | 4 |
Midas 17R-23R, 25R | 8 |
Midas 26 RR, 32RR | 2 |
Midas 27R, 28R, 31R | 3 |
Midas 30, 30-34 | 6 |
Midas 33-41 | 9 |
Midas 42R-80R | 39 |
Midas 81 | 1 |
Midas 82R-93R | 12 |
Midas 94, 96 | 2 |
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Elko County, Nevada |
Claim Name | No. of Claims |
Midas 97R-106R, 109R | 11 |
Midas 110 | 1 |
Midas 111R-113R | 3 |
Midas 114, 115 | 2 |
Midas 116R, 117R | 2 |
Midas 118, 119 | 2 |
Midas 120RR | 1 |
Midas 121-144 | 24 |
Midas 146-158 | 13 |
Midas 159R, 160R | 2 |
Midas 165-174 | 10 |
Midas 175R-180R | 6 |
Midas 181-188 | 8 |
Midas 189R, 190R | 2 |
Midas 191-264 | 74 |
Midas 266R-268R | 3 |
Midas 269-278 | 10 |
Midas 279R, 281R, 283R, 286R | 4 |
Midas 280, 282, 284-285, 287-290 | 8 |
Midas 299R-324R | 26 |
Midas 325-326 | 2 |
Midas 327RR-328RR, 330RR, 332RR | 4 |
Midas 335R-342R | 8 |
Midas 343RR-347RR | 5 |
Midas 349-350 | 2 |
Midas 351R-352R | 2 |
Midas 353-420 | 68 |
Midas 421R-422R | 2 |
Midas 423-484 | 62 |
Midas 506-509 | 4 |
Midas 510R-514R | 5 |
Midas 543-550 | 8 |
Midas 583-586, 588 | 5 |
Midas 623-637 | 15 |
Midas 639, 641, 643, 645, 647, 649, 651 | 7 |
Midas 661, 663, 665, 667, 669-798 | 134 |
Midas 809-832, 841-843 | 27 |
Midas 844R | 1 |
Midas 845-849 | 5 |
Midas 850R | 1 |
Midas 851 | 1 |
Midas 852RR, 854RR-855RR | 3 |
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Table 4 - 2 Summary of Leased Unpatented Mining Claims
Claim Name | No. of Claims |
Redar 1-5 | 5 |
Estar 1-19 | 19 |
Laura 6, Laura 20 | 2 |
King Midas, King Midas No. 2 | 2 |
Dixie, Dixie 1-3 | 4 |
H-2 | 1 |
Total Leased Unpatented Mining Claims | 33 |
Table 4 - 3 Summary of Patented Mining Claims
Patent Name | M.S. No. | Patent No. | Assessor Parcel No. |
Elko Prince Annex Fraction | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Elko Prince No. 1 | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Elko Prince No. 2 | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Elko Prince No. 4 Fraction | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Tod Fraction | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Hanks Fraction | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Little Willie Fraction | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Merle | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
June Bell | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
June Bell Fraction | 4034 | 314565 | 0PM-314-056 |
Ripsaw No. 2 | 3991 | 298366 | 0PM-298-036 |
Gold Crown | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-256-001 |
Oversight Fraction (Portion) | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-256-001 |
Banner | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-560-016 |
Gift No. 1 | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-560-016 |
Oversight Fraction (Portion) | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-060-016 |
Gift No. 2 | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-060-016 |
Rabbit's Foot | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-256-006 |
Banner Fraction | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-256-006 |
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Patent Name | M.S. No. | Patent No. | Assessor Parcel No. |
Wedge | 3738 | 256016 | 0PM-668-021 |
Old Judge No. 1 | 4327 | 668211 | 0PM-668-021 |
Hardscrabble No. 1 | 4356 | 827131 | 0PM-827-013 |
Hardscrabble No. 2 | 4356 | 827131 | 0PM-827-013 |
Hardscrabble Fraction | 4356 | 827131 | 0PM-827-013 |
Water Witch No. 1 (E. Portion) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-004 |
Water Witch No. 2 (E. Portion) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-008 |
Water Witch No. 3 | 4192 | 567990 | 0PM-567-099 |
Water Witch No. 4 | 4192 | 567990 | 0PM-567-099 |
Water Witch Fraction | 4192 | 567990 | 0PM-567-099 |
Water Witch No. 1 (Parcel 1) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-001 |
Water Witch No. 1 (Parcel 2) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-002 |
Water Witch No. 1 (Parcel 3) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-003 |
Water Witch No. 2 (Parcel 4) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-005 |
Water Witch No. 2 (Parcel 5) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-006 |
Water Witch No. 2 (Parcel 6) | 4192 | 567990 | 004-26C-007 |
Sleeping Beauty | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Poor Man | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Orphan Boy | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Orphan Boy 2 | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Pan Handle | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Pan Handle 2 | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Little Dot | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Red Top | 4666 | 1054830 | 0PM-373-058 |
Sunset Fraction | 4667 | 1037358 | 0PM-373-058 |
Claim locations are based on the location of monuments and associated dimensions cited to the BLM. The authors are not aware of any conflicting surface rights within the Midas land package. Other considerations that might affect accessing claim status include grazing rights and protected habitats. Grazing rights may exist in the area; however, conflicts with local ranchers are not common in north-central Nevada. Newly established protected habitat for sage grouse has not been defined in this area at the time of this Technical Report. There are archaeological considerations in the immediate area of Midas; however, all proposed surface disturbance is reviewed and approved by BLM. The land information outlining claim status and fee lands was provided by Klondex, and to the authors knowledge at the time this document was prepared, there were no environmental or social factors that would affect land title.
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Table 4 - 4 Summary of Fee Land Holdings
Section | Legal Description | Acres (Approx) |
T38N R46E MDB&M, APN 004-250-0003, Surface and Mineral Rights | 40.9 | |
Section 2 | NW4NW4 | |
T39N R46E MDM, APN 004-260-03, Surface and Mineral Rights | 840 | |
Section 9 | E2NE4 | |
Section 10 | W2N4, SW4 | |
Section 22 | E2N W4, SE4 | |
Section 27 | NE4, NE4NW4 | |
Section 28 | W2NW4 | |
T39N R46E MDM, APN 004-260-03, Surface Rights Only | 1019 | |
Section 9 | W2NE4, E2NW4 | |
Section 15 | E2W2, W2E2 | |
Section 22 | NE4 | |
Section 28 | W2SE4, E2SW4 | |
Section 33 | NE4 | |
Section 34 | SW4NW4, Lot 1 | |
Total acres: | 1899.9 |
Table 4 - 5 Midas Town Site Lots
Lot No. | Block No. | Assessor's Parcel No. |
6-7 | I (Gold Circle) | 03-523-03-2 |
8 | I (Gold Circle) | 03-523-02-4 |
11-12 | Q (Gold Circle) | 03-526-01-9 |
1 | S (Gold Circle) | 03-521-05-1 |
2 | S (Gold Circle) | 03-521-04-4 |
1 | W (Gold Circle) | 03-513-03-3 |
3-16 | W (Gold Circle) | 03-513-01-7 |
4.4. |
Royalties |
Property agreement and holding cost obligations are listed in Table 4-6. As part of Klondexs financing package to acquire the Midas Mine, a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation (FNC) will receive a 2.5% net smelter return (NSR) royalty from all production commencing in 2019. Royalties applicable to the project are listed in Table 4-7 below.
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Table 4 - 6 Summary of Midas Project Holding Costs
Annual | |||||
Due Date | Project | Descriptor | Obligation | Payable/Due to | Notes |
Apr. 2 | Midas | 29-607-0044 | 110,000 | Third party lessor | Annual Rental |
Aug. 1 | Midas | 29-607-0001-A | 10,000 | Third party lessor | Annual Rental |
Apr. 18 | Midas | 29-607-0039 | 75,000 | Third party lessor | Advance Royalty |
July 1 | Midas/ | 29-607-0001 | 75,000 | Third party lessor | Advance Royalty |
Frazer | |||||
Creek | |||||
Oct. 30 | Midas | 29-607-0002 | 50,000 | Third party lessor | Advance Royalty |
Nov. 1 | Midas | 29-607-SR-07 | 3,500 | Third party lessor | Right-of-Way fees |
1/1/2017 | Midas | 29-607-SR-01 | 795 | BLM ROW N- | Right-of-Way fees |
61100 | |||||
1/1/2020 | Midas | 29-607-SR-02 | 310 | BLM ROW N- | Right-of-Way fees |
66023 | |||||
Aug. 31 | Midas/ | 29-607-0005, 6, | 219,856 | Midas et al CAT 1- | Annual Claim Fees- 1,456 |
Midas | 7, 40, 42 | 58, MDS 1-49 | unpatented claims owned | ||
EXPL/ | by Klondex listed in Table | ||||
Midas | 4-1 | ||||
POO | |||||
Aug. 31 | Midas/ | 29-607-0001 | 3,926 | Third party lessor | Annual Claim Fees- 26 |
Frazer | unpatented claims leased | ||||
Creek | from Domenichelli: Laura | ||||
6, 20 Redar 1-5, Estar 1-19 | |||||
Aug 31 | Midas/Lee | 29-607-0002 | 1,057.50 | BLM $980 | Annual Claim Fees- 7 |
Elko County | unpatented claims leased | ||||
Recorder $73.50 | from Powell et al: King | ||||
Midas, King Midas No. 2, | |||||
Dixie, Dixie no. 1-3, H-2 | |||||
Total $ | 539,711.50 |
Table 4 - 7 Royalties
Agreement | Recorded | Royalty |
Mining Lease Dated August 1, 1990 | Recorded in short form version as Document No. 297863 in Book 735 at Pages 508-514 of the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada | 5% NSR |
Grant Deed Dated January 12, 1993 | Recorded as Document No. 333428 in Book 809, Page 904-905 of the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada | 2 patented mining claims; Banner, Gift No. 1 (1% NSR to a $30,000 maximum royalty payment). |
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Agreement | Recorded | Royalty |
Lease Dated July 1, 2000 | Recorded as a memorandum as Document No. 467521 in Book 1, Pages 5290-5317 in the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada, on February 28, 2001. The Lease affects unpatented lode mining claims and agreements pertaining to lands situated in Sections 12 and 13, Township 39 North, Range 46 East, and in Sections 7, 18 and 19, Township 39 North, Range 47 East, MDM, Elko County, Nevada. | Advance minimum royalty totaling $150,000 payable between execution of lease and fourth anniversary and of $75,000 until the lease is terminated or expires, whichever first occurs. NSR payable as a production royalty as follows: (i) 4% if the average spot price of gold quoted on the London Bullion Market, Afternoon fix, for a particular payment period is $500 or less; or (ii) 5% if the average spot price of gold quoted on the London Bullion Market, Afternoon fix, for a particular payment period is $700 or less; or (iii) 6% if the average spot price of gold quoted on the London Bullion Market, Afternoon fix, for a particular payment period is greater than $700.When the Lessee has cumulatively paid the Lessor the sum of $1,000,000 in advance minimum royalties, production royalties or other form of pre- payment of same, the production royalty shall be reduced by 1% of NSR so that the above percentages will be 3%, 4% and 5%, respectively. |
Agreement dated August 11, 2000 | Recorded as Document No. 462327 in Book 0 at Pages 23222-23233 of the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada, and on September 18, 2000 | Laura 6 and 20 unpatented lode mining claims are subject to a 2% NSR and portions of the REDAR 3, 4 and 5, and ESTAR 1, 7, 8, 11, 18 and 19 unpatented lode mining claims are subject to a 1% NSR |
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Agreement | Recorded | Royalty |
Mining Lease and Agreement dated April 18, 2005 | Recorded as a memorandum as Document No. 534181 in the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada, and amended on December 21, 2006 | Advance royalty payments going forward of $75,000 on April 18, 2014, $100,000 on April 18, 2015 and $100,000 on each April 18 thereafter; commencing on April 18, 2016, advance royalty payments shall escalate by 5% each year. 50% of all advance royalty payments to be credited against production royalty payments otherwise payable: (i) for precious metals, 4% NSR if average gold price per ounce ("AGP") is less than or equal to $500.00, 5% if AGP is between $500.01 and $700.00, and 6% if AGP is $700.01 and above; and (ii) 3% NSR for ores other than precious metals, all subject to proportionate reduction in certain circumstances in accordance with terms of lease. |
Mining Sublease and Option dated April 2, 2007 | Recorded as a memorandum as Document No. 571656 in the Official Records of the Elko County Recorders Office, Elko County, Nevada, on April 20, 2007 | 1.5% NSR on properties identified in Part 1 of Exhibit A of the Mining Lease with Conditional Purchase Obligation Agreement dated April 2, 2007 (attached as Exhibit I to sublease), 3.0% NSR on properties identified in Part 2 of Exhibit A, subject to proportionate reduction in certain circumstances in accordance with terms of sublease. |
Royalty Agreement dated February 12, 2014 | The payee under the royalty agreement will receive a 2.5% NSR royalty from all production on the Midas Property starting in 2019. |
4.5. |
Location of Mineralization |
The Midas Mine and associated infrastructure are located near the southern limits of the land package, primarily within sections 22 and 27 of T39N R 46E.
Klondex has an approved plan of operations with the BLM for exploration activities on the property. Klondex has a second plan of operations associated with the construction of five vent raises which were designed for ventilation to remote areas of the proposed expanded underground. The mill and most of the Midas infrastructure are located on private lands. The permits required to operate the mine and mill are listed in Section 20.5. The authors are not aware of any environmental liabilities beyond normal reclamation and site closure that exist at the Project. The existing TSF is nearing capacity, and further expansion carries a relatively high unit cost per ton of tailings compared to constructing a new TSF. A new TSF will be required to be permitted by both state and federal authorities, and such permits will take two or more years to secure. There are no other regulatory issues known to the authors related to the continued operation of the Midas Project.
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Elko County, Nevada |
Ponce 2008
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5. |
Infrastructure |
5.1. Access to the Midas Mine
The Midas Mine can be reached from the town of Winnemucca by driving east on Interstate Highway I-80 for 15 miles to the Golconda Exit Number 194. From Exit 194, turn left onto Nevada State Highway 790 (NV 790) for 0.3 miles, then take the first right onto Nevada State Highway 789 (NV 789) and drive northeast for 43 miles towards the town of Midas. NV 789 turns into NV 18 / Midas Road at about mile thirty. One quarter mile past the turn-off to the town of Midas, continue to follow the Midas Road to a mine direction sign. The entrance to the mine site is about two and one half miles past the town of Midas. To reach the Midas Mine from Battle Mountain, drive west on I-80 for 36.5 miles to reach the Golconda Exit, and then proceed as described above. (Figure 5-1)
The roads leading to the mine are mostly unpaved but are maintained by state, county and Midas operational crews in order to service the ranches and mines in the vicinity. In this part of Nevada, it is common for mine staff to commute long distances for work on a daily basis. The average commute for Midas staff is one and one quarter to one and one half hours each way.
Figure 5-1
Location Map
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5.2. Climate
The climate at Midas is typical for northern Nevada with hot summers and cold winters. Average daily summer temperatures range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) to 95°F, and average winter temperatures range from 15°F to 40°F. Summer temperature extremes may reach above 100°F for short periods, and winter extreme temperatures may drop to below 0°F for short periods. Fieldwork, including exploration drilling, is commonly conducted throughout the year except for winter. Mines in northern Nevada typically operate all year without experiencing any major weather-related problems.
5.3. Vegetation
Midas vegetation is mainly limited to sagebrush, other species of low vegetation, and some grasses. There are no trees at the Project. As a result of the low quantity of rainfall, the vegetation is low and sparse.
5.4. Physiography
The Midas Mine is in the foothills on the southeast slope of the Snowstorm Mountains on the north side of Squaw Valley. The elevation of surface infrastructure lies mostly between 5,400 to 5,800 feet. The topographic relief is moderate with mature topography consisting mostly of rounded hills with steeper grades along more competent strata. The Midas project falls on the USGSs Midas, Oregon Canyon, Scraper Springs, and Squaw Valley Ranch 7.5 minute topographic quadrangles, and on the Tuscarora 1:100,000 scale quadrangle
5.5. Local Resources and Infrastructure
The Midas Mine is a well-established facility with extensive underground mine workings and a proven processing facility with nameplate capacity of 1,200 tpd. Prior to the Midas Acquisition, power was supplied from Newmonts Dunphy power plant via NV Energy Corp. (NV Energy) transmission lines and the Osgood substation. Klondex purchases electrical power from NV Energy which is transmitted through the same infrastructure to Midas.
The towns of Winnemucca and Battle Mountain, about 58 miles southwest and 43 miles south of the Project, respectively, are the nearest larger towns and are home to the workforce and industrial suppliers. These towns are the only locations with amenities and services such as motels, fuel, grocery stores and restaurants. Newmont supplied its Midas operations through its centralized warehousing rather than maintaining an on-site warehouse. Klondex has established business relationships with the suppliers necessary to support ongoing operations and has inventoried on site those items frequently used.
Maintenance of the main access roads is reliable because the roads are also used by ranchers and other mining companies. State road NV 789 serves as access to Newmonts Twin Creeks mine, Atna Resources Ltd.s Pinson Gold Project Mine, and Barrick Gold Corporations Turquoise Ridge Mine along the Getchell Gold Belt. In addition, Waterton Global Mining Companys Hollister Mine access road is roughly eight miles beyond the Midas Mine turn-off on NV 18.
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The most accessible rail siding is located near the town of Golconda, a small community of about 200 people, the point of departure from the interstate on the best maintained route to Midas. Golconda has no services with the exception of an intermittently operating convenience store.
The local infrastructure and Midas Mine land position are adequate to support ongoing exploration and mining activity. There is land available adjacent to the existing TSF to support expansion of that facility as needed.
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6. |
History |
6.1. Exploration History
The Midas Mining district, also known as the Gold Circle district in its earlier years, had historic gold production dating as early as 1907 (Rott, 1931). Modern exploration methods were employed in the district casually in the 1970s and 1980s by various companies, and exploration began in earnest in the early 1990s when Franco-Nevada Mining assembled a land package at the urging of Ken Snyder.
The official discovery of high grade veins at Midas occurred in 1994 at the Rex Grande prospect, which grew into the Colorado Grande vein . Mine development commenced in 1997, and Franco-Nevada Mining operated the mine on behalf of the Midas Joint Venture (Franco-Nevada/Euro-Nevada) until the mine was acquired by Normandy in 2001, followed by the Newmont acquisition of Normandy in 2002. Prior to the Midas Mine acquisition by Klondex in February 2014, Newmont was the operator from 2002 through 2014. Klondex is currently the operator of the Midas Mine.
The Midas land package is quite large, extending well beyond the known mineralized extents, and exploration is ongoing, with pauses to focus on near-mine vein delineation. In 2012, Newmont ceased all exploration activity at Midas and began to plan for final depletion and closure.
Historic exploration activities include soil and rock chip sampling, surface mapping, geophysics, and drilling. Thirty-eight holes were drilled by Newmont in the 2011 to 2012 field season to test 15 targets with follow-up work recommended in four of the areas tested. The follow up work was Not completed.
6.2. Production History
Midas is a historic mining district, with recorded production beginning in the early 1900s. Most accounts estimate approximately 300,000 ounces of gold and three million ounces of silver production between 1907 and 1942 when non-essential mining activity was suspended by the War Production Board. This production was from predominately underground mining of high grade veins that outcropped at surface, sporadically augmented by discoveries of placer deposits. The largest historic producer was the Elko-Prince mine in the northern part of the district.
Since modern mining began in 1998, 2.2 million ounces of gold and 26.9 million ounces of silver were produced by Franco-Nevada Mining, Normandy, and Newmont.
Recent production from the Midas mill, prior to the acquisition of the Project by Klondex, is presented in Table 6-1. Production rates peaked in 2011 and declined in succeeding years. Gold grades have also declined, indicating Newmonts planned depletion of the Main Veins. Silver grades increased in 2013 indicating the shift in production from the Main Veins to the East Veins where the silver gold ratio is substantially greater.
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Table 6-1 Annual Midas Mill Production
Year | Kt | Au (opt) | Ag (opt) |
2013 (1) | 190 | 0.21 | 5.7 |
2012 | 330 | 0.23 | 4.1 |
2011 | 367 | 0.31 | 4.3 |
2010 (2) | 327 | 0.43 | 6 |
2009 (3) | 291 | 0.51 | 6.9 |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Ten months through October. |
|
2. |
Includes toll milling 35kt containing 27 koz. Au and 194 koz. Ag from Hollister. |
|
3. |
Includes toll milling 35kt containing 34 koz. Au and 361 koz. Ag from Hollister. |
6.3. Historical Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates
Newmonts historic mineral reserves and mineral resources are presented in Table 6-2 through Table 6-4 (Newmont Mining Corporation, 2013). A qualified person within the meaning of the NI 43-101, has not classified these historic estimates as current mineral reserves or mineral resources, and Klondex is not treating these historic estimates as a current mineral reserves or mineral resources. The authors are unaware of methods, parameters or assumptions used to generate these historic estimates and cannot comment to their accuracy.
Table 6-2 Newmont Historic Mineral Reserve Estimates
Proven | Probable | Proven + Probable | |||||||||||||
Year | kt | Au | Ag | Au | Ag | kt | Au | Ag | Au | Ag | kt | Au | Ag | Au | Ag |
Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) | Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) | Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) | ||||
2012 | 200 | 0.19 | 3.07 | 30 | 510 | 400 | 0.06 | 9.73 | 20 | 3,900 | 600 | 0.10 | 7.79 | 50 | 4,410 |
2011 | 300 | 0.32 | 4.62 | 80 | 1,200 | 500 | 0.18 | 8.63 | 80 | 4,050 | 800 | 0.23 | 7.20 | 160 | 5,250 |
2010 | 200 | 0.39 | 100 | 300 | 0.26 | 90 | 500 | 0.32 | 190 | - | |||||
2009 | 400 | 0.48 | 200 | 300 | 0.35 | 100 | 700 | 0.43 | 300 | - |
Source: Modified from Newmont Mining Corporation website
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Table 6-3 Newmont Historic Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources
Measured | Indicated | Measured + Indicated | |||||||||||||
Au | Ag | Au | Ag | Au | Ag | Au | Ag | Au | Ag | Au | Ag | ||||
Year | kt | Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) | kt | Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) | kt | Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) |
2012 | 18 | 0.149 | 2.24 | 3 | 40 | 100 | 0.039 | 7.72 | 4 | 700 | 118 | 0.095 | 7.79 | 7 | 740 |
2011 | 10 | 0.094 | 1.72 | 1 | 17 | 100 | 0.066 | 4.76 | 6 | 476 | 110 | 0.226 | 7.20 | 7 | 493 |
2010 | 20 | 0.152 | 3 | 100 | 0.172 | 17 | 120 | 0.170 | 20 | ||||||
2009 | 100 | 0.188 | 19 | 100 | 0.118 | 19 |
Source: Modified from Newmont Mining Corporation website
Table 6 - 4 Newmont Historic Inferred Mineral Resources
Inferred | |||||
Au | Ag | Au | Ag | ||
Year | kt | Grade | Grade | (koz) | (koz) |
2012 | 3000 | 0.070 | 7.16 | 20 | 2,500 |
2011 | 100 | 0.049 | 9.56 | 5 | 96 |
2010 | 100 | 0.214 | - | 21 | - |
2009 | 100 | 0.248 | - | 25 | - |
Source: Modified from Newmont Mining Corporation website
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7. |
Geological Setting and Mineralization |
7.1. Regional Geology
The Midas Mine is located on the southeast flank of the Snowstorm Mountain range near the eastern margin of the NNR structural domain, hosted in a bimodal suite of volcanic rocks. Several other structurally controlled, epithermal precious-metal vein deposits are hosted in similar Miocene-age volcanic rocks along the NNR, including Klondexs Fire Creek Project, Newmonts Mule Canyon Mine (Mule Canyon), and Waterton Globals Hollister Mine, (under the name of Carlin Resources). All occur along the NNR (Figure 7-1) and share similar mineralization characteristics, including epithermal textures and trace-elements, locally high grade Au and Ag, mid-Miocene ages of mineralization (15.1 -15.6 Ma) and close temporal association with the Miocene host rocks (John et al., 2003; John, 2001; Leavitt et al., 2004; Wallace, 2003).
The NNR is distinguishable on regional-scale magnetic maps as a prominent north-northwest-trending lineament of magnetic highs. This distinctive positive magnetic anomaly is caused by Miocene-age syn-rift mafic and intermediate volcanic rocks of basaltic to dacitic composition
The NNR originated at the McDermitt caldera in northwest Nevada, site of the initial eruption of the Yellowstone hot spot (Zoback et al., 1994), and propagated 500 km to southeast Nevada. The rift is readily visible on regional aeromagnetic maps as a narrow positive anomaly for approximately 250 km (John et al, 2000) and is defined by an accumulation of basaltic to dacitic lava flows and dikes of mid-Miocene age. In the central portion of the rift between the Malpais Rim and Midas, John et al. (2000) defined it as a 5- to 30-km wide north-northwest-trending zone that corresponds to a magnetic high, to mafic dikes and high-angle normal faults that parallel the anomaly, and to middle Miocene volcanic flows that overlie the anomaly. The primary extension direction during rift development and magmatism at 16.5 15 Ma was ENE to WSW, perpendicular to the N22°W axis of the rift. These syn-rift faults sharply bound the present-day NNR on the west and decrease towards the east. From 10 Ma to about 6 Ma, the regional stress field rotated clockwise, resulting in an extension direction that was NNW-SSE (Zoback et al., 1994). This resulted in the formation of horst and graben faults that cut the NNR to form ENE-trending grabens such as the Midas Trough, the Argenta Rim, and the Malpais Rim (Figure 7-2).
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Figure 7-1
Regional Geologic Map
with Mines in and
adjacent to the Northern Nevada Rift
(Modified from Ludington et al., 2005).
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Figure 7-2
Midas Trough in the
NNR
(Modified from Wallace et al., 1998)
The chemical composition of the volcanic and intrusive rocks varies greatly within the rift, ranging from mafic to intermediate volcanic flows at the Malpais and Argenta Rims, mafic flows at Fire Creek, felsic tuff and andesite at Ivanhoe, and a bimodal sequence at Midas of felsic flows, tuffs and domes, and basaltic sills and dikes. Consequently, rocks from one mining district generally cannot be correlated directly with those from another, except in a time sense where high-resolution radiometric dates are available. Gold mineralization at Midas is structurally controlled by normal faults within the NNR. The style of structurally controlled mineralization observed at the Midas Mine is typical of rift-hosted epithermal style mineralization associated with an intrusive center.
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7.2. Midas Mine Local Geology
The Midas deposit belongs to a group of middle Miocene low-sulfidation epithermal gold and silver mineralizing systems associated with magmatism and faulting along the rift. Interpretation of argon-argon (40Ar/39Ar) dates from volcanic rocks and hydrothermal minerals related to gold mineralization, and additional isotopic dates throughout the Midas region, constrain the timing of volcanic, tectonic, and hydrothermal activity. The Midas hydrothermal system developed following a change from mafic-dominated bimodal volcanism and basin formation to felsic volcanism and extensional faulting at about 15.6 Ma. (Leavitt et al. 2004).
From 15.6 to 15.2 Ma, lacustrine sediments and tuffs were deposited on a relatively impermeable rhyolite flow at Midas. During this period, faulting and tilting of the volcanic edifice created pathways for hydrothermal fluids that flowed to the surface forming sinter and hydrothermal breccia. The Midas district at this time was the site of an epithermal hot-spring system, with deposition of volcaniclastic rocks in a series of fresh-water lakes. Approximately 200 thousand years after the change in volcano-tectonic regime, dip-slip normal faulting incurred a small component of left-lateral oblique-slip stress along zones of pre-existing weakness, creating dilational zones and additional channel ways for mineralizing fluids (Leavitt et al., 2004; Rhys, 2002).
At 15.4 Ma, epithermal quartz-calcite-adularia veins formed in fault zones and open conduits in the geothermal field. Ore is confined to steeply dipping, banded quartz veins within north-northwest-striking faults. Highest ore grades display an elevation control related to the paleo-water table, brittle felsic host rocks, and the widest veins (including the Colorado Grande shear vein and the Gold Crown extension vein). The deposition of high-grade Au-Ag mineralization at 15.37 Ma (Leavitt et al, 2004) is identical to the age of rhyolite intrusions which likely provided the heat necessary to drive the hydrothermal system. The age of an unaltered tuff that unconformably overlies opalized sediments establishes that tilting of the units and the hydrothermal system had ceased by 15.2 Ma. The temporal and spatial coincidence of rhyolite volcanism, faulting, and high-grade mineralization may reflect the importance of contributions from deeper fluid reservoirs containing magmatic components or highly exchanged meteoric waters (Leavitt et al., 2004).
The paragenesis of gangue and ore minerals in the Midas veins are consistent with an epithermal hot spring (geothermal) system dominated by meteoric water. Fluid inclusions within the quartz veins indicate low salinities (as expected from meteoric water), and homogenization temperatures between 190-260°C (Riederer and Brown, 2008; Simpson and Mauk, 2001). The paleosurface above the quartz and calcite veins was estimated by Simpson and Mauk (2001) to be between 6200 and 7570 ft above sea level, indicating at least 330 to 1090 ft of erosion, and averaging 500-1000 ft. There are no sinters present in the central part of the district, particularly above the Colorado Grande or Gold Crown veins.
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At a microscopic scale, the mechanism to deposit the bonanza ore grades of electrum and selenide minerals can be attributed to colloidal precipitation (Saunders et al., 2007) in which charged particles of gold and silver suspended in a saturated hydrothermal fluid quickly coagulate along the open walls of the veins. The bulk of the gold and silver metal was precipitated early, forming the highest precious-metal grades symmetrically on the outside walls of the veins, followed by less gold and silver in successive depositional events, and lastly depositing low-grade to barren quartz-calcite in the centers of some of the veins.
Veins at Midas pinch and swell along strike, and up and down dip. Veins commonly split before merging along strike. The geometrical shapes of the veins are described as cymoids (Marma and Vance, 2011); these shapes are fractal in nature, with predictable outcomes and can be used to predict ore chutes and vein structures in the underground workings.
Some of the wider and more complex veins, such as the Colorado Grande and Gold Crown, show evidence for repeated brecciation and mineralization resulting in the highest precious-metal grades in the district where electrum and naumannite are distributed across the width of the veins. The individual pulses of saturated metal-bearing hydrothermal fluid into the geothermal reservoir seem likely to be key to forming high-grade gold-silver veins at Midas.
The Midas veins formed during a middle Miocene pulse of bimodal basalt-rhyolite magmatism that was widespread throughout the northern Great Basin. Drilling in the district has shown that Miocene tuffs, flows, and volcaniclastic rocks extend to a depth of at least 1.5 kilometers (km) beneath the present eroded surface. The depth to older Tertiary volcanic rocks or pre-Tertiary basement is unknown, however, xenoliths of quartzite and metasedimentary rock resembling Paleozoic siliciclastic lithology and representing the pre-Tertiary basement, have been uncovered in a mafic dike or sill of basaltic andesite.
The middle Miocene stratigraphic column at Midas is shown in Figure 7-3 (Goldstrand and Schmidt, 2000; Leavitt et al., 2004). From bottom to top the Miocene rocks consists of:
Tlt - a lower tuff unit, which forms the base of the altered section of Miocene ash-flow tuffs in the district;
Tjb - The June Belle formation, which overlies the lower tuff unit and comprises a rhyolite flow-dome-tuff complex, 10 to 250 meters (m) thick;
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Tep - The Elko Prince formation, which has both gradational and sharp contacts with the underlying June Belle formation. The Elko Prince formation is composed of a variety of ash-flow tuffs and volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks and is divided into three informal members:
Tep 1 - is up to 155 m thick and consists of green-gray poorly welded lithic-crystal ash-flow tuff that contains clasts of basalt, welded tuff, banded rhyolite, and pumice;
Tep2 - is a distinctive marker unit composed of gray carbonaceous lacustrine and volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks that are laterally discontinuous and up to 30 m thick;
Tep3 is the upper member consisting of light-green lapilli tuff that has undergone little to no welding and weak to moderate compaction. The unit is 30 to 105 m thick in the mine area.;
Tepu - a fine-grained, white, sanidine-rich air-fall tuff overlies Tep 3 in some areas;
Tes - sediments of the Esmeralda formation, 85 to 260 m thick, consist of an alternating sequence of tuffaceous and carbonaceous lacustrine sedimentary rocks, pebble conglomerates, and fine-grained amygdaloidal tuffs that form five distinct informal members, Tes1 through 5;
Trf - the so-called red rhyolite tuff, the top of which caps the altered rocks in the district, and is dated at 15.63 Ma.
This stratigraphic section is cut by numerous mafic sills and dikes known as Tbg (Tertiary basaltic gabbro). Locally the sills are 700-1200 ft thick in the eastern part of the district and inflate the stratigraphic pile (Fig. 7-4). Peperites (a sedimentary rock that contains fragments of igneous material and is formed when magma comes into contact with wet sediments) grade laterally into a feature described locally as a clastic dike (Tcd). The clastic dike is sub-parallel to a north-southstriking fault that contains the Colorado Grande vein.
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Figure 7-3
Midas Stratigraphic Section
(Leavitt et al., 2004, Modified from Goldstrand and Schmidt, 2000.)
The structural setting of the Colorado Grande shear vein was provided in a laterally and vertically persistent, north-south to N10-30°W-striking, steeply northeast- dipping normal fault. The Gold Crown extension vein formed in a steeply northeast-dipping, N 50° to 60° W-striking fault that splays into the footwall of the Colorado Grande vein on the Midas fault. Other fault splays of similar orientation in the hanging wall host additional veins (Leavitt et al., 2004). The Midas fault is the principal structure in the mine and dips typically exceed 70° to the northeast. Late oblique-slip stress with minor left-lateral offset on the Midas fault created dilational openings that were filled by the Colorado Grande vein (Rhys, 2002). The Gold Crown, Discovery, and Snow White veins to the northwest are all extensional veins, differing in character from the Colorado Grande shear vein.
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Figure 7-4
Section through Midas
Mine Area
The Colorado Grande and Gold Crown veins formed during multiple episodes of deposition and brecciation. Early silica flooding and brecciation of the wall rocks was followed by deposition of banded veins, several centimeters to several meters wide, which comprise high-grade ore. Dark bands variably enriched in electrum, naumannite (Ag2Se), aguilarite (Ag4SeS), acanthite (Ag2S), and lesser chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, and marcasite alternate with quartz-, chalcedony-, adularia-, and calcite-rich bands (Rhys, 2002; Leavitt et al., 2004).
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The alteration assemblages at Midas show zonation centered on the main veins. Weak propylitic alteration occurs at distances greater than 1,300 feet from the veins. Minor veining and partial replacement of phenocrysts and groundmass by chlorite, calcite, minor smectite (predominantly montmorillonite), and a trace of pyrite characterize this alteration (Leavitt et al 2004).
In summary, the structural geology of the district is as follows:
There are three general stress regimes responsible for the fault geometries and mineralization in the Midas district.
Generally, NW-striking normal faults compose an orthorhombic system that is consistent with the regional mid-Miocene strain field;
These faults were re-activated under a transient change in the stress field that coincided with gold deposition, a return to normal faulting followed, and;
Data collected to date indicate that the late Owyhee faults comprise a normal fault system, with minor left-lateral oblique slip
Application of a structural model in the periphery of the district will be hampered by the high-level of exposure in the system known to have blind veins. Growth faults at this level may display minimal displacement, much of which may be post-mineral. Improved geologic mapping of the outlying areas, in concert with the CSAMT (Controlled Source Audio Frequency Magnetotellurics Testing) geophysical survey technique, will likely become the primary targeting tools outside the main district (Postlethwaite, 2011).
The Midas fault, host to the Colorado Grande vein, is the principal structure in the mine. It strikes approximately N15°W and coincides with a structural high or arch within the district. Closure of rock exposures to the south and general convergence of bedding strike on the west and east sides of the arch to the south indicate a shallow southerly plunge. Based on drill hole information, the Midas fault shows apparent normal movement, down to the east, of more than 1,000 feet as determined from offset stratigraphy. Left-lateral shear movement along the Midas fault later created northwest oriented, dilatant openings that host bonanza vein mineralization (Rhys, 2002). Owyhee structures oriented N65°E show syn- to post-ore - movement, as the Colorado Grande (Midas fault) is displaced along the Northern and Southern Owyhee faults. The most recent movement on the Owyhee structures resulted from basin and range extension during the last 10 Ma (Graf, 2013; Zoback et al, 1994).
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Figure 7-5
Midas Mine Local Geology
7.3. Vein Nomenclature
The near mine veins at Midas are divided into four major groups, which are shown graphically in Figure 7-6 and listed in Table 7-1. Prior to 2013, all production was from the Main Vein group, particularly the Colorado Grande and Gold Crown Veins. Development of the East Veins began in 2012.
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The third group of veins is comprised of the Queen and SR veins located to the south of the existing workings and south of the South Owyhee (SOW) Fault. There has been no mining on these veins; they are defined only by surface drilling. They represent a high priority near mine target, and the Queen Vein has been added to the mineral resources estimate.
The fourth group of veins are west of the main vein system and includes the Link and Midas Trend veins. Like the southern vein group, these veins have yet to be delineated from underground.
Figure 7-6
Vein Locations
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Table 7-1 Significant Veins
Vein | ||
Group | Vein Name | No. |
Colorado Grande | 105 | |
Gold Crown | 205 | |
Gold Crown HW | 305 | |
Snow White | 405 | |
Discovery | 505 | |
Main Veins | Sleeping Beauty | 605 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | |
Gold Crown Southern Ext | 108 | |
Gold Crown HW Split | 208 | |
Happy | 1081 | |
Homestead | 777 | |
Charger Hill | 805 | |
East Veins | GP | 905 |
Ace | 9052 | |
South | Queen | 1605 |
Veins | SR | 5005 |
SV | 101 | |
West Veins | Midas Trend | 201 |
Link | 1026 |
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8. |
Deposit Types |
8.1. Alteration and Mineralization
On a general scale, the hydrothermal system and subsequent mineralization developed at Midas is currently interpreted as a low sulfidation, epithermal precious-metal vein system, as part of a larger magmatic system at depth. A model of this type shows how loss of volatiles from magmas at depth can form large porphyry deposits adjacent to the intrusions (Figure 8-1). If the correct structural and/or hydrologic conditions exist, then metal-rich magmatic fluids potentially can migrate upward and outward to form low-sulfidation epithermal deposits (Saunders et al, 2007).
Figure 8-1
Schematic Diagram of
Low-Sulfidation Gold,
Silver Solutions in
Relationship with Magma
at Depth
(Hodenquist and Lowenstern)
Mineralization at Midas appears to be part of a convective system related to emplacement of a magmatic heat source at depth. In this schematic model, contacts, faults, and fractures likely provided conduits for geothermal fluids to migrate to the surface, mix with meteoric water, and form epithermal hot springs. Siliceous minerals and gold and silver precipitated as banded bonanza veins in open veins and conduits. Later oxidation of the upper part of this hydrothermal system likely occurred due to convection of a localized plume of low acidity (pH) groundwater. This oxidation effect altered the host rocks under the silica cap to an assemblage of clays, zeolites, and iron oxides. Such an oxide zone at Midas is mostly limited.
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A chronology of magmatic and hydrothermal events leading to mineralization (Leavitt et al., 2004) at Midas include:
The Midas hydrothermal system developed after mafic volcanism waned and during rift-related felsic-dominated volcanism. The close spatial association of mineralization with felsic volcanism (units Tjb, Tep) suggests that felsic intrusions provided a heat source to drive convection of hydrothermal fluids.
Gentle tilting and faulting during the felsic-dominated volcanism provided plumbing for fluid flow. Gently dipping flows of the relatively impermeable red rhyolite (Trf) near the paleo-surface probably formed a cap to the hydrothermal system that was breached locally by normal faults. Normal faults facilitated fluid up-flow.
Shallow lakes were present in the vicinity of Midas during formation of the host rocks (units Tep2, Tes). During hydrothermal activity, water from the lakes recharged the meteoric water-dominated geothermal system.
The nearly synchronous deposition of high-grade Au-Ag seleniumrich veins throughout the Midas area suggests that the quartz-adularia-calcite veins were derived from the same hydrothermal system by common depositional mechanisms. The source of the precious metals, however, may be sourced from mafic magmas at depth, rather than from the felsic intrusions, and transported quickly to the Midas hydrothermal system as colloids (Saunders et al, 2007) where the particles precipitate on the vein walls. At Midas, the thickest portions of high-grade veins occur in dilational zones created by oblique-slip stress along a north-northwest to northwest-striking fault system. Evidence of coeval faulting and high-grade mineralization (vein breccia, Tcd) suggests that seismic events may have triggered movement along existing fault zones with release of metal-bearing fluids from deeper hydrothermal reservoirs. The presence of bladed quartz-after-calcite and adularia in quartz veins are indicative of boiling, possibly caused by the decreased pressure along fault conduits.
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9. |
Exploration |
Most recently, Newmont utilized analysis from CSAMT geophysical surveys to target district-wide veins at depth. The CSAMT helped Newmont define distinct structures across the Midas District in conjunction with surface mapping and analysis of previous drilling data. Resistivity anomalies defined distinct structures and near surface silicification commonly associated with veining at depth.
9.1. 2011 to 2012 Drill Target Selection Methodology
Newmonts exploration program for 2011 and 2012 included the identification of 16 target areas. Newmont drill tested 14 of the areas, and identified four areas for follow-up. Drill intercepts with notable mineralization from those four areas include:
| Opal Hill - DMC-00251 = 7.3 feet at 0.073 opt Au / 0.126 opt Ag; | |
| Grant Jackson/Missing link - DMC-00226 = 5.0 feet at 0.249Au / 0.028Ag; | |
| Redscrabble 31.0 feet at 0.041 Au / 0.128 Ag, and; | |
| Hardscrabble - DMC-00232A = 14.1 feet at 0.068Au / 4.66Ag. |
Midas drill targets were ranked by Newmont using the following data sets:
1. |
Soil and Rock Chip Geochemistry As, Hg, Se and Sb anomalies; |
|
2. |
Surface mapping Large mapped fault structure with favorable orientation; |
|
3. |
Geophysics Resitivity anomalies from (CSAMT) and; |
|
4. |
Application of the epithermal model |
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Figure 9-1
CSAMT Image of Veins
at Depth, Structure and
Target Areas
Results of Newmonts2011 to 2012 drilling are summarized below: (Graf 2013):
Opal Hill - One core-tail was drilled in the Opal Hill target during 2012 to test a CSAMT anomaly and previously drilled high grade reverse-circulation (RC) intercepts. Mapping in this area has defined opalization, eruption breccias and drill hole geochemical signatures of a high-level epithermal system indicating possible mineralization at depth. It was recommended to drill two holes at various depths along this fault to further define the potential for high grade Gold veins at depth.
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Redscrabble - Two core-tails and one RC hole were drilled in the Redscrabble area in 2012. These holes originally targeted the northwest (NW) striking Hardscrabble fault, but drilling intercepts have led to a new interpretation of the structure. The Redscrabble fault appears to be the northern extension of the Hardscrabble fault, offset along the Southern Owyhee Fault. It was recommended to drill two more holes into this structure (500 feet above and below gold intercept) to determine where high grade veins could be located in this fault.
Grant Jackson / Missing Link - Six core-tail holes were drilled in the Grant Jackson-Missing Link area in 2012. These holes were drilled to test veins at depth. There is limited drilling on these targets below 5,200 ft due to this being the conceptual ore horizon throughout the Midas District. This new drill data suggests potential remains for bonanza grade veins at depth. The Missing Link Vein has limited drilling. This new intercept suggests that the vein may be striking NW, which may make it a southern extension of the Midas Trend Vein. It was recommended to drill one hole on each of these veins in 2013, a deep hole on Grant Jackson to test depth, and one hole on Missing Link to test strike.
Hardscrabble - Three core-tails and one RC hole were drilled in the Hardscrabble target during 2011-2012 to test a CSAMT anomaly and offset previously drilled high grade intercepts. Geology and mineralization suggest this structure may horsetails as it moves to the south. There is some inconsistency in logged chips from 2002 to present. These chips and core should be re-logged. It was recommended to drill two holes 200 feet deeper along this fault to the north to further define the potential for high grade gold veins at depth.
Golden Belle - Four core-tail holes were drilled in the Golden Belle area in 2011, and three core-tail follow-up holes were drilled in 2012. Five holes were previously completed in the mid 2000s, intercepting higher grade silver. These more recent holes were drilled to test for higher grade gold at depth. Due to inconsistency in logging of core and chips, a cross section was not constructed until geologic units can be determined. It was recommended to re-log RC drill chips to provide consistency within this structural zone. If questions still remain on lithologies, a litho-geochemical study should be completed to determine chemical identities of Midas geologic units to aid in district wide RC logging.
Eastern Star - One core-tail and two RC holes were drilled targeting the Eastern Star fault in 2011. Mercury (Hg) anomalies in this area suggest the gold/silver system is below the Hg anomaly. The holes were drilled to test for high grade veins at depth. The deepest hole appears to have missed the interpreted structure, and one follow-up RC hole was recommended to test this structure at depth.
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Red Bluff - One core hole was drilled into the Red Bluff fault in 2011. This hole was drilled with an underground U-8 rig due to pad restriction size and shallow angle of the drilled hole. A weak fault zone with quartz was encountered 985 feet down hole, which corresponds with the west dipping Red Bluff fault. This area has the potential to host Au mineralization, but no further drilling was recommended at this time.
Fe Oxide fault - Two RC holes and two core-tails were drilled into the FeOx target during 2011-2012 to test a CSAMT anomaly and surface mapped fault. The two RC holes were drilled into the footwall (FW) of the fault, and the two core tails crossed the fault. The fault contact was Tep1/Tess, indicating significant offset; however, there was no Au or vein mineralization present within the fault. There are weak anomalies of arsenic (As) along the fault. No drilling was recommended in the FeOx area.
Astralagus - One core-tail and one RC hole were drilled into the Astralagus target during 2012 to test a CSAMT anomaly and surface mapped fault with unit test in the hanging wall and unit Tep1 in the footwall. This is similar to offset seen to the south in the FeOx area. There was no Au or vein mineralization present within the fault. No significant geochemical anomalies were found within the drill holes. No drilling was recommended in the Astralagus area.
Mill Hill - One RC hole was drilled into the East Squaw Creek Fault during 2011 to test a CSAMT anomaly. This hole had no Au or geochemical anomalies, and no fault structures were encountered. No drilling was recommended in the Mill Hill area.
Homestead - Two core-tail holes were drilled in the Homestead area during 2011-2012. These holes were drilled about 500-foot and about 1,500-foot north of the limit of underground drilling along the Homestead Vein. The furthest north underground intercept along the vein assayed 1.0 foot at 0.119 opt Au and 47.80 opt Ag. Both of the holes crossed the modeled structure; however, returned no significant intercepts. No further drilling was recommended on this vein structure until further mining occurs development along the East Veins.
Colorado Norte / Hoodoos - One core-tail and one RC hole were drilled into the Colorado Norte/Hoodoos faults during 2011-2012 encountering a fault structure (repeated section suggesting down drop to the west) filled with a mafic dike. There was no gold anomaly, but significant anomalies in As, Hg, and stibnite (Sb) existed, suggesting high level mineralization. One hole was drilled into the Hoodoos fault structure. This hole had no Au or geochemical anomalies, and no fault structures were encountered. It was recommended to drill below the anomalies in the Colorado Norte area, but due to the lack of Au encountered, it was not considered a priority. No drilling was recommended for the Hoodoos area.
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Eastern Sleeper - One RC hole was drilled into the Eastern Sleeper fault to test a CSAMT anomaly. This hole had no Au or geochemical anomalies, and no fault structures were encountered. No further drilling was recommended in the Eastern Sleeper area.
Saddle - One RC hole was drilled into the Saddle fault to test a CSAMT anomaly. This hole had no Au or geochemical anomalies, and no fault structures were encountered. No further drilling was recommended in the Saddle area.
In summary: Fourteen drill targets were tested by Newmont in 2011 and 2012 after careful review of geologic and geophysical features. Four areas have the potential for large Au deposits which may merit follow up drilling. They include:
1. |
Opal Hill; |
|
2. |
Redscrabble; |
|
3. |
Grant Jackson/Missing link, and ; |
|
4. |
Hardscrabble. |
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Figure 9-2
Newmonts 2011 to 2012
Exploration Drill Targets
(Graf 2013)
9.2. Klondexs 2014 Drill Program
The Midas exploration team has adopted the low-sulfidation epithermal model. On a general scale, the hydrothermal system and subsequent mineralization developed at Midas is currently interpreted as a low-sulfidation, epithermal precious-metal vein system, as part of a larger magmatic system at depth. A model of this type shows how loss of volatiles from magmas at depth can form large porphyry deposits adjacent to the intrusions. If the correct structural and/or hydrologic conditions exist, then metal-rich magmatic fluids potentially can migrate upward and outward to form low-sulfidation epithermal deposits (Saunders et al, 2007) (Figure 8-1).
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This model information, coupled with a geochemical study on the Colorado Grande Vein, has increased the understanding of the depth to which high grade mineralization exists along vein systems. Two conclusions have been adopted to understand zoning within the mineralization systems:
1. |
Arsenic is relatively enriched above the mineralization body. Arsenic values ranging from 0-10 parts per million (ppm) indicate a position below the mineralization body; values ranging from 10-25 ppm indicate a position within the mineralization body; and values ranging from 25 to over 100 ppm indicate a position above the mineralization body. |
|
2. |
Base metal enrichment with depth is not recognized. However, Cu is somewhat enriched at depth, where values ranging from 150 to 200 ppm occur below the mineralization body; values ranging from 50 to 150 ppm occur within the mineralization body; and values ranging from 0 to 50 ppm occur above the mineralization body. |
Drilling along these four exploration targets to further define location of high-grade mineralization is recommended:
1. |
Opal Hill; |
|
2. |
Grant Jackson / Missing Link; |
|
3. |
Redscrabble, and; |
|
4. |
Hardscrabble. |
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Figure 9-5
Geologic Cross-Section
through Grant Jackson /
Missing Link
(Graf 2013)
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Figure 9-6
Geologic Cross-Section
through Redscrabble
(Graf 2013)
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Figure 9-7
Geologic Cross-Section
through Hardscrabble
(Graf 2013)
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10. |
Drilling and Sampling Methodology |
10.1. Introduction
Klondex completed 112 new drill holes totaling 76,990 feet which were included in the current mineral resource estimate. As of the effective date of this report, August 31, 2014, drilling was ongoing. The previous operators of the Midas Mine have completed 4,037 drill holes totaling over 2.7 million feet of drilling on over a dozen major veins. The distribution of drill holes throughout the Midas Project area is shown in Figure 10-1. Typical cross sections through the veins with drill traces are shown in Figure 10-2 and Figure 10-3.
Figure 10-1
Plan view of Midas
Drilling
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The 21 veins included in the mineral resource estimate are defined by 2,990 drill holes which contain 10,116 feet of mineralized vein intercepts. There are an additional 18,041 channel samples totaling 160,764 feet of vein sampling. Of this total, approximately 1.5% of the drilling and 4.5% of the channel samples are attributable to Klondex and the balance to the previous owners of the project. True thickness of the veins varies from a fraction of a foot to several feet. Typical long sections showing the composite drilling and channel sampling locations are shown in Figure 10-4 through Figure 10-7.
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10.2. Drill Core Sampling
In September 2014, authors of this report visited the Midas site but did not observe any drilling or sample recovery. The procedures used have been summarized from interviews with the Midas technical staff that have been employed at Midas by both Newmont and Klondex. These procedures are as follows:
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1. |
Handling of the drilled core from the station includes drilling with a Diamec U8 core rig (other types of drill rigs have been used in the past). Drillers label core box lids with a unique Bore Hole Identification number (BHID, which includes the year), box number, and drilled interval. Drillers put the core in with top of drilled sequence leading the run in the box and end of drilled interval ending the run in the box. Drillers label the end of the run to the nearest one tenth of a foot, and measure and record the recovery in feet on wooden blocks, which are put at the end of the drilled interval. |
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2. |
Drillers stack full core boxes on a pallet in numerical order. |
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3. |
Drillers or geotechnicians either deliver the pallet to surface or take a partial delivery of core boxes in the back of their motorized underground personnel vehicle. They leave the pallet of core boxes (or individual core boxes on a spare pallet) at the core logging facility. |
Collar locations and downhole surveys were conducted by Newmont staff with Newmont equipment, and the data uploaded directly into acQuire.
Channel samples along production drifts were also incorporated into this mineral resource estimate. The channel sample locations are stored as synthetic drill holes in AcQuire in order to utilize them spatially with software (northings, eastings, elevations, azimuth, dip, and length). The northing, easting, and elevation of the samples were derived from Vulcan after geologists digitized the channel sample locations into the digital underground drift asbuilt survey. The channel sample locations were not survey points that can be verified by the author, but the asbuilts are derived from surveys.
It is not known by the authors what percent of core recovery Newmont experienced at Midas. Since February 2014, Klondexs percent of core recovery at Midas is 95%.
Material from core, rejects, RC chips, and pulps were stored by Newmont onsite within a fenced and protected facility. This practice has been continued by Klondex.
Newmont logged core utilizing electronic tablets and uploaded data directly into acQuire. Newmonts logging protocols for core have not been reviewed by the authors. Klondexs logging protocols are as follows:
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When core is delivered to the core shed, the core shed manager enters it into a core tracking spreadsheet located on the server. This allows the geologists to easily check core processing status. |
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| Core is laid out on the logging table. | |
| The logging form for the hole is downloaded from the AcQuire 4 data entry software to the logging computer. |
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Geologists log details of lithology, alteration, structure, veins and sample interval directly into the logging computer. |
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| When the log is finished, it is uploaded from the logging computer to the database. | |
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Sample IDs are tracked on a separate Master spreadsheet. After the hole is logged, the geologist opens the spreadsheet named Master, which contains the sample IDs from the previous hole. The geologist over-writes the sample intervals from the previous hole with the sample intervals for the current hole then uses the next sample ID in the sequence to start generating sample IDs for the current hole. Once the geologist has generated the sample IDs, including IDs for QA/QC samples, the Master spreadsheet is over-written. Two copies are saved with the name of the hole. The first copy serves as the cutsheet, which is the document the geotechnician uses to sample the core. The cutsheet contains a comments column which contains QA/QC information. The second copy has the comments column deleted and serves as the lab submittal. |
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| Sample IDs are loaded to the database. |
10.3. Face Sampling
Face sampling methodology at Midas by Newmont and Klondex geologists is typical of narrow vein mining operations. The geologists collected material from the face by hand with a rock hammer to chip off multiple fragments in the face across the vein and wall rock representing all material from a variety of features, such as silicified patches, oxidized breccias, vug-fill, free gold, etc. The geologist collect various features proportionately within a measured zone for one sample as follows:
1. |
Before sampling and mapping a face, the geologist washes the face with water from a hose to expose the vein, structures such as faults, and alteration and to remove contaminants from the blast. |
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2. |
Sampling and mapping followed the wash. |
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3. |
Three samples were collected from the face: left wall rock, vein, and right wall rock from left to right. The area sampled was from the sill to the extent of reach by hand. |
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4. |
Samples consisted of chips removed by rock hammer into a bag, which was slipped inside a bucket. |
NOTE: A geologist pre-labeled the bags on the surface during pre-shift with a bar-coded sticky label, which was also stapled on. Additionally, the geologist also labeled the bags with a permanent magic marker.
5. |
All samples had a three letter prefix followed by a six digit number: KSF000000 = channel sample. |
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6. |
After the sampling procedures were completed, the geologist mapped the face and recorded vein widths, sample locations, and structural features in hand-written notes on a face sheet. |
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7. |
The geologist marked the vein margins, structures, face heading, and distance with spray paint on the wall rock. |
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8. |
The geologist took the bagged samples to the geology office and hand-entered data into a central Excel spreadsheet including SampleID, face distance, date, geologist name, sample widths, and a geologic description of the sample. |
NOTE: The location of the sample channels are measured from known points along the drift alignment and posted on face sheets and plan maps. Location sheets are then scanned. Channel locations (faces) are digitized with Vulcan Software. Channel collar eastings, northings, and elevations are obtained using Vulcan software. Individual sample widths are obtained from mapping at the time of sampling. Channel location coordinates are exported from Vulcan into CSV (comma-separated values) formatted collar files. Sample width values are hand entered into CSV formatted sample files with assay results pasted from laboratory reports. The channel sample files are then imported into Vulcan Software and modeled as synthetic drill holes using the eastings, northings, elevation, width, and assay values.
9. |
All samples collected within a twelve-hour shift were entered into a sample submittal form, which was saved on the company server. |
NOTE: QA/QC samples were not inserted in the channel sample stream at Midas. Channel sample assays were performed at Newmonts Twin Creeks laboratory rather than an independent assay lab. Twin Creeks analyses production and grade control samples for Newmonts other western Nevada mines. The past production history of over 2 million gold ounces from the Midas Mine supports the validity of the channel samples, and the authors believe that they are accurate.
10. |
The samples were sent to the assay lab after every twelve-hour shift. |
Klondex has an agreement with Pinson Mining Company (PMC) to lease PMCs assay laboratory and has staffed the facility with Klondex personnel. Klondex now sends channel samples to the Pinson lab for analysis. A blank is inserted into the channel sample stream at least once per shift. Otherwise, channel sampling protocol has remained unchanged.
The authors are not aware of any drilling, sampling or recovery factors that could materially impact the accuracy and reliability of the results.
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11. |
Sample Preparation Analysis and Security |
11.1. Core Sample Preparation
Core is sampled after the core logging procedure is complete. Only mineralized intervals are sampled in holes drilled for delineation purposes. Mineralized intervals are identified by projecting modeled mineralized trends to expected down-hole intercept depths and by experienced staff consistently recognizing mineralization characteristics. Holes drilled for exploration purposes would be sampled entirely. All of the Klondex drilling to date has been for delineation purposes.
Once a mineralized interval is identified, the geologist chooses sample intervals with the goal of obtaining the best possible characterization of the interval. Samples are taken across the mineralized interval, consuming the whole core, beginning and ending in waste beyond the margins of the interval. Minimum sample length is 0.8 feet, and maximum sample length is 5 feet for NQ size core. A standard or blank is inserted in the sample stream every 25 samples with a minimum of 2 QA/QC samples per hole.
Samples are placed into cloth sample bags according to their sample intervals. Sample bags are labeled with sample ID. Sample IDs for core holes begin with the KMC- prefix followed by 5 digits.
QA/QC samples for the hole are assembled and kept with the lab submittal form.
Sample bags are placed in a bin in the core yard to await shipment to American Assay Laboratories (AAL) in Reno, Nevada. AAL is an ISO 17025 accredited facility and is independent of Klondex. When enough samples have accumulated to constitute a full shipment, the AAL driver is called to the core shed. Bins of samples are loaded onto the AAL truck, and the submittals and QA/QC samples are handed to the driver.
When the core sampling procedure is complete, remaining core is discarded except for categorically unaltered basalt. Unaltered basalt is thoroughly chip sampled and set aside. The chip samples are sent to AAL for analysis. If the result of the analysis is below the detection limit, the basalt is used for blank QA/QC material. If the result of the analysis yields a measurable result, the basalt is discarded.
11.2. Channel Sample Preparation
The following outlines the channel sample preparation methodology.
Channel samples at Midas were bagged on site at the face;
Full bags were brought to the Geology office;
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QA/QC materials were not inserted into the channel sample dispatch; and
Channel samples were delivered to the Pinson lab every shift.
11.3. Sample Analysis Protocol
Drill samples are analyzed by AAL. The sample analysis protocol is as follows:
1. |
Each sample of core will be dried and crushed to a state that permits 80% of the sample passes through a 10 mesh screen; |
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2. |
The sample is then split using a rotary splitter to 1,000 grams; |
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3. |
The 1000 gram splits are then pulverized to a state that 80% of the sample passes through a 200 mesh screen, creating a pulp; |
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4. |
Returning to the original 1,000 gram pulp, 50 to 60 grams are then analyzed by fire assay for gold and silver with a two acid digestion and an ICP finish; |
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5. |
Samples that are over 10 PPM Au or 100 PPM Ag then receive a 50 to 60 Gram Fire assay with a gravimetric finish for gold and silver; |
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6. |
All results will be reported in opt Au and opt Ag; |
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7. |
All coarse rejects and pulps are returned to the Klondex Midas core shed by American Assay courier during normal sample pickup; and |
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8. |
Sample turnaround time is 20 calendar days from the date the samples are picked up at the Midas core shed. |
Channel samples are analyzed by the Klondex lab. The channel sample analysis protocol is as follows:
Sample Preparation:
| Sample received, inventoried, panned, and dried at 250° F; | |
| Sample crushed to 80% passing 10 mesh; | |
| Crusher cleanout rock/air after every sample, high grade cleanout twice; | |
| Sample homogenized, 300 gram riffle split taken; | |
| 300 gram split pulverized to 85% passing 200 mesh; and | |
| Pulverizer cleanout sand/air after every sample, high grade cleanout twice. |
Fire Assay:
| 30 gram prepared sample weighed in 40 gram crucible for fire assay gold/silver; | |
| Sample custom fluxed for oxide/sulfide matrix; | |
| Quality Control (QC), Certified Reference Material (CRM), blank, and 5% analytical duplicates inserted and reported by batch; |
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| Sample are fused, poured, cupelled, and finished gravimetrically; and | |
| Gold/silver grades calculated. |
11.4. Sample Security Measures
Sample pulps and coarse rejects are returned to the Midas core shed, a fenced facility. Pulps are stored in shipping containers at the core shed facility. Coarse rejects are sorted, high grade samples are saved, and waste samples are discarded.
11.5. Historic Quality Control Measures
Starting in 2008, Newmont geologists routinely inserted blind standards and blanks with the drill core samples submitted to ALS for assaying. These standards and blanks were selected from an inventory of QA/QC materials maintained by Newmont at their Nevada operations. The authors have reviewed the gold assay QA/QC performance for drill core submitted to ALS by Newmont from about 5 percent of the drill hole data used in the current estimation. Most Newmont standards were not certified for silver, so the silver QA/QC data for Newmont drill samples were not reviewed. Gold and silver QA/QC data for the channel samples was also not reviewed by the authors.
ALS is an independent laboratory and has branches located worldwide, and locally in Sparks and Elko, Nevada. Most ALS Geochemistry laboratories are registered or are pending registration to ISO 9001:2008, and a number of analytical facilities have received ISO 17025 accreditations for specific laboratory procedures.
The performance of standard samples submitted with drill core to ALS is summarized in Table 11-1 below, and graphical results for individual standards are presented in Figure 11-1 through Figure 11-8. All of these results are within acceptable statistical limits with the exception of standard GVL. The value for standard GVL of 0.0049 gold opt is below the detection limit for the assay method employed by ALS on the Midas drill core samples, and the discrepancy is insignificant.
Table 11-1 Newmont Standard Performance Summary, Drill Samples, ALS
Standard | |||||||
Standard | Value | Count | Mean | Std. dev. | T-statistic | T 0.95 | Comment |
G01 | 0.377 | 5 | 0.4 | 0.02 | 2.589 | -2.775 | Accept |
GVL | 0.00049 | 135 | 5.9 x 10 - 6 | 3.4 x 10 - 5 | -31.61 | -1.978 | Detection Limit |
LUB | 0.422 | 16 | 0.417 | 0.01 | -1.94 | -2.131 | Accept |
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Standard | |||||||
Standard | Value | Count | Mean | Std. dev. | T-statistic | T 0.95 | Comment |
MDS1 | 2.77 | 27 | 2.765 | 0.088 | -0.308 | -2.056 | Accept |
MS7 | 0.079 | 41 | 0.078 | 0.003 | -2.129 | -2.021 | Inconclusive |
PR6 | 0.013 | 25 | 0.013 | 0.003 | 0.892 | -2.064 | Accept |
G399-5 | 0.0254 | 4 | 0.028 | 0.005 | 1.291 | -3.182 | Accept |
MS1 | 0.00298 | 3 | 0.00693 | 0.004 | 1.842 | -4.303 | Accept |
Figure 11-1
Standard G01 Assay
Performance
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Figure 11-8
Standard MS1 Assay
Performance
11.6. Current Quality Control Measures
The current QA/QC protocol for drill samples at Midas is to insert a standard, blank or duplicate every 25 samples, with a minimum of two QA/QC samples per hole, or at least one blank and one standard for holes with less than 25 samples.
For channel samples, a blank is inserted into the sample stream at least once per shift.
Pulps and coarse rejects from AAL are being set aside for check analysis. Check samples include high-grade intercepts and waste samples, which are representative of the core sampling method, involves sampling from waste, through the mineralized interval, back into waste. The check samples are accumulating at the core shed and have not yet been submitted to Inspectorate.
Klondex geologists routinely insert blind standards and blanks with the drill core samples submitted to AAL for assaying. Duplicates have been inserted irregularly. Klondexs inventory of QA/QC material currently consists of three standards purchased from Rocklabs, a reputable supplier of certified reference material. All three of the standards have certified values for both gold and silver. Blank material used for QA/QC is obtained by thoroughly chip sampling unaltered mafic drilled material. The chip samples are sent to AAL for assay analysis. If the assay results are below detection, the core is bagged in one foot to two foot increments and used as blank reference material.
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The authors have reviewed the gold and silver assay QA/QC performance for all 112 holes drilled by Klondex. All were submitted to AAL for analysis. The gold and silver QA/QC data for about five percent of the channel samples was also reviewed by the authors.
The performance of standard samples submitted with drill core to AAL is summarized in Table 11-2 below, and graphical results for individual standards are presented in Figure 11-9 through Figure 11-16. All of these results are within acceptable statistical limits with the exception of standard SN-74 for both gold and silver and blanks for gold and silver.
