Prospectus supplement
to Prospectus dated February 19, 2019
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration No. 333-229516
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CORVUS GOLD INC.
10,000,000 Common Shares
Corvus Gold Inc. (together with its
subsidiaries, “we”, “us”, “our”, “Corvus” or the “Company”) is
offering 10,000,000 common shares of the Company (the “Offered Shares”) at a price of $2.00 per Offered Share.
The offering is being made pursuant to the terms and conditions of an underwriting agreement dated October 3,
2019 (the “Underwriting Agreement”) between the Company and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. (the
“Underwriter”). The offering price was determined by arm’s length negotiation between the Company and the
Underwriter with reference to the prevailing market price of the common shares of the Company (the “Common
Shares”) and other factors.
The Common Shares are listed and posted
for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) under the symbol “KOR” and quoted for trading on
the OTC Market Group’s OTCQX Market (“OTCQX”) under the symbol “CORVF”. On October 2, 2019,
the last trading day prior to the date of this prospectus supplement, the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX was $2.27
per Common Share and the last reported bid price quoted on the OTCQX was US$1.70. The Company has applied to list the Offered
Shares on the TSX. Listing will be subject to the Company fulfilling all of the listing requirements of the TSX.
An investment in the Offered Shares
is highly speculative and involves risks as described under the headings “Risk Factors” on page S-11 in this
prospectus supplement and page 5 of the accompanying base prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein and
therein.
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Price to the
Public
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Underwriter’s
Fee
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Proceeds, before expenses,
to the Company
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Per Offered Share
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$
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2.00
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$
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0.12
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$
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1.88
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Total
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$
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20,000,000
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$
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1,200,000
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$
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18,800,000
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The Company has granted to the
Underwriter an option (the “Over-Allotment Option”) exercisable in whole or in part, to purchase up to an
additional 1,500,000 Common Shares (the “Over-Allotment Shares”) at a price equal to the public offering price
per Offered Share, less the Underwriter’s Fee (as defined herein), for a period of 30 days from the date of the
closing of the offering to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes. This prospectus supplement
also registers the grant of the Over-Allotment Option and the distribution of the Over-Allotment Shares to be issued upon
exercise of the Over-Allotment Option. In consideration for the services rendered by the Underwriter in connection with the
offering, the Company has agreed to pay the Underwriter a cash fee (the “Underwriter’s Fee”) equal to
6.0% of the gross proceeds of the offering (including in respect of any exercise of the Over-Allotment Option. See
“Underwriting”.
Neither the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved
of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The closing of the offering,
is expected to be on October 10, 2019, or such other date as may be agreed upon by the Company and the Underwriter (the “Closing
Date”). It is anticipated that the Common Shares will be issued in registered or electronic form in the name of CDS Clearing
and Depositary Services Inc. (“CDS”) or its nominee and will be deposited with CDS against payment of the aggregate
purchase price for the Offered Shares.
BMO CAPITAL MARKETS
The date of this prospectus
supplement is October 3, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
BASE PROSPECTUS
IMPORTANT NOTICE
ABOUT INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document is in two parts. The first
part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of the Offered Shares being offered and also adds to and updates
information contained in the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated herein and therein. The second part, the
accompanying base prospectus, gives more general information, some of which may not apply to the Offered Shares being offered under
this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement is deemed to be incorporated by reference into the accompanying base prospectus
solely for the purposes of the offering constituted by this prospectus supplement. To
the extent there is a conflict between information contained in this prospectus supplement and information contained in the accompanying
base prospectus or any document incorporated by reference herein or therein, the information in this prospectus supplement shall
control and you should rely on the information contained in this prospectus supplement. However, if any statement in one of these
documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date—for example, a document incorporated by
reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus—the statement in the document having the later
date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement.
This prospectus supplement relates to a
registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the SEC utilizing a shelf registration process. Under this shelf registration
process, we may, from time to time, offer and sell any of the securities or any combination of the securities described in the
accompanying base prospectus in one or more offerings. You should read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus
and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. We have also filed a prospectus supplement to a base shelf prospectus
with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario (which Canadian-filed
prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus we refer to as the “Canadian Prospectus”). The securities qualified
under the Canadian Prospectus may be offered and sold in each of the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario,
subject to any applicable securities laws.
You should rely only on the information
contained or incorporated by reference in the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. The Company has not,
and the Underwriter has not, authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in or incorporated
by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus. We take no responsibility for, and can provide
no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. The distribution or possession of this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying base prospectus in or from certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. This prospectus supplement
and the accompanying base prospectus is not an offer to sell the Offered Shares and is not soliciting an offer to buy the Offered
Shares in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted or where the person making the offer or sale is not qualified
to do so or to any person to whom it is not permitted to make such offer or sale. If the description of the Offered Shares or any
other information varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus (including the documents incorporated
by reference herein and therein), the investor should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement. The information contained
or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus is accurate only as of the date
of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein,
as applicable, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and any of the
documents incorporated herein and therein or of any sale of the Offered Shares.
It is important for you to read and consider
all information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, including the documents incorporated
by reference herein and therein, in making your investment decision. You should also read and consider the information in the documents
to which the Company has referred you under the caption “Documents Incorporated by Reference” in this prospectus supplement
and under the sections entitled, “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Documents Incorporated by Reference”
in the accompanying base prospectus.
Prospective investors should be aware that
the acquisition of the Offered Shares described herein may have tax consequences in the United States and Canada. Such consequences
for investors who are resident in, or citizens of, the United States and Canada may not be described fully herein. Investors should
read the tax discussion in this prospectus supplement under the captions “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations”
and “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations,” and should consult their own tax advisor with respect to
their own particular circumstances.
The enforcement by investors of civil liabilities
under U.S. federal securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that the Company is incorporated or organized under the
laws of the British Columbia, Canada, that some of our officers and directors may be residents of a country other than the United
States, that some or all of the Underwriter or experts named in the registration statement, this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying base prospectus may be residents of a country other than the United States, and that all or a substantial portion
of the assets of said persons may be located outside the United States.
Under Rule 15c6-1 under the U.S. Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “U.S. Exchange Act”), trades in the secondary market generally are required to
settle in two business days, unless the parties expressly agree otherwise. The Company and the Underwriter anticipate a settlement
cycle of five business days. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade prior to the delivery date may be required to specify an
alternate settlement cycle at the time of the trade to prevent a failed settlement. Investors who wish to trade prior to the delivery
date should consult their own advisors.
Information contained on our website should
not be deemed to be a part of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus or incorporated by reference herein
and therein and should not be relied upon by prospective investors for the purpose of determining whether to invest in the Offered
Shares.
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO
U.S. INVESTORS CONCERNING ESTIMATES OF MEASURED, INDICATED AND INFERRED RESOURCES AND PROVEN AND PROBABLE RESERVES
In accordance with applicable Canadian
securities regulatory requirements, all of our mineral reserve and mineral resources estimates included or incorporated by reference
in the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Canadian securities laws, which differ from the requirements of United
States securities laws and uses terms that are not recognized by the SEC. The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven
mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with the Canadian
Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) – CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources
and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014 (the “CIM Definition Standards”) which were incorporated
by reference in the Canadian Securities Administrator’s Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of
Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). These definitions differ from the definitions in the SEC Industry
Guide 7 (“SEC Industry Guide 7”) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities
Act”). Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required
to report reserves, the three-year historical average metal 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 are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned
not to assume that all or any part of a mineral deposit 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,
technical 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 regulations, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility
or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral
resource exists or is economically, technically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource
is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations, if such disclosure includes the grade or quality and the quantity for each
category of mineral resource or mineral reserve; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does
not constitute “reserves” by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.
Accordingly, information contained or incorporated
by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus contain descriptions of our mineral deposits that
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.
The term “mineralized material”
as used or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus, although permissible under
SEC Industry Guide 7, does not indicate “reserves” by SEC Industry Guide 7 standards. We cannot be certain
that any part of the mineralized material will ever be confirmed or converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant “reserves”. Investors
are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the mineralized material will ever be confirmed or converted into reserves
or that mineralized material can be economically or legally extracted.
The SEC has adopted amendments to its disclosure
rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC. These
amendments became effective February 25, 2019 (the “SEC Modernization Rules”) and, following a two-year transition
period, the SEC Modernization Rules will replace the historical property disclosure requirements for mining registrants that are
included in SEC Industry Guide 7. The Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization
Rules until its fiscal year beginning May 31, 2021. Under the SEC Modernization Rules, the definitions of “proven mineral
reserves” and “probable mineral reserves” have been amended to be substantially similar to the corresponding
CIM Definition Standards and the SEC has added definitions to recognize “measured mineral resources”, “indicated
mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources” which are also substantially similar to the corresponding
CIM Definition Standards; however there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definition
Standards and therefore once the Company begins reporting under the SEC Modernization Rules there is no assurance that the Company’s
mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates will be the same as those reported under CIM Definition Standards as contained in
this in the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein.
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO
ALL INVESTORS CONCERNING ECONOMIC ASSESSMENTS THAT INCLUDE INFERRED RESOURCES
The Company currently holds or has the
right to acquire interests in an advanced stage exploration project in Nye County, Nevada referred to as the North Bullfrog Project
(“NBP”) and the Mother Lode Project (“MLP”). Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have no demonstrated
economic viability. The preliminary economic assessment included in the Company’s technical report, prepared in accordance
with NI 43-101, entitled “Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Integrated Mother Lode and North Bullfrog
Projects, Bullfrog Mining District, Nye County, Nevada”, dated November 1, 2018 and amended on November 8, 2018, with an
effective date of September 18, 2018 (the “Technical Report”) is preliminary in nature and includes “inferred
mineral resources” that have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and are considered too speculative geologically
to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves and there is no certainty
that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. 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. There is no certainty that such inferred mineral resources at the NBP and MLP will ever
be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Investors are cautioned
not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable.
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
RATES
All dollar amounts and references to “$”
in this prospectus supplement are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. The Company’s accounts are maintained
in Canadian dollars and the Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles. All references to “U.S. dollars” or to “US$” are to United States dollars.
The following table sets forth the rate
of exchange for the Canadian dollar, expressed in United States dollars in effect at the end of the periods indicated, the average
of exchange rates in effect during such periods, and the high and low exchange rates during such periods based on the noon or daily
average rate of exchange as reported by the Bank of Canada for conversion of Canadian dollars into United States dollars.
