The Moss deposit is a steeply dipping (average 70°) quartz-calcite vein and stockwork system, which extends over a strike length of approximately one mile in the resource area (Moss Open Pit and West Pit), but can be traced for 3.9 miles in total length. The Moss Vein system is considered a high level, low-sulfidation (adularia-sericite) epithermal gold-silver deposit in the classification of Heald et al (1987) and White and Hedenquist (1995). Low sulfidation epithermal deposits form from hydrothermal waters in the relatively near-surface environment, typically within 1.5 km of the earth’s surface (Taylor, 2007). They are commonly found associated with magmatism and volcanism, but are somewhat distal (vertically or laterally) from the actual center of magmatism, in environments where meteoric waters have mixed with and diluted magmatic waters. The quartz-calcite vein textures at Moss (massive, breccia, vuggy, colloform), are typical of low sulfidation epithermal veins. Gold occurs as very fine native gold and electrum, and silver typically occurs as electrum and very fine grained acanthite, similar to other lowsulfidation precious metals deposits. The very low (usually trace) levels of base metals in the Moss ores are also consistent with high-level low-sulfidation gold deposits. Alteration related to main-stage precious metals mineralization is confined to silicification and minor sericitization of wall rock adjacent to the veins. The Moss mineralization differs from typ ........

The Moss deposit is currently being mined by conventional open pit hard rock mining methods by contract miner McCoy and Sons Inc. (“McCoy”) with drilling and blasting subcontracted to WESCO. This mine plan is based on a continuation of contract mining.

Mining of the deposit is accomplished with 70-100 ton rigid frame haul trucks and front end loaders. Excavators are used for loading in areas where dilution could be an issue at ore waste boundaries. Mining geometries have been designed with nominal 200 ft operating widths to allow for equipment operating room. Mining occurs at 20-ft bench heights. The pit configuration is triple benched with catch benches every vertical 60 ft.

The crusher is planned to operate for 323 days per year with a throughput rate of 11,000 tons per day. This requires an ore production rate of approximately 888 ktons of ore to be sent to the crusher each quarter. Mining is expected to last for four years from Q3 2021 – Q2 2025.

Mine Phase Designs
A total of four phase or pushback designs were developed to achieve the ultimate pit design. Phase designs are practical expansions of the mine excavation that incorporate haul road designs, operating room for equipment and all practical mining requirements.

Design Parameters
Pit slope angles are based on recommendations from a March 2017 report from Golder and Associates Inc. “Pit Slope Design Recommendations Moss Gold-Silver Project”. The Golder report re ........

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