Table 11-2 Current Standard Performance Summary, DrillSamples, AAL
Standard | |||||||
Standard | Value | Count | Mean | Std. dev. | T-statistic | T 0.95 | Comment |
SL-77 Au | 0.151 | 11 | 0.151 | 0.002 | 0.378 | -2.228 | Accept |
SL-77 Ag | 0.849 | 11 | 0.864 | 0.023 | 0.224 | -2.228 | Accept |
SN-74 Au | 0.262 | 16 | 0.259 | 0.003 | -4.329 | -2.131 | Reject Mean less than one std. dev. from value |
SN-74 Ag | 1.502 | 16 | 1.522 | 0.03 | 2.669 | -2.131 | Reject Mean less than one std. dev. from value. |
SQ-70 Au | 1.156 | 13 | 1.156 | 0.015 | -0.011 | -2.179 | Accept |
SQ-70 Ag | 4.652 | 13 | 4.708 | 0.119 | 1.688 | -2.179 | Accept |
Blank Au | 0 | 72 | 0 | 0.001 | 2.076 | -1.994 | Reject 3 assays from Aug. 26 and 27 reported high values. |
Blank Ag | 0 | 72 | 0.006 | 0.012 | 4.419 | -1.994 | Reject Several assays beginning Aug. 27 report high values. |
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Table 11-3 Current Standard Performance Summary, Channel Samples, Klondex Pinson Lab
Standard | |||||||
Standard | Value | Count | Mean | Std. dev. | T-statistic | T 0.95 | Comment |
Blank Au | 0 | 6 | 0.0025 | 0 | All values reported at ½ of detection limit. | ||
Blank Ag | 0 | 6 | 0.05 | 0 | All values reported at ½ of detection limit. |
Figure 11-17
Blank Au Assay
Performance for Channels,
Klondex Pinson Lab
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Figure 11-18
Blank Silver Assay
Performance for Channels,
Klondex Pinson Lab
11.7. Opinion on the Adequacy of the Sampling Methodologies
Staff at Midas have shown a solid understanding with regard to management of the drilled core and associated digital data. The methods of handling the drilled material both physically and electronically, are acceptable for use in an analysis of the mineral resource; however, there exist system improvements that should be implemented. The anticipated implementation of the Klondex AcQuire database in 2015 will increase reliability of digital data.
11.8. Sampling Protocol Issues
There are no known issues with sampling protocol by Newmont or Klondex at Midas.
11.9. Standards and Blanks Performance Issues
There are no known quality assurance, quality control or sample security issues with sampling protocol by Newmont or Klondex at Midas. Klondex should implement a program of inserting standards and duplicates in the channel sample stream similar to that used for drill core. QA/QC procedures should be expanded to include duplicate assays at a second independent lab for both core and channel sampling. When the QA/QC sample for an assay set exceeds the acceptable deviation, the set shoud be rerun and the earlier results replaced in the data base. The implementation of the AcQuire database will streamline tracking of QA/QC results and re-assay data entry.
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12. |
DataVerification |
12.1. |
DataValidation Procedures |
The authors of this report have reviewed Newmont and Klondex drill and channel sample data used for the current mineral resource and mineral reserve estimate. This review was performed for verification purposes to allow the datasets to contribute to evaluation of the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimate. The authors work included review of protocols for data management and sample collection, preparation and analysis. Assay values from the Klondex database were verified by correlation with original assay certificates and by review of QA/QC procedures and results.
Midas geologists provided the Midas database and corresponding raw data files (source data) for the validation. The Midas database was derived by merging the Newmont AcQuire database with Klondex data. The authors analyzed a random population of data representing five percent of the total samples produced from drilled and channel sampled material used in the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimate.
In addition to verifying gold and silver values for sampled material, this validation also reviewed general technical data related to sampling, such as the location of the drill hole collars and downhole survey data. Geologic logs were also reviewed to validate the data used for shaping and projecting vein trends. Channel samples were verified by comparing the geologists daily face sheets with sample interval and geology data. There were no assay certificates provided to the authors for Newmont channel samples because the channel samples were processed in-house at the Newmonts Twin Creeks laboratory and the results were uploaded from the assay Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) directly into the Newmont AcQuire database system. Assay results for channel samples completed by Klondex were provided and reviewed.
Values were compared for direct correlation, record-by-record, between the original source data and the September 2014 tables exported from the Midas database used for the mineral resource estimation. The scale of detailed examination record-by-record produced a positive data validation covering 5% of the data used in the resource estimate, which upholds the integrity of the assay values for use in the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimate.
12.2. |
Datasets Submitted for Evaluation |
Two datasets, drilling and channel sampling, were used for estimating the mineral resource and mineral reserve. The authors compared the values in both data sets with the data in the source files. Source files were requested for 152 of the 2,990 drill holes used in the mineral resource estimate and 73 of the 18,041 channels used in the mineral resource estimate. Data categories reviewed include:
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Collar locations : raw collar survey reports for 152 holes out of 2990 (about 5%) of the drill holes used in the mineral resource estimate. Survey reports were compared to values in the Midas database. (Channel locations are derived from geologists measurements and do not have formal survey reports).
Downhole surveys : raw downhole survey reports for 112 holes and 40 collar and quill projected surveys out of 2990 (about 5%) of the drill holes used in the mineral resource estimate. (Channel surveys are derived from geologists measurements and do not have formal survey reports).
Lithology : electronic or scanned paper geological logs for 152 out of 2990 (about 5%) of the drill holes used in the mineral resource estimate. For channels, geologists face sheets for 35 Newmont channels out of 18,041 (about 0.2%) and 38 out of 295 Klondex channels (about 12%) of channel samples used in the mineral resource estimate. Reliability of Newmont channels has been supported by mine reconciliation, and unavailability of source data limit the value of a thorough check of Newmont channels.
Sample intervals : Newmont and Klondex electronic cut-sheets with SampleID and sample intervals for 5% of the drill holes used in the mineral resource estimate. Face sheets with SampleID and sample intervals for 12% of the Klondex channels used in the mineral resource estimate.
Assays: original ALS and AAL PDF assay result certificates for five percent of the drill holes used in the mineral resource estimate were compared with the Midas database. For Klondex channel samples, assay results in XLSX format from Twin Creeks Lab, Dave Francisco Lab and Klondex Lab were compared with the Midas database for 12% of the channels. There are no assay certificates for the Newmont channel samples.
Table 12-1 summarizes the number of records and percent of drilling and channel samples reviewed for this report.
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Table 12-1 Data Verification Summary
Total Samples | Collar XYZ, | Downhole | Sample | |||
Utilized | Az., Dip, TD | Survey | Lithology | Sample | Sample Assay | |
Resource | Records | Records | Records | Intervals | Certificates | |
Dataset | Estimate | Reviewed | Reviewed | Reviewed | Reviewed | Reviewed |
Drilled Samples | 4,370 | 152 | 497 | 264 | 10,730 | 10,73 |
Klondex Channel Samples | 36 | N/A | N/A | 43 | 76 | 76 |
Newmont Channel Samples | 24,689 | N/A | N/A | 37 | 107 | 0 |
Totals | 29,421 | 264 | 497 | 344 | 10,913 | 10,806 |
Percent of Population Reviewed | 5% | 5% | 1% | 1% | 1% |
12.3. |
Collar Location Checks |
The authors reviewed 152 collar survey reports, representing about five percent of the drill holes utilized in this mineral resource estimate. Easting, northing, elevation and depth data from the original survey sheets were compared with the values in the Midas database. Two errors were found: two eastings were off by less than 1 foot from the collar survey report. This yields a 99.6% match between the original report values and the Midas database for drill hole collar locations. It is unknown to the authors in which datum the original surveys were collected or if the data was subsequently re-projected.
There were no channel sample surveys, but the location of the samples fits the surveyed asbuilts. For 38 of the 295 channels collected by Klondex, the authors checked geologists measurements from the face sheets with the channel locations relative to the asbuilt and observed good correlation. In summary, the authors observe a positive correlation between original survey reports and the Midas database for drill hole collar locations. Channel sample locations show positive location correlation based on their projection relative to asbuilts.
12.4. |
Down Hole Survey Checks |
The authors reviewed 6,497 original down hole survey records from International Directional Services (IDS) for 111 drill holes against the records in the Midas database. Collar and quill survey records were reviewed for 20 holes. Collar and quill surveys are used underground for short holes where little deviation is expected. The azimuth and dip is measured during the collar survey and projected to the total depth. In total, about five percent of the total down hole survey record population used in the mineral resource estimate was reviewed. There were 6,387 direct matches and 110 records with discrepancies in the azimuth uniformly off by 10 degrees in the drill hole MUC-01889. The azimuth of that hole is not expected to impact the mineral resource estimate. In summary, 5% of the down hole surveys in Newmonts AcQuire database were matched with original down hole survey records, demonstrating reliable data integrity. Channel sample locations show positive azimuth and dip correlation based on their projection relative to asbuilts.
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12.5. |
Lithology Review |
From the 2,990 drill holes utilized in this mineral resource estimate, 152 (or about 5%) of the geological logs were randomly selected and reviewed by the authors. The vein flag field was the focus of the review because it is the component of the geology dataset that primarily affects the model. Of the 4,370 flagged records for drilled material used in the mineral resource estimate, 264 (or about 6%) were reviewed. One non-match was identified, yielding a 99.6% correlation.
Of the 295 Klondex channels used in this mineral resource estimate, 38 (about 12%) of the geological summaries in original face sheets were reviewed by the authors. Of the 18,155 Newmont channels used in this mineral resource estimate, 35 (about 0.2%) of the geological summaries in original face sheets were reviewed by the authors. In total, about 0.4% of channels were reviewed. No discrepancies were found in the channel vein identification. In summary, the Midas channel sample database shows excellent correlation with the correct vein identification.
12.6. |
Sample ID and Sample Interval Checks |
The drill hole sample records in the Midas database exports are sorted by their sampling interval and do not include SampleID in the tables. From the 2,990 drill holes utilized in this mineral resource estimate, 152 (or about 5%) of the sample intervals in original cut sheets were randomly selected and reviewed by the authors in comparison to the Midas database exported tables. From the 10,730 records reviewed for drilled material used in the mineral resource estimate, 10,723 sample intervals were directly matched to the cut sheets. Seven mismatched records were found but do not affect samples used in the mineral resource estimation. The sample intervals correlate well between the cut sheets and the Midas database.
Of the 25,051 channel samples used in this mineral resource estimate, 12% of Klondex samples and 0.15% of Newmont samples, or 0.3% of the sample intervals and SampleIDs in original face sheets were reviewed by the authors. There were 184 total records reviewed in the selected dataset with 100% direct correlation between the face sheet and the Midas database.
In summary, the Midas database shows excellent correlation with the sample intervals in the corresponding original cut sheets.
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12.7. |
Assay Certificate Checks |
The authors compared assay values for samples from 152 drill holes in the Midas database to the original PDFs of certified assay results from ALS and AAL, which is about five percent of the total drill holes and includes 6% of the flagged drill samples utilized in this mineral resource estimate. In total, 10,730 samples were checked of the 201,033 samples from holes used in the mineral resource estimation. Thirty-two mismatches were identified in the gold values and 26 mismatches were identified in the silver values. There was one discrepancy in a sample used in the estimate: Hole MUC-02181 has a silver value of 156.22 opt Ag for sample interval 525.7 to 526.5, whereas the assay certificate has 116.5. The gold values match for this sample interval. It is possible that this sample, due to its high grade, was resampled, and the later assay certificate is the source of the larger silver value. In any case, both values contribute equally to the mineral resource estimate, and this discrepancy is not considered an issue by the authors. The other mismatches are in samples which were not used in the mineral resource estimate calculation. Most of the mismatches are minor and attributable to inconsistent choice of best assay value for samples with more than one assay, rounding discrepancies and inconsistent handling of under limit values.
There were no assay certificates provided for the Newmont channel samples. This material was processed in Newmonts own laboratories, and their LIMS uploaded assay results directly into AcQuire without generating individual reports. Due to the excellent correlation between drilled sample results and the AcQuire database, the methodology for uploading data from LIMS to AcQuire is probably excellent, though a review of Newmonts laboratory results or external audit of their lab has not been evaluated by the authors for this report. Assay values were checked for about 12% of Klondex channel samples. Two errors were found, neither of which affected a sample used in the mineral resource estimate. The errors were a result of manual data entry; values were swapped for two adjacent samples, and one gold value was entered as 0.016 instead of 0.061. Implementation of the Klondex AcQuire database will prevent this type of data entry error.
In summary, the Midas database demonstrates excellent correlation with the original assay certificates for drilled material; but the assays for Newmont channel samples are reliant on supposing that the Newmont in-house laboratory produces accurate assay results. The upload of Newmonts LIMS data to AcQuire was probably seamless. The assay data for Klondex channel samples is acceptable.
12.8. |
Format Conversions |
Gold and silver assay results from ALS were reported to Newmont in both opt and in ppm. Newmont directly imported the assay values into AcQuire and relied on AcQuire to automatically adjust the units. Gold and silver assay results from AAL are reported to Klondex in both opt and in ppm. Conversions are made in Excel when necessary. The authors observed that the calculations have been performed correctly.
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12.9. |
Summary of Database Verification |
The database utilized for this mineral resource estimate complies with standards prescribed by CIM protocol.
In summary, 5% of each data set (with the exception of channel assays) under review was verified against original source data as listed above for accuracy. The authors consider that the validation work for this report is at a sufficient level to allow the use of the database in a CIM mineral resource estimate. In particular, the accuracy of the assay database has been quantified by independent review for five percent of the drill hole assays by direct correlation with assay certificates from accredited laboratories. The authors verification of the results indicates there is no significant grade bias in the primary laboratory data.
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13. |
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing |
The Midas Mill has been in operation since 1998 and has successfully recovered over 2.2M ounces of gold and over 27M ounces of silver.
13.1. |
Midas Mill |
The Midas Mill uses conventional leach technology and Merrill-Crowe precipitation, with gravity concentration after crushing and grinding. A complete process description is given in Section 17.
13.2. |
Mineralogy |
As the Midas underground mine has matured, production has shifted from the Main Veins to the East Veins. The metallurgy of the East Veins may be complex and has been the focus of metallurgical testing in recent years.
13.2.1. |
Main Veins |
Main Vein mineralization contains free-milling gold, associated with silver in electrum. Small amounts of silver associated minerals also contain recoverable silver values.
13.2.2. |
East Veins |
The East Veins have gold values that are diminished compared to the Main Veins. The ratio of silver to gold is much higher in the East Veins. Mined silver-to-gold ratios in the East Veins can be as high as 50:1 and average approximately 22:1. Silver occurs in gold related electrum as well as in various sulfide and selenide minerals.
Primary silver minerals in the Midas East Veins are argentite (Ag2S), naumannite (Ag2Se), and aguilerite (Ag4SeS). Processing and recovery of these clay-related minerals have been studied by Newmont metallurgists. It has been determined that silver selenides are less soluble than electrum and argentite. Successful recovery requires a combination of finer grinding, higher levels of cyanide in solution, and increased leach retention times.
13.3. |
Testing and Procedures |
Third party metallurgical testing results are not available. Newmont conducted extensive testing, both on-site and at other Newmont laboratories.
Recent Midas test work focused on the East Vein mineralization. Analysis included iterative leach tests varying the following parameters: blend, grind, leach time, cyanide, zinc, and leach catalysts such as lead-nitrate.
Metallurgical test work was completed on multiple requested Midas Eastern Expansion composites made up of exploration samples. The composites represented defined areas of Charger Hill, Ace, GP, Homestead, and Corral veins. Test parameters were targeted at a 75 to 80 percent passing a 200 mesh grind, and cyanide additions were monitored and maintained at 5.0 pounds per ton for the first twenty-four hours of a ninety-six hour residence leach. All percent recoveries are based on the back calculated head grades.
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Table 13-1 indicates the type of samples that were used in East Vein test work starting in 2010 (Newmont Mining Corporation, 2010).
Table 13-1 Midas Eastern Expansion Composite Mineralogy Head Descriptions
Composite | Au | Ag | Calc. Au | Calc. Ag | ||
Vein | Sample | Recovery | Recovery | Head opt | Head opt | |
Charger Hill | Comp. #6 | 91.54 | 37.89 | 0.054 | 21.7 | Low Ag Recovery |
Charger Hill | Comp. #8 | 95.41 | 63.79 | 0.062 | 14.7 | Highest Ag Recovery |
Ace | Comp. #15 | 92.98 | 23.9 | 0.316 | 55.2 | Lowest Ag Recovery |
Ace | Comp. #19 | 82.13 | 57.54 | 0.028 | 9.7 | Higher Ag Recovery |
GP | Comp. #20 | 92.92 | 28.54 | 0.353 | 26.7 | Lowest Ag Recovery |
GP | Comp. #29 | 80.4 | 73.55 | 0.034 | 7.1 | Higher Ag Recovery |
Homestead | Comp. #30 | 81 | 75.71 | 0.038 | 16.1 | Only comp representing Homestead |
Corral | Comp. #31 | 75.79 | 63.45 | 0.051 | 21.5 | Lowest Ag Recovery |
Corral | Comp. #32 | 83.16 | 72.65 | 0.061 | 25.2 | Highest Ag Recovery |
Results of the total test exceed the scope of this report. Summary results are shown in Figure 13-1 and Figure 13-2.
Figure 13-1
Example of Composite #20
Summary
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Figure 13-2
Example of Composite #25
Summary
13.4. |
Toll Milling |
Toll milling of material from third party sources has been processed periodically at the Midas Mill since 2008. The focus of ongoing metallurgical testing has been to determine how these materials typically behave in processing as blended with Midas mineralization. Table 13-2 summarizes the tonnage of processing toll milling at Midas from 2008 through 2014.
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Table 13-2 Summary of Mineralization Sourced from Other Properties Processed at Midas from 2008 through 2014
Source | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |
Tons | 56,000 | |||||||
Fire Creek | Au oz | 67,500 | ||||||
Ag Oz | ||||||||
Tons | 29,061 | 35,162 | 34,662 | |||||
Hollister | Au oz | 37,707 | 33,930 | 27,096 | ||||
Ag oz | 327,156 | 361,359 | 193,913 | |||||
Tons | 3 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 5,000 | ||
French Gulch | Au oz | 282 | 50 | 640 | 583 | 463 | 492 | |
Ag oz | 201 | 27 | 331 | 326 | 365 | |||
Tons | 1,165 | |||||||
Klondex | Au oz | 1,727 | ||||||
Ag oz | 1,842 | |||||||
Tons | 21,000 | |||||||
LKA | Au oz | 36 | ||||||
Ag oz | ||||||||
Tons | 494 | 195 | 394 | 368 | ||||
Granite Construction | Au oz | 253 | 77 | 185 | 131 | |||
Ag oz | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
In summary, careful metallurgical practices during processing of variable mineralized material while maintaining gold recovery despite changing silver grades have proven successful at Midas. Controlling the reagents in the refinery based on mineralogy have allowed the operation to benefit from the higher silver grades in the East Veins.
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14. |
Mineral Resource Estimate |
14.1. |
Introduction |
The general arrangement of the Midas veins are shown in Figure 14-1 through Figure 14-3. The veins commonly referred to as the Main Veins are the Colorado Grande (105), Gold Crown (205), Gold Crown Hanging Wall (305), Snow White (405), Discovery (505) and Happy (1081). These strike north westerly and dip 75 80 degrees east. Other veins in the main group, but not shown, are the Sleeping Beauty (605) and the Colorado Sur (705). The East Vein group is comprised of the Homestead (777), Charger Hill (805), GP (905) and Ace (9052). These veins also strike north westerly but dip 70 75 degrees west. Nearly all of the previous mining has occurred on the Main Veins with development and production of the East Veins beginning in 2013.
Figure 14-1
Plan View of the
Principal Midas Veinsat
the 5700 Elevation
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Figure 14-2
Cross Sectional View of
Midas Veins at 236200N
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Figure 14-3
Section View of Midas
Veins at 2366000N
14.2. |
Drill Data Base and Compositing |
14.2.1. |
Assays |
Assays are grouped by vein and given a name designation. For drill holes, the vein number is preceded by 'DH'. For channels, the vein number is preceded by 'CH'. Where channels have replaced a drill hole intercept, the 'DH' is replaced with an 'ODH' designation, and the drill sample is no longer used for statistics or estimation as it is superseded by channel data.
Table 14-1 Summary of Drill Hole and Channel Samples
DH Flag | ODH Flag | CH Flag | |||||||
No. | No. | Length | No. | No. | Length | No. | No. | Length | |
Vein | Holes | Assays | Flagged | Holes | Assays | Flagged | Channels | Assays | Flagged |
101 | 25 | 36 | 121 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
105 | 508 | 616 | 1631 | 418 | 737 | 2,073 | 9,129 | 12,719 | 28,685 |
108 | 153 | 201 | 388 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 12 |
201 | 48 | 74 | 335 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
205 | 281 | 422 | 1258 | 238 | 467 | 1,382 | 3,944 | 6,475 | 16,477 |
208 | 96 | 132 | 425 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 57 | 121 |
305 | 178 | 195 | 527 | 74 | 100 | 287 | 901 | 1,119 | 1,880 |
405 | 166 | 174 | 500 | 99 | 121 | 313 | 1.085 | 1,146 | 1,804 |
505 | 270 | 318 | 846 | 139 | 205 | 454 | 1,431 | 1,751 | 2,948 |
605 | 149 | 187 | 506 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 125 | 158 | 559 |
705 | 127 | 160 | 307 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 30 | 46 |
777 | 38 | 52 | 98 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
805 | 267 | 316 | 625 | 7 | 12 | 19 | 195 | 206 | 317 |
905 | 239 | 273 | 536 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 808 | 882 | 1,259 |
9051 | 62 | 73 | 165 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
9052 | 164 | 191 | 349 | 39 | 71 | 102 | 341 | 356 | 717 |
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DH Flag | ODH Flag | CH Flag | |||||||
No. | No. | Length | No. | No. | Length | No. | No. | Length | |
Vein | Holes | Assays | Flagged | Holes | Assays | Flagged | Channels | Assays | Flagged |
1026 | 56 | 77 | 272 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
1081 | 219 | 252 | 618 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 61 | 62 | 79 |
1605 | 70 | 86 | 235 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
1707 | 7 | 8 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
5005 | 63 | 78 | 341 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
14.2.2. |
Geology Logs |
The geology database includes fields for lithology, rock type, silicification, quartz and naumanite. These fields, along with assay values, are used to define the vein solids.
14.2.3. |
Compositing |
The gold and silver assays from drill holes and channels were composited by vein. Only one composite is created for each vein intersection. The vein name prefixes (CH, DH, or ODH) allow the correct composites to be used to estimate the vein blocks during the estimation.
Table 14-2 Summary of Composites
DH Flag | CH Flag | |||||
No. | No. | Length | No. | No. | Length | |
Vein | Holes | Comps | Flagged | Channels | Comps | Flagged |
101 | 25 | 25 | 121 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
105 | 508 | 508 | 1629 | 9,129 | 9,134 | 28,700 |
108 | 153 | 153 | 388 | 8 | 8 | 12 |
201 | 48 | 48 | 335 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
205 | 281 | 281 | 1258 | 3,944 | 3,944 | 16,478 |
208 | 96 | 97 | 425 | 52 | 52 | 121 |
305 | 178 | 178 | 527 | 901 | 901 | 1,881 |
405 | 166 | 167 | 500 | 1.085 | 1,085 | 1,804 |
505 | 270 | 270 | 851 | 1,431 | 1,431 | 2,948 |
605 | 149 | 150 | 506 | 125 | 125 | 559 |
705 | 127 | 127 | 307 | 21 | 21 | 46 |
777 | 38 | 38 | 98 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
805 | 267 | 267 | 625 | 195 | 195 | 317 |
905 | 239 | 240 | 536 | 809 | 809 | 1,259 |
9051 | 62 | 64 | 165 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
9052 | 164 | 165 | 349 | 341 | 341 | 717 |
1026 | 57 | 57 | 272 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
1081 | 219 | 219 | 618 | 60 | 60 | 77 |
1605 | 70 | 70 | 235 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
1707 | 7 | 7 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
5005 | 63 | 64 | 341 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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14.3. |
Vein Modelling |
Hanging wall and footwall surfaces are created for each vein by snapping to the appropriate assay composite endpoint. These surfaces are then joined to form the three dimensional vein solid model and trimmed to the surface topography where necessary.
14.4. |
Density |
Newmont completed a density study in 2009, and the results are listed in Table 14-3. The details of this work have not been reviewed by the authors; however, the authors believe it to be accurate, and no additional study is warranted at this time.
Table 14-3 Density and Tonnage Factor by Vein
Tonnage | ||
Factor | Density | |
Vein | (ft 3 /ton) | (ton/ft 3 ) |
101 | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
105 | 12.67 | 0.0789 |
108 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
201 | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
205 | 12.57 | 0.0795 |
208 | 12.57 | 0.0795 |
305 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
405 | 12.77 | 0.0783 |
505 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
605 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
705 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
777 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
805 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
905 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
9051 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
9052 | 12.89 | 0.0776 |
1026 | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
1081 | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
1605 | 12.75 | 0.0784 |
1707 | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
5005 | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
waste | 12.87 | 0.0777 |
14.5. |
Statistics |
Univariate statistics for gold and silver composites are presented in Table 14-4 and Table 14-5 below. Histogram and cumulative frequency plots of gold and silver composite values for each vein were created. Typical examples of these are shown in Figure 14-4 and Figure 14-5.
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Table 14-4 Gold Composite Statistics by Vein
Vein | # Comps | Min | Max | Mean | Std Dev | CV |
101 | 25 | 0.0003 | 0.4115 | 0.1283 | 0.1436 | 1.1193 |
105 | 9638 | 0.0001 | 78.64 | 1.8027 | 3.3763 | 1.8729 |
108 | 161 | 0.001 | 1.5105 | 0.0994 | 0.2157 | 2.1696 |
201 | 47 | 0.0003 | 6.0807 | 0.3152 | 0.9787 | 3.1051 |
205 | 4224 | 0.0009 | 30.133 | 1.0003 | 1.8852 | 1.8847 |
208 | 149 | 0.001 | 14.223 | 0.5133 | 1.4453 | 2.8159 |
305 | 1073 | 0.0009 | 70.052 | 1.3453 | 3.0684 | 2.2808 |
405 | 1248 | 0.0002 | 29.200 | 1.2132 | 2.4462 | 2.0164 |
505 | 1698 | 0.0002 | 58.917 | 1.4996 | 3.5020 | 2.3353 |
605 | 273 | 0.0003 | 7.189 | 0.5185 | 0.8620 | 1.6627 |
705 | 148 | 0.0001 | 8.7321 | 0.2466 | 0.9071 | 3.6783 |
777 | 35 | 0.0001 | 0.181 | 0.0236 | 0.0473 | 2.0030 |
805 | 461 | 0.0001 | 4.230 | 0.1619 | 0.4189 | 2.5865 |
905 | 1049 | 0.0001 | 87.218 | 0.726 | 3.5907 | 4.9462 |
9051 | 64 | 0.0001 | 0.7856 | 0.0626 | 0.1558 | 2.4899 |
9052 | 506 | 0.0003 | 12.05 | 0.1901 | 0.6132 | 3.2251 |
1026 | 57 | 0.0006 | 2.13 | 0.1334 | 0.3157 | 2.3660 |
1081 | 272 | 0.0001 | 3.41 | 0.1084 | 0.3278 | 3.0237 |
1605 | 70 | 0.0001 | 2.57 | 0.3127 | 0.5717 | 1.8285 |
1707 | 7 | 0.0006 | 0.667 | 0.1806 | 0.2558 | 1.4166 |
5005 | 64 | 0.0002 | 17.4969 | 0.5095 | 2.3210 | 4.5553 |
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Table 14-5 Silver Composite Statistics by Vein
Vein | # Comps | Min | Max | Mean | Std Dev | CV |
101 | 24 | 0.016 | 38.623 | 4.4279 | 8.5723 | 1.9360 |
105 | 9623 | 0.006 | 645.65 | 19.4428 | 28.9988 | 1.4915 |
108 | 161 | 0.025 | 124.001 | 5.256 | 12.2757 | 2.3355 |
201 | 44 | 0.006 | 33.596 | 3.5736 | 7.1103 | 1.9897 |
205 | 4218 | 0.006 | 241.003 | 13.0752 | 20.0937 | 1.5368 |
208 | 149 | 0.010 | 208.9 | 7.2747 | 19.1959 | 2.6387 |
305 | 1073 | 0.010 | 330.024 | 15.9149 | 21.4855 | 1.3500 |
405 | 1238 | 0.004 | 274.003 | 14.2543 | 23.7753 | 1.6679 |
505 | 1680 | 0.009 | 450.03 | 22.8973 | 39.1655 | 1.7105 |
605 | 264 | 0.010 | 82.1 | 6.9869 | 9.0149 | 1.2903 |
705 | 146 | 0.005 | 59.701 | 2.2082 | 6.8612 | 3.1072 |
777 | 34 | 0.001 | 108.0 | 11.4759 | 26.2174 | 2.2846 |
805 | 459 | 0.010 | 522.965 | 22.3317 | 41.5662 | 1.8613 |
905 | 1045 | 0.002 | 1697.0 | 53.2579 | 119.3044 | 2.2401 |
9051 | 64 | 0.054 | 84.4 | 5.7762 | 15.5484 | 2.6918 |
9052 | 504 | 0.010 | 387.179 | 29.8391 | 51.4782 | 1.7252 |
1026 | 56 | 0.005 | 19.0 | 1.9050 | 3.4728 | 1.8230 |
1081 | 273 | 0.006 | 126.0 | 5.6141 | 13.1488 | 2.3421 |
1605 | 67 | 0.006 | 7.268 | 1.0321 | 1.1709 | 1.1344 |
1707 | 7 | 0.018 | 0.531 | 0.1727 | 0.1996 | 1.1556 |
5005 | 57 | 0.003 | 14.2 | 1.0908 | 2.5394 | 2.3281 |
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Figure 14-4
905 Vein Gold Composite
Histogram and Cumulative
Frequency
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Figure 14-5
905 Vein Silver
Composite Histogram and
Cumulative Frequency
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14.6. |
Grade Capping |
Grade caps for gold and silver were estimated individually for each vein. Table 14-6 list the cap values applied and the number of composites affected. Typical composite grade distribution curves for gold and silver are shown in Figure 14-6 and Figure 14-7.
Table 14-6 Gold and Silver Grade Caps
Composites | |||
Vein | Variable | Cap Grade | Affected |
101 | au | 0.5 | 0 |
101 | ag | 13 | 4 |
105 | au | 32 | 17 |
105 | ag | 300 | 11 |
108 | au | 0.5 | 7 |
108 | ag | 25 | 6 |
201 | au | 1 | 2 |
201 | ag | 5 | 8 |
205 | au | 17 | 9 |
205 | ag | 170 | 7 |
208 | au | 2 | 9 |
208 | ag | 20 | 9 |
305 | au | 9 | 13 |
305 | ag | 90 | 10 |
405 | au | 15 | 9 |
405 | ag | 105 | 9 |
505 | au | 17 | 13 |
505 | ag | 200 | 17 |
605 | au | 2.5 | 8 |
605 | ag | 30 | 8 |
705 | au | 1.5 | 5 |
705 | ag | 15 | 3 |
777 | au | 0.1 | 4 |
777 | ag | 20 | 4 |
805 | au | 0.55 | 18 |
805 | ag | 115 | 10 |
905 | au | 9 | 11 |
905 | ag | 500 | 15 |
1026 | au | 0.5 | 3 |
1026 | ag | 5 | 6 |
1081 | au | 0.6 | 8 |
1081 | ag | 30 | 13 |
1605 | au | 0.9 | 6 |
1605 | ag | 3 | 1 |
1707 | au | 1 | 0 |
1707 | ag | 1 | 0 |
5005 | au | 0.5 | 8 |
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Composites | |||
Vein | Variable | Cap Grade | Affected |
5005 | ag | 2 | 8 |
9051 | au | 1 | 0 |
9051 | ag | 30 | 3 |
9052 | au | 1 | 12 |
9052 | ag | 150 | 15 |
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Composites which exceed the grade cap value are valid data; however, their use must be restricted. To accomplish this, composites which exceed the grade capping value are only used to estimate the grade of the 25 foot by 25 foot block in which they are contained and then discarded. They are not used in the grade estimation of any other blocks.
14.7. |
Variography |
The 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 905 and 9052 veins all have a large enough number of channel samples that are spaced closely enough to permit the construction of variograms for gold. The other veins do not have enough drill or channel samples to permit the construction of valid variograms. The variography results for gold are listed in Table 14-7 and Table 14-8.
Table 14-7 Sill 1 Ordinary Kriging Parameters for Gold
Vein | Nugget | Type1 | Sill1 | Bearing | Plunge | Dip | Major | Semi | Minor |
105 | 0.551 | Exp | 0.309 | 150 | 39 | -13 | 92 | 31 | 102 |
205 | 0.3 | Exp | 0.298 | 85 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 33 | 123 |
305 | 0.407 | Exp | 0.417 | 52 | -27 | -22 | 112 | 401 | 8 |
405 | 0.1 | Exp | 0.465 | 75 | 23 | -57 | 71 | 4 | 223 |
505 | 0.196 | Exp | 0.464 | 46 | 35 | -39 | 12 | 10 | 66 |
905 | 0.057 | Exp | 0.841 | 57 | -10 | 55 | 57 | 11 | 232 |
9052 | 0.1 | Exp | 0.591 | 115 | -11 | -38 | 33 | 5 | 7 |
Table 14-8 Sill 2 Ordinary Kriging Parameters for Gold
Vein | Nugget | Type1 | Sill2 | Bearing | Plunge | Dip | Major | Semi | Minor |
105 | 0.551 | Exp | 0.14 | 89 | -3 | -10 | 80 | 1122 | 330 |
205 | 0.3 | Exp | 0.402 | 174 | 56 | -12 | 273 | 521 | 199 |
305 | 0.407 | Exp | 0.176 | 69 | -18 | 72 | 219 | 862 | 1276 |
405 | 0.1 | Exp | 0.435 | 133 | -29 | -47 | 70 | 211 | 97 |
505 | 0.196 | Exp | 0.339 | 226 | 3 | -1 | 205 | 117 | 694 |
905 | 0.057 | Exp | 0.102 | 51 | -9 | 40 | 74 | 144 | 694 |
9052 | 0.1 | Exp | 0.309 | 147 | -7 | 23 | 104 | 51 | 527 |
14.8. |
Block Models |
Individual block models were constructed for each vein. These models are rotated to match the Y direction to the veins strike trend. Block sizes in all models are five by five feet in the Y and Z directions. The X dimension of a block is set to the width of the vein and is variable in 0.2 foot increments up to 5 feet. The models were constructed from the vein wireframe models. Table 14-9 lists the geometry of each model.
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Table 14-9 Model Orientations and Extents
Vein | Bearing | Plunge | Dip | LL_X | LL_Y | LL_Z | X_ft | Y_ft | Z_ft |
101 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 471300 | 2355900 | 4650 | 500 | 4050 | 1300 |
105 | 75 | 0 | 0 | 471150 | 2358400 | 3800 | 800 | 9750 | 2500 |
108 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 470550 | 2363550 | 4200 | 650 | 2450 | 1200 |
201 | 37 | 0 | 0 | 467800 | 2361450 | 4550 | 550 | 3550 | 1400 |
205 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 469800 | 2364500 | 4100 | 950 | 4150 | 2200 |
208 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 468950 | 2365400 | 4600 | 500 | 650 | 1200 |
305 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 468850 | 2365200 | 4300 | 850 | 4200 | 2000 |
405 | 68 | 0 | 0 | 471700 | 2358900 | 4300 | 1000 | 5000 | 1900 |
505 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 472200 | 2360100 | 4250 | 750 | 5150 | 2000 |
605 | 85 | 0 | 0 | 470100 | 2358000 | 4200 | 900 | 5650 | 1700 |
705 | 80 | 0 | 0 | 470900 | 2357700 | 4100 | 650 | 4400 | 1700 |
777 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 472200 | 2364000 | 4150 | 1000 | 5200 | 1850 |
805 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 471100 | 2363500 | 3950 | 1100 | 4600 | 2350 |
905 | 68 | 0 | 0 | 472000 | 2360550 | 3500 | 1100 | 9050 | 2700 |
9051 | 55 | 0 | 0 | 470300 | 2365550 | 4100 | 300 | 700 | 900 |
9052 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 470700 | 2364700 | 4000 | 1000 | 3450 | 2300 |
1026 | 65 | 0 | 0 | 469850 | 2357900 | 4150 | 1200 | 9300 | 1900 |
1081 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 471050 | 2362700 | 4300 | 750 | 4400 | 1900 |
1605 | 70 | 0 | 0 | 471600 | 2355500 | 4550 | 900 | 3500 | 1150 |
1707 | 80 | 0 | 0 | 475400 | 2380700 | 4450 | 350 | 550 | 2350 |
5005 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 473400 | 2355200 | 4100 | 600 | 4050 | 1300 |
Grade estimation variables in the models are:
| Ordinary kriging gold; | |
| Inverse distance gold; | |
| Nearest neighbor gold; | |
| Inverse distance silver; and, | |
| Nearest neighbor silver. |
Other calculated variables in each model include:
| Gold equivalent; | |
| Density; | |
| Estimation pass; | |
| True thickness; | |
| Gold equivalent grade thickness; | |
| Resource class; and, | |
| Block status to indicate, intact, mined or sterile. |
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14.9. |
Grade Estimation |
The gold and silver values were estimated using the inverse distance cubed and nearest neighbor estimation methods for all of the veins using the channel and drill composites within each vein. Blocks outside of the vein were not estimated. Seven veins, 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 905, and 9052 had gold estimated using ordinary kriging as there were enough channel samples to calculate reasonable variograms.
Anisotropic search parameters for gold and silver were set to the general orientation of each vein. Distances were selected based on the drill spacing of samples intercepting the solids and on the general orientation and shape of the interpreted solids. However, larger search distances were used in the inferred passes to ensure that most of the blocks inside the veins were estimated. The estimation search parameters are listed in Table 14-10. Parameters for the search ellipsoids for each vein are listed in Table 14-11.
Table 14-10 Estimation Search Parameters by Resource Category
Parent | Major | Semi | Minor | Min | Max | Max | |||
Pass | X | Y | Z | (ft) | (ft) | (ft) | Samp | Samp | /DH |
Measured | 25 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 50 | 25 | 4 | 6 | 1 |
Indicated | 25 | 25 | 25 | 100 | 100 | 50 | 3 | 6 | 1 |
Inferred | 25 | 25 | 25 | 200 | 200 | 100 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
Table 14-11 Estimation Search Ellipsoids
Vein | Est ID | Bearing | Plunge | Dip |
101 | v101 | 315 | 0 | -85 |
105 | v105 | 345 | 0 | -80 |
108 | v108 | 150 | 0 | -72 |
201 | v201 | 127 | 0 | -79 |
205 | v205 | 297 | 0 | -79 |
208 | v208 | 285 | 0 | -70 |
305 | v305 | 315 | 0 | -80 |
405 | v405 | 338 | 0 | -83 |
505 | v505 | 330 | 0 | -84 |
605 | v605 | 175 | 0 | -85 |
705 | v705 | 350 | 0 | -84 |
777 | v777 | 150 | 0 | -70 |
805 | v805 | 140 | 0 | -76 |
905 | v905 | 158 | 0 | -70 |
1026 | v1026 | 335 | 0 | -80 |
1081 | v1081 | 330 | 0 | -75 |
1605 | v1605 | 160 | 0 | -63 |
1707 | v1707 | 350 | 0 | -85 |
5005 | v5005 | 330 | 0 | -74 |
9051 | v9051 | 325 | 0 | -90 |
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Vein | Est ID | Bearing | Plunge | Dip |
9052 | v9052 | 140 | 0 | -70 |
Significant parameters used in the gold interpolation include:
1. |
Assigning of parent block values to sub-blocks. Estimates are only calculated at the center of each parent block, and those values are assigned to all sub-blocks existing within the parent block space. |
|
2. |
Only composites with a value >=0 were used. |
|
3. |
A minimum of four and maximum of six samples were used to estimate measured blocks, minimum of three and maximum of six to estimate indicated, and minimum of two and maximum of six to estimate inferred blocks. |
|
4. |
A maximum of one composite was used per drill hole or channel. |
|
5. |
Composites were selected using anisotropic distances. |
|
6. |
Only composites within the veins were used to estimate blocks within the veins. |
|
7. |
Grades were capped (search restricted) for each vein. |
|
8. |
A gold value of 0.0001 opt was assigned to the unestimated vein blocks and waste blocks. |
|
9. |
A silver value of 0.001 opt was assigned to the unestimated vein blocks and waste blocks. |
14.10. |
Classification |
Measured mineral resources include only blocks estimated with four to six composites within 50 feet. Indicated mineral resources include blocks that were estimated with three to six composites within 100 feet. Inferred mineral resources include only blocks estimated with two to six composites within 200 feet.
14.11. |
Mined Depletion and Sterilization |
Blocks contained within mined out areas were flagged as mined. Additionally, all blocks within 100 feet vertically of the surface were flagged as sterile. Remaining blocks were reviewed, and additional areas were marked as sterile when they were deemed inaccessible by Midas staff. Figure 14-9 through Figure 14-15 show the impact of depletion and sterilization on the seven veins with significant mining activity.
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14.12. |
Model Validation |
Model validation for each vein included comparison of the kriged, inverse distance cubed and nearest neighbor grades, visual comparison of block grades to composites and creating swath plots along strike and elevation for each vein. A global comparison of each grades estimation method for all the veins is listed in Table 14-12 for gold and Table 14-13 for silver.
Table 14-12 Gold Estimation Comparison
Gold Grades | ||||
Ordinary | Inverse | Nearest | ||
Vein | Kriging | Distance | Neighbor | Composite |
101 | NA | 0.133 | 0.138 | 0.128 |
105 | 1.032 | 1.017 | 0.975 | 1.803 |
108 | NA | 0.080 | 0.082 | 0.099 |
201 | NA | 0.131 | 0.128 | 0.315 |
205 | 0.724 | 0.721 | 0.725 | 1.003 |
208 | NA | 0.164 | 0.155 | 0.513 |
305 | 0.565 | 0.529 | 0.488 | 1.345 |
405 | 0.441 | 0.418 | 0.399 | 0.399 |
505 | 0.429 | 0.425 | 0.438 | 1.500 |
605 | NA | 0.131 | 0.132 | 0.519 |
705 | NA | 0.103 | 0.103 | 0.247 |
777 | NA | 0.011 | 0.011 | 0.024 |
805 | NA | 0.037 | 0.037 | 0.162 |
905 | 0.160 | 0.158 | 0.151 | 0.726 |
9051 | NA | 0.053 | 0.062 | 0.063 |
9052 | 0.068 | 0.065 | 0.060 | 0.190 |
1026 | NA | 0.070 | 0.069 | 0.133 |
1081 | NA | 0.039 | 0.040 | 0.108 |
1605 | NA | 0.107 | 0.107 | 0.313 |
1707 | NA | 0.193 | 0.207 | 0.181 |
5005 | NA | 0.111 | 0.111 | 0.510 |
Table 14-13 Silver Estimation Comparison
Silver Grades | |||
Inverse | Nearest | ||
Vein | Distance | Neighbor | Composite |
101 | 1.80 | 1.80 | 4.43 |
105 | 11.75 | 11.36 | 19.44 |
108 | 3.59 | 3.59 | 5.26 |
201 | 1.12 | 1.08 | 3.57 |
205 | 9.47 | 9.10 | 13.08 |
208 | 2.13 | 2.12 | 7.27 |
305 | 7.17 | 6.91 | 15.91 |
405 | 5.19 | 4.83 | 14.25 |
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Silver Grades | |||
Inverse | Nearest | ||
Vein | Distance | Neighbor | Composite |
505 | 7.32 | 7039 | 22.90 |
605 | 2.58 | 2.73 | 6.99 |
705 | 0.88 | 0.80 | 2.21 |
777 | 3.59 | 3.39 | 11.48 |
805 | 4.55 | 4.44 | 22.33 |
905 | 9.77 | 8.86 | 53.26 |
9051 | 4.32 | 4.76 | 5.78 |
9052 | 8.28 | 8.03 | 29.84 |
1026 | 0.94 | 0.96 | 1.91 |
1081 | 1.91 | 1.90 | 5.61 |
1605 | 0.52 | 0.49 | 1.03 |
1707 | 0.16 | 0.17 | 0.17 |
5005 | 0.30 | 0.32 | 1.09 |
Gold and silver block grades are shown along with composites for each of the veins containing mineral resources in Figure 14-17 through Figure 14-50.
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Figure 14-16
Gold and Silver Legend
(opt)
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Figure 14-51 through Figure 14-54 show swath plots for the 905 vein in the north direction and elevation for gold and silver. The swath plots compare the ordinary kriging to inverse distance cubed to the nearest neighbor estimations with the composites within the vein. The estimations compare well with each other and with the composites on this local scale.
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14.13. |
Mineral Resource Statement |
The narrow vein mining methods practiced at the Midas Mine require a minimum stope width of four feet. The veins at Midas can vary in thickness from a few inches to over ten feet. Potentially economic mineralization must meet standard cut-off grade criteria as well as a grade thickness criterion before it is included as a mineral resource. Grade thickness is calculated by multiplying the block true width by its equivalent grade. The parameters used in determining the cut-off grade and grade thickness cut-off are listed in Table 14-14.
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Table 14-14 Cutoff Grade Parameters
Gold | Silver | ||
Sales Price | $/Ounce | $1,200 | $19.00 |
Refining and Sales Expense | $/Ounce | $5.00 | $0.00 |
Production Royalty | 0% | ||
Metallurgical Recovery | 94% | 92% | |
Operating Costs | |||
Ore Haulage (Portal to Mill) | $/ton | $2.00 | |
Direct Processing | $/ton | $52.00 | |
Administration and Overhead | $/ton | $10.00 | |
Mining | $/ton | $190.00 | |
Total | $/ton | $254.00 | |
Gold Equivalent | 1 | 64.53 | |
Unplanned Dilution | 10% | ||
Cut-off Grade | Eq. opt | 0.226 | |
Minimum Mining Width | feet | 4 | |
Grade Thickness cut-off | Eq. opt-ft. | 0.99 |
Mineral resources meeting the dual constraints of cut-off grade and grade-thickness cut-off for each vein are listed in Table 14-15 below.
Table 14-15 Mineral Resource Statement
Vein True | |||||||||
Vein | Thickness | AuEq | AuEq | ||||||
Vein Name | No. | Feet | kton | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | Au koz | Ag koz | koz |
Measured | |||||||||
Colorado Grande | 105 | 3.2 | 80 | 0.502 | 6.311 | 0.600 | 40 | 504 | 48 |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 3.1 | 0.2 | 0.197 | 2.812 | 0.240 | 0.05 | 0.7 | 0.1 |
MT | 201 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 5.1 | 130 | 0.478 | 6.592 | 0.580 | 62 | 856 | 75 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 2.4 | 2 | 0.284 | 2.858 | 0.328 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 2.9 | 31 | 0.601 | 6.577 | 0.703 | 18 | 201 | 21 |
Snow White | 405 | 1.8 | 22 | 0.430 | 4.933 | 0.507 | 10 | 109 | 11 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.7 | 39 | 0.494 | 7.447 | 0.609 | 19 | 287 | 23 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.3 | 1 | 0.511 | 5.585 | 0.597 | 1 | 8 | 1 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 2.2 | 13 | 0.117 | 18.205 | 0.399 | 2 | 245 | 5 |
GP | 905 | 2.4 | 19 | 0.086 | 11.310 | 0.261 | 1.6 | 217 | 5 |
Ace | 9052 | 2.5 | 14 | 0.084 | 11.771 | 0.267 | 1.2 | 168 | 4 |
Happy | 1081 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.143 | 6.285 | 0.240 | 0.1 | 4 | 0 |
Queen | 1605 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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Vein True | |||||||||
Vein | Thickness | AuEq | AuEq | ||||||
Vein Name | No. | Feet | kton | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | Au koz | Ag koz | koz |
SR | 5005 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Measured | 3.7 | 352 | 0.440 | 7.401 | 0.555 | 155 | 2,605 | 195 | |
Indicated | |||||||||
Colorado Grande | 105 | 5.4 | 183 | 0.418 | 4.872 | 0.494 | 77 | 892 | 90 |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 4.8 | 7.3 | 0.279 | 4.663 | 0.351 | 2.04 | 34.1 | 2.6 |
MT | 201 | 6.5 | 10 | 0.217 | 2.161 | 0.251 | 2 | 21 | 2 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 3.8 | 150 | 0.316 | 4.019 | 0.378 | 47 | 603 | 57 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 3.6 | 16 | 0.280 | 1.806 | 0.308 | 4 | 28 | 5 |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 2.8 | 103 | 0.470 | 5.484 | 0.555 | 48 | 564 | 57 |
Snow White | 405 | 2.2 | 59 | 0.391 | 4.355 | 0.458 | 23 | 256 | 27 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.8 | 79 | 0.397 | 5.896 | 0.489 | 31 | 463 | 38 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.2 | 31 | 0.305 | 6.059 | 0.399 | 9 | 186 | 12 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 3.6 | 13 | 0.370 | 1.689 | 0.397 | 5 | 23 | 5 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 4.6 | 31 | 0.083 | 15.421 | 0.322 | 3 | 472 | 10 |
GP | 905 | 2.5 | 34 | 0.097 | 9.942 | 0.251 | 3.3 | 337 | 9 |
Ace | 9052 | 3.4 | 23 | 0.101 | 9.685 | 0.251 | 2.3 | 219 | 6 |
Happy | 1081 | 3.1 | 5.2 | 0.329 | 7.653 | 0.448 | 1.7 | 39 | 2 |
Queen | 1605 | 4.1 | 22 | 0.327 | 0.977 | 0.342 | 7 | 22 | 8 |
SR | 5005 | 8.1 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Indicated | 3.9 | 765 | 0.349 | 5.440 | 0.433 | 267 | 4,161 | 331 | |
Measured and Indicated | |||||||||
Colorado Grande | 105 | 4.7 | 263 | 0.444 | 5.309 | 0.526 | 117 | 1,396 | 138 |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 4.8 | 7.5 | 0.276 | 4.605 | 0.347 | 2.08 | 34.7 | 2.6 |
MT | 201 | 6.5 | 10 | 0.217 | 2.161 | 0.251 | 2 | 21 | 2 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 4.4 | 280 | 0.391 | 5.212 | 0.472 | 109 | 1,459 | 132 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 3.5 | 17 | 0.280 | 1.919 | 0.310 | 5 | 33 | 5 |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 2.8 | 133 | 0.500 | 5.734 | 0.589 | 67 | 765 | 79 |
Snow White | 405 | 2.1 | 81 | 0.402 | 4.512 | 0.471 | 33 | 365 | 38 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.8 | 117 | 0.429 | 6.406 | 0.528 | 50 | 750 | 62 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.2 | 32 | 0.314 | 6.038 | 0.408 | 10 | 194 | 13 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 3.6 | 13 | 0.370 | 1.689 | 0.397 | 5 | 23 | 5 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 3.9 | 44 | 0.094 | 16.272 | 0.346 | 4 | 718 | 15 |
GP | 905 | 2.4 | 53 | 0.093 | 10.437 | 0.255 | 4.9 | 554 | 14 |
Ace | 9052 | 3.1 | 37 | 0.094 | 10.492 | 0.257 | 3.5 | 387 | 9 |
Happy | 1081 | 2.9 | 5.8 | 0.307 | 7.495 | 0.424 | 1.8 | 44 | 2 |
Queen | 1605 | 4.1 | 22 | 0.327 | 0.977 | 0.342 | 7 | 22 | 8 |
SR | 5005 | 8.1 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Meas. and Ind. | 3.8 | 1,117 | 0.377 | 6.058 | 0.471 | 421 | 6,765 | 526 | |
Inferred | |||||||||
Colorado Grande | 105 | 3.3 | 179 | 0.298 | 3.156 | 0.347 | 53 | 565 | 62 |
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Vein True | |||||||||
Vein | Thickness | AuEq | AuEq | ||||||
Vein Name | No. | Feet | kton | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | Au koz | Ag koz | koz |
Gold Crown South | 108 | 4.3 | 9.3 | 0.179 | 3.396 | 0.232 | 1.66 | 31.4 | 2.1 |
MT | 201 | 4.0 | 68 | 0.236 | 1.585 | 0.260 | 16 | 109 | 18 |
Gold Crown | 205 | 4.7 | 157 | 0.225 | 2.281 | 0.260 | 35 | 359 | 41 |
Gold Crown Sur | 208 | 4.3 | 9 | 0.227 | 2.870 | 0.271 | 2 | 25 | 2 |
Gold Crown Hanging | 305 | 1.7 | 86 | 0.339 | 2.746 | 0.381 | 29 | 237 | 33 |
Snow White | 405 | 3.7 | 42 | 0.395 | 3.019 | 0.442 | 17 | 128 | 19 |
Discovery | 505 | 2.7 | 78 | 0.352 | 4.616 | 0.424 | 28 | 361 | 33 |
Sleeping Beauty | 605 | 4.0 | 41 | 0.186 | 5.250 | 0.268 | 8 | 214 | 11 |
Colorado Sur | 705 | 5.7 | 13 | 0.325 | 2.040 | 0.356 | 4 | 26 | 5 |
Charger Hill | 805 | 3.0 | 10 | 0.080 | 10.486 | 0.242 | 1 | 101 | 2 |
GP | 905 | 3.3 | 82 | 0.154 | 6.043 | 0.248 | 12.6 | 494 | 20 |
Ace | 9052 | 2.2 | 41 | 0.167 | 6.459 | 0.268 | 6.9 | 265 | 11 |
Happy | 1081 | 3.4 | 5.4 | 0.182 | 6.291 | 0.279 | 1.0 | 34 | 2 |
Queen | 1605 | 2.6 | 29.3 | 0.273 | 0.862 | 0.286 | 8.0 | 25 | 8 |
SR | 5005 | 3.7 | 8 | 2.113 | 1.684 | 2.139 | 18 | 14 | 18 |
Total Inferred | 4.0 | 858 | 0.280 | 3.480 | 0.334 | 241 | 2,988 | 287 |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Mineral resources have been calculated based on a gold price of $1,200/troy ounce and a silver price of $19.00 per troy ounce. |
|
2. |
Mineral resources are calculated at a grade thickness cut-off grade of 0.96 Au equivalent opt-feet and a diluted Au equivalent cut-off grade of 0.225 opt. |
|
3. |
Gold equivalent ounces were calculated based on oneounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver. |
|
4. |
The minimum mining width is defined as four feet or the vein true thickness plus one foot, whichever is greater. |
|
5. |
Mineral resources include dilution to achieve mining widths and an additional 10% unplanned dilution. |
|
6. |
Mineral resources include allowance for 5% mining losses. |
|
7. |
Mineral Resources are inclusive of mineral reserves. |
|
8. |
Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio- political, marketing, or other relevant issues. |
|
9. |
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there is insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. |
|
10. |
Mineral resource estimates can be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political or other factors. |
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15. |
Mineral Reserve Estimate |
Excavation designs for stopes, stope development drifting and access development were created using Vulcan Software. Stope designs were aided by the Vulcan Stope Optimizer Module. The stope optimizer produces the stope cross section which maximizes value within given geometric and economic constraints.
Design constraints included four feet minimum width for longhole stopes with development drifts spaced at 50-foot vertical intervals. Stope development drift dimensions maintained a constant height of 11 feet and a minimum width of seven feet. Cut and fill stopes are a minimum of six feet in width, and each cut is ten feet high.
Mining and backfill tasks were created from all designed excavations. These tasks were assigned costs and productivities specific to the excavation or backfill task type. Additionally, the undiscounted cash flow for each task was calculated. All tasks were then ordered in the correct sequence for mining and backfilling. Any sequence or subsequence that did not achieve a positive cumulative undiscounted cash flow was removed from consideration for mineral reserves. Stope development necessary to reach reserve excavations and exceeding the incremental cut-off grade shown in Table 15-1 is also included in mineral reserves.
Table 15-1 Mineral Reserves Cut Off Grade Calculation
Gold | Silver | ||
Metal Sales Price | $/Ounce | $1,000 | $15.83 |
Refining and Sales Expense | $/Ounce | Included in Milling | |
Royalty | 0% | ||
Metallurgical Recovery | 94% | 92% | |
Operating Costs | |||
Ore Haulage (Portal to Mill) | $/ton | $2.00 | |
Direct Processing | $/ton | $67.85 | |
Administration and Overhead | $/ton | $33.19 | |
Mining | $/ton | $211.83 | |
Total | $/ton | $314.87 | |
Gold Equivalent | 1 | 64.53 | |
Unplanned Dilution | 10% | ||
Incremental Cut Off Grade | 0.110 | ||
Cut-off Grade | Eq. opt | 0.335 | |
Minimum Mining Width | feet | 4 | |
Grade Thickness cut-off | Eq. opt-ft. | 1.474 |
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Table 15-2 Midas Mineral Reserves as of August 31, 2014
Au | Ag | Au Equiv. | |||||
Tons | Au Eq | Ounces | Ounces | Ounces | |||
Vein Designation | (000's) | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | (000's) | (000's) | (000's) |
Proven Reserves | 134.1 | 0.381 | 13.35 | 0.588 | 51.1 | 1,790 | 78.8 |
Probable Reserves | 108.0 | 0.376 | 7.92 | 0.498 | 40.6 | 855 | 53.8 |
Proven + Probable Reserves | 242.1 | 0.378 | 10.93 | 0.548 | 91.6 | 2,646 | 132.6 |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Mineral Reserves have been estimated based on a gold price of $1,000/ounce and a silver price of $15.83/ounce. |
|
2. |
Metallurgical recoveries for gold and silver are 94% and 92% respectively. |
|
3. |
Gold equivalent ounces are calculated on the basis of one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver. |
|
4. |
Mineral Reserves are estimated at a cutoff grade of 0.335Au opt and an incremental cutoff grade of 0.110 Au opt. |
|
5. |
Mine losses of 5% and unplanned mining dilution of 10% have been applied to the designed mine excavations. |
Midas mineral reserves could be materially affected by economic, geotechnical, permitting, metallurgical or other relevant factors. Mining and processing costs are sensitive to production rates. A decline in the production rate can cause an increase in costs and cutoff grades resulting in a reduction in mineral reserves. Geotechnical conditions requiring additional ground support or more expensive mining methods will also result in higher cutoff grades and reduced mineral reserves.
The Project has the necessary permits to continue exploration and current operations. Failure to maintain permit requirements may result in the loss of critical permits necessary for continued operations.
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16. |
Mining Methods |
16.1. |
Primary Mine Development |
Midas is a modern, mechanized, narrow vein underground mine using rubber tired haulage equipment to transport mineralized material and waste to the surface. Main haulage ramps are excavated 16 feet wide by 17 feet high. Spirals are typically located 1,200 feet apart along strike to optimize development and are best located in the more competent rock of the footwall (Figure 16-1). Spiral accesses are 15 feet wide by 15 feet high, with a standard radius of 70 feet and standard gradient of approximately 12.5% . A typical level access has a ventilation/escape raise and access to an ore pass and a waste pass. Level crosscuts to the veins are located on nominal 50-foot vertical sublevels (Figure 16-2).
Figure 16-1
Long Section of Main
Vein Development Looking
Due West
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Figure 16-2
Typical Heading Design
and Actual Rib Detail
Access for the East Veins is from existing development of the Main Veins. Spiral 7 is east of Spiral 4 and is accessed from the 4-4550 and the 4-4800 accesses. Spiral 8 is east of Spiral 3 and is accessed through the 3-4550 and the 3-4851 accesses. Additional drilling is required to determine the economic potential of Spiral 9, which would be accessed from the 1-5001 and the 4720 Haulage. (Figure 16-3)
Figure 16-3
Location of Queen South
of 3-Haulage
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Figure 16-4
Planned East Vein
Development Overview
16.2. |
Ventilation and Secondary Egress |
Fresh air intake to the mine is provided by the Deep Vent Raise (DVR) at 690 thousand cubic feet per minute (kcfm) and by the portal at 420 kcfm. Three exhaust raises are strategically located to complete the ventilation circuit. The ventilation circuit is powered by seven main fans located at the surface of the ventilation raises. The main fans total 2,025 connected horse power (HP).
The raise near Spiral 4 is equipped with an escape hoist and capsule to provide emergency egress if the main evacuation route is blocked during an emergency. Additionally, there are 15 refuge chambers distributed throughout the mine in the event evacuation is not feasible. These refuge chambers are equipped with carbon dioxide filters, breathable grade compressed air tanks, food, and communication to the surface.
16.3. |
Power Distribution and Dewatering |
Electrical power to the mine is provided by a 4,160-volt feeder and stepped down to 480 volts for distribution. Step down transformers and circuit protection are provided by 22 load centers located throughout the mine.
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Mine water requirements average 110 gpm and are provided by treatment, storage, and recirculation of discharge water from the mine. Approximately 10-15 gpm of excess mine discharge water are pumped to the tailings dam for evaporation.
16.4. |
Equipment Fleet |
Underground mining equipment and surface support equipment are listed in Table 16-1 and Table 16-2, respectively.
Table 16-1 Underground Equipment List
Description | Manufacturer | Quantity |
Loader 2 cubic yard | Tamrock | 8 |
Loader 6 cubic yard | Caterpillar | 1 |
Haul Trucks | Caterpillar AD30 | 3 |
Jumbo Drill | Sandvik | 1 |
Jumbo Drill | Atlas Copco | 1 |
Jumbo Drill | Vein Runner | 0 |
Jumbo Drill | Quasar | 1 |
Bolters | Sandvik | 1 |
Ring Drills | Stopemaster | 0 |
Shotcrete Spray Truck and Robbotic Boom | Eimco/SC Technology | 1 |
Shotcrete Transmixers 6 cubic yard | Normet | 1 |
Crew Transportation | Ford, Moller & Tacoma | 10 |
Support Equipment - forklifts, boom trucks, scissor lifts and water truck | 10 |
Table 16-2 Surface Support Equipment List
Description | Manufacturer | Quantity |
Loader | Caterpillar 988 | 2 |
Loader | Caterpillar 966 | 1 |
Haul Trucks | Caterpillar 777C | 2 |
Motor Graders | Caterpillar 14G | 1 |
Motor Graders | Caterpillar 16G | 1 |
Water Truck | Ford L-8000 | 1 |
Forklifts | 4 | |
Crane 25 - Ton | 1 | |
Boom Truck | 1 | |
Skid Steer | 1 | |
Snow Plow / Sand Truck | 1 | |
Emergency Vehicle | 1 | |
ATV | Polaris Ranger | 1 |
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16.5. |
Mining Methods |
16.5.1. |
Longitudinal Sub Level Stoping |
Longitudinal sublevel (longhole) stoping has historically been the primary mining method for the five narrow Main Veins at Midas as well as the East Veins, including 905, 9052, and 805. From the portal, there are three major haulages that access these veins through eight different spirals. Generally, upper and lower sections of the same spiral connect only through ventilation/escape raises. All mineralized material produced is hauled out of the portal in trucks to a temporary stockpile where it is loaded onto a surface haul truck and delivered to the on-site mill.
Mine development is controlled by geological conditions in the area. For the sublevel stoping method, sill development is driven at a nominal seven feet wide by twelve feet high to accommodate the size of longhole drills and two-cubic yard (yd 3 ) loaders. Where the vein thickness is wider than six feet, the sill width is increased to capture the entire vein. Sills are typically driven 600 feet north and south from the spiral cross cut. Once sills are developed, stoping begins. Stopes are drilled with a longhole drill from the floor of one level to the back of the one below, then remote mucked from the bottom level, and finally backfilled from the top level.
Typically, the mineralized material is divided into stope blocks of about four levels for development, or 200 feet vertically. Stoping begins by creating a cemented backfill barrier pillar at the bottom level of the mineralized material block by benching eight feet below the level horizon. The bench is then filled with 6% by volume cemented rock fill (CRF). Alternatively, the bottom level of the mineralized material block may be stoped and filled with by volume CRF to establish the cemented backfill barrier pillar. The first stope has a drop raise drilled nearest to the mining face. Subsequent holes are blasted one at a time into the free face created by the drop raise to a standard panel length of 60 feet.
Once empty, the stope is filled with dry unconsolidated waste backfill (GOB) until it reaches ten feet above the brow of the bottom cut. Next, a pillar of two percent by volume CRF is placed into the stope until it reaches within ten feet of the top cut (the drilling level). Next, the remainder of the open stope is filled with GOB. Finally, before the next stope is drilled, the toe of dry GOB is removed to reveal a free face that the next stope will be blasted into, eliminating the need to drill another drop raise. Rather, a fan pattern is drilled in the initial portion of the stope design to initiate extraction, followed by the same one-hole-at-a-time drill pattern for the remainder of the panel. The final or intersection panel of every level is filled completely with 6% CRF (Figure 16-5). Bridged stopes are filled with nominal six percent CRF to ensure the bridge is fully encapsulated.
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This sequence continues inward toward the intersection of the spiral access and upward to the top of the stope block in an advancing V pattern until all but the top level of the block is mined and backfilled. The longhole drill then drills up-holes from the top level upward to within six feet of the backfilled bench above. These up-hole stopes have been left open in the past, and it is vital to the mining sequence that the mining block above is completed and backfilled prior to mining the up-hole stopes on the last level of the stope block.
Figure 16-5
Sublevel Stoping Mining
Sequence
16.5.2. |
Cut and Fill |
Cut and fill production costs are significantly higher than sublevel stoping. The disadvantage of cut and fill is the high cost of the foaming additive that is added to the cement and pumped up the raise back into the cut. The advantage is that it requires significantly less waste development since a ramp is not required to span the vertical extent of the mineralization. Cut and fill mining can also be much more selective than longhole and generally would reduce dilution from overbreaking into the hanging wall and footwall. A cut and fill stope can extend up to 300 feet along strike in each direction from a central access raise. A typical cut and fill arrangement is shown in Figure 16-6.
