Could you elaborate on your plans for NGM as the new Executive Managing Director?

My vision for NGM is built on four key pillars. Firstly, we need to focus on improving safety across all of our sites. We recently achieved our first injury-free month in November 2022, which is a significant milestone on our journey towards zero harm. Secondly, we need to ensure that we execute our plans effectively. To facilitate this, we have introduced an organizational change that will improve integration between our sites. All site general managers now report to the new position of Head of Operations. Delivering on our capital plans, expansion, and improvement projects is a key priority.

Thirdly, we need to focus on the future by adding ounces to the backend. The first step towards achieving this goal is exploration. We have a solid 10-year plan in place, but we want to improve this to a 15-year plan and beyond. Finally, we need to ensure that we are always looking to innovate and improve our processes to stay ahead of the curve.

What are some of the key upcoming projects at the Carlin and Cortez mine sites?

Since the formation of the joint venture, we have produced over 10 million ounces of gold, while also increasing reserves by 1.9 million ounces and resources by almost 8.5 million ounces. At Carlin, we are continuing to mine the open pits and underground. We are working on expanding our operations underground, particularly at our Gold Quarry roaster. We plan to expand it by up to 20%, and the expansion will be finalized in 2024.

At the Goldstrike autoclave, we are rebuilding the infrastructure and changing the process from Resign In Leach (RIL) to Carbon In Leach (CIL). We expect the project to be completed in Q1 of 2023. At Cortez, our key focus is on getting final approval for the Record of Decision (ROD) for Goldrush, which we hope to receive by Q2 2023. Once we receive the approval, we will begin building the required infrastructure and commence production ramp-up at Goldrush.

Can you provide more information on the operational and expansion developments at Turquoise Ridge?

We recently completed the Third Shaft project at Turquoise Ridge, which had been ongoing since 2018. With this project complete, we plan on increasing production from the new shaft. We have also changed the ventilation schemes, and the infrastructure is now set. In terms of exploration, we are drilling in and around the Mega-pit, focusing on areas between the legacy Newmont and Barrick sites, as well as around Turquoise Ridge to find extensions. We are committed to exploring every opportunity to extend the life of the mine and enhance the value for our shareholders.

Could you elaborate on the technological developments that NGM is utilizing at their mining operations?

NGM is embracing remote control and automation in their mining operations. Their miners are now operating on the surface and controlling underground equipment. In addition, the company is currently trialing battery-driven equipment underground at Turquoise Ridge and Goldrush. The open pit equipment is also being considered for upgrades with diesel-electric options and automation potential. They have remote drills in their open pits. The introduction of automation has numerous benefits, including improving safety, increasing productivity, and reducing downtime during mine evacuation for blasting, as the crew can still operate equipment from the surface.

Can you discuss NGM’s ESG approach and recent community initiatives?

NGM is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 20% by 2025, which they plan to achieve through the use of clean energy sources such as the TS Solar facility and modifying the TS Power Plant to enable cleaner-burning natural gas to be used as fuel. NGM is also committed to community initiatives. In 2021, they invested a total of US$2.6 million in community development programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NGM launched the I-80 fund, which invested US$5 million in loans to small businesses. This fund is now transitioning to support business growth and start-ups in Nevada. The company convened advisory groups of local stakeholders and community leaders in 2020 to identify critical community needs. These Community Development Committees (CDC) now meet quarterly and cover Southern Nevada, Elko/Spring Creek/Carlin/Eureka, Battle Mountain/Winnemucca, Wells/Wendover, and Native American communities. The CDCs have contributed over US$5 million to Nevada through their work. One of the first initiatives was to address the childcare shortage in their communities, and NGM committed US$3 million to the Boys & Girls Club daycare facilities, now called the Nevada Gold Mines Early Learning Centers. NGM is also committed to improving community broadband in the Elko area through a US$30 million investment partnership with Anthem Broadband. The company also has partnerships with Great Basin College, the College of Southern Nevada, the University of Reno, and the University of Las Vegas and is investing further to help create the next generation of miners.