The Merian Operations lie within Lower Proterozoic-aged rocks of the Guiana Shield. The northeast portion of Suriname is dominated by rocks of the Marowijne Supergroup which comprise the Rosebel Formation and the underlying Armina Formation. Mineralization discovered to date is consistent with an orogenic gold deposit model.

The deposits are structurally-controlled by a northwest-trending, southeast-plunging antiform (the Merian antiform) that has been interpreted from mapping and geophysical data. Northweststriking, moderate- to steeply-dipping faults and shear zones occur along the axial trace and limbs of the Merian antiform. Gold mineralization occurs in association with quartz veins, stockworks and breccias along these northwest-trending structural zones. Minor disseminated mineralization can occur adjacent to the quartz vein zones. A set of low-angle veins also occurs throughout the Project area and is interpreted to occupy low-angle imbricate thrust fault zones. The veins may be cross-cut by later, mineralized, quartz breccia bodies. Northeast and east–west-trending faults, which are also interpreted to have pre- and post-mineral displacement, cross-cut the Merian antiform and may, in part, bound or localize mineralization along the northwest-striking structural fabric.

At both Merian II and Maraba, gold mineralization is associated with quartz veins and breccias. Higher gold values are associated with higher vein density at both deposits. At Meri ........

Open pit mining is conducted at Merian using conventional techniques and an Owner-operated conventional truck and shovel fleet. Currently, two open pits, Merian II and Maraba are being mined. Three smaller pits, Maraba South, Kupari, and Merian I are planned.

Pit slope design sectors are defined for the saprolite, saprock (transition), and fresh rock; and separate bench configurations are specified for each sector. Design parameters are the same for the Merian II, Maraba and Merian I pits. Bench face slope angles vary from 56–80º. All benches are assumed at 10 m heights.

There are five mining phases planned for the Merian II deposit. A starter phase in the main pit is planned within the final phase of the main pit with a small section of the west wall being common between the starter and main pits for a section of the pit wall. A minimum mining width of 50 m was targeted between the two phases and narrows to about 40 m for certain sections of the pit. The proposed Merian II main pit measures 2,800 m along strike and is roughly 1,000 m wide with a maximum depth of 390 m from 590 to 200 m elevation.

There are three mining phases planned for the Maraba deposit. A starter phase in the main pit is entirely centered within the final phase of the main pit allowing for at least 50 m between the two mining limits. The initial phase has shallower overall slopes than the final phase as it is only in saprolite. The proposed Maraba main pit measures 1,230 ........

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