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Figure 16-6
Typical cut & fill
stope long section
Cut and fill stoping is initiated by cross-cutting the vein on the bottom mining horizon with an access drift that will house the raise for the life of the stope. The raise is timbered with drawpoints for the mineralized material to pass through and also travelways for personnel and supplies. Drilling and blasting is carried by breasting down from the raise to the stope limits. The broken mineralized material is then slushed to the rock chute and mucked from the bottom access where it is loaded into trucks and removed. Once an entire cut is breasted down, cellular backfill is pumped from the bottom of the raise into the open cut, and the sequence begins again. The cellular backfill consists of a concrete additive that expands in place, filling any cracks or open voids. The density of the cellular backfill once cured is 38 lb/ft³. Due to the high costs of the concrete additive and the timbered raise, this cut and fill method can only be profitable in very high-grade pockets that are uneconomic for a spiral development in waste. There are currently two active cut and fill stopes utilizing this raise-up and cellular fill method. One was developed entirely by Newmont prior to Klondexs purchase and is located on the 305 vein between Spirals 4 and 5. The other was developed by Klondex and is on the 505 vein in Spiral 1, above an area that was sublevel stoped below.
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16.6. |
Ground Control and Dilution |
During either waste or mineralized material development, ground control is a major part of the mining sequence. The face miners bar down loose rock immediately after a blast and install wire mesh and split-set bolts after every round in every heading. Some of the upper zones contain high clay content and low rock mass rating (RMR), which requires installation of Swellex bolts.
Dilution in the stopes is generally controlled by the drill pattern but is also affected by the jointing of the wall rock immediately adjacent to the stope. Figure 16-7 shows an ideal open stope with minimal dilution. When jointing and/or weak wall rock is present, the wall of the stope breaks into an hourglass shape and increases dilution.
In areas where poor rock conditions are anticipated, prior to stoping, engineers issue a design to install cable bolts into the hanging wall of the stope. In cases of rock instability, the panel length is also reduced from 60 feet to 30 feet to increase wall stability and decrease the length of time a stope sits open before being back filled. In general, dilution in the longhole stopes is well controlled even in weak ground by adjusting drill patterns, installing cable bolts, and reducing panel length when necessary.
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Figure 16-7
Sublevel Stope in
Competent Ground
16.7. |
Mine Plan |
The current plan will contain a blend of sublevel stopes and cut and fill over the 2.8 year reserve mine plan. The Midas Mine can continue ore flow from the currently developed sublevel areas in Spiral 7 and 8, as well as the two previously mentioned cut and fill areas, while working toward developing future areas that employ these two methods (Figure 16-8 through Figure 16-16).
Table 16-3 Midas Mine Heading Advance Rates
Heading Type | Units | Daily Rate |
Capital Development Drift | Feet/day | 16 |
Drop Raise | Feet/Day | 5 |
Stope Development (7 x 11) | Feet/day | 21 |
Sublevel (Long Hole) Stoping | Ton/day | 160 |
Cut and Fill Stoping | Ton/Day | 100 |
Backfill | Ton/Day | 200 |
Cellular Backfill | Ton/Day | 18 |
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Figure 16-16
Vein 9052 Planned
Sublevel Stoping (Looking
West)
Table 16-4 Annual Production and Development Plan
Calendar Year | 2014 1. | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Total |
Reserves Mined | |||||
Proven Ore Mined (000's Tons) | 30.5 | 61.2 | 32.7 | 9.7 | 134.1 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.135 | 0.389 | 0.533 | 0.585 | 0.381 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 12.880 | 15.735 | 10.579 | 9.120 | 13.349 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 4.1 | 23.8 | 17.4 | 5.7 | 51.1 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 393.2 | 962.6 | 346.2 | 88.4 | 1,790.5 |
Probable Ore Mined (000's Tons) | 13.1 | 51.6 | 29.6 | 13.6 | 108.0 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.124 | 0.282 | 0.717 | 0.231 | 0.376 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 4.126 | 7.273 | 8.461 | 12.838 | 7.918 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 1.6 | 14.6 | 21.3 | 3.1 | 40.6 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 54.2 | 375.4 | 250.8 | 174.8 | 855.2 |
Total Reserves Mined (000's Tons) | 43.7 | 112.8 | 62.4 | 23.3 | 242.1 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.132 | 0.340 | 0.621 | 0.378 | 0.378 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 10.246 | 11.863 | 9.572 | 11.292 | 10.926 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 5.8 | 38.4 | 38.7 | 8.8 | 91.6 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 447.4 | 1,338.0 | 597.0 | 263.2 | 2,645.6 |
Contained Gold Equiv. (000's Ounces) | 12.7 | 59.1 | 48.0 | 12.9 | 132.6 |
Production Mining | |||||
Stope Development and Drift and Fill Mining (000's Tons) | 21.3 | 36.7 | 10.0 | 1.9 | 69.9 |
Longhole Stope Mining (000's Tons) | 22.4 | 74.7 | 52.4 | 21.4 | 170.9 |
Reserves Mined (000's Tons) | 43.7 | 111.5 | 62.4 | 23.3 | 240.8 |
Reserves Mining Rate (tpd) | 358 | 309 | 170 | 129 | 234 |
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Calendar Year | 2014 1. | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Total |
Backfill | |||||
Cellular Backfill (000's Tons) | 2.8 | 4.4 | 3.2 | 10.5 | |
CRF and GOB Backfill (000's Tons) | 30.5 | 69.8 | 37.9 | 21.3 | 159.5 |
Total Backfill (000's Tons) | 30.5 | 65.6 | 37.9 | 20.6 | 154.6 |
Waste Mining | |||||
Expensed Drift Waste (000's Tons) | 5.0 | 1.1 | - | 0.1 | 6.2 |
Bench Waste (000's Tons) | - | - | - | - | - |
Expensed Waste (000's Tons) | 1.1 | - | 0.1 | 1.2 | |
Primary Capital Drifting (Feet) | 694 | - | 142 | 836 | |
Secondary Capital Drifting (Feet) | 98 | - | 50 | 148 | |
Capital Raising (Feet) | 116 | - | 116 | ||
Capitalized Mining (000's Tons) | 13.8 | - | 3.2 | 17.0 | |
Total Tons Mined (000's Tons) | 48.7 | 127.7 | 62.4 | 26.6 | 265.3 |
Mining Rate (tpd) | 399 | 350 | 170 | 147 | 257 |
Notes:
1. |
The mine plan for 2014 includes only the period of September 1 through December 31. |
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17. |
Recovery Methods |
Mineralized material from the Midas Project is processed in the Midas Mill. Material from each project is segregated through the crushing circuit. The mill has two 500-ton fine ore bins located between the secondary crusher and the ball mill, and one bin is dedicated to each mine. Head samples are taken on each reclaim conveyor at regular intervals, and tonnage measured by a belt scale prior to comingling the mineralization streams.
The Midas Mill was constructed in 1997 and has a nameplate capacity of 1,200 tpd. The mill uses conventional leach technology with Counter Current Decantation followed by Merrill Crowe precipitation. Doré refining is finalized by Johnson Matthey refineries in Salt Lake City, Utah. Midas has performed toll milling periodically since 2008.
17.1. |
Mill Capacity and Process Facility Flow Diagram |
Underground mineralized material is hauled from the Midas mine portal to the run of mine (ROM) pad where it is placed on short term ROM mineralized material stockpiles. Typical mineralized material classifications are: low grade (less than [<] 0.3 opt gold or < 6 opt silver; high grade (0.3 to 0.5 opt gold or 6 to 20 opt silver); and ultra-high grade (> 0.5 opt gold or > 20 opt silver). Underground mineralized material is hand-picked on the pad for scrap wire mesh and rock bolts before being fed to the crusher.
Mineralized material is crushed in two stages through a 30-inch by 40-inch primary jaw crusher and 53 inch secondary cone crusher. Both jaw and secondary crusher products are fed to a six feet by 20 feet Nordberg double deck vibrating screen fitted with two-inch top deck and one-half inch bottom deck screen panels to produce a 95% passing three-eighths inch product. A continuous self-cleaning belt magnet and a metal detector are used to remove tramp metal from the crusher screen feed and to protect the cone crusher from damage. Screen undersize is conveyed to one of two 500-ton fine mineralized material bins.
Crushed and screened material is transported from the fine material bins by individual belt feeders into the 10.5 feet by 15 feet rubber lined Nordberg ball mill. The ball mill is charged with a blend of three-inch and two-inch grinding balls to maintain an operating power draw of 800 horse power (HP). Mill discharge pulp is pumped to a nest of four ten-inch Krebs cyclones (three duty, one standby) for classification. Cyclone overflow, at 85% passing 200 mesh, reports to the trash screen. Cyclone underflow reports to a two millimeter (mm) aperture scalping screen, with the screen undersize being distributed by three-way splitter to the ball mill, verti-mill, and gravity circuit. Lead nitrate solution is added to the ball mill feed chute to enhance silver leach kinetics.
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A split of the screened cyclone underflow reports to the 250 HP verti-mill for open circuit grinding with the verti-mill discharge overflowing back to the primary ball mill discharge pump box. The verti-mill is charged with one inch grinding balls. A split of the screened cyclone underflow also reports to the 20-inch Knelson concentrator for gravity gold recovery. The Knelson operates on a 45-minute cycle providing concentrate for cyanidation in the CS500 Acacia Leach Reactor which conducts three 750 to 1,000 kilogram (kg) batch leaches each week. Pregnant solution (batch containing 100 ounces on average) from the leach reactor reports to the Counter Current decantation (CCD) circuit pregnant solution tank.
Cyclone overflow is screened to remove any plastic debris before reporting to a 42 feet diameter pre-leach thickener. Thickener underflow at 50% solids is pumped to the leach circuit consisting of eight 28 feet by 30 feet air sparged leach tanks, providing a leach residence time of approximately 90 hours at 600 tph feed rate. The pH in the first leach tank is maintained at 10.4 to 11.0 through the addition of hydrated lime, produced from the on-site slaking of pebble lime. Sodium cyanide concentration in the second leach tank is maintained at 1.25 grams per liter (gpl).
The leach circuit discharge is pumped to the first of five 42.5 feet diameter CCD thickeners, where the pulp is counter-current washed with barren Merrill Crowe liquor at a wash ratio of approximately 2.5:1, and CCD thickener underflow at each stage is maintained at between 50 and 56% solids to maximize wash efficiency.
Pregnant CCD solution at a pH of 11.0 and 400 gallons/minute flow rate is fed to one of two disc filters operating in duty/standby mode utilizing diatomaceous earth for clarification. The clarified pregnant solution is then pumped to a packed bed vacuum de-aeration tower, prior to the addition of zinc dust and lead nitrate to precipitate precious metals from solution. The Merrill Crowe precipitate solution is then pumped to one of two plate and frame filter presses for sludge recovery ahead of smelting on site to produce 5,000 troy ounce silver/gold doré bars.
Tailings pulp from the last CCD thickener is pumped to the Inco SO2/Air circuit for cyanide destruction. Cyanide destruction is performed in a single 20 feet by 20 feet agitated, air sparged tank providing approximately one-hour reaction time. Ammonium bi-sulphate, lime, and copper sulphate as a catalyst, are added to the tank on a ratio control basis to achieve target weak acid dissociable (WAD) cyanide levels below five ppm. Routine picric acid determinations are used by operating personnel to maintain WAD cyanide in the INCO cyanide destruction tank discharge pulp at target levels.
Following cyanide destruction, the plant tailings pulp is discharged to one of two lined tailings storage facilities for consolidation and water recovery. Clarified decant pond solution is evaporated or returned to the mill process water tank for reuse in the plant.
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Figure 17-1 Process Facility Flow Sheet
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17.2. |
Physical Mill Equipment |
The Midas process equipment list is shown in Table 17-1:
Table 17-1 Process Equipment Itemization by Area
Description | Number | Spare | Note | Description | Number | Spare | Note |
AREA 350 GRINDING | |||||||
BIN, MILL TROMMEL | 1 | HEATER, MILL FEED | 1 | 5 kW | |||
REJECTS | CONVEYOR GALLERY | ||||||
CS Construction, w/lift | w/fan | ||||||
lugs, 6.5' x 6.5' x 4' | |||||||
CHUTE, BALL | 1 | LAUNDER, MILL | 1 | ||||
TRANSFER | DISCHARGE | ||||||
CS, Rubber Lined | |||||||
CHUTE. FINE ORE BIN | 1 | PUMP BOX, CYCLONE FEED | 1 | ||||
DISCHARGE | 6' x 6' x 6', 1200 gal, CS, Rubber | ||||||
CS Plate Construction, | Lined | ||||||
AR Plate Lined | |||||||
CHUTE, FINE ORE | 1 | PUMP, CYLCONE FEED | 1 | 1 | 50 HP | ||
FEEDER DISCHARGE | 550 gpm, 4 x 3, Centrifugal | ||||||
CS Plate Construction | Slurry, VFD, Rubber Lined CS | ||||||
AR Lined | |||||||
CHUTE, MILL FEED | 1 | SAMPLER, CYCLONE | 1 | 0.5 HP | |||
Includes ball charge | OVERFLOW | ||||||
attachment, CS | 223 gpm, single stage slurry | ||||||
Construction, AR Lined | cutter, CS Rubber Lined | ||||||
CHUTE, BALL | 1 | BELT SCALE, MILL FEED | 1 | ||||
DISCHARGE | 30 tph, 24", 4 idler weigh bridge | ||||||
CS Plate Construction, | |||||||
AR Plate Lined | |||||||
CHUTE, MILL | 1 | CYCLONE PACKAGE | 2 | ||||
TROMMEL COVER | 2 - DS15LB-1826 Cyclones, | ||||||
CS Plate Construction | radial manifold, w/ launders | ||||||
CHUTE, MILL | 1 | DUST COLLECTOR | 1 | 20 HP | |||
TROMMEL REJECTS | PACKAGE | ||||||
CS Plate Construction | PULSE Air, induction, 5000 | ||||||
cfm, 0.5 psi | |||||||
CONVEYOR, MILL | 1 | 7.5 HP | FEEDER, FINE ORE | 1 | 5 HP | ||
FEED | DISCHARGE | ||||||
30 tph, troughed rubber | Rotary Valve | ||||||
type, 36" width, 116' | |||||||
Length, 12' lift, 50 fpm | |||||||
FAN, FINE ORE | 2 | 1.0 HP | LUBE SYSTEM, BALL MILL | 2 | 5 kW | ||
LOWER BUILDING | Air operated, w/heater | ||||||
VENT 4000 cfm, | |||||||
Wall exhaust | |||||||
FEEDER, FINE ORE | 1 | 5.0 HP | MILL, BALL | 1 | 800 HP | ||
30 tph, 30" width, 29' | 10.5' Diameter, 14' Length, | ||||||
length, VFD | Rubber Lined |
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Description | Number | Spare | Note | Description | Number | Spare | Note |
AREA 410 LEACH | |||||||
Knelson gravity | CS 500 Acacia leach reactor | ||||||
concentrator, 20 inch | |||||||
AGITATOR, LEACH | 8 | 40 HP | SAMPLER, LEACH TAILS | 1 | 0.5 HP | ||
109" Diam., Dual | 330 gpm, Slurry Cutter | ||||||
Impellers, 8' sch 80 Shaft, | |||||||
292" Length, CS | |||||||
Construction, Rubber | |||||||
Lined | |||||||
FAN, PRE-LEACH | 1 | 0.5 HP | SCREEN, TRASH | 2 | 2.5 HP | ||
THICKENER VENT | 4' X 5', Vibrating | ||||||
3000 CFM @ 0.25 WG | |||||||
HEATER, PRE-LEACH | 1 | 35 HP | STANDPIPE, PRE-LEACH | 1 | |||
THICKENER VENT | THICKENER O/F 2.5' | ||||||
40,000 BTU, propane | Diam., 20' high, Open Top, CS | ||||||
Construction | |||||||
LAUNDER, LEACH, | 8 | PUMP BOX, CCD FEED | 1 | ||||
INTERTANK | SPLIT TO #1 AND #2 600 | ||||||
CS Construction, w/Gate | gal, 4X4X6' w/weirs, CS | ||||||
Construction, Rubber Lined | |||||||
LAUNDER, LEACH, | 7 | PUMP, PRE-LEACH | 1 | 7.5 HP | |||
INTERTANK bypass | THICKENER AREA SUMP | ||||||
CS Construction, w/Gate | 200 gpm, 2.5" Diam. Vertical | ||||||
Slurry, Rubber Lined | |||||||
PUMP BOX, LEACH | 1 | PUMP, LEACH THICKENER | 1 | 7.5 HP | |||
TAILS | AREA SUMP 200 gpm, 2.5" | ||||||
6' x 6' x 6', 1200 gal, CS, | Diam. Vertical Slurry, Rubber | ||||||
Rubber Lined | Lined | ||||||
PUMP, LEACH TAILS | 2 | 1 | 7.5 HP | TANK, LEACH | 8 | ||
327 gpm, 4X3 | 28' x 30', Open top, CS | ||||||
Centrifugal, CS Rubber | Construction | ||||||
Lined | |||||||
PUMP, PRE-LEACH | 1 | 1 | 15 HP | THICKENER, PRE-LEACH | 1 | 15 HP | |
THICKENER O/F | 59.5' Diameter, 19.5' Height, | ||||||
533 gpm, 3X4, | Feed well, All Gear, CS | ||||||
Centrifugal, CS | Construction | ||||||
Construction, Packed Seal | |||||||
PUMP, PRE-LEACH | 1 | 10 HP | |||||
THICKENER U/F | |||||||
330 gpm, 3X4, | |||||||
Centrifugal, CS | |||||||
Construction, Rubber | |||||||
Lined | |||||||
AREA 430 CCD THICKENING | |||||||
FAN, CCD ARE VENT | 4 | 1 HP | PUMP, CCD THICKENER U/F | 5 | 5 | 4.5 HP | |
6000 cfm, Wall Exhaust | ADVANCE | ||||||
160 gpm, 3X4, Centrifugal, CS | |||||||
Construction, Packed Seal |
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Description | Number | Spare | Note | Description | Number | Spare | Note |
HEATER, CCD ARE | 4 | 1 HP | SAMPLER, LEACH TAILS | 1 | 0.5 HP | ||
VENT | 330 gpm, Slurry Cutter | ||||||
20 MBH, Propane | |||||||
w/motor | |||||||
PUMP, LEACH CCD | 1 | 7.5 HP | STANDPIPE, CCD thickener | 5 | |||
AREA SUMP | 2.5' Diam., 20' high, Open Top, | ||||||
200 gpm, 2.5" Diam. | CS Construction | ||||||
Vertical Slurry, Rubber | |||||||
Lined | |||||||
PUMP, CCD | 5 | 1 | 7.5 HP | THICKENER, CCD | 5 | ||
THICKENER O/F | 42.5' Diam. 19.5' high, feed | ||||||
ADVANCE | well, all gear | ||||||
300 gpm, 3X4, | |||||||
Centrifugal, CS | |||||||
Construction, Packed Seal | |||||||
AREA 450 CYANIDE DESTRUCTION | |||||||
AGITATOR, CYANIDE | 1 | 125 HP | TANK, CYANIDE | 1 | |||
DESTRUCTION | DESTRUCTION | ||||||
121" Diam., Dual | 20' X 20', Open Top, CS | ||||||
Impellers, 10' sch 160 | Construction | ||||||
Shaft, 292" Length, CS | |||||||
Const., Rubber Lined | |||||||
SAMPLER, CYANIDE | 1 | 0.5 HP | |||||
DESTRUCTION | |||||||
200 gpm, Slurry Cutter | |||||||
AREA 470 TAILING HANDLING | |||||||
PUMP, TAILINGS | 1 | 10 HP | PIPE, TAILINGS | 800 ft | |||
DISTRUBUTION | 8" HDPE, SDR 11 | ||||||
420 gpm, 3X4, | |||||||
Centrifugal, CS | |||||||
Construction, Rubber | |||||||
Lined | |||||||
PUMP, CCD | 5 | 1 | 7.5 HP | PIPE, TAILINGS | 800 ft | ||
THICKENER U/F | 12" HDPE, SDR 11 | ||||||
ADVANCE | |||||||
160 gpm, 3X4, | |||||||
Centrifugal, CS | |||||||
Construction, Rubber | |||||||
Lined | |||||||
AREA 510 MERRILL CROWE | |||||||
FILTER, CLARIFYING | 1 | 1 HP | PUMP, PREGNANT | 1 | 1 | 30 HP | |
400 ft 2 , 210 gpm, 25 ppm | SOLUTION | ||||||
solids, 54" diam. X 8', | 600 gpm, 3X4, CS Construction | ||||||
flushing | |||||||
PUMP, BARREN | 1 | 1 | 15 HP | PUMP, FILTER FEED | 1 | 1 | 15 HP |
SOLUTION | 600 gpm, 3X4, CS Construction, | ||||||
600 gpm, 4X8, | flooded mechanical seal | ||||||
Centrifugal, CS | |||||||
Construction |
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17.3. |
Operation and Recoveries |
Midas mineralization performs quite well under direct cyanidation with daily recoveries as high as 95.1% for gold and up to 95% for silver. The process performance is consistent with gold recovery having a standard deviation of less than two percent. Variances in gold recovery are due to the head grade and grind size, and do not appear to be associated with mineralized material type. The standard deviation of silver recovery is less than four percent with variance due to head grade, grind size, and clay content. Clay enriched mineralization often has higher silver to gold ratios and tend to present recovery difficulties. Recoveries occasionally fall outside the expected distribution because of plant or operating issues. The current grind is 85% passing through 200 mesh. The feasibility of producing a finer grind product to improve gold and silver recovery is currently under analysis by Klondex.
17.4. |
Processing Costs |
Midas Mill operating costs for 2012 through 2014 are summarized in Table17 2.
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Table 17-2 Midas Mill Operating Costs
$/ton | Total Tonnage | |||||
Year | Budget | Actual | Variance | Budget | Actual | Variance |
2012 | $33.12 | $35.02 | $1.90 | 373,000 | 330,000 | -43,000 |
2013 (Oct) | $35.49 | $39.05 | $3.56 | 255,600 | 207,600 | -48,000 |
2014 1 | 62.53 | $57.49 | -$5.04 | 174,425 | 171,818 | -2,607 |
Notes: | |
1. | Klondex has only been the operator of the Midas Mill since February 19, 2014. Newmont was the prior operator. |
The elevated cost per ton for 2013 and 2014 is the result of the inflexibility of fixed costs versus diminished throughput.
Future processing cost projections reflect 2014 consumption rates and pricing levels for reagents, and electrical power. Adequate water is available from onsite supply wells and the Midas Underground Mine.
17.5. |
Production |
Doré is shipped to the refinery as 5500 oz. bars that average approximately 3.94% gold and 90.1% silver plus minor constituents, including less than 4% selenium. Table 17-3 provides a monthly summary of the processing at the Midas Mill of mineralized material extracted from Midas during2014.
Table 17-3 2014 Midas Mineralized Material Processed at the Midas Mill
Feb 1 | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total | |
Tons (000s) | 2.8 | 11.2 | 10.7 | 9.8 | 11.2 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.7 | 11.6 | 9.7 | 12.7 | 117.0 |
Au grade | 0.078 | 0.135 | 0.089 | 0.102 | 0.182 | 0.214 | 0.106 | 0.165 | 0.163 | 0.126 | 0.256 | 0.155 |
Ag grade | 8.13 | 12.11 | 11.58 | 10.43 | 9.24 | 11.02 | 8.53 | 8.92 | 18.11 | 15.53 | 13.02 | 11.69 |
feed Au oz (000s) | 0.2 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 3.2 | 18 |
feed Ag oz (000s) | 22.7 | 135.2 | 123.9 | 102.4 | 103.7 | 135.5 | 104.6 | 113.1 | 209.9 | 150.2 | 165.1 | 1,366 |
% Au recovery | 94.5% | 94.5% | 96.3% | 90.2% | 92.1% | 94.7% | 95.6% | 93.8% | 93.8% | 95.2% | 91.8% | 93.6% |
% Ag recovery | 95.7% | 94.1% | 97.5% | 95.8% | 92.6% | 95.4% | 94.5% | 97.6% | 94.8% | 96.2% | 94.1% | 95.2% |
recovered Au oz (000s) | 0.2 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 2.5 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 3.0 | 17 |
recovered Ag oz (000s) | 21.7 | 127.2 | 120.7 | 98.1 | 96.0 | 129.2 | 98.8 | 110.4 | 198.9 | 144.4 | 155.4 | 1,301 |
Note: | |
1. | Includes only production following the completion of the Midas purchase from Newmont on February 11, 2014. |
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Figure 17-2 Midas Plant Performance Prior to 2014
17.6. |
Midas Mill Operating Permits |
The Midas Mill is currently operating under three Air Quality Operating Permits administered by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP) Bureau of Air Pollution Control and one Water Pollution Control Permit administered by the Nevada NDEP Bureau of Water Pollution Control. The permits are discussed in detail in Section 20.
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18. |
Project Infrastructure |
The Midas underground mine is a modern mine site with all the facilities generally associated with mechanized mining and ore processing. The Midas operation is served by Nevada State Highway 789 connected to a 32.4 -mile all-weather gravel access road.
18.1. |
Infrastructure |
The Midas Project includes an underground mine, waste rock area, crushing plant, conventional mill, refinery, cyanide destruction circuit, tailings impoundment, and a TSF. Mine operations also includes ancillary facilities such as: a maintenance shop, warehouse, administration and security building, and facilities for distributing diesel fuel, gasoline, and propane.
18.2. |
Tailings Containment |
Klondex has evaluated the potential for increasing tailings capacity. The remaining capacity in the existing Midas Phase 4/5 tailings is estimated to be 700,000 tons, as of year-end 2014. Two alternatives are available for increasing tailings capacity. The first would raise the existing embankment approximately four feet using an engineered retaining wall. This option would add approximately 400,000 tons capacity and is estimated to cost $1M. This option has the advantage of staying inside the existing TSF footprint and can be permitted with a minor modification to the existing plan of operations. The second option would involve new construction outside the existing TSF footprint. Permit modifications would likely take two to three years to secure. New TSF construction could be completed by early 2018. Klondex is proceeding with construction of the four-foot embankment raise.
The 2012 performance of the TSF included evaporation of over 90M gallons of water utilizing ten evaporator units. Currently, 14 evaporators operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week during the peak evaporation season to assist in the evaporation of excess water in the TSF.
18.3. |
Power |
The Midas Mine has six main electrical transformers which are located on the surface. The total line capacity for the Midas Project is 12 megawatt (MW) or 15,500 HP. Details of the main transformers in the system are listed in Table 18-1.
Table 18-1 Electrical Transformer Details
Location |
Service Voltage
Kilovolts (kV) |
Size | Current Power Draw(MW) |
UG Portal | 24.9kV | 5MVA | 1.8 |
South Vent Raise | 24.9kV | 2.5MVA | 0.9 |
Deep Vent Raise | 24.9kV | 1MVA | 0.6 |
North Vent Raise | 24.9kV | 5MVA | 1.7 |
Mill/Truck Shop | 24.9kV | 5MVA | 2.1 |
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Location |
Service Voltage
Kilovolts (kV) |
Size | Current Power Draw(MW) |
Tails Evaporation | 24.9kV | 1MVA | 0.6 |
Total | 7.7 MW |
Midas also has a 1.4 kilowatt (kW) diesel generator for backup. Prior to Klondexs acquisition of the Midas Project, electrical power supply to Midas was from Newmonts Dunphy Power Plant from the 120kV transfer line to the Osgood Substation. Transmission from the Osgood Station to the site is on a 24.9kV line. Site voltage available is from 480 volts (V) service to 4160V service. Klondex purchases electrical power from NV Energy which is transmitted using the same infrastructure.
18.4. |
Water |
Midas Project water is supplied by two main wells: the Plant Site Well and the Valley Well. The combined capacity of both is 300 gallons per minute (gpm).
Figure 18-1 Water Systemat Midas (Newmont, 2013)
18.5. |
Communication Infrastructure |
Digital data communication service is provided from fiber optic cable and has a 1.1 gigabyte per second capacity. Telephone service is standard multi-line voice service.
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Figure 18-2 Location of Site Facilities
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19. |
Market Studies and Contracts |
19.1. |
Precious Metal Markets |
Gold and silver markets are mature with reputable smelters and refiners located throughout the world. Following several years of increases, gold and silver prices began declining in 2012. As of December 2014, the 36-month trailing average gold price was $1,449 per ounce, the 24-month trailing average price was $1,339 while the monthly average had dropped to $1,202. The silver price trend shows similar behavior, and both are shown in Figure 19-1.
Figure 19-1 Historical Monthly Average Gold and Silver Prices and 36 Month Trailing Average
19.2. |
Contracts |
As part of normal mining activities, Klondex has entered into several contracts with several mining industry suppliers and contractors. The terms of these agreements are customary for mines in the area.
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19.3. |
Project Financing |
On December 4, 2013, the Corporation entered into a stock purchase agreement with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Klondex Holdings (USA) Inc., and Newmont USA Limited ("Newmont USA") to acquire all of the shares of Klondex Midas Holdings Limited (formerly Newmont Midas Holdings Limited), which indirectly owns the Midas Project. The Midas Acquisition was completed on February 11, 2014. The purchase price of the Midas Acquisition was comprised of:
1. |
Approximately US$55 million in cash; |
|
2. |
The replacement of Newmont surety arrangements with Nevada and federal regulatory authorities in the amount of approximately US$28 million; and |
|
3. |
The issuance by the Corporation to Newmont USA of 5 million warrants to purchase Common Shares of Klondex at an exercise price of $2.15, with a 15-year term, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances. |
The Midas Acquisition was financed through the Subscription Receipt Financing (as defined below), the 2014 Debt Financing (as hereinafter defined) and the Gold Purchase Arrangement (as hereinafter defined).
On January 9, 2014, the Corporation completed an offering (the "Subscription Receipt Financing") of 29,400,000 subscription receipts at a price of $1.45 per subscription receipt on a private placement basis, raising aggregate gross proceeds of $42,630,000 (the "SR Proceeds") pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement dated December 6, 2013 between the Corporation and GMP Securities L.P., MGI Securities Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, M Partners Inc., Jones, Gable & Company Limited and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the "SR Agents"). The SR Proceeds, less the SR Agents' expenses and out-of-pocket costs and legal expenses, were placed in escrow pending (i) the closing of the Midas Acquisition, and (ii) the receipt by the Corporation of the requisite shareholder approval of the Subscription Receipt Financing and the 2014 Debt Financing (as hereinafter defined) pursuant to the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Upon both of these conditions being satisfied, on February 11, 2014, the net proceeds of the Subscription Receipt Financing were paid out of the escrowed funds to the Corporation.
On February 11, 2014, the Corporation entered into a senior secured loan facility agreement (the "Facility Agreement") with a syndicate of lenders led by Royal Capital Management Corp., pursuant to which the Corporation issued units consisting of an aggregate of $25,000,000 principal amount of notes, issued at a 2.5% discount to par value, and 3,100,000 warrants ("2014 Lender Warrants") to purchase Common Shares (the "2014 Debt Financing"). The 2014 Lender Warrants have an exercise price of $1.95 and will expire on February 11, 2017. The notes mature on August 11, 2017.
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On February 11, 2014, the Corporation entered into a gold purchase agreement (the "Gold Purchase Agreement") with Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation ("FNC"), pursuant to which the Corporation raised proceeds of US$33,763,640 (the "Gold Purchase Arrangement") in consideration for the delivery of an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold on a monthly basis over a five year period ending on December 31, 2018. Under the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement, the Corporation is required to make gold deliveries at the end of each month, with the first delivery having been due on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces of gold is completed on December 31, 2018. The annualized delivery schedule is shown in Table 19-1.
Table 19-1 FNC Gold Delivery Schedule
Year | Gold Ounces |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Corporation's obligations under each of the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Agreement are secured against all of the assets and property of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. The security granted for the performance of the Corporation's obligations under the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Agreement rank pari-passu.
The Facility Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature, including limitations on future indebtedness during its term. Early repayment of the loan under the Facility Agreement by the Corporation is required under an event of default under the Facility Agreement, including in the event that the Corporation has failed to pay within three business days of being due any principal or interest totaling $250,000 or more on any indebtedness of the Corporation other than the indebtedness (other than permitted indebtedness) under the Facility Agreement. In addition, the Corporation may not incur indebtedness where, on the date of such incurrence, and after giving effect thereto and the application of proceeds therefrom, the Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Facility Agreement) of the Corporation and its subsidiaries divided by the sum of the consolidated debt expense (net of consolidated interest income) of the Corporation and its subsidiaries would be less than 3.5.
The Gold Purchase Agreement also contains customary events of default and covenants for a transaction of its nature. A default under the Facility Agreement would also constitute a default under the Gold Purchase Agreement. As at the date hereof, the Corporation is in compliance with all requirements under the Facility Agreement and the Gold Purchase Agreement.
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On February 12, 2014, the Corporation entered into a royalty agreement (the "Midas Royalty Agreement") with Franco-Nevada U.S. Corporation ("Franco-Nevada US"), a subsidiary of FNC, and, Klondex Midas Operations Inc. (formerly Newmont Midas Operations Inc.) (Midas Operations), the owner of the Midas Project and now an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, pursuant to which Midas Operations raised proceeds of US$218,310 from the grant of a 2.5% NSR royalty to Franco-Nevada US on the Midas Mine.
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20. | Environmental Impact Studies, Permitting and Social or Community |
As with any mine, new environmental regulations have the potential to add expenses and restrictions to operations. Restrictions have the potential to adversely affect the scope of new exploration and development on the Midas property, and subsequently, the potential for production at the Property may be affected.
The Midas Mine is subject to the laws and regulations relating to environmental matters in all jurisdictions in which it operates, including provisions relating to property reclamation, discharge of hazardous material and other matters. Mineral exploration and mining operations are completed in compliance with applicable environmental regulations. The authors of this Technical Report are not aware of any existing environmental liabilities.
20.1. |
Environmental Management Activities |
Ongoing environmental management issues at Midas include regulatory reporting on:
| Water Pollution Control Reports | |
| Air Quality Reports and Compliance Testing | |
| Water Rights | |
| Reclamation Report and Bond Updates | |
| Toxic Release Inventory Reports | |
| Dam Permit Reporting | |
| Hazardous Waste Inspections and Reporting | |
| Wildlife Inspections and Reports | |
| Additionally, reclamation financial assurances require reporting on: | |
| Annual Corporate Guarantee Review and Approval | |
| Triennial Reclamation Cost Estimate Update | |
| Other environmental management obligations include: | |
| Permit Renewals/Modifications | |
| Reclamation and Final Permanent Closure Plan | |
| Cultural Resources Mitigation Actions | |
| Greater Sage-grouse Mitigation Actions | |
| Regulatory Inspections |
Waste Rock Dump Description and Management
The waste rock dump (WRD) at Midas is located downhill and to the south-east of the portal. Primary waste rocks lithologies are tuff, rhyolite, and basalt. The current WRD design covers eleven acres of disturbance on private property. Maximum storage capacity is approximately 1.4 million tons.
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Waste rock at Midas is used as fill in the underground openings. During phases of increased development, the WRD inventory increases, and when the mine development level is normalized, the inventory decreases.
During waste rock placement, composite samples of felsic and mafic rock lithologies are taken on a daily basis. In compliance with the Water Pollution Control Permit, the sample analysis is reported on a quarterly basis. The Meteoric Water Mobility Procedure (MWMP) Profile I is reported to the BMRR, which measures 31 constituents. The potential for the WRD to generate acid is also calculated and reported. Lime is added during quarterly monitoring if the Acid Neutralization Potential (ANP) to Acid Generation Potential (GNP) ratio is less than 1.0.
During 2012 and 2013, no constituents average value taken from the WRD was outside of the acceptable Profile I standard (from the fourth quarter 2011 through third quarter, 2013 reports). During this period, 627,000 tons of felsic and 74,400 tons of mafic rock were placed on the WRD. The average ANP to AGP readings for that time were a ratio of 2.3. Additionally, Monitoring Well-9, in the drainage below the WRD, is sampled on the quarterly.
Waste rock is routinely reclaimed from the WRD and placed in the underground stopes. It is anticipated that, during the latter stages of mining, stope fill requirements will allow a much higher rate of waste rock re-placement diminishing the volume of the WRD.
The Midas Revised Three-Year Reclamation Plan was approved by the BMRR in October 2012. The plan states on Page 23:
All of the mine waste rock that is stored on the temporary waste rock facility will be removed from this area and backfilled into the decline. Once the rock is removed, the topography in this area will approximate the original contour. Reclamation will consist of the placement of 0.5 feet of cover and 0.5 feet of growth media and seeding. (US Department of the Interior (DOI) BLM, 2013)
Topsoil for the WRD is stored immediately downhill from the Midas Mine. When reclamation is complete, the potential for future waste rock acid drainage will be mitigated.
20.2. |
Tailings Impoundment Description and Management |
The TSF is located on the west flank of a wide canyon on the southern periphery of the Project. The tailings coverage entails 95 acres of disturbance located entirely on private property. The embankment has undergone four permitted lifts to expand capacity since its original construction. The current lift is known as Phase 5. The Phase 5 lift was designed by the engineering firm, Smith Williams Consultants, Inc., and is permitted with Dam Safety Permit J-555 by the Nevada Department of Water Resources. The current cumulative capacity of the TSF is 3.70 million tons, of which approximately 700,000 tons are still available. It is expected that an expansion will be required in approximately the next 4 years.
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The TSF is a synthetic lined pond with 2:1 slope ratio on the internal walls and 3:1 slope ratio on the external walls comprised of compacted earth and rock buttress construction. The TSF has a maximum permitted vertical lift (Phase Six which has not yet been built) of 200 feet on the external, downslope side. The pond contains approximately 2,750,000 tons of detoxified cyanide tailings ground to 80% passing a 200 mesh screen. Tailings placement occurs simultaneously with process water decantation and active evaporation within the margins of the TSF.
The cumulative, drained process tailings are subjected to downward migrating water. There is potential for this water to escape the lined TSF. Furthermore, meteoric waters in the alluvium outside the pond host potential to leach chemicals from the tailings through the outer walls of the TSF and then enter the drainage at the toe of the dam. The possible occurrences of seepage are monitored by quarterly sampling from ten monitoring wells, nine of which are down-gradient of the TSF and one up-gradient. Results from these samples are reported quarterly to BMRR, according to the Water Pollution Control Permit.
Incidental seepage is prevented from entering the waters of the State by federal law. Any seepage solutions are captured in an underdrain pond and drainage wells prior to release to the regional hydrologic system. Seepage water is pumped back into the TSF.
The Midas Reclamation Plan provides for proper reclamation and closure of the TSF. This plan includes a period of Process Fluid stabilization followed by placement of an Evapotranspiration (ET) barrier, designed to force meteoric water to evaporate instead of infiltrating the pond. Seeding for vegetation follows ET placement. Water quality monitoring will continue for a period of five years and be reported on a quarterly basis.
The Midas Revised Three Year Reclamation plan was approved by the BMRR in October 2012. When reclamation is completed, the potential for future seepage from the TSF will be mitigated.
20.3. |
Air Emissions Control |
Air emission standards for Midas are defined in the BLM Environmental Assessment titled, Midas Underground Support Facilities, Newmont Mining Corporation, issued in March 2013. These emissions include diesel particulate and dust expelled from underground mining operations, fugitive dust from surface operations, road maintenance, crushing activities, and mercury emissions from refinery furnaces and mercury retorts.
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Elko County, Nevada |
Klondexs current Midas operations are regulated by a number of BAPC permits. Operations at Midas are permitted under Class II Air Quality Operating Permit AP1041-0766.02. A Title V application was submitted in January 2012, and the permit approval is currently pending BAPC review. Surface disturbance and fugitive emissions are regulated under three Class II Surface Area Disturbance Permits: AP1041-1444.01 (Borrow Pit), AP1041-1454.01 (Exploration), and AP1442-2674 (Jakes Creek Gravel Pit).
To allow for potential increases in mercury emission, as is anticipated in processing custom ores at Midas, Newmont obtained a Nevada Mercury Control air permit from the BAPC and Klondex is currently operating in Phase 1 of this permit. The purpose of Phase 1 is to monitor and operate properly under existing mercury controls and to implement work practice standards on units without controls in order to minimize emissions until the appropriate technologies under the Nevada Maximum Achievable Control Technology (NvMACT) standards are determined. At the existing Midas facility, Klondex is operating under Mercury OPTC: Phase 1, AP1041-2253 for a number of units.
20.4. |
Reclamation Cost and Bonding |
Klondex posted $28M in reclamation bonding upon the completion of the Midas Acquisition.
20.5. |
Permits |
The Midas Project, including the Ken Snyder Mine and the Midas Processing facility, have been in operation since 1998. Beginning in 1992 and up until 1997, a full suite of exploration, operating, and tailings permits were acquired, and since 1998 have been maintained and modified to suit the full range of operations at Midas.
In overview, permits are maintained at the state level with the NDEP and State Fire Marshal; at the Federal level with the BLM; and locally with the Counties of Elko and Humboldt. A list of the most significant operational permits maintained by the Midas Project are listed in Table 20-1.
Air Quality Permit
Air permits include Surface Air Disturbance permitting, Class I and Class II Operating Permits, and Mercury Control Permits. These permits, administered by the NDEP, are in compliance with Federal EPA Emissions Inventory Systems.
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Water Quality permit
Water permits include Water Pollution Control permits, various Storm Water Control permits, permits for dams and Industrial Artificial Ponds. These permits are administered by the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the NDEP and adhere to the Federal EPA Discharge and Release Standards. Public Water Systems and Treatment facilities are also covered.
Rights of Way
Rights to operate on Federal Lands are administered by the BLM. Midas holds four main Rights of Way.
Plans of Operation
Two plans of operations are in effect. The first covering the location of five vent raises, and the second covering exploration activities on the surrounding land package. Both plans of operation are administered by the BLM.
Water Rights
The Midas Mine has acquired sufficient water rights for operation of the two water supply wells and mine dewatering system.
Other Permits
Other permits include state fire protection permits, solid waste disposal permits, reclamation permits, and septic systems.
Midas holds and maintains 26 major permits. Table 20-1 lists these permits and their respective reporting and expiration periods.
Table 20-1 Midas Operations Comprehensive Permit List
Permit | Number | Description | Agency | Current | Period | Expiration |
Class II Air Quality | AP1041-0766 | Processing Permit | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 5/11/2014 |
Class I Operating | AP1041-2989 | Permit to Construct | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 6/5/2014 |
Nevada Mercury | AP1041-2253 | Mercury Operating | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 6/5/2014 |
Control | Permit | |||||
Surface Air | AP1041-1444 | Midas Gravel Pit | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 8/19/2014 |
Disturbance | ||||||
Surface Air | AP1041-1454 | Exploration | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 9/7/2014 |
Disturbance | ||||||
Surface Air | AP1442-2674 | Jakes Creek Gravel | NDEP-BAPC | yes | Annual | 5/5/2015 |
Disturbance (SAD) | Pit |
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Permit | Number | Description | Agency | Current | Period | Expiration |
IAP | S35289 | Industrial Artificial | NDOW | yes | Quarterl | 6/30/2018 |
Ponds Permit | y | |||||
Dam Permit | J-555 | Dam Safety Phases | NDEP-NDWR | yes | Bi-Ann. | 6/30/2014 |
4 - 5 | ||||||
Right of Way | N83284 | Power Line | BLM | yes | N/A | 8/28/2027 |
Right of Way | N61100 | Road and Power | BLM | yes | N/A | 4/23/2027 |
Line | ||||||
Right of Way | N-66023 | Road and | BLM | yes | N/A | 11/20/2029 |
Waterline | ||||||
Right of Way | N088016 | Snow Fence | BLM | yes | N/A | 12/31/2039 |
Plan of Operations | NVN 071128 | Exploration POO | BLM | yes | N/A | N/A |
Plan of Operations | NVN 088898 | Operations Plan | BLM | hold | N/A | N/A |
Storm Water | CSW-19747 | Jakes Creek Storm | NDEP-BWPC | yes | Annual | 7/1/2014 |
Water Runoff | ||||||
Storm Water | ISW-1464 | Midas Gravel Pit | NDEP-BWPC | yes | Annual | 7/1/2014 |
Storm Water | ||||||
Storm Water | MSW-221 | Mine Ops Storm | NDEP-BWPC | yes | Annual | 7/1/2014 |
Water Runoff | ||||||
WPCP | NEV-96107 | Water Pollution | NDEP-BMRR | yes | Quarterl | 2/5/2013 |
Control Permit | y | |||||
Potable Water P | EL-0908- | Public Water | NDEP-BSDW | yes | Quarterl | 6/30/2014 |
12NTC | System | y | ||||
Potable Water T | EL-0908- | Treatment Facility | NDEP-BSDW | yes | Quarterl | 6/30/2014 |
TP01- | y | |||||
12NTNC | ||||||
Reclamation Permit | #0098 | Exploration | NDEP-BMRR | yes | Annual | 2/28/2014 |
Reclamation Permit | #0125 | Mine Operations | NDEP-BMRR | yes | Annual | 10/5/2015 |
Fire Safety Plan | 27455 | HAZMAT Permit | NV Fire Marshal | yes | Annual | 2/28/2014 |
EPCRA | 8941KNSNY | Waste Generation | EPA-BWM | yes | Annual | 6/30/2014 |
60MIL |
Notes of significance about the permits in place are listed below:
Air Quality
Midas is currently operating under two permits, the Class II operating permit AP1041-0766 and the Mercury Operating Permit AP1041-2253. The Class 1A Permit AP1041-2989 is currently a permit to construct. This permit includes the mercury capture and mitigation process hardware which has not yet been installed. It was Newmonts intention to incorporate the Class II and Mercury permits into the Class 1 Permit upon inspection and approval of the mercury circuit. The site will thus operate under only one Air Quality Operating Permit.
Solid Waste
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or Community Impact |
There is no landfill permit. Solid waste is removed from site and disposed at the Humboldt County Landfill.
Jakes Creek
The Jakes Creek ROW and SAD permits are held to access and maintain the Jakes Creek area and road. This is part of a county road maintenance agreement, mentioned in the following section.
Water Pollution Control Permit (WPCP)
The current site WPCP expired February 2013. Newmont filed an Application for Renewal (Renewal) within the required 90-day application timeline. Klondex refiled the Renewal during the summer of 2014, and it is under review by NDEP. Klondex is currently operating Midas under the expired permit which is allowed, as long as the renewal was filed during the renewal application period.
20.6. |
Social Impact |
Midas Mine management incurs responsibility to address these issues:
Road agreements with Elko County and Humboldt County related to drilling two wells on Humboldt County-owned land. The drilling would entail supporting dust suppression on the access road (from the Y to the mine entrance). The drilling was scheduled for Spring 2013 (presently awaiting water rights transfer at State of Nevada from Humboldt County to Klondex).
Additionally, Midas provides labor, materials, and equipment for maintenance of State Route 18. In 2012, a total of $285,000 was spent on the following areas of road maintenance:
| Dust suppression | |
| Grading | |
| Routine repairs | |
| Maintenance of signage and cattle guards | |
| Snow removal |
Klondex also participates in community support of the following organizations:
| Midas Fire Department: July 4 parade and first responder program | |
| Nevada Bighorns Unlimited: August fundraiser | |
| Annual community picnic to provide update on mine operations (held in July) |
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21. |
Capital and Operating Cost Estimates |
21.1. |
Capital Costs |
Life of Mine (LOM) constant dollar capital expenditures are detailed in Table 21-1. Mine development comprises 100% of total capital. Owner operated mine development unit costs, for similarly sized excavations in north Nevada, are shown in Table 21-2.
Table 21-1Capital Costs
Cost (000's) | |||||
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Total | |
MineDevelopment | $1,301 | $259 | $1,560 | ||
SiteFacilities | |||||
MiningEquipment | |||||
Total | $0 | $1,301 | $0 | $259 | $1,560 |
Table 21- 2 Underground Development Unit Costs
Unit | |||
Width | Height | Cost | |
Description | (ft) | (ft) | ($/ft) |
PrimaryCapitalDrifting | 14 15 | 15 17 | $1,350 |
SecondaryCapitalDrifting | 14 | 14 | $1,350 |
Raising | 10 | 10 | $2,000 |
21.2. |
Operating Costs and Cutoff Grade |
LOM operating costs are presented in Table 21-3 below. Unit mining costs are based on actual costs incurred at Midas in 2014. These costs have been adjusted to reflect the planned mining rate where appropriate. The weighted average cost is based on the LOM quantities in each category.
Table 21-3 Operating Costs
Description | Unit Cost | Unit |
Mining | ||
Production Stoping | $170.00 | /ton |
5 x 11 Stope Development Drift | $200.00 | /ton |
Backfill | $30.00 | /ton |
Cellular Backfill | $235.00 | /ton |
Average Mining Cost | $211.83 | /ton |
Transportation, Processing and G&A |
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Description | Unit Cost | Unit |
Haulage Portal to Mill | $2.00 | /ton |
Processing - Fixed Cost $16,733 / Process Rate (tpd) | $41.67 | /ton |
- Variable Cost | $26.18 | /ton |
Site Administration and G&A $7,888.89 / Mineral Reserves Mining Rate (tpd) | $33.19 | /ton |
Total | $314.87 | /ton |
Processing costs include fixed and variable components. Appling these to the 2014 actual tonnage processed predicts a total cost of $61.24 per ton. Actual costs for 2014 averaged $57.49 per ton or six percent below the predicted cost.
Site administration costs are based on actual Midas cost reporting for 2014. These costs include surface support, environmental, land, legal and other costs allocated to the Project. These costs are treated as 100% fixed and amount to $236,670 per month.
Using the operating costs and parameters above, cut-off grades were calculated at varying gold prices. These are shown in Table 21-4 and Figure 21-1. The incremental cut-off represents the required minimum grade of mineralization to be profitable to process after it has been mined and transported to the surface. Mineralization from development excavations is included in the LOM plan and mineral reserves if it exceeds the incremental cut off since processing the incremental material improves the Project cash flow over the alternative of sending this material to the waste dump.
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Table 21-4 Cut-off Grade Calculation
Gold | Silver | ||
Metal Sales Price | $/Ounce | $1,000 | $15.83 |
Refining and Sales Expense | $/Ounce | Included in Milling | |
Royalty | 0% | ||
Metallurgical Recovery | 94% | 92% | |
Operating Costs | |||
Ore Haulage (Portal to Mill) | $/ton | $2.00 | |
Direct Processing | $/ton | $67.85 | |
Administration and Overhead | $/ton | $33.19 | |
Mining | $/ton | $211.83 | |
Total | $/ton | $314.87 | |
Gold Equivalent | 1 | 64.53 | |
Unplanned Dilution | 10% | ||
Incremental Cut Off Grade | 0.110 | ||
Cut-off Grade | Eq. opt | 0.335 | |
Minimum Mining Width | feet | 4 | |
Grade Thickness cut-off | Eq. opt-ft. | 1.474 |
Figure 21-1 Cut-off Grade Sensitivity to Gold Price
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22. |
Economic Analysis |
The LOM plan and technical and economic projections in the LOM plan model include forward looking statements that are not historical facts and are required in accordance with the reporting requirements of the Canadian Securities Administrators. These forward-looking statements include estimates and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially.
The estimates of capital and operating costs have been developed specifically for the Project and are summarized in Section 21. These costs are derived from actual mine and process operating experience for the Project during 2014, and where appropriate, include adjustments applicable to the planned production rates.
The cash flow estimate includes only costs, taxes and other factors applicable to the project. Corporate obligations, financing costs, and taxes at the corporate level are excluded. The cash flow estimate includes 35% Federal income tax after appropriate deductions for depreciation and depletion. No consideration has been given for carry forward losses incurred prior to 2015. Nevada does not impose an income tax but does levy a net proceeds tax equal to 5% of the net operating income with some allowances for depreciation of property plant and equipment. The net proceeds tax does not allow a depletion deduction.
Future reclamation costs have been prepaid through reclamation bonding requirements of the BLM and NDEP. These bonds are considered adequate to fund future reclamation liabilities.
22.1. |
Life of Mine Plan and Economics |
Constant dollar cash flow analysis of the reserves production and development plan shown in Table 16-4 is presented in the income and cash flow statements of Table 22-1 and Table 22-2, respectively. Table 22-3 lists the life of mine key operating and financial indicators. The minimal capital requirements yield a 0.6 -year capital payback period and 21.1 profitability index (PI) calculated with a 10% discount rate and a 523% rate of return. PI is the ratio of payoff to investment of a proposed project. It is a useful tool for ranking projects because it allows you to quantify the amount of value created per unit of investment. A profitability index of 1 indicates break even.
Royalties incurred during the LOM plan include the advance minimum royalty payments to third party lessors. The mine plan ends prior to the 2 ½% royalty taking effect as specified in the Midas Royalty Agreement with Franco-Nevada US. None of the planned production is from holdings subject to NSR royalties.
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Table 22-1 Income Statement 2015 2018 ($000s)
Year | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Total |
Income Statement (000's) | |||||
Revenue | |||||
Gold Sales | $5,406.9 | $36,076.3 | $36,380.8 | $8,277.6 | $86,141.6 |
Silver Sales | $6,516.1 | $19,486.4 | $8,695.1 | $3,832.5 | $38,530.1 |
Total Revenue | $11,923.0 | $55,562.6 | $45,075.9 | $12,110.1 | $226,915.0 |
Operating Costs | |||||
Ore Mining | ($8,062.0) | ($20,051.0) | ($10,902.6) | ($4,018.0) | ($43,033.6) |
Backfill | ($915.2) | ($2,885.7) | ($2,171.4) | ($1,416.6) | ($7,388.9) |
Expensed Waste | ($700.0) | ($153.2) | $0.0 | ($16.1) | ($869.3) |
Surface Ore Haulage Portal to Mill | ($87.3) | ($225.6) | ($124.7) | ($46.6) | ($484.3) |
Processing | ($2,345.1) | ($6,329.1) | ($4,115.4) | ($3,638.8) | ($16,428.4) |
Site General Administration & Overhead | ($949.3) | ($2,840.0) | ($2,840.0) | ($1,408.3) | ($8,037.6) |
Total Operating Costs | ($13,058.9) | ($32,484.6) | ($20,154.1) | ($10,544.4) | ($76,242.0) |
General & Administrative | |||||
Refining & Sales (Included with Processing | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Costs) | |||||
Royalty | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Nevada Net Proceeds Tax | $0.0 | ($1,150.6) | ($1,242.8) | ($74.4) | ($2,467.9) |
Total Cash Cost | ($13,058.9) | ($33,635.3) | ($21,397.0) | ($10,618.8) | ($78,709.9) |
EBITDA | ($1,135.9) | $21,927.4 | $23,679.0 | $1,491.4 | $45,961.8 |
Reclamation Accrual (UOP) | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Depreciation | $0.0 | ($581.4) | ($586.3) | ($392.6) | ($1,560.4) |
Total Cost | ($13,058.9) | ($34,216.7) | ($21,983.3) | ($11,011.4) | ($80,270.3) |
Pre-Tax Income | ($1,135.9) | $21,345.9 | $23,092.6 | $1,098.8 | $44,401.4 |
Income Tax | $0.0 | ($4,895.6) | ($6,172.4) | ($205.3) | ($11,273.4) |
Net Income | ($1,135.9) | $16,450.3 | $16,920.2 | $893.5 | $33,128.0 |
Table 22-2 Cash Flow Statement 2015 2019 ($000s )
Year | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Total |
Net Income | ($1,135.9) | $16,450.3 | $16,920.2 | $893.5 | $0.0 | $33,128.0 |
Depreciation | $0.0 | $581.4 | $586.3 | $392.6 | $0.0 | $1,560.4 |
Reclamation | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Working Capital (6 weeks) | ($1,506.8) | ($2,374.2) | $1,412.1 | $1,243.6 | $1,225.2 | $0.0 |
Operating Cash Flow | ($2,642.7) | $14,658.5 | $18,918.7 | $2,529.7 | $1,225.2 | $34,688.4 |
Capital Costs | ||||||
MACRS Equipment | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Capitalized Development | $0.0 | ($1,301.2) | $0.0 | ($259.2) | $0.0 | ($1,560.4) |
Mine Capital | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
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Table 22-3 Key Operating and After Tax Financial Statistics
Material MinedandProcessed(kt) | 242 |
Avg.GoldGrade(opt) | 0.378 |
Avg.SilverGrade(opt) | 10.93 |
ContainedGold(koz) | 91.6 |
ContainedSilver(koz) | 2,646 |
Avg.GoldMetallurgicalRecovery | 94% |
Avg.SilverMetallurgicalRecovery | 92% |
RecoveredGold(koz) | 86.1 |
RecoveredSilver(koz) | 2,434 |
ReserveLife(years) | 2.8 |
OperatingCost($/ton) | $315 |
CashCost($/oz)1. | $466 |
TotalCost($/oz)1. | $485 |
GoldPrice($/oz) | $1,000.00 |
SilverPrice($/oz) | $15.83 |
CapitalCosts($Millions) | $1.6 |
PaybackPeriod(Years) | 0.6 |
CashFlow($Millions) | $33.1 |
5%DiscountedCashFlow($Millions) | $30.2 |
10%DiscountedCashFlow($Millions) | $27.7 |
ProfitabilityIndex (10%)2. | 21.1 |
InternalRateofReturn | 523% |
Notes: |
|
1. | Net of byproduct credits. |
2. |
Profitability index (PI) is the ratio of payoff to investment of a proposed project. It is useful for ranking project as a measure of the amount of value created per unit of investment. A PI of 1 indicates break even. |
22.2. |
Sensitivity Analysis |
The Projects net present value (NPV) at discount rates of 5% and 10% and profitability index from the cash flow model presented above were analyzed for sensitivity to variations in revenue, operating and capital cost assumptions. This analysis is presented graphically in Figure 22-1 through Figure 22-3 below. These graphs demonstrate the economic resilience of the Project by maintaining profitability with up to 40% unfavorable variances of any one of the three categories of gold price, operating cost or capital cost.
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Figure 22-3 Profitability Index Sensitivity
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23. |
Other Relevant Data and Information |
The authors are not aware of any other relevant data and information having bearing on the Midas mineral resource estimate, the Midas mineral reserve estimate or ongoing exploration and mining operations at the Project.
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Page 197 | Interpretation and Conclusions | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
24. |
Interpretation and Conclusions |
24.1. |
Conclusions |
The Midas mine is a modern, mechanized narrow vein mine. Sufficient capital has not been allocated to near mine exploration to replenish resources depleted through mining. There are several exploration targets in the immediate area and within the mines land position. As a result, underground mining rates will decline resulting in excess milling capacity in the near term.
Significant mineral resources have been identified on the main and eastern veins and other veins near the active mine workings. Klondex staff has been actively drill testing these areas and has prioritized them based on ounce expectations, accessibility from existing development and geotechnical, ventilation, and hydrological considerations. Mine plans are being updated on a regular basis as results are received. Additionally, alternative mining methods including shrinkage stoping and alimak stoping are being investigated where the development requirements for longhole stoping render these areas sub-economic.
The conventional Merrill Crowe mill facility is an efficient well maintained modern mineral processing plant capable of processing 1,200 tpd. The plant is capable of operating with a minimum crew compliment resulting in cost reductions when operated at capacity. Expected mine production of 400 tpd in the next two to three years will allow mill feed to be supplemented from Klondexs nearby properties and third party toll milling.
The Midas TSF is nearing design capacity and has approximately 700,000 tons of capacity remaining. A significant percentage of the remaining capacity is displaced by the excess water volume generated from mine dewatering that is stored in the TSF. The current water inventory in the Midas TSF is approximately 150 million gallons. Midas has installed 14 evaporator units with an annual evaporating capacity of 100 million gallons. Mine dewatering contributes 25 million gallons annually and precipitation another 8 to 10 million gallons. Recirculating and reusing mine water underground and minimizing the quantity discharged into the TSF will greatly enhance the water management scheme and allow filling the TSF to design capacity and reduce the power consumption by the evaporator units.
Klondex is investigating tailings expansion by either constructing a second TSF adjacent to the current TSF or by raising the level of the existing TSF.
24.2. |
Project Risks |
Table 24-1 presents the significant risks identified by the Qualified Person that have potential to impact the Midas Mine. The probability of any of these risks occurring has not been determined, nor has the extent of any impact on the precious metal production.
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Table 24-1 Potential Project Risks
Risk | Potential Impact | Mitigating Measures | Opportunities |
Water evaporation rates | Decreased tailings | Construct water treatment plant to | Water treatment costs |
less than required | capacity | allow mine dewatering to be used | less than evaporation |
as process makeup water | costs | ||
New tailings facility | Increased capital and | Construct lift on existing facility | |
delayed | operating costs, delayed | ||
production | |||
Stope dilution greater | Producton cost increase | Employ alternative mining | |
than anticipated | and loss of resource | methods and/or increase cutoff | |
grade |
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25. |
Recommendations |
The recommendations listed in Table 25-1 have either been initiated or are planned to start in 2015. Their purpose is to extend the mine life at Midas beyond the current reserve life. The reserves mine plan and project economics discussed in the previous sections are not contingent upon the successful conclusion of any of these recommendations.
Table 25-1 Recommendations
Recommendation | Estimated Cost (000s) |
Continue the near mine exploration program initiated lasr year, evaluating targets in | $15,000 |
order of the relative ranking given by Midas staff and management. | |
Continually update the comprehensive engineering study, evaluating mineralization |
Operating costs include |
peripheral to abandoned mining areas using alternative mining methods that may allow |
mine planning and |
an increase in mine production rates |
engineering |
Engineering, permitting and construction raise the embankment four feet and add | $1,000 |
400,000 tons of capacity. | |
Geologic Database Administration: All of the Project data collected to date including | $50 |
drill samples, channel samples and QA/QC samples need to be stored and archived in a | |
permanent and indelible manner. The system software for this system has been | |
procured, but a full time data base administrator has not been selected. | |
QAQC: Timely follow-up for QAQC assay deviations and re-assay requests needs to |
QAQC costs included in |
be aggressively pursued. This should become an automated process once the database |
assaying cost |
is up and running |
|
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26. |
Bibliography |
Crowl, W. J. (2011, May 31). NI 43-101 Technical Report, Pinson Project, Humboldt County, Nevada.
Erwin, T. P. (2013, November 27). Mineral Status Report for Klondex Gold and Silver Mining Company - Project King, File NO. 52591.004.
Graf, G. (2013, January 13). Midas 2011 - 2012 Surface Exploration Report. Newmont Internal Memorandum.
Hodenquist, J.W., and Lowenstern,J.B., The Role of Magmas in the Formation of Hydrothermal Ore DepositsNature, v 370, p 519-527.
Infomine Turquoise Ridge Mine, March 2014. htpp://www.infomine.com/minesites
John, D. A. (2003). Geologic Setting and Genesis of the Mule Canuon Low-Sulfidation Epithermal Gold-Silver Deposit, North-Central Nevada. Economic Geology, 98, 424-463.
Klondex Mines Ltd. (2013, December 4). Final Disclosure Schedules to Stock Purchase Agreement.
Leavitt, E. D., Spell, T. L., Goldstrand, P. M., & Arehart, G. B. (2004, December 1). Geochronology of the Midas Low-Sulfidation Epithermal Gold-Silver Deposit, Elko County, Nevada. Econoomic Geology, 99(8), 1665-1686.
Martini, Joseph, SRK Consulting (2014, February). Midas Mine and Mill Reclamation Cost Adequacy, Report for Klondex Mines Ltd.
Newmont Mining Corporation. (2010). Internal Test Parameters Memorandum.
Newmont Mining Corporation. (2013, December). http://www.newmont.com/our-investors/reserves-and-resources.
Ponce, D. A. (2008, February). A Prominent Geophysical Feature Along the Northern Nevada Rift and its Geologic Implications, North-Central Nevada. Geosphere, 4(1), 207-217.
Postlethwaite, C. (2011, December 19). Progress Report of The 20011 Midas District Mapping and Structural Analysis. Newmont Internal Report.
Rott, E. H. (1931). Ore Deposits of the Gold Cirlce Minng District, Elko County, Nevada. Bulletin of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Mackay School of Mines.
Saunders, J. A. (2006). Geochronology of Volcanic-Hosted Low-Sulfidation Au-Ag Deposits, Winnemucca-Sleeper Mine Area, Northern Great Basin, USA. US Geological Survey.
US Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Land Managment (BLM). (2013, March). Midas Underground Support Facilities Newmont Mining Corporation, Environmental Assesment.
Wallace, A. R., & John, D. A. (1998). NewStudies of Tertiary Volcanic Rocks and Mineral Deposits, Northern Nevada Rift. Conributions to Gold Metallogeny of Northern Nevada.
Watt, J. T., Glen, J. M., John, D. A., & Ponce, D. A. (2007, December). Three-dimensional Geologic Model of the Northern Nevada Rift and the Beowawe Geothermal System, North-Central Nevada. Geosphere, 3(6), 667-682.
Zoback, M. L., McKee, E. H., Blakely, R. J., & Thompson, G. A. (1994). The Northern Nevada Rift: Regional Tectono_Magnetic Relations and Middle Miocene Stress Direction. Geologic SOciety of America Bulletin(106), 371-382.
Practical Mining LLC | March 31, 2015 |
Page 201 | Glossary | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
27. |
Glossary |
Assay : The chemical analysis of mineral samples to determine the metal content.
Asbuilt : (plural asbuilts), a field survey, construction drawing, 3D model, or other descriptive representation of an engineered design for underground workings.
Composite : Combining more than one sample result to give an average result over a larger distance.
Concentrate : A metal-rich product resulting from a mineral enrichment process such as gravity concentration or flotation, in which most of the desired mineral has been separated from the waste material in the ore.
Crushing : Initial process of reducing material size to render it more amenable for further processing.
Cut-off Grade (CoG) : The grade of mineralized rock, which determines as to whether or not it is economic to recover its gold content by further concentration.
Dilution : Waste, which is unavoidably mined with ore.
Dip : Angle of inclination of a geological feature/rock from the horizontal.
Fault : The surface of a fracture along which movement has occurred.
Footwall : The underlying side of a mineralized body or stope.
Gangue : Non-valuable components of the ore.
Grade :The measure of concentration of valuable minerals within mineralized rock.
Hanging wall : The overlying side of a mineralized body or stope.