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Year Ended May 31
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Three Months Ended
August 31
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Canadian Dollars to U.S. Dollars
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2019
US$
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2018
US$
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2017
US$
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2019
US$
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2018
US$
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Rate at end of period
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0.7393
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0.7723
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0.7407
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0.7522
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0.7660
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Average rate for period
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0.7564
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0.7865
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0.7559
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0.7563
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0.7636
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High for period
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0.7811
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0.8245
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0.7877
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0.7670
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0.7744
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Low for period
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0.7330
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0.7405
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0.7276
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0.7393
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0.7513
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The daily average exchange rates on October
2, 2019 as reported by the Bank of Canada for the conversion of Canadian dollars into United States dollars was C$1.00 equals
US$0.7522.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying
base prospectus, including all exhibits hereto and thereto and any documents that are incorporated by reference herein and therein,
contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such legislation and forward-looking information under the provisions
of applicable Canadian securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Corvus. Such
forward-looking statements concern our anticipated results and developments in the operations of the Company in future periods,
planned exploration activities, the adequacy of the Company’s financial resources and other events or conditions that may
occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects,”
“anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “potential,” “possible”
and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results “will,” “may,” “could”
or “should” (or the negative and grammatical variations of any of these terms) occur or be achieved. These forward-looking
statements may include, but are not limited to, statements concerning:
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the completion, settlement and closing of the offering;
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the satisfaction of the conditions to closing of the offering, including the receipt in a timely
manner of regulatory and other required approvals and clearances, including the approval of the TSX;
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the Company’s anticipated use of the net proceeds of the offering;
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the listing of the Offered Shares on the TSX;
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the plan of distribution for the offering;
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the tax consequences of an investment in the Offered Shares;
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the Company’s strategies and objectives, both generally and in respect of its specific mineral
properties;
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the timing of decisions regarding the timing and costs of exploration programs with respect to,
and the issuance of the necessary permits and authorizations required for, the Company’s exploration programs, including
for the NBP and for the MLP;
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the Company’s estimates of the quality and quantity of the mineral reserves and mineral resources
at its mining properties;
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the future price of minerals;
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estimates of future operating and financial performance;
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potential funding requirements and sources of capital, including near-term sources of additional
cash;
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the Company’s expectation that it will continue to raise capital through the sale of non-core
assets, equity and/or debt financings and through the exercise of stock options and warrants;
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the Company’s expectation that it will continue to incur losses and will not pay dividends
for the foreseeable future;
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the Company’s estimates of its future cash position;
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the Company’s intention to identify and execute cost cutting initiatives;
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the Company’s expectation that raising capital for mining companies without producing assets
will continue to be difficult for the foreseeable future, and the potential impact of this on the Company’s ability to raise
capital in sufficient amounts on reasonable terms;
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the Company’s potential ability to generate proceeds from operations or the dispositions
of its assets;
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the timing, performance and results of feasibility studies and preliminary economic assessments;
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the Company’s potential entry into agreements to find, lease, purchase, option or sell mineral
interests;
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plans and estimates concerning potential project development, including matters such as schedules,
estimated completion dates and estimated capital and operating costs;
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costs and timing of the exploration and development of new deposits;
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success of exploration activities;
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permitting and certification time lines;
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government regulation of mining exploration, development and operations;
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environmental risks;
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timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, title disputes or claims;
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the timing and cost of planned exploration programs of the Company and its joint venture partners
(as applicable), and the timing of the receipt of results therefrom;
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the Company’s future cash requirements and use of proceeds of sales of none-core assets;
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general business and economic conditions;
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the Company’s ability to meet its financial obligations as they come due, and to be able
to raise the necessary funds to continue operations;
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the Company’s expectation that it will be able to add additional mineral projects of merit
to its assets;
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the potential for the existence or location of additional high-grade veins, or high-grade mineralization;
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the potential for any delineation of higher grade mineralization;
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the potential for there to be one or more additional vein zone(s);
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the potential discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves and any expansion
thereof beyond the current estimate;
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the potential for the NBP or the MLP mineralization systems to continue to grow and/or to develop
into a major new higher-grade, bulk tonnage, Nevada gold discovery;
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the Company’s expectation that it will be able to build itself into a non-operator gold producer
with significant carried interests and royalty exposure;
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that the Company will operate at a loss;
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that the Company will need to scale back anticipated costs and activities or raise additional funds;
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that the Company will have to raise substantial additional capital to accomplish its business plan
over the next couple of years;
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the estimated reclamation and asset retirement costs;
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the plans related to the potential development of the MLP and the NBP; and
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the NBP and MLP work plans and mine development plan/programs.
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Such forward-looking statements reflect
the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties,
assumptions and other important factors. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements,
including, among others, risks related to:
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our actual use of the net proceeds of the offering;
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our requirement of significant additional capital and our ability to raise such additional capital
on favourable terms;
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our ability to raise funds in new share offerings due to future sales of Common Shares in the public
or private market and our ability to raise funds from the exercise of stock options and warrants;
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whether our acquisition, exploration and potential development activities, as well as the realization
of the market value of our assets, will be commercially successful and whether any transaction we enter will maximize the realization
of the market value of our assets;
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our ability to continue as a going concern;
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our limited operating history;
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a shortage of skilled labor, equipment and supplies;
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our reliance on third parties to fulfill their obligations under our agreements;
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cost increases for our exploration and, if warranted, development projects;
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our mineral properties being in the exploration stage;
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mineral exploration, development and production activities;
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our lack of mineral production from the NBP and the MLP;
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estimates of mineral resources, the accuracy of such estimates and the accuracy of sampling and
subsequent assays and geologic interpretations on which they are based;
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preliminary assessment results and the accuracy of estimates and assumptions on which they are
based;
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changes in project parameters;
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failure of equipment and processes to operate as anticipated;
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accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry;
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changes in mineral resource estimates;
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the accuracy of calculations of mineral resources and mineralized material fluctuations therein
based on metal prices, inherent vulnerability of the ore and recoverability of metal in the mining process;
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actual results of current exploration activities;
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risks associated with restructuring and cost-efficiency initiatives;
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differences in United States and Canadian mineral reserve and mineral resource reporting;
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our exploration activities being unsuccessful;
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the success of future joint ventures, partnership and other arrangements relating to our properties;
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technical and operational feasibility and the economic viability of deposits;
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fluctuations in gold, silver and other metal prices;
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our ability to obtain permits and licenses for production;
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government and environmental regulations that may increase our costs of doing business or restrict
our operations;
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proposed legislation that may significantly affect the mining industry;
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changes in corporate governance and public disclosure regulations;
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inherent hazards of mining exploration, development and operating activities;
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future water supply issues;
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land reclamation requirements;
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competition in the mining industry;
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equipment and supply shortages;
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current and future joint ventures and partnerships;
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our ability to attract qualified management and other key personnel;
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the ability to enforce judgment against certain of our Directors;
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conflicts of interest of some of our directors as a result of their involvement with other natural
resource companies;
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claims on the title to our mineral properties, the NBP and the MLP;
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surface access on the NBP and the MLP;
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potential future litigation;
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our lack of insurance covering all our operations and potential liabilities;
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risks related to current global financial conditions;
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our status as a “passive foreign investment company” under US federal tax code; and
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Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties
materialize, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein.
For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those in such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, please see section entitled “Risk Factors”
in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying base prospectus. Please also see those factors discussed in Part I, Item
1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report (as defined herein), which are incorporated herein by reference, as well as other factors
described in the Company’s other reports filed with the SEC and with the Canadian Securities Authorities (as defined herein).
Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described
in forward-looking statements and forward looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated,
estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that these statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events
could differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. The forward-looking statements included and incorporated by reference
in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are made as of the date of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying
base prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, as applicable, and accordingly, are subject to change
after such date. Except as otherwise indicated by us, these statements do not reflect the potential impact of any non-recurring
or other special items or of any disposition, monetization, merger, acquisition, other business combination or other transaction
that may be announced or that may occur after the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing
information about management’s current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding
of our operating environment. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements
and forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
SUMMARY
The following is a summary of the principal
terms of this offering and is not intended to be complete. It should be read together with the more detailed information and financial
data and statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated
by reference herein and therein, including the information under “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-11 of this
prospectus supplement, page 5 of the accompanying base prospectus and in our Annual Report, which is incorporated herein and therein.
Unless otherwise indicated, the information in this prospectus supplement assumes that the Underwriter will not exercise its
Over-Allotment Option to purchase Over-Allotment Shares.
Overview of the Company
We are a mineral exploration company engaged
in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties. We currently hold, or have rights to acquire, interests
in two mineral properties in Nevada, USA: the NBP and the MLP (collectively, the “Properties”). Our present focus is
on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the NBP, located approximately 15 kilometres north of Beatty, Nevada, and
the MLP, located in the Bare Mountain District, approximately 10 kilometres from the NBP. Corvus also staked three additional claim
blocks, the MN claim group, to the northwest of the Mother Lode claims, the ME claim group, to the east of the Mother Lode claims,
and the GAP claims group along the south edge of the NBP. We continue to assess additional mineral property acquisitions but do
not presently contemplate entering into any such agreements, other than in connection with the NBP and the MLP.
We are in the exploration stage and do
not mine, produce or sell any mineral products at this time.
We were incorporated under the Business
Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “BCBCA”) with the name “Corvus Gold Inc.” on April 13, 2010
as a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (“ITH”), with an authorized capital consisting
of an unlimited number of Common Shares. Pursuant to the corporate spin-out of Corvus from ITH by way of a plan of arrangement
among ITH, the shareholders of ITH and Corvus under the BCBCA, effective August 26, 2010, Corvus was spun out as a separate and
independent public company, and each shareholder of ITH received one-half of a Common Share.
We are a reporting issuer in the provinces
of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario and in the United States and the Common Shares are listed for trading on the TSX under
the trading symbol “KOR” and are quoted for trading on the OTCQX under the symbol “CORVF”.
Our head office is located at Suite 1750
– 700 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 1G8, and our registered and records office is located at
Suite 2200, HSBC Building, 885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3E8.
Emerging Growth Company Status
We qualify as an “emerging growth
company” as defined in Section 101 of the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”) as we do not have
more than $1,000,000,000 in annual gross revenue and did not have such amount as of May 31, 2019, being the last day of our last
fiscal year.
We will lose our status as an emerging
growth company on May 31, 2020, the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of
common equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement.
As an emerging growth company, we are exempt
from Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Sections 14A (a) and (b) of the U.S. Exchange Act. Such sections are
provided below:
|
·
|
Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires a public company’s auditor to attest to, and report on, management's assessment of its internal controls.
|
|
·
|
Sections 14A(a) and (b) of the U.S. Exchange Act, implemented by Section 951 of the Dodd-Frank Act, require companies to hold shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation and golden parachute compensation.
|
Recent Developments
Exploration Activities
On August 6, 2019, we announced that we
had staked a large block of land adjacent to the southern extension of the new Kinross Gold Corporation land package in the southwestern
part of the Bullfrog District. The new claims are also adjacent to the west side of the AngloGold Ashanti Limited Rhyolite project.
On September 23, 2019, the Company released
a news release titled “Corvus Gold Ongoing Drill Program Continues to Expand Sierra Blanca Deposits to the West at North
Bullfrog Project, Nevada” (the “September News Release”). In the September News Release, we announced that we
had received assay results from additional stepout drill holes testing the western extension of the Sierra Blanca Deposit on the
NBP. The results continue to expand mineralization that has shown potential for the NBP deposits to be developed as a multi-phase,
low strip, open-pit heap leach project.
Corporate Financial Activities
On June 5, 2019, the Company closed a non-brokered
private placement equity financing and issued 500,000 Common Shares at a price of $1.80 per Common Share to EMX Royalty Corporation
for gross proceeds of $900,000 (the “June 2019 Private Placement”). The Company also completed the sale of four non-core
Alaskan royalty interests owned by the Company to EMX Royalty Corporation for a purchase price of $350,000
On August 20, 2019, we announced the closing
of a non-brokered private placement equity financing and issued 500,000 Common Shares to AngloGold Ashanti (USA) Exploration Inc.
at a price of $2.60 per Common Share for gross proceeds of $1,300,000 (the “August 2019 Private Placement”).
For a further description of our business,
see the section entitled “Part I, Item 1, Business” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2019,
filed on Form 10-K, which Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference. See “Documents Incorporated by Reference”.
The Offering
The
following is a brief summary of certain terms of this offering and is not intended to be complete. It does not contain all of the
information that will be important to a holder of Offered Shares. For a more complete description of the Offered Shares, see the
section entitled “Description of Common Shares” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base
prospectus.
