The setting, alteration mineralogy and mineralization characteristics of the Fruta del Norte deposit are consistent with an intermediate sulphidation epithermal system as defined in Hedenquist et al., (2000).

The mineralization is characterized by intense, multi-phase quartz–sulphide ± carbonate stockwork veining and brecciation over broad widths, typically between 100–150 m wide in the coherent central and northern parts of the system where the gold and silver grades are highest. Mineralized shoots are typically present within dilatant zones developed along inflections of vein strike or dip where the geometry permits maximum opening at the time of mineralization.

Zones of high-grade mineralization appear to be strongest and most consistent in the zone of boiling, brecciation, and fracturing localized along faults and the feldspar porphyry contact. Multi-phase, colloform and banded quartz–carbonate–(adularia)– (rhodochrosite)–(base metal) veins are observed in the central and lower portions of the zone where gold and silver grades are enhanced, and visible gold can be seen in many of these. At the base of the deposit, most high-grade mineralization appears to be associated with these discrete veins. To the south, the epithermal system broadens and the vein intensity disperses, reaching an overall width of 330 m but with a corresponding drop in gold and silver grades and an increase in the Au:Ag ratio. The mineralized envelope extends up to 700 m vertica ........

The recommended mining method for the Fair to Good ground conditions is open stope blast hole stoping, with delayed fill. Typically, this mining method is applied either transverse or longitudinal to the deposit. Due to the width of the deposit, the transverse open blast hole stoping method (TS) is preferred. The recommended mining method for areas with Poor ground conditions is a drift and fill (D&F) method.

Transverse Stope Cross-Cuts
The cross-cuts for the TS will be 5.0 m wide by 5.0 m high, with a flat back. Slot (vertical) development is assumed to be four by four, slashed out to a 12 m stope width. Stope cross-cuts are required to access sill development from the haulage drifts, as well as connecting sill development within a given stope line separated by waste. The cross-cuts will generally be oriented in a west–east direction. In an effort to minimize the development requirements, primary and secondary cross-cuts will be developed using a pitchfork design. Sill development dimensions will be 5.0 m wide by 5.0 m high with a flat back. Development will be centrally located within a given stope. The top development in a stope will initially serve as the drill horizon for the stope below, and then as the mucking horizon for the stope above. The bottom development in a stope will serve as the mucking horizon for the stope above.

Drift and Fill Access (Pivots)
The D&F access (pivot) dimensions are 4.0 m wide by 4.0 m high with a flat back. ........

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