Haulage : A horizontal underground excavation which is used to transport mined rock.
Igneous : Primary crystalline rock formed by the solidification of magma.
Kriging : A weighted, moving average interpolation method in which the set of weights assigned to samples minimizes the estimation variance.
Level : A main underground roadway or passage driven along a level course to afford access to stopes or workings and to provide ventilation and a haulage way for the removal of broken rock.
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Lithological : Geological description pertaining to different rock types.
Milling : A general term used to describe the process in which the ore is crushed, ground and subjected to physical or chemical treatment to extract the valuable minerals in a concentrate or finished product.
Mineral/Mining Lease : A lease area for which mineral rights are held.
Mining Assets : The Material Properties and Significant Exploration Properties.
Sedimentary : Pertaining to rocks formed by the accumulation of sediments, formed by the erosion of other rocks.
Sill1 : A thin, tabular, horizontal to sub-horizontal body of igneous rock formed by the injection of magma into planar zones of weakness.
Sill2 : The floor of a mine passage way.
Stope : An underground excavation from which ore has been removed.
Stratigraphy : The study of stratified rocks in terms of time and space.
Strike : Direction of line formed by the intersection of strata surfaces with the horizontal plane, always perpendicular to the dip direction.
Sulfide : A sulfur bearing mineral.
Tailings : Finely ground waste rock from which valuable minerals or metals have been extracted.
Thickening : The process of concentrating solid particles in suspension.
Total Expenditure : All expenditures including those of an operating and capital nature.
Variogram : A plot of the variance of paired sample measurements as a function of distance and/or direction.
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Mineral Resources
Mineral Resources are sub-divided, in order of increasing geological confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured categories. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource. An Indicated Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than an Inferred Mineral Resource but has a lower level of confidence than a Measured Mineral Resource.
A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earths crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling.
Material of economic interest refers to diamonds, natural solid inorganic material, or natural solid fossilized organic material including base and precious metals, coal, and industrial minerals.
The term Mineral Resource covers mineralization and natural material of intrinsic economic interest which has been identified and estimated through exploration and sampling and within which Mineral Reserves may subsequently be defined by the consideration and application of Modifying Factors. The phrase reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction implies a judgment by the Qualified Person in respect of the technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospect of economic extraction. The Qualified Person should consider and clearly state the basis for determining that the material has reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. Assumptions should include estimates of cutoff grade and geological continuity at the selected cut-off, metallurgical recovery, smelter payments, commodity price or product value, mining and processing method and mining, processing and general and administrative costs. The Qualified Person should state if the assessment is based on any direct evidence and testing.
Interpretation of the word eventual in this context may vary depending on the commodity or mineral involved. For example, for some coal, iron, potash deposits and other bulk minerals or commodities, it may be reasonable to envisage eventual economic extraction as covering time periods in excess of 50 years. However, for many gold deposits, application of the concept would normally be restricted to perhaps 10 to 15 years, and frequently to much shorter periods of time.
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Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, | Page 204 |
Elko County, Nevada |
Inferred Mineral Resource
An Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity.
An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
An Inferred Mineral Resource is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate sampling techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. Inferred Mineral Resources must not be included in the economic analysis, production schedules, or estimated mine life in publicly disclosed Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility Studies, or in the Life of Mine plans and cash flow models of developed mines. Inferred Mineral Resources can only be used in economic studies as provided under NI 43-101.
There may be circumstances, where appropriate sampling, testing, and other measurements are sufficient to demonstrate data integrity, geological and grade/quality continuity of a Measured or Indicated Mineral Resource, however, quality assurance and quality control, or other information may not meet all industry norms for the disclosure of an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource. Under these circumstances, it may be reasonable for the Qualified Person to report an Inferred Mineral Resource if the Qualified Person has taken steps to verify the information meets the requirements of an Inferred Mineral Resource
Indicated Mineral Resource
An Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.
Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.
An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource and may only be converted to a Probable Mineral Reserve.
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Page 205 | Glossary | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Mineralization may be classified as an Indicated Mineral Resource by the Qualified Person when the nature, quality, quantity and distribution of data are such as to allow confident interpretation of the geological framework and to reasonably assume the continuity of mineralization. The Qualified Person must recognize the importance of the Indicated Mineral Resource category to the advancement of the feasibility of the project. An Indicated Mineral Resource estimate is of sufficient quality to support a Pre-Feasibility Study which can serve as the basis for major development decisions.
Measured Mineral Resource
A Measured Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of Modifying Factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.
Geological evidence is derived from detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to confirm geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.
A Measured Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than that applying to either an Indicated Mineral Resource or an Inferred Mineral Resource. It may be converted to a Proven Mineral Reserve or to a Probable Mineral Reserve.
Mineralization or other natural material of economic interest may be classified as a Measured Mineral Resource by the Qualified Person when the nature, quality, quantity and distribution of data are such that the tonnage and grade or quality of the mineralization can be estimated to within close limits and that variation from the estimate would not significantly affect potential economic viability of the deposit. This category requires a high level of confidence in, and understanding of, the geology and controls of the mineral deposit.
Modifying Factors are considerations used to convert Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves. These include, but are not restricted to, mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors.
Mineral Reserve
Mineral Reserves are sub-divided in order of increasing confidence into Probable Mineral Reserves and Proven Mineral Reserves. A Probable Mineral Reserve has a lower level of confidence than a Proven Mineral Reserve.
A Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted and is defined by studies at Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility level as appropriate that include application of Modifying Factors. Such studies demonstrate that, at the time of reporting, extraction could reasonably be justified.
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Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, | Page 206 |
Elko County, Nevada |
The reference point at which Mineral Reserves are defined, usually the point where the ore is delivered to the processing plant, must be stated. It is important that, in all situations where the reference point is different, such as for a saleable product, a clarifying statement is included to ensure that the reader is fully informed as to what is being reported.
The public disclosure of a Mineral Reserve must be demonstrated by a Pre-Feasibility Study or Feasibility Study.
Mineral Reserves are those parts of Mineral Resources which, after the application of all mining factors, result in an estimated tonnage and grade which, in the opinion of the Qualified Person(s) making the estimates, is the basis of an economically viable project after taking account of all relevant Modifying Factors. Mineral Reserves are inclusive of diluting material that will be mined in conjunction with the Mineral Reserves and delivered to the treatment plant or equivalent facility. The term Mineral Reserve need not necessarily signify that extraction facilities are in place or operative or that all governmental approvals have been received. It does signify that there are reasonable expectations of such approvals.
Reference point refers to the mining or process point at which the Qualified Person prepares a Mineral Reserve. For example, most metal deposits disclose mineral reserves with a mill feed reference point. In these cases, reserves are reported as mined ore delivered to the plant and do not include reductions attributed to anticipated plant losses. In contrast, coal reserves have traditionally been reported as tonnes of clean coal. In this coal example, reserves are reported as a saleable product reference point and include reductions for plant yield (recovery). The Qualified Person must clearly state the reference point used in the Mineral Reserve estimate.
Probable Mineral Reserve
A Probable Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of an Indicated, and in some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource. The confidence in the Modifying Factors applying to a Probable Mineral Reserve is lower than that applying to a Proven Mineral Reserve.
The Qualified Person(s) may elect, to convert Measured Mineral Resources to Probable Mineral Reserves if the confidence in the Modifying Factors is lower than that applied to a Proven Mineral Reserve. Probable Mineral Reserve estimates must be demonstrated to be economic, at the time of reporting, by at least a Pre-Feasibility Study.
Practical Mining LLC | March 31, 2015 |
Page 207 | Glossary | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Proven Mineral Reserve (Proved Mineral Reserve)
A Proven Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource. A Proven Mineral Reserve implies a high degree of confidence in the Modifying Factors.
Application of the Proven Mineral Reserve category implies that the Qualified Person has the highest degree of confidence in the estimate with the consequent expectation in the minds of the readers of the report. The term should be restricted to that part of the deposit where production planning is taking place and for which any variation in the estimate would not significantly affect the potential economic viability of the deposit. Proven Mineral Reserve estimates must be demonstrated to be economic, at the time of reporting, by at least a Pre-Feasibility Study. Within
the CIM Definition standards the term Proved Mineral Reserve is an equivalent term to a Proven Mineral Reserve.
Pre-Feasibility Study (Preliminary Feasibility Study)
The CIM Definition Standards requires the completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study as the minimum prerequisite for the conversion of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves.
A Pre-Feasibility Study is a comprehensive study of a range of options for the technical and economic viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a stage where a preferred mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit configuration, in the case of an open pit, is established and an effective method of mineral processing is determined. It includes a financial analysis based on reasonable assumptions on the Modifying Factors and the evaluation of any other relevant factors which are sufficient for a Qualified Person, acting reasonably, to determine if all or part of the Mineral Resource may be converted to a Mineral Reserve at the time of reporting. A Pre-Feasibility Study is at a lower confidence level than a Feasibility Study.
Feasibility Study
A Feasibility Study is a comprehensive technical and economic study of the selected development option for a mineral project that includes appropriately detailed assessments of applicable Modifying Factors together with any other relevant operational factors and detailed financial analysis that are necessary to demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that extraction is reasonably justified (economically mineable). The results of the study may reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a proponent or financial institution to proceed with, or finance, the development of the project. The confidence level of the study will be higher than that of a Pre-Feasibility Study.
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Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, | Page 208 |
Elko County, Nevada |
The term proponent captures issuers who may finance a project without using traditional financial institutions. In these cases, the technical and economic confidence of the Feasibility Study is equivalent to that required by a financial institution.
Practical Mining LLC | March 31, 2015 |
Page 209 | Appendix A: Certification of Authors and | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Consent Forms |
28. |
Appendix A: Certification of Authors and Consent Forms |
Practical Mining LLC | March 31, 2015 |
CERTIFICATE of QUALIFIED PERSON
Re: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada, dated the 31st day of March, 2015 , with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (the Technical Report).
I, Mark A. Odell, P.E., do hereby certify that:
As of March 31, 2015, I am a consulting
mining engineer at:
Practical Mining LLC
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205
Elko, Nevada 89801
775-345-3718
1) |
I am a Registered Professional Mining Engineer in the State of Nevada (# 13708), and a Registered Member (#2402150) of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME). |
|
2) |
I graduated from The Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mining Engineering in 1985. I have practiced my profession continuously since 1985. |
|
3) |
Since 1985, I have held the positions of mine engineer, chief engineer, mine superintendent, technical services manager and mine manager at underground and surface metal and coal mines in the western United States. The past 9 years, I have worked as a self-employed mining consultant with clients located in North America, Asia and Africa. My responsibilities have included the preparation of detailed mine plans, geotechnical engineering, reserve and resource estimation, preparation of capital and operating budgets and the economic evaluation of mineral deposits. |
|
4) |
I have read the definition of qualified person set out in National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43- 101) and certify that by reason of my experience and qualifications and good standing with proper designation within a recognized professional organization fully meet the criteria as a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of NI 43-101. |
|
5) |
I am a contract consulting engineer for the Issuer and Project owner: Klondex Mines Ltd. and last visited the Midas Property on March 12, 2015. |
|
6) |
I am responsible for preparation of all sections of the Technical Report. |
|
7) |
I am independent of the Issuer within the meaning of Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. |
|
8) |
I was paid a daily rate for consulting services performed in evaluation of the Midas Project for Klondex Mines Ltd. and do not have any other interests relating to the project. I do not have any interest in adjoining properties in the Midas mine area. |
|
9) |
I have read NI 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible have been prepared in accordance with that instrument and form. |
10) |
I consent to the filing of the Technical Report with any stock exchange and other regulatory authority and any publication by them for regulatory purposes, including electronic publication in the public company files on their websites accessible by the public, of the Technical Report. |
|
11) |
As at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Technical Report contains all the scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading. |
Dated this,31st day of March, 2015.
Signed Mark A. Odell |
Mark A. Odell, P.E. |
Practical Mining LLC |
markodell@practicalmining.com |
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
TO: | British Columbia Securities Commission |
Alberta Securities Commission | |
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission | |
The Manitoba Securities Commission | |
Ontario Securities Commission | |
New Brunswick Securities Commission | |
Nova Scotia Securities Commission | |
Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island Securities Office | |
Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador |
I, Mark Odell, P.E., do hereby consent to the public filing of the technical report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada, dated the 31st day of March, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (the Technical Report) by Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities listed above and on SEDAR.
The undersigned consents to the use of any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the news release of the Company dated February 23, 2015 (the Written Disclosure).
The undersigned certifies that he has read the Written Disclosure filed by the Company and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which the undersigned is responsible.
Dated this 31st day of March, 2015.
Signed Mark A. Odell |
Mark A, Odell, P.E. |
Practical Mining LLC |
markodell@practicalmining.com |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHOR
Re: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada , dated the31st day of March, 2015 , with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (the Technical Report).
I, Laura M. Symmes, SME, do hereby certify that:
As of March 31, 2015, I am a geologist at:
Practical Mining,
LLC
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205
Elko, NV 89801
1) |
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Utah State University in 2003. |
|
2) |
I am a registered member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) #4196936. |
|
3) |
I have worked as a geologist for a total of 11 years since my 2003 graduation from university. My experience has been focused on exploration and production of gold deposits, including planning and supervision of drill projects, generating data from drilled materials and making geologic interpretations, data organization, geologic mapping, building digital models of geologic features and mineral resources, and grade control of deposits in production. |
|
4) |
I have read the definition of qualified person set out in National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) and certify that by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association (as defined in NI 43-101) and past relevant work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a qualified person for the Purposes on NI 43-101. |
|
5) |
I am responsible for sections 4 and 6-12 of the Technical Report. I last visited the site on February 5, 2015. |
|
6) |
I have not had prior involvement with the property that is the subject of the Technical Report. |
|
7) |
I am independent of Klondex Mines Ltd. within the meaning of Section 1.5 of National Instrument 43-101. |
|
8) |
I was paid a daily rate for consulting services performed in evaluation of the Midas Mine and do not have any other interests relating to the project. I do not have any interest in adjoining properties in the Midas Mine area. |
|
9) |
I have read National Instrument 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and the Technical Report has been prepared in compliance with that instrument and form. |
|
10) |
I consent to the filing of the Technical Report with any stock exchange and other regulatory authority and any publication by them for regulatory purposes, including electronic publication in the public company files on their websites accessible by the public, of the Technical Report. |
11) |
As of the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Technical Report contains all the scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading. |
Dated this 31st day of March, 2015.
Signed Laura M. Symmes | ||
Laura M. Symmes, SME | SME No. 4196936 |
Practical Mining LLC
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205
Elko,
NV 89801
775-345-3718
Fax: (501) 638-9162
laurasymmes@practicalmining.com
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
TO: | British Columbia Securities Commission |
Alberta Securities Commission | |
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission | |
The Manitoba Securities Commission | |
Ontario Securities Commission | |
New Brunswick Securities Commission | |
Nova Scotia Securities Commission | |
Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island Securities Office | |
Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador |
I, Laura Symmes, SME., do hereby consent to the public filing of the technical report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada , dated the 31st day of March, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (Technical Report) by Klondex Mines Ltd. (Company) with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities listed above and on SEDAR.
The undersigned consents to the use of any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the news release of the Company dated February 23, 2015 (the Written Disclosure).
The undersigned certifies that she has read the Written Disclosure filed by the Company and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which the undersigned is responsible.
Dated this 31st day of March, 2015.
Signed Laura Symmes |
Laura Symmes, SME |
Practical Mining LLC |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 |
Elko, Nevada 89801 |
775-345-3718 |
laurasymmes@practicalmining.com |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHOR
Re: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada , dated the31st day of March, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (the Technical Report).
I, Sarah M Bull, P.E., do hereby certify that:
As of March 31, 2015, I am a consulting mining engineer at:
Practical Mining LLC
495 Idaho
Street, Suite 205
Elko, Nevada 89801
775-345-3718
1) |
I am a Registered Professional Mining Engineer in the State of Nevada (# 22797). |
|
2) |
I am a graduate of The University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mining Engineering in 2006. |
|
3) |
Since my graduation from university I have been employed as a Mine Engineer at an underground gold mining operation and as Senior Mine Engineer for a consulting engineering firm. My responsibilities have included mine ventilation engineering, stope design and mine planning. |
|
4) |
I have read the definition of qualified person set out in National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) and certify that by reason of my experience and qualifications and good standing with proper designation within a recognized professional organization fully meet the criteria as a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of NI 43-101. |
|
5) |
I am a contract consulting engineer for the issuer and Project owner: Klondex Mines Ltd. |
|
6) |
I am responsible for preparation of sections 15 and 16 of the Technical Report. I last visited the Midas Project in March 12, 2015. |
|
7) |
I am independent of Klondex Mines Ltd. within the meaning of Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. |
|
8) |
I was paid a daily rate for engineering consulting services performed in evaluation of the Midas Mine for Klondex Mines Ltd. and do not have any other interests relating to the project. I do not have any interest in adjoining properties in the Midas Mine area. |
|
9) |
I have read NI 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible have been prepared in accordance with that instrument and form. |
|
10) |
I consent to the filing of the Technical Report with any stock exchange and other regulatory authority and any publication by them for regulatory purposes, including electronic publication in the public company files on their websites accessible by the public, of the Technical Report. |
11) |
As at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Technical Report contains all the scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading. |
Dated this 31st day of March, 2015.
Signed Sarah Bull |
Sarah M Bull, P.E. |
Practical Mining LLC |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 |
Elko, Nevada 89801 |
775-304-5836 |
sarahbull@practicalmining.com |
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
TO: | British Columbia Securities Commission |
Alberta Securities Commission | |
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission | |
The Manitoba Securities Commission | |
Ontario Securities Commission | |
New Brunswick Securities Commission | |
Nova Scotia Securities Commission | |
Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island Securities Office | |
Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador |
I, Sarah Bull, P.E., do hereby consent to the public filing of the technical report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada , dated the 31st day of March, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (Technical Report) by Klondex Mines Ltd. (Company) with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities listed above and on SEDAR.
The undersigned consents to the use of any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the news release of the Company dated February 23, 2015 (the Written Disclosure).
The undersigned certifies that she has read the Written Disclosure filed by the Company and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which the undersigned is responsible.
Dated this 31st day of March, 2015.
Signed Sarah Bull |
Sarah Bull, P.E. |
Practical Mining LLC |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 |
Elko, Nevada 89801 |
775-304-5836 |
sarahbull@practicalmining.com |
Karl T. Swanson, SME, MAusIMM
PO Box 86
Larkspur, CO
80118, USA
Fax: (501) 638-9162
Email: karl.swanson@yahoo.com
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHOR
Re: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada , dated the 31st day of March, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (the Technical Report).
I, Karl T. Swanson, SME, MAusIMM, do hereby certify that:
As of March 31, 2015, I am an independent geological and mining
engineering consultant at:
Karl Swanson
PO Box 86
Larkspur, CO
80118, USA
1) |
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering from Colorado School of Mines in 1990. In addition, I obtained a Master of Engineering degree in Mining Engineering from Colorado School of Mines in 1994. |
|
2) |
I am a registered member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) #4043076. I am a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) #304871. |
|
3) |
Since my 1990 graduation from university I have been employed as a geologic modeller and resource geologist for metal mining companies and consulting groups. For the past 17 years, I have been a self-employed consulting geologist specializing in digital geologic modelling, geostatistical grade estimation and block modelling for precious metal, base metal and industrial mineral deposits. I have been the principle geostatistician and modeller for several narrow vein gold deposits in the Northern Nevada Rift for over 5 years. |
|
4) |
I have read the definition of qualified person set out in National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43- 101) and certify that by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association (as defined in NI 43-101) and past relevant work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a qualified person for the purposes on NI 43-101. |
|
5) |
I am responsible for Section 14 of the Technical Report. |
|
6) |
I last visited the Midas Mine on September 23, 2014. |
|
7) |
I have not had prior involvement with the property that is the subject of the Technical Report. |
|
8) |
I am independent of the Issuer within the meaning of Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. |
9) |
I was paid a daily rate for engineering consulting services performed in evaluation of the Midas Mine and do not have any other interests relating to the project. I do not have any interest in adjoining properties in the Midas area. |
|
10) |
I have read National Instrument 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and the Technical Report has been prepared in compliance with that instrument and form. |
|
11) |
I consent to the filing of the Technical Report with any stock exchange and other regulatory authority and any publication by them for regulatory purposes, including electronic publication in the public company files on their websites accessible by the public, of the Technical Report. |
|
12) |
As at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Technical Report contains all the scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading. |
Dated this 31st day of March, 2015.
Signed Karl T. Swanson | ||
AusIMM No. 304871 | ||
Karl T. Swanson, M.Eng., SME, MAusIMM | SME No. 4043076 |
PO Box 86
Larkspur, CO 80118, USA
Fax: (501) 638-9162
E:mail: karl.swanson@yahoo.com
Karl T. Swanson, SME
PO Box 86
Larkspur, CO
80118, USA
Fax: (501) 638-9162
Email: karl.swanson@yahoo.com
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
TO: | British Columbia Securities Commission |
Alberta Securities Commission | |
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission | |
The Manitoba Securities Commission | |
Ontario Securities Commission | |
New Brunswick Securities Commission | |
Nova Scotia Securities Commission | |
Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island Securities Office | |
Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador |
I, Karl Swanson, SME, MAusIMM, do hereby consent to the public filing of the technical report titled
Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada , dated the dated the 31st day of March, 2015, with an effective date of August 31, 2014 (the Technical Report) by Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) with the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities listed above and on SEDAR.
The undersigned consents to the use of any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the news release of the Company dated February 23, 2015 (the Written Disclosure).
The undersigned certifies that he has read the Written Disclosure filed by the Company and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which the undersigned is responsible.
Dated this 31st day of March, 2015.
Signed Karl Swanson |
Karl Swanson, SME, MAusIMM |
PO Box 86 |
Larkspur, CO 80118, USA |
Fax: (501) 638-9162 |
Email: karl.swanson@yahoo.com |
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada | Page ii |
This page intentionally left blank.
Practical Mining LLC | March 16, 2015 |
Page iii | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
Date and Signature Page
The undersigned prepared this Technical Report (Technical Report) report, titled: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, dated the 16th day of March 2015, with an effective date of December 31, 2014, in support of the public disclosure of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates for the Fire Creek Project. The format and content of the Technical Report have been prepared in accordance with Form 43-101F1 of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators.
Dated this March 16, 2015
Signed Mark Odell | No. 13708, Nevada |
Mark Odell, P.E | SME No. 2402150 |
Practical Mining LLC | Sealed) |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89815, USA | |
(775) 345-3718 ext. 101 | |
Email: markodell@practicalmining.com | |
Signed Laura Symmes | SME No. 4196936 |
Laura Symmes | (Sealed) |
Practical Mining LLC | |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89815, USA | |
(775) 345-3718 ext. 102 | |
Email: laurasymmes@practicalmining.com | |
Signed Sarah Bull | No. 22797, Nevada |
Sarah Bull, P.E | (Sealed) |
Practical Mining LLC | |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89815, USA | |
775-345-3718 ext. 502 | |
Email: sarahbull@practicalmining.com | |
Signed Karl T. Swanson | AusIMM No. 304871 |
Karl T. Swanson, M.Eng., SME, AusIMM | SME No. 4043076 |
PO Box 86 | (Sealed) |
Larkspur, CO 80118, USA | |
Fax: (501) 638-9162 | |
Email: karl.swanson@yahoo.com |
Practical Mining LLC | March 16, 2015 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada | Page iv |
Table of Contents
Date and Signature Page | iii | ||
Table of Contents | iv | ||
List of Tables | x | ||
List of Figures | xii | ||
List of Abbreviations | xv | ||
1. | Summary | 16 | |
1.1. | Property Description | 16 | |
1.2. | Geology | 17 | |
1.3. | History | 17 | |
1.4. | Mineral Resource Estimate | 18 | |
1.5. | Mineral Reserve Estimate | 21 | |
1.6. | Cash Flow Analysis and Economics | 22 | |
1.7. | Conclusions | 23 | |
1.8. | Recommendations | 24 | |
2. | Introduction | 25 | |
2.1. | Terms of Reference and Purpose of this Technical Report | 25 | |
2.2. | Qualification of the Authors | 25 | |
2.3. | Sources of Information | 26 | |
2.4. | Units of Measure | 26 | |
2.5. | Coordinate Datum | 27 | |
3. | Reliance on Other Experts | 28 | |
4. | Property Descriptionand Location | 29 | |
4.1. | Property Description | 29 | |
4.2. | Property Location | 29 | |
4.3. | Status of Mineral Titles | 31 | |
4.4. | Location of Mineralization | 39 | |
5. | Accessibility, Climate, Vegetation, Physiography, Local Resources and Infrastructure | 41 | |
5.1. | Access to Project | 41 | |
5.2. | Climate | 41 |
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5.3. | Vegetation | 41 | ||
5.4. | Physiography | 41 | ||
5.5. | Local Resources and Infrastructure | 42 | ||
6. | History | 43 | ||
6.1. | Exploration History | 43 | ||
6.2. | Production History | 44 | ||
7. | Geological Setting and Mineralization | 45 | ||
7.1. | Regional Geology | 45 | ||
7.2. | Local Geology | 50 | ||
7.2.1. | Rock Units | 50 | ||
7.2.2. | Structure | 55 | ||
7.2.3. | Veins | 59 | ||
7.2.4. | Alteration | 60 | ||
7.2.5. | Mineralization | 63 | ||
8. | Deposit Types | 66 | ||
9. | Exploration | 68 | ||
9.1. | Historical Exploration | 68 | ||
9.2. | 2011 Drilling | 68 | ||
9.3. | 2012 Drilling | 70 | ||
9.4. | 2013 Drilling | 72 | ||
9.5. | 2014 Drilling | 74 | ||
10. | Drilling and Sampling Methodology | 77 | ||
10.1. | Collar Surveying | 79 | ||
10.1.1. | Surveying Surface Drill Collar Locations | 80 | ||
10.1.2. | Surveying Underground Drill Collar Locations | 83 | ||
10.1.3. | Locating Channel Samples | 83 | ||
10.2. | Downhole Surveying | 84 | ||
10.3. | Core Recovery | 84 | ||
10.4. | Security Procedures | 85 | ||
10.5. | Logging Drilled Core Observations | 85 |
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10.5.1. | Current Logging Protocol | 85 | ||
10.5.2. | Historic Logging Protocol | 86 | ||
10.5.3. | Re-logging Protocol for 2012- 2013 | 87 | ||
10.6. | Core Sampling Methodology | 89 | ||
10.7. | RC Sampling Methodology | 90 | ||
10.8. | Channel Sampling Methodology | 90 | ||
10.8.1. | Channel Sampling | 91 | ||
11. | Sample Preparation, Analysis, and Security | 93 | ||
11.1. | Historic Sample Preparation | 93 | ||
11.2. | Current Sample Preparation | 94 | ||
11.2.1. | Core Sample Preparation | 94 | ||
11.2.2. | Channel Sample Preparation | 94 | ||
11.3. | Sample Analysis Protocol | 95 | ||
11.3.1. | Historic Drill Sample Analysis | 95 | ||
11.3.2. | Drill Sample Analysis from 2012 through April 30, 2014 | 96 | ||
11.3.3. | Current Drill Sample Analysis | 96 | ||
11.3.4. | Channel Sample Analysis | 98 | ||
11.3.5. | Handling Analyses Results | 99 | ||
11.4. | Sample Security Measures | 99 | ||
11.5. | Quality Control Measures | 100 | ||
11.5.1. | QAQC Prior to 2012 | 101 | ||
11.5.2. | Current QAQC Procedures | 103 | ||
11.6. | QAQC Analysis | 104 | ||
11.6.1. | Duplicates Performance | 104 | ||
11.6.2. | Blank Assay Performance | 106 | ||
11.6.3. | Standards Performance | 114 | ||
11.7. | Opinion on the Adequacy of the Sampling Methodologies | 123 | ||
11.7.1. | Sampling Protocol Issues | 123 | ||
11.7.2. | Standards and Blanks Performance Issues | 124 | ||
12. | Data Verification | 125 |
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12.1. | Results of Drill Data Review | 125 | ||
12.1.1. | Collar Location Checks | 126 | ||
12.1.2. | Downhole Survey Checks | 126 | ||
12.1.3. | Geology Checks | 127 | ||
12.2. | Results of Channel Sample Data Review | 127 | ||
12.2.1. | Location Measurement Check | 127 | ||
12.2.2. | Geology Check | 127 | ||
12.2.3. | Assay Check | 127 | ||
12.3. | Summary of Database Verification | 128 | ||
13. | Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing | 129 | ||
13.1. | Early Test Work | 129 | ||
13.2. | 2013 Test Work | 129 | ||
13.3. | 2014 Test Work | 130 | ||
14. | Mineral Resource Estimates | 133 | ||
14.1. | Introduction | 133 | ||
14.2. | Database and Compositing | 133 | ||
14.2.1. | Assays | 133 | ||
14.2.2. | Lithology | 136 | ||
14.2.3. | Compositing | 138 | ||
14.3. | Geology and Vein Modelling | 138 | ||
14.4. | Density | 140 | ||
14.5. | Statistics | 140 | ||
14.6. | Grade Capping | 146 | ||
14.7. | Variography | 148 | ||
14.8. | Block Model | 151 | ||
14.9. | Grade Estimation | 151 | ||
14.10. | Mined Depletion and Sterilization | 153 | ||
14.11. | Model Validation | 155 | ||
14.12. | Mineral Resource Statement | 161 | ||
15. | Mineral Reserve Estimates | 165 |
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16. | Mining Methods | 168 | ||
16.1. | Mine Development | 168 | ||
16.1.1. | Access Development | 168 | ||
16.1.2. | Ground Support | 168 | ||
16.1.3. | Ventilation and Secondary Egress | 169 | ||
16.2. | Mining Methods | 169 | ||
16.2.1. | End Slice Stoping | 169 | ||
16.2.2. | Drift and Fill Stoping | 172 | ||
16.3. | Underground Labor | 173 | ||
16.4. | Mobile Equipment Fleet | 173 | ||
16.5. | Mine Plan | 174 | ||
17. | Recovery Methods | 178 | ||
17.1. | Mill Capacity and Process Facility Flow Diagram | 178 | ||
17.2. | Physical Mill Equipment | 182 | ||
17.3. | Operation and Recoveries | 185 | ||
17.4. | Tailings Storage Capacity | 185 | ||
17.5. | Processing Costs | 186 | ||
17.6. | Production | 186 | ||
17.7. | Midas Mill Operating Permits | 187 | ||
18. Project Infrastructure | 188 | |||
18.1. | Road Access | 188 | ||
18.2. | Power and Electrical Infrastructure | 188 | ||
18.3. | Water Management and Water Treatment | 188 | ||
18.4. | Communication Infrastructure | 189 | ||
18.5. | Site Infrastructure | 189 | ||
19. | Market Studies and Contracts | 191 | ||
19.1. | Precious Metal Markets | 191 | ||
19.2. | Contracts | 191 | ||
19.3. | Project Financing | 192 | ||
20. | Environmental Studies, Permitting and Social or Community Impact | 193 |
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20.1. | Environmental Compliance and Monitoring | 193 | ||
20.1.1. | Waste Rock Disposal Facility | 193 | ||
20.1.2. | Other Environmental Issues | 193 | ||
20.2. | Reclamation Bond Estimate | 193 | ||
20.3. | Major Permitting and Approvals | 194 | ||
20.4. | Future Permitting | 196 | ||
21. | Capital and Operating Costs | 197 | ||
21.1. | Capital Costs | 197 | ||
21.2. | Operating Costs and Cutoff Grade | 197 | ||
22. | Economic Analysis | 200 | ||
22.1. | Life of Mine Plan and Economics | 200 | ||
22.2. | Sensitivity Analysis | 202 | ||
22.3. | Adjusted Plan at $1,200 Gold | 205 | ||
23. | Other Relevant Data and Information | 206 | ||
24. | Interpretation and Conclusions | 207 | ||
24.1. | Conclusions | 207 | ||
24.2. | Project Risks | 207 | ||
25. | Recommendations | 208 | ||
26. | Bibliography | 210 | ||
27. | Glossary | 214 | ||
28. | Appendix A: Certification of Authors and Consent Forms | 222 |
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List of Tables
Table 1-1 | Chronology of Ownership of the Fire Creek Project | 17 |
Table 1-2 | Mineral Resource Statement as of December 31, 2014 | 19 |
Table 1-3 | Fire Creek Mineral Reserves as of December 31, 2014 | 22 |
Table 1-4 | Key Operating and After Tax Financial Statistics | 23 |
Table 2-1 | Qualified Professionals | 26 |
Table 2-2 | Units of Measure. | 27 |
Table 4-1 | Summary of Klondex Owned Unpatented Mining Claims | 33 |
Table 4-2 | Summary of Fee Land Holdings | 35 |
Table 4-3 | Summary of Leased Fee Land Holdings | 36 |
Table 4-4 | Summary of Fire Creek Project Holding Costs | 37 |
Table 6-1 | Exploration History | 43 |
Table 10-1 | Surface Drill Collars Re-surveyed by Klondex | 82 |
Table 11-1 | ALS In-house QAQC Datasets Reviewed | 101 |
Table 11-2 | Blank Assay Set Performance | 106 |
Table 11-3 | Standard Assay Performance | 114 |
Table 12-1 | Data Review Summary Drilled Material | 126 |
Table 13-1 | Summary of Cyanidation Test Results from 2011 Technical Report | 129 |
Table 13-2 | Combined Metallurgical Results, Gravity/Cyanidation Tests, 80% -212 νm Feed (Grav.), Reground to 80% - 75 νm (CN) | 130 |
Table 13-3 | Summary Metallurgical Results, Bottle Roll Tests, Fire Creek West Zone Drill CoreComposites | 131 |
Table 13-4 | Gold Metallurgical Results, Whole Mineralized Material Gravity Concentration with Cyanidation of the Gravity Cleaner and Rougher Tailings | 132 |
Table 13-5 | Silver Metallurgical Results, Whole Mineralized Material Gravity Concentration with Cyanidation of the Gravity Cleaner and Rougher Tailings | 132 |
Table 14-1 | Summary of Drill Hole and Channel Samples | 134 |
Table 14-2 | Lithology Codes | 137 |
Table 14-3 | Vein Drill Hole Statistics | 140 |
Table 14-4 | Vein Channel Sample Statistics | 141 |
Table 14-5 | Low Grade Drill Hole Statistics | 141 |
Table 14-6 | Low Grade Channel Sample Statistics | 141 |
Table 14-7 | Cap Grades for Measured Mineral Resources | 147 |
Table 14-8 | Cap Grades for Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources | 147 |
Table 14-9 | Variogram Parameters for the Vonnie Vein | 149 |
Table 14-10 | Estimation Search Parameters by Resource Category | 152 |
Table 14-11 | Estimation Search Ellipsoids | 152 |
Table 14-12 | Estimation Method Mean Grade Comparison | 155 |
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Table 14-13 | Mineral Resource Cutoff Grade Parameters | 161 |
Table 14-14 | Mineral Resource Statement as of December 31, 2015 | 161 |
Table 15-1 | Mineral Reserves Cut Off Grade Calculation | 165 |
Table 15-2 | Fire Creek Mineral Reserves as of December 31, 2014 | 166 |
Table 16-1 | Underground Workforce 2015 and 2016 | 173 |
Table 16-2 | Underground Mobile Equipment | 173 |
Table 16-3 | Heading Productivity | 174 |
Table 16-4 | Annual Production and Development Plan | 176 |
Table 17-1 | Process Equipment Itemization by Area | 182 |
Table 17-2 | Midas Mill Operating Costs | 186 |
Table 17-3 | 2014 Fire Creek Mineralized Material Processed at the Midas Mill | 187 |
Table 19-1 | FNC Gold Delivery Schedule | 192 |
Table 20-1 | Fire Creek Project Significant Permits | 195 |
Table 21-1 | Capital Costs | 197 |
Table 21-2 | Underground Development Unit Costs | 197 |
Table 21-3 | Operating Costs | 197 |
Table 21-4 | Cut-off Grade Calculation | 198 |
Table 22-1 | Income Statement 2015 2018 ($000s) | 201 |
Table 22-2 | Cash Flow Statement 2015 2019 ($000s) | 201 |
Table 22-3 | Key Operating and After Tax Financial Statistics | 202 |
Table 22-4 | Key Operating and Financial Statistics for $1,200 Plan | 205 |
Table 24-1 | Potential Project Risks | 207 |
Table 25-1 | Recommendation Estimated Costs | 209 |
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List of Figures
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Figure 11-11 | AAL FCBlank03 Au | 110 |
Figure 11-12 | AAL FCBlank03 Ag | 111 |
Figure 11-13 | AAL FCBlan04 Au | 111 |
Figure 11-14 | AAL FCBlank04 Ag | 112 |
Figure 11-15 | ALS FCRDBLNK01 Au | 112 |
Figure 11-16 | ALS FCRDBLNK01 Ag | 113 |
Figure 11-17 | ALS FCOXBLNK01Au | 113 |
Figure 11-18 | ALS FCOXBLNK01 Ag | 114 |
Figure 11-19 | ALS FCRDLOW01 | 115 |
Figure 11-20 | AAL FCRDLOW01 | 116 |
Figure 11-21 | ALS OXN92 | 116 |
Figure 11-22 | AAL OXN92 | 117 |
Figure 11-23 | ALS OXP91 | 117 |
Figure 11-24 | ALS OXQ90 | 118 |
Figure 11-25 | AAL OXQ90 | 118 |
Figure 11-26 | ALS SG56 | 119 |
Figure 11-27 | ALS SN60 | 119 |
Figure 11-28 | AAL SN60 | 120 |
Figure 11-29 | ALS SP59 | 120 |
Figure 11-30 | AAL SP59 | 121 |
Figure 11-31 | ALS SQ48 | 121 |
Figure 11-32 | ALS SQ70 Au | 122 |
Figure 11-33 | ALS SQ70 Ag | 122 |
Figure 11-34 | ALS SQ83 | 123 |
Figure 14-1 | Drill Hole and Vein Locations | 135 |
Figure 14-2 | Channel Sample Locations Relative to the Veins | 136 |
Figure 14-3 | Long Section with Lithology | 137 |
Figure 14-4 | Long Section with Lithology and Tuff Models | 138 |
Figure 14-5 | Long Section with Lithology and Vein Models | 138 |
Figure 14-6 | Typical N75E Vein Model Cross Section | 140 |
Figure 14-7 | Gold Histogram and Cumulative Frequency for Vein Drill Hole Composites | 142 |
Figure 14-8 | Silver Histogram and Cumulative Frequency for Vein Drill Hole Composites | 143 |
Figure 14-9 | Gold Histogram and Cumulative Frequency for Vein Channel Sample Composites | 144 |
Figure 14-10 | Silver Histogram and Cumulative Frequency for Vein Channel Sample Composites | 145 |
Figure 14-11 | Vonnie Vein Gold Grade Cap | 148 |
Figure 14-12 | Vonnie Vein Silver Grade Cap | 148 |
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Figure 14-13 | Vonnie Vein Variogram (0,0) | 150 |
Figure 14-14 | Vonnie Vein Variogram (0,-90) | 150 |
Figure 14-15 | Vonnie Vein Mining Extent | 154 |
Figure 14-16 | Joyce Vein Mining Extent | 154 |
Figure 14-17 | Karen Vein Mining Extent | 155 |
Figure 14-18 | Legend Gold or Silver | 156 |
Figure 14-19 | Vonnie Vein Comparison of Composite and Estimated Block Gold Grade | 156 |
Figure 14-20 | Vonnie Vein Comparison of Composite and Estimated Block Silver Grade | 156 |
Figure 14-21 | Joyce Vein Comparison of Composite and Estimated Block Gold Grade | 157 |
Figure 14-22 | Joyce Vein Comparison of Composite and Estimated Block Silver Grade | 157 |
Figure 14-23 | Karen Vein Comparison of Composite and Estimated Block Gold Grade | 158 |
Figure 14-24 | Karen Vein Comparison of Composite and Estimated Block Silver Grade | 158 |
Figure 14-25 | Gold Swath Plot of the Vonnie Vein Along the North Axis | 159 |
Figure 14-26 | Gold Swath Plot of the Vonnie Vein Along the Z Axis | 159 |
Figure 14-27 | Silver Swath Plot of the Vonnie Vein Along the North Axis | 160 |
Figure 14-28 | Silver Swath Plot of the Vonnie Vein Along the Z Axis | 160 |
Figure 15-1 | Existing Workings, Reserve Excavations and Joyce, Vonnie and Karen Veins | 167 |
Figure 16-1 | Existing Development and Vein Traces at the 5400 Elevation | 168 |
Figure 16-2 | Long Section View of a Typical End Slice Stope | 170 |
Figure 16-3 | Cross Section Looking North Through the Joyce Vein and Vonnie Vein ShowingDrift and Fill Mining, Stope Development Drifting and Designed Stopes | 172 |
Figure 16-4 | Joyce Vein Long Section Looking East Showing Existing Mine Workings and Reserves Mine Plan | 175 |
Figure 16-5 | Vonnie Vein Long Section Looking East Showing Existing Mine Workings and Reserves Mine Plan | 175 |
Figure 16-6 | Karen Vein Long Section Looking East Showing Existing Mine Workings and Reserves Mine Plan | 176 |
Figure 17-1 | Process Facility Flow Sheet (Klondex, 2015) | 181 |
Figure 18-1 | Site Facilities | 190 |
Figure 19-1 | Historical Monthly Average Gold and Silver Prices and 36 Month Trailing Average | 191 |
Figure 21-1 | Cutoff Grade Sensitivity to Gold Price | 199 |
Figure 22-1 | 5% NPV Sensitivity | 203 |
Figure 22-2 | 10% NPV Sensitivity | 204 |
Figure 22-3 | Profitability Index Sensitivity | 204 |
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List of Abbreviations
A | Ampere | kA | kiloamperes |
AA | atomic absorption | kCFM | thousand cubic feet per minute |
A/m 2 | amperes per square meter | Kg | Kilograms |
AGP | Acid Generation Potential | km | kilometer |
Ag | Silver | km2 | square kilometer |
ANFO | ammonium nitrate fuel oil | kWh/t | kilowatt-hour per ton |
ANP | Acid Neutralization Potential | LOI | Loss On Ignition |
Au | Gold | LoM | Life-of-Mine |
AuEq | gold equivalent | m | meter |
btu | British Thermal Unit | m 2 | square meter |
°C | degrees Celsius | m 3 | cubic meter |
CCD | counter-current decantation | masl | meters above sea level |
CIL | carbon-in-leach | mg/L | milligrams/liter |
CoG | cut-off grade | mm | millimeter |
cm | centimeter | mm 2 | square millimeter |
cm 2 | square centimeter | mm 3 | cubic millimeter |
cm 3 | cubic centimeter | MME | Mine & Mill Engineering |
cfm | cubic feet per minute | Moz | million troy ounces |
ConfC | confidence code | Mt | million tonnes |
CRec | core recovery | MTW | measured true width |
CSS | closed-side setting | MW | million watts |
CTW | calculated true width | m.y. | million years |
° | degree (degrees) | NGO | non-governmental organization |
dia. | diameter | NI 43-101 | Canadian National Instrument 43-101 |
EIS | Environmental Impact Statement | oz | Troy Ounce |
EMP | Environmental Management Plan | opt | Troy Ounce per short ton |
FA | fire assay | % | percent |
Ft | Foot | PLC | Programmable Logic Controller |
Ft 2 | Square foot | PLS | Pregnant Leach Solution |
Ft 3 | Cubic foot | PMF | probable maximum flood |
g | Gram | POO | Plan of Operations |
g/L | gram per liter | ppb | parts per billion |
g-mol | gram-mole | ppm | parts per million |
g/t | grams per tonne | QAQC | Quality Assurance/Quality Control |
ha | hectares | RC | reverse circulation drilling |
HDPE | Height Density Polyethylene | ROM | Run-of-Mine |
HTW | horizontal true width | RQD | Rock Quality Description |
ICP | induced couple plasma | SEC | U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission |
ID2 | inverse-distance squared | Sec | second |
ID3 | inverse-distance cubed | SG | specific gravity |
ILS | Intermediate Leach Solution | SPT | Standard penetration test |
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1. |
Summary |
Practical Mining LLC was engaged by Klondex Gold & Silver Mining Company (KGS), U.S. subsidiary of Canadian based Klondex Mines Ltd. (Klondex or the Company), to prepare a Prefeasibility Study (PFS) in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) of the Canadian Securities Administrators. Practical Minings evaluation of the Fire Creek Project (Fire Creek or the Project), located in Lander County, Nevada, is presented herein. This report, dated the 16 th day of March, 2015, with an effective date of December 31, 2014, updates the previous mineral resource estimate (Odell et al., 2014) and sets out the first mineral reserve estimate for the Project. The lineage of technical reports on Fire Creek as is continued in this Technical Report includes:
1. |
2006 NI 43-101 Technical Report: Ullmer, Edwin, and Hawthorn, Gary W., 2006: Fire Creek Gold Property, Lander Co., Nevada, September 15, 2006; |
2. |
2009 NI 43-101 Technical Report: Updated Report on the Fire Creek Gold Property, Lander Co., Nevada, March 30, 2009; |
3. |
2011 NI 43-101 Technical Report: Raven, Wesley, Ullmer, Edwin, Hawthorn, Gary W., 2011: Updated Technical Report and Resource Estimation on the Fire Creek Gold Property, Lander County, Nevada; |
4. |
2013 NI 43-101 Technical Report: Odell, Mark, Swanson, Karl and White, Michele, 2013: Technical Report (Amended), Fire Creek Exploration Project, Lander County, Nevada; and |
5. |
2014 NI 43-101 Technical Report: Odell, Mark, Swanson, Karl, Symmes, Laura and Bull, Sarah, 2014: Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, Amended. |
The Project is located in Lander County in north-central Nevada about 16 miles south of Interstate Highway I-80. The Project is centered on latitude 46.4627° North (N) and longitude 116.6518° West (W), (529639 E, 4478991 N - Universal Transverse Mercator (meters), North American Datum of 1983). Most of the current exploration is located within Sections 15 and 22 of Township 30 North, Range 47 East. Klondex controls approximately 17,000 acres (26.5 square miles) which includes 831 unpatented lode mining claims; 1,114 acres of private fee land; and 229 acres of leased fee lands.
1.1. Property Description
The Project is located primarily in Lander County, Nevada and to a lesser extent in Eureka County, Nevada, approximately 63 miles west of Elko, Nevada. The Project comprises private fee lands (both leased and owned) and unpatented lode mining claims. The land position includes approximately 15,420 acres of unpatented federal lode mining claims, 1,110 acres of private fee land and 230 acres of mineral leases. Overall, the Fire Creek land package is approximately 17,000 acres.
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1.2. Geology
The deposit is an epithermal deposit vertically-zoned within high-angle northwest striking structures, low-sulfidation, hosted in a mid-Miocene basalt package. Gold mineralization occurs in two habits: shallow structurally-controlled gold in variably altered Tertiary basalt and primarily native gold steeply dipping quartz-calcite veins or structures. A package of middle-Miocene basalt and basaltic andesite flows package has been cut by high-angle normal faults related to both Northern Nevada Rift (NNR) and Basin and Range extension that form grabens and half-grabens which are the structural controls for in the district.
High-grade gold mineralization has been delineated between approximately 4,900 feet and 5,700 feet AMSL and is open up and down dip as well as on strike. Lower-grade gold mineralization occurs from the surface and mineralization is open at depth. Vein textures, gangue minerals, and alteration ore typical of low-sulfidation systems. Widespread propylitic alteration grades to argillic alteration proximal to veins and/or other structural fluid conduits. Elevated content is often spatially associated with the argillic alteration zone. Gold mineralization often occurs along discrete horizons within veins. An opaline silica cap is discontinuously preserved above the deeper mineralization. Mineralized faults near the opaline silica were targeted by early prospecting and later shallow drilling by previous operators in the 1980s.
1.3. History
Table 1-1 Chronology of Ownership of the Fire Creek Project
Dates | Company | Details |
1967 | Union Pacific Resources | Drilled two core holes. |
1974 to 1975 | Placer Development Ltd. | Drilled 22 rotary holes. |
1975 | Klondex Mines Ltd. | Acquired the property. 1980- 1983 drilled 64 rotary holes. 1981 gold test production. |
1984 | Minex Resources, Inc. | Leased the property from Klondex, drilled 13 rotary holes. |
1986 to 1987 | Alma American Mining Company (Alma) | Leased the property from Klondex, drilled 64 rotary holes. |
1988 | Aurenco Joint Venture (Aurenco JV) | Aurenco JV formed between Black Beauty Mining and Covenanter Mining. |
1988 to 1990 | Aurenco JV | Leased the property from Klondex. |
1990 to 1995 | Klondex Mines Ltd. | No activity. |
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Dates | Company | Details |
1995 to 1996 | North Mining Inc. (North Mining) | Leased the property from Klondex. Drilled 67 holes, performed IP and HEM surveys. |
1996 to 2004 | Klondex Mines Ltd. | No activity. |
2004 to 2012 | Klondex Mines Ltd. | Began a deep exploration program. Development commenced in 2011. |
2012 to Present | Klondex Mines Ltd. | New Management and Board of Directors in 2012, ongoing exploration. |
Recent drill programs conducted by Klondex have defined two major north-northwest striking vein arrays, each comprised of several en echelon veins. Several new target areas outside of the known vein arrays have been defined by both gradient-array and dipole-dipole induced polarization surveys.
This Technical Report (Report) updates the Project mineral resource estimate and provides an initial estimate of mineral reserves. This report incorporates the technical information available through December 31, 2014, which is the effective date of this Report.
1.4. Mineral Resource Estimate
The mineral resource estimate is based on data from 475 surface and underground drill holes, through December 31, 2014. This estimate also includes 1,457 independently assayed rib, back, and face channel samples from underground drifting on the Joyce Vein, Vonnie Vein, and Karen Vein.
Wire frame models were constructed for 47 vein shoots that strike approximately N15°W and dip steeply to both the east and west. The vein models were compiled from cross sections constructed on 25-foot intervals. Assay values were composited into 10-foot lengths and truncated at the vein hanging wall and footwall. Only composites flagged as representing vein material were used in the grade estimation. A grade capping scheme based on resource category and vein was employed. Grades were assigned to individual blocks using the Inverse Distance Cubed method (ID3).
The 47 veins were each assigned a specific variography based on their respective approximate orientation. Measured blocks require a minimum of four drill hole intercepts or channel samples within an average anisotropic search radius of 25 feet. Indicated blocks required three drill hole intercepts within 100 feet. Inferred blocks required two composite samples within 300 feet. Grades were estimated only for blocks contained within the modeled veins. Block extents are five feet long along strike and oriented vertically. Perpendicular to strike, the block extents were limited to the width of the vein with 0.2 to five-foot resolution. This method allows veins as narrow as 0.2 foot to be modeled precisely.
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Mineral resources were estimated for only blocks within the modeled vein wireframes. Low grade mineralization immediately adjacent to the veins was also modeled from the vein hanging wall or footwall out to a cut off of 0.1 Au ounces per ton (opt). In all cases, the vein boundary with the low grade mineralization was treated as a hard boundary, and composite assay data from the vein was not used to estimate the low grade mineralization.
The mineralized vein arrays extend over 5,000 feet along strike and from near surface to 1,000 feet in depth. These vein arrays are open both along strike and down depth.
A density of 0.0774 tons per cubic foot was used for all veins. This value was derived from 15 samples collected from the Joyce Vein and Vonnie Vein and analyzed by SGS North America, Inc. (SGS) of Elko, Nevada; an independent laboratory. The SGS (Elko) laboratory forms part of the SGS Minerals' global group of laboratories. The SGS (Elko) laboratory is not independently certified by a standards association but is associated with the SGS (Vancouver) laboratory, which is an ISO 9001:2008 accredited facility.
Table 1-2 Mineral Resource Statement as of December 31, 2014
Mass | Grade (opt) | Contained Metal (koz.) | |||||
(kton) | Au | Ag | AuEq | Au | Ag | AuEq | |
Measured | |||||||
Main | 26.2 | 2.83 | 2.04 | 2.87 | 74.2 | 53.3 | 75.0 |
West | 11.9 | 1.32 | 1.03 | 1.34 | 15.7 | 12.3 | 15.9 |
North | 53.3 | 2.28 | 1.77 | 2.31 | 121.6 | 94.4 | 123.1 |
South | 1.6 | 0.24 | 0.46 | 0.25 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.4 |
Far North | |||||||
Total Measured | 93.0 | 2.28 | 1.73 | 2.31 | 212.0 | 160.8 | 214.5 |
Indicated | |||||||
Main | 101.9 | 0.95 | 0.79 | 0.97 | 97.2 | 80.8 | 98.5 |
West | 10.8 | 0.38 | 0.23 | 0.39 | 4.2 | 2.5 | 4.2 |
North | 109.2 | 0.74 | 0.46 | 0.74 | 80.3 | 50.5 | 81.0 |
South | 43.7 | 0.36 | 0.57 | 0.37 | 15.9 | 24.9 | 16.3 |
Far North | 18.8 | 0.32 | 0.25 | 0.32 | 6.0 | 4.6 | 6.1 |
Total Indicated | 284.4 | 0.72 | 0.57 | 0.72 | 203.5 | 163.4 | 206.1 |
Measured and Indicated | |||||||
Main | 128.0 | 1.34 | 1.05 | 1.36 | 171.4 | 134.2 | 173.5 |
West | 22.7 | 0.88 | 0.65 | 0.89 | 19.9 | 14.8 | 20.1 |
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Mass | Grade (opt) | Contained Metal (koz.) | |||||
(kton) | Au | Ag | AuEq | Au | Ag | AuEq | |
North | 162.5 | 1.24 | 0.89 | 1.26 | 201.9 | 144.9 | 204.1 |
South | 45.3 | 0.36 | 0.57 | 0.37 | 16.3 | 25.7 | 16.7 |
Far North | 18.8 | 0.32 | 0.25 | 0.32 | 6.0 | 4.6 | 6.1 |
Total Measured & Indicated | 377.4 | 1.10 | 0.86 | 1.11 | 415.5 | 324.2 | 420.5 |
Inferred | |||||||
Main | 88.4 | 0.44 | 0.43 | 0.44 | 38.5 | 37.8 | 39.1 |
West | 93.5 | 0.39 | 0.29 | 0.39 | 36.5 | 27.4 | 36.9 |
North | 276.5 | 0.53 | 0.53 | 0.54 | 146.3 | 147.6 | 148.6 |
South | 11.6 | 0.56 | 0.27 | 0.56 | 6.5 | 3.2 | 6.5 |
Far North | 370.1 | 0.35 | 0.28 | 0.36 | 130.5 | 104.9 | 132.2 |
Total Inferred | 840.0 | 0.43 | 0.38 | 0.43 | 358.3 | 320.8 | 363.3 |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Mineral resources have been calculated at a gold price of $1,200/troy ounce and a silver price of $19.00 per troy ounce; |
|
2. |
Mineral resources are calculated at a grade thickness cut-off grade of 1.256 Au equivalent opt-feet and a diluted Au equivalent cut-off grade of 0.256 opt; |
|
3. |
Gold equivalent ounces were calculated based on one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver; |
|
4. |
The minimum mining width is defined as four feet or the vein true thickness plus one foot, whichever is greater; |
|
5. |
Mineral resources include dilution to achieve mining widths and an additional 10% unplanned dilution; |
|
6. |
Mineral resources include allowance for 5% mining losses; |
|
7. |
Mineral resources are inclusive of mineral reserves; |
|
8. |
Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues; |
|
9. |
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there is insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category, and;. |
|
10. |
Mineral resource estimates can be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political or other factors. |
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1.5. Mineral Reserve Estimate
Excavation designs for stopes, stope development drifting, and access development were created using Vulcan software. Stope designs were aided by the Vulcan Stope Optimizer Module. The stope optimizer produces the stope cross section which maximizes value within given geometric and constraints.
Design constraints included a four-foot minimum mining width for long-hole stopes with development drifts spaced at 40-foot vertical intervals. Stope development drift dimensions maintained a constant height of 10 feet and a minimum width of six feet. Drift and fill dimensions are the same as those for stope development.
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Table 1-3 Fire Creek Mineral Reserves as of December 31, 2014
Au | Ag | Au Equiv. | |||||
Tons | Au Eq | Ounces | Ounces | Ounces | |||
Vein Designation | (000's) | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | (000's) | (000's) | (000's) |
Proven Reserves | |||||||
Joyce | 31 | 0.914 | 0.678 | 0.924 | 27.9 | 20.7 | 28.2 |
Vonnie | 9.3 | 3.301 | 2.151 | 3.335 | 30.6 | 19.9 | 30.9 |
Karen | 41 | 1.454 | 1.192 | 1.473 | 59.7 | 49.0 | 60.5 |
Proven Reserves | 80.9 | 1.462 | 1.108 | 1.479 | 118.2 | 89.6 | 119.6 |
Probable Reserves | |||||||
Joyce | 60 | 0.779 | 0.357 | 0.784 | 47.0 | 21.5 | 47.3 |
Vonnie | 34 | 1.920 | 1.626 | 1.945 | 66.1 | 56.0 | 67.0 |
Karen | 10 | 0.733 | 0.500 | 0.741 | 7.4 | 5.0 | 7.5 |
Probable Reserves | 104.9 | 1.149 | 0.787 | 1.161 | 120.5 | 82.6 | 121.8 |
Proven + Probable Reserves | |||||||
Joyce | 91 | 0.824 | 0.464 | 0.831 | 74.9 | 42.2 | 75.6 |
Vonnie | 44 | 2.213 | 1.738 | 2.240 | 96.7 | 75.9 | 97.9 |
Karen | 51 | 1.312 | 1.056 | 1.328 | 67.1 | 54.0 | 68.0 |
Proven + Probable Reserves | 185.8 | 1.285 | 0.927 | 1.300 | 238.7 | 172.2 | 241.4 |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Reserves have been estimated with a gold price of $1,000/ounce and a silver price of $15.83/ounce; |
|
2. |
Metallurgical recoveries for gold and silver are 94% and 92% respectively; |
|
3. |
Gold equivalent ounces are calculated based on one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver; |
|
4. |
Mineral Reserves are estimated at a cutoff grade of 0.494 Au opt and an incremental cutoff grade of 0.259 Au opt, and; |
|
5. |
Mine losses of 5% and unplanned mining dilution of 10% have been applied to the designed mine excavations. |
1.6. Cash Flow Analysis and Economics
The reserves mine plan was evaluated using constant dollar cash flow analysis, and the results are summarized in Table 1-4. The grade value of the resources and the low capital requirements facilitated with the addition of the Midas Mine and Mill to Klondexs project portfolio, combine to produce a short 0.5 year capital payback period and a relatively high 5.0 profitability index (PI) calculated at a 10% discount rate.
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Table 1-4 Key Operating and After Tax Financial Statistics
Material Mined and Processed (kt) | 186 |
Avg. Gold Grade (opt) | 1.327 |
Avg. Silver Grade (opt) | 0.96 |
Contained Gold (koz) | 237.0 |
Contained Silver (koz) | 171 |
Avg. Gold Metallurgical Recovery | 94% |
Avg. Silver Metallurgical Recovery | 92% |
Recovered Gold (koz) | 224.4 |
Recovered Silver (koz) | 158 |
Reserve Life (years) | 3.8 |
Operating Cost ($/ton) | $460 |
Cash Cost ($/oz) 1. | $410 |
Total Cost ($/oz) 1. | $492 |
Gold Price ($/oz) | $1,000.00 |
Silver Price ($/oz) | $15.83 |
Capital Costs ($ Millions) | $18.4 |
Payback Period (Years) | 0.5 |
Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $85.80 |
5% Discounted Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $78.10 |
10% Discounted Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $71.40 |
Profitability Index (10%) 2. | 5.0 |
Internal Rate of Return | NA |
Notes; | ||
1. |
Net of Byproduct Sales, and; |
|
2. |
Profitability index (PI), is the ratio of payoff to investment of a proposed project. It is a useful tool for ranking projects because it allows you to quantify the amount of value created per unit of investment. A profitability index of 1 indicates break even. |
1.7. Conclusions
The Project is a modern, mechanized narrow vein mine. Only the mineralized veins accessible from main development have been defined to a sufficient level of detail to categorize as reserves. In the opinion of the authors of this Technical Report, additional potential exists to extend reserves along strike in both directions as underground access is developed. As the footprint of the mine grows and the number of available mining areas grows with it, the mining rate can be increased, and cost reductions realized through economies of scale.
The conventional Merrill Crowe mill facility of the Midas Mine is an efficient well maintained modern mineral processing plant capable of processing 1,200 tons per day (tpd). The plant is able to operate with a minimum crew which results in cost reductions when operated at capacity. The underutilized processing capacity can accept increased mine production from the Project or the Midas Mine as well as third party processing agreements.
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Capital requirements for the Project are minimal. Ongoing mine development comprises the majority of capital costs, and the ability to access multiple veins from common development greatly reduces the unit cost per ounce.
In the opinion of the authors of this Technical Report, the high grade reserves in the mine plan provide a high return and will sustain profitable operations with up to 40% adverse variations in metal prices, operating or capital costs. The total cost per ounce, including capital expenditures and net of byproduct sales, is less than $500 per ounce.
1.8. Recommendations
Exploration: Underground drilling should continue in the veins identified near the current development workings to increase the level of confidence in these veins to an indicated classification. The decline should be advanced to provide an underground drill platform from which to drill the veins in the North and Far North Zones. While the decline is being advanced, additional drilling in this area can be completed from surface to refine the vein targets.
Delineation: Rib sampling has limited value and should continue to be supplemented by drilling shallow ten to 20-foot deep holes into the rib with the Termite drill or hand held drills and sample the drill cuttings. This sampling method will add a third dimension to the potential wall rock mineralization.
Stope Planning: Complete the drift and fill stopes currently underway. Set up new areas for long hole stoping. The use of short probe holes (i.e. Termite holes) discussed above should provide the planning engineers enough detail to efficiently design stopes with minimal loss of mineralization.
Rapid Infiltration Basin Commissioning: In order to reduce delays caused by intercepting perched water, the Rapid Infiltration Basins (RIBs) and water handling systems need to be functioning at capacity.
Geologic Database Administration: All of the Project data collected to date, including drill samples, channel samples and Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) samples, need to be stored and archived in a permanent and indelible manner. The system software for this system has been procured, but a full time database administrator has not been selected.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control: Timely follow-up of QAQC assay deviations and re-assay requests needs to be aggressively pursued and should become an automated process once the database software is fully implemented.
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2. |
Introduction |
2.1. Terms of Reference and Purpose of this Technical Report
This Report provides Klondex a preliminary feasibility study of the Project. This evaluation includes measured, indicated, and inferred resources, as well as proven and probable mineral reserves. This Report was prepared in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101 and Form 43-101F1 (43-101F1) for technical reports.
Mineral resource and mineral reserve definitions are set forth in Section 27 of this Report in accordance with the companion policy to NI 43-101 (43-101CP) of the Canadian Securities Administrators and Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by CIM Council on May 10, 2014 .
2.2. Qualification of the Authors
This Report includes technical evaluations from four independent consultants. The consultants are specialists in the fields of geology, geological engineering, exploration, and open pit and underground mining.
None of the authors has any beneficial interest in Klondex or any of its subsidiaries or in the assets of Klondex or any of its subsidiaries. The authors will be paid a fee for this work in accordance with normal professional consulting practices.
The individuals who have provided input to the current Report are cited as author and are listed below with the dates on which they visited the Project. These authors have extensive experience in the mining industry and are members in good standing of appropriate professional institutions.
Mr. Odell has visited the Project on several occasions, the most recent on January 12, 2015;
Ms. Symmes visited the Project on several occasions, the most recent on September 18, 2014;
Ms. Bull visited the Project on September 18, 2014, and;
Mr. Swanson visited the Project on January 19 through 22, 2015.
Mr. Odell is the qualified person (QP) for this Technical Report and is cited as primary author.
Mr. Odell, Ms. Symmes and Mr. Swanson inspected the underground mining operations and reviewed the site geology. Ms. Symmes was responsible for reviewing the core drilling and sampling procedures, core handling and security procedures, data management, and the geology.
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Ms. Bull was responsible for reviewing the underground mine design. In addition, Ms. Symmes and Mr. Odell reviewed reports detailing the Companys land position at the Project. The key personnel contributing to this report are listed in Table 2-1. The Certificate and Consent Forms are provided in Appendix A: Certification of Authors and Consent Forms.
Table 2-1 Qualified Professionals
Company | Name | Title | Discipline |
Practical Mining, LLC | Mark Odell | Primary Author & Mining Engineer | Mining and mineral resources |
Practical Mining, LLC | Laura Symmes | Sr. Geologist | Geology |
Practical Mining, LLC | Sarah Bull | Mining Engineer | Mining |
Independent Consultant | Karl Swanson | Consulting Geologist | Resource model and geology |
2.3. Sources of Information
The sources of information include data and reports supplied by Klondex staff.
Additional information is included in the Report which is based on discussions with Klondex staff as it relates to their field of expertise at the Project. The required financial data and operating statistics were also provided by Klondex staff.
Information sources are documented either within the text and cited in references, or are cited in references only. The primary author believes the information provided by Klondex staff to be accurate based on their work at the Project. The authors asked detailed questions of specific Klondex staff to help verify contributions included in this document. These contributions are clearly stated within the text.
2.4. Units of Measure
The units of measure used in this report are shown in Table 2-2 below. U.S. Imperial units of measure are used throughout this document unless otherwise noted. The glossary of geological and mining related terms is also provided in Section 27 of this Technical Report.
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Table 2-2 Units of Measure.