Issuer:
|
Corvus Gold Inc.
|
Offering:
|
Common Shares
|
Amount:
|
$20,000,000
|
Price to the Public:
|
$2.00
|
Over-Allotment Option:
|
The Company has granted to the Underwriter an Over-Allotment
Option, exercisable in whole or in part at any time before the date that is 30 days from the closing of the offering, to
purchase at the offering price up to 1,500,000 Over-Allotment Shares (15% of the Offered Shares issued under the offering)
to cover over-allotments, if any, and market stabilization purposes.
|
Common Shares Outstanding(1):
|
Prior to the offering: 112,462,845 Common Shares
|
|
After the offering: 122,462,845 Common Shares
|
Underwriter’s Fee:
|
We have agreed to pay the Underwriter a fee equal to $0.12 for
each Offered Share sold pursuant to this offering. See the section entitled “Underwriting” in this
prospectus supplement.
|
Use of Proceeds:
|
The
net proceeds from the sale of the Offered Shares in this offering are estimated to be approximately $18,200,000 million
($21,020,000 million if the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in full), after deducting the Underwriter’s Fee and
estimated offering expenses of $600,000. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering (i) for exploration
expenditures at the North Bullfrog and Mother Lode Properties and (ii) for corporate general and administrative expenses,
land and permits. See the section entitled “Use of Proceeds” on page S-14 in this prospectus
supplement.
|
Risk Factors:
|
Investing in the Offered Shares involves risks that are described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-11 of this prospectus supplement and the “Risk Factors” section on page 5 of the accompanying base prospectus and, to the extent applicable, the “Risk Factors” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC and Canadian securities authorities.
|
Tax Considerations:
|
Purchasing Offered Shares may have tax consequences in the United States and Canada. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may not describe these consequences fully. Investors should read the tax discussion in this prospectus supplement and consult with their tax advisor. See the sections entitled “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” and “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations” in this prospectus supplement.
|
Listing Symbol:
|
The Common Shares are listed for trading on the TSX under the symbol “KOR” and quoted for trading on the OTCQX under the symbol “CORVF”.
|
(1)
|
These figures do not include options outstanding to purchase up
to 11,115,000 Common Shares at a weighted average exercise price of $1.48 per Common
Share (4,565,440 of which are exercisable as of the date hereof).
|
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities is speculative
and involves a high degree of risk. Purchasers of Offered Shares should carefully consider the following risks as well as the other
information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference
herein and therein before investing in the Offered Shares, including the risk factors set forth in the accompanying base prospectus
under the heading “Risk Factors” and the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report under the heading “Risk
Factors”. If the following risks, or the risks set forth in the accompanying base prospectus under the heading “Risk
Factors” or in the Annual Report under the heading “Risk Factors”, actually occur, the Company’s business
could be materially harmed. The risks and uncertainties described below, in the accompanying base prospectus under the heading
“Risk Factors” and in the Annual Report under the heading “Risk Factors”, are not the only ones the Company
faces. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those of which the Company is currently unaware or that the Company deems
immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business.
Use of Proceeds
The Company currently intends to allocate
the net proceeds received from the offering as described under the heading “Use of Proceeds”; however, management will
have broad discretion in the actual application of the net proceeds designated, including to fund capital expenditures on existing
mineral properties, acquire additional acreage leaseholds, acquire additional properties and associated leaseholds, or for general
corporate purposes, which are subject to change in the future. Management may elect to allocate net proceeds differently from that
described herein, if they believe it would be in the Company’s best interests to do and shareholders of the Company will
have to rely upon the judgment of management with respect to the use of proceeds. Management may spend a portion or all of the
net proceeds from the offering in ways that shareholders of the Company may not desire or that may not yield a significant return
or any return at all. Shareholders of the Company may not agree with the manner in which management chooses to allocate and spend
the net proceeds. The failure by management to apply the net proceeds effectively could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s
business. Pending their use, the Company may also invest the net proceeds from the offering in a manner that does not produce income
or that loses value. See “Use of Proceeds”.
Ability to Continue
as a Going Concern
The Company’s auditor has indicated
in the Company’s audited annual financial statements that there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to
continue as a going concern. The Company is in the preliminary stages of its planned operations and has not yet determined whether
its processes and business plans are economically viable. The Company’s ability to determine if proven and probable mineral
reserves exist at its Properties, to continue exploration and if warranted, develop its existing Properties and to identify and
acquire additional properties to diversify its Properties portfolio are dependent upon the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient
financing, or alternatively, upon the Company’s ability to dispose of its interest on an advantageous basis, all of which
are uncertain. Importantly, the inclusion in the Company’s financial statements of a going concern opinion may negatively
impact the Company’s ability to raise future financing and achieve future revenue. If the Company is unable to obtain additional
financing from outside sources and/or eventually generate enough revenues, the Company may be forced to sell a portion or all of
the Company’s assets or, if applicable, curtail or discontinue its operations. If any of these events happens, a prospective
investor could lose all or part of its investment. In addition, the Company’s financial statements do not include any adjustments
to the Company’s recorded assets or liabilities that might be necessary if the Company becomes unable to continue as a going
concern.
Need for Significant
Additional Capital
We will be required to expend significant
funds to determine if proven and probable mineral reserves exist at our Properties, to continue exploration and if warranted, develop
our existing Properties and to identify and acquire additional properties to diversify our Properties portfolio. We have spent
and will be required to continue to expend significant amounts of capital for drilling, geological and geochemical analysis, assaying
and feasibility studies with regard to the results of our exploration. We may not benefit from some of these investments if we
are unable to identify commercially exploitable mineralized material.
Our ability to obtain necessary funding
for these purposes, in turn, depends upon a number of factors, including the status of the national and worldwide economy and the
price of gold and silver. We may not be successful in obtaining the required financing or, if we can obtain such financing, such
financing may not be on terms that are favorable to us. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite
postponement of further mining operations or exploration and development and the possible partial or total loss of our potential
interest in our Properties.
Negative Operating Cash Flow
The Company is an exploration stage company
and has not generated cash flow from operations. The Company is devoting significant resources to the development of the
Properties and to actively pursue exploration and development opportunities, however, there can be no assurance that it will generate
positive cash flow from operations in the future. The Company expects to continue to incur negative consolidated operating
cash flow and losses until such time as it achieves commercial production at a particular project. The Company currently
has negative cash flow from operating activities.
Market Price of Securities
There can be no assurance that an active
market for the Common Shares will develop or be sustained after the offering. The offering price has been agreed between the Company
and the Underwriter based on a number of factors, including market conditions in effect at the time the offering price was determined
and may not be indicative of the price at which the Common Shares will trade following completion of the offering. The market price
of the Common Shares could be subject to significant fluctuations due to various factors and events, including any regulatory or
economic changes affecting the Company’s operations, variations in the Company’s operating results, developments in
the Company’s business or its competitors, or changes in market sentiment towards the Common Shares. Investors should be
aware that the value of the Common Shares may be volatile and investors may, on disposing of the Common Shares, realize less than
their original investment or may lose their entire investment.
The Company’s operating results and
prospects from time to time may be below the expectations of market analysts and investors. In addition, stock markets from time
to time suffer significant price and volume fluctuations that affect the market price of the securities listed thereon and which
may be unrelated to the Company’s operating performance. Any of these events could result in a decline in the market price
of the Common Shares. The Common Shares may, therefore, not be suitable as a short-term investment. In addition, the market price
of the Common Shares may not reflect the underlying value of the Company’s net assets. The price at which the Common Shares
will be traded and the price at which investors may realize their shares will be influenced by a large number of factors, some
specific to the Company and its proposed operations, and some which may affect the business sectors in which the Company operates.
Such factors could also include the performance of the Company’s operations, variations in operating results, announcements
by the Company (i.e. disappointing results of exploratory drilling, the incurrence of environmental liabilities or other material
developments), announcements of material developments by the Company’s competitors, involvement in litigation, large purchases
or sales of the Common Shares, liquidity or the absence of liquidity in the Common Shares, limited trading volume, the prices of
gold and other precious metals, legislative or regulatory changes relating to the business of the Company, the Company’s
ability to raise additional funds, other material events and general financial market and economic conditions. In the event that
the occurrence of any of these events causes the price of the Common Shares to decrease, investors may be forced to sell their
shares at a loss.
Investors May Lose their Entire Investment
An investment in the Offered Shares is
speculative and may result in the loss of an investor’s entire investment. Only potential investors who are experienced in
high risk investments and who can afford to lose their entire investment should consider an investment in the Company.
Dilution
Shareholders of the Company will incur
immediate dilution as a result of the offering. See “Consolidated Capitalization”. Further, the Company may
from time to time raise funds through the issuance of Common Shares or the issuance of debt instruments or other securities convertible
into Common Shares. The Company cannot predict the size or price of future issuances of Common Shares or the size or terms of future
issuances of debt instruments or other securities convertible into Common Shares, or the effect, if any, that future issuances
and sales of the Company’s securities will have on the market price of the Common Shares. Sales or issuances of substantial
numbers of Common Shares, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of the Common
Shares. With any additional sale or issuance of Common Shares, or securities convertible into Common Shares, shareholders of the
Company will suffer dilution to their voting power and the Company may experience dilution in its earnings per share.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED
BY REFERENCE
This prospectus supplement is deemed to
be incorporated by reference into the accompanying base prospectus solely for the purpose of the offering. Information has been
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus from documents filed with securities
commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada (the “Canadian Securities Authorities”) and the SEC. Copies
of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may be obtained on
request, without charge, from the Corporate Secretary of the Company at 1750 – 700 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada V6C 1G8 (telephone: 604-638-3246), and are also available electronically at www.sedar.com and on the SEC’s
website at www.sec.gov.
The following documents which have been
filed by the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities and with the SEC, are specifically incorporated by reference into,
and form an integral part of, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus.
|
1.
|
the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company, for the year ended May 31, 2019, which report contains
the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto as at May 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years
ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, together with the auditors’ report thereon and the related management’s discussion and
analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 (the “Annual Report”),
as filed with the Canadian Securities Authorities and the SEC on August 9, 2019;
|
|
2.
|
the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, dated August 7, 2019, in connection with the
Company’s annual general meeting of shareholders to be held on October 3, 2019, including the information specifically incorporated
by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019, as filed with the Canadian Securities
Authorities on August 23, 2019 and with the SEC on September 18, 2019;
|
|
3.
|
the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, for the quarter ended August 31, 2019, which
report contains the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto as at August 31, 2019 and
for the quarters ended August 31, 2019 and 2018 (the “Quarterly Report”) and the related management’s discussion
and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the quarters ended August 31, 2019 and 2018, as filed with the
Canadian Securities Authorities and the SEC on September 25, 2019;
|
|
4.
|
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the Canadian Securities
Authorities on October 2, 2019 and with the SEC on August
22, 2019 (excluding
information furnished pursuant to Item 7.01); and
|
|
5.
|
all other documents filed by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the U.S.
Exchange Act (excluding, unless otherwise provided therein or herein, information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 and Item 7.01
on any Current Report on Form 8-K), after the date of this prospectus supplement but before the end of the offering of the securities
made by this prospectus supplement.
|
Any statement contained in this prospectus
supplement, the accompanying base prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and
therein will be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purposes of this prospectus supplement to the extent that a statement
contained in this prospectus supplement or in any subsequent filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference
in this prospectus supplement modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed,
except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement. The modifying or superseding statement
need not state that it has modified or superseded a prior statement or include any other information set forth in the document
or statement that it modifies or supersedes. The making of a modifying or superseding statement will not be deemed an admission
for any purposes that the modified or superseded statement, when made, constituted a misrepresentation, an untrue statement of
a material fact or an omission to state a material fact that is required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement
not misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was made.
CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION
There have been no material changes in
the share and loan capitalization of the Company since the date of the Quarterly Report.
After giving effect to the offering, there
will be a total of 122,462,845 Common Shares issued and outstanding
(123,962,845 Common Shares if the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in full).
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds
to the Company from the offering will be approximately $18,200,000, or approximately $21,020,000
if the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in full, after deducting the Underwriter’s Fee in the amount of $1,200,000,
or $1,380,000 if the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in
full, and the estimated expenses of the offering of $600,000,
which will be paid out of the proceeds of the offering.