US Imperial to Metric conversions |
Linear Measure |
1 inch = 2.54 cm |
1 foot = 0.3048 m |
1 yard = 0.9144 m |
1 mile = 1.6 km |
Area Measure |
1 acre = 0.4047 ha |
1 square mile = 640 acres = 259 ha |
Weight |
1 short ton (st) = 2,000 lbs = 0.9071 metric tons |
1 lb = 0.454 kg = 14.5833 troy oz |
Assay Values |
1 oz per short ton = 34.2857 g/t |
1 troy oz = 31.1036 g |
1 part per billion = 0.0000292 oz/ton |
1 part per million = 0.0292 oz/ton = 1g/t |
2.5. Coordinate Datum
Spatial data utilized in analysis presented in this Technical Report are projected to Nevada State Plane Central Zone North American Datum 1983 (NV SPCS) feet truncated to the last six digits. All spatial measurement units used in the mineral resource estimate are U.S. Imperial feet, and currency is expressed in United States dollars unless stated otherwise.
Survey data was collected and reported using several coordinate systems. Historically, survey data was originally collected in North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83) meters as a default in the instrumentation settings, and then the data was converted to NAD83 feet for reports as requested by Klondex staff in Nevada. Klondexs Nevada staff further converted the data from NAD83 feet to UTM NAD27 Zone 11N feet. Early in 2014, all the Project data was again converted to NV SPCS NAD83 coordinates.
In addition, downhole surveys were collected without compensating for magnetic declination. Klondex staff applied corrections to raw downhole survey data to compensate for the local declination at the Project, which is 13.35 degrees according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) calculator.
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3. |
Reliance on Other Experts |
The technical status for the claims and land holding is reliant on information provided by Klondexs legal counsel. The status of the Klondex environmental program and the permitting process were provided by Ms. Lucy Hill, Klondex Environmental Manager. These contributions are presented based on the assumption that they are accurate portrayals of the environmental condition of the Project at the time of writing this Report.
Observations made at the Project by the authors include overseeing all aspects of mining activities including: underground core drilling, labeling core boxes, moving core, splitting core, safety procedures, haulage and equipment maintenance, water treatment, security, road maintenance, general geology, and character of mineralization. A review of historical databases and sampling protocol was performed by author Laura Symmes for the purpose of validating data integrity.
The authors reviewed land tenure to verify the nature of the good standing with regulatory authorities and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) of Klondexs unpatented lode mining claims and a title opinion report dated July 30, 2014, written by Erwin & Thompson LLP. The legal status or ownership of the fee properties and/or any agreements that pertain to the mineral Fire Creek mineral deposit as described in Section 4 were provided by Klondex legal counsel for all relevant mining claims. Assumptions made as to accuracy of land tenure are based on the Erwin & Thompson LLP legal opinion.
The opinions expressed in this Report are based on the authors field observations and assessment of the technical data supplied by Klondex.
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4. |
Property Description and Location |
4.1. Property Description
The Project is located primarily in Lander County, Nevada and to a lesser extent in Eureka County, Nevada, approximately 63 miles west of the major city of Elko, Nevada, USA in a sage and grass covered weathered basalt hillside overlooking Crescent Valley. There are multiple small towns along paved highways within a short commute of the Project, and the northern edge of the residential area of the town of Crescent Valley abuts the main access road. The Projects land coverage is approximately 17,000 acres.
4.2. Property Location
The Project is located in Lander County, Nevada, approximately 34 miles west of Carlin (63 miles west of Elko) and 16 miles south of Interstate Highway I-80. Figure 4-1 shows the location of the Project. The closest town to the Project is Crescent Valley on Nevada State Highway 306. Access from Elko takes approximately one hour.
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4.3. Status of Mineral Titles
The Project comprises private fee lands (both leased and owned) and unpatented lode mining claims. Figure 4-2 depicts the current land status. The land position shown on Figure 4-2 includes approximately 15,421 acres of unpatented federal lode mining claims, 1,114 acres of private fee land, 229 acres of mineral leases. Overall, the Fire Creek land package is approximately 17,000 acres.
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Table 4-1 lists the 831 unpatented lode mining claims held by Klondex for the Project. Table 4-2 itemizes fee lands owned by KGS, and Table 4-3 itemizes fee lands leased by KGS. Unpatented claims are in current good standing through September, 2015. Leases are in good standing until the lease payment is due.
Table 4-1 Summary of Klondex Owned Unpatented Mining Claims
Number | |||||
Claim Name | Section | Township | Range | Location | of |
Date | Claims | ||||
Wood Tick 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 | 2 | 30N | 47E | 18-Jul-87 | 11 |
Wood Tick 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 | 2 | 30N | 47E | 18-Jul-87 | 7 |
Wood Tick 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 | 36 | 31N | 47E | 21-Jul-87 | 8 |
G 1 - G 16 | 26 | 30N | 47E | 23-Jan-90 | 16 |
Deb #2, #4 | 34 | 30N | 47E | 13-Dec-91 | 2 |
Revenge 2, 20 | 34 | 30N | 47E | 16-Dec-91 | 2 |
Revenge 4, 6, 8 | 34 | 30N | 47E | 17-Dec-91 | 3 |
Revenge 10, 12, 14 | 34 | 30N | 47E | 18-Dec-91 | 3 |
Revenge 22 | 34 | 30N | 47E | 9-Jan-92 | 1 |
Revenge 28 | 34 | 30N | 47E | 26- Jan-92 | 1 |
Revenge 16, 18 | 34 | 30N | 47E | 6-Feb-92 | 2 |
Revenge 24, 26 | 34 | 30N | 47E | 13- Feb-92 | 2 |
K 1 - 20 1 | 16 | 30N | 47E | 25-Jun-92 | 20 |
K 21 - 27 2 | 16 | 30N | 47E | 26-Jun-92 | 7 |
Alan 1-14 | 31 | 30N | 47E | 15- Feb-93 | 14 |
N 2, 4, 6, 8, 10,12, 14, 16, 18 | 32 | 30N | 47E | 17-Nov-93 | 9 |
N 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 | 32 | 30N | 47E | 18- Nov-93 | 6 |
TL 2, 4, 6 | 20 | 30N | 47E | 8-Nov-93 | 3 |
TL 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 | 20 | 30N | 47E | 10-Nov-93 | 6 |
TL 20, 22, 24, 26 | 20 | 30N | 47E | 21-Jun-94 | 4 |
FCRA 1 - 20 | 26 | 30N | 47E | 28-Sep-95 | 20 |
T 1 - 10 | 14 | 30N | 47E | 13-Oct-91 | 10 |
T 11 - 18, 27 - 36 | 14 | 30N | 47E | 24-Sep-03 | 18 |
T 19, 21 - 26 | 14 | 30N | 47E | 23-Sep-03 | 7 |
T 20 | 10, 14 | 30N | 47E | 23- Sep-03 | 1 |
Hondo, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 157, 158 | 24 | 30N | 47E | 20- Sep-03 | 18 |
Deb 1, 3, 5 | 34 | 30N | 47E | 22-Sep-03 | 3 |
Revenge 1, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 | 34 | 30N | 47E | 22-Sep-03 | 10 |
Revenge 3, 5, 7, 9, 29, 30, 31 | 34 | 30N | 47E | 23-Sep-03 | 7 |
FC 1-16, 18 | 36 | 30N | 47E | 21- Sep-03 | 17 |
FC 17 | 26, 36 | 30N | 47E | 21-Sep-03 | 1 |
What If 29 - 37 | 36 | 30N | 47E | 21-Sep-03 | 9 |
FC 38 - 46 3 | 36 | 30N | 47E | 21-Sep-03 | 9 |
T 38 - 60 | 10 | 30N | 47E | 5-Oct-06 | 23 |
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Number | |||||
Claim Name | Section | Township | Range | Location | of |
Date | Claims | ||||
T 61 - 71 | 10 | 30N | 47E | 6-Oct-06 | 11 |
T 72 | 2, 10 | 30N | 47E | 6-Oct-03 | 1 |
FCXX 1, 2 | 15, 22 | 30N | 47E | 24-Nov-03 | 2 |
FCXX 3- 40 | 22 | 30N | 47E | 24-Nov-03 | 38 |
CH 1 - 18 | 30 | 30N | 47E | 19- Sep-06 | 18 |
Hondo 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, | 24 | 30N | 47E | 4-Oct-06 | 17 |
25, 27, 29, 31, 156 Hondo 155 | 24 | 30N | 47E | 4-Oct-06 | 1 |
N 1, 3, 11, 13, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 | 32 | 30N | 47E | 11-Sep-06 | 9 |
N 5, 7, 9, 15,17, 29, 31 | 32 | 30N | 47E | 12-Sep-06 | 7 |
TL 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 | 20 | 30N | 47E | 13- Sep-06 | 9 |
TL 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 | 20 | 30N | 47E | 14-Sep-06 | 9 |
TWE 1 - 16, 18 | 28 | 30N | 47E | 10-Oct-06 | 17 |
TWE 17 | 22, 28 | 30N | 47E | 10-Oct-06 | 1 |
TWE 19 - 36 | 28 | 30N | 47E | 20-Sep-06 | 18 |
WT 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 29, 31, 33, 35 | 2 | 30N | 47E | 31-Oct-06 | 13 |
WT 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 | 2 | 30N | 47E | 7-Nov-06 | 5 |
WT 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53 - 55 | 36 | 31N | 47E | 1-Nov-06 | 11 |
WT 56 - 72 | 36 | 31N | 47E | 8-Nov-06 | 17 |
MALPAIS 1-24 | 4 | 29N | 47E | 4-Oct-14 | 24 |
MALPAIS 25-30 | 16 | 29N | 47E | 4-Oct-14 | 6 |
MALPAIS 210-220 | 18 | 30N | 47E | 4-Oct-14 | 11 |
MALPAIS 221- 260 | 30 | 30N | 47E | 4-Oct-14 | 40 |
MALPAIS 261-265 | 31 | 30N | 47E | 4-Oct-14 | 5 |
MALPAIS 31-48 | 4 | 30N | 47E | 5-Oct-14 | 18 |
MALPAIS 87-92, 111-128 | 6 | 30N | 47E | 5-Oct-14 | 24 |
MALPAIS 129-164 | 8 | 30N | 47E | 5-Oct-14 | 36 |
MALPAIS 201- 209 | 16 | 30N | 47E | 5-Oct-14 | 9 |
MALPAIS 316-347 | 32 | 31N | 47E | 5-Oct-14 | 32 |
MALPAIS 49-66 | 4 | 30N | 47E | 6-Oct-14 | 18 |
MALPAIS 67-86, 93-110 | 6 | 30N | 47E | 6-Oct-14 | 38 |
MALPAIS 302-315 | 18 | 31N | 47E | 6-Oct-14 | 14 |
MALPAIS 165- 200 | 12 | 30N | 47E | 7-Oct-14 | 36 |
MALPAIS 266-301 | 16 | 31N | 48E | 7-Oct-14 | 36 |
Unpatented Mining Claims | 831 | ||||
Notes | |||||
1. Amended K17 17-Aug-1992, K 18, K20 14-Aug- 1992 | |||||
2. Amended K22, K 24, K25, K26, K 27 17-Aug-1992 | |||||
3. Amended map 8/31/2006 |
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Table 4-2 Summary of Fee Land Holdings
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Table 4-3 Summary of Leased Fee Land Holdings
APN | Legal Description | Lessor | Royalty | Expiration | Acres |
Section 15 T30N R47E MDB&M | |||||
007- 140-04 | SE1/4 NW1/4 | Third Party Lessor | 4% NSR | (2) | 40 |
007- 140-06 | SE1/4 NE1/4 | Third Party Lessor | 4% NSR | (2) | 40 |
007- 140-010 | NE1/4 SE1/4, E1/2 NW1/4 SE1/4 | Third Party Lessor | 2.5% NSR | (2) | 60 |
007- 140-07 | N2NW4SW4 | Third Party Lessor | 3% NSR & 0.5% wheelage royalty (1) | 31-July-33 | 20 |
007- 140-09 | W2NW4SE4 | Third Party Lessor | 3% NSR & 0.5% wheelage royalty (1) | 31-July-33 | 20 |
Section 23 T30N R47E MDB&M | |||||
007- 160-04 | SW4NE4 | Third Party Lessor | 3% NSR & 0.5% wheelage royalty (1) | 31-July-33 | 40 |
007- 160-24 | NE4NW4SE4 | Third Party Lessor | 3% NSR & 0.5% wheelage royalty (1) | 31-July-33 | 10 |
Section 19 T30N R48E MDB&M | |||||
007- 060-69 | Parcel 1 of the Sharp Hospital Map recorded in the Office of the Lander County Recorder in Book 375, Official Records, Page 170 | Third Party Lessor | 3% NSR & 0.5% wheelage royalty (1) | 31-July-33 | 9.28 |
8 Leased Fee Parcels | 239.28 |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Wheelage royalty is calculated on mineralization mined from other properties which is transported underground through the leased property, and; |
|
2. |
The lease agreement remains in full force and effect for so long as any mining operations (as defined in the lease agreement) are being conducted on the relevant property on a continuing basis. |
Unpatented lode mining claims grant mineral rights and access to the surface within the boundaries of the claim. These rights are maintained by paying a maintenance fee of $155 per claim to the BLM prior to September 1 st of each year. Failure to timely pay the maintenance fees will deem the claims closed by the BLM. The unpatented lode mining claims held by Klondex are currently in good standing through September 1, 2015, at which time Klondex must pay $128,805 to the BLM in order to maintain the claims for the following assessment year.
In addition to BLM maintenance fees, Klondex must record a Notice of Intent to Hold and pay a fee to the county in which the unpatented lode mining claims are situated. These fees and Notices of Intent to Hold must be paid and recorded in the applicable county by November 1 st of each year. The unpatented lode mining claims held by Klondex are currently in good standing through November 1, 2015, by which time it must record the applicable Notices of Intent to Hold and pay fees in the amount of $8,351.50 to Lander County and $382 to Eureka County.
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The private fee lands and leases are subject to differing cash payments, net smelter return royalties (NSR), and wheelage royalties.
Royalties affect the following parcels owned and / or leased by Klondex, as listed in Table 4-2 and Table 4-3. Royalties applicable to the unpatented mining claims are discussed below. Property agreement obligations are listed in Table 4-4.
Table 4-4 Summary of Fire Creek Project Holding Costs
Due Date | Proj # | File # | Commitment/Obligation | $ Oblig | Payable/Due to | Notes |
9/1/2005 | L1010 | 2.4-6 | 3 Leased Parcels - Extended Term | Third Party Lessors | 1. 1987 Leases extended for 10 years from 9/1/2005 | |
8/18/2015 | L1010 | 2.4-6 | Property Taxes - 3 Leased Parcels | $ 146.78 | Lander County Treasurer | Lessee to pay property taxes |
8/18/2015 | L1010 | 8.3 | Property Taxes 29 - Klondex Owned Parcels | $ 1,032.33 | Lander County Treasurer | Real Property Taxes Due 3rd Monday of August annually |
8/18/2015 | L1010 | 8.3 | Property Taxes 2 - Klondex Owned Parcels | $84.08 | Eureka County Treasurer | Real Property Taxes Due 3rd Monday of August annually |
8/31/2015 | L1010 | 10 | BLM Claim Fees - 831 Claims | $ 128,805.00 | Bureau of Land Management | 831 Klondex Owned Claims x $155/Claim |
9/1/2015 | L1010 | 2.4-6 | 3 Leased Parcels - Annual AMR Payment | $ 24,000.00 | 7 Third Party Lessors | Annual AMR payment due on lease anniversary |
9/1/2015 | L1010 | 2.4-6 | Insurance Certificates | 7 Third Party Lessors | Insurance certificates required under terms of leases | |
11/1/2015 | L1010 | 10 | Lander County NOI to hold - 795 Claims | $ 8,351.50 | Lander County Recorder | 795 Klondex Owned Claims x $10.50/claim + $4 |
11/1/2015 | L1010 | Eureka County NOI to hold - 36 Claims | $ 382.00 | Eureka County Recorder | 36 Klondex Owned Claims x $10.50/claim + $4 | |
9/1/2015 | L1010 | 2.4-6 | 3 Leased Parcels - Expire | 7 Third Party Lessors | Leases expire - Renew | |
Total | $ 162,801.69 |
Notes: | ||
1. |
The lease agreement remains in full force and effect for so long as any mining operations (as defined in the lease agreement) are being conducted on the relevant property on a continuing basis. |
|
Source: Erwin and Thompson Title Report |
In addition, pursuant to a mining lease agreement effective July 31, 2013, with respect to five leased fee parcels, Klondex is required to pay minimum rental payments of $50,000 per year for the first ten years of the lease, which increase by $10,000 for each subsequent ten year period (including any renewal period). This lease also includes provisions that subject Klondex to an additional increase under certain circumstances. Pursuant to such mining lease, Klondex paid a minimum rental payment of $49,000.
On February 12, 2014, the Company entered into a royalty agreement (the FC Royalty Agreement) with Franco-Nevada US, a subsidiary of FNC, and KGS. Pursuant to the FC Royalty Agreement, KGS raised proceeds of US $1,018,050 from the grant to Franco-Nevada US of a 2.5% NSR royalty for Fire Creek. The royalty applies to all production from Fire Creek beginning in 2019.
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KGS entered into a gold supply agreement with Waterton Global Value, L.P. (Waterton) dated March 31, 2011, as amended and restated October 4, 2011 (the Gold Supply Agreement). Pursuant to the Gold Supply Agreement, the Company granted Waterton the right to purchase refined bullion (as defined in the Gold Supply Agreement) produced from the Project for the period commencing February 28, 2013 and ending February 28, 2018, subject to adjustment (the Term). If the Company has not delivered an aggregate minimum of 150,000 ounces of refined bullion during the first four years prior to the end of the Term, the Term will be extended until an aggregate of 185,000 ounces of refined bullion has been delivered (including any refined bullion delivered during the original Term) to Waterton. Under the Gold Supply Agreement, in the event that Waterton exercised its right to purchase refined bullion during the period of February 28, 2013 to May 31, 2013, the purchase price per ounce payable by Waterton was to be the purchase price per ounce of the last settlement price of gold on the London Bullion Market Association (the LMBA) PM Fix on the last trading day prior to the date Waterton provides notice to the Company that it intended to exercise its purchase right (the Pricing Date) less a 1% discount (which discount is only applicable if such price is more than US$900 per ounce). In the event that Waterton exercises its right to purchase refined bullion during the period following May 31, 2013 and before February 28, 2016, the purchase price per ounce payable by Waterton is the average settlement price of gold on the LMBA PM Fix for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the applicable Pricing Date (the Average Price) less a 1% discount; provided that in each case, if such price per ounce is less than US$900 the discount will be nil. In addition, in the event that Waterton exercises its right to purchase refined bullion after February 28, 2016, the purchase price per ounce will be the Average Price immediately preceding the applicable Pricing Date, without any discount.
The claim locations are based on location of monuments and their dimensions cited to the BLM. The claims boundaries are not surveyed, and the boundaries exact locations depend on physical positions of the location posts in the field. The authors are not aware of any conflicting surface rights in this area or near Fire Creek. Other considerations that might affect accessing claim status include grazing rights and protected habitats. Grazing rights may exist in the area, and conflicts with local ranchers are not common in this region. Newly established protected habitat for sage grouse has not been defined in this area at the time of this Report. There are archaeological considerations in the immediate area of the Project; however, all new surface disturbance proposed by Klondex is reviewed and permitted by the BLM prior to construction. Land information regarding claim status and fee lands was provided by Klondex, and to the authors knowledge at the time this document was authored, there were no environmental or social factors that would affect land title.
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4.4. Location of Mineralization
Gold mineralization at the Project occurs in steeply dipping epithermal veins within Tertiary basalt flows and intrusive rocks. The mineralized basalt rocks are a suite of mafic, extrusive rocks associated with the regional north-northwest-trending NNR structural zone. The NNR system has been documented in multiple geophysical and geological studies (e.g. John et al., 2000; Ponce, D.A. et al., 2008; Watt, J.T. et al., 2007) and is distinguished as a linear magnetic anomaly approximately 30 miles wide that extends 190 miles south-southeast from the Oregon-Nevada border to central Nevada. The NNR originates from the McDermitt Caldera in northwest Nevada and is likely related to impingement of the Yellowstone hot-spot on continental crust (Zoback et al., 1994). Figure 4-3 shows the location of the Project relative to the NNR.
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Klondex has an approved plan of operations with the BLM covering the current exploration activities at the Project as well as an approved bulk sampling permit from the State of Nevada. There are no environmental permitting issues known to the authors which are related to proposed Project activities.
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Page 41 | Accessibility, Climate, Vegetation, Physiography, Local Resources and Infrastructure | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
5. |
Accessibility, Climate, Vegetation, Physiography, Local Resources and Infrastructure |
5.1. Access to Project
The Project is easily reached from the town of Elko by driving west on Highway I-80 for 40 miles to the Beowawe and Crescent Valley Exit #261. From Exit #261, proceed south on Nevada State Highway 306 for 16 miles (passing through Beowawe) to 10 th Street (there is a sign on the right). On 10 th Street, there is a Company sign at the turn that indicates, Klondex Gold & Silver Mines, Limited. 10 th Street is the Project access road. The Project is located five miles west on 10 th Street in Lander County, Nevada.
The state and county roads leading to the Project are mostly paved and maintained in order to service the ranches and mines in Crescent Valley such as Barrick Gold Corporations Cortez Mine. In this part of Nevada, it is common practice for mine staff to commute long distances for work on a daily basis. The average commute for Klondex staff is one hour each way.
5.2. Climate
Project climate is typical for northern Nevada with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Average daily summer temperatures range from 80° Fahrenheit (°F) to 90°F, and average winter low temperatures range from the low 40s°F to 20°F. Summer temperature extremes may reach 100°F for short periods, and winter extreme temperatures may drop below 0°F for short periods. Fieldwork, including exploration drilling, is commonly conducted throughout the year in this area. Mines in the Crescent Valley typically operate all year without experiencing any major weather-related problems.
5.3. Vegetation
Fire Creek vegetation is mainly limited to sagebrush, other species of low vegetation and some grasses. There are no trees at the Project. Due to the low amount of rainfall, the vegetation is low and sparse. There is a small marsh associated with the Fire Creek drainage that provides some wetland vegetation.
5.4. Physiography
The Project lies in elevation between 4,900 feet and 7,200 feet. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) published a base-relief map, which covers the Project area titled, Mud Spring Gulch Quadrangle Nevada-Lander Co. 7.5 Minute Series (Topographic). The topographic relief is moderate with mature topography consisting mostly of rounded hills with steeper grades along more competent strata. The stream down-gradient from the Project are ephemeral and are sourced by up-gradient springs.
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5.5. Local Resources and Infrastructure
The nearest rail siding is located in the town of Beowawe, a small community of about 50 people, approximately 15 miles north of the Project. Crescent Valley, a small town with a population of approximately 200 people, is about seven miles south of the Project.
The towns of Battle Mountain and Elko, about 52 miles northwest and 63 miles northeast of the Project, respectively, are the nearest larger towns and supply most of the labor force. These towns are the only locations with amenities and services such as motels, fuel, grocery stores, and restaurants. The nearest commercial retail stores for fuel and groceries are located in Battle Mountain, 52 miles to the northwest.
Klondexs land holdings at Fire Creek have adequate acreage to support future exploration and mining activities. Fire Creek mineralization will be transported to the Companys Midas Mill for processing.
Electrical power is provided to the Project by NV Energy, Inc. (NV Energy) through a transmission line and substation located near the eastern Project boundary. The substation was connected to the NV Energy electrical grid in 2013.
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6 . |
History |
6.1. Exploration History
The first recorded lode claim dates to 1933, but no other activity is known prior to 1967. Table 6-1 below itemizes exploration performed since 1967.
Table 6-1 Exploration History
Dates | Company | Details |
1967 | Union Pacific Resources | Drilled two core holes. |
1974 to 1975 | Placer Development Ltd. | Drilled 22 rotary holes. |
1975 | Klondex Mines Ltd. | Acquired the Project . 1980-1983 drilled 64 rotary holes. 1981 gold test production. |
1984 | Minex Resources, Inc. | Leased the Project from Klondex, drilled 13 rotary holes. |
1986 to 1987 | Alma American Mining Company (Alma) | Leased the Project from Klondex, drilled 64 rotary holes. |
1988 | Aurenco Joint Venture (Aurenco JV) | Aurenco JV formed between Black Beauty Mining and Covenanter Mining. |
1988 to 1990 | Aurenco JV | Leased the Project from Klondex. |
1990 to 1995 | Klondex Mines Ltd. | No activity. |
1995 to 1996 | North Mining Inc. (North Mining) | Leased the Project from Klondex. Drilled 67 holes, performed IP and HEM surveys. |
1996 to 2004 | Klondex Mines Ltd. | No activity. |
2004 to 2012 | Klondex Mines Ltd. | Began a deep exploration program. Development commenced in 2011. |
2012 to Present | Klondex Mines Ltd. | New Management and Board of Directors in 2012, ongoing exploration. |
Prior to 1994, exploration focused on near-surface oxide mineralization most likely for bulk-mineable targets. Klondex acquired Fire Creek in 1975 and subsequently performed rotary drilling and a small test heap leach operation that produced 67 oz. Au. Minex leased the Project in 1984-1985, performed a small amount of drilling and conducted a larger test heap leach operation using approximately 30,000 tons of material. Due to the use of only the exploration drilling and no ore control, the material was primarily waste and ultimately produced less than 1,000 oz. Au. Alma American Mining Company, a division of Coors Brewery, leased the Project from 1986-1987 and performed rotary drilling and other exploration work. The Aurenco Joint Venture, formed between Black Beauty Mining and Covenanter Mining, leased the Project from 1988-1999. From 1988 to 1990, the Aurenco JV completed 51,476 feet of rotary drilling, 500 soil samples, and 750 surface rock chip samples. The Project was ventured with Coeur Mining from 1993 to 1994. The Fire Creek Joint Venture was formed between Aurenco and North Mining in 1995. During 1995 and 1996, North Mining commenced the first technical exploration drilling program to examine deeper targets. North Mining drilled 67 rotary and core holes for a total of 39,570 feet. This program successfully drilled the first high-grade gold intercept at depth at Fire Creek. In 1995, North Mining conducted an IP-Resistivity survey along ten east-west lines. Much of North Minings drill locations from 1995 and 1996 targeted results from these geophysical tests; however, the wide point and line spacing did not detect the narrow vein anomalies. Details of this earlier geophysical survey were itemized in the Fritz Geophysics report for Klondex (Fritz, 2006) and in an unpublished report for North Mining (Edmondo, 1996). North Mining dropped the Project in 1996 after determining that the Project was not likely to meet their minimum contained gold requirement for continued exploration. Aurenco dropped the Project in 1999 without conducting further work, and the Project reverted to 100% Klondex control.
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No work took place until 2004, when Klondex began systematically and aggressively drilling deep targets to define the mineralization potential recognized by North Mining. In 2004, Klondex based its initial drilling targets on the results of North Minings drilling program carried out from 1995 to 1996 in combination with information including integrated geologic mapping, surface geochemistry, airborne helicopter electromagnetic (HEM) surveys and IP dipole-dipole surveys. Klondex focused its exploration drilling on targets ranging from 500 to 1,700 feet below the surface, yielding grades up to 1.0 ounces per ton (opt).
Klondex conducted another IP survey in 2004 that used tighter line spacing and dipole points and, which identified north-northwest trending alterated zones, coincident with the general strike of veins identified by Klondex drilling and coincident with the general trend of NNR faults (see Regional Geology, Section 7.1 of this Report). From 2004 to 2010, Klondex drilled 231 surface holes for a total of 297,586 feet.
6.2. Production History
Historic production, as itemized previously (Raven et al., 2011), is limited to marginal mining of oxidized siliceous cap material from a pit and the construction of a small test heap leach operation from 1988 to 1990. A summary of the Raven report follows:
In the early 1980s a joint venture with Aurenco/Black Beauty Coal mined a small amount of material from a pit and constructed a small test heap leach operation. This work focused on the siliceous cap material that overlies the deeper, epithermal vein systems; mining of the siliceous cap did not prove to be economic as the grades were too erratic and high clay content hampered the heap leaching. (Page 11)
With the exceptions of current operations, there has been no other production at the Project since 1990.
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7. |
Geological Setting and Mineralization |
7.1. Regional Geology
The Project is located on the northeast flank of the Shoshone Range in Lander County Nevada, and in the western half of the NNR (Figure 7-1). The surface and near-surface NNR is composed of an alignment of middle-Miocene basaltic (and lesser rhyolitic) dikes and up to 42,000 feet of basin-filling lava flows, pyroclastic units and lacustrine sedimentary units (Zoback et al., 1994; John et al., 2000) that are distinguishable regionally as a prominent, north-northwest trending aeromagnetic anomaly that extends some 300 miles south-southeastward from the Oregon-Nevada border. The NNR is likely related to a pre-Cenozoic, deep-crustal fault reactivated between 16.5 and 14.7 million annum (Ma) (Zoback et al., 1994; Theodore et al., 1998; John et al., 2000) and reflects west-southwest east-northeast regional extension (Wallace & John, 1998; John & Wallace, 2000). Some workers (Zoback & Thompson, 1978; Pierce & Morgan, 1992) postulate that impingement of the Yellowstone hot spot on this area at approximately 17 Ma is related to Cenozoic NNR activity.
Basement rocks of the northern Shoshone Range are comprised of lower Paleozoic primarily siliciclastic sedimentary units of the Roberts Mountain Allochthon upper plate (John & Wrucke, 2003; Figures 7-2 and 7-3). In this area, the upper plate is 1,000 to 2,000 feet thick, and the Roberts Mountain Thrust dips west-northwest (Kiska Metals Corp., 2014). The primary upper plate units in the Fire Creek area are imbricate thrust stacks of Ordovician Valmy Formation, which is comprised of sandstone, shale, chert, and quartzite and the Devonian Slaven Chert (Gilluly & Gates, 1965; John & Wrucke, 2003).
Overlying the Paleozoic sedimentary rocks is a discontinuous tuff layer. John et al. (2003) and John & Wrucke (2003) assigned this unit as the Caetano Tuff (33.87 Ma) in the vicinity of Mule Canyon. However, Colgan et al. (2014) documents the Tuff of Cove Mine (34.4 Ma) and the Nine Hill Tuff (25.4 Ma) in the northern Shoshone Range in this stratigraphic position. The origin and continuity of this unit remains enigmatic.
A middle-Miocene package of intercalated basalt and basaltic andesite flows and associated pyroclastic units intrudes and unconformably overlies the lower sedimentary and tuffaceous rocks. As these rocks represent local paleotopography, their presence and thickness are highly variable. Competent flow units in this package form the dominant host for gold mineralization both at the Fire Creek Project and the nearby Mule Canyon Mine. As such, local expressions of this package have been informally named the Mule Canyon Sequence (John et al., 2003 and references therein) and the Fire Creek Sequence (McMillin & Milliard, 2013).
The Andesite of Horse Heaven, a sparsely porphyritic andesite to basaltic andesite, conformably overlies the basalt flow package (John & Wrucke, 2003). This unit covers an extensive area of the Northern Shoshone Range (Gilluly & Gates, 1965) and ranges from less than 130 feet to greater than 800 feet thick (John & Wrucke, 2003). Samples from this unit collected near the Mule Canyon Mine yielded whole-rock ages of 15.86±0.12 Ma and 15.2±0.8 Ma (John & Wrucke, 2003). Another sample collected near Corral Canyon, south of the Project, yielded a whole-rock age of 15.76±0.80 Ma (John et al., 2000). The Andesite of Horse Heaven is currently recognized as the youngest unit preserved at the Project.
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Thick flows of dacite and trachydacite uncomformably overly younger mafic units. John & Wrucke (2003) describe these as occurring mainly to the east of the Muleshoe Fault and represent rift-filling lavas that were sourced from the Sheep Creek Range. They report 40 Ar/ 39 Ar plagioclase age dates of 15.33±0.09 Ma and 15.34±0.10 Ma for samples collected near the Mule Canyon Mine and in the Sheep Creek Range, respectively.
Numerous steeply dipping, north-northwest- to north-striking mafic dikes are evident at the Project from drill data and mining operations (Edmondo, 1996; McMillin & Milliard, 2013) and are exposed in the open pits at the Mule Canyon Mine (John et al., 2003 and references therein), however, few mafic dikes have been mapped at the surface. These are interpreted as feeder dikes for the upper Mule Canyon Sequence and lower Andesite of Horse Heaven (Edmondo, 1996; John & Wrucke, 2003). Field and core observations at the Project support this interpretation.
The western margin of the NNR in the Northern Shoshone Range is marked by two high-angle fault sets. The dominant set is parallel to the rift axis striking north-northwest (N15-30°W) and exhibits dip-slip movement. The most prominent of these is the Muleshoe Fault, which is less than a mile east of both the Mule Canyon Mine and the Fire Creek Project (John et al., 2003). Faults in this orientation commonly host mafic dikes and provided structural control on eruption and volcanic rock deposition. A second high-angle fault set oriented east-northeast (N60-80°E) was active during NNR formation, most notably the Malpais and Argenta Faults (John et al., 2000; John et al., 2003). These display left-lateral oblique-slip, however, some of these were reactivated in the late Miocene after a clockwise rotation of extension direction (Zoback et al., 1981, 1994).
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Project, Lander County, Nevada |
7.2. Local Geology
7.2.1. |
Rock Units |
Basement rocks beneath the Fire Creek deposit have not been drilled sufficiently for positive unit identification. Imbricate stacks of Ordovician Valmy Fm. and Devonian Slaven Chert, part of the Roberts Mountain Thrust upper plate, are mapped to the west of the deposit and are presumed to lie beneath the local Miocene volcanic package (Figures 7-2 and 7-3). Thickness of the upper plate rocks in this region is unconstrained. Lower plate rocks are thought to be Roberts Mountain Formation, but this has not been drill-tested, and no outcrops of this unit occur nearby.
Overlying the Paleozoic sedimentary package is a 0 to 300-foot thick, discontinuous tuff unit, tentatively identified as the tuff of Cove Mine (C. Henry, pers. comm., 2013; D. John, pers. comm., 2014). The discontinuous nature of this unit is thought to be a function of paleo-topography.
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Progressing upwards, unconformably overlying the tuff of Cove Mine, is approximately 500-foot thick section of interbedded lithic tuff beds, basalt flows and sills, and thin, laminated lacustrine sedimentary beds. These are grouped together under the Ttb ( T ertiary t uff and b asalt) moniker. Tuff layers are commonly intensely argillically altered. Alteration in basalts varies from unaltered to moderate propylitization.
The informal Fire Creek Sequence comprises three volcanic/volcaniclastic units that overlie the Ttb series. These are presented in ascending order. Descriptions are after Edmondo (1996), Anderson (2013), and Milliard et al. (in prep).
Tbeq ( T ertiary b asalt eq uigranular; Figure 7-5) is a 400- to 700-foot thick, black to dark green, aphanitic and equigranular basalt flow package. The dominant textural characteristic of this unit are randomly oriented, curvilinear, interconnected hackly or tortoise-shell joints that develop in response to cooling and are thus a primary textural feature (McPhie et al., 1993). Poorly-formed columnar jointing is also present locally. Hyaloclastite is common at the unit base. Thin, discontinuous, and volumetrically minor tuff layers can be present. This unit is the primary ore host. It is thought that Tbeq possessed the bulk strength to hold open space during faulting/fracturing and was present at the correct elevation with respect to the paleo-water table to allow fluid boiling and vein deposition. In the vicinity of the Fire Creek deposit, a large percentage of this unit is altered. Propylitic alteration volumetrically dominates the alteration package and ranges from thin selvages along tortoise-shell joints to pervasive. Argillic alteration is proximal to veins and dikes. Silicification is intermittent and, when present, is immediately adjacent to veins and dikes.
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Tbma (Figure 7-6) discontinuously overlies Tbeq and is a 0 to 500-foot thick series of black, aphanitic, vitreous, and peperitic basalt flows that may be intercalated with thin tuff layers of the overlying Tlat. No gold mineralization is known in this unit. Alteration is non-existent to weakly propylitic.
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Tlat ( T ertiary l apilli a sh t uff; Figure 7-6) also discontinuously overlies Tbeq, at the same or higher stratigraphic level as Tbma. Commonly, the contact between Tlat and Tbma, when both are present, is difficult to determine. Tlat is a 0 to 200-foot thick, tan to buff, non-welded lithic lapilli tuff with 10 to 40% heterolithic basalt and scoria fragments. Groundmass comprises shard and pumice fragments with 10 to 15% lapilli component. Although discontinuous, it is regionally extensive. In the vicinity of the Fire Creek deposit, this unit is commonly intensely argillized.
The Andesite of Horse Heaven is the youngest package preserved at the Project. Locally, this package is broken into five units. Tb1, Tb2, and Tb3 directly overlie the Fire Creek Sequence and the Fire Creek deposit. Tb4 and Tb5 are only present to the east and northeast of the current mine area and may reflect compartmentalized lava fill into a fault-bounded basin. Descriptions are after Edmondo (1996).
Tb3 is the youngest unit present at the Fire Creek deposit. It consists of interbedded andesite and basalt flows. Typically very fine grained with rare plagioclase and biotite phenocrysts up to 0.1 millimeters in diameter. Individual flows display features characteristic of subaerial emplacement including autobreccia at flow tops and bases, pahoehoe textures, dense flow interiors and increasing vesiculation density near flow tops. Above the known deposit, Tb3 is argillized and hosts gold mineralization.
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Tb2 is a black, aphanitic to sugary, weakly glassy basalt that contains trace to 10% plagioclase phenocrysts and five to seven percent magnetite as needles. Emplacement as subaerial flows, similar to Tb3, is indicated by autobrecciation along flow tops and bottoms, dense flow interiors, and strong vesiculation. Thicker flows may weather spheroidally. The base of Tb2 is weakly altered, and this alteration rapidly decreases to zero vertically.
Tb1 shares many similarities to Tb2, specifically that it is a black, aphanitic to sugary, weakly glassy basalt with trace to 10% plagioclase phenocrysts. However, instead of magnetite needles this unit can be distinguished by the presence of three to five percent magnetite as crystals. The sugary groundmass is slightly coarser grained than Tb2. Flow textures are the same as Tb2. Tb1, and Tb2 are commonly separated by a thin volcaniclastic unit and, in outcrop, may be marked by an angular flow foliation discordance of less than 10 degrees. Hypogene alteration in this unit has not been observed.
Tb4 is light red-grey to grey, platy to massive andesite interbedded with black, glassy, perlitic, porphyritic andesite. Phenocrysts of plagioclase and pyroxene volumetrically compose up to 25% and range from two to five millimeters in length. In contrast to the consistent foliation displayed by Tb1, 2, and 3, Tb4 has highly variably flow foliations and forms gently rolling antiforms and synforms with an overall west dip. In the Project area, Tb4 is present to the east of a range-front-parallel fault located to the east of the deposit. Here, it underlies Tb3 and is in fault contact with Tb1 and 2.
Tb5 is a series of fine grained to aphanitic, brown to black basalt flows with one to three percent magnetite and pyroxene phenocrysts. Individual flows have flaggy to platy bases and highly vesicular tops. It appears to underlie Tb4 although exposure is limited to the northeast corner of the Project area.
Units underlying Tb1 are cut by numerous black to dark green mafic dikes referred to as Tim (Figure 7-7). Textures include aphanitic, fine-grained phaneritic and weakly porphyritic. Dikes generally strike north-northeast and many exploited north-northeast-striking (Muleshoe-parallel, see below) faults. Contacts between dikes and wall rocks range from knife-edge sharp to brecciated zones up to one foot. Both acted as conduits for mineralizing fluids, and vein emplace along these contacts (e.g. Vonnie Vein). Dikes can be altered along with wall rock, but often comparatively pristine dikes cut through intensely argillized wall rock, suggesting dikes were emplaced late relative to the bulk of fluid migration.
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7.2.2. |
Structure |
The current Fire Creek deposit is fault-bounded to the north, east, and south. The west remains structurally open, although data for this area is sparse. Drilling from underground has roughly defined the Alimak Fault, a north-northwest striking structure that intersects the westernmost extent of the underground workings. It is unknown if this is a system-bounding fault; however, ground conditions change sharply across it. The bounding structures are described below.
North: John et al. (2000) documents the northeast to east-northeast striking Malpais and Argenta Rims (Figure 7-1), the result of late Miocene to Quaternary (i.e. post-mineralization), north-down normal faulting and associated sets of steeply north-dipping normal faults clustered in the north sides of the respective fault blocks. Geophysical and drill data indicate these subsidiary north-dipping normal faults truncate and may offset the Fire Creek deposit to the north.
East: The Muleshoe Fault is a regionally important structure, forming, along with the Dunphy Pass Fault, a graben with over 1,200 feet of volcanic fill and forming the eastern edge of the Mule Canyon deposit (John et al., 2000; John et al., 2003). The Fire Creek deposit is bound to the east by a N15°W, steeply east-dipping fault interpreted as a paleo-scarp. Volcanic rock texture and composition changes abruptly across an undeformed flow contact. Gold assay values also abruptly change from an average of 0.0X opt to below detection limit across this contact. 3D modeling of these criteria supports the hypothesis that this is a high-angle fault plane. Throughout the Project history, this fault surface has been referred to as the Muleshoe Fault, and this report will continue to do so. It should be noted that this fault has never been positively linked to the Muleshoe Fault proper documented at Mule Canyon, and geophysical evidence suggest that the true Muleshoe Fault lies farther to the east.
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South: Fire Creek itself runs east-west and lies just south of the known deposit. Surface mapping indicates that the Tb2 unit on the south side of the creek is significantly thicker than Tb2 on the north side. This relationship suggests that Fire Creek follows the surface trace of a south-block-down normal fault (the Fire Creek Fault) that either predated emplacement of Tb2 or was synchronous with Tb2 emplacement, forming a volcanic growth fault. Geophysics and limited drill data support the hypothesis that volcanic stratigraphy is displaced across the Fire Creek Fault.
There are currently three known fault sets within the area described above (Figure 7-8). The most recent set comprises the NE1 and NE2 faults. Both are northeast-striking and dip steeply to the north, sub-parallel to the Malpais Rim and subsidiary structures. Apparent displacement across the NE1 and NE2 faults is small and of variable motion sense, probably more reflective of local perturbations in the volcanic stratigraphy than of true offset. These are interpreted to be a continuation of the late Miocene to Quaternary Malpais Rim structure set and thus postdate and offset mineralization. Displacement across these structures likely increases with proximity towards the Malpais Rim.
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The other two fault sets are cut by and thus predate the NE1 and NE2 faults. The N15°W set comprises the vertical to steeply east-dipping Muleshoe Fault and Alimak Fault and several other parallel, smaller-displacement faults (not shown for clarity) that dip steeply to the east and west. All show apparent normal displacement. Displacement across the Muleshoe Fault and Alimak Fault is east-block-down based on offset volcanic stratigraphy. Direct evidence for an oblique component does not exist, but these are thought to contain a subordinate right-lateral component based on overall NNR development patterns. North of Fire Creek proper, where Tb2 is very thin and Tb1 is either thin or eroded, the N15°W fault orientation is strongly reflected in current topography. South of Fire Creek, Tb2 is significantly thicker, and the N15°W fault set is not topographically expressed. This implies that the relative age of Muleshoe-parallel faulting can be bracketed between Tb1 and Tb2 emplacement. The N45°W fault set comprises the NW1 and NW2 faults. These represent breached relay ramps (Crider, 2001; Trudgill & Cartwright, 1994; Figure 7-9) and formed contemporaneously with Muleshoe-parallel faults. Both of these fault sets are thought to result from NNR development.
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7.2.3. |
Veins |
The vein system reflects extensional structural fabrics generated during NNR development. Veins were emplaced primarily along faults and dike contacts, both striking approximately N15°W and with variable but steep dips, and north-south-striking, moderately east-dipping extensional structures. North-northwest-striking veins are typically thin, less than three feet, subvertical and are parallel to the Muleshoe Fault set. North-south striking veins are thicker, approximately 10 feet, than north-northeast striking veins. Host rocks are usually restricted to the more competent members of the volcanic sequence; in the known deposit this is primarily Tbeq. Tuffaceous units are less favorable for vein formation due to poor fracturing characteristics.
The following description of Fire Creek veins is abstracted from Raven et al. (2011) and includes relevant updates.
The veins consist of colloidal silica, crystallize chalcedony and coarser crystallize quartz, calcite, pyrite, chlorite, arsenopyrite, adularia, and clays including kaolinite, smectite and illite. Crustiform/colloform-banded and brecciated quartz, stockwork texture and calcite-replacement textures including bladed quartz are common. Drusy and cockscomb calcite and quartz often coat open spaces. Vein composition ranges from quartz-dominant to calcite-dominant, even within the same vein.
As of this writing, 47 individual veins or mineralized structures have been identified. Of these, five have been sufficiently characterized to warrant individual descriptions.
Joyce Vein
The Joyce Vein has been defined for 1,750 feet along strike and 1,135 feet of dip extent. It is dominated by coarse, bladed calcite (60 to 70%) with quartz as the remainder.
Vonnie Vein
The Vonnie Vein has been defined for 1,910 feet along strike and 550 feet of dip extent. Textures are dominantly crustiform/colloform quartz banding with lesser carbonate. This vein formed predominately along a dike contact.
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Karen Vein
The Karen Vein has been defined for 1,035 feet along strike and 450 feet of dip extent. Average vein width is approximately 0.5 foot although mineralized widths can reach up to approximately 12 feet and can include fault-related breccias and discrete veins. The vein is predominately calcite with lesser quartz and commonly has open space vugs. The Karen Vein exploited a north-south striking extensional linking structure rather than a Muleshoe-parallel fault or dike contact.
Hui Wu Vein
The Hui Wu (pronounced Whey-Woo) structure has been defined for 650 feet along strike and 500 feet of dip extent. This structure is primarily mineralized tectonic breccia that is punctuated by a moderately developed discrete vein system.
Honeyrunner Structure
The Honeyrunner structure has been defined for 1,515 feet along strike and 525 feet of dip extent. Geologic data suggest this structure may be a locally important fault parallel to the Muleshoe Fault system. Instead of a typical vein, this structure is a combination of tectonic breccias and a large basalt dike; however, current drill piercements do not preclude the presence of a vein either along strike or at depth.
7.2.4. |
Alteration |
Alteration is zoned laterally and vertically with respect to paleo-fluid conduits and is dependent on rock type. Conduits include high-angle structures such as faults (either with or without vein fill) and dike contacts and to a lesser extent low-angle structures such as lithologic contacts and highly vesiculated flow tops. Zonation is well-developed in Tbeq basalt. Alteration in tuffaceous units tends to be pervasive rather than zoned.
Idealized lateral distal-to-proximal alteration zonation around a single fluid conduit or vein within Tbeq or Ttb basalt typically follows the progression outlined below (Figures 7-10 and 7-11). Not all stages may be present and overprinting is common.
1. |
Distal, widespread, propylitic alteration characterized by pyritiferous and chloritic selvages along hackly or tortoise -shell joints; |
|
2. |
Pervasive propylitic alteration characterized by chlorite ± calcite replacement of plagioclase and pyroxene and abundant formation of both disseminated and selvage pyrite and |
|
3. |
Pervasive argillic alteration characterized by montmorillonite ± nontronite ± illite replacement of plagioclase and pyroxene (or their chloritized equivalents). |
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Selvage and/or pervasive silicification through addition of silica.
Acid-leach silicification resulting from preferential removal of mobile, non-silica constituents. This alteration style is more common in the upper portion of the hydrothermal system.
Argillic alteration in tuffaceous units and interbeds is characterized by near-complete replacement by illite ± kaolinite ± smectite ± montmorillonite ± nontronite. It is widespread and is not zoned. The typical propylitic outer halo is either non-existent or has been completely overprinted.
Alteration in Ttb basalt units is generally weak to moderate, pervasive propylitic alteration characterized by chlorite replacement of plagioclase and pyroxene.
A discontinuous, 15 to 65 feet thick, white to reddish-brown, amorphous to opaline silica cap is present between Tb1 and Tb2. Although specific fluid pathways have not been identified in Tb1, an elongate zone of moderate to intense, vertically zoned argillic alteration directly overlies the Joyce Vein in Tb1 and is exposed at the surface. This alteration is characterized by alunite + kaolinite beneath the silica cap and gives way to smectite + kaolinite with depth. Nontronite-alteration as vein, vug-fill and pervasive basalt alteration appears to overprint other alteration events.
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7.2.5. |
Mineralization |
Gold is primarily present in its native state along discrete layers within veins. Native gold can occur as large clots or bands, less than ¼ inch (Figure 7-12) dendritic growths and (Figure 7-13) and fine-grained disseminations. Other less common habits include encapsulations in quartz, pyrite replacements and coatings on pyrite or arsenopyrite (Thompson, 2014). Silver occurs encapsulated in quartz and locally in naumannite or ruby silver encapsulations in quartz (Thompson, 2014). Dark grey ginguro bands of an unidentified silver-bearing mineral is present along vein banding as well. The silver:gold ratio is approximately one to one.
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8. |
Deposit Types |
The Fire Creek deposit is considered to be a low-sulfidation, epithermal deposit.
A composite description for low-sulfidation epithermal deposits, abstracted from Simmons et al. (2005), Cooke & Simmons (2000), White & Hedenquist (1995), Kamenov et al. (2007), and Hedenquist et al. (2000) is shown below in Figure 8-1.
Low-sulfidation epithermal systems are also referred to as quartz ± calcite ± adularia ± illite or adularia-sericite epithermal systems. These nomenclatures refer to the oxidation state of the ore fluid sulfur component, gangue mineralogy and hydrothermal fluid pH, respectively. Ore-fluids in a low-sulfidation hydrothermal system are reduced, have a near-neutral pH and are dominated by deeply-circulated meteoric water. These deposits form in the shallow crust, 0.5 to 1.5 miles at temperatures of greater than 300°C in subaerial volcanic settings. Steeply-dipping, open-space veins are common. Quartz is the principal gangue mineral and can be accompanied by chalcedony, adularia, illite, pyrite, calcite, and rhodochrosite. Boiling is the dominant metal deposition mechanism and commonly results in vein textures including crustiform-colloform bands and platy calcite and/or quartz-after-calcite pseudomorphs. Ore metals are usually Au-Ag, Ag-Au or Ag-Pb-Zn and, contrary to the ore-fluid source, metals in NNR-related epithermal deposits are sourced from mantle-derived basaltic magmas (Kamenov et al., 2007).
Zoned hydrothermal alteration comprises widespread and deep propylitization that grades upwards to clay, carbonate and zeolite formation. Proximal alteration comprises quartz, adularia, and pyrite. High-level advanced argillic alteration characterized by clay-carbonate-pyrite or kaolinite-alunite-opal ± pyrite alteration can be present above the ore-grade zone and is the result of steam-heated, acidic, ascending fluids generated during boiling.
Features that classify the Project as a low-sulfidation epithermal deposit include:
| Precious metal mineralization occurs primarily within steeply dipping veins; | |
| Extensional, open-space forming tectonic environment active during vein emplacement; | |
| Vein gangue is composed of quartz and calcite and exhibits boiling textures; | |
| Mineralization is gold -silver; | |
| Alteration halo comprises distal propylitization that grades to argillic and proximal silicification; | |
| Presence of a high-level, advanced argillic alteration zone capped with opaline silica; and | |
| Altered host rock indicates a reduced ore fluid. |
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9. |
Exploration |
9.1. Historical Exploration
An itemized summary of exploration activities at the Project is below.
1933: First recorded lode claim
at Fire Creek;
1967: Union Pacific drilled
two diamond holes;
1974 1975: Placer
Development Ltd. acquired an exploration lease and drilled 22 rotary holes;
1980: Klondex acquired the Project from
Placer Development, Ltd;
1981/1982: Klondex
conducted a 2,000-ton test heap leach that produced 67 ounces of
gold;
1980 1983: Klondex drilled 64 rotary
holes;
1984: Klondex leased the Project to
Minex Resources, Inc. who drilled 13 holes and heap leached approximately 30,000
tons of mixed ore and waste which produced approximately 1,000 ounces of gold;
1986 1987: Klondex leased the Project to
Alma American Mining Co. who drilled 64 holes;
1988 1999: Klondex leased the Project to
the Aurenco Joint Venture which composed of Black Beauty Gold Co. and Covenanter
Mining, who drilled 51,463 feet of reverse circulation,
1993 1994: The Aurenco JV ventured the
Project with Coeur Exploration. Coeur conducted a gradient-array resistivity
survey and drilled seven reverse circulation and two diamond holes;
1995 1996: The Aurenco JV and North Mining
form the Fire Creek Joint Venture.
North Mining conducted a dipole-dipole IP/Resistivity survey and drilled 39,593 feet of reverse circulation and diamond core;
1999: The Aurenco JV
relinquished their lease;
2004: Klondex
began an exploration program for deep vein-hosted gold mineralization;
2005: Newmont Mining Corp. performed a
gravity survey;
2006: Klondex conducted a
gradient-array IP/Resistivity survey; and
2004 2010: Klondex drilled 231 holes,
primarily core with RC pre-collars, for a total length of 297,586 feet.
9.2. 2011 Drilling
Fifty-five drill holes comprising 37 surface holes and 18 underground holes with a length of 65,225 feet were completed (Figure 9-1). Surface drilling focused on identifying mineralization on the north end of defined veins. Underground drilling focused on identifying mineralization on the southern extent.
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9.3. 2012 Drilling
Sixty-one drill holes comprising of 25 surface holes and 36 underground holes with a total length of 54,969 feet were completed (Figure 9-2). Four of the surface holes were geotechnical holes drilled to gather data near the planned vent raise. Three holes were drilled to test IP anomalies south of the Project. These did not encounter significant gold mineralization; however, the holes were terminated prior to encountering the target horizon and may have been located too far to the east. The remainder were drilled to define a bulk sample area that encompassed the Joyce Vein and the Vonnie Vein between the 5370 and 5400 crosscuts. One of these holes (FC1211) returned a result of 2,910 parts per million (ppm) Au (85 opt Au) assay from the Vonnie Vein.
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9.4. 2013 Drilling
Sixty-one drill holes comprising five surface holes and 56 underground holes with a total length of 33,501 feet were completed in 2013 (Figure 9-3). This drilling identified several new veins west of the decline and identified probable southern extensions of the Joyce Vein and the Vonnie Vein.
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9.5. 2014 Drilling
Two hundred eighty-three holes comprising nine reverse-circulation surface holes with a total length of 2,385 feet (Figure 9-4), two HQ diamond surface holes with a total length of 2,943 feet (Figure 9-4) and, 272 AQ, BQ and HQ diamond underground holes with a total length of 73,339 feet (Figure 9-5) were completed in 2014. Five of the surface reverse circulation (RC) holes were converted into groundwater monitoring wells GW-4 through GW-8. The remaining five surface RC holes had piezometers installed. Two HQ diamond holes were drilled for condemnation purposes. Underground drilling in 2014 primarily focused on infilling and extending the Joyce Vein, Vonnie Vein, Karen Vein, and Hui Wu Vein. Underground exploration targeted zones to the east and west of the decline and yielded positive results including discovery of the ore-grade Honeyrunner structure.
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10. |
Drilling and Sampling Methodology |
Drilling protocols from 2004 through 2010 are documented in Raven et al. (2011):
Most core holes were pre-collared with a reverse circulation rotary (RC) drill that advanced to a planned depth well short of the intended target intercept. The RC holes were then cased and core drilled to completion with HQ (2.5 inch diameter core)-sized core. Two of the borings, 410 and 411, were only rotary holes drilled to completion. RC drilling was done by OKeefe Drilling of Butte, Montana. Core drilling was carried out primarily by Boart-Longyear out of their Salt Lake office, Ruen Drilling from Clark Fork, Idaho and Major Drilling from Salt Lake City.
The directions and angles of the drill holes were spotted to intercept the veins as close to perpendicular as practicable within the limitations of the equipment. Most holes were drilled at azimuths of 75° or 255° and located as close as practical on the surveyed grid lines with azimuths of 75° The line spacings are 50 metres. The deep holes have established that veins or vein systems have a general azimuth strike of 345° with varying dips ranging from steep westward dips of about 75° to steep eastward dips of about 80°. Most holes were inclined at an angle of -45°. Holes were drilled both ENE and WSW; sometimes the ideal direction/declination had to be compromised because of drill location setup problems.
The Klondex holes are all surveyed for vertical and horizontal deviation by International Directional Services LLC, whose local office is in Elko, Nevada. Plotting the boring deviations permit accurate vein and other gold anomaly intercept locations leading to reliable geologic mineralization locations, interpretations of vein trends, structure dips, zone widths, reserve estimates, and polygon locations. (Page 21)
The 2013 surface drilling procedures for RC are summarized below:
1. |
Klondex contracted Rimrock Drilling Services from Elko, Nevada to drill 15, 600-foot RC pre-collar holes; |
|
2. |
Surface collar locations were based on the location of previously drilled and surveyed geotechnical holes. The azimuth and dip were set using a Brunton compass and measured with a tape, the designations were written on a flagged lathe; |
|
3. |
The drill rig set up to drill a fan pattern, the mast was checked for correct azimuth and dip prior to drilling; |
|
4. |
Five-inch surface casing was installed for the upper 20 feet; |
|
5. |
Drilling advances were paused at the end of each sample run to flush out the cuttings; |
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6. |
Upon completion of the hole, International Directional Services (IDS) of Elko surveyed the collar azimuth, dip, and downhole inclinations using a gyroscopic downhole survey tool; |
|
7. |
The completed RC hole was cased to 600-foot with five-inch casing; and |
|
8. |
Variations of azimuth and dip for subsequent drilling within the fan array were based on the results of the pre-collar survey and adjusted to account for any deviation, which may have occurred. |
The 2013 surface drilling procedures for core are as summarized below:
1. |
Klondex contracted American Drilling Corporation from Winnemucca, Nevada to drill surface core holes; |
|
2. |
Prior to drilling, the pre-collars were cemented at the bottom of the casing to seal the core hole; |
|
3. |
HQ diameter core was drilled with five-foot core barrels and ten-foot rod lengths; |
|
4. |
Core material was retrieved using a triple- tube and placed in cardboard boxes; |
|
5. |
Downhole surveys of the entire hole (RC and core -tail) were taken by IDS. A digital copy of the IDS report was emailed to Klondex; |
|
6. |
Boxes of core were transported to the logging facility for photography and collecting geological observations before being sent to the splitter for sample preparation; and |
|
7. |
Surface drill collar surveys were taken by Alidade, Inc. (Alidade) when drilling the fan was completed. |
In January 2013, authors of this report observed a sequence of handling underground drilled core as follows:
1) |
Drill hole status is tracked on a dry erase board as well as in MS Excel spreadsheets for the following information: (drilled status, logging status, sampling status, dispatching a hole, and receiving assay results); |
|
2) |
Handling of the drilled core from the station includes: drilling with a Diamec U8 core rig (other types of drill rigs have been used in the past for drilling both surface and underground). Drillers label core box lids with a unique Bore Hole Identification number (BHID), which includes the year), box number, and drilled interval, drillers put the core in boxes (Figure 10-1) with top of drilled sequence leading the run in the box and end of drilled interval ending the run in the box. Drillers label the end of the run to the nearest one tenth of a foot and measure and record the recovery in feet on wooden blocks, which are put at the end of the drilled interval; |
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3) |
Note: In 2014, the hole naming convention was changed. The final hole with the old naming convention was FC14125U. The first hole with the new naming convention was FCU-0001; |
4) |
Drillers stack full core boxes on a pallet in numerical order; |
|
5) |
Drillers or drill helpers either deliver the pallet to surface or take a partial delivery of core boxes in the back of their motorized underground personnel vehicle. They leave the pallet of core boxes (or individual core boxes on a spare pallet) at the core logging facility; and |
|
6) |
Current surface drilling protocols remain similar to the Raven summary, but the protocol has evolved somewhat to allow for more precise drill targeting and data tracking. The 2014 drilling program focused primarily on additional delineation of targets and expanding the resource. These targets are more accessible and more efficiently drilled from underground drill platforms. |
10.1. |
Collar Surveying |
Currently, surface hole collars are surveyed by Alidade following completion of the hole. Underground hole collars are surveyed by the mine surveyor after the drill has been removed from the drill station. When an underground collar survey is required and the surveyor is not available, the geologist triangulates the collar location using distance measurements between surveyed reference points in the drill station relative to the drill rig.
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The channel sample locations are stored as synthetic drill holes in the database in order to utilize them spatially with software (northings, eastings, elevations, azimuth, dip, and length). The northing, easting, and elevation of the samples are derived from geologists face distance measurements in relation to underground survey mapping (asbuilt).
10.1.1. Surveying Surface Drill Collar Locations
Historic surface drill collar survey data was kept in Reno, Nevada by Mr. Richard Kern of MinQuest, Inc. (MinQuest), as he was the Project Manager and responsible person for the database on behalf of Klondex. Klondex received the historic data in spreadsheets from Mr. Kern in May 2012. All collar northings and eastings drilled prior to 2012 came from MinQuest at that time. The elevation of the drill hole locations in the MinQuest dataset were adjusted by Mr. Steve McMillin, former Chief Geologist for Klondex, by assigning elevations from topographic contours generated from 2012 photogrammetry.
Methods used to locate collars drilled from March 2004 through December 2010 were inadequately documented, and raw data were not archived. The (non-documented) method for locating early collars was to locate the drill pad along a surveyed grid of lines (lines spaced 50 feet apart) to intercept veins as close to perpendicular as possible within the limitations of the equipment and topography.
In August of 2008, Alidade surveyed and located some of the drill pads and collars for Small Mine Development, LLC. (SMD). Historical survey reports for that period have not survived though Alidades methodology for ground control is documented in a Company memo from Alidade (Klondex, 2006):
On our first day on the project we set a 5/8 rebar with a plastic Alidade Control cap on a hillside above and about a 1,000 feet north of the Project. We set up our GPS receiver on this point called AL1, and recorded two plus hours of static GPS data at one second intervals. This data was subsequently sent to the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) Online User Positioning Service (OPUS) and processed.
OPUS provided both the NAD83 Nevada Central Zone and UTM Zone 11 North coordinate values for the new point. The grid coordinates provided were expressed in meters for both systems as is standard for OPUS. We (Alidade) converted the NAD83 coordinates from meters to US Survey feet and established a coordinate system and projection for our GPS software.
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From 2010 to the beginning 2012 (up to drill hole FC1207S), surface collar survey information was recorded by the site geologist reading a hand-held GPS device on the drill rig. Using a hand held device requires the geologist to allow the device to sit for approximately 20 minutes before a reading can be taken. The coordinates were hand-entered on a log form. The original datum is unknown. It is also not known if any conversion between datum was made as a part of this process.
All surface holes drilled since January 2012 have been surveyed by Alidade with a Trimble Real Time Kinematic (RTK) unit in conjunction with Global Positioning System (GPS) with a base station of a known survey point and rover unit. There are no early surviving survey reports from this methodology. The original datum is not known. It is also not known if any conversion between datum was made as a part of this process.
In June 2013, Klondex undertook to re-survey all locatable surface collar locations drilled prior to January 2012. Mr. McMillin located historically drilled holes using a ground magnetometer and a track excavator to search for buried collar casing. A total of 29 surface holes (approximately 10% of the surface drill hole population from that era) were located and resurveyed by Alidade using the current protocols. Average northing and easting errors were 5.39 and 5.71 feet, respectively. Table 10-1 contains the collar location data obtained in the re-survey.
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Table 10-1 Surface Drill Collars Re-surveyed by Klondex
BHID | Eastings | Northings | Elevation | PROJECTION SYSTEM |
FC1207S | 14696485.18 | 1737337.22 | 6055.043 | NAD 83 |
FC1208S | 14696484.23 | 1737332.01 | 6055.256 | NAD 83 |
FC1209S | 14696489.35 | 1737337.59 | 6055.136 | NAD 83 |
FC1210S | 14696480.66 | 1737331.12 | 6054.994 | NAD 83 |
FC1211S | 14696478.28 | 1737335.75 | 6055.341 | NAD 83 |
FC1212S | 14696478.45 | 1737331.66 | 6055.134 | NAD 83 |
FC1213S | 14696470.69 | 1737334.5 | 6054.263 | NAD 83 |
FC1214S | 14696471.37 | 1737331.63 | 6054.913 | NAD 83 |
FC1215S | 14696472.21 | 1737327.84 | 6055.272 | NAD 83 |
FC1216S | 14696465.29 | 1737334.07 | 6054.913 | NAD 83 |
FC1217S | 14696467.25 | 1737329.53 | 6054.438 | NAD 83 |
FC1218S | 14696464.22 | 1737333.05 | 6054.379 | NAD 83 |
FC1219S | 14696457.89 | 1737328.95 | 6054.24 | NAD 83 |
FC1220S | 14696460.78 | 1737325.61 | 6055.07 | NAD 83 |
FC1221S | 14696463.23 | 1737322.85 | 6054.835 | NAD 83 |
FC1207S | 14695832.79 | 1737596.9 | 6055.043 | NAD27 |
FC1208S | 14695831.84 | 1737591.69 | 6055.256 | NAD27 |
FC1209S | 14695836.96 | 1737597.27 | 6055.136 | NAD27 |
FC1210S | 14695828.27 | 1737590.8 | 6054.994 | NAD27 |
FC1211S | 14695825.89 | 1737595.43 | 6055.341 | NAD27 |
FC1212S | 14695826.06 | 1737591.34 | 6055.134 | NAD27 |
FC1213S | 14695818.3 | 1737594.18 | 6054.263 | NAD27 |
FC1214S | 14695818.98 | 1737591.31 | 6054.913 | NAD27 |
FC1215S | 14695819.82 | 1737587.52 | 6055.272 | NAD27 |
FC1216S | 14695812.9 | 1737593.75 | 6054.913 | NAD27 |
FC1217S | 14695814.86 | 1737589.21 | 6054.438 | NAD27 |
FC1218S | 14695811.83 | 1737592.73 | 6054.379 | NAD27 |
FC1219S | 14695805.5 | 1737588.63 | 6054.24 | NAD27 |
FC1220S | 14695808.39 | 1737585.29 | 6055.07 | NAD27 |
FC1221S | 14695810.84 | 1737582.53 | 6054.835 | NAD27 |
Additionally, surface drill hole FC1222S, drilled in late November 2012, was surveyed by Mr. McMillin using this same methodology. Currently, surface collar surveys are taken by Carl C. de Baca, of Alidade, using a Trimble RTK roving unit and base-station set on a known survey point based on projections described above.