The net proceeds of the
offering (assuming no exercise of the Over-Allotment Option) are
anticipated to be applied as follows:
Use
of Net Proceeds
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Exploration Expenditures at the North Bullfrog and Mother Lode Properties(1)
|
|
|
|
|
Resource Expansion Drilling (42,000 metres)
|
|
$
|
10,000,000
|
|
New
Discovery Drilling (7,000 metres)
|
|
$
|
1,300,000
|
|
Metallurgical Studies
|
|
$
|
1,500,000
|
|
Mining and Development Studies
|
|
$
|
600,000
|
|
Corporate
general and administration, land and permits(2)
|
|
$
|
4,800,000
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
$
|
18,200,000
|
|
(1)
|
The Company expects to use the net proceeds over a
period of approximately 18 months to accelerate resource expansion at both the MLP and NBP, by spending approximately $10,000,000 on
drilling activities. This work includes approximately 12,000 metres of core and 30,000 metres of RC drilling,
taking place over approximately a 12 to 15 month period of time. In addition, the Company will spend
approximately $1,300,000 on its ongoing “New Discovery” drilling program that is testing a series of high
priority surface targets for the discovery of new ore deposits. This drilling program includes approximately
1,000 metres of core and 6,000 metres of RC drilling taking place over a period of approximately 12 to 15
months. The Company will also use the funding to advance the MLP and NBP processing and mining characteristic
to define an optimized development plan with approximately $1,500,000 of spending on advance metallurgical testing and
design work for both the sulfide and oxide mineralization to more accurately define the process flow sheet and facility
design criteria and approximately $600,000 on mining studies to further advance the overall project development design
and financial requirements.
|
(2)
|
Working capital and general corporate expenditures cover costs over a period of approximately 18 months for land payments (approximately $1,000,000) personnel (approximately $2,800,000) and office and general corporate operating expenses.
|
Business Objectives and Milestones
The key objective of the spending plan
is to increase the size of the MLP and NBP deposits to improve their financial performance and attractiveness as a development
opportunity. In addition, further work on the process design and mining configuration should de-risk the MLP and NBP, advance their
development timeline and improve financial performance. We believe all these activities will improve the overall value of the Company’s
assets. The Company is planning to update the existing technical study in May 2020 with a new resource estimate and additional
mine development and configuration information. In addition, the Company is planning to update the process design, resource expansion
and development plan in a technical report update at the beginning of 2021 with new data generated from the proposed use of proceeds.
The above-noted allocation represents the
Company’s intention with respect to its use of proceeds based on current knowledge and planning by management of the Company.
There may be circumstances where, for sound business reasons, the Company reallocates the use of proceeds in a manner that management
of the Company believes to be in the best interests of the Company. In such circumstances, the actual expenditures may differ from
the estimates set forth above. See “Risk Factors – Use of Proceeds”.
If the Over-Allotment Option is
exercised in full, the Company will receive additional net proceeds of $2,820,000 after deducting the Underwriter’s
Fee. The net proceeds from the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, if any, is expected to be applied for working capital
and general corporate purposes. There is no assurance that the Over-Allotment Option will be exercised, in part or in
full.
The Company generates no operating revenue
from the exploration activities on its property interests and has negative cash flow from operating activities. The Company
anticipates that it will continue to have negative cash flow until such time that commercial production is achieved at a particular
project. To the extent that the Company has negative cash flows in future periods in excess of net proceeds from the offering,
it may need to deploy a portion of net proceeds from the offering to fund such negative cash flow. See “Risk Factors –
Negative Operating Cash Flow”.
Jeffrey A. Pontius, CPG, the Company’s
chief executive officer, is the qualified person, within the meaning of NI 43-101, who has reviewed and confirmed the above-noted
use of net proceeds allocations as reasonable.
DILUTION
If you purchase Offered Shares in this
offering, your interest in the Company will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per Offered
Share and the net tangible book value per share of the Common Shares immediately after this offering.
The net tangible book value of the Common
Shares as of August 31, 2019 was approximately $3.76 million, or approximately $0.03 per share (based on 112,462,845 Common Shares
outstanding on August 31, 2019). Net tangible book value per Common Share is equal to the amount of our total tangible assets,
less total liabilities, divided by the aggregate number of Common Shares outstanding.
After giving effect to the assumed
sale by us of 10,000,000 Offered Shares in this offering at the public offering price of $2.00 per Offered Share, and after
deducting the Underwriter’s fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma net tangible book value
as of August 31, 2019 would have been approximately $21.96 million, or approximately $0.18 per Common Share. This represents
an increase of approximately $18.2 million ($0.15 per Common Share) in our pro forma net tangible book value to
existing shareholders and an immediate dilution of $1.82 per Common Share to new investors purchasing Offered Shares in
this offering.
The following table illustrates this per
Common Share dilution:
Public offering price per Offered Share
|
|
$
|
2.00
|
|
Net tangible book value per Common Share as of August 31, 2019
|
|
$
|
0.03
|
|
Pro forma net tangible book value as of August 31, 2019 after giving effect to the sale of Offered Shares
|
|
$
|
0.18
|
|
Increase per Common Share to existing shareholders attributable to the sale of the Offered Shares
|
|
$
|
0.15
|
|
Dilution per Common Share to new investors in this offering after giving effect to the sale of the Offered Shares
|
|
$
|
1.82
|
|
This table and discussion does not take
into account further dilution to new investors that could occur upon the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON
SHARES
This prospectus supplement is being filed
for the purposes of qualifying the distribution of Offered Shares and the grant of the Over-Allotment Option and the distribution
of the Over-Allotment Shares upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option.
The Company is authorized to issue an
unlimited number of Common Shares, without par value, of which 112,462,845 are issued and outstanding as of October 2, 2019.
Holders of Common Shares are entitled to
receive notice of and to attend any meetings of shareholders of the Company and at any meetings of shareholders to cast one vote
for each Common Share held. Holders of Common Shares do not have cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of directors
and accordingly, holders of a majority of the Common Shares entitled to vote in any election of directors may elect all directors
standing for election. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive dividends as and when declared by our board of directors
at its discretion from funds legally available therefor and to receive a pro rata share of the assets of the Company available
for distribution to the shareholders in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company after payment of
debts and other liabilities, in each case subject to the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to any other
series or class of shares ranking senior in priority to or on a pro-rata basis with the holders of Common Shares with respect to
dividends or liquidation. There are no pre-emptive, subscription, conversion or redemption rights attached to the Common Shares
nor do they contain any sinking or purchase fund provisions
Under our stock option plan, we may grant
options to our directors, officers, employees and consultants. The combined maximum number of our Common Shares that
may be reserved for issuance under the option plan is a variable number equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares
on a non-diluted basis. Options are granted from time to time at the discretion of our board of directors, with vesting periods
and other terms as determined by the board of directors. There are options outstanding to purchase up to 11,115,000
Common Shares at prices ranging from $0.46 to $2.18.
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have never declared or paid any dividends
on our Common Shares. Our current intention is to retain our earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business
and we do not expect to pay dividends or to make any other distributions in the near future. Our board of directors will review
this policy from time to time having regard to our financing requirements, financial condition and other factors considered to
be relevant.
UNDERWRITING
Pursuant to the Underwriting
Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell and the Underwriter has agreed to purchase on the Closing Date, an aggregate of
10,000,000 Offered Shares at a price of $2.00 per Offered Share, payable in cash to the Company against delivery of such
Offered Shares, subject to the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement. The offering price was determined based on
arm’s length negotiations between the Company and the Underwriter. The obligations of the Underwriter under the
Underwriting Agreement may be terminated at its discretion on the basis of certain stated events. The Underwriter is,
however, obligated to take up and pay for all of the Offered Shares if any of the Offered Shares are purchased under the
Underwriting Agreement. Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Underwriter has reserved the right to form a selling
group of appropriately registered dealers and brokers, with compensation to be negotiated between the Underwriter and such
selling group participants, but at no additional cost to the Company.
The Underwriting Agreement provides
that the Company will pay to the Underwriter the Underwriter’s Fee of $0.12 per Offered Share or Over-Allotment Share,
if any, sold pursuant to the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, representing 6% of the gross proceeds per Offered Share
or any Over-Allotment Share, as the case may be, for their services in connection with the distribution of the Offered Shares
and Over-Allotment Shares. The offering price was determined by arm’s length negotiation between the Company and the
Underwriter, with reference to the prevailing market price of the Common Shares and other factors.
The Company has granted to the Underwriter
the Over-Allotment Option, exercisable in whole or in part in the sole discretion of the Underwriter for a period of 30 days from
and including the Closing Date, to purchase up to an additional amount of Offered Shares equal to 15% of the Offered Shares sold
pursuant to the offering, being 1,500,000 Over-Allotment Shares at the offering price, to cover over-allotments, if any, and for
market stabilization purposes. This prospectus supplement qualifies the grant of the Over-Allotment Option and the distribution
of the Over-Allotment Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option. A purchaser who acquires Over-Allotment
Shares forming part of the Underwriter’s over-allocation position acquires those Over-Allotment Shares under this prospectus
supplement, regardless of whether the over-allocation position is ultimately filled through the exercise of the Over-Allotment
Option or secondary market purchases. If the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in full, the total price to the public will be
$23,000,000, the total Underwriter’s Fee will be $1,380,000,
and the net proceeds to the Company, before deducting the estimated expenses of the offering, will be $21,620,000.
The Company estimates that the total expenses
of the offering, excluding the Underwriter’s Fee and assuming no exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, will be approximately
$600,000, which includes approximately $300,000 in reimbursable expenses paid to the Underwriter.
The Underwriter has generally agreed to
purchase all of the Offered Shares sold under the Underwriting Agreement, other than the Over-Allotment Shares covered by the Over-Allotment
Option described above. The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Underwriter’s obligation to purchase Offered Shares
depends on the satisfaction of the conditions contained in the Underwriting Agreement including:
|
·
|
the representations and warranties made
by the Company to the Underwriter are true;
|
|
·
|
there is no adverse material change in
the Company’s business prior to the Closing Date; and
|
|
·
|
the Company delivers customary closing
documents to the Underwriter.
|
The Company has agreed to indemnify the
Underwriter, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, agents, advisors and
shareholders against certain liabilities and expenses, related to the offering, including liabilities under the U.S. Securities
Act. The Company has also agreed to contribute to payments the Underwriter may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.
The Company has agreed that during the
period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the date which is 90 days after the Closing Date, not, without the prior written
consent of the Underwriter, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, directly or indirectly issue any Common
Shares or securities or other financial instruments convertible into or having the right to acquire Common Shares (other than pursuant
to rights or obligations under existing agreements, share compensation arrangements, up to 5% of the Company’s issued and
outstanding Common Shares as of the Closing Date for the purposes of bona fide arm’s length mineral property acquisitions,
or pursuant to securities or other instruments outstanding as of the Closing Date) or enter into any agreement or arrangement under
which the Company acquires or transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of Common
Shares, whether that agreement or arrangement may be settled by the delivery of Common Shares or other securities or cash, or agree
to become bound to do so, or disclose to the public any intention to do so.
The Company has also agreed to use its
best efforts to cause certain directors and officers of the Company to enter into lock up agreements in favor of the Underwriter
evidencing their agreement, not to sell, or agree to sell (or announce any intention to do so), any Common Shares or securities
exchangeable or convertible into Common Shares for a period of 90 days from the Closing Date without the prior written consent
of the Underwriter, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, subject to customary exceptions.
Subscriptions for the Offered Shares will
be received subject to rejection or allotment in whole or in part and the right is reserved to close the subscription books at
any time without notice. It is anticipated that the Offered Shares will be issued in registered or electronic form in the name
of CDS or its nominee and will be deposited with CDS against payment of the aggregate purchase price for the Offered Shares less
the Underwriter’s Fee. Beneficial holders of the Offered Shares will receive only a customer confirmation from the Underwriter,
or another registered dealer who is a CDS participant, and from or through whom a beneficial interest in the Offered Shares are
acquired.
The Company expects that delivery of
the Offered Shares will be made against payment therefor on October 10,
2019, which will be five business days following the date of the final prospectus supplement (this settlement cycle being
referred to as “T+5”). Under Rule 15c6-1 of the SEC promulgated under the U.S. Exchange Act, trades in the
secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree
otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade Offered Shares prior to the Closing Date will be required, by virtue of
the fact that the Offered Shares initially will settle in T+5, to specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any
such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of Offered Shares who wish to trade the Offered Shares on the date of
pricing or on the next business day should consult their own advisor.