The result of locating the 29 drill hole collars verified the historic collar coordinates for the surface holes as being accurate and within acceptable means. The authors consider the results of this study as validating the historic surface collar locations.
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10.1.2. Surveying Underground Drill Collar Locations
Underground drill hole collars are surveyed by the mine surveyor. The first phase of underground drilling began in September 2011 and continued into August 2012. Fifty-two holes were drilled during this period, all but two of from Drill Station 1. Drill collar locations were originally derived from drill station planned coordinates. Collar surveys for phase one holes were finalized in August 2012 when the drill was moved and collars were accessible to the surveyor. SMD engineer Paul Joggerst surveyed the collars (2012 Joggerst), utilizing North American Datum (NAD) 27 UTM US feet. A geologist assisted in locating each collar and identifying the borehole ID.
The 2012 Joggerst methodology included use of a robotic total station set by plumb-bob using a known survey location as datum. A survey prism was used to define each drill collar location to be recorded by the total station. 2012 Joggerst provided survey reports to Klondex in the form of electronic spreadsheets. All underground surveys were conducted in NAD 27 UTM, US feet.
Since drilling resumed in 2013, collar locations have been surveyed by the Klondex mine surveyor using Company-owned survey equipment. The Project survey equipment is a Trimble S6 DR Plus total station device used in conjunction with Leica prisms. The 2013 surveys were in NAD27 UTM US feet, and in 2014 Klondex began using NV SPCS feet.
When an underground collar survey is required and the surveyor is not available, the geologist triangulates the collar location using string and surveyed reference points. This method requires the drill rig to be in the station. The geologist ties and pulls the string between the surveyed spad points so that the string crosses the drill rig twice. The string is then measured, and the lengths are recorded relative to the drill steel. The measurements are then plotted in Vulcan using the same survey spad points. A line is drawn between the two generated points and produces an azimuth. The inclination is measured by the geologist with a Brunton compass.
In addition, the location of the collar is calculated by measuring the distances on the face or rib from the front site spad to where the drill steel enters the ground. Those measurements are also plotted into Vulcan and the Easting, Northing, and Elevation are recorded.
10.1.3. Locating Channel Samples
The coordinates of the channel samples are calculated using measurements taken by geologists. For each mining face, the geologist measures the distance along the left rib from a known reference point to the face. This distance is recorded on a daily face sheet. The channel sample is collected across the face from left to right, so the measured distance corresponds with the start of the channel. The distance recorded on the face sheet is measured on the asbuilt to find the X and Y coordinates of the sample. Because the channel samples are collected at chest height, the elevation of the channel is calculated by adding 5 feet to the sill elevation of the asbuilt.
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10.2. |
Downhole Surveying |
Downhole surveys were performed for all holes drilled from 2004 to 2011 as noted by Raven et al., 2011:
The Klondex holes are all surveyed for vertical and horizontal deviation by International Directional Services LLC, whose local office is in Elko, Nevada. (Page 21)
IDS has continued to survey all surface holes at the Project from 2011 to present. IDS is a reputable borehole survey company with a well-established history of performing downhole surveys in accordance with industry standards.
When underground drilling began at the Project in the fourth quarter of 2011, Klondex leased a PeeWee downhole survey tool from Minex in Minnesota. The PeeWee has the option of being manually set for local declination or collecting data relative to magnetic north. Klondex collected raw uncorrected data and then applied corrections to compensate for the local declination of 13.35 degrees according to the NOAA calculator. Readings were taken by the PeeWee every 50 feet. Occasionally the raw data reflected excessive fluctuation between adjacent points, and the unreasonable point was deleted before finalizing the survey. In that case, reliable points above and below the erroneous point are used for projecting the drill hole, which is acceptable industry practice. Occasionally, the surveyor will collect collar and quill surveys by positioning the survey rod in the collar and recording multiple survey shots along the survey rod to measure azimuth and dip. The results can be compared to the data collected by the downhole survey tool as a rough check of the tools accuracy.
Since the beginning of 2014, all underground downhole surveys have been performed by International Directional Services (IDS) using a Maxibor tool.
10.3. |
Core Recovery |
Core recovery has previously been described (Raven et al., 2011) and is summarized below: Core recovery was excellent; 100% in most instances. The high-grade intervals were logged as having near or 100% recovery in nearly all cases, whether the intercept was a vein or a breccia zone. Core recovery was typically very good throughout the Klondex program. (Page 21)
Since 2012, the percent core recovery has been calculated by measuring the material between blocks per drilled interval, then dividing the measured recovery by the run footage and multiplying that value by one hundred. The average current recovery for underground core at the Project is 95%. Drilling from underground is a more cost effective and efficient way to drill high angle veins and faults. Drill intercepts of these zones are designed to be as orthogonal as possible to best reflect the true thickness of the zones. The costs attributable to a given hole are also reduced because a single hole can be utilized to test multiple targets at a preferred elevation.
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10.4. |
Security Procedures |
From early 2004 until March 2012, material from split core, rejects, RC chips, and pulps were stored in multiple storage units at the business of Security Storage, 355 East Greg Street, Sparks, Nevada. RC chip and rejects were transported directly to these storage units either from the Project or from the ALS Minerals (ALS) Lab in Sparks, Nevada. Core material was first logged at the Project by a MinQuest geologist and then transported to Sparks for cutting and sampling by a MinQuest geotechnician. After cutting and sampling, the remaining core was archived in one of the storage units.
For the 2013 core re-logging program, core was retrieved from storage units in the Sparks warehouse and moved down the street to a rented logging warehouse. Once the re-logging was complete, the core was palletized, banded, wrapped, and transported back to the Project. All rejects, RC chips, and pulps were also removed from the storage units and transported to the Project. Since March 2012, sampled materials have been handled and stored on site. Rejects and pulps are periodically returned to the Project from assay labs.
Currently, all archived sampled material is stored at the Project in a fenced area at the Rapid Infiltration Basin (RIB) yard.
10.5. |
Logging Drilled Core Observations |
Drill sample logging codes at the Project have evolved over time with an increased understanding of the geology. Interpretive codes were updated, most recently in early 2014, to more accurately describe the lithology, veins, and particularly the alteration typical of an epithermal system. The new codes were adapted from similar observations at the Companys Midas Mine and exemplify direct observations of the Projects geology. The new codes allow for Company uniformity at similar deposits.
10.5.1. Current Logging Protocol |
Beginning June 2013, Klondex geologists began a quick log assessment prior to the detailed logging in order to quickly identify important contacts and to verify intersections or expected horizons in the core. The advantage of this additional step is an updated geologic model as soon as the core is available for preliminary review as opposed to waiting until all the logged data is collected. The quick update to the geologic model allows for modifying the drill plan in order to better intersect mineralization and to refine the mine plan.
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Detailed log data is entered into an Excel spreadsheet using standardized interpretive codes to record data such as lithology, alteration, and structure. The interpretive codes were updated in 2012. Data collected prior to the update were manually converted to match the current codes. Records of the conversion were kept.
Core is logged in the Projects logging facility (Figure 10-2). Core is categorized as Production or Exploration .
o | Production core only receives gold-silver assay analysis; and | |
o | 48-element ICP analysis is performed on each Exploration core sample. |
10.5.2. Historic Logging Protocol
Klondexs historical lithology database, acquired from MinQuest in 2012, contained simplified data hand-entered into RockWare LogPlot software from detailed paper drill hole data logs. The digital version of the logs lumped the tuffs and basalts into two generalized unit codes, which comprised the lithology portion of the database. The RC pre-collar and core-tail portions of the holes had separate logs.
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Klondexs logging format was revised in 2012 with a new code system. The new codes allowed tuff and basalt lithologies to be separated into specific units to allow more detailed modeling. The 2013 re-logging program mentioned in Section 10.4 captured the new codes for historically drilled holes. Klondex re-logged approximately 240,000 feet of core to document the details of tuff and basalt units according to the new coding system and to obtain better assay resolution on mineralized intervals. Previous sampling was based strictly on five-foot sample intervals regardless of geology. This was an issue at the Project because mineralized veins typically occur within a restricted portion of a five-foot interval, and samples did not accurately reflect either the size of the vein or the distribution of gold. On occasion, veins were also misrepresented during core splitting, and the result was loss of assay opportunity. In 2013, re-logging included re-sampling of several mineralized intervals that were diluted by either being divided across intervals or represented a fraction of a five-foot interval. New sample interval footages were selected to blend into the previous sample numbering sequence without gaps or overlaps. The new sampling intervals were determined using geological observations. Better density information, multi-element analytical data and core photos were also collected.
The lithological units at the Project which contain the mineralized veins include interbedded basalt and tuff units and dikes. Klondexs lithology database used for the resource model utilizes the new, more detailed 2014 interpretive lithological codes for these units. The unit codes used in the model were derived from current logging procedures, data converted from 2013 codes, and interpretation of the older RC Log Plot descriptive data for holes which could not be re-logged in 2013.
A direct correlation between the original logs and the current Klondex geology database is complex since the data evolves over time. The current database was converted from the 2013 codes to the 2014 codes. The 2013 codes were either logged directly as part of the re-logging program, converted from historic logging codes or derived from reading the geologists detailed descriptions in the comments field rather than from the lithological code.
Each of these geological logging systems was reviewed by the authors, and the results validate the geology in the Klondex database. Lithological source data for 198 channel samples were also reviewed by the authors and found to correlate well with the database.
10.5.3. Re-logging Protocol for 2012-2013
In January 2012, inadequacies in historic logging procedures became apparent. Specifically, sampling intervals were strictly five-foot regardless of interval of mineralization, observations of lithology and alteration were broadly generalized, and no core had been photographed.
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Until April 2012, core was logged at the Project and then shipped to Sparks, Nevada for processing. Split core was shelved in 23 storage units at Secure Storage in Sparks, Nevada.
In October 2012, Klondex began to re-log the core stored in Sparks before relocating it to the Project, the objectives being to:
| Improve grade definition on veins that were diluted within a five-foot interval or divided by overlapping intervals; and | |
| Improve detailed observations of alteration, lithology, and the stratigraphic sequence at Fire Creek. |
Two new 4,500 square foot warehouse units were rented within two miles of Secure Storage. One unit was equipped with eight roller-conveyor tables 70-foot long and two camera stands. Suspended fluorescent lighting was added to provide better lighting to compensate for ceilings 20-foot in height. The other unit was used to store the core in progress.
Twelve contract geologists and eight geotechnicians worked the re-logging program to complete the following tasks:
| Moving core; | |
| Washing core; | |
| Photographing core; | |
| Logging core; | |
| Sampling core; | |
| Measuring density and magnetic susceptibility of the core; and | |
| Palletizing core for long-term storage. |
Logging core included collection of geotechnical data, such as strength, approximate Rock Quality Data (RQD) from split core, lithology, alteration, structure, mineralization, and vein density. Density measurements were taken using a water-immersion densi-meter after sealing samples in wax.
Core selection for re-sampling focused on localized alteration and vein material which were originally poorly represented by the five-foot sampling, as discussed previously. Intervals selected for re-assay were sampled by removing the remainder of the historically split core sample from the core box to be submitted for assay. Lathes marked with the interval information were left in the core box.
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Additionally, composite chip samples were collected for 48-element Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysis throughout the core on 20-foot intervals. Samples were sent to ALS in Reno and Inspectorate in Sparks for analysis.
In total, 228,814 feet of core was re-logged out of an estimated 240,000 feet. The estimated footage was based on the footage totals in the Klondex database. The difference in footages is a result of discarding core from the upper portions of the holes drilled in unaltered basalt. A Micon International Limited inventory list indicates 14,400 feet of core from 29 holes was discarded. Some of this discarded material was used for blank reference material. There are no surviving records citing how much core was used for this purpose.
10.6. |
Core Sampling Methodology |
Once geotechnical and geological data has been logged, sample intervals are determined based on geology. Minimum sample interval is approximately one foot, dependent on core diameter and whether the core is split or whole core samples. Maximum sample interval is five feet. Alteration and lithologic boundaries are not crossed. Sample breaks are marked on the core, tagged on the core boxes and entered into the logging spreadsheet.
1) |
Core is quick-logged in the yard to identify expected intercepts and to update the working model for ore control geologists; |
|
2) |
Geologists or geotechnicians set the core boxes on rolling racks in an illuminated, heated, covered plasticized canvas logging facility; |
|
3) |
Core is washed and verified for completeness and correct labeling of boxes and core blocks. If errors are found, they are addressed to the drilling company foreman and corrected before proceeding; |
|
4) |
Geotechnical data including Recovery (all holes) and RQD (even-numbered Production holes and all Exploration holes) is logged. |
|
5) |
Geological data is logged; |
|
6) |
Sample breaks are marked on the core, tagged on the core boxes and entered into the logging spreadsheet; |
|
7) |
The core is photographed. Core is positioned so that sample break markings, geologic features and vein/structure orientations are optimally captured in the photograph. |
|
8) |
After completion of all logging activities, the core is sampled. |
a. |
Termite holes (AQ or BQ diameter) are whole- core sampled due to limited material with small diameter core. |
|
b. |
HQ-diameter core is palletized and queued to be split and sampled in the splitting facility adjacent to the core shed. |
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c. |
The geotech moves the core box into the splitting facility and splits the core in half. One half is returned to the core box, and the other half is placed in a sample bag according to the sample interval specified by the geologist. |
|
d. |
The core boxes are palletized, shrink-wrapped and transported to the core storage area. |
|
e. |
The sampled core is prepared for shipment to the assay lab. QAQC inserts are selected by the geologist. The geologist then selects the appropriate number of sample IDs from a list. Core samples are assigned sample ID of type FCD123456. The sample bags and QAQC inserts are labeled with the sample IDs and stored until they can be transferred to the assay lab. |
9) |
A lab submittal form is filled out by the geologist. When enough samples have accumulated for a shipment, the assay lab driver is summoned to site. Samples are loaded on the lab truck, and the submittal and QAQC samples are handed to the driver. |
10.7. |
RC Sampling Methodology |
RC samples are taken on five-foot intervals using a rotating wet splitter. Water-flow and sample size are controlled by adding or removing splitter slot covers. The number of covers are tracked for each sample.
1) |
Sample bags are placed in a five-gallon bucket under the wet splitter; |
|
2) |
Sample buckets are placed inside a 20-inch diameter by six-inch deep rubber pan; |
|
3) |
If the sample bag in the bucket overflows into the pan before completion of a five-foot sample run, then the run- off is re-poured into the sample bucket to recover any fine material; |
|
4) |
A population of reference chips are collected in a sieve from each sample run and placed in 20-compartment sample trays; |
|
5) |
Buckets and pans are washed after each run, and the wet splitter is washed after each rod change; and |
|
6) |
A sample cut-sheet is populated with sample ID numbers and intervals, including sample IDs for QAQC samples as well. The cut-sheet tracks sample numbers on bags and intervals in the rock chip trays; |
Note: Standards, blanks, and duplicates are inserted every 20 samples. The optimum sample size collected is approximately one quarter to one half of a 17-inch by 22-inch sample bag (about 20 to 30 pounds.)
10.8. |
Channel Sampling Methodology |
Channel sampling began in 2013 as underground development progressed. The dataset used for the current mineral resource estimate contains 6,691 samples collected in 1,510 face channels. Channel sampling procedure are summarized below.
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10.8.1. Channel Sampling
An ore control geologist checks the face at each round of advancement. The geologist measures the distance to the face along the left rib from a known reference point. This distance is recorded on a daily face sheet along with the geologists name, date and time, location, and heading dimensions. The geologist then sketches the face and records sample ID numbers in a column on the face sheet. Each sample ID has a row where sample length, rock type, unit, alteration and vein characteristics can be recorded. The geologist puts a sample bag labeled with the first sample ID in a bucket. Material is chipped from the face into the bucket, working at chest height. The channel is collected across the face from left to right. Material is collected with the goal of realistically representing mineralogy, alteration, and width of the vein. Typically, the first sample starts in waste at the intersection of the left rib and the face, then progresses from left to right towards the vein. The first sample ends near the vein margin, the sample bag is tied and set aside, and the second sample bag is placed in the bucket. The second sample is taken from the vein material. The third sample is collected from beyond the right margin of the vein to the right rib. In the case of multiple veins or otherwise complex geology, the geologist collects as many samples as necessary to characterize the face.
The channel sampling procedure has evolved over time, but the large majority of samples were collected using the current protocol. Ribs and backs may be channel sampled at the geologists discretion, but these samples are not included in the data set used for resource estimation.
All samples have a three letter prefix followed by a six digit number: FCF000000 = face or rib samples; FCM000000 = muck samples; FCG000000 = miscellaneous underground grab samples; muck and grab samples are not used in the resource estimation.
Once the channel samples have been collected, the geologist completes the following tasks:
1) |
The geologist marks the vein margins, structures, face heading, and distance with spray paint on the rock; |
|
2) |
The geologist photographs the face; |
|
3) |
The geologist takes the bagged samples to the staging area outside the geology office and hand enters data into a central Excel spreadsheet; |
NOTE: The locations of the channels are measured from drift entrance points and recorded on face sheets and plan maps. Face sheets are scanned and filed. Channel locations are digitized with Vulcan Software. Channel collar eastings, northings, and elevations are then exported from Vulcan into CSV (comma-separated values) formatted collar files. Individual sample widths are recorded at the time of sampling. Sample width values are hand entered into CSV formatted sample files with assay results posted from laboratory reports. The channel sample files are then imported into Vulcan Software and modeled as synthetic drill holes using the eastings, northings, elevation, width, and assay values.
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4) |
QAQC materials are inserted into the sample batch; |
|
NOTE: QAQC samples were not utilized in the channel sample stream until June of 2013, after which blanks and standard reference material were added to each sample batch. As of January 1, 2014, standard material was no longer inserted into the sample stream, but several blank material samples are submitted per sample batch submitted. The samples are sent to the assay lab after every 12-hour shift. |
||
5) |
All samples collected within a 12- hour shift are entered into a sample submittal form, which is saved on the company server and transported to the lab; and |
|
6) |
The Klondex lab provides a three- to four-day turn-around time between receipt of sample and assay results. If there is a delay, Klondex holds advancing the heading pending the assay results. In this event, Klondex will identify the missing sample by using an Excel sample tracker spreadsheet maintained by production geologists. |
Project staff demonstrate adequate knowledge of sampling procedures and the corresponding handling of digital data. Data handling methods implemented at the Project to manage sample data are inadequate in relation to data volume; however, the authors have reviewed the data and find that it is sufficiently accurate to be used in the mineral resource estimate. The anticipated implementation of acQuire software during 2015 will improve data management.
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11. |
Sample Preparation, Analysis, and Security |
11.1. |
Historic Sample Preparation |
Historical sampling methodology was previously documented (Raven et al., 2011), and is summarized below.
Rotary cuttings are analyzed in 10-foot (3.05 meters) increments over the entire drilled interval including unmineralized rock above the vein zones. Samples in the rotary holes are collected at 5-foot (1.52 meters) intervals but assayed as 10-foot (3.05 meters) composites. The hole was blown clean between the sample intervals to avoid sample contamination. During the 2004 drilling period, cuttings were collected via a cyclone that dumped into a rotating splitter mounted on the drill. The baffles were adjusted to recover a one-quarter split of the total recovered sample. More recently, the 10-foot (3.05 meters) runs of cuttings have been caught in a large bucket and thoroughly mixed by hand before collecting a sample. The approximately 20-pound (9.1 kilograms) samples are placed in canvas bags and labeled with the hole number and footage. A backup sample remains at the Project until assaying is complete and is then discarded. The samples are picked up by ALS/Chemex for preparation at their Elko facility.
Below the RC precollar boring, HQ size core is drilled and collected in 10-foot (3.05 meters) paper core boxes. Intervals are marked with wooden blocks every two to three feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters). The core is logged on site by a MinQuest geologist who marks sample intervals not to exceed five feet (1.52 meters). In some vein areas, where possible visible gold is observed, the sample interval is reduced to two feet (0.6 meter). The logged and marked core is transported from the Project by the geologist, to secure storage in Battle Mountain. Under the supervision of a Project geologist, the core is transported to Elko and split in half using a core saw by Klondex employees. One-half of the core is sampled on the intervals marked by the geologist, placed in canvas bags, labeled with the hole number and footage and sent to the lab for preparation and analysis as described below. The remaining one-half core is transported to Klondexs secure storage in Reno. The sample intervals are listed on the drill logs and assay sheets. Author Raven observed numerous intervals of split core, all of which were cleanly sawn in half and appear to evenly represent the vein systems and the sample intervals are clearly marked within the core boxes. The sample quality is of industry standard, and the methods should not introduce any bias into the results. The sampling intervals are determined mainly by the presence/absence of quartz-calcite-pyrite veins or vein stockworks. The barren, upper portions of many holes are not sampled. When veining is encountered a broad interval, above and below. The veins is sampled, and the vein zone itself is sampled at intervals of two to five feet (0.6 -1.52 meters); discrete veins of reasonable size are sampled over the length of the vein while stockwork zones are generally sampled at five-foot (1.52 meters) core lengths. (Page 23)
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11.2. |
Current Sample Preparation |
11.2.1. Core Sample Preparation |
The core sampling facility is set up in a shipping container adjacent to the core logging facility. It is furnished with industry typical sampling apparatus including roller tables and a hydraulic splitter. The following outlines core sample preparation:
1) |
A geotechnician positions the pallet containing the core to be sampled near the shipping container and obtains a copy of the sample intervals from the geologist. The geotechnician labels cloth sample bags according to the sample interval sheet; |
2) |
The core boxes are lifted onto a rolling counter to the left of the splitter. A sample bag is placed on the floor at the feet of the geotechnician to hold the sample material; |
NOTE: It is possible for empty pre-labeled sample bags to be out of order prior to being filled or a numeric value to be omitted during hand-writing.
3) |
The geotechnician splits core to approximate 50% of the sample bisecting veins equally. Geologists supervise the splitting of samples that contain visible gold (VG); |
4) |
The left half of the split is returned to the core box, the right is placed into the sample bag; |
5) |
When the sample interval has been bagged, the sample bag is stacked in numeric order on the floor by the door; |
6) |
QAQC samples are bagged and labeled by geologists from standards kept in a locked cabinet in the Geology office. The geologists assemble the standards and blanks into corresponding sample bags which are hand-labeled according to the cut sheet; |
7) |
When an entire drill hole has been completely split, the bags of sample are stacked inside a large, open, plastic bin outside the core facility; |
8) |
The geotechnician notifies the geologist when a hole is ready to be sent to AAL (as defined below). An electronic sample submittal sheet is entered into the computer. Two copies are made, one is the original hand-entered submittal, and the other is a scan of the completed submittal. One copy is filed in a core library, and the other is given to the truck driver for AAL; |
9) |
The entire bin of samples is picked up and delivered to AAL by the AAL driver; When the driver from AAL arrives at the core logging facility, he is given the QAQC samples to accompany the samples from the corresponding drill hole; and |
10) |
The reserved halves of core are returned to their core boxes and are stored outside on shrink wrapped pallets in a fenced lay down area referred to as the RIB Yard. |
11.2.2. Channel Sample Preparation
The following outlines the channel and sample preparation methodology.
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1) |
Channel samples are bagged on site at the face as described in Section 10.8; |
|
2) |
Bags are brought to the Geology office; |
|
3) |
QAQC materials are inserted into the channel sample stream; and |
|
4) |
Channel samples are delivered to the Klondex assay lab every 12- hour shift. |
11.3. |
Sample Analysis Protocol |
11.3.1. Historic Drill Sample Analysis
The sample analysis methods used from 2004 through 2011, as previously described in Raven et al., 2011:
ALS/Chemex does all sample preparation, including crushing, grinding and preparation of the assay pulps, at the Elko facility. The pulp samples are then shipped to the ALS/Chemex facility in Reno for analysis. The samples are never left unattended or insecure by geologic, drilling, or laboratory staff nor are they handled by officers, directors or associates of Klondex. For the RC pre-collar holes ALS/Chemex picks up the samples at the Project and delivers them to Elko for sample prep and to Reno for analysis. After the core samples are cut and labeled for analysis they are delivered to the lab by Klondex employees. (Page 25)
Sample preparation involves crushing the entire sample to minus 10 mesh, splitting, then pulverizing 1,000 grams to 80% passing minus 200 mesh (75 microns). These pulps are shipped to the Reno facility of ALS/Chemex for analysis. Analyses for gold were done using a 50-gram charge through to the end of 2009. In 2010 Klondex changed to a 30-gram charge for gold analysis after reviewing the data. Both gold and silver analyses are determined by fire assay with an AA finish. The ALS/Chemex analyses codes are AA23 for gold values under 10 grams per ton (g/t) and GRA (gravimetric) for gold assays over 10 g/t; silver codes are AA61 with over limits run using AA62. (Page 25)
The assay laboratory automatically repeated all gold assays that by fire assay with AA finishing reported under one g/t, using 50 grams prior to late 2010, then 30 grams fire assaying subsequently. Any samples reporting under 10 g/t gold by fire assay with AA finish are automatically subjected to gravimetric analysis. (Page 25)
When the lab work is complete, the pulps are stored briefly at the lab then transferred to Klondexs secure storage facility, the same facility that houses the drill core. Coarse rejects that reported significant gold are stored with the pulps, those reporting minimal gold are stored until check assays can be completed and are then discarded and those reporting insignificant gold are discarded
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Until late 2010, Klondex did not employ a QA/QC program. Prior to that time, the only QA reporting was derived from the commercial laboratorys internal QA programs that included internal blanks and standards, and automatic re-assays of pulps in which the gold grades exceeded one g/t. In addition a significant number of samples were sent to a different laboratory for check analysis. Subsequently Klondex has initiated its own internal quality control procedures. Presently Klondex has prepared blank samples using post-mineral basalt core from well above the mineralized zones. In addition two standards were prepared (low and medium grade) by ALS from assay rejects and there have now been enough analyses of the standards to determine their average grade and standard deviation. Since these standards were not subjected to multiple assaying by ALS to report the laboratorys mean and standard deviations, the determination of the statistical quality of these standards has derived solely from a modest population of standards that have been submitted by Klondex in the ongoing drilling program. (Page 25).
11.3.2. Drill Sample Analysis from 2012 through April 30, 2014
From 2012 until April 30, 2014, Klondex specified that ALS follow sets of assay procedures based on ranges of assay values. For samples with visible gold, Klondex submitted samples to ALS for a metallic screen fire assay. All other samples were initially run with Atomic Absorption fire assay fusion analytical method (AA23). Samples with AA23 results between one ppm Au and 10 ppm Au were re-run as an AA23 duplicate. Samples with an initial result greater than 10 ppm Au up to 20 ppm Au were re-assayed with gravimetric finish. If the assay results were very high grade (greater than 20 ppm Au), then ALS would re-assay the coarse rejects of the high grade sample and the two samples on either side by metallic screen fire assay.
11.3.3. Current Drill Sample Analysis
The drill sample analysis protocol was amended as of May 1, 2014. Drill samples are currently submitted to American Assay Laboratories Inc. (AAL) of Sparks, Nevada. AAL is an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited laboratory. Five assay procedures have been established, one for RC samples and four for core samples. Core samples are assayed according to the designated purpose of the drill hole (Exploration or Production) and grade of the sample. The drill sample analysis protocols are as follows:
RC sample analysis procedure:
Samples are received and dried in-bag at 85° C. The dry sample is crushed to 70% passing minus 10 mesh. The crusher is cleaned with compressed air between each sample. A 1,000 gram pulp is collected from the crushed sample using a rotary splitter. The remainder of the sample is stored and returned to Klondex. The pulp is then pulverized to 85% passing minus 200 mesh. The pulveriser is cleaned with compressed air between each sample. Thirty grams (g) of pulverized sample is used to perform fire assay with ICP finish for gold, and 0.5 g of sample is used to perform analysis for silver with ICP finish. If the result is greater than 10 ppm Au or greater than 100 ppm Ag, then 50 grams of the pulverized pulp is used to run a fire assay for Au and Ag with gravimetric finish. If the gravimetric result is greater than 10 opt Au, then the remaining pulp is screened at 150 mesh for a metallic screen fire assay for Ag and Au with a gravimetric finish. Pulps are stored and returned to Klondex.
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Core sample analysis procedure:
All core samples are received and dried in-bag at 85° C. Samples are crushed to 80% passing minus 10 mesh with a crusher clean-out between each sample. A 1,000 g pulp is taken from the crushed sample using a rotary splitter. The pulp is pulverized to 85% passing minus 200 mesh with a pulverizer clean-out between each sample. The pulps are then assayed according to the designated purpose of the drill hole (Exploration or Production) and whether a high grade result (Au less than 10 opt) is anticipated. All pulps and rejects are returned to Klondex.
Production samples:
For production hole samples which are not anticipated to be high grade, 50 g of the pulp is used for a fire assay for silver and gold with a gravimetric finish. For any sample with a result less than 10 opt Au or Ag, the remaining pulp is re-run as metallic screen fire assay for silver and gold with a gravimetric finish.
High grade production samples:
For production hole samples with visible gold or other high grade characteristics, the entire pulp is screened at 150 mesh and analysed with metallic screen fire assay for silver and gold with gravimetric finish.
Exploration samples:
For exploration hole samples which are not anticipated to be high grade, 50 g of the pulp is used for a fire assay for gold with ICP finish, and 0.5 g of sample is used to perform analysis for silver with ICP finish. Any sample with a result of less than 10 ppm Au or less than 100 ppm Ag is rerun using 50 g of pulp with fire assay for silver and gold with a gravimetric finish. For a gravimetric result of less than 10 opt Au, the remaining pulp is used for a metallic screen fire assay for silver and gold with gravimetric finish.
For any sample with a result less than 10 opt Au, the remaining pulp is re-run as metallic screen fire assay for silver and gold with a gravimetric finish.
High grade exploration samples:
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The procedure for high grade exploration samples is similar to the procedure for other exploration samples, except when more than trace amounts of gold and silver are expected, the fire assay with ICP finish is skipped and the process starts with a 50 g fire assay for gold and silver.
11.3.4. Channel Sample Analysis
Channel samples were sent to SGS North America, Inc. in Elko, Nevada from June 16, 2013 to April 30, 2014. Analysis followed the following protocol:
|
Sample material is dried. Samples weighing more than three kilograms (kg) are split down to three kg then crushed to 75% passing through a two mm screen. Material is split down to 250 g, pulverized to 85% passing through a 75 micron screen; |
|
| QC is performed at the crush and pulverization stages; | |
| Silver is analyzed by AA methods after a multi -acid digest at a weight of two grams; | |
| Gold is analyzed by FA with gravimetric finish at a weight of 30 g (the reported code is F 152); and | |
| Gold is analyzed by FA and gravimetric finish at a weight of 50 g (the reported code is F 133). |
In June 2013, the split was increased to 1,000 g, and the initial fire assay aliquot was increased to 500 g. Rejects for April through June 2013 were sent to SGSs Vancouver office for metallic screen assays. Results for these assays were incomplete and are not used in the mineral resource model.
Between May 1, 2014 and July 16, 2014, samples were sent to Dave Francisco lab in Fallon,Nevada. Dave Francisco lab followed the same procedures currently used by the Klondex lab. Both labs follow the 17025 Standard, but neither has official lab certifications. QAQC samples support the results from both labs.
Beginning July 17, 2014, the Project sends channel samples to the Klondex lab for analysis. Sample protocol is as follows:
Samples are dried in pans at 250° F. The dried samples are crushed to 80% passing 10 mesh, with a crusher clean-out between each sample. The crusher is cleaned twice following high grade samples. The crushed sample is homogenized 500 g is collected with a riffle splitter then pulverized to 85% passing 200 mesh. The pulverizer is cleaned after every sample, twice after high-grade samples. For 10% of samples, a second pulp is prepared as a preparation duplicate. Remaining coarse rejects are stored.
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Fifty grams of the pulverized pulp is used to run a fire assay for gold and silver with gravimetric finish. In each batch of assays, the lab inserts a standard and blank. The lab also runs five percent of samples as analytical duplicates. Samples with result less than 2.92 opt Au are run with metallic screen fire assay with gravimetric finish.
11.3.5. Handling Analyses Results
1) |
AAL sends the assay results and certificates by email to three people: Chief Geologist, Senior Geologist, and Geology Database Administrator. For channel samples, Klondex Lab emails results to these people as well as the ore control geologists; |
|
2) |
Assay results from AAL are stored as portable document formats (PDF) and MS Excel files on the Klondex server in a hierarchy of folders with a naming convention based on designation of sampled material. Results from the Klondex lab are stored as MS Excel files. Folders include channel samples, UG core, surface core, surface RC, screen filter sampling, truck load samples, rib sampling, muck piles, waste piles, and resamples of these same sources. This folder system is rudimentary and not user-protected; |
|
3) |
The PDF and Excel files from AAL are renamed to add the BHID for identification and for ease in referencing; |
|
4) |
Excel files for use in Project modeling software are updated as assay results are finalized by the lab by means of copy and paste from the lab Excel files into the user Excel files; |
NOTE: There are no conversions made, such as from parts per billion [ppb] to ppm.
5) |
Excel files undergo extensive manual manipulation and editing. The editing progress is tracked with removal of the dashes from the BHID. These are cumbersome, labor- intensive edits. An acQuire database is currently being built to manage these datasets more efficiently; and |
|
6) |
The Project has an internet connection that is unreliable. There is no Systems Administrator to plan for or implement an enterprise system for data management, or virtual private network (VPN) connection between the Project and Elko office servers. An enterprise system would create a secure, user-password protected connection for immediate communication and for automated backups. At this time, data is transported on external hard drives between the Project |
11.4. |
Sample Security Measures |
Drilled materials are stored under a moderate level of security during the multiple stages of sample handling. Core is handled and stored at the Project, which is staffed by security personnel. Core boxes are stored in the vicinity of the logging facility during the logging and sampling process. The logging facility is not fenced, but geology staff is present on-site during most shifts and are frequently within view of the core facility. Sampling of core with visible gold is supervised by geologists. When sampling is complete, retained core samples are returned to boxes, stacked on pallets and shrink wrapped. The wrapped pallets are moved to a fenced facility at the RIB yard. Coarse rejects and pulps returned by the laboratories are also shrink wrapped on pallets and stored at the RIB yard. The authors conclude that sample security measures at the Project are adequate.
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11.5. |
Quality Control Measures |
Historically, QAQC measures used to check the consistency in assay reporting were either lacking or not included in any surviving reports. Beginning in March 2004 through the second quarter of 2012, Klondex samples were submitted to ALS and were reliant solely on the laboratorys in-house QAQC to monitor the sampling results. The current practice of inserting blanks and standards and specifying prep duplicates began in the second quarter of 2013 when Klondex began processing core on site. Prior to this time, core was transported to Reno for cutting and sampling, and any QAQC measures were directed by MinQuest in Reno.
From March 2004 through February 2012, ALSs QAQC checks on the Project samples included 12,465 in-house standard samples inserted into the Klondex sample runs and 11,201 re-assays of the immediately previous sample as part of their protocols. Also, beginning in August 2010 through February 2013, ALS completed 1,264 in-house check duplicates derived from pulp of the sample prepared for Project sample runs. Recently, ALS sent a summary of their in-house QAQC sample results to Klondex as part of recording QAQC documentation. Their report combines sample results from both surface and underground drilling.
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The populations of datasets for ALS in-house QAQC sampling are itemized in Table 11-1 below.
Table 11-1 ALS In-house QAQC Datasets Reviewed
ALS internal | ALS | ALS internal | SRM Au | |||
QC | internal QC | QC prep- | and Ag | |||
Datasets: | standards | dups (March | dups (Aug. | standards | Klondex | Klondex |
(March 2004 | 2004 - Feb. | 2010 - Feb. | (Nov. | standards*1 | duplicates*2 | |
- Feb. 2013) | 2013) | 2013) | 2010) | |||
mixed | mixed | mixed | ||||
UG Core | surf+ug | surf+ug | surf+ug | 0 | 193 | 77 |
Surface | mixed | mixed | mixed | |||
RC/core | surf+ug | surf+ug | surf+ug | 94 | 152 | 39 |
Totals | 12465 | 11201 | 1264 | 94 | 345 | 116 |
*Surface standards and dups dates: June 2012 - Jan. 2013 | ||||||
*UG standards and dups dates: August 2012 - May 2013 |
11.5.1. |
QAQC Prior to 2012 |
Historic data validation has previously been addressed (Raven
et al., 2011). A summary of their work includes:
Until late 2010 Klondex
did not employ any submitted sample based QAQC program. Prior to that time, the
only QA reporting was derived from the commercial laboratorys internal QA
programs that included internal blanks and standards, and automatic re-assays of
pulps in which the gold grades exceeded one g/t. In addition a significant
number of samples were sent to a different laboratory for check analysis.
Subsequently Klondex has initiated its own internal quality control procedures.
Presently (2011) Klondex has prepared blank samples using post-mineral basalt
core from well above the mineralized zones. In addition two standards were
prepared (low and medium grade) by ALS from Fire Creek assay rejects and there
have now been enough analyses of the standards to determine their average grade
and standard deviation. (Page 25)
A blank and two standards are now included in each drill hole as standard practice. (Page 25)
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A review of the data from the 2010 drilling campaign that made use of the new QAQC procedures did not outline any difficulties with the new standards and blanks that would indicate an error at the lab. The check assays performed on drill core samples that assayed under one g/t gold show good agreement between the original assay and the check assay. (Page 27).
The ALS/Chemex facility at Elko is certified to ISO 9001:2008 standards and only handles sample receiving and preparation. The ALS/Chemex facility in Reno provides a broader range of analytical services and is also certified to ISO 9001:2008 Standards; in addition it has received accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 from the Standards Council of Canada (SSC) for Fire Assay gold by Atomic Absorption, which is the analytical method Klondex utilizes for its gold analyses. (Page 27)
All gold assays in excess of one g/t are rerun at least once. A large number of gold reruns are also carried out where values are less than one g/t. These were either on samples adjacent to intervals with elevated gold assays, on samples with elevated silver values and low gold, or at the discretion of the geologist when lithologic characteristics were suspect.: (Page 29)
samples with greater than 10 g/t gold were rerun using a 50 gram fire assay with gravimetric finish (ALS-Chemex Au-GRA22 procedure) to late 2010 then a 30 gram charge subsequently. (Page 29)
The checked assays are usually in good agreement with the
original assay indicating no significant nugget effect. (Page 29)
Additional check assays have been received from the 2009 and 2010
drilling campaigns and they show a similarly good correlation between the
original assay and the duplicate, or check assays. (Page 29)
There have been approximately 4,000 duplicate samples submitted for check analyses as part of the QAQC program. (Page 31)
Klondex undertook some umpire assays at different laboratories to verify a portion of the higher grade results and compared analytical methods for gold by fire assay with an AA finish vs. a gravimetric finish. Silver was also included in the analysis between the two labs. (Page 32)
The authors (Raven et al., 2011) verified a portion of the drill core data by re-assaying sample pulps sent to SGS Mineral Services in Vancouver, British Columbia. The SGS laboratory is an ISO 9001:2008 accredited facility. Coarse reject material for all the samples selected was not available so sample pulps were chosen over splitting the remaining core. The samples selected for verification were from a broad range of drill holes and designed to test various grades of mineralization from low- to high grade. (Page 34)
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There is a good agreement between the original values vs. the check assays as noted in the charts above for nearly 4,000 check samples and it is felt that this correlation is sufficient and demonstrates that while there are spurious values indicating some nugget effect, in most cases the nugget effect is minimal. (Page 36)
Author Raven did note in the drill core and corresponding assay results for those intervals that the better gold grades are confined to intervals containing quartz +/- carbonate veining, either larger (less than 1.5 feet) discrete veins or stockwork systems of veining. Klondex has assayed numerous intervals of visually barren mafic volcanics (no veining, fracturing or faulting) and those intervals do not return anomalous gold assay. (Page 36)
11.5.2. |
Current QAQC Procedures |
From 2012 through March 2014, Klondexs QAQC protocol at the Project was to submit a blank as the first sample of each drill hole, followed by one of three types of QAQC standards every 20 th sample in the sample stream. Beginning April 2014, geologists insert QAQC standards as five percent of the sample stream. The type and location of each standard is at the geologists discretion. At least one QAQC sample is inserted per hole. The three standard types are 1) blank, 2) standard, or 3) duplicate;
1) |
Blanks are crushed, homogenous barren material. Their IDs and values are as follows: |
FCRDBLNK01= <0.005 ppm Au (reduced);
FCOXBLNK01=
<0.005 ppm Au (oxidized) and;
AUBLANK54 = <0.002 ppm Au.
2) |
Klondex uses several QAQC standards. Some were produced in- house from locally derived low-grade basalt. Others were purchased from ROCKLABS, a reputable supplier of reference material. Standard IDs and values are as follows: |
FCRDLOW01 1.246 ppm Au
OXQ90 24.88 ppm Au
OXP91 14.82
ppm Au
OXN92 7.643 ppm Au
SG56 1.027 ppm Au
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SN60 8.596 ppm Au
SP59 18.12 ppm Au
SQ48 30.25 ppm Au
SQ83 30.64 ppm Au
3) |
For duplicate sampling, Klondex submits an empty bag labeled with the required sample ID in sequence. The lab takes a split from the pulp of the previous sample to run as a duplicate. |
11.6. | QAQC Analysis |
11.6.1. | Duplicates Performance |
Three sets of duplicate assays are available for review. The first set is Au assays from ALS and is shown in Figure 11-2. These values agree quite well with the 95% confidence intervals bracketing the ideal one to one trend line.
The second and third set of duplicate assays are gold and silver values from AAL. The gold assays exhibit a slightly low bias with the upper 95% CI plotting below the ideal trend (Figure 11-3). The silver assays show a larger high bias with the lower 95% confidence limit plotting above the ideal trend line. (Figure 11-4)
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11.6.2. | Blank Assay Performance |
Table 11-2 shows the results from both ALS and AAL of all blank assays from July 2012 to December 2014. These results are displayed graphically in Figure 11-5 through Figure 11-18. Most of the values reported are at one half the detection limit for the method used, and sample dilution or assay errors at either lab occurs infrequently.
Table 11-2 Blank Assay Set Performance
Designation | Count | Mean | Std. dev. |
ALS-AUBlank54 | 67 | 0.009 | 0.011 |
AAL-AUBlank54 | 28 | 0.052 | 0 |
ALS-FCBlank02 Au | 10 | 0.038 | 0.029 |
AAL-FCBlank02 Au | 144 | 0.022 | 0.061 |
ALS-FCBlank02 Ag | 10 | 1.185 | 1.137 |
AAL-FCBlank02 Ag | 144 | 3.344 | 0.525 |
AAL FCBlank03 Au | 117 | 0.034 | 0.025 |
AAL FCBlank03 Ag | 116 | 2.403 | 1.537 |
AAL FCBlank04 Au | 90 | 0.056 | 0.074 |
AAL FCBlank04 Ag | 90 | 0.270 | 1.420 |
ALS FCRDBLNK01 | |||
Au | 144 | 0.037 | 0.145 |
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Designation | Count | Mean | Std. dev. | |
ALS | FCRDBLNK01 | |||
Ag | 140 | 0.296 | 0.287 | |
ALS | FCOXBLNK01 | |||
Au | 55 | 0.007 | 0.01 | |
ALS | FCOXBLNK01 | |||
Ag | 55 | 0.271 | 0.089 |
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11.6.3. | Standards Performance |
Table 11-3 shows the results of all standard assay sets analyzed from July 2012 through December 2014. Results from AAL were slightly better than ALS with AAL test groups returning lower standard deviations. The results of all standard assays are presented in Figure 11-19 through Figure 11-34. Failure of the t-test to accept the hypothesis does not always indicate the negative, but rather that the results are inconclusive one way or the other.
Table 11 -3 Standard Assay Performance
Standard |
Standard
Value |
Count | Mean | Std. dev. |
T-
statistic |
T 0.95 | Comment |
ALS-FCRDLOW1 | 1.246 | 100 | 1.285 | 0.127 | 3.095 | -1.984 | Reject |
AAL-FCRDLOW1 | 1.243 | 109 | 1.234 | 0.069 | -1.742 | -1.982 | Accept |
ALS-OXN92 | 7.643 | 28 | 7.517 | 0.215 | -3.105 | -2.052 | Reject |
AAL-OXN92 | 7.643 | 21 | 7.619 | 0.156 | -0.709 | -2.086 | Accept |
ALS-OXP91 | 14.82 | 18 | 14.622 | 0.332 | -2.525 | -2.110 | Reject |
AAL-OXP91 | 2 | ||||||
ALS-OXQ90 | 24.88 | 16 | 24.825 | 0.326 | -0.676 | -2.131 | Accept |
AAL OXQ90 | 24.88 | 4 | 24.949 | 0.477 | 0.288 | -3.182 | Accept |
ALS-SG56 | 1.027 | 41 | 1.018 | 0.032 | -1.764 | -2.021 | Accept |
ALS-SN60 | 8.596 | 55 | 8.419 | 0.222 | -5.900 | -2.005 | Reject |
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Standard |
Standard
Value |
Count |
Mean |
Std. dev. |
T-
statistic |
T 0.95 |
Comment |
AAL-SN60 | 8.596 | 149 | 4.977 | 4.18 | -10.569 | -1.976 | Reject |
ALS SP59 | 18.12 | 38 | 17.646 | 0.468 | -6.238 | -2.026 | Reject |
AAL-SP59 | 18.12 | 7 | 18.092 | 0.266 | -0.274 | -2.447 | Accept |
ALS-SQ48 | 30.25 | 16 | 29.963 | 0.401 | -2.865 | -2.131 | Reject |
ALS-SQ70 Au | 39.62 | 9 | 41.378 | 6.693 | 0.788 | -2.306 | Accept (one outlier) |
ALS-SQ70 Ag | 159.5 | 10 | 160.2 | 4.59 | 0.482 | -2.262 | Accept |
AAL-SQ70 Au | 39.62 | 2 | |||||
AAL-SQ70 Ag | 2 | ||||||
ALS-SQ83 | 30.64 | 15 | 29.947 | 0.426 | -6.308 | -2.145 | Reject |
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11.7. | Opinion on the Adequacy of the Sampling Methodologies |
Project staff have shown a solid understanding with regard to management of the sampled material and associated digital data. The methods of handling the drilled material, both physically and electronically, are acceptable for use in an analysis of the potential mineral resource; however, system improvements exist that should be implemented in the future, as the Project develops.
11.7.1. | Sampling Protocol Issues |
The electronic data is rudimentarily compiled in a series of Excel spreadsheets. This method of storing and editing data is susceptible to multiple errors throughout the data management process. In particular, the FROM-TO intervals contain overlap errors, and raw data is cut and pasted by hand into non-secure spreadsheets. An AcQuire database is currently under construction and near completion, which will abate this issue.
Klondex has plans to implement AcQuire in 2015. This software system will address all data management issues.
There are Systems Administrators currently planning and implementing an enterprise system solution for data management linking servers through VPN connection and implementing a user-protected access to folders.
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As of the date of this Report, a direct assay certificate-to-spreadsheet-values audit has upheld the integrity of the spreadsheet data for a reliable mineral resource estimate for preparation of this Report.
11.7.2. | Standards and Blanks Performance Issues |
Duplicate assay checks performed by AAL showed no bias, while those of ALS had minor biasing. This may be the result of too few duplicate check assays available for review, and the database needs to be enlarged. Additionally, the samples chosen for duplicates are all below the cutoff grade for the deposit, and this program should be expanded to include higher grade samples as well. A third lab should be engaged to perform duplicate assays on samples originally assayed at one of the other labs as another means of quality assurance.
The blank data collected and used by Klondex does not present any underlying problems with sample handling, assay methods or laboratories. As a matter of routine, whenever a blank assay outside of acceptable limits is received, the entire assay set should be re-assayed, and the initial results replaced with the succeeding results.
Review of assay standards sets shows AAL to have smaller deviations than ALS, however, the results do not show any problems with the underlying data.
The authors opinion is that Klondexs current QAQC program, for sampling protocols, is managed in an acceptable manner. QAQC verification does not indicate any underlying deficiencies in the database.
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12. |
Data Verification |
The authors analyzed the sample data used in the mineral resource estimation to verify its suitability for use in this Report. The dataset includes records of drilled and channel-sampled material collected from 2004 Through December 2014 and compiled by Klondex into centralized master spreadsheets. Ms. Hazel Reynolds, Klondex Geology Data Administrator, provided the authors with a copy of the master spreadsheets. The authors formatted the data and loaded it into Vulcan ISIS databases. The authors chose a representative semi-random subset of the ISIS data, representing at least five percent, and requested the corresponding raw data source files, which were provided by Ms. Reynolds. The accuracy of the data was verified by comparing the values in the ISIS databases to the values in the original source files. The raw assay data contained in the source files has been determined adequate for use in the mineral resource estimation as discussed in Section 11.5.
Two ISIS databases were used to estimate the mineral resource: one database was compiled from drilled material and the other from channel-sampled material. The drilled material dataset contains data from surface holes drilled from March 2004 through December 2014 and from underground holes drilled from September 2011 through December 2014. The channel sample dataset contains data collected from April 2013 through December 2014.
12.1. |
Results of Drill Data Review |
The four categories of data reviewed for the drill dataset are collar location surveys, down-hole surveys, assays and geology.
| Collar location surveys reviewed: 68 surveys of underground hole collars and one surface collar survey were reviewed, representing about 10% of the holes in the dataset; |
| Downhole surveys reviewed: 42 downhole surveys of underground holes and 24 downhole surveys of surface holes were reviewed, representing about nine percent of the holes in the dataset; |
| Geology review: geology logs were checked for 80 underground holes and 212 surface holes, representing about 42% of the holes in the dataset; and |
| Assay review: original assay result certificates were reviewed for 109 underground holes and 149 surface holes, representing about 37% of holes in the database. |
Table 12 1, below, summarizes the numbers and percent of drill holes reviewed for this report:
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Table 12-1 Data Review Summary Drilled Material
Datasets for: | Total drill | Holes: | Holes: | Holes: | Holes: Assay |
holes | Collar | Downhole | Geology | certificates | |
Survey | Survey | reviewed | reviewed | ||
reviewed | reviewed | ||||
UG Core | 382 | 68 | 42 | 80 | 109 |
Surface | 307 | 1 | 24 | 212 | 149 |
Core/RC | |||||
Totals | 689 | 69 | 66 | 292 | 258 |
Percent of population reviewed: | 10% | 9% | 42% | 37% |
12.1.1. | Collar Location Checks |
The authors compared 13 underground collar survey reports to collar easting, northing, elevation and TD values in the database and found 100% correlation for holes drilled since August 2012. Collar locations of underground holes drilled prior to August 2012 are considered reliable as discussed in Section 10.1.2.
The authors compared one surface collar survey report to the collar easting, northing, elevation and TD values in the database and found 100% correlation for holes drilled since 2012. A majority of the surface holes were drilled prior to the 2013 surface collar re-survey; surface collar locations for holes drilled before 2012 are considered reliable as discussed in Section 10.1.1.
12.1.2. | Downhole Survey Checks |
The authors compared 42 downhole survey reports for underground holes with the depth, azimuth and dip values in the database. Some data mismatches exist between the raw azimuth data and the azimuth column of the database because the downhole survey apparatus used prior to 2014 did not automatically adjust for local declination. Geologists adjusted the declination before entering the data in the master spreadsheet. Declination was adjusted correctly for all reviewed holes, yielding a 100% correlation.
The authors compared 24 downhole survey reports for surface holes with the depth, azimuth and dip values in the database. A total of 595 records were checked and 24 mismatches were found, yielding a 96% correlation. The authors consider the data to be reliable.
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12.1.3. | Geology Checks |
The authors compared geology logs for 80 underground holes and 212 surface holes to the database. A direct correlation between the original logs and the current Klondex database is complex. The current database was converted from the 2013 codes to the 2014 codes. The 2013 codes were either logged directly as part of the re-logging program or derived from historic RC Log Plot data or from reading the geologists detailed descriptions in the comments field rather than from the lithological code. Each of these geological logging systems was reviewed by the authors, and the results validate the geology in the Klondex database. The vein flag, which is the component of the database which directly affects the resource model, was found to have 100% correlation for holes reviewed.
12.2. | Results of Channel Sample Data Review |
The authors reviewed 198 channels, representing about 12% of the 1,554 channels in the ISIS channel sample database. The channels were chosen at random while generally attempting to select a representative subset. The authors requested the raw data, which is in the form of the geologists daily face sheets, for the 198 selected channel samples. Ms. Hazel Reynolds provided scans of the face sheets. The three categories of data reviewed for the channel sample dataset are location, assays, and geology.
12.2.1. | Location Measurement Check |
The authors compared the location of the channel in Vulcan software with the distance measured by the geologist in the mine heading and recorded on the face sheet. No channels were found out of place. The authors also viewed all channels relative to the asbuilt in 3-D in Vulcan as described in Section 10.1.3 to check for consistency. The authors consider the channel locations to be acceptable for use in the mineral resource estimation.
12.2.2. | Geology Check |
The authors compared geology data recorded on the face sheets to geology data in the ISIS database and found the data to be congruent. No errors were found in the vein flag portion of the data. The authors consider the geology data in the channel database to be acceptable for use in the mineral resource estimation.
12.2.3. | Assay Check |
The authors reviewed assays for 198 channels, about 12% of the channels in the channel database.
A total of 874 samples in the channel database, comprising about 13% of the samples, lack silver values. Samples with missing silver values are from the earlier part of the channel sampling program and are generally restricted to the first cuts on the Joyce Vein and Vonnie Vein. Channel samples from more recent mining in areas adjacent to those with missing silver values provided near by data points for use in the silver mineral resource estimation. The volume and spacing of data, coupled with the fact that the silver-gold ratio is less than one, minimizes the effect of the missing silver values. Silver analysis was completed but not uploaded to the database for most of the samples with missing values, and it is expected that the data will be incorporated when Klondex launches their AcQuire data management system.
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Table 12-2, below, summarizes the numbers of channels reviewed for this report:
Table 12-2 Data Review Summary Channel Sampled Material
Datasets for: |
Total
channels |
Channels:
Location measurements reviewed |
Channels:
|
Channels:
Assay certificates reviewed |
Channels | 1,553 | 198 | 198 | 198 |
Percent of population reviewed: | 12% | 12% | 12% |
The authors consider the assay data in the channel database to be acceptable for use in the mineral resource estimation.
12.3. | Summary of Database Verification |
For each data set used in the mineral resource estimate, at least five percent of the data was verified against original source data. The data review verified that historic and current drill, channel and control samples are acceptable. In particular, the accuracy of the assay data has been quantified by independent review of 37% of drill holes and 12% of channels by direct correlation with assay certificates from accredited laboratories (drill samples) and accredited and local production laboratories (channel samples).
The drilling (fc_5sept2014.ddh.isis) and sampling (fc_5sept2014.chn.isis) ISIS databases, which contain data compiled by Klondex between March 2004 and December 2014, comply with standards prescribed by CIM protocol for use in mineral reserve estimates.
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13. |
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing |
13.1. | Early Test Work |
A summary of the cyanidation test work conducted on twelve samples discussed in the 2011 NI 43-101 Technical Report by W. Raven, E. Ullmer, and G. Hawthorn is shown below in Table 13-1.
Table 13-1 Summary of Cyanidation Test Results from 2011 Technical Report
Sample | Drill | Head Grade | Test | Grind | Duration | Au | |||
ID | Zone | Hole | Interval | Au (g/t) | Au (opt) | Type | Size | (hrs) | Recovery |
1 | North Main | FC0401 | 2.0 | 0.058 | CIL | 75.9% | |||
2 | North Main | FC0403 | 14.5 | 0.423 | CIL | 80.0% | |||
3 | North Main | FC0405 | 34.6 | 1.009 | CIL | 60.1% | |||
5 | North Main | FC0402 | 905-910 | 37.1 | 1.082 | STD | 25%-200M | 33.2% | |
5 | North Main | FC0402 | 905-910 | 37.1 | 1.082 | STD | 90%-200M | 81.6% | |
C4 | North Main | FC0528 | 1450-1470 | 7.8 | 0.227 | STD | 80%-60M | 48 | 72.6% |
7 | Main | FC0413 | 850-855 | 109.0 | 3.178 | STD | 25%-200M | 74.4% | |
7 | Main | FC0413 | 850-855 | 109.0 | 3.178 | STD | 90%-200M | 98.7% | |
C1 | Main | FC0419 | 777-780 | 37.4 | 1.091 | STD | 80%-70M | 48 | 88.2% |
C3 | West Main | FC0515 | 925-935 | 116.4 | 3.394 | STD | 80%-65M | 48 | 86.8% |
4 | Far North-New North | FC0415 | 850-855 | 10.0 | 0.292 | STD | 25%-200M | 14.0% | |
4 | Far North-New North | FC0415 | 850-855 | 10.0 | 0.292 | STD | 90%-200M | 15.8% | |
6 | Far North-New North | FC0415 | 830-835 | 10.8 | 0.315 | STD | 25%-200M | 29.5% | |
6 | Far North-New North | FC0415 | 830-835 | 10.8 | 0.315 | STD | 90%-200M | 54.5% | |
C5 | Far North-New North | FC0418 | 895-915 | 6.1 | 0.178 | STD | 80%-65M | 48 | 45.4% |
C6 | Far North-New North | FC0522 | 1040-1050 | 20.1 | 0.586 | STD | 80%-80M | 48 | 77.2% |
13.2. |
2013 Test Work |
Metallurgical test work was conducted by McClelland Laboratories (MLI Job #3834) on two samples taken from the underground development to determine the amenability of the Project material to gravity and/or cyanidation treatment. Composite sample FCM1 was taken from material stockpiled during the development of the 5400 and 5370 crosscuts. Sample 3834-01 was generated by compositing coarse assay rejects from the face sampling on the Joyce 5400 N.
Each sample was milled to 80% minus 212 micrometers (µm) and processed through a laboratory Knelson concentrator to determine precious metal recovery via gravity concentration. The tailings from the Knelson concentrator were reground to 80% minus 75µm. Direct cyanidation tests (96-hour bottle roll tests) were then conducted on the gravity tailings to determine precious metal recovery and reagent consumption. Results of the test work are shown in the Table 13-2 below.
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Table 13-2 Combined Metallurgical Results, Gravity/Cyanidation Tests, 80% - 212 υm Feed (Grav.), Reground to 80% - 75 υm (CN)
g/tonne | Reaget Consumption | ||||||||||
Recovery % of Total | Extracted | Head Grade | kg / tonne | ||||||||
Grav. | CN | Combine | Grav. | CN | |||||||
Composite | Conc. | (Grav. | d | Conc. | Leach | Tail | Calculated | Assayed | NaCN | Lime | |
3771 Composite FCM1 | Au | 19.6% | 75.3% | 94.8% | 2.24 | 8.61 | 0.59 | 11.44 | 15.00 | 0.16 | 5.0 |
Sample 3834-91 | Au | 54.4% | 44.7% | 99.0% | 80.80 | 66.33 | 1.42 | 148.55 | 157.07 | 0.24 | 3.1 |
3771 Composite FCM1 | Ag | 14.4% | 67.8% | 82.2% | 1.30 | 6.10 | 1.60 | 9.00 | 6.00 |
|
|
Sample 3834-91 | Ag | 44.6% | 44.8% | 89.4% | 44.40 | 44.60 | 10.5 | 99.50 | 115.00 |
Results indicate that both samples were readily amenable to gravity and/or cyanidation treatment. Gold and silver recoveries achieved from composite sample FCM1 were 94.8% and 82.2%, respectively. Gold and silver recoveries achieved from sample 3834-01 were 99.0% and 89.4%, respectively. Cyanide consumptions were low, averaging 0.20 kg/million tons (Mt) material.
13.3. | 2014 Test Work |
In early 2014, nine drill core composite samples from the West Zone were submitted to McClelland Laboratories (MLI Job #3870) for metallurgical testing to determine the amenability of the Fire Creek West Zone material to direct cyanidation and gravity/cyanidation treatment.
Each composite was milled to 80% minus 75µm, and direct cyanidation tests (bottle roll tests) were then conducted to determine precious metal recovery and reagent consumption. Results from the test work are shown in the Table 13-3 below.
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Table 13-3 Summary Metallurgical Results, Bottle Roll Tests, Fire Creek West Zone Drill Core Composites
Au | g Au/mt ore | Ag | g Ag/mt ore | Reagent Requirements | |||||||||
Test | Recovery, | Calculated | Head | Recovery, | Calculated | Head | kg/mt mineralized material | ||||||
Number | Composite | % | Extracted | Tail | Head | Assay | % | Extracted | Tail | Head | Assay | NaCN Cons. | Lime Added |
CY-1 | 3870-1 | 96.0 | 34.88 | 1.46 | 36.34 | 46.10 | 94.1 | 17.4 | 1.1 | 18.5 | 30.3 | 0.17 | 0.8 |
CY-2 | 3870-2 | 94.9 | 20.23 | 1.08 | 21.31 | 26.18 | 74.9 | 12.8 | 4.3 | 17.1 | 26.2 | 0.39 | 5.6 |
CY-3 | 3870-3 | 89.8 | 6.66 | 0.76 | 7.42 | 10.28 | 67.4 | 6.4 | 3.1 | 9.5 | 15.3 | 0.33 | 6.9 |
CY-4 | 3870-4 | 96.9 | 14.51 | 0.46 | 14.97 | 12.51 | 76.9 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 1.9 | 0.17 | 7.6 |
CY-5 | 3870-5 | 93.2 | 38.28 | 2.80 | 41.08 | 30.30 | 56.3 | 57.4 | 44.6 | 102.0 | 92.5 | 0.28 | 3.7 |
CY-6 | 3870-6 1) | 66.9 | 3.92 | 1.94 | 5.86 | 7.67 | 81.2 | 22.9 | 5.3 | 28.2 | 36.8 | 12.16 | 20.5 |
CY-7 | 3870-7 | 84.0 | 22.32 | 4.24 | 26.56 | 30.33 | 57.8 | 17.0 | 12.4 | 29.4 | 35.7 | 0.38 | 3.6 |
CY-8 | 3870-8 | 82.1 | 60.94 | 13.30 | 74.24 | 63.33 | 71.7 | 34.0 | 13.4 | 47.4 | 36.9 | 0.31 | 2.4 |
CY-9 | 3870-9 | 98.7 | 48.41 | 0.62 | 49.03 | 73.87 | 83.5 | 27.8 | 5.5 | 33.3 | 50.3 | 0.34 | 4.2 |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Problems encountered with high viscosity, low D.O. and low free cyanide levels. Switched to mechanically agitated leach @ 2.0 g NaCN/L, 25% Solids at 20 hours, initiated are sparge at 24 hours. |
Results indicate that all but one (Composite #3870-6) of the samples were readily amenable to direct cyanidation treatment. Gold recoveries achieved from the eight composite samples ranged from 82.1% to 98.7% . Silver recoveries achieved from the eight composite samples ranged from 56.3% to 94.1% . Cyanide consumptions were low, averaging 0.30 kg/Mt material.
Problems were encountered during direct cyanidation testing of composite #3870-6 due to high viscosity, low dissolved oxygen content and low free cyanide levels. This composite was transferred to a mechanically agitated leach apparatus to complete the test. Gold and silver recoveries achieved from composite #3870-6 were 66.9% and 81.2%, respectively. Cyanide and lime requirements for this sample were very high.
After direct cyanidation testing was complete, two master composites were prepared for gravity/cyanidation testing. A high-grade master composite (HG master comp) was prepared by combining the coarse rejects from Composites 3870-5 and 3879-6. A mid-grade master composite (MG master comp) was prepared by combining coarse rejects from Composites 3870-2, 3870-3 and 3870-4.
Each master composite was milled to 80% minus 300µm and processed through a laboratory Knelson concentrator to determine precious metal recovery via gravity concentration. The tailings from the Knelson concentrator were reground to 80% minus 75µm. Direct cyanidation tests (96-hour bottle roll tests), with and without lead nitrate addition, were then conducted on the gravity tailings to determine precious metal recovery and reagent consumption. Results of the test work are shown in Table 13-4 and Table 13-5 below.
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Table 13-4 Gold Metallurgical Results, Whole Mineralized Material Gravity Concentration with Cyanidation of the Gravity Cleaner and Rougher Tailings
Weight , % of Total | g Au/mt mineralized material | |||||||||
Lead | Combined | |||||||||
Nitrate | Gravity | Cl. & Ro. | Ball Mill | Gravity | Extracted | Calc. | Predicted | |||
Composite | Added | Cl. Conc | Tail | Total | Clean Out | Cl. Conc | (CN) | Tail | Head | Head |
3870-29 (HG Master Comp.) | No | 0.21 | 99.79 | 100.0 | 0.14 | 10.416 | 19.79 | 2.70 | 33.05 | 30.32. |
Yes | 0.21 | 99.79 | 100.0 | 0.14 | 10.416 | 17.60 | 2.54 | 30.70 | ||
3879-30 (MG Master Comp.) | No | 0.26 | 99.74 | 100.0 | 0.02 | 4.68 | 10.45 | 0.69 | 15.84 | 12.54 |
Yes | 0.26 | 99.74 | 100.0 | 0.02 | 4.68 | 8.50 | 0.73 | 13.93 | ||
Au Distribution % of Total | kg/mt ore | |||||||||
Ball Mill | Cl. | Extracted | NaCN | Lime | ||||||
Composite | Clean Out | Conc | (CN) | Combined | Tail | Total | Cons. | Added | ||
3870-29 (HG Master Comp.) | 0.4 | 31.5 | 59.9 | 91.4 | 8.2 | 100.0 | 0.31 | 3.5 | ||
0.5 | 33.9 | 57.3 | 91.2 | 8.3 | 100.0 | 0.31 | 3.5 | |||
3879-30 (MG Master Comp.) | 0.1 | 29.5 | 66.0 | 95.5 | 4.4 | 100.0 | 0.09 | 6.5 | ||
0.1 | 33.6 | 61.0 | 94.6 | 5.3 | 100.0 | 0.15 | 6.7 |
Table 13-5 Silver Metallurgical Results, Whole Mineralized Material Gravity Concentration with Cyanidation of the Gravity Cleaner and Rougher Tailings
Weight , % of Total | g Ag/mt mineralized material | |||||||||
Lead | Combined | |||||||||
Nitrate | Gravity | Cl. & Ro. | Ball Mill | Gravity Cl. | Extracted | Calc. | Predicted | |||
Composite | Added | Cl. Conc | Tail | Total | Clean Out | Conc | (CN) | Tail | Head | Head |
3870-29 (HG Master Comp.) | No | 0.21 | 99.79 | 100.0 | 0.12 | 7.056 | 31.43 | 25.45 | 64.06 | |
Yes | 0.21 | 99.79 | 100.0 | 0.12 | 7.056 | 48.00 | 11.28 | 66.45 | ||
3879-30 (MG Master Comp.) | No | 0.26 | 99.74 | 100.0 | 0.06 | 2.184 | 7.48 | 3.29 | 13.02 | |
Yes | 0.26 | 99.74 | 100.0 | 0.06 | 2.184 | 6.48 | 3.39 | 12.12 | ||
Au Distribution % of Total | ||||||||||
Ball Mill | Cl. | Extracted | ||||||||
Composite | Clean Out | Conc | (CN) | Combined | Tail | Total | ||||
3870-29 (HG Master Comp.) | 0.2 | 11.0 | 49.1 | 60.1 | 39.7 | 100.0 | ||||
0.2 | 10.6 | 72.2 | 82.8 | 17.0 | 100.0 | |||||
3879-30 (MG Master Comp.) | 0.5 | 16.8 | 57.5 | 74.3 | 25.3 | 100.0 | ||||
0.5 | 18.0 | 53.5 | 71.5 | 28.0 | 100.0 |
Results indicate that both master composites were readily amenable to gravity/cyanidation treatment. Gold and silver recoveries achieved from the HG master composite were 91.4% and 60.0%, respectively, without lead nitrate, and 91.2% and 82.8% with lead nitrate addition. Gold and silver recoveries achieved from the MG master composite were 95.5% and 74.3%, respectively, without lead nitrate, and 94.6% and 71.3% with lead nitrate addition.
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14. |
Mineral Resource Estimates |
14.1. | Introduction |
The Fire Creek mineral resource was estimated in accordance with The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleums CIM Definitions Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by CIM Council on May 10, 2014 (CIM 2014). This estimate updates the previous Mineral Resource Estimate effective January 31, 2014 (Odell et al, 2014) and includes all of the new drilling, channel sampling, and underground geological mapping completed since that date.
All data coordinates are measured in the Nevada State Plane Central Zone, NAD83 feet truncated to the last six whole digits. All quantities are given in imperial units unless indicated otherwise.
The gold and silver mineralization at the Project was estimated using the Vulcan modeling software. The estimate was performed by Karl Swanson, an Independent Consultant, with assistance from Klondex geology staff. The vein solids were modeled from both the assay data and the lithology logging from drilling and channel samples. No strict grade cutoff was honored, but care was taken to ensure that only vein material was modeled regardless of the grade.
Vulcan software was used in most aspects of the modeling process, though statistics and variography calculated with third-party software. ID 3 and Nearest Neighbor (NN), also known as polygonal, estimation methods were used. The lack of sufficient closely spaced drilling or channel sample composites precludes the use Ordinary Kriging (OK) estimation methods and the calculation of meaningful variograms.
14.2. | Database and Compositing |
Klondex provided drilling data in CSV format to Practical Mining. The gold and silver assays were given in g/t, which were converted to opt by multiplying by 34.2854.
Assays were assigned to a specific vein or flagged by their spatial relationship to the digital vein models. Samples were then composited into a single weighted average value spanning the width of the vein or ten feet, whichever is less.
14.2.1. | Assays |
This analysis used 475 surface and underground drill holes and 1,457 channel and rib sample sets. The composites of all flagged assays were used for statistical analysis and estimation. No drill holes or channels were eliminated for any reason. Table 14-1 summarizes the overall quantity of data available by type and the quantity flagged for use in the estimation.
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Table 14-1 Summary of Drill Hole and Channel Samples
Not Flagged by Veins | Flagged by Vein Models | Total | ||||||||
No. | Length | Length | No. | Length | Length | Length | No. | Length | Length | |
Type | Holes | Drilled | Sampled | Holes | Drilled | Sampled | Flagged | Holes | Drilled | Sampled |
Drill | 214 | 203,391 | 199,497 | 475 | 325,917 | 323,718 | 5,603 | 689 | 529,308 | 523,215 |
Channel | 96 | 494 | 411 | 1,457 | 10,785 | 10,653 | 3,646 | 1,553 | 11,279 | 11,064 |
Drill hole and channel sample locations relative to the vein models are shown in Figure 14-1 and Figure 14-2 below.
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14.2.2. | Lithology |
The rock types identified in the lithology logging are shown in Table 14-2. Intervals logged as vein or structure along with assay values were used to identify veins.
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Table 14 -2 Lithology Codes
Lithology Code | Description |
OVB | overburden |
SEDS | sedimentary |
OPAL | opalized sinter |
INT | intrusive |
STR | structure |
FLT | fault |
VN | vein |
BAS | basalt |
BX | breccia |
TUFF | tuff |
ND | no data |
The core logging shows that there is an upper and lower tuff unit within the basalt. Figure 14-3 is a long section through the deposit showing the tuff in blue and the basalt in light green. Figure 14-4 and Figure 14-5 show the same section with the tuff and Vein Models.
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14.2.3 | Compositing |
The assays were composited on ten-foot downhole interval lengths honoring the vein intersections. Therefore, the assays within the veins are separated from the lower grade values outside of the veins. This compositing method usually calculates a single composite across the vein interval as most vein intercepts are less than ten feet in length. Where the interval within the vein was longer than ten feet, more than one composite was created.
Vein intercepts from 1,932 channels and drill holes were flagged. These vein intercepts consisted of 4,070 samples with gold assays greater than zero for a total intercept length of 8,800 feet. These intercepts comprise 3,341 composites with gold grades greater than zero for a total of 8,819 feet. All of these flagged composites were used for statistics and estimation.
14.3. | Geology and Vein Modelling |
The basalt and tuff units were modeled but are not used in the block model. These rock units do not seem to impact vein location or mineralization as the veins cross through basalt and tuff.
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Displacement of the rock units indicates faulting, both pre and post mineralization, which helps in understanding local geology and guide exploration.
Forty seven veins were modeled on two main northwest linear trends separated approximately 1,300 feet east to west. Both trends generally strike N15°W, but the east trend ends at about 767,400 N where the west trend begins. This may be the result of a northeast trending fault but is not clear at this time. Mining and channel sampling has occurred on the Joyce Vein, Vonnie Vein, and Karen Vein at the center of the east trend.
A low grade halo is sometimes present immediately adjacent to the veins. This material is usually a stock work of quartz veining or porous basalt or intrusive rock. The low grade mineralization adjacent to the veins was modeled using a cutoff grade of 0.1 opt and extends from the cutoff value to the vein. The thickness of this low grade material around vein varies and can occur either in the footwall, hanging wall, or both.
Vein models were constructed on N75°E cross sections spaced 25 feet apart using the gold assay values from drill and channel intercepts and lithology logging. A strict cutoff grade was not enforced as portions of the vein are very low grade, but regardless of the grade, an assay was chosen to represent the vein if the drill hole intercepted the modeled vein. Figure 14-6 shows a N75°E cross section of the veins with drilling color-coded by gold grade.
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Where channel samples are present, the vein model produced from the channel samples replaces the vein model produced from drill composites, and the channel samples take precedence over drilling.
14.4. |
Density |
A density value of 0.0774 tons per cubic foot was assigned to all vein and low grade mineralization. This value is supported by 15 samples collected on the Joyce Vein and Vonnie Vein and analyzed by SGS Laboratories in Elko, Nevada.
14.5. | Statistics |
Drill hole and channel samples were grouped according to vein or low grade designations and univariate statistics calculated for each sample type and group. The summary statistics are shown in Table 14-3 through Table 14-6. Histogram and cumulative frequency plots are shown in Figure 14-7 through Figure 14-10.
Table 14 -3 Vein Drill Hole Statistics
Field | # Comps | Min | Max | Mean | Std Dev | CV |
au opt | 1008 | 0.0001 | 108.221 | 1.3237 | 5.3416 | 4.0354 |
ag opt | 1005 | 0.0073 | 84.2926 | 1.1 | 4.706 | 4.2782 |
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Table 14-4 Vein Channel Sample Statistics
Field | # Comps | Min | Max | Mean | Std Dev | CV |
au opt | 1008 | 0.0001 | 108.221 | 1.3237 | 5.3416 | 4.0354 |
ag opt | 1005 | 0.0073 | 84.2926 | 1.1 | 4.706 | 4.2782 |
Table 14-5 Low Grade Drill Hole Statistics
Field | # Comps | Min | Max | Mean | Std Dev | CV |
au opt | 212 | 0.0515 | 4.15 | 0.243 | 0.3768 | 1.5505 |
ag opt | 212 | 0.0073 | 6.2132 | 0.3737 | 0.599 | 1.6027 |
Table 14-6 Low Grade Channel Sample Statistics
Field | # Comps | Min | Max | Mean | Std Dev | CV |
au opt | 533 | 0.019 | 4.728 | 0.5758 | 0.7237 | 1.2568 |
ag opt | 447 | 0.05 | 48 | 0.8254 | 3.6097 | 4.3735 |
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14.6. | Grade Capping |
A cap grade was applied to the gold and silver composites used to estimate block grades. For the first (Measured) estimation pass, values greater than the cap are used in the estimation but are restricted by an area of influence based on a search radius of 25 feet by 25 feet. Beyond 25 feet, capped grade value is excluded from the estimation.
The cap grade for measured mineral resources was determined for each of the three main veins (Vonnie, Joyce, Karen) individually and for the remaining veins as a group.
For the indicated and inferred mineral resource estimation passes, only drill hole composites and no channel sample composites, were used in the estimations. The indicated and inferred mineral resources grade cap was not estimated individually for the Vonnie Vein, Karen Vein, and Joyce Vein as there are not enough drill composites to make the determination individually.
For the indicated and inferred mineral resource estimation passes, the grade cap value is used for the estimation of all vein blocks within the normal sphere of influence as shown in Table 14-11.
Table 14-7 shows the cap grade for the measured mineral resource estimation for gold and silver for both the high and low grade composites and the number of composites that are above the cap value.
Table 14-8 shows the cap grade for the indicated and inferred mineral resource estimations for gold and silver composites for all veins and the number of composites that are above the cap value.
The distribution of gold composite grades for the Vonnie Vein is shown in Figure 14-11 and for silver in Figure 14-12.
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Table 14-7 Cap Grades for Measured Mineral Resources
Cap Grade | # Comps | |||
Vein | Group | Variable | (opt) | Affected |
Vonnie | vein | au opt | 70.00 | 41 |
Vonnie | low | au opt | 1.90 | 18 |
Vonnie | vein | ag opt | 70.00 | 24 |
Vonnie | low | ag opt | 1.40 | 15 |
Joyce | vein | au opt | 35.00 | 12 |
Joyce | low | au opt | 1.00 | 19 |
Joyce | vein | ag opt | 20.00 | 11 |
Joyce | low | ag opt | 1.20 | 10 |
Karen | vein | au opt | 31.00 | 7 |
Karen | low | au opt | 0.90 | 13 |
Karen | vein | ag opt | 30.00 | 6 |
Karen | low | ag opt | 0.90 | 11 |
all other | vein | au opt | 14.00 | 6 |
all other | low | au opt | 0.37 | 20 |
all other | vein | ag opt | 14.00 | 8 |
all other | low | ag opt | 0.70 | 22 |
Table 14-8 Cap Grades for Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources
Cap Grade | # Comps | |||
Vein | Group | Variable | (opt) | Affected |
all | vein | au opt | 11.00 | 19 |
all | low | au opt | 0.37 | 20 |
all | vein | ag opt | 11.00 | 11 |
all | low | ag opt | 0.70 | 22 |
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14.7 | Variography |
Variograms were calculated with SAGE2001 software using the gold channel composites within the Vonnie Vein. The closely spaced channel samples within the Vonnie Vein allow construction of a meaningful variogram. The variogram model use a custom LLL-ZYX output from SAGE. The nugget and structure parameters for the Vonnie Vein at the Project are in Table 14-9. The representative variogram plots are in Figures 14-13 and 14-14. Too few closely spaced samples exist within the other veins to calculate reliable kriging parameters, and therefore an ordinary kriging estimation was not performed at this time.
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Table 14-9 Variogram Parameters for the Vonnie Vein
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14.8. |
Block Model |
The block model was constructed using a 3,500-foot by five-foot by five-foot parent block size (XYZ), with sub-blocking in the veins and low grade mineralization as small as 0.2 feet by five feet by five feet. This modeling method creates a single block across the vein in the X direction with a tolerance of 0.2 feet. Therefore, the block width across the vein is within 0.2 feet of the actual width of the vein solid. Because low grade material was modeled around the high grade center vein, one to three blocks may exist across the vein in the X direction depending on whether low grade exists on one or both sides of the vein. If no low grade exists, then only one block defines the vein.
The model is rotated with the X-axis oriented N75W. The block model origin (lower left corner) is 643000E, 763200N, 4600EL. The X length is 3,500 feet, Y length is 7,500 feet and the Z length is 1,900 feet.
The unique vein name is assigned to a block variable. The vein name is superseded by l to indicate a low grade block.
14.9. |
Grade Estimation |
Gold and silver values were estimated using ID 3 and NN methods. The ID 3 method was applied in multiple passes defining the extents of the measured, indicated and inferred classifications.
The channel composites were only used for the measured pass, which has a search ellipsoid of 40 feet by 40 feet by 20 feet. This was done to ensure that high grade was not extended further than is supported by the data. This along with the capping strategy limits the range of influence of the high grade channel sample composites.
Anisotropic search parameters for gold were set to the average orientation of the veins. Search distances were selected based on the spacing of drill composites intercepting the digital vein models and on the general orientation and shape of the interpreted veins. The veins gold and silver grades were estimated only using composites from within the vein, and low grade blocks were estimated using only low grade composites. The boundary separating the veins and low grade blocks is regarded as a hard boundary with the data in each isolated from the other.
The estimation search parameters are shown in Table 14-10. The search ellipse orientations for each vein is shown in Table 14-11.
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Table 14-10 Estimation Search Parameters by Resource Category
Parent | Major | Semi | Minor | Min | Max | Max | |||
Pass | X | Y | Z | (ft) | (ft) | (ft) | Samp | Samp | /DH |
Measured | 10 | 10 | 10 | 40 | 40 | 20 | 4 | 12 | 2 |
Indicated | 10 | 10 | 10 | 100 | 100 | 50 | 3 | 12 | 2 |
Inferred | 10 | 10 | 10 | 300 | 300 | 150 | 2 | 12 | 2 |
Table 14-11 Estimation Search Ellipsoids
Vein | Est ID | Bearing | Plunge | Dip |
Vonnie | vn_v | 173 | 0 | -80 |
Vonnie 1 | vn_v1 | 167 | 0 | -90 |
Joyce | vn_j | 335 | 0 | -86 |
Joyce 1 | vn_j1 | 338 | 0 | -90 |
Karen | vn_k | 355 | 0 | -80 |
Karen 1 | vn_k1 | 355 | 0 | -75 |
Karen 2 | vn_k2 | 355 | 0 | -75 |
Karen 3 | vn_k3 | 340 | 0 | -90 |
03 | vn03 | 171 | 0 | -80 |
04 | vn04 | 168 | 0 | -80 |
05 | vn05 | 168 | 0 | -65 |
06 | vn06 | 160 | 0 | -84 |
07 | vn07 | 183 | 0 | -70 |
08 | vn08 | 163 | 0 | -80 |
09 | vn09 | 330 | 0 | -84 |
10 | vn10 | 167 | 0 | -50 |
11 | vn11 | 167 | 0 | -80 |
12 | vn12 | 165 | 0 | -76 |
13 | vn13 | 340 | 0 | -90 |
14 | vn14 | 331 | 0 | -90 |
15 | vn15 | 345 | 0 | -90 |
16 | vn16 | 137 | 0 | -87 |
18 | vn18 | 292 | 0 | -87 |
19 | vn19 | 340 | 0 | -90 |
Honey Runner - 20 | vn20 | 339 | 0 | -85 |
21 | vn21 | 345 | 0 | -85 |
22 | vn22 | 340 | 0 | -66 |
23 | vn23 | 170 | 0 | -80 |
24 | vn24 | 168 | 0 | -80 |
25 | vn25 | 158 | 0 | -77 |
26 | vn26 | 163 | 0 | -75 |
27 | vn27 | 163 | 0 | -81 |
28 | vn28 | 335 | 0 | -74 |
29 | vn29 | 345 | 0 | -70 |
30 | vn30 | 340 | 0 | -72 |
31 | vn31 | 359 | 0 | -90 |
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Vein | Est ID | Bearing | Plunge | Dip |
32 | vn32 | 6 | 0 | -90 |
33 | vn33 | 165 | 0 | -67 |
34 | vn34 | 115 | 0 | -87 |
35 | vn35 | 163 | 0 | -70 |
Hui Wu - 36 | vn36 | 349 | 0 | -73 |
37 | vn37 | 308 | 0 | -88 |
39 | vn39 | 356 | 0 | -80 |
40 | vn40 | 349 | 0 | -77 |
41 | vn41 | 345 | 0 | -85 |
42 | vn42 | 359 | 0 | -84 |
43 | vn43 | 353 | 0 | -86 |
44 | vn44 | 179 | 0 | -80 |
45 | vn45 | 345 | 0 | -75 |
46 | vn46 | 343 | 0 | -90 |
47 | vn47 | 348 | 0 | -90 |
99 | vn99 | 345 | 0 | -90 |
Project
Significant parameters used in the gold and silver estimations include:
1. |
Assigning of parent block values to sub- blocks. Estimates are only calculated at the center of each ten-foot by ten-foot by ten-foot block, and those values are assigned to all sub- blocks existing within the parent block space; |
|
2. |
Only composites with a value greater than zero were used; |
|
3. |
A minimum of four and maximum of 12 samples were used to estimate measured blocks, a minimum of three and maximum of 12 to estimate indicated blocks, and minimum of two and maximum of 12 to estimate inferred blocks; |
|
4. |
A maximum of two composites were used per drill hole; |
|
5. |
Composites were selected using anisotropic distances; |
|
6. |
Only composites within the veins were used to estimate blocks within the veins; |
|
7. |
Grades were capped (search restricted) for measured material; |
|
8. |
Grades were capped with a top cut for indicated and inferred material; and |
|
9. |
Gold and silver for blocks outside of the low and high grade vein solids were not estimated. |
14.10. |
Mined Depletion and Sterilization |
The block model is depleted by the as-built survey of the underground workings. Blocks within the survey were flagged as mined. The grades and the density within the flagged blocks remain intact in order reconcile with mining. Remnant blocks within the hanging wall or footwall of the veins which are not inside the mine survey but immediately adjacent to it were also flagged as mined.
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The Joyce Vein, Vonnie Vein, and Karen Vein are the only three that have been mined as of the effective date of this report. The vein models and as-built surveys for each are shown Figure 14-15 through Figure 14-17.
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14.11. |
Model Validation |
The mean gold and silver grades for each estimation method are shown in Table 14-12.The values correlate well with Method ID3 returning the lowest value as would be expected.
Table 14 -12 Estimation the Mean Grade Comparison
Cut Off | Average | |
Estimation Method | Grade (opt) | Grade (opt) |
Gold | ||
Inverse Distance Cubed | 0.01 | 0.764 |
Nearest Neighbor | 0.01 | 0.813 |
Composite | 0 | 1.037 |
Silver | ||
Inverse Distance Cubed | 0.01 | 0.639 |
Nearest Neighbor | 0.01 | 0.764 |
Composite | 0 | 0.806 |
On a local scale, model validation is confirmed by the comparison of block grades to composite grades for each vein in the long sections shown in Figure 14-19 through Figure 14-24. The color legend of Figure 14-18 is applied to all block and composite grade values for comparative purposes. Examination indicates good agreement of block grade estimations and distribution with the composite date.
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Further model validation is provided by the swath plots of Figure 14-25 through Figure 14-28. These plots compare the average grade from composites, NN and ID3 estimations from within swaths or 25-foot thick two dimensional slices through the vein. Examination of the swath plots shows a reasonable agreement among the gold and silver estimation values.
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14.12 | Mineral Resource Statement |
The narrow vein mining methods practiced at the Project require a minimum stope width of four feet. The veins can vary in thickness from a few inches to over ten feet. Potentially economic mineralization must meet standard cut-off grade criteria as well as a grade thickness criterion before it is included in a Mineral Resource estimate. Grade thickness is calculated by multiplying the block true width by its equivalent grade. The parameters used in determining the cut-off grade and grade thickness cut-off are listed in Table 14-13.
Table 14 -13 Mineral Resource Cutoff Grade Parameters
Gold | Silver | ||
Sales Price | $/Ounce | $1,200 | $19.00 |
Refining and Sales Expense | $/Ounce | Included in Milling | |
Royalty | 1% | ||
Metallurgical Recovery | 94% | 92% | |
Operating Costs | |||
Ore Haulage (Portal to Mill) | $/ton | $ 32.66 | |
Direct Processing | $/ton | $ 47.10 | |
Administration and Overhead | $/ton | $ 47.32 | |
Mining | $/ton | $ 158.75 | |
Total | $/ton | $ 285.82 | |
Gold Equivalent | 1 | 64.54 | |
Unplanned Dilution | 10% | ||
Cut-off Grade | Eq. opt | 0.256 | |
Minimum Mining Width | feet | 4 | |
Grade Thickness cut-off | Eq. opt-ft. | 1.126 |
Mineral resources meeting the dual constraints of cut-off grade and grade-thickness cut-off for each vein are listed in Table 14-14 below.
Table 14-14 Mineral Resource Statement as of December 31, 2015
AuEq | AuEq | ||||||
Vein Name | kton | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | Au koz | Ag koz | koz |
Measured | |||||||
Joyce | 30.1 | 1.863 | 1.217 | 1.882 | 56.0 | 36.6 | 56.6 |
Vonnie | 9.8 | 4.584 | 3.556 | 4.640 | 44.9 | 34.9 | 45.5 |
Karen | 43.6 | 2.272 | 1.888 | 2.301 | 99.0 | 82.2 | 100.2 |
Honey Runner | 0.5 | 1.786 | 0.166 | 1.788 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.9 |
Hui Wu | 2.2 | 0.530 | 0.866 | 0.543 | 1.2 | 1.9 | 1.2 |
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AuEq | AuEq | ||||||
Vein Name | kton | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | Au koz | Ag koz | koz |
04 | 2.5 | 0.208 | 0.373 | 0.213 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.5 |
05 | 1.9 | 0.318 | 1.256 | 0.337 | 0.6 | 2.3 | 0.6 |
06 | 6.0 | 0.441 | 0.899 | 0.454 | 2.6 | 5.4 | 2.7 |
08 | 5.4 | 0.380 | 0.284 | 0.384 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 2.1 |
11 | 7.3 | 0.359 | 0.880 | 0.372 | 2.6 | 6.4 | 2.7 |
13 | 7.4 | 0.589 | 0.128 | 0.591 | 4.4 | 0.9 | 4.4 |
14 | 15.7 | 0.909 | 0.476 | 0.916 | 14.2 | 7.4 | 14.3 |
19 | 2.7 | 0.339 | 0.126 | 0.341 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.9 |
21 | 0.7 | 0.327 | 0.571 | 0.336 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.2 |
27 | 8.8 | 0.315 | 0.261 | 0.319 | 2.8 | 2.3 | 2.8 |
29 | 0.6 | 0.146 | 0.374 | 0.152 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 |
30 | 9.5 | 0.330 | 0.224 | 0.333 | 3.1 | 2.1 | 3.2 |
34 | 0.2 | 0.232 | 0.371 | 0.238 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
40 | 3.5 | 0.879 | 0.530 | 0.887 | 3.1 | 1.9 | 3.1 |
43 | 1.0 | 1.327 | 0.023 | 1.328 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 1.3 |
44 | 1.7 | 0.529 | 0.267 | 0.533 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 0.9 |
Total Meas. and Ind. | 377.4 | 1.101 | 0.859 | 1.114 | 415.5 | 324.2 | 420.5 |
Inferred | |||||||
Joyce | 65.4 | 0.424 | 0.375 | 0.430 | 27.7 | 24.5 | 28.1 |
Vonnie | 29.0 | 0.648 | 0.414 | 0.654 | 18.8 | 12.0 | 19.0 |
Karen | 16.5 | 0.609 | 0.425 | 0.616 | 10.0 | 7.0 | 10.1 |
Honey Runner | 63.0 | 0.860 | 0.607 | 0.870 | 54.1 | 38.2 | 54.7 |
Hui Wu | 0.4 | 0.288 | 0.145 | 0.290 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
04 | 39.3 | 0.283 | 0.338 | 0.288 | 11.1 | 13.3 | 11.3 |
05 | 1.1 | 0.336 | 1.081 | 0.352 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 0.4 |
06 | 1.9 | 0.272 | 0.594 | 0.282 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 0.5 |
08 | 1.4 | 0.294 | 0.179 | 0.296 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
09 | 41.4 | 0.490 | 0.170 | 0.493 | 20.3 | 7.0 | 20.4 |
11 | 11.7 | 0.327 | 0.337 | 0.332 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
14 | 62.4 | 0.468 | 0.347 | 0.473 | 29.2 | 21.7 | 29.5 |
15 | 24.7 | 0.423 | 2.172 | 0.456 | 10.4 | 53.6 | 11.3 |
19 | 6.0 | 0.204 | 0.141 | 0.207 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 1.2 |
21 | 15.1 | 0.498 | 0.085 | 0.499 | 7.5 | 1.3 | 7.5 |
22 | 42.0 | 0.443 | 0.383 | 0.448 | 18.6 | 16.1 | 18.8 |
23 | 128.5 | 0.162 | 0.118 | 0.164 | 20.9 | 15.1 | 21.1 |
24 | 90.9 | 0.520 | 0.664 | 0.530 | 47.3 | 60.3 | 48.2 |
25 | 37.1 | 0.599 | 0.106 | 0.601 | 22.2 | 3.9 | 22.3 |
26 | 17.7 | 0.235 | 0.084 | 0.236 | 4.1 | 1.5 | 4.2 |
27 | 27.1 | 0.225 | 0.133 | 0.227 | 6.1 | 3.6 | 6.2 |
28 | 35.4 | 0.490 | 0.308 | 0.495 | 17.3 | 10.9 | 17.5 |
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Notes: | ||
1. |
Mineral resources have been calculated at a gold price of $1,200/troy ounce and a silver price of $19.00 per troy ounce; |
|
2. |
Mineral resources are calculated at a grade thickness cut-off grade of 1.126 Au equivalent opt-feet and a diluted Au equivalent cut-off grade of 0.256 opt; |
|
3. |
Gold equivalent ounces were calculated based on one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver; |
|
4. |
The minimum Mining width is defined as four feet or the vein true thickness plus one foot, whichever is greater; |
|
5. |
Mineral resources include dilution to achieve mining widths and an additional 10% unplanned dilution. |
|
6. |
Mineral resources include allowance for 5% mining losses; |
|
7. |
Mineral resources are inclusive of mineral reserves; |
|
8. |
Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues, and; |
|
9. |
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there is insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. |
|
10. |
Mineral resource estimates can be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political or other factors. |
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15. |
Mineral Reserve Estimates |
Excavation designs for stopes, stope development drifting and access development were created using Vulcan software. Stope designs were aided by the Vulcan Stope Optimizer Module. The stope optimizer produces the stope cross section which maximizes value within given geometric and constraints.
Design constraints included four feet minimum width for long hole stopes with development drifts spaced at 40-foot vertical intervals. Stope development drift dimensions maintained a constant height of ten feet and a minimum width of six feet. Drift and fill dimensions are the same as stope development.
Mining and backfill tasks were created from all designed excavations. These tasks were assigned costs and productivities specific to the excavation or backfill task type. Additionally, the undiscounted cash flow for each task was calculated. All tasks were then ordered in the correct sequence for mining and backfilling. Any task sequence or subsequence that did not achieve a positive cumulative undiscounted cash flow was removed from consideration for mineral reserves. Stope development, necessary to reach reserve excavations and exceeding the incremental cut-off grade shown in Table 15-1, are also included in mineral reserves.
Table 15-1 Mineral Reserves Cut Off Grade Calculation
Gold | Silver | ||
Sales Price | $/Ounce | $1,000 | $15.83 |
Refining and Sales Expense | $/Ounce | Included in Milling | |
Royalty | 1% | ||
Metallurgical Recovery | 94% | 92% | |
Operating Costs | |||
Ore Haulage (Portal to Mill) | $/ton | $32.66 | |
Direct Processing | $/ton | $93.10 | |
Administration and Overhead | $/ton | $115.49 | |
Mining | $/ton | $218.37 | |
Total | $/ton | $459.62 | |
Gold Equivalent | 1 | 64.54 | |
Unplanned Dilution | 10% | ||
Incremental Cut Off Grade | 0.259 | ||
Cut-off Grade | Eq. opt | 0.494 | |
Minimum Mining Width | feet | 4 | |
Grade Thickness cut-off | Eq. opt-ft. | 2.173 |
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Table 15-2 Fire Creek Mineral Reserves as of December 31, 2014
Au | Ag | Au Equiv. | |||||
Tons | Au Eq | Ounces | Ounces | Ounces | |||
Vein Designation | (000's) | Au opt | Ag opt | opt | (000's) | (000's) | (000's) |
Proven Reserves | |||||||
Joyce | 31 | 0.914 | 0.678 | 0.924 | 27.9 | 20.7 | 28.2 |
Vonnie | 9.3 | 3.301 | 2.151 | 3.335 | 30.6 | 19.9 | 30.9 |
Karen | 41 | 1.454 | 1.192 | 1.473 | 59.7 | 49.0 | 60.5 |
Proven Reserves | 80.9 | 1.462 | 1.108 | 1.479 | 118.2 | 89.6 | 119.6 |
Probable Reserves | |||||||
Joyce | 60 | 0.779 | 0.357 | 0.784 | 47.0 | 21.5 | 47.3 |
Vonnie | 34 | 1.920 | 1.626 | 1.945 | 66.1 | 56.0 | 67.0 |
Karen | 10 | 0.733 | 0.500 | 0.741 | 7.4 | 5.0 | 7.5 |
Probable Reserves | 104.9 | 1.149 | 0.787 | 1.161 | 120.5 | 82.6 | 121.8 |
Proven + Probable Reserves | |||||||
Joyce | 91 | 0.824 | 0.464 | 0.831 | 74.9 | 42.2 | 75.6 |
Vonnie | 44 | 2.213 | 1.738 | 2.240 | 96.7 | 75.9 | 97.9 |
Karen | 51 | 1.312 | 1.056 | 1.328 | 67.1 | 54.0 | 68.0 |
Proven + Probable Reserves | 185.8 | 1.285 | 0.927 | 1.300 | 238.7 | 172.2 | 241.4 |
Notes: | ||
1. | Mineral Reserves have been estimated with a gold price of $1,000/ounce and a silver price of $15.83/ounce; | |
2. | Metallurgical recoveries for gold and silver are 94% and 92% respectively; | |
3. | Gold equivalent ounces are calculated on the basis of one ounce of gold being equivalent to 64.53 ounces of silver, and; | |
4. | Mine losses of 5% and unplanned mining dilution of 10% have been applied to the designed mine excavations. |
Fire Creek mineral reserves could be materially affected by economic, geotechnical, permitting, metallurgical or other relevant factors. Mining and processing costs are sensitive to production rates. A decline in the production rate can cause an increase in costs and cutoff grades resulting in a reduction in mineral reserves. Geotechnical conditions requiring additional ground support or more expensive mining methods will also result in higher cutoff grades and reduced mineral reserves.
The Project has the necessary permits to continue exploration and current operations. Failure to maintain permit requirements may result in the loss of critical permits necessary for continued operations.
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16. |
Mining Methods |
16.1. | Mine Development |
16.1.1. Access Development |
Access to the mining areas will be from haulage drifts, up to 15 feet wide and between 15 to 17 feet high. Drift gradients will vary from – 15% to + 15% to reach the desired elevation. Secondary drifts, spiral ramps and vertical raises will connect the haulage drifts to provide a pathway for ventilation to the surface and serve as a secondary escape way. (Figure 16-1)
16.1.2. Ground Support |
The ground conditions at the Project are typical of the northern Nevada extensional tectonic environment. Joint spacing varies from a few inches to a foot or more. To date, split sets and Swellex rock bolts along with welded wire mesh have been successfully employed to control all conditions encountered during decline development and stoping. Shotcrete has also been liberally applied to prevent long-term deterioration of the rock mass.
All major access drifts require a minimum of wire mesh and rock bolts for support. Under more extreme conditions, resin anchor bolts, cable bolts, and shotcrete can be used to supplement the primary support. Steel sets and spiling may also be used to support areas with the most severe ground conditions.
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16.1.3. Ventilation and Secondary Egress |
Underground mining relies heavily on diesel equipment to extract the mineralized material and waste rock and to transport backfill to the stopes. Diesel combustion emissions will require large amounts of fresh ventilation air to remove the diesel exhaust and maintain a healthy working environment. A combination of the main access drifts and vertical raises to the surface are arranged in a manner to provide a complete ventilation circuit. The mine portal can be used as either an intake or an exhaust. Air movement will be facilitated by primary ventilation fans placed at the surface or underground in strategic locations. Small auxiliary fans and ducting will draw primary ventilation air directly into the working faces.
The ventilation raise connecting the main decline to the surface is approximately 690 feet in length and is entirely lined with corrugated metal pipe to support the ribs and maintain a uniform cross sectional area. Since the vertical extent of the raise exceeds the maximum 300 feet permitted for a continuous ladder way, it has been equipped with an automatic hoist and personnel capsule for evacuating the mine in the event of an emergency.
16.2. | Mining Methods |
Mining may be completed using end slice stoping with delayed backfill, also referred to as long hole stoping, and drift and fill stoping. The final choice of mining method will depend upon the geometry of the stope block, proximity to main access ramps, ventilation and escape routes, the relative strength or weakness of the mineralized material and adjacent wall rock, and finally the value or grade of the mineralized material. The choice of mining method will not be made until after the stope delineation and definition drilling is completed. Each method will be discussed briefly in 16.2.1. the following paragraphs.
16.2.1. End Slice Stoping |
End slice, or long hole, stoping has the highest degree of mechanization of the three expected mining methods at the Project, is the lowest cost method and generally provides the lowest total cost per ounce. End slice stoping requires the greatest amount of waste development and can be mined to a minimum width of four feet. The potential for unplanned wall dilution with this method is the greatest. The current reserve mine plan incorporates 67% end slice stoping for exploitation of the reserve. Figure 16-2 shows a typical end slice stoping arrangement.
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To prepare an area for end slicing, access for the mobile equipment must be developed to each level. Mine utilities for communication, water, electrical power, and compressed air must also be provided through the access development. Level spacing is limited to 40 feet to control dilution and may be increased if vein geometry, ground conditions, and vein thickness are favorable. The minimum level spacing achievable with this method is 30 to 35 feet and is limited by the stability of the intervening pillar between levels. Mining will progress upwards from the lowest level of the stope block. Drilling and blasting will be carried out from the drift above the active stope while the broken mineralized material will be removed from the bottom drift. The loader used for excavation is equipped with line of sight remote control to allow the removal of all blasted rock without exposing the operator to the open stope and the potential risk of ground falls.
The amount of mineralization that can be removed prior to backfilling will be constrained by the strength of the gangue material and jointing present immediately adjacent to the stope. Backfill, consisting of either waste rock or cemented rock fill, will be transported from the surface using the same haulage equipment used to remove mineralized material and waste rock from the mine. Where possible, waste rock will be retained within the mine and placed directly into a stope requiring backfill. The stope will be backfilled from the drift used for drilling and blasting.
Cemented rock fill (CRF), which consists of screened mine waste, fly ash, and cement will be mixed on the surface and transported underground in the same trucks used to haul blasted rock to the surface. CRF will be placed to create an artificial pillar where additional mining is planned adjacent to or underneath the stope being filled. Normal backfill unconfined compressive strengths (UCS) of 400 to 600 pounds per square inch (psi) will be achieved by blending a mixture containing up to four percent cement and fly ash. When mining is anticipated to occur below the backfilled stope, the UCS of the fill will be increased up to 1,000 psi by adding up to eight percent cementatious binder.
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A typical end slice stoping arrangement at Fire Creek is presented in Figure 16-3. Stope development drifting is planned at six feet wide and ten feet high to accommodate the production drill. Levels are located at 40-foot vertical intervals to control dilution and may be increased as experience is gained in mining the Fire Creek veins. Stope widths have been designed at either four feet or the horizontal vein thickness plus two feet, whichever is greater.
All stope cross sections were calculated using Vulcan stope optimizer software. This software calculates the optimal stope dimensions and orientation within the dip constraints on the hanging wall and footwall as well as the given level spacing.
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16.2.2. Drift and Fill Stoping |
Drift and fill stoping will be used to extract 33% of the Project mineral reserves. This method can be employed where the wall rock is too weak for end slice stoping, the vein dip is less than 50° or where there is variable vein geometry. Cut and fill stoping is the the highest cost mining method of the two considered. A typical cut and fill stope arrangement is shown in Figure 16-3.
A drift in fill stope is initiated by driving a waste crosscut from the access ramp to the vein. The cross cut is driven at a negative gradient up to minus 15% in order to reach the lowest elevation of the stope. Drifting along the vein strike progresses in both directions from the cross cut. Drift dimensions are a minimum of six feet in width and 10 feet high. The width can be increase to accommodate wider sections of the vein.
Once the end of the stope is reached, the drift can be backfilled with CRF if there is unmined ore below or with unconsolidated waste backfill (GOB) if mining below is not planned. Once filled, breasting down the waste above the back of the cross cut begins at a gradient sufficient that the sill of the crosscut is now at the same elevation as the back of the preceding drift. This process will be repeated until vein within reach from the cross cut has been mined out, and mining will proceed from the next level above.
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16.3. | Underground Labor |
Peak underground work force requirements for the Project are presented in Table 16-1. This estimate was prepared using productivity rates typical for small-scale mechanized mining in North America. The Project will operate 24 hours per day seven days per week. Project operations workforce will be divided into four crews scheduled to work 14 out of every 28 days.
Table 16-1 Underground Workforce 2015 and 2016
Job Classification | Count |
Miners | 45 |
Mechanics | 15 |
Supervision | 6 |
Technical Staff | 12 |
Manager | 1 |
Total | 79 |
16.4. |
Mobile Equipment Fleet |
Development drifting averages 12 feet per day in 2015 and six feet per day in 2016. All capital development is completed by the end of 2016. Production rates of 150 tons per day (tpd) are planned in the first year and will peak in year two at 180 tpd. Table 16-2 lists the mining fleet necessary to achieve the development and production goals outlined in the mine plan. The majority of this equipment was surplus equipment from the Midas Mine purchase by Klondex in 2014 and is on site. The stope production drill is the only major piece of equipment that has not yet been acquired.
Table 16-2 Underground Mobile Equipment
Units on | Additional | |
Description | Site | Units Reqd |
2 boom jumbo | 1 | |
Single boom jumbo | 1 | |
Bolter | 1 | |
6 Yard LHD | 1 | |
4 Yard LHD | 1 | |
2 Yard LHD | 2 | |
15 - 20 ton trucks | 2 | |
30 Ton Trucks | 2 | |
Stope ring drill | 1 |
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Units on | Additional | |
Description | Site | Units Reqd |
Shotcrete pump, robotic spray arm and cariier | 1 | |
Shotcrete 16.5. remix trucks | 2 |
16.5. | Mine Plan |
The productivities of Table 16-3 represent typical values achieved in northern Nevada for the type and size of excavations planned at the Project. These productivities were used to develop the production plan shown in Figure 16-4 through Figure 16-6 and Table 16-4.
The production plan is dictated by the number of available stoping areas. Increasing the available labor force or the equipment fleet will not have significant impact on the production rate or anticipated mine life of 3.8 years. The decline in production rate in the second half of the mine plan is the result of exhausting the available stoping areas.
Table 16-3 Heading Productivity
Heading Type | Units | Daily Rate |
Capital Development Drift | Feet/day | 16 |
Drop Raise | Feet/Day | 5 |
Stope Development (6 x 10) | Feet/day | 21 |
End Slice (Long Hole) Stoping | Ton/day | 160 |
Drift and Fill Stoping | Ton/Day | 100 |
Backfill | Ton/Day | 200 |
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Table 16-4 Annual Production and Development Plan
Calendar Year | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Total |
Reserves Mined | |||||
Proven Ore Mined (000's Tons) | 21.8 | 19.7 | 16.6 | 22.7 | 80.9 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 1.066 | 1.235 | 1.581 | 1.952 | 1.462 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.810 | 0.889 | 1.317 | 1.431 | 1.108 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 23.3 | 24.3 | 26.3 | 44.4 | 118.2 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 17.7 | 17.5 | 21.9 | 32.5 | 89.6 |
Probable Ore Mined (000's Tons) | 31.0 | 46.7 | 22.1 | 5.2 | 104.9 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.810 | 1.203 | 1.460 | 1.361 | 1.149 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.488 | 0.886 | 0.967 | 0.915 | 0.787 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 25.1 | 56.1 | 32.2 | 7.1 | 120.5 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 15.1 | 41.4 | 21.3 | 4.8 | 82.6 |
Total Reserves Mined (000's Tons) | 52.8 | 66.4 | 38.7 | 27.9 | 185.8 |
Gold Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.916 | 1.212 | 1.512 | 1.842 | 1.285 |
Silver Grade (Ounce/Ton) | 0.621 | 0.887 | 1.117 | 1.335 | 0.927 |
Contained Gold (000's Ounces) | 48.4 | 80.5 | 58.5 | 51.4 | 238.7 |
Contained Silver (000's Ounces) | 32.8 | 58.9 | 43.2 | 37.3 | 172.2 |
Contained Gold Equiv. (000's Ounces) | 48.9 | 81.4 | 59.1 | 52.0 | 241.4 |
Production Mining | |||||
Stope Development and Drift and Fill Mining (000's Tons) | 38.9 | 23.4 | 62.2 | ||
Longhole Stope Mining (000's Tons) | 13.9 | 43.0 | 38.7 | 27.9 | 123.5 |
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Calendar Year | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Total |
Reserves Mined (000's Tons) | 52.8 | 66.4 | 38.7 | 27.9 | 185.8 |
Reserves Mining Rate (tpd) | 144.6 | 181.3 | 106.0 | 102.3 | 135.7 |
Backfill | |||||
Cellular Backfill (000's Tons) | 5.2 | 8.5 | 13.7 | ||
CRF and GOB Backfill(000's Tons) | 13.3 | 63.7 | 42.9 | 15.9 | 135.8 |
Total Backfill (000's Tons) | 18.5 | 72.2 | 42.9 | 19.8 | 153.4 |
Waste Mining | |||||
Expensed Drift Waste (000's Tons) | 6.8 | 4.9 | 11.8 | ||
Bench Waste (000's Tons) | 0.4 | 0.4 | |||
Expensed Waste (000's Tons) | 1.1 | 0.1 | 1.2 | ||
Primary Capital Drifting (Feet) | 4,420 | 2,296 | 6,716 | ||
Secondary Capital Drifting (Feet) | 578 | 689 | 1,267 | ||
Capital Raising (Feet) | 156 | 103 | 259 | ||
Capitalized Mining (000's Tons) | 79.2 | 47.3 | 126.5 | ||
Total Tons Mined (000's Tons) | 139.2 | 118.7 | 38.7 | 27.9 | 324.5 |
Mining Rate (tpd) | 381 | 324 | 106 | 102 | 237 |
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17. |
Recovery Methods |
A local contractor transports mineralized material from the bulk sampling program at the Fire Creek Project to the Midas Mill on public roadways which is a distance of approximately 131 miles. Mineralized material from each mine is segregated through the crushing circuit. The mill, has two 500-ton fine ore bins located between the secondary crusher and the ball mill and one bin is dedicated to each mine. Head samples are taken on each reclaim conveyor at regular intervals, and tonnage measured by a belt scale prior to comingling the mineralization streams.
The Midas Mill was constructed in 1997 and has a nameplate capacity of 1,200 tpd. The mill uses conventional leach technology with Counter Current Decantation (CCD) followed by Merrill Crowe precipitation. Doré refining is finalized by Johnson Matthey refineries in Salt Lake City, Utah. Midas has performed toll milling periodically since 2008.
17.1 | Mill Capacity and Process Facility Flow Diagram |
A process facility flow sheet is shown in Figure 17-1. Underground mineralized material extracted under the bulk sampling permit is delivered from the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine to the run of mine (ROM) pad where it is placed on short term ROM mineralized material stockpiles. Typical mineralized material classifications are: low grade less than 0.3 opt Au or less than six opt silver; high grade (0.3 to 0.5 opt gold or six to 20 opt silver); and ultra-high grade less than 0.5 opt gold or less than 20 opt silver). Separate stockpiles are maintained for each mine. Underground mineralized material is hand-picked on the pad for scrap wire mesh and rock bolts before being fed to the crusher.
Mineralized material is crushed in two stages through a 30-inch by 40-inch primary jaw crusher and 53-inch secondary cone crusher. Both jaw and secondary crusher products are fed to a six feet by 20 feet Nordberg double deck vibrating screen fitted with two-inch top deck and one-half inch bottom deck screen panels to produce a 95% passing one-half inch product. Magnetic material is removed from the crusher screen feed by a continuous self-cleaning belt magnet to protect the cone crusher from damage. Screen undersize is conveyed to one of two 500-ton fine mineralized material bins.
Crushed and screened material is transported from the fine material bins by individual belt feeders into the 10.5 feet by 15 feet rubber lined Nordberg ball mill. The ball mill is charged with a blend of three-inch and two-inch grinding balls to maintain an operating power draw of 800 horse power (HP). Mill discharge pulp is pumped to a nest of four-inch by ten-inch Krebs cyclones (three duty, one standby) for classification. Cyclone overflow, at 85% passing 200 mesh, reports to the trash screen. Cyclone underflow reports to a two millimeters (mm) aperture scalping screen, with the screen undersize being distributed by three-way splitter to the ball mill, verti-mill, and gravity circuit. Lead nitrate solution is added to the ball mill feed chute to enhance silver leach kinetics.
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A split of the screened cyclone underflow reports to the 250 HP verti-mill for open circuit grinding with the verti-mill discharge overflowing back to the primary ball mill discharge pump box. The verti-mill is charged with one inch grinding balls. A split of the screened cyclone underflow also reports to the 20-inch Knelson concentrator for gravity gold recovery. The Knelson operates on a 30-minute cycle providing concentrate for cyanidation in the CS500 Acacia Leach Reactor which conducts three 750 to 1,000 kg batch leaches each week. Pregnant solution from the leach reactor reports to the CCD circuit pregnant solution tank.
Cyclone overflow is screened to remove any plastic debris before reporting to a 42 feet diameter pre-leach thickener. Thickener underflow at 50% solids is pumped to the leach circuit consisting of eight 28 feet by 30 feet air sparged leach tanks, providing a leach residence time of approximately 90 hours at 600 tons per hour (tph) feed rate. The pH in the first leach tank is maintained at 10.4 to 11.0 through the addition of hydrated lime, produced from the on-site slaking of pebble lime. Sodium cyanide concentration in the second leach tank is maintained at 1.25 grams per liter (gpl).
The leach circuit discharge is pumped to the first of five 42.5 feet diameter CCD thickeners, where the pulp is counter-current washed with barren Merrill Crowe liquor at a wash ratio of approximately 3.2:1 . CCD thickener underflow at each stage is maintained at between 50 and 54% solids to maximize wash efficiency.
Pregnant CCD solution at a pH of 11.0 and 400 gallons per minute flow rate is fed to one of two disc filters operating in duty/standby mode utilizing diatomaceous earth for clarification. The clarified pregnant solution is then pumped to a packed bed vacuum de-aeration tower, prior to the addition of zinc dust and lead nitrate to precipitate precious metals from solution. The Merrill Crowe solution is then pumped to one of two plate and frame filter presses for sludge recovery. The sludge is collected from a filter press weekly and smelted to produce 5,500 ounce silver and gold doré bars.
Tailings pulp from the last CCD thickener is pumped to the Inco SO2/Air circuit for cyanide destruction. Cyanide destruction is performed in a single 20 feet by 20 feet agitated, air sparged tank providing approximately one-hour reaction time. Ammonium bi-sulphate, lime, and copper sulphate as a catalyst are added to the tank on a ratio control basis to achieve target weak acid dissociable (WAD) cyanide levels below five ppm. Routine picric acid analyses are used by operating personnel to maintain WAD cyanide in the INCO cyanide destruction tank discharge pulp at target levels.
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Following cyanide destruction, the plant tailings pulp is discharged to one of two lined TSF for consolidation and water recovery. Clarified decant pond solution is evaporated or returned to the mill process water tank for reuse in the plant.
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17.2. | Physical Mill Equipment |
The Midas Mill equipment list is shown in Table 17-1.
Table 17-1 Process Equipment Itemization by Area
Description | Number | Spare | Note | Description | Number | Spare | Note |
AREA 350 GRINDING | |||||||
BIN, MILL TROMMEL | 1 | HEATER, MILL FEED | 1 | 5 kW | |||
REJECTS | CONVEYOR GALLERY | ||||||
CS Construction, w/lift | w/fan | ||||||
lugs, 6.5' x 6.5' x 4' | |||||||
CHUTE, BALL | 1 | LAUNDER, MILL | 1 | ||||
TRANSFER | DISCHARGE | ||||||
CS, Rubber Lined | |||||||
CHUTE. FINE ORE BIN | 1 | PUMP BOX, CYCLONE FEED | 1 | ||||
DISCHARGE | 6' x 6' x 6', 1200 gal, CS, Rubber | ||||||
CS Plate Construction, | Lined | ||||||
AR Plate Lined | |||||||
CHUTE, FINE ORE | 1 | PUMP, CYLCONE FEED | 1 | 1 | 50 HP | ||
FEEDER DISCHARGE | 550 gpm, 4 x 3, Centrifugal | ||||||
CS Plate Construction, | Slurry, VFD, Rubber Lined CS | ||||||
AR Lined | |||||||
CHUTE, MILL FEED | 1 | SAMPLER, CYCLONE | 1 | 0.5 HP | |||
Includes ball charge | OVERFLOW | ||||||
attachment, CS | 223 gpm, single stage slurry | ||||||
Construction, AR Lined | cutter, CS Rubber Lined | ||||||
CHUTE, BALL | 1 | BELT SCALE, MILL FEED | 1 | ||||
DISCHARGE | 30 tph, 24", 4 idler weigh bridge | ||||||
CS Plate Construction, | |||||||
AR Plate Lined | |||||||
CHUTE, MILL | 1 | CYCLONE PACKAGE | 2 | ||||
TROMMEL COVER | 2 - DS15LB-1826 Cyclones, | ||||||
CS Plate Construction | radial manifold, w/ launders | ||||||
CHUTE, MILL | 1 | DUST COLLECTOR | 1 | 20 HP | |||
TROMMEL REJECTS | PACKAGE | ||||||
CS Plate Construction | PULSE Air, induction, 5000 | ||||||
cfm, 0.5 psi | |||||||
CONVEYOR, MILL | 1 | 7.5 HP | FEEDER, FINE ORE | 1 | 5 HP | ||
FEED | DISCHARGE | ||||||
30 tph, troughed rubber | Rotary Valve | ||||||
type, 36" width, 116' | |||||||
Length, 12' lift, 50 fpm | |||||||
FAN, FINE ORE | 2 | 1.0 HP | LUBE SYSTEM, BALL MILL | 2 | 5 kW | ||
LOWER BUILDING | Air operated, w/heater | ||||||
VENT 4000 cfm, | |||||||
Wall exhaust | |||||||
FEEDER, FINE ORE | 1 | 5.0 HP | MILL, BALL | 1 | 800 HP | ||
30 tph, 30" width, 29' | 10.5' Diameter, 14' Length, | ||||||
length, VFD | Rubber Lined | ||||||
AREA 410 LEACH |
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Description | Number | Spare | Note | Description | Number | Spare | Note |
Knelson gravity | CS 500 Acacia leach reactor | ||||||
concentrator, 20 inch | |||||||
AGITATOR, LEACH | 8 | 40 HP | SAMPLER, LEACH TAILS | 1 | 0.5 HP | ||
109" Diam., Dual | 330 gpm, Slurry Cutter | ||||||
Impellers, 8' sch 80 Shaft, | |||||||
292" Length, CS | |||||||
Construction, Rubber | |||||||
Lined | |||||||
FAN, PRE-LEACH | 1 | 0.5 HP | SCREEN, TRASH | 2 | 2.5 HP | ||
THICKENER VENT | 4' X 5', Vibrating | ||||||
3000 CFM @ 0.25 WG | |||||||
HEATER, PRE-LEACH | 1 | 35 HP | STANDPIPE, PRE-LEACH | 1 | |||
THICKENER VENT | THICKENER O/F 2.5' | ||||||
40,000 BTU, propane | Diam., 20' high, Open Top, CS | ||||||
Construction | |||||||
LAUNDER, LEACH, | 8 | PUMP BOX, CCD FEED | 1 | ||||
INTERTANK | SPLIT TO #1 AND #2 600 | ||||||
CS Construction, w/Gate | gal, 4X4X6' w/weirs, CS | ||||||
Construction, Rubber Lined | |||||||
LAUNDER, LEACH, | 7 | PUMP, PRE-LEACH | 1 | 7.5 HP | |||
INTERTANK bypass | THICKENER AREA SUMP | ||||||
CS Construction, w/Gate | 200 gpm, 2.5" Diam. Vertical | ||||||
Slurry, Rubber Lined | |||||||
AREA 410 LEACH | |||||||
PUMP BOX, LEACH | 1 | PUMP, LEACH THICKENER | 1 | 7.5 HP | |||
TAILS | AREA SUMP 200 gpm, 2.5" | ||||||
6' x 6' x 6', 1200 gal, CS, | Diam. Vertical Slurry, Rubber | ||||||
Rubber Lined | Lined | ||||||
PUMP, LEACH TAILS | 2 | 1 | 7.5 HP | TANK, LEACH | 8 | ||
327 gpm, 4X3, | 28' x 30', Open top, CS | ||||||
Centrifugal, CS Rubber | Construction | ||||||
Lined | |||||||
PUMP, PRE-LEACH | 1 | 1 | 15 HP | THICKENER, PRE-LEACH | 1 | 15 HP | |
THICKENER O/F | 59.5' Diameter, 19.5' Height, | ||||||
533 gpm, 3X4, | Feed well, All Gear, CS | ||||||
Centrifugal, CS | Construction | ||||||
Construction, Packed Seal | |||||||
PUMP, PRE-LEACH | 1 | 10 HP | |||||
THICKENER U/F | |||||||
330 gpm, 3X4, | |||||||
Centrifugal, CS | |||||||
Construction, Rubber | |||||||
Lined | |||||||
AREA 430 CCD THICKENING | |||||||
FAN, CCD ARE VENT | 4 | 1 HP | PUMP, CCD THICKENER U/F | 5 | 5 | 4.5 HP | |
6000 cfm, Wall Exhaust | ADVANCE | ||||||
160 gpm, 3X4, Centrifugal, CS | |||||||
Construction, Packed Seal |
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Description | Number | Spare | Note | Description | Number | Spare | Note |
HEATER, CCD ARE | 4 | 1 HP | SAMPLER, LEACH TAILS | 1 | 0.5 HP | ||
VENT | 330 gpm, Slurry Cutter | ||||||
20 MBH, Propane | |||||||
w/motor | |||||||
PUMP, LEACH CCD | 1 | 7.5 HP | STANDPIPE, CCD thickener | 5 | |||
AREA SUMP | 2.5' Diam., 20' high, Open Top, | ||||||
200 gpm, 2.5" Diam. | CS Construction | ||||||
Vertical Slurry, Rubber | |||||||
Lined | |||||||
PUMP, CCD | 5 | 1 | 7.5 HP | THICKENER, CCD | 5 | ||
THICKENER O/F | 42.5' Diam. 19.5' high, feed | ||||||
ADVANCE | well, all gear | ||||||
300 gpm, 3X4, | |||||||
Centrifugal, CS | |||||||
Construction, Packed Seal | |||||||
AREA 450 CYANIDE DESTRUCTION | |||||||
AGITATOR, CYANIDE | 1 | 125 HP | TANK, CYANIDE | 1 | |||
DESTRUCTION | DESTRUCTION | ||||||
121" Diam., Dual | 20' X 20', Open Top, CS | ||||||
Impellers, 10' sch 160 | Construction | ||||||
Shaft, 292" Length, CS | |||||||
Const., Rubber Lined | |||||||
SAMPLER, CYANIDE | 1 | 0.5 HP | |||||
DESTRUCTION | |||||||
200 gpm, Slurry Cutter | |||||||
AREA 470 TAILING HANDLING | |||||||
PUMP, TAILINGS | 1 | 10 HP | PIPE, TAILINGS | 800 ft | |||
DISTRUBUTION | 8" HDPE, SDR 11 | ||||||
420 gpm, 3X4, | |||||||
Centrifugal, CS | |||||||
Construction, Rubber | |||||||
Lined | |||||||
PUMP, CCD | 5 | 1 | 7.5 HP | PIPE, TAILINGS | 800 ft | ||
THICKENER U/F | 12" HDPE, SDR 11 | ||||||
ADVANCE | |||||||
160 gpm, 3X4, | |||||||
Centrifugal, CS | |||||||
Construction, Rubber | |||||||
Lined | |||||||
AREA 510 MERRILL CROWE | |||||||
FILTER, CLARIFYING | 1 | 1 HP | PUMP, PREGNANT | 1 | 1 | 30 HP | |
400 ft 2 , 210 gpm, 25 ppm | SOLUTION | ||||||
solids, 54" diam. X 8', | 600 gpm, 3X4, CS Construction | ||||||
flushing | |||||||
PUMP, BARREN | 1 | 1 | 15 HP | PUMP, FILTER FEED | 1 | 1 | 15 HP |
SOLUTION | 600 gpm, 3X4, CS Construction, | ||||||
600 gpm, 4X8, | flooded mechanical seal | ||||||
Centrifugal, CS | |||||||
Construction |
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Description | Number | Spare | Note | Description | Number | Spare | Note |
FEEDER, ZINC | 1 | TANK, DEAERATION | 1 | ||||
50 lb./hr | 3' Diam. X 20' high, 22 in. water | ||||||
vacuum | |||||||
AREA 550 REAGENTS | |||||||
PUMP, FLOCCULANT | 1 | 1.5 HP | PUMP, ABS METERING | 1 | 1 | ||
METERING | 75 gpm, Metering Type, | ||||||
2 gpm, Progressive Cavity | Mechanical Seal | ||||||
PUMP, FLOCCULANT | 5 | 1 HP | TANK, COPPER SULFATE | 1 | |||
METERING | STORAGE 2900 | ||||||
0.5 gpm, Progressive | gal, 8' Diameter X 9' high, | ||||||
Cavity | closed, SS Construction | ||||||
PUMP, REAGENT | 3 | 1 | 1 HP | FLOCCULANT PACKAGE, | 1 | 3 HP | |
METERING | SELF CONTAINED Includes | ||||||
25 gpm, Metering Type | Agitator, Blower, Bin Feeder, | ||||||
Mixer, Tanks, SS Construction | |||||||
AREA 650 UTILITIES | |||||||
PUMP, PROCESS | 1 | 125 HP | BLOWER, CYANIDE | 1 | 75 HP | ||
WATER | DETOXIFICATION | ||||||
1200 gpm, 6X8, CS | 1000 cfm, Rotary, Two Stage, | ||||||
Construction, Packed Seal | Intercooler, Filter Intake | ||||||
BLOWER, LEACH | 1 | 30 HP | |||||
TANK | |||||||
320 cfm @ 20 psig, | |||||||
Rotary, Two Stage, | |||||||
Intercooler, Filter Intake |
17.3. | Operation and Recoveries |
Fire Creek mineralization performs quite well under direct cyanidation with daily recoveries as high as 95.1% for gold and up to 95% for silver. The process performance is consistent with gold recovery having a standard deviation of less than two percent. Variances in gold recovery are due to the head grade and grind size, and do not appear to be associated with mineralized material type. The standard deviation of silver recovery is less than four percent with variance due to head grade, grind size, and clay content. Clay enriched mineralization often has higher silver to gold ratios and tend to present recovery difficulties. Recoveries occasionally fall outside the expected distribution because of plant or operating issues. The current grind is 85% passing through 200 mesh. The feasibility of producing a finer grind product to improve gold and silver recovery is currently under analysis by Klondex.
17.4. | Tailings Storage Capacity |
Newmont and Klondex have evaluated the potential for increasing TSF capacity. The remaining capacity in the existing Midas Phase 4/5 TSF is estimated to be 600,000 tons, as of year-end 2014. Two alternatives are available for increasing TSF capacity. The first would raise the existing embankment approximately four feet using an engineered retaining wall. This option would add approximately 400,000 tons capacity and is estimated to cost $1M. This option has the advantage of staying inside the existing TSF footprint and can be permitted with a minor modification to the existing plan of operations. The second option would involve new construction outside the existing TSF footprint. Permit modifications would likely take two to three years to secure. New TSF construction could be completed by early 2018. Klondex is proceeding with construction of the four-foot embankment raise.
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The 2012 performance of the TSF included evaporation of over 90 M gallons of water utilizing ten evaporator units.
Currently, 14 evaporators operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week during the peak evaporation season to assist in the evaporation of excess water in the TSF.
17.5. | Processing Costs |
Midas Mill operating costs for 2012 and to 2014 are summarized in Table 17-2.
Table 17- 2 Midas Mill Operating Costs
$/ton | Total Tonnage | |||||
Year | Budget | Actual | Variance | Budget | Actual | Variance |
2012 | $33.12 | $35.02 | $1.90 | 373,000 | 330,000 | -43,000 |
2013 | $35.49 | $39.05 | $3.56 | 255,600 | 207,600 | -48,000 |
2014 1 | $62.53 | $57.49 | -$5.04 | 174,425 | 171,818 | -2,607 |
Notes: | ||
1. | Klondex has only been the operator of the Midas Mill since February 19, 2014. Newmont was the prior operator. |
The elevated cost per ton for 2013 is likely the result of the inflexibility of fixed costs versus diminished throughput. If the total cash costs are divided by the budgeted tonnage, the average cash cost per ton would be US$32 per ton, which is more in line with the projected costs.
Future processing cost projections reflect 2014 consumption rates and pricing levels for reagents, and electrical power. Adequate water is available from onsite supply wells and the Midas Underground Mine.
17.6. | Production |
Doré is shipped to the refinery as 5,500-ounce bars that average approximately 3.94% gold and 90.1% silver plus minor constituents, including less than two percent selenium. Table 17-3 provides a monthly summary of the processing at the Midas Mill of mineralized material extracted at Fire Creek under the bulk sampling permit.
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Table 17-3 2014 Fire Creek Mineralized Material Processed at the Midas Mill
Feb. 1 | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | 2014 | |
Tons (000's) | 2.3 | 5.5 | 2.7 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 5.7 | 6.8 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 55.0 |
Au grade | 0.765 | 1.512 | 0.724 | 1.030 | 0.959 | 1.227 | 2.061 | 1.566 | 1.184 | 1.215 | 0.789 | 1.252 |
Ag grade | 0.77 | 1.51 | 0.56 | 0.75 | 0.69 | 1.04 | 1.82 | 1.77 | 1.37 | 1.44 | 0.95 | 1.21 |
feed Au oz (000's) | 1.8 | 8.3 | 1.9 | 5.9 | 5.7 | 7.0 | 12.6 | 8.9 | 8.0 | 5.6 | 3.2 | 68.8 |
feed Ag oz (000's) | 1.8 | 8.3 | 1.5 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 6.0 | 11.1 | 10.0 | 9.3 | 6.6 | 3.8 | 66.7 |
% Au Rec. | 94.7% | 94.5% | 99.9% | 89.9% | 92.7% | 94.8% | 95.7% | 93.1% | 93.8% | 95.1% | 91.8% | 94.1% |
% Ag Rec | 95.7% | 94.0% | 97.6% | 95.8% | 92.6% | 95.4% | 94.5% | 97.6% | 94.8% | 96.2% | 94.1% | 95.4% |
Au oz Rec (000's) | 1.7 | 7.8 | 2.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 6.6 | 12.0 | 8.3 | 7.5 | 5.3 | 2.9 | 64.7 |
Ag oz Rec (000's) | 1.7 | 7.8 | 1.6 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 5.7 | 10.5 | 9.8 | 8.8 | 6.4 | 3.6 | 63.7 |
Note: | ||
1. | Includes only production following the completion of the Midas purchase from Newmont on February 11, 2014. |
17.7. | Midas Mill Operating Permits |
The Midas Mill is currently operating under three Air Quality Operating Permits administered by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP) Bureau of Air Pollution Control and one Water Pollution Control Permit administered by the Nevada NDEP Bureau of Water Pollution Control. The permits are discussed in detail in Section 20.
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18. |
Project Infrastructure |
18.1. |
Road Access |
The Project is easily accessible from paved state highways and from a graded gravel mine access road. The main access passes through a small residential area for about two miles where the speed limit is reduced to minimize any potential impacts on the community. The gravel road can be occasionally impeded by mud in wet or snowy weather.
The state and county roads are well maintained in order to service the ranches and mines in Crescent Valley. Klondex provides some road maintenance assistance to Lander County.
18.2. | Power and Electrical Infrastructure |
A regional electrical transmission line runs two miles east of the Fire Creek Project. A substation was constructed in 2012 to service the Fire Creek Project. The power line joining the Fire Creek Project to the substation was completed in August 2013, eliminating the need to use generators to supply power for mine operation.