The Underwriter proposes to offer the
Offered Shares initially at the offering price to the public and to dealers
at that price less a concession not in excess of $0.06 per Offered Share. After the Underwriter has made a reasonable effort
to sell all of the Offered Shares at the offering price, the price at which the Offered Shares are distributed pursuant to the
prospectus supplement may be decreased and may be further changed from time to time to an amount not greater than the offering
price, and the compensation realized by the Underwriter will be decreased by the amount that the aggregate price paid by purchasers
for the Offered Shares distributed pursuant to this prospectus supplement is less than the gross proceeds paid by the Underwriter
to the Company. The Underwriter shall inform the Company if the offering price is decreased. The
Underwriter may receive from purchasers of the Offered Shares normal brokerage commissions in amounts agreed with such purchasers.
The Company has applied to list the Offered
Shares on the TSX. Listing will be subject to the Company fulfilling all of the listing requirements of the TSX.
In connection with the offering, the Underwriter
may over-allocate or effect transactions which stabilize or maintain the market price of the Common Shares at levels other than
those which otherwise might prevail on the open market, including: stabilizing transactions; short sales (i.e., the sale by the
Underwriter of a greater number of Common Shares than they are required to purchase in the offering); and purchases to cover positions
created by short sales; and syndicate covering transactions. Such transactions, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
Stabilizing transactions consist of bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing or mitigating a decline in the market
price of the Common Shares while the offering is in progress. A short
position is more likely to be created if the Underwriter is concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the Common
Shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions
consist of various bids for or purchases of Common Shares made by the Underwriter in the open market prior to the completion of
the offering.
In addition, in accordance with rules and
policy statements of certain Canadian securities regulators, the Underwriter may not, at any time during the period of distribution,
bid for or purchase Common Shares. The foregoing restriction is, however, subject to exceptions where the bid or purchase is not
made for the purpose of creating actual or apparent active trading in, or raising the price of, the Common Shares. These exceptions
include a bid or purchase permitted under the by-laws and rules of applicable regulatory authorities and the TSX, including the
Universal Market Integrity Rules for Canadian Marketplaces, relating to market stabilization and passive market making activities
and a bid or purchase made for and on behalf of a customer where the order was not solicited during the period of distribution.
As a result of these activities, the price
of the Common Shares may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced,
they may be discontinued by the Underwriter at any time. The Underwriter may carry out these transactions on any stock exchange
on which the Common Shares are listed, in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise.
The offering is being made in each of the
provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario and in the United States. In addition, the Underwriter may offer the Offered
Shares outside of Canada and the United States in compliance with local securities laws. The Offered Shares and the Over-Allotment
Shares, if any, will be offered in the United States and Canada through the Underwriter directly or through its broker-dealer affiliate
registered in each jurisdiction, as applicable. Offers and sales of Offered Shares outside of Canada and the United States will
be made in accordance with applicable laws in such jurisdictions. The Company is not making, and this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying base prospectus does not constitute, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Offered Shares
in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is not permitted.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying
base prospectus in electronic format may be made available on Internet sites or through other online services maintained by the
Underwriter of this offering, or by their affiliates. Other than any prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus
made available in electronic format in this manner, the information on any website containing this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying base prospectus is not part of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, the registration statement
of which this prospectus supplement forms a part, or the Canadian Prospectus, and such information has not been approved or
endorsed by the Company or the Underwriter in such capacity and should not be relied on by prospective investors.
The Underwriting Agreement will be included
as an exhibit to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the consummation
of this offering.
PRIOR SALES
During the 12-month period before the date
of this prospectus supplement, the Company has issued the following Common Shares:
Date of Issuance
|
|
|
Type of Security
|
|
|
Issue Price ($)
|
|
|
Number Issued
|
|
August 19, 2019(1)
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
$
|
2.60
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
June 5, 2019(2)
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
$
|
1.80
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
April 25, 2019(3)
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
$
|
1.40
|
|
|
|
465,000
|
|
April 9, 2019(3)
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
$
|
1.40
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
December 20, 2018(4)
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
$
|
2.60
|
|
|
|
800,000
|
|
November 26, 2018(6)
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
$
|
2.38
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
November 19, 2018(3)
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
$
|
0.76
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
November 19, 2018(3)
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
$
|
0.96
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
November 15, 2018(3)
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
$
|
0.76
|
|
|
|
1,960,000
|
|
November 15, 2018(3)
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
$
|
0.96
|
|
|
|
1,826,900
|
|
November 13, 2018(3)
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
$
|
0.46
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
November 13, 2018(3)
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
$
|
0.76
|
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
November 13, 2018(3)
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
$
|
0.96
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
Total:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,476,900
|
|
(1)
|
Issued pursuant to the August 2019 Private Placement.
|
(2)
|
Issued pursuant to the June 2019 Private Placement.
|
(3)
|
Issued pursuant to the exercise of stock options.
|
(4)
|
Issued pursuant to the Company’s non-brokered private placement equity financing of 800,000
Common Shares to AngloGold Ashanti (U.S.A.) Exploration Inc. at $2.60 per Common Share for gross proceeds of $2,080,000.
|
(5)
|
Issued pursuant to a mining lease and option to purchase agreement on the Mayflower property made
effective December 1, 2007 (and subsequently extended effective November 22, 2017) to a group of arm’s length limited partnerships.
|
During the 12-month period before the date
of this prospectus supplement, the Company has issued the following securities convertible into Common Shares:(1)
Date of Issuance
|
|
|
Type of Security
|
|
|
Exercise Price ($)
|
|
|
Number Issued
|
|
June 13, 2019
|
|
|
|
Stock Option(2)
|
|
|
$
|
2.18
|
|
|
|
1,115,000
|
|
April 9, 2019
|
|
|
|
Stock Option(2)
|
|
|
$
|
2.04
|
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
November 19, 2018
|
|
|
|
Stock Option(2)
|
|
|
$
|
2.06
|
|
|
|
4,520,000
|
|
Total:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,035,000
|
|
(1)
|
As at the date of this prospectus supplement, the Company had 11,115,000 stock options
outstanding.
|
(2)
|
Issued pursuant to the Company’s stock option plan, which was approved on October 12, 2016,
and subsequently amended on August 7, 2019.
|
PRICE RANGE AND TRADING
VOLUME
The
Common Shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the symbol “KOR”. In the United States, the
Common Shares are quoted for trading on OTCQX under the symbol “CORVF”. On October 2, 2019, the last trading day
prior to the date of this prospectus supplement, the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX was $2.27 and the last
reported bid price quoted on the OTCQX was US$1.70.
The following table sets forth the market
price ranges and trading volumes of the Common Shares on the TSX over the 12-month period prior to the date of this prospectus
supplement, as reported by the TSX:
Period
|
|
High ($)
|
|
|
Low ($)
|
|
|
Volume
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October(1)
|
|
2.30
|
|
|
2.14
|
|
|
89,475
|
|
September
|
|
2.69
|
|
|
2.15
|
|
|
1,892,259
|
|
August
|
|
|
2.50
|
|
|
|
1.72
|
|
|
|
2,418,895
|
|
July
|
|
|
2.35
|
|
|
|
2.09
|
|
|
|
998,081
|
|
June
|
|
|
2.29
|
|
|
|
2.02
|
|
|
|
1,051,140
|
|
May
|
|
|
2.04
|
|
|
|
1.55
|
|
|
|
1,309,651
|
|
April
|
|
|
2.14
|
|
|
|
1.58
|
|
|
|
3,524,571
|
|
March
|
|
|
2.35
|
|
|
|
1.98
|
|
|
|
1,187,826
|
|
February
|
|
|
2.30
|
|
|
|
2.00
|
|
|
|
1,044,877
|
|
January
|
|
|
2.90
|
|
|
|
2.11
|
|
|
|
2,291,981
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December
|
|
|
2.95
|
|
|
|
2.34
|
|
|
|
3,092,476
|
|
November
|
|
|
2.91
|
|
|
|
1.98
|
|
|
|
4,395,608
|
|
October
|
|
|
3.39
|
|
|
|
2.24
|
|
|
|
1,879,121
|
|
Notes:
(1)
|
Period from October 1, 2019 to October 2, 2019.
|
CERTAIN CANADIAN
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is, as of the date hereof,
a general summary of the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax
Act”) and the regulations thereunder (the “Regulations”) generally applicable to a holder who acquires Offered
Shares as beneficial owner pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and who, at all relevant
times, for the purposes of the Tax Act, deals at arm’s length with the Company and the Underwriter, is not affiliated with
the Company or the Underwriter, and will acquire and hold such Offered Shares as capital property (each, a “Holder”).
Offered Shares will generally be considered to be capital property to a Holder unless the Holder holds or uses the Offered Shares
or is deemed to hold or use the Offered Shares in the course of carrying on a business of trading or dealing in securities or has
acquired them or is deemed to have acquired them in a transaction or transactions considered to be an adventure in the nature of
trade.
This summary does not apply to a Holder
(a) that is a “financial institution” for purposes of the mark-to-market rules contained in the Tax Act; (b) an interest
in which is or would constitute a “tax shelter investment” as defined in the Tax Act; (c) that is a “specified
financial institution” as defined in the Tax Act; (d) that is a corporation resident in Canada (for the purpose of the Tax
Act) or a corporation that does not deal at arm’s length (for purposes of the Tax Act) with a corporation resident in Canada,
and that is or becomes as part of a transaction or event or series of transactions or events that includes the acquisition of the
Offered Shares, controlled by a non-resident person, or group of non-resident persons not dealing with each other at arm’s
length, for the purposes of the foreign affiliate dumping rules in Section 212.3 of the Tax Act; (e) that reports its “Canadian
tax results”, as defined in the Tax Act, in a currency other than Canadian currency; (f) that is exempt from tax under the
Tax Act; or (g) that has entered into, or will enter into, a “derivative forward agreement” or a “synthetic disposition
arrangement” with respect to the Offered Shares, as those terms are defined in the Tax Act. Such Holders should consult their
own tax advisors with respect to an investment in Offered Shares.
This summary does not address the deductibility
of interest by a Holder who has borrowed money or otherwise incurred debt in connection with the acquisition of Offered Shares.
This summary is based upon the current
provisions of the Tax Act and the Regulations in force as of the date hereof, specific proposals to amend the Tax Act and the Regulations
(the “Tax Proposals”) which have been announced by or on behalf the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date
hereof, the current provisions of the Canada-United States Tax Convention (1980) (the “Canada-U.S. Tax Convention”),
and counsel’s understanding of the current published administrative policies and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue
Agency (the “CRA”). This summary assumes that the Tax Proposals will be enacted in the form proposed and does not take
into account or anticipate any other changes in law, whether by way of judicial, legislative or governmental decision or action,
nor does it take into account provincial, territorial or foreign income tax legislation or considerations, which may differ from
the Canadian federal income tax considerations discussed herein. No assurances can be given that the Tax Proposals will be enacted
as proposed or at all, or that legislative, judicial or administrative changes will not modify or change the statements expressed
herein.
This summary is not exhaustive of all
possible Canadian federal income tax considerations applicable to an investment in Offered Shares. This summary is of a general
nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or income tax advice to any particular Holder. Holders
should consult their own income tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences applicable to them based on their own particular
circumstances.
Residents of Canada
The following portion
of this summary is generally applicable to a Holder who, for the purposes of the Tax Act, is resident or deemed to be resident
in Canada at all relevant times (each, a “Resident Holder”). Certain Resident Holders whose Offered Shares might not
otherwise qualify as capital property may be entitled to make an irrevocable election pursuant to subsection 39(4) of the Tax Act
to have the Offered Shares, and every other “Canadian security” (as defined by the Tax Act) owned by such Resident
Holder in the taxation year of the election and in all subsequent taxation years, deemed to be capital property. Resident Holders
should consult their own tax advisors for advice as to whether an election under subsection 39(4) of the Tax Act is available or
advisable in their particular circumstances.
Taxation of Dividends
Received by Resident Holders
In the case of a Resident
Holder who is an individual (including certain trusts), dividends (including deemed dividends) received on the Offered Shares will
be included in the Resident Holder’s income and be subject to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rules applicable to taxable
dividends received by an individual from taxable Canadian corporations, including the enhanced gross-up and dividend tax credit
for “eligible dividends” properly designated as such by the Company. There may be limitations on our ability to designate
dividends as eligible dividends.
In the case of a Resident
Holder that is a corporation, such dividends (including deemed dividends) received on the Offered Shares will be included in the
Resident Holder’s income and will normally be deductible in computing such Resident Holder’s taxable income. In certain
circumstances, subsection 55(2) of the Tax Act will treat a taxable dividend received by a Resident Holder that is in a corporation
as proceeds of disposition or a capital gain. Resident Holders that are corporations should consult their own tax advisors having
regard to their own circumstances.
A Resident Holder that
is a “Canadian-controlled private corporation” (as defined in the Tax Act) may be liable to pay an additional refundable
tax on its “aggregate investment income” (as defined in the Tax Act) for the year, which is defined to include an amount
in respect of dividends.
A Resident Holder that
is a “private corporation” or “subject corporation” (as such terms are defined in the Tax Act) may be liable
to pay a refundable tax under Part IV of the Tax Act on dividends received or deemed to be received on the Offered Shares to the
extent that such dividends are deductible in computing the Resident Holder’s taxable income for the year.
Dividends received by
a Resident Holder who is an individual (including certain trusts) may result in such Resident Holder being liable for minimum tax
under the Tax Act. Resident Holders who are individuals should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.
Dispositions of
Offered Shares
A Resident Holder who
disposes of, or is deemed to have disposed of, an Offered Share (other than to the Company, unless purchased by the Company in
the open market in the manner in which shares are normally purchased by any member of the public in the open market) will realize
a capital gain (or incur a capital loss) equal to the amount by which the proceeds of disposition in respect of the Offered Share
exceed (or are exceeded by) the aggregate of the adjusted cost base to the Resident Holder of such Offered Share immediately before
the disposition or deemed disposition and any reasonable expenses incurred for the purpose of making the disposition. The adjusted
cost base to a Resident Holder of an Offered Share will be determined by averaging the cost of that Offered Share with the adjusted
cost base (determined immediately before the acquisition of the Offered Share) of all other Common Shares held as capital property
at that time by the Resident Holder. The tax treatment of capital gains and capital losses is discussed in greater detail below
under the subheading “Capital Gains and Losses”.
Capital Gains and
Losses
Generally, one-half of
any capital gain (a “taxable capital gain”) realized by a Resident Holder must be included in the Resident Holder’s
income for the taxation year in which the disposition occurs. Subject to and in accordance with the provisions of the Tax Act,
one-half of any capital loss incurred by a Resident Holder (an “allowable capital loss”) must generally be deducted
from taxable capital gains realized by the Resident Holder in the taxation year in which the disposition occurs. Allowable capital
losses in excess of taxable capital gains for the taxation year of disposition generally may be carried back and deducted in the
three preceding taxation years or carried forward and deducted in any subsequent year against taxable capital gains realized in
such years, in the circumstances and to the extent provided in the Tax Act.
A capital loss realized
on the disposition of an Offered Share by a Resident Holder that is a corporation may in certain circumstances be reduced by the
amount of dividends which have been previously received or deemed to have been received by the Resident Holder on the Offered Share.
Similar rules may apply where a corporation is, directly or indirectly through a trust or partnership, a member of a partnership
or a beneficiary of a trust that owns Offered Shares. A Resident Holder to which these rules may be relevant is urged to consult
its own tax advisor.
A Resident Holder that
is throughout the relevant taxation year a “Canadian-controlled private corporation” (as defined in the Tax Act) may
be liable to pay an additional refundable tax on its “aggregate investment income” (as defined in the Tax Act) for
the year, which is defined to include an amount in respect of taxable capital gains.
Capital gains realized
by an individual (including certain trusts) may result in the individual being liable for minimum tax under the Tax Act. Resident
Holders who are individuals should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.
Non-Residents of Canada
The following portion
of this summary is generally applicable to a Holder who, for purposes of the Tax Act and at all relevant times, is neither resident
nor deemed to be resident in Canada and does not use or hold, and will not be deemed to use or hold, Offered Shares in a business
carried on in Canada (each, a “Non-Resident Holder”). The term “U.S. Holder,” for the purposes of this
summary, means a Non-Resident Holder who, for purposes of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention, is at all relevant times a resident of
the United States and is a “qualifying person” within the meaning of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention. In some circumstances,
persons deriving amounts through fiscally transparent entities (including limited liability companies) may be entitled to benefits
under the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors to determine their entitlement to
benefits under the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention based on their particular circumstances.
Special considerations,
which are not discussed in this summary, may apply to a Non-Resident Holder that is an insurer that carries on an insurance business
in Canada and elsewhere. Such Non-Resident Holders should consult their own advisors.
Taxation of Dividends
Subject to an applicable
tax treaty or convention, dividends paid or credited, or deemed to be paid or credited, to a Non-Resident Holder on the Offered
Shares will be subject to Canadian withholding tax under the Tax Act at the rate of 25% of the gross amount of the dividend. Such
rate is generally reduced under the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention to 15% if the beneficial owner of such dividend is a U.S. Holder.
The rate of withholding tax is further reduced to 5% if the beneficial owner of such dividend is a U.S. Holder that is a company
that owns, directly or indirectly, at least 10% of the voting stock of the Company.
Dispositions of
Offered Shares
A Non-Resident Holder
will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act in respect of any capital gain realized by such Non-Resident Holder on a disposition
of Offered Shares unless the Offered Shares constitute “taxable Canadian property” (as defined in the Tax Act) of the
Non-Resident Holder and are not “treaty-protected property” (as defined in the Tax Act) of the Non-Resident Holder
at the time of the disposition.
Generally, as long as
the Offered Shares are then listed on a “designated stock exchange” as defined in the Tax Act (which currently includes
the TSX), the Offered Shares will not constitute taxable Canadian property of a Non-Resident Holder, unless at any time during
the 60-month period immediately preceding the disposition the following two conditions are met concurrently: (a) the Non-Resident
Holder, persons with which the Non-Resident Holder does not deal at arm’s length, partnerships whose members include, either
directly or indirectly through one or more partnerships, the Non-Resident Holder or persons which do not deal at arm’s length
with the Non-Resident Holder, or any combination of them, owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of shares
of the capital stock of the Company, and (b) more than 50% of the fair market value of the Offered Shares was derived directly
or indirectly, from one or any combination of real or immovable property situated in Canada, “Canadian resource properties”,
“timber resource properties” (each as defined in the Tax Act), and options in respect of or interests in, or for civil
law rights in, any such property (whether or not such property exists).
The Offered Shares of
a U.S. Holder will generally constitute “treaty-protected property” for purposes of the Tax Act unless the value of
the Offered Shares is derived principally from real property situated in Canada. For this purpose, “real property”
has the meaning that term has under the laws of Canada and includes any option or similar right in respect thereof and usufruct
of real property, rights to explore for or to exploit mineral deposits, sources and other natural resources and rights to amounts
computed by reference to the amount or value of production from such resources.
If Offered Shares are
taxable Canadian property of a Non-Resident Holder and are not treaty-protected property of the Non-Resident Holder at the time
of their disposition, the consequences above under “Residents of Canada — Dispositions of Offered Shares” and
“Residents of Canada — Capital Gains and Losses” will generally apply.
Non-Resident Holders
whose Offered Shares are taxable Canadian property should consult their own advisors.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a general summary of certain
material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined herein) arising from and
relating to the ownership and disposition of Offered Shares acquired pursuant to this offering. This summary is for general information
purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax considerations
that may apply to a U.S. Holder arising from or relating to the ownership and disposition of Offered Shares. In addition,
this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular U.S. Holder that may affect
the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S. Holder, including specific tax consequences to a U.S. Holder
under an applicable tax treaty. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or U.S. federal
income tax advice with respect to any U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal alternative minimum,
U.S. federal net investment income, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences
to U.S. Holders of the ownership and disposition of Offered Shares. In addition, except as specifically set forth below, this
summary does not discuss applicable income tax reporting requirements. Each prospective U.S. Holder should consult its own
tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal net investment income, U.S. federal
estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences relating to the ownership and disposition of Offered
Shares.
No legal opinion from U.S. legal counsel
or ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the
U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Offered Shares. This summary is not binding on the
IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, or contrary to, the positions taken in this summary.
In addition, because the authorities on which this summary is based are subject to various interpretations, the IRS and the U.S. courts
could disagree with one or more of the conclusions described in this summary.
Scope of this Summary
Authorities
This summary is based on the U.S. Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed), published
rulings of the IRS, published administrative positions of the IRS, the Convention Between Canada and the United States of America
with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed September 26, 1980, as amended (the “U.S.-Canada Tax Convention”),
and U.S. court decisions that are available as of the date of this document. Any of the authorities on which this summary
is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on a retroactive or
prospective basis, which could affect the U.S. federal income tax considerations described in this summary. Except as provided
herein, this summary does not discuss the potential effects of any proposed legislation.
U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, the term
“U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of Offered Shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
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a citizen or individual resident of the United States;
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a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes)
organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
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an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
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a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the
control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable
Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
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Non-U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, a “non-U.S. Holder”
is a beneficial owner of Offered Shares that is not a U.S. Holder or a partnership. This summary does not address the U.S. federal,
state or local tax consequences to non-U.S. Holders arising from or relating to the ownership and disposition of Offered Shares.
Accordingly, a non-U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state or local and non-U.S. tax
consequences (including the potential application of and operation of any income tax treaties) relating to the ownership and disposition
of Offered Shares.
U.S. Holders Subject to Special
U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. federal
income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including, but
not limited to U.S. Holders that: (a) are tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement
accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) are financial institutions, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate investment
trusts, or regulated investment companies; (c) are broker-dealers, dealers, or traders in securities or currencies that elect
to apply a mark-to-market accounting method; (d) have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar;
(e) own Offered Shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion transaction, constructive sale, or other integrated
transaction; (f) acquired Offered Shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation
for services; (g) hold Offered Shares other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally,
property held for investment purposes); (h) are subject to the alternative minimum tax; (i) are required to accelerate the
recognition of any item of gross income with respect to Offered Shares as a result of such income being recognized on an applicable
financial statement; or (j) own or have owned or will own (directly, indirectly, or by attribution) 10% or more of the total
combined voting power or value of our outstanding shares. This summary also does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations
applicable to U.S. Holders who are: (a) U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S.; (b) persons
that have been, are, or will be a resident or deemed to be a resident in Canada for purposes of the Tax Act; (c) persons that
use or hold, will use or hold, or that are or will be deemed to use or hold Offered Shares in connection with carrying on a business
in Canada; (d) persons whose Offered Shares constitute “taxable Canadian property” under the Tax Act; or
(e) persons that have a permanent establishment in Canada for the purposes of the U.S.-Canada Tax Convention. U.S. Holders
that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including, but not limited to, U.S. Holders described immediately above,
should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal net
investment income, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences relating to
the ownership and disposition of Offered Shares.