18.3. | Water Management and Water Treatment |
Klondex manages surface and underground water using a pond system, drainage ditches, and a water treatment plant (WTP). Surface water from precipitation events is diverted away from the Project infrastructure with a series of drainage ditches. Surface water within the disturbance areas is diverted to one of two ponds: the Stormwater Pond and the Dewatering Storage Pond. The ponds have a combined volume of approximately 4.7 million gallons (Figure 18-1). Klondex is commissioning two RIBs, which will also be included in the water management system. When completed, the RIBs are expected to have the capacity to infiltrate up to 3,000 gpm of water meeting the Profile I standard. Permit approval was obtained in June 2014.
Water from underground exploration operations that does not meet NDEP Profile I standards (Profile I) is pumped to the Dewatering Storage Pond, which holds a total capacity of approximately 2.8 million gallons. This water is treated through the WTP to meet the Profile I requirement. Brine reject solution from the WTP is stored in the Stormwater Pond, where it is evaporated or shipped off-site for disposal. Treated water from the WTP and water from underground that meets the Profile I standard can be managed in several ways: used for dust suppression on roads and during construction events; infiltrated in the RIBs; or used underground for mining activities.
Klondex has permitted and constructed an artesian well, PW-1, which can provide up to three gpm of fresh water to the Project. Klondex currently holds annual water rights for 283 acre-feet of water. A fire water tank is located above the facilities and gravity flows to hydrants located near the Project buildings.
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18.4. |
Communication Infrastructure |
Internet connectivity is provided by WesNet, via 11GHz licensed Microwave frequency, with a 20Mbps Direct Internet Access (DIA) connection. Cell phone coverage is provided by Verizon Wireless, and the signal is boosted by a Klondex provided network extender. 18.5.
18.5. | Site Infrastructure |
Project infrastructure is comprised of two large tented structures, heavy equipment parking areas, several mobile office units, several Conex mobile containers, and lay-down areas. The two-tented structures are used for maintenance of the mobile fleet and other production related equipment. The east bay is designated the mechanical shop. The west bay is divided into an area for lubrication and a wash bay. Several Conex containers and outbuildings are used for storing parts and tools near the maintenance buildings. The electric storage area and diesel storage area are also located near the maintenance building Figure 18-1.
The engineering and geology offices, security, and staff dry area are in mobile office units with light vehicle parking areas in front. These buildings are connected to non-potable water pipelines and septic system. The core logging facility is a 1,000 square foot (sf) plasticized-canvas covered outbuilding with overhead lights and propane heater located beside a core lay down area of about 500 sf. The core splitting facility is housed next to the core logging facility in a mobile Conex container.
In addition to the offices, there are areas designated for septic leach field, waste rock dump, WTP, sediment control ditches, and re-vegetated stockpiles.
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19. |
Market Studies and Contracts |
19.1. |
Precious Metal Markets |
Gold and silver markets are mature with reputable smelters and refiners located throughout the world. Following several years of increases, gold and silver prices began declining in 2012. As of December 2014, the 36-month trailing average gold price was $1,449 per ounce, the 24-month trailing average price was $1,339 while the monthly average had dropped to $1,202. The silver price trend shows similar behavior and both are shown in Figure 19-1.
19.2. | Contracts |
As part of normal mining activities, Klondex has entered into contracts with several mining industry suppliers and contractors. The terms of these agreements are customary for mines in the area.
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19.3. | Project Financing |
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into the Gold Purchase Agreement with Franco-Nevada GLW Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of FNC, pursuant to which the Company raised proceeds of $33,763,640 in consideration for the delivery of an aggregate of 38,250 ounces of gold on a monthly basis over a five-year period ending on December 31, 2018. Under the terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement, the Company is required to make gold deliveries at the end of each month, with the first delivery due on June 30, 2014. Gold deliveries will cease when the delivery of 38,250 ounces of gold is completed on December 31, 2018. The annualized delivery schedule is shown in Table 19-1.
Table 19-1 FNC Gold Delivery Schedule
Year | Gold Ounces |
2014 | 6,750 |
2015 | 7,500 |
2016 | 8,000 |
2017 | 8,000 |
2018 | 8,000 |
Total | 38,250 |
The Company's obligations under each of the Gold Purchase Arrangement and the Companys concurrent debt financing (the 2014 Debt Financing) are secured against all of the assets and property of the Company and its subsidiaries. The security granted for the performance of the Company's obligations under the 2014 Debt Financing and the Gold Purchase Arrangement rank pari-passu.
On February 12, 2014, the Company entered into a royalty agreement (the FC Royalty Agreement) with Franco-Nevada US, a subsidiary of FNC, and KGS, pursuant to which KGS raised proceeds of US$1,018,050 from the grant to Franco-Nevada US of a 2.5% NSR royalty for all Fire Creek production beginning January 1, 2019.
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20. | Environmental Studies, Permitting and Social or Community Impact |
Klondex conducts mineral exploration activities in compliance with all applicable environmental protection legislation. Klondex is unaware of any existing environmental issues or compliance problems that have the potential to impede production at the Fire Creek Project. Klondex is working closely with both state and federal regulators to ensure that the permitting and compliance strategies are acceptable and will not cause delays in production or mine development. Klondex has a strong cultural resource preservation program, which allows a third party archeologist time to review potential areas of new disturbance. At this time, there are no community or social impact issues regarding work being completed at the Project.
20.1. |
Environmental Compliance and Monitoring |
As required by the environmental operational permits (see Table 19-1), Klondex prepares quarterly and annual reports which are submitted to regulators. Compliance information included in these reports is based primarily on permit requirements and limitations. Permit limits and associated monitoring requirements are specified as a part of each permit. 20.1.1.
20.1.1 Waste Rock Disposal Facility |
Initial humidity cell test work results indicate that a portion of the waste rock removed from the mine will have the potential to degrade waters of the State of Nevada. As a result of mine expansion, Klondex is relocating the waste rock disposal facility, and the new facility design will include waste rock staging to ensure that any material that has potential to degrade water of the state is segregated from non-acid generating materials and engineered to alleviate any acid drainage problem.
20.1.2. Other Environmental Issues |
At this time, Klondex does not anticipate construction or operation of any processing facilities. Heap leaching, tailings management, or other processing components are not included as part of the permitting strategy and not part of the resource.
20.2. |
Reclamation Bond Estimate |
Klondexs last amendment to the Reclamation Bond Estimate (RCE) to include construction and operation of the RIBs was received in February 2014. The total of the RCE is calculated using the Standard Reclamation Cost Estimator (SRCE), which is adjusted annually for inflation. The SRCE was developed in a cooperative effort between the NDEP, Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation, BLM, and the Nevada Mining Association to facilitate accuracy, completeness, and consistency in the calculation of costs for mine site reclamation. Klondex is required to update the total RCE for Fire Creek every three years. The next RCE update is scheduled for 2016.
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RCE costs for reclamation currently include the following categories: roads; exploration roads and drill pads; waste rock repository; RIBs; ponds; electrical infrastructure; building and equipment; adit and vent raise plugging; re-vegetation; and contractor management. The total RCE was approved by BLM and NDEP in the first quarter of 2014 for a total cost to construct of approximately $1.7 million dollars.
Klondex also maintains a second statewide bond for archeological conservation. This bond, totaling $119,284, was implemented to facilitate a treatment plan as required by Nevada State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) pursuant to 36CFR 800, regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation ACT (NHPA), 16 U.S.C. § 470f. The treatment plan will include, but not be limited to, mitigation of archaeological sites, artifact processing, writing final report of findings, and curation of artifacts.
20.3. |
Major Permitting and Approvals |
The major operational permits and a brief summary of the requirement for each permit are outlined in Table 19-1 below.
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Table 20-1 Fire Creek Project Significant Permits
Permit | Permit Number | Agency | Permit Type and Explanation |
Environmental
Assessment and Plan of Operations |
NVN-079769 | BLM | Plan of Operations is required for all mining and processing activities and exploration exceeding 5 acres of disturbance. BLM approves plan and determines the required environmental studies, usually an environmental assessment or an environmental impact study based on the requirements outline in the National Environmental Policy Act. |
Record of Decision | BLM | A Record of Decision (ROD) in the United States is the formal decision document which is recorded for the public. | |
Water Pollution Control
Permit (Operations) |
NEV2007104 | NDEP, BMRR | Mines operating in the State of Nevada are generally required to meet a zero discharge performance standard. A WPCP is required for the extraction of mineralized material. A separate permit may be issued for certain activities at a specific facility, such as rapid infiltration. |
Water Pollution Control
Permit (Infiltration) |
NEV2013102 | NDEP, BMRR | Water Pollution Control Permit for infiltration of water from the underground mine operations. This permit is still in the approval process. |
Water Rights |
28637, 77002,
77003, 75129 |
NDWR | Water rights are issued by the Nevada Division of Water Resources based on Nevada water law which issues permits based on prior appropriation and beneficial use. Prior appropriation (also known as "first in time, first in right") allows for the orderly use of the state's water resources by granting priority to parties with senior water rights. This concept ensures the senior uses are protected, even as new uses for water are allocated. |
Reclamation Permit | #0241 | NDEP, BMRR | Summarizes reclamation activities and associated costs. Ensures land disturbed by mining activities are reclaimed to safe and stable conditions to promote safe and stable post-mining land use. A permit is required for any disturbance over 5 acres. The RCE is financially secured with a posted security. The posted surety amount provides assurance that reclamation will be pursuant to the approved reclamation plan. |
Air Quality Permit | AP1041-2774 | NDEP, BAPC | An owner or operator of any proposed stationary source must submit an application for and obtain an appropriate operating permit before commencing construction or operation. Class II Air Permit - Typically for facilities that emit less than 100 tons per year for any one regulated pollutant and emit less than 25 tons per year total HAP and emit less than 10 tons per year of any one HAP. |
Storm Water Permit | NVR300000 | NDEP, BWPC | General storm water discharges associated with activities from metal mining activities. Regulates storm water runoff from waste rock storage piles, roads, and cleared areas. Typical pollutants include suspended solids and minerals eroded from exposed surfaces. |
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20.4. |
Future Permitting |
Klondex has an approved plan of operations with the BLM covering their current exploration activities at the Project. Klondex received approval to an amendment to the Plan of Operations and Reclamation permits (NVN-07976 and Reclamation Permit 0028) which allows Klondex to construct and operate several RIBs. Klondex received approval for the Water Pollution Control Permit for the RIBs (WPCP2013102), issued in February 2014. In addition, Klondex has initiated a baseline data collection program to ensure that enough data is collected to be sufficient for additional permitting necessities.
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21 . |
Capital and Operating Costs |
21.1. |
Capital Costs |
Life of Mine (LOM) constant dollar capital expenditures are detailed in Table 21-1. Project development comprises over 61% of total capital requirements; mine equipment 28%; site facilities six percent, and environmental projects five percent. Owner operated mine development unit costs, for similarly sized excavations in north Nevada, are shown in Table 21-2. The remainder of the capital costs are from Klondex’s 2014 capital budget.
Table 21-1 Capital Costs
Table 21 -2 Underground Development Unit Costs
Unit | |||
Width | Height | Cost | |
Description | (ft) | (ft) | ($/ft) |
Primary Capital Drifting | 14 - 15 | 15 - 17 | $1,350 |
Secondary Capital Drifting | 14 | 14 | $1,350 |
Raising | 10 | 10 | $2,000 |
21.2. |
Operating Costs and Cutoff Grade |
LOM operating costs are presented in Table 21-3 below. Unit mining costs are based on actual costs incurred at Fire Creek in 2014. These costs have been adjusted to the planned mining rate where appropriate. The weighted average cost is based on the LOM quantities in each category. Haulage costs to Midas are based on actual costs incurred by the Company and paid to a local contractor during 2014.
Table 21-3 Operating Costs
Description | Unit Cost | Unit |
Mining | ||
Production Stoping | $140.00 | /ton |
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Description | Unit Cost | Unit | |
5 x 11 Stope Development Drift | $215.00 | /ton | |
Backfill | $30.00 | /ton | |
Cellular Backfill | $235.00 | ||
Average Mining Cost | $218.36 | /ton | |
Transportation, Processing and G&A | |||
Haulage Fire Creek to Midas | $32.66 | /ton | |
Processing - Fixed Cost | $16,733 / Process Rate (tpd) | $66.92 | /ton |
- Variable Cost | $26.18 | /ton | |
Site Administration and G&A | $15 900 / Mineral Reserves Mining Rate (tpd) | $115.49 | /ton |
Total | $459.61 | /ton |
Processing costs include fixed and variable components. Appling these to the 2014 actual tonnage processed predicts a total cost of $61.24 per ton. Actual costs for 2014 averaged $57.49 per ton or six percent below the predicted cost. The processing rate used for the cost estimate and cash flow estimate is based only on the reserves mine plans for the Fire Creek Project and the Midas Mine and does not include any toll milling or other sources of plant feed.
Site administration costs are based on actual Fire Creek cost reporting for the later part of 2014. These costs include surface support, environmental, land, legal and other costs allocated to the Project. These costs are treated as 100% fixed and amount to $477,000 per month.
Using the operating costs and parameters above, cut-off grades were calculated at varying gold prices. These are shown in Table 21-4 and Figure 21-1 Cutoff Grade Sensitivity to Gold Price. The incremental cut-off represents the required minimum grade of mineralization to be profitable to process after it has been mined and transported to the surface. Mineralization from development excavations is included in the LOM plan if it exceeds the incremental cut off since processing the incremental material improves the Project cash flow over the alternative of sending this material to the waste dump.
Table 21-4 Cut-off Grade Calculation
Gold | Silver | ||
Metal Sales Price | $/Ounce | $1,000 | $15.83 |
Refining and Sales Expense | $/Ounce | Included in Milling | |
Royalty | 1% | ||
Metallurgical Recovery | 94% | 92% | |
Operating Costs | |||
Ore Haulage (Portal to Mill) | $/ton | $32.66 |
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Direct Processing | $/ton | $93.10 | |
Administration and Overhead | $/ton | 115.49 | |
Mining | $/ton | $218.37 | |
Total | $/ton | $459.62 | |
Gold Equivalent | 1 | 64.54 | |
Unplanned Dilution | 10% | ||
Incremental Cut Off Grade | 0.259 | ||
Cut-off Grade | Eq. opt | 0.494 | |
Minimum Mining Width | feet | 4 | |
Grade Thickness cut-off | Eq. opt-ft. | 2.173 |
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22 . |
Economic Analysis |
The LOM plan and technical and economic projections in the LOM plan model include forward looking statements that are not historical facts and are required in accordance with the reporting requirements of the Canadian Securities Administrators. These forward-looking statements are estimates and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially.
The estimates of capital and operating costs have been developed specifically for the Project and are summarized in Section 21. These costs are derived from actual mine and process operating experience for the Project during 2014 and where appropriate include adjustments applicable to the planned production rates.
The cash flow estimate includes only costs, taxes and other factors applicable to the project and corporate obligations, financing costs, and taxes are excluded. The cash flow estimate includes 35% Federal income tax after appropriate deductions for depreciation and depletion. No consideration has been given for carry forward losses incurred prior to 2015. Nevada does not impose an income tax but does levy a net proceeds tax equal to 5% of the net operating income with some allowances for depreciation of property plant and equipment. The net proceeds tax does not allow a depletion deduction.
Future reclamation costs have been prepaid through reclamation bonding requirements of the BLM and NDEP. These bonds are considered adequate to fund future reclamation liabilities.
22.1. | Life of Mine Plan and Economics |
Constant dollar cash flow analysis of the reserves production and development plan shown in Table 16-4 is presented in the income and cash flow statements of Table 22-1 and Table 22-2, respectively. Table 22-3 lists the life of mine key operating and financial indicators. The grade of the Fire Creek resources and the low capital requirements facilitated with the addition of the Midas Mine and Mill to Klondex’s project portfolio combine to produce a short 0.5 -year capital payback period and an impressive 5.0 profitability index (PI) calculated with a 10% discount rate. PI is the ratio of payoff to investment of a proposed project. It is a useful tool for ranking projects because it allows you to quantify the amount of value created per unit of investment. A profitability index of 1 indicates break even. Calculation of an internal rate of return (IRR) is indeterminate due to the positive cash flow projected to be achieved in each year of the project. Royalties incurred during the LOM plan include the advance minimum royalty payments to third party lessors and the one percent royalty to Waterton under the Gold Supply Agreement as discussed in Section 4.3. The mine plan ends prior to the 2 ½% royalty taking effect as specified in the FC Royalty Agreement with Franco-Nevada US. None of the planned production is from holdings subject to NSR royalties nor will it transit through holdings subject to wheelage royalties.
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Table 22-1 Income Statement 2015 2018 ($000s)
Year | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Total |
Income Statement (000's) | |||||
Revenue | |||||
Gold Sales | $45,455.3 | $75,625.5 | $54,964.6 | $48,362.3 | $224,407.7 |
Silver Sales | $477.4 | $857.4 | $629.3 | $543.1 | $2,507.3 |
Total Revenue | $45,932.7 | $76,482.9 | $55,593.9 | $48,905.4 | $226,915.0 |
Operating Costs | |||||
Ore Mining | ($10,304.3) | ($11,044.8) | ($5,414.8) | ($3,910.3) | ($30,674.2) |
Backfill | ($1,619.3) | ($3,919.9) | ($1,287.8) | ($476.2) | ($7,303.1) |
Expensed Waste | ($1,522.0) | ($1,064.0) | $0.0 | $0.0 | ($2,586.1) |
Surface Ore Haulage Portal to Mill | ($1,723.9) | ($2,167.5) | ($1,263.2) | ($912.2) | ($6,066.8) |
Processing | ($3,329.0) | ($4,898.3) | ($3,767.0) | ($5,299.3) | ($17,293.6) |
Site General Administration & Overhead | ($5,724.0) | ($5,724.0) | ($5,724.0) | ($4,281.2) | ($21,453.2) |
Total Operating | ($24,222.4) | ($28,818.6) | ($17,456.7) | ($14,879.3) | ($85,377.0) |
General & Administrative | |||||
Refining & Sales (Included with Processing Costs) | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Royalty | ($459.3) | ($764.8) | ($555.9) | ($489.1) | ($2,269.1) |
Nevada Net Proceeds Tax | ($1,034.5) | ($2,301.3) | ($1,833.1) | ($1,630.9) | ($6,799.8) |
Total Cash Cost | ($25,716.3) | ($31,884.7) | ($19,845.8) | ($16,999.2) | ($94,446.0) |
EBITA | $20,216.4 | $44,598.2 | $35,748.2 | $31,906.2 | $132,469.0 |
Reclamation Accrual (UOP) | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Depreciation | ($2,273.2) | ($6,417.3) | ($5,160.1) | ($4,540.2) | ($18,390.8) |
Total Cost | ($27,989.5) | ($38,302.0) | ($25,005.8) | ($21,539.5) | ($112,836.8) |
Pre-Tax Income | $17,943.2 | $38,180.9 | $30,588.1 | $27,366.0 | $114,078.2 |
Income Tax | ($3,917.8) | ($9,433.1) | ($7,849.4) | ($7,064.7) | ($28,265.1) |
Net Income | $14,025.4 | $28,747.8 | $22,738.7 | $20,301.2 | $85,813.1 |
Table 22-2 Cash Flow Statement 2015 2019 ($000s)
Year | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Total |
Net Income | $14,025.4 | $28,747.8 | $22,738.7 | $20,301.2 | $0.0 | $85,813.1 |
Depreciation | $2,273.2 | $6,417.3 | $5,160.1 | $4,540.2 | $0.0 | $18,390.8 |
Reclamation | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
Working Capital (6 weeks) | ($2,967.3) | ($711.7) | $1,389.1 | $328.4 | $1,961.4 | $0.0 |
Operating Cash Flow | $13,331.4 | $34,453.3 | $29,287.9 | $25,169.9 | $1,961.4 | $104,203.9 |
Capital Costs |
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Year | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Total |
MACRS Equipment | ($2,200.0) | ($2,000.0) | ($932.3) | $0.0 | $0.0 | ($5,132.3) |
Capitalized Development | ($7,059.3) | ($4,235.8) | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | ($11,295.1) |
Mine Capital | ($1,963.5) | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | ($1,963.5) |
Total Capital | ($11,222.8) | ($6,235.8) | ($932.3) | $0.0 | $0.0 | ($18,390.8) |
Net Cash Flow | $2,108.6 | $28,217.6 | $28,355.6 | $25,169.9 | $1,961.4 | $85,813.1 |
Cumulative Cash Flow | $2,108.6 | $30,326.2 | $58,681.7 | $83,851.7 | $85,813.1 |
Table 22-3 Key Operating and After Tax Financial Statistics
Material Mined and Processed (kt) | 186 |
Avg. Gold Grade (opt) | 1.327 |
Avg. Silver Grade (opt) | 0.96 |
Contained Gold (koz) | 237.0 |
Contained Silver (koz) | 171 |
Avg. Gold Metallurgical Recovery | 94% |
Avg. Silver Metallurgical Recovery | 92% |
Recovered Gold (koz) | 224.4 |
Recovered Silver (koz) | 158 |
Reserve Life (years) | 3.8 |
Operating Cost ($/ton) | $460 |
Cash Cost ($/oz) 1. | $410 |
Total Cost ($/oz) 1. | $492 |
Gold Price ($/oz) | $1,000.00 |
Silver Price ($/oz) | $15.83 |
Capital Costs ($ Millions) | $18.4 |
Payback Period (Years) | 0.5 |
Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $85.80 |
5% Discounted Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $78.10 |
10% Discounted Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $71.40 |
Profitability Index (10%) 2. | 5.0 |
Internal Rate of Return | NA |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Net of byproduct credits; |
|
2. |
Profitability index (PI) is the ratio of payoff to investment of a proposed project. It is useful for ranking project as a measure of the amount of value created per unit of investment. A PI of 1 indicates break even. |
22.2. |
Sensitivity Analysis |
The Project’s net present value at five percent and 10% (NPV) and profitability index from the cash flow model presented above were analysed for sensitivity to variations in revenue, operating and capital cost assumptions. This analysis is presented graphically in Figure 22-1 through Figure 22-3 below. These graphs demonstrate the economic resilience of the Project by maintaining profitability with up to 40% unfavorable variances of any one of the three categories.
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22.3. |
Adjusted Plan at $1,200 Gold |
In addition to the price sensitivities discussed above, an additional case was evaluated which included adjustment of the LOM to reflect the increase in gold price to $1,200 per ounce. Contained gold ounces in the adjusted plan increased by 13,000 ounces and undiscounted cash flow increased by $30.6M. The results of this additional sensitivity are summarized in Table 22-4.
Table 22-4 Key Operating and Financial Statistics for $1,200 Plan
Material Mined and Processed (kt) | 224 |
Avg. Gold Grade (opt) | 1.12 |
Avg. Silver Grade (opt) | 0.80 |
Contained Gold (koz) | 250 |
Contained Silver (koz) | 179 |
Avg. Gold Metallurgical Recovery | 94% |
Avg. Silver Metallurgical Recovery | 92% |
Recovered Gold (koz) | 235 |
Recovered Silver (koz) | 165 |
Reserve Life (years) | 3.8 |
Operating Cost ($/ton) | $416 |
Cash Cost ($/oz) 1. | $435 |
Total Cost ($/oz) 1. | $535 |
Gold Price ($/oz) | $1,200.00 |
Silver Price ($/oz) | $19.00 |
Capital Costs ($ Millions) | $18.4 |
Payback Period (Years) | 0.5 |
Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $116.4 |
5% Discounted Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $105.7 |
10% Discounted Cash Flow ($ Millions) | $96.6 |
Profitability Index (10%) 2. | 5.3 |
Internal Rate of Return | NA |
Notes: | ||
1. |
Net of byproduct credits; |
|
2. |
Profitability index (PI) is the ratio of payoff to investment of a proposed project. It is useful for ranking project as a measure of the amount of value created per unit of investment. A PI of 1 indicates break even. |
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23. |
Other Relevant Data and Information |
The authors are not aware of any other relevant data and information having bearing on the Fire Creek mineral resource estimate or mineral reserve estimate or ongoing exploration or operations.
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24. |
Interpretation and Conclusions |
24.1. |
Conclusions |
The Project is a modern, mechanized narrow vein mine. Only the mineralized veins accessible from main development have been defined to a sufficient level of detail to declare reserves. Additional potential exists to extend reserves along strike in both directions as underground access is developed. As the footprint of the mine grows and the number of available mining areas grows with it, it is expected that the mining rate can be increased and that cost reductions can be realized through economies of scale.
The conventional Merrill Crowe mill facility at Midas is an efficient, well-maintained modern mineral processing plant capable of processing 1,200 tpd. The plant is capable of operating with a minimum crew compliment resulting in cost reductions when operated at capacity. The underutilized capacity can accept increased mine production from the Fire Creek Project or the Midas Mine as well as third party processing agreements.
Capital requirements for the Project are minimal. Ongoing mine development comprises the majority of capital costs and the ability to access multiple veins from common development greatly reduces the unit cost per ounce.
Based on the assumptions described herein, and in the opinion of the authors of this Technical Report, the high grade reserves in the Project mine plan are expected to provide a high return and sustain profitable operations with up to 40% adverse variations in metal prices, operating or capital costs. The total cost per ounce including capital expenditures and net of byproduct sales is expected to be less than $500 per ounce.
24.2. |
Project Risks |
Table 24-1 presents the significant risks identified by the Qualified Person that have potential to impact the Fire Creek Project.
Table 24-1 Potential Project Risks
Risk | Potential Impact | Mitigating Measures | Opportunities |
Mine and/or mill operating costs greater than planned | Lower cash flow | Convert Inferred Mineral Resource to Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources near planned mining areas | Additional work areas allow an increase in production rate and achieves economies of scale |
Stope dilution greater than anticipated | Production cost increase and loss of resource | Employ alternative mining methods and/or increase cutoff grade | Dilution can contain mineralization and could aid in obtaining economies of scale. |
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25. |
Recommendations |
1. |
Exploration: Underground drilling should continue in the veins identified near the current development workings to increase the level of confidence in these veins to an indicated classification. The decline should be advanced to provide an underground drill platform from which to drill the veins in the North and Far North Zones. While the decline is being advanced, additional drilling in this area can be completed from surface to refine the vein targets. |
|
2. |
Definition Drilling: Rib sampling has limited value and should continue to be supplemented by drilling shallow ten to 20-foot deep holes into the rib with the Termite drill or hand held drills and sample the drill cuttings. This sampling method will add a third dimension to the potential wall rock mineralization. These costs are included in mine operation costs estimates. |
|
3. |
Stope Planning: Compete the drift and fill stopes currently underway, and new areas should be set up for long hole stoping. The use of short probe holes discussed above should provide the planning engineers enough detail to efficiently design stopes with minimal loss of mineralization. |
|
4. |
Rapid Infiltration Basin Commissioning: In order to reduce delays caused by intercepting perched water, the RIBs and water handling systems need to be functioning at capacity. |
|
5. |
Geologic Database Administration: All of the Project data collected to date including drill samples, channel samples and QA/QC samples need to be stored and archived in a permanent and indelible manner. The system software for this system has been procured, but a full time data base administrator has not been selected. |
|
6. |
QAQC: Timely follow-up for QAQC assay deviations and re-assay requests needs to be aggressively pursued. This should become an automated process once the database is up and running. |
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Table 25-1 Recommendation Estimated Costs
Description | Estimated Costs (000's) |
Phase I | |
Rapid infiltration Basin Commissioning | $368 |
Geologic Database Administration | $50 |
Definition Drilling | Definition and planning |
Stope Planning | costs are included in the |
project operating costs. | |
Phase II | |
Exploration | $11,250 |
QA/QC | Enhanced QA/QC costs |
are included in the | |
sample assaying costs for | |
exploration |
Note: | ||
1. |
Phase II recommendations are not contingent on Phase I recommendations and could occur concurrently with Phase I recommendations. |
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26. |
Bibliography |
Anderson, R., 2013, Stratigraphy of the Fire Creek low sulfidation Au deposit Preliminary Report : Klondex Gold and Silver Mining Company internal document, 39 p.
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, May 10, 2014, CIM Definition Standards For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves , 9 p.
Colgan, J., Heny, C. & John, D., 2014, Evidence for large-magnitude, post-Eocene extension in the northern Shoshone Rane, Nevada, and its implications for the structural setting of Carlin-Type gold deposits in the lower plate of the Roberts Mountains allochthon : Economic Geology, v. 109, p. 1843-1862.
Cooke, D. & Simmons, S., 2000, Characteristics and genesis of epithermal gold deposits : Society of Economic Geologists Reviews, v. 13, p. 221-244.
Crider J., 2001, Oblique slip and the geometry of normal-fault linkage: mechanics and a case study from the Basin and Range in Oregon : Journal of Structural Geology, v. 23, p. 1997-2009.
Crowl, W. J. (2011, May 31). NI 43-101 Technical Report, Pinson Project, Humboldt County, Nevada. Edmondo, G., 1996, Fire Creek Project : North Mining, Inc. internal report, 30 p.
Erwin, T. P. (2013, November 27). Mineral Status Report for Klondex Gold and Silver Mining Company - Project King, File NO. 52591.004.
Gilluly, J. & Gates, O., 1965, Tectoic and igneous geology of the northern Shoshone Range, Nevada : Geological Survey Professional Paper 465, 153 p.
Graf, G. (2013, January 13). Midas 2011 - 2012 Surface Exploration Report. Newmont Internal Memorandum. Hedenquist, J., Arribas, A. & Gonzalez-Urien, E., 2000, Exploration for epithermal gold deposits : Society of Economic Geologists Reviews, v. 13, p. 245-277.
Henry, C., 2013, email to R. Anderson.
Hodenquist, J.W., and Lowenstern,J.B., The Role of Magmas in the Formation of Hydrothermal Ore DepositsNature, v 370, p 519-527.
John, D., 2014, discussion with J. Milliard
John, D. A. (2003). Geologic Setting and Genesis of the Mule Canyon Low-Sulfidation Epithermal Gold-Silver Deposit, North-Central Nevada. Economic Geology, 98, 424-463.
John, D. & Wallace, A., 2000, Epithermal gold-silver deposits related to the Northern Nevada Rift , in: Cluer, J., Price, J., Struhsacker, E., Hardyman, R. & Morris, C., eds., Geology and Ore Deposits 2000: The Great Basin and Beyond: Geological Society of Nevada Symposium Proceedings, May 15-18, 2000 , p. 155-175.
John, D., Brunner, J., Saderholm, E. & Fleck, R., 2000a, Geology of the Mule Canyon gold-silver deposit, Lander County, Nevada , in: Cluer, J., Price, J., Struhsacker, E., Hardyman, R. & Morris, C., eds., Geology and Ore Deposits 2000: The Great Basin and Beyond: Geological Society of Nevada Symposium Proceedings, May 15-18, 2000 , p. 119-134.
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John, D., Wallace, A., Ponce, D., Fleck, R. & Conrad, J., 2000b, New perspectives on the geology and origin of the Northern Nevada Rift , in: Cluer, J., Price, J., Struhsacker, E., Hardyman, R. & Morris, C., eds., Geology and Ore Deposits 2000: The Great Basin and Beyond: Geological Society of Nevada Symposium Proceedings, May 15-18, 2000 , p. 127-154.
John, D. & Wrucke, C., 2003, Geologic map of the Mule Canyon Quadrangle, Lander County, Nevada , Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Map 144.
Kamenov, G., Saunders, J., Hames, W. & Unger, D., 2007, Mafic magmas as sources for gold in middle Miocene epithermal deposits of the northern Great Basin, United States: Evidence from Pb isotope compositions of native gold : Economic Geology, v. 102, n. 7, p. 1191-1195.
Kassos, G. & Marma, J., in prep., Fire Creek: Nevadas next high-grade gold project : Geological Society of Nevada 2015 Symposium Program with Abstracts.
Kiska Metals Corporation, 2014, The Colorback and Hilltop Properties: Carlin-style systems in the Battle Mountain-Eureka Trend, Nevada : Executive Summary Report, 19 p.
Klondex Mines Ltd. (2013, December 4). Final Disclosure Schedules to Stock Purchase Agreement.
Leavitt, E. D., Spell, T. L., Goldstrand, P. M., & Arehart, G. B. (2004, December 1). Geochronology of the Midas Low-Sulfidation Epithermal Gold-Silver Deposit, Elko County, Nevada. Econoomic Geology, 99(8), 1665-1686.
Martini, Josepph, SRK Consulting (2014, February). Midas Mine and Mill Reclamation Cost Adequacy, Report for Klondex Mines Ltd.
McPhie, J., Doyle, M. & Allen, R., 1993, Volcanic Textures: A guide to the interpretation of textures in volcanic rocks : University of Tasmania Center for Ore Deposit and Exploration Studies, 196 p.
McMillin, S. & Milliard, J., 2013, Exploration and geology of the Fire Creek deposit, Lander County, Nevada, presented at the November, 2013 Geological Society of Nevada Elko/Winnemucca joint meeting.
Milliard, J., Marma, J. & Kassos, G., in prep., A field trip guide for the Fire Creek Deposit - Nevadas new high-grade gold project , in: 2015 Geological Society of Nevada Symposium Pre-Meeting Field Trip: Epithermal deposits of northern Nevada .
Newmont Mining Corporation. (2010). Internal Test Parameters Memorandum.
Newmont Mining Corporation. (2013, December). http://www.newmont.com/our-investors/reserves-and-resources.
Odell, M. A., Symmes, L., Bull, S., and Swanson, K., July 24, 2014, Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, Amended, NI 43-101 Technical Report, 218 p.
Odell, M. A. (2013). NI 43-101 Technical Report, Fire Creek Exploration Project, Lander County, Nevada. NI 43-101 Technical Report.
Pierce, K. & Morgan, L., 1992, The track of the Yellowstone hotspot: Volcanism, faulting and uplift , in: Link, P., Kuntz, M. & Platt, L., eds., Regional geology of eastern Idaho and western Wyoming : Geological Society of America Memoir 179, p. 1-53.
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Ponce, D. A. (2008, February). A Prominent Geophysical Feature Along the Northern Nevada Rift and its Geologic Implications, North-Central Nevada. Geosphere, 4(1), 207-217.
Postlethwaite, C. (2011, December 19). Progress Report of The 20011 Midas District Mapping and Structural Analysis. Newmont Internal Report.
Raven, W., Ullmer, E. & Hawthorn, G., 2011, Updated technical report and resource estimation on the Fire Creek gold property, Lander Co., Nevada : NI 43-101 technical report filed on SEDAR Sept. 12, 2011.
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Saunders, J. A. (2006). Geochronology of Volcanic-Hosted Low-Sulfidation Au-Ag Deposits, Winnemucca-Sleeper Mine Area, Northern Great Basin, USA. US Geological Survey.
Simmons, S., White, N. & John, D., 2005, Geological characteristics of epithermal precious and base metal deposits : Economic Geology 100 th Anniversary Volume, p. 485-522.
Theodore, T., Armstrong, A., Harris, A., Stevens, C. & Tosdal, R., 1998, Geology of the terminus of the northern Carlin Trend , in: Tosdal, R., ed., 1998, Contributions to the gold metallogeny of northern Nevada : United States Geological Survey Open-File Report 98-338, p. 69-105.
Thompson, T., 2014, Mineralogy of the MLI3870 composites, Fire Creek, Nevada : McClelland Laboratories, Inc. internal report, 44 p.
Trudgill, B. & Cartwright, J., 1994, Relay-ramp forms and normal-fault linkages, Canyonlands national Park, Utah : Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 106, p. 1143-1157.
US Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Land Managment (BLM). (2013, March). Midas Underground Support Facilities Newmont Mining Corporation, Environmental Assesment.
Wallace, A. & John, D., 1998, New Studies of Tertiary volcanic rocks and mineral deposits, Northern Nevada Rift , in: Tosdal, R., ed., 1998, Contributions to the gold metallogeny of northern Nevada : United States Geological Survey Open-File Report 98-338, p. 264-278.
Watt, J. T., Glen, J. M., John, D. A., & Ponce, D. A. (2007, December). Three-dimensional Geologic Model of the Northern Nevada Rift and the Beowawe Geothermal System, North-Central Nevada. Geosphere, 3(6), 667-682.
White, N. & Hedenquist, J., 1995, Epithermal gold deposits: Styles, characteristics and exploration : Society of Economic Geologists Newsletter, n. 23.
Zoback, M. & Thompson, G., 1978, Basin and Range rifting in northern Nevada: Clues from a mid-Miocene rift and its subsequent offsets : Geology, v. 6, p. 111-116.
Zoback, M., McKee, E., Blakely, R. & Thompson, G., 1994, The northern Nevada rift: Regional tectono-magmatic relations and middle Miocene stress directions : Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 106, p. 371-382.
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Zoback, M., Anderson, R. & Thompson, G., 1981, Cainozoic evolution of the state of stress and style of tectonism of the Basin and Range Province of the western United States : Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, v. 300, p. 407-434.
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27. |
Glossary |
Assay: The chemical analysis of mineral samples to determine the metal content.
Asbuilt: (plural asbuilts), a field survey, construction drawing, 3D model, or other descriptive representation of an engineered design for underground workings.
Composite: Combining more than one sample result to give an average result over a larger distance.
Concentrate: A metal-rich product resulting from a mineral enrichment process such as gravity concentration or flotation, in which most of the desired mineral has been separated from the waste material in the ore.
Crushing: Initial process of reducing material size to render it more amenable for further processing.
Cut-off Grade (CoG): The grade of mineralized rock, which determines as to whether or not it is economic to recover its gold content by further concentration.
Dilution: Waste, which is unavoidably mined with ore.
Dip: Angle of inclination of a geological feature/rock from the horizontal.
Fault: The surface of a fracture along which movement has occurred.
Footwall: The underlying side of a mineralized body or stope.
Gangue: Non-valuable components of the ore.
Grade: The measure of concentration of valuable minerals within mineralized rock.
Hanging wall: The overlying side of a mineralized body or stope.
Haulage: A horizontal underground excavation which is used to transport mined rock.
Igneous: Primary crystalline rock formed by the solidification of magma.
Kriging: A weighted, moving average interpolation method in which the set of weights assigned to samples minimizes the estimation variance.
Level: A main underground roadway or passage driven along a level course to afford access to stopes or workings and to provide ventilation and a haulage way for the removal of broken rock.
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Lithological : Geological description pertaining to different rock types.
Milling : A general term used to describe the process in which the ore is crushed, ground and subjected to physical or chemical treatment to extract the valuable minerals in a concentrate or finished product.
Mineral/Mining Lease : A lease area for which mineral rights are held.
Mining Assets : The Material Properties and Significant Exploration Properties.
Sedimentary : Pertaining to rocks formed by the accumulation of sediments, formed by the erosion of other rocks.
Sill1 : A thin, tabular, horizontal to sub-horizontal body of igneous rock formed by the injection of magma into planar zones of weakness.
Sill2 : The floor of a mine passage way.
Stope : An underground excavation from which ore has been removed.
Stratigraphy : The study of stratified rocks in terms of time and space.
Strike : Direction of line formed by the intersection of strata surfaces with the horizontal plane, always perpendicular to the dip direction.
Sulfide : A sulfur bearing mineral.
Tailings : Finely ground waste rock from which valuable minerals or metals have been extracted.
Thickening : The process of concentrating solid particles in suspension.
Total Expenditure : All expenditures including those of an operating and capital nature.
Variogram : A plot of the variance of paired sample measurements as a function of distance and/or direction.
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Mineral Resources
Mineral Resources are sub-divided, in order of increasing geological confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured categories. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource. An Indicated Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than an Inferred Mineral Resource but has a lower level of confidence than a Measured Mineral Resource.
A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earths crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling.
Material of economic interest refers to diamonds, natural solid inorganic material, or natural solid fossilized organic material including base and precious metals, coal, and industrial minerals.
The term Mineral Resource covers mineralization and natural material of intrinsic economic interest which has been identified and estimated through exploration and sampling and within which Mineral Reserves may subsequently be defined by the consideration and application of Modifying Factors. The phrase reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction implies a judgment by the Qualified Person in respect of the technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospect of economic extraction. The Qualified Person should consider and clearly state the basis for determining that the material has reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. Assumptions should include estimates of cutoff grade and geological continuity at the selected cut-off, metallurgical recovery, smelter payments, commodity price or product value, mining and processing method and mining, processing and general and administrative costs. The Qualified Person should state if the assessment is based on any direct evidence and testing.
Interpretation of the word eventual in this context may vary depending on the commodity or mineral involved. For example, for some coal, iron, potash deposits and other bulk minerals or commodities, it may be reasonable to envisage eventual economic extraction as covering time periods in excess of 50 years. However, for many gold deposits, application of the concept would normally be restricted to perhaps 10 to 15 years, and frequently to much shorter periods of time.
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Inferred Mineral Resource
An Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity.
An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
An Inferred Mineral Resource is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate sampling techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. Inferred Mineral Resources must not be included in the economic analysis, production schedules, or estimated mine life in publicly disclosed Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility Studies, or in the Life of Mine plans and cash flow models of developed mines. Inferred Mineral Resources can only be used in economic studies as provided under NI 43-101.
There may be circumstances, where appropriate sampling, testing, and other measurements are sufficient to demonstrate data integrity, geological and grade/quality continuity of a Measured or Indicated Mineral Resource, however, quality assurance and quality control, or other information may not meet all industry norms for the disclosure of an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource. Under these circumstances, it may be reasonable for the Qualified Person to report an Inferred Mineral Resource if the Qualified Person has taken steps to verify the information meets the requirements of an Inferred Mineral Resource
Indicated Mineral Resource
An Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.
Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.
An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource and may only be converted to a Probable Mineral Reserve.
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Mineralization may be classified as an Indicated Mineral Resource by the Qualified Person when the nature, quality, quantity and distribution of data are such as to allow confident interpretation of the geological framework and to reasonably assume the continuity of mineralization. The Qualified Person must recognize the importance of the Indicated Mineral Resource category to the advancement of the feasibility of the project. An Indicated Mineral Resource estimate is of sufficient quality to support a Pre-Feasibility Study which can serve as the basis for major development decisions.
Measured Mineral Resource
A Measured Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of Modifying Factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.
Geological evidence is derived from detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to confirm geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.
A Measured Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than that applying to either an Indicated Mineral Resource or an Inferred Mineral Resource. It may be converted to a Proven Mineral Reserve or to a Probable Mineral Reserve.
Mineralization or other natural material of economic interest may be classified as a Measured Mineral Resource by the Qualified Person when the nature, quality, quantity and distribution of data are such that the tonnage and grade or quality of the mineralization can be estimated to within close limits and that variation from the estimate would not significantly affect potential economic viability of the deposit. This category requires a high level of confidence in, and understanding of, the geology and controls of the mineral deposit.
Modifying Factors are considerations used to convert Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves. These include, but are not restricted to, mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors.
Mineral Reserve
Mineral Reserves are sub-divided in order of increasing confidence into Probable Mineral Reserves and Proven Mineral Reserves. A Probable Mineral Reserve has a lower level of confidence than a Proven Mineral Reserve.
A Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted and is defined by studies at Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility level as appropriate that include application of Modifying Factors. Such studies demonstrate that, at the time of reporting, extraction could reasonably be justified.
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The reference point at which Mineral Reserves are defined, usually the point where the ore is delivered to the processing plant, must be stated. It is important that, in all situations where the reference point is different, such as for a saleable product, a clarifying statement is included to ensure that the reader is fully informed as to what is being reported.
The public disclosure of a Mineral Reserve must be demonstrated by a Pre-Feasibility Study or Feasibility Study.
Mineral Reserves are those parts of Mineral Resources which, after the application of all mining factors, result in an estimated tonnage and grade which, in the opinion of the Qualified Person(s) making the estimates, is the basis of an economically viable project after taking account of all relevant Modifying Factors. Mineral Reserves are inclusive of diluting material that will be mined in conjunction with the Mineral Reserves and delivered to the treatment plant or equivalent facility. The term Mineral Reserve need not necessarily signify that extraction facilities are in place or operative or that all governmental approvals have been received. It does signify that there are reasonable expectations of such approvals.
Reference point refers to the mining or process point at which the Qualified Person prepares a Mineral Reserve. For example, most metal deposits disclose mineral reserves with a mill feed reference point. In these cases, reserves are reported as mined ore delivered to the plant and do not include reductions attributed to anticipated plant losses. In contrast, coal reserves have traditionally been reported as tonnes of clean coal. In this coal example, reserves are reported as a saleable product reference point and include reductions for plant yield (recovery). The Qualified Person must clearly state the reference point used in the Mineral Reserve estimate.
Probable Mineral Reserve
A Probable Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of an Indicated, and in some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource. The confidence in the Modifying Factors applying to a Probable Mineral Reserve is lower than that applying to a Proven Mineral Reserve.
The Qualified Person(s) may elect, to convert Measured Mineral Resources to Probable Mineral Reserves if the confidence in the Modifying Factors is lower than that applied to a Proven Mineral Reserve. Probable Mineral Reserve estimates must be demonstrated to be economic, at the time of reporting, by at least a Pre-Feasibility Study.
Practical Mining LLC | March 16, 2015 |
Klondex Mines Ltd. | Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada | Page 220 |
Proven Mineral Reserve (Proved Mineral Reserve)
A Proven Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource. A Proven Mineral Reserve implies a high degree of confidence in the Modifying Factors.
Application of the Proven Mineral Reserve category implies that the Qualified Person has the highest degree of confidence in the estimate with the consequent expectation in the minds of the readers of the report. The term should be restricted to that part of the deposit where production planning is taking place and for which any variation in the estimate would not significantly affect the potential economic viability of the deposit. Proven Mineral Reserve estimates must be demonstrated to be economic, at the time of reporting, by at least a Pre-Feasibility Study. Within the CIM Definition standards the term Proved Mineral Reserve is an equivalent term to a Proven Mineral Reserve.
Pre-Feasibility Study (Preliminary Feasibility Study)
The CIM Definition Standards requires the completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study as the minimum prerequisite for the conversion of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves.
A Pre-Feasibility Study is a comprehensive study of a range of options for the technical and economic viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a stage where a preferred mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit configuration, in the case of an open pit, is established and an effective method of mineral processing is determined. It includes a financial analysis based on reasonable assumptions on the Modifying Factors and the evaluation of any other relevant factors which are sufficient for a Qualified Person, acting reasonably, to determine if all or part of the Mineral Resource may be converted to a Mineral Reserve at the time of reporting. A Pre-Feasibility Study is at a lower confidence level than a Feasibility Study.
Feasibility Study
A Feasibility Study is a comprehensive technical and economic study of the selected development option for a mineral project that includes appropriately detailed assessments of applicable Modifying Factors together with any other relevant operational factors and detailed financial analysis that are necessary to demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that extraction is reasonably justified (economically mineable). The results of the study may reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a proponent or financial institution to proceed with, or finance, the development of the project. The confidence level of the study will be higher than that of a Pre-Feasibility Study.
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Page 221 | Glossary | Klondex Mines Ltd. |
The term proponent captures issuers who may finance a project without using traditional financial institutions. In these cases, the technical and economic confidence of the Feasibility Study is equivalent to that required by a financial institution.
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28. |
Appendix A: Certification of Authors and Consent Forms |
Practical Mining LLC | March 16, 2015 |
CERTIFICATE of QUALIFIED PERSON
Re: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, dated the 16th day of March 2015, with an effective date of December 31, 2014 (the Technical Report):
I, Mark A. Odell, P.E., do hereby certify that:
As of March 16, 2015, I am a consulting mining engineer at: | |
Practical Mining LLC | |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89801 | |
775-345-3718 |
1) |
I am a Registered Professional Mining Engineer in the State of Nevada (# 13708), and a Registered Member (#2402150) of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME). |
|
2) |
I graduated from The Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mining Engineering in 1985. I have practiced my profession continuously since 1985. |
|
3) |
Since 1985, I have held the positions of mine engineer, chief engineer, mine superintendent, technical services manager and mine manager at underground and surface metal and coal mines in the western United States. The past 9 years, I have worked as a self-employed mining consultant with clients located in North America, Asia and Africa. My responsibilities have included the preparation of detailed mine plans, geotechnical engineering, reserve and resource estimation, preparation of capital and operating budgets and the economic evaluation of mineral deposits. |
|
4) |
I have read the definition of qualified person set out in National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43- 101) and certify that by reason of my experience and qualifications and good standing with proper designation within a recognized professional organization fully meet the criteria as a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101. |
|
5) |
I am a contract consulting engineer for the Issuer and Project owner: Klondex Mines Ltd. and last inspected the Fire Creek Project on January 12, 2015. |
|
6) |
I am responsible for preparation of all sections of the Technical Report. |
|
7) |
I am independent of the Issuer within the meaning of Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. |
|
8) |
I was paid a daily rate for consulting services performed in evaluation of the Fire Creek Project for Klondex Mines Ltd. and do not have any other interests relating to the project. I do not have any interest in adjoining properties in the Fire Creek area. |
|
9) |
I have read NI 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible have been prepared in accordance with that instrument and form. |
10) |
I consent to the filing of the Technical Report with any stock exchange and other regulatory authority and any publication by them for regulatory purposes, including electronic publication in the public company files on their websites accessible by the public, of the Technical Report. |
|
11) |
As at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Technical Report contains all the scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading. |
Dated this16th day of March 2015,
Signed Mark A. Odell |
Mark A. Odell, P.E. |
Practical Mining LLC |
markodell@practicalmining.com |
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
TO: | British Columbia Securities Commission |
Alberta Securities Commission | |
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission | |
The Manitoba Securities Commission | |
Ontario Securities Commission | |
New Brunswick Securities Commission | |
Nova Scotia Securities Commission | |
Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island Securities Office | |
Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador |
I, Mark Odell, P.E., do hereby consent to the public filing of the technical report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, dated the 16th day of March 2015, with an effective date of December 31, 2014 (the Technical Report) by Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities listed above and on SEDAR.
The undersigned consents to the use of any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the news releases of the Company dated January 29 and February 23, 2015 (Written Disclosure).
The undersigned certifies that he has read the Written Disclosure being filed by the Company and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which the undersigned is responsible.
Dated this16th day of March 2015,
Signed Mark A. Odell |
Mark A, Odell, P.E. |
Practical Mining LLC |
markodell@practicalmining.com |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHOR
Re: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada , dated the 16th day of March 2015, with an effective date of December 31, 2014 (the Technical Report).
I, Laura M. Symmes, SME, do hereby certify that:
As of March 16, 2015, I am a geologist at: |
Practical Mining, LLC |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 |
Elko, NV 89801 |
1) |
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Utah State University in 2003. |
|
2) |
I am a registered member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) #4196936. |
|
3) |
I have worked as a geologist for a total of 11 years since my 2003 graduation from university. My experience has been focused on exploration and production of gold deposits, including planning and supervision of drill projects, generating data from drilled materials and making geologic interpretations, data organization, geologic mapping, building digital models of geologic features and mineral resources, and grade control of deposits in production. |
|
4) |
I have read the definition of qualified person set out in National Instrument 43 -101 (NI 43-101) and certify that by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association (as defined in NI 43-101) and past relevant work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a qualified person for the Purposes on NI 43-101. |
|
5) |
I am responsible for sections 4 and 6-12 of the Technical Report. I last visited the Fire Creek Project on September 18, 2014. |
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6) |
I have not had prior involvement with the property that is the subject of the Technical Report. |
|
7) |
I am independent of Klondex Mines Ltd. within the meaning of Section 1.5 of National Instrument 43-101. |
|
8) |
I was paid a daily rate for consulting services performed in evaluation of the Fire Creek Project and do not have any other interests relating to the project. I do not have any interest in adjoining properties in the Fire Creek area. |
|
9) |
I have read National Instrument 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and the Technical Report has been prepared in compliance with that instrument and form. |
|
10) |
I consent to the filing of the Technical Report with any stock exchange and other regulatory authority and any publication by them for regulatory purposes, including electronic publication in the public company files on their websites accessible by the public, of the Technical Report. |
11) |
As of the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Technical Report contains all the scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading. |
Dated this16th day of March 2015, | ||
Signed Laura M. Symmes | ||
Laura M. Symmes, SME | SME No. 4196936 | |
Practical Mining LLC | ||
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | ||
Elko, NV 89801 | ||
775-345-3718 | ||
Fax: (501) 638-9162 | ||
laurasymmes@practicalmining.com |
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
TO: | British Columbia Securities Commission |
Alberta Securities Commission | |
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission | |
The Manitoba Securities Commission | |
Ontario Securities Commission | |
New Brunswick Securities Commission | |
Nova Scotia Securities Commission | |
Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island Securities Office | |
Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador |
I, Laura Symmes, SME., do hereby consent to the public filing of the technical report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada , dated the 16th day of March 2015, with an effective date of December 31, 2014 (Technical Report) by Klondex Mines Ltd. (Company) with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities listed above and on SEDAR.
The undersigned consents to the use of any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the news releases of the Company dated January 29 and February 23, 2015 (Written Disclosure).
The undersigned certifies that she has read the Written Disclosure filed by the Company and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which the undersigned is responsible.
Dated this16th day of March 2015,
Signed Laura Symmes |
Laura Symmes, SME |
Practical Mining LLC |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 |
Elko, Nevada 89801 |
775-345-3718 |
laurasymmes@practicalmining.com |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHOR
Re: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada , dated the 16th day of March 2015, with an effective date of December 31, 2014 (the Technical Report).
I, Sarah M Bull, P.E., do hereby certify that:
As of March 16, 2015, I am a consulting mining engineer at: | |
Practical Mining LLC | |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 | |
Elko, Nevada 89801 | |
775-345-3718 |
1) |
I am a Registered Professional Mining Engineer in the State of Nevada (# 22797). |
|
2) |
I am a graduate of The University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mining Engineering in 2006. |
|
3) |
Since my graduation from university I have been employed as a Mine Engineer at an underground gold mining operation and as Senior Mine Engineer for a consulting engineering firm. My responsibilities have included mine ventilation engineering, stope design and mine planning. |
|
4) |
I have read the definition of qualified person set out in National Instrument 43- 101 (NI 43-101) and certify that by reason of my experience and qualifications and good standing with proper designation within a recognized professional organization I fully meet the criteria as a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of NI 43-101. |
|
5) |
I am a contract consulting engineer for the issuer and Project owner: Klondex Mines Ltd. |
|
6) |
I am responsible for preparation of section 15 and 16 of the Technical Report. I last visited the Fire Creek Project on September 18, 2014. |
|
7) |
I am independent of Klondex Mines Ltd. within the meaning of Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. |
|
8) |
I was paid a daily rate for engineering consulting services performed in evaluation of the Fire Creek Project for Klondex Mines Ltd. and do not have any other interests relating to the project. I do not have any interest in adjoining properties in the Fire Creek Project area. |
|
9) |
I have read NI 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible have been prepared in accordance with that instrument and form. |
|
10) |
I consent to the filing of the Technical Report with any stock exchange and other regulatory authority and any publication by them for regulatory purposes, including electronic publication in the public company files on their websites accessible by the public, of the Technical Report. |
11) |
As at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Technical Report contains all the scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading. |
Dated this16th day of March 2015. |
Signed Sarah Bull |
Sarah M Bull, P.E. |
Practical Mining LLC |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 |
Elko, Nevada 89801 |
775-304-5836 |
sarahbull@practicalmining.com |
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
TO: | British Columbia Securities Commission |
Alberta Securities Commission | |
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission | |
The Manitoba Securities Commission | |
Ontario Securities Commission | |
New Brunswick Securities Commission | |
Nova Scotia Securities Commission | |
Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island Securities Office | |
Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador |
I, Sarah Bull, P.E., do hereby consent to the public filing of the technical report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada , dated the 16th day of March 2015, with an effective date of December 31, 2014 (Technical Report) by Klondex Mines Ltd. (Company) with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities listed above and on SEDAR.
The undersigned consents to the use of any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the news releases of the Company dated January 29 and February 23, 2015 (Written Disclosure).
The undersigned certifies that she has read the Written Disclosure filed by the Company and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which the undersigned is responsible.
Dated this16th day of March 2015,
Signed Sarah Bull |
Sarah Bull, P.E. |
Practical Mining LLC |
495 Idaho Street, Suite 205 |
Elko, Nevada 89801 |
775-304-5836 |
sarahbull@practicalmining.com |
Karl T. Swanson, SME, MAusIMM |
PO Box 86 |
Larkspur, CO 80118, USA |
Fax: (501) 638-9162 |
Email: karl.swanson@yahoo.com |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHOR
Re: Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada , dated the 16th day of March 2015, with an effective date of December 31, 2014 (the Technical Report).
I, Karl T. Swanson, SME, MAusIMM, do hereby certify that:
As of March 16, 2015, I am an independent geological and mining engineering consultant at: |
Karl Swanson |
PO Box 86 |
Larkspur, CO 80118, USA |
1) |
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering from Colorado School of Mines in 1990. In addition, I obtained a Master of Engineering degree in Mining Engineering from Colorado School of Mines in 1994. |
|
2) |
I am a registered member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) #4043076. I am a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) #304871. |
|
3) |
Since my 1990 graduation from university I have been employed as a geologic modeller and resource geologist for metal mining companies and consulting groups. For the past 17 years, I have been a self-employed consulting geologist specializing in digital geologic modelling, geostatistical grade estimation and block modelling for precious metal, base metal and industrial mineral deposits. I have been the principle geostatistician and modeller for several narrow vein gold deposits in the Northern Nevada Rift for over 5 years. |
|
4) |
I have read the definition of qualified person set out in National Instrument 43- 101 (NI 43- 101) and certify that by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association (as defined in NI 43-101) and past relevant work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a qualified person for the Purposes on NI 43-101. |
|
5) |
I am responsible for Section 14 of the Technical Report. |
|
6) |
I last visited the Fire Creek Project January 19 22, 2015. |
|
7) |
I have not had prior involvement with the property that is the subject of the Technical Report. |
|
8) |
I am independent of the Issuer within the meaning of Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. |
9) |
I was paid a daily rate for engineering consulting services performed in evaluation of the Fire Creek Project and do not have any other interests relating to the project. I do not have any interest in adjoining properties in the Fire Creek Project area. |
|
10) |
I have read National Instrument 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and the Technical Report has been prepared in compliance with that instrument and form. |
|
11) |
I consent to the filing of the Technical Report with any stock exchange and other regulatory authority and any publication by them for regulatory purposes, including electronic publication in the public company files on their websites accessible by the public, of the Technical Report. |
|
12) |
As at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Technical Report contains all the scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading. |
Dated this16th day of March 2015, | ||
Signed Karl T. Swanson | ||
AusIMM No. 304871 | ||
Karl T. Swanson, M.Eng., SME, MAusIMM | SME No. 4043076 | |
PO Box 86 | ||
Larkspur, CO 80118, USA | ||
Fax: (501) 638-9162 | ||
E:mail: karl.swanson@yahoo.com |
Karl T. Swanson, SME |
PO Box 86 |
Larkspur, CO 80118, USA |
Fax: (501) 638-9162 |
Email: karl.swanson@yahoo.com |
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON |
TO: | British Columbia Securities Commission |
Alberta Securities Commission | |
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission | |
The Manitoba Securities Commission | |
Ontario Securities Commission | |
New Brunswick Securities Commission | |
Nova Scotia Securities Commission | |
Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island Securities Office | |
Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador |
I, Karl Swanson, SME, MAusIMM, do hereby consent to the public filing of the technical report titled
Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada , dated the dated the 16th day of March 2015, with an effective date of December 31, 2014 (the Technical Report) by Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) with the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities listed above and on SEDAR.
The undersigned consents to the use of any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report in the news releases of the Company dated January 29 and February 23, 2015 (Written Disclosure).
The undersigned certifies that he has read the Written Disclosure being filed by the Company and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the sections of the Technical Report for which the undersigned is responsible.
Dated this16th day of March 2015,
Signed Karl Swanson |
Karl Swanson, SME, MAusIMM |
PO Box 86 |
Larkspur, CO 80118, USA |
Fax: (501) 638-9162 |
Email: karl.swanson@yahoo.com |
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on Form 40-F of Klondex Mines Ltd. of our report dated March 25, 2015 relating to the consolidated financial statements which appears in the Exhibit 99.2 incorporated by reference in this registration statement.
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on Form 40-F of Klondex Mines Ltd. of our report dated March 28, 2014, relating to the consolidated financial statements which appears in the Exhibit 99.6 incorporated by reference in this registration statement.
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on Form 40-F of Klondex Mines Ltd. of our report dated May 9, 2014, relating to the carve-out financial statements of Midas Mining Operations which appears in the Exhibit 99.125 incorporated by reference in this registration statement.
We also consent to the reference to us under the heading Interests of Experts, which appears in the Annual Information Forms included in Exhibits 99.1 and 99.5, which are incorporated by reference in this registration statement on Form 40-F.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Vancouver, Canada
September 21, 2015
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on Form 40-F and Form 40-F/A of Klondex Mines Ltd. our report dated March 26, 2013, relating to the consolidated financial statements which appears in the Exhibit 99.6 incorporated by reference in this registration statement.
We also consent to reference to us under the heading “Interests of Experts,” which appears in the Annual Information Form included in Exhibit 99.5, which is incorporated by reference in this registration statement on Form 40-F and Form 40-F/A.
/s/ Crowe MacKay LLP (formerly MacKay LLP)
Vancouver, Canada
September 21, 2015
CONSENT OF SARAH BULL
I hereby consent to the use of my name and information derived from the following report and documents, which are included in, or incorporated by reference into, the registration statement on Form 40-F of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) being filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission:
1. |
Amended and Restated Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada dated April 2, 2015, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
2. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada dated March 31, 2015, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
3. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada dated March 16, 2015, effective December 31, 2014; |
|
4. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, dated November 14, 2014, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
5. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, Amended, dated July 24, 2014, effective January 31, 2014; and |
|
6. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, dated June 13, 2014, effective January 31, 2014. |
Dated: September 21, 2015
/s/ Sarah Bull |
Sarah Bull |
CONSENT OF ADAM KNIGHT
I hereby consent to the use of my name and information derived from the following report and documents, which are included in, or incorporated by reference into, the registration statement on Form 40-F of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) being filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission:
1. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, dated November 14, 2014, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
2. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, Amended, dated July 24, 2014, effective January 31, 2014; and |
|
3. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, dated March 31, 2014, effective January 31, 2014. |
Dated: September 21, 2015
/s/Adam Knight |
Adam Knight |
CONSENT OF MARK ODELL
I hereby consent to the use of my name and information derived from the following report and documents, which are included in, or incorporated by reference into, the registration statement on Form 40-F of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) being filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission:
1. |
Amended and Restated Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada dated April 2, 2015, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
2. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada dated March 31, 2015, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
3. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada dated March 16, 2015, effective December 31, 2014; |
|
4. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, dated November 14, 2014, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
5. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, Amended, dated July 24, 2014, effective January 31, 2014; |
|
6. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, Amended, dated July 24, 2014, effective January 31, 2014; |
|
7. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, dated June 13, 2014, effective January 31, 2014; and |
|
8. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, dated March 31, 2014, effective January 31, 2014. |
Dated: September 21, 2015
/s/ Mark Odell |
Mark Odell |
CONSENT OF PRACTICAL MINING LLC
We hereby consent to the use of our name and information derived from the following report and documents, which are included in, or incorporated by reference into, the registration statement on Form 40-F of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) being filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission:
1. |
Amended and Restated Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada dated April 2, 2015, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
2. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada dated March 31, 2015, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
3. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada dated March 16, 2015, effective December 31, 2014; |
|
4. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, dated November 14, 2014, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
5. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, Amended, dated July 24, 2014, effective January 31, 2014; |
|
6. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, Amended, dated July 24, 2014, effective January 31, 2014; |
|
7. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, dated June 13, 2014, effective January 31, 2014; and |
|
8. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, dated March 31, 2014, effective January 31, 2014. |
Dated: September 21, 2015
Practical Mining LLC |
/s/ Mark Odell |
Name: Mark Odell |
Title: Owner/Manager |
CONSENT OF KARL SWANSON
I hereby consent to the use of my name and information derived from the following report and documents, which are included in, or incorporated by reference into, the registration statement on Form 40-F of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) being filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission:
1. |
Amended and Restated Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada dated April 2, 2015, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
2. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada dated March 31, 2015, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
3. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada dated March 16, 2015, effective December 31, 2014; |
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4. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, dated November 14, 2014, effective August 31, 2014; |
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5. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, Amended, dated July 24, 2014, effective January 31, 2014; |
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6. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, Amended, dated July 24, 2014, effective January 31, 2014; |
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7. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, dated June 13, 2014, effective January 31, 2014; and |
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8. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, dated March 31, 2014, effective January 31, 2014. |
Dated: September 21, 2015
/s/ Karl Swanson |
Karl Swanson |
CONSENT OF LAURA SYMMES
I hereby consent to the use of my name and information derived from the following report and documents, which are included in, or incorporated by reference into, the registration statement on Form 40-F of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) being filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission:
1. |
Amended and Restated Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada dated April 2, 2015, effective August 31, 2014; |
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2. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada dated March 31, 2015, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
3. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada dated March 16, 2015, effective December 31, 2014; |
|
4. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, dated November 14, 2014, effective August 31, 2014; |
|
5. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, Amended, dated July 24, 2014, effective January 31, 2014; and |
|
6. |
Technical Report titled Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Fire Creek Project, Lander County, Nevada, dated June 13, 2014, effective January 31, 2014. |
Dated: September 21, 2015
/s/ Laura Symmes |
Laura Symmes |
CONSENT OF MICHELE WHITE
I hereby consent to the use of my name and information derived from the following report and documents, which are included in, or incorporated by reference into, the registration statement on Form 40-F of Klondex Mines Ltd. (the Company) being filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission:
1. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, Amended, dated July 24, 2014, effective January 31, 2014; and |
|
2. |
Technical Report titled Technical Report for the Midas Mine and Mill, Elko County, Nevada, dated March 31, 2014, effective January 31, 2014. |
Dated: September 21, 2015
/s/Michele White |
Michele White |