If an entity or arrangement that is classified
as a partnership (or other “pass-through” entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Offered Shares,
the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such entity and the partners (or other owners) of such entity generally will
depend on the activities of the entity and the status of such partners (or owners). This summary does not address the tax
consequences to any such entity or owner. Partners (or other owners) of entities or arrangements that are classified as partnerships
or as “pass-through” entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisors regarding
the U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from and relating to the ownership and disposition of Offered Shares.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
PFIC Status
If we were to constitute a “passive
foreign investment company” under the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code (a “PFIC”, as defined below) for any
year during a U.S. Holder’s holding period, then certain potentially adverse rules may affect the U.S. federal income tax
consequences to a U.S. Holder as a result of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Offered Shares. Based on current business
plans and financial expectations, we believe that we will be a PFIC for our current tax year and likely will be a PFIC in future
tax years. No opinion of legal counsel or ruling from the IRS concerning our status as a PFIC has been obtained or is currently
planned to be requested. The determination of whether any corporation was, or will be, a PFIC for a tax year depends, in part,
on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations. In addition, whether
any corporation will be a PFIC for any tax year depends on the assets and income of such corporation over the course of each such
tax year and, as a result, cannot be predicted with certainty as of the date of this document. Accordingly, there can be no assurance
that the IRS will not challenge any determination made by us (or any of our subsidiaries) concerning our PFIC status. Each U.S.
Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding our PFIC status and the PFIC status each of our subsidiaries.
In any year in which we are classified
as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will be required to file an annual report with the IRS containing such information as Treasury Regulations
and/or other IRS guidance may require. In addition to penalties, a failure to satisfy such reporting requirements may result in
an extension of the time period during which the IRS can assess a tax. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding
the requirements of filing such information returns under these rules, including the requirement to file an IRS Form 8621 annually.
We generally will be a PFIC if, for a tax
year, (a) 75% or more of our gross income is passive income (the “PFIC income test”) or (b) 50% or more of the value
of our assets either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income, based on the quarterly average of
the fair market value of such assets (the “PFIC asset test”). “Gross income” generally includes all sales
revenues less the cost of goods sold, plus income from investments and from incidental or outside operations or sources, and “passive
income” generally includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of
stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions. Active business gains arising from the sale of commodities
generally are excluded from passive income if substantially all of a foreign corporation’s commodities are stock in trade
or inventory, depreciable property used in a trade or business, or supplies regularly used or consumed in the ordinary course of
its trade or business, and certain other requirements are satisfied.
For purposes of the PFIC income test and
PFIC asset test described above, if we own, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the total value of the outstanding shares of
another corporation, we will be treated as if we (a) held a proportionate share of the assets of such other corporation and (b)
received directly a proportionate share of the income of such other corporation. In addition, for purposes of the PFIC income test
and PFIC asset test described above, and assuming certain other requirements are met, “passive income” does not include
certain interest, dividends, rents, or royalties that are received or accrued by us from certain “related persons”
(as defined in Section 954(d)(3) of the Code) also organized in Canada, to the extent such items are properly allocable to the
income of such related person that is not passive income.
Under certain attribution rules, if we
are a PFIC, U.S. Holders will generally be deemed to own their proportionate share of our direct or indirect equity interest in
any company that is also a PFIC (a “Subsidiary PFIC”), and will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on
their proportionate share of (a) any “excess distributions,” as described below, on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC
and (b) a disposition or deemed disposition of the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC by us or another Subsidiary PFIC, both as if such
U.S. Holders directly held the shares of such Subsidiary PFIC. In addition, U.S. Holders may be subject to U.S. federal income
tax on any indirect gain realized on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC on the sale or disposition of Offered Shares. Accordingly,
U.S. Holders should be aware that they could be subject to tax under the PFIC rules even if no distributions are received and no
redemptions or other dispositions of Offered Shares are made.
Default PFIC Rules Under Section
1291 of the Code
If we are a PFIC for any tax year during
which a U.S. Holder owns Offered Shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S. Holder of the acquisition, ownership,
and disposition of Offered Shares will depend on whether and when such U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us and each Subsidiary
PFIC, if any, as a “qualified electing fund” or “QEF” under Section 1295 of the Code (a “QEF Election”)
or makes a mark-to-market election under Section 1296 of the Code (a “Mark-to-Market Election”). A U.S. Holder that
does not make either a QEF Election or a Mark-to-Market Election will be referred to in this summary as a “Non-Electing U.S.
Holder”.
A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be subject
to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code (described below) with respect to: (a) any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable
disposition of Offered Shares; and (b) any “excess distribution” received on the Offered Shares. A distribution generally
will be an “excess distribution” to the extent that such distribution (together with all other distributions received
in the current tax year) exceeds 125% of the average distributions received during the three preceding tax years (or during a U.S.
Holder’s holding period for the Offered Shares, if shorter).
Under Section 1291 of the Code, any gain
recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Offered Shares (including an indirect disposition of the stock of any Subsidiary
PFIC), and any “excess distribution” received on Offered Shares or with respect to the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC,
must be ratably allocated to each day in a Non-Electing U.S. Holder’s holding period for the respective Offered Shares. The
amount of any such gain or excess distribution allocated to the tax year of disposition or distribution of the excess distribution
and to years before the entity became a PFIC, if any, would be taxed as ordinary income (and not eligible for certain preferred
rates). The amounts allocated to any other tax year would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest tax rate applicable
to ordinary income in each such year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the tax liability for each such year, calculated
as if such tax liability had been due in each such year. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder that is not a corporation must treat any such
interest paid as “personal interest,” which is not deductible.
If we are a PFIC for any tax year during
which a Non-Electing U.S. Holder holds Offered Shares, we will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such Non-Electing
U.S. Holder, regardless of whether we cease to be a PFIC in one or more subsequent tax years. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder may terminate
this deemed PFIC status by electing to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed
above), but not loss, as if such Offered Shares were sold on the last day of the last tax year for which we were a PFIC.
QEF Election
A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective
QEF Election for the first tax year in which the holding period of its Offered Shares begins generally will not be subject to the
rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above with respect to its Offered Shares. A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective
QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of (a) our net capital gain,
which will be taxed as long-term capital gain to such U.S. Holder, and (b) our ordinary earnings, which will be taxed as ordinary
income to such U.S. Holder. Generally, “net capital gain” is the excess of (a) net long-term capital gain over (b)
net short-term capital loss, and “ordinary earnings” are the excess of (a) “earnings and profits” over
(b) net capital gain. A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such amounts for each
tax year in which we are a PFIC, regardless of whether such amounts are actually distributed to such U.S. Holder by us. However,
for any tax year in which we are a PFIC and have no net income or gain, U.S. Holders that have made a QEF Election would not have
any income inclusions as a result of the QEF Election. If a U.S. Holder that made a QEF Election has an income inclusion, such
a U.S. Holder may, subject to certain limitations, elect to defer payment of current U.S. federal income tax on such amounts, subject
to an interest charge. If such U.S. Holder is not a corporation, any such interest paid will be treated as “personal interest,”
which is not deductible.
A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective
QEF Election with respect to us generally (a) may receive a tax-free distribution from us to the extent that such distribution
represents our “earnings and profits” that were previously included in income by the U.S. Holder because of such QEF
Election and (b) will adjust such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Offered Shares to reflect the amount included in income
or allowed as a tax-free distribution because of such QEF Election. In addition, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally
will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of Offered Shares.
The procedure for making a QEF Election,
and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of making a QEF Election, will depend on whether such QEF Election is timely. A QEF
Election will be treated as “timely” if such QEF Election is made for the first year in the U.S. Holder’s holding
period for the Offered Shares in which we were a PFIC. A U.S. Holder may make a timely QEF Election by filing the appropriate QEF
Election documents at the time such U.S. Holder files a U.S. federal income tax return for such year. If a U.S. Holder does not
make a timely and effective QEF Election for the first year in the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Offered Shares, the
U.S. Holder may still be able to make a timely and effective QEF Election in a subsequent year if such U.S. Holder meets certain
requirements and makes a “purging” election to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291
of the Code discussed above) as if such Offered Shares were sold for their fair market value on the day the QEF Election is effective.
If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election but does not make a “purging” election to recognize gain as discussed in the
preceding sentence, then such U.S. Holder shall be subject to the QEF Election rules and shall continue to be subject to tax under
the rules of Section 1291 discussed above with respect to its Offered Shares. If a U.S. Holder owns PFIC stock indirectly through
another PFIC, separate QEF Elections must be made for the PFIC in which the U.S. Holder is a direct shareholder and the Subsidiary
PFIC for the QEF rules to apply to both PFICs.
A QEF Election will apply to the tax year
for which such QEF Election is timely made and to all subsequent tax years, unless such QEF Election is invalidated or terminated
or the IRS consents to revocation of such QEF Election. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election and, in a subsequent tax year, we
cease to be a PFIC, the QEF Election will remain in effect (although it will not be applicable) during those tax years in which
we are not a PFIC. Accordingly, if we become a PFIC in another subsequent tax year, the QEF Election will be effective and the
U.S. Holder will be subject to the QEF rules described above during any subsequent tax year in which we qualify as a PFIC.
For each tax year that we qualify as a
PFIC as determined by us based on our reasonable analysis, we will make publicly available: (a) a “PFIC Annual Information
Statement” as described in U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.1295-1(g) (or any successor Treasury Regulation) and (b) all
information and documentation that a U.S. Holder is required to obtain for U.S. federal income tax purposes in making a QEF Election
with respect to us. We may elect to provide such information on our website. However, U.S. Holders should be aware that we can
provide no assurances that we will provide any such information relating to any Subsidiary PFIC and as a result, a QEF Election
may not be available with respect to any Subsidiary PFIC. Because we may own shares in one or more Subsidiary PFICs at any time,
U.S. Holders will continue to be subject to the rules discussed above with respect to the taxation of gains and excess distributions
with respect to any Subsidiary PFIC for which the U.S. Holders do not obtain such required information. Each U.S. Holder should
consult its own tax advisors regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a QEF Election with respect to us and any
Subsidiary PFIC.
A U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election by attaching
a completed IRS Form 8621, including a PFIC Annual Information Statement, to a timely filed United States federal income tax return.
However, if we do not provide the required information with regard to us or any Subsidiary PFICs, U.S. Holders will not be able
to make a QEF Election for such entity and will continue to be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above
that apply to Non-Electing U.S. Holders with respect to the taxation of gains and excess distributions.
Mark-to-Market Election
A U.S. Holder may make a Mark-to-Market
Election only if the Offered Shares are marketable stock. The Offered Shares generally will be “marketable stock” if
the Offered Shares are regularly traded on (a) a national securities exchange that is registered with the SEC, (b) the national
market system established pursuant to section 11A of the U.S. Exchange Act, or (c) a foreign securities exchange that is regulated
or supervised by a governmental authority of the country in which the market is located, provided that (i) such foreign exchange
has trading volume, listing, financial disclosure, and surveillance requirements, and meets other requirements, and the laws of
the country in which such foreign exchange is located, together with the rules of such foreign exchange, ensure that such requirements
are actually enforced and (ii) the rules of such foreign exchange effectively promote active trading of listed stocks. If such
stock is traded on such a qualified exchange or other market, such stock generally will be “regularly traded” for any
calendar year during which such stock is traded, other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar
quarter. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor in this regard.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market
Election with respect to its Offered Shares generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above
with respect to such Offered Shares. However, if a U.S. Holder does not make a Mark-to-Market Election beginning in the first tax
year of such U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Offered Shares for which we are a PFIC and such U.S. Holder has not made
a timely QEF Election, the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above will apply to certain dispositions of, and distributions
on, the Offered Shares.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market
Election will include in ordinary income, for each tax year in which we are a PFIC, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a)
the fair market value of the Offered Shares, as of the close of such tax year over (b) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis
in such Offered Shares. A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will be allowed a deduction in an amount equal to the
excess, if any, of (a) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Offered Shares, over (b) the fair market value of such
Offered Shares (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the Mark-to-Market Election
for prior tax years).
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market
Election generally also will adjust such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Offered Shares to reflect the amount included in
gross income or allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election. In addition, upon a sale or other taxable disposition
of Offered Shares, a U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will recognize ordinary income or ordinary loss (not to exceed
the excess, if any, of (a) the amount included in ordinary income because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years over
(b) the amount allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years). Losses that exceed this limitation
are subject to the rules generally applicable to losses provided in the Code and Treasury Regulations.
A U.S. Holder makes a Mark-to-Market Election
by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621 to a timely filed United States federal income tax return. A Mark-to-Market Election applies
to the tax year in which such Mark-to-Market Election is made and to each subsequent tax year, unless the Offered Shares cease
to be “marketable stock” or the IRS consents to revocation of such election. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own
tax advisors regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a Mark-to-Market Election.
Although a U.S. Holder may be eligible
to make a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to the Offered Shares, no such election may be made with respect to the stock of
any Subsidiary PFIC that a U.S. Holder is treated as owning, because such stock is not marketable. Hence, the Mark-to-Market Election
will not be effective to avoid the application of the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code described above with respect to
deemed dispositions of Subsidiary PFIC stock or excess distributions from a Subsidiary PFIC to its shareholder.
Other PFIC Rules
Under Section 1291(f) of the Code, the
IRS has issued proposed Treasury Regulations that, subject to certain exceptions, would cause a U.S. Holder that had not made a
timely QEF Election to recognize gain (but not loss) upon certain transfers of Offered Shares that would otherwise be tax-deferred
(e.g., gifts and exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations). However, the specific U.S. federal income tax consequences to
a U.S. Holder may vary based on the manner in which Offered Shares are transferred.
Certain additional adverse rules may apply
with respect to a U.S. Holder if we are a PFIC, regardless of whether such U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election. For example, under
Section 1298(b)(6) of the Code, a U.S. Holder that uses Offered Shares as security for a loan will, except as may be provided in
Treasury Regulations, be treated as having made a taxable disposition of such Offered Shares.
Special rules also apply to the amount
of foreign tax credit that a U.S. Holder may claim on a distribution from a PFIC. Subject to such special rules, foreign taxes
paid with respect to any distribution in respect of stock in a PFIC are generally eligible for the foreign tax credit. The rules
relating to distributions by a PFIC and their eligibility for the foreign tax credit are complicated, and a U.S. Holder should
consult with its own tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit with respect to distributions by a PFIC.
The PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S.
Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the PFIC rules and how the PFIC rules may affect the U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Offered Shares.
Ownership and Disposition of Offered
Shares to the Extent that the Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules Do Not Apply
The following discussion is subject, in
its entirety, to the rules described above under the heading “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules”.
Distributions on Offered Shares
A U.S. Holder that receives a distribution,
including a constructive distribution, with respect to an Offered Share will be required to include the amount of such distribution
in gross income as a dividend (without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distribution) to the extent of
our current or accumulated “earnings and profits”, as computed for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To the extent
that a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated “earnings and profits”, such distribution will be treated first
as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Offered Shares and thereafter as gain
from the sale or exchange of such Offered Shares. (See “Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Offered Shares” below).
However, we do not intend to maintain the calculations of our earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income
tax principles, and each U.S. Holder therefore should assume that any distribution by us with respect to the Offered Shares
will constitute ordinary dividend income. Dividends received on Offered Shares will not be eligible for the “dividends received
deduction”. Subject to applicable limitations and provided we are eligible for the benefits of the U.S.-Canada Tax Convention
or the Offered Shares are readily tradable on a United States securities market, dividends paid by us to non-corporate U.S. Holders,
including individuals, generally will be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains for dividends,
provided certain holding period and other conditions are satisfied, including that we are not classified as a PFIC in the tax year
of distribution or in the preceding tax year. If we are a PFIC, a dividend generally will be taxed to a U.S. Holder at ordinary
income tax rates. The dividend rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the application
of such rules.
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition
of Offered Shares
Upon the sale or other taxable disposition
of Offered Shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between
the U.S. dollar value of cash received plus the fair market value of any property received and such U.S. Holder’s
tax basis in such Offered Shares sold or otherwise disposed of. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in Offered Shares generally
will be such U.S. Holder’s U.S. dollar cost for such Offered Shares. Gain or loss recognized on such sale or other
disposition generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or other disposition, the Offered Shares
have been held for more than one year.
Preferential tax rates currently apply
to long-term capital gain of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust. There are no preferential tax rates for
long-term capital gain of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses are subject to significant limitations
under the Code.
Additional Considerations
Receipt of Foreign Currency
The amount of any distribution paid to
a U.S. Holder in foreign currency, or on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Offered Shares, generally will
be equal to the U.S. dollar value of such foreign currency based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of receipt (regardless
of whether such foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollars at that time). A U.S. Holder will have a tax basis in
the foreign currency equal to its U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any U.S. Holder who converts or otherwise
disposes of the foreign currency after the date of receipt may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be treated
as ordinary income or loss, and generally will be U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. Different rules
apply to U.S. Holders who use the accrual method of tax accounting. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax
advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving, owning, and disposing of foreign currency.
Foreign Tax Credit
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed above,
a U.S. Holder that pays (whether directly or through withholding) Canadian income tax with respect to dividends paid on Offered
Shares generally will be entitled, at the election of such U.S. Holder, to receive either a deduction or a credit for such Canadian
income tax. Generally, a credit will reduce a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis,
whereas a deduction will reduce a U.S. Holder’s income that is subject to U.S. federal income tax. This election is made
on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes paid (whether directly or through withholding) by a U.S. Holder during
a year. The foreign tax credit rules are complex, and involve the application of rules that depend on a U.S. Holder’s particular
circumstances. Accordingly, each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax advisors regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
Backup Withholding and Information
Reporting
Under U.S. federal income tax law
and Treasury Regulations, certain categories of U.S. Holders must file information returns with respect to their investment
in, or involvement in, a foreign corporation. For example, U.S. return disclosure obligations (and related penalties)
are imposed on individuals who are U.S. Holders that hold certain specified foreign financial assets in excess of certain
threshold amounts. The definition of specified foreign financial assets includes not only financial accounts maintained in foreign
financial institutions, but also, unless held in accounts maintained by a financial institution, any stock or security issued by
a non-U.S. person, any financial instrument or contract held for investment that has an issuer or counterparty other than
a U.S. person and any interest in a non-U.S. entity. U.S. Holders may be subject to these reporting requirements
unless their Offered Shares are held in an account at certain financial institutions. Penalties for failure to file certain of
these information returns are substantial. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of
filing information returns, including the requirement to file an IRS Form 8938.
Payments made within the U.S. or by a U.S. payor
or U.S. middleman, of dividends on, and proceeds arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of, Offered Shares will
generally be subject to information reporting and backup withholding tax at the rate of 24% if a U.S. Holder (a) fails
to furnish such U.S. Holder’s correct U.S. taxpayer identification number (generally on IRS Form W-9), (b) furnishes
an incorrect U.S. taxpayer identification number, (c) is notified by the IRS that such U.S. Holder has previously
failed to properly report items subject to backup withholding tax, or (d) fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that
such U.S. Holder has furnished its correct U.S. taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified such
U.S. Holder that it is subject to backup withholding tax. However, certain exempt persons generally are excluded from these
information reporting and backup withholding rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the
U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income
tax liability, if any, or will be refunded, if such U.S. Holder furnishes required information to the IRS in a timely manner.
The discussion of reporting requirements
set forth above is not intended to constitute an exhaustive description of all reporting requirements that may apply to a U.S. Holder.
A failure to satisfy certain reporting requirements may result in an extension of the time period during which the IRS can assess
a tax, and under certain circumstances, such an extension may apply to assessments of amounts unrelated to any unsatisfied reporting
requirement. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the information reporting and backup withholding
rules.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters relating to the offering
will be passed upon on the Company’s behalf by Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, with respect to Canadian legal matters,
and Dorsey & Whitney LLP, with respect to United States legal matters, and on the Underwriter’s behalf by Blake, Cassels
& Graydon LLP, with respect to Canadian legal matters, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, with respect to
United States legal matters.
The partners and associates of Cassels
Brock & Blackwell LLP and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, each as a group, hold beneficially, directly or indirectly, less
than one percent of any class of our securities.
TRANSFER AGENT AND
REGISTRAR
The transfer agent and registrar for the
Common Shares is Computershare Investor Services Inc. at the principal offices in Vancouver and Toronto.
INTEREST OF EXPERTS
Information relating to the Company’s
material Properties in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference
herein and therein has been derived from reports, statements or opinions prepared or certified by Scott E. Wilson, CPG, SME-RM,
Michael Cole, SME-RM, Christopher L. Easton, MMSA-QP, Richard Delong, MMSA-QP, Jeffrey A. Pontius, CPG and Carl E. Brechtel, SME-RM
and this information has been included in reliance on such companies and persons’ expertise. Each of Scott E. Wilson, CPG,
SME-RM, Michael Cole, SME-RM, Christopher L. Easton, MMSA-QP, Richard Delong, MMSA-QP, Jeffrey A. Pontius, CPG and Carl E. Brechtel,
SME-RM is a qualified person as such term is defined NI 43-101.
None of Scott E. Wilson, CPG, SME-RM, Michael
Cole, SME-RM, Christopher L. Easton, MMSA-QP, Richard Delong, MMSA-QP, Jeffrey A. Pontius, CPG and Carl E. Brechtel, PE, SME-RM,
each being companies and persons who have prepared or certified the preparation of reports, statements or opinions relating to
the Company’s material Properties, or any director, officer, employee or partner thereof, as applicable, received or has
received a direct or indirect interest in the property of the Company or of any associate or affiliate of the Company. As at the
date hereof, except for Jeffrey A. Pontius, CPG, the aforementioned persons, companies and persons at the companies specified above
who participated in the preparation of such reports, statements or opinions, as a group, beneficially own, directly or indirectly,
less than one percent of any class of our securities or of any of our associates or affiliates. As at the date hereof, Jeffrey
A. Pontius, CPG, holds a beneficial interest, directly or indirectly, in 3,542,366 Common Shares.
None of the aforementioned firms or persons,
nor any directors, officers or employees of such firms, are currently expected to be elected, appointed or employed as a director,
officer or employee of Corvus or of any of our associates or affiliates, other than Jeffrey A. Pontius, CPG and Carl E. Brechtel,
PE, SME-RM, each of whom are either directors, officers or employees of Corvus or one of its subsidiaries.
The current auditors of the Company are
Crowe MacKay LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, of Vancouver, British Columbia, an Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm. Crowe MacKay LLP, report that they are independent of the Company in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct of
the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations
of the SEC. Crowe MacKay LLP is registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The audited consolidated financial
statements of the Company as at May 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 have been audited by Crowe
MacKay LLP, and are incorporated by reference herein in reliance on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
WHERE TO FIND ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports,
proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation
of its public reference room. Our SEC filings also are available to the public on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov.
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
File No. 333-229516
CORVUS
GOLD INC.
US$30,000,000
|
Common Shares
|
Warrants
|
Subscription Receipts
|
Units
|
Corvus Gold Inc. (“we”, “us”,
“our”, “Corvus” or the “Company”) may offer and sell, from time to time, common shares in the
capital of the Company, without par value (which we refer to herein as “Common Shares”), warrants to purchase Common
Shares (which we refer to herein as “Warrants”), subscription
receipts for Common Shares, Warrants or any combination thereof (which we refer to herein as “Subscription Receipts”),
or any combination thereof (which we refer to herein as “Units”) (collectively, the Common Shares, Warrants, Subscription
Receipts, and Units are referred to herein as the “Securities”) with up to an aggregate initial offering price of US$30,000,000
in one or more transactions under this base prospectus (which we refer to herein as the “Prospectus”). This Prospectus
also covers (i) Common Shares that may be issued upon exercise of Warrants and (ii) such indeterminate amount of Securities
as may be issued in exchange for, or upon conversion of, as the case may be, the Securities registered hereunder, including, in
each case, an indeterminate number of Common Shares that may be issued pursuant to anti-dilution or adjustment provisions in Warrants
or Subscription Receipts issuable hereunder.
This Prospectus provides you with a general
description of the Securities that the Company may offer. Each time the Company offers Securities, it will provide you with a prospectus
supplement (which we refer to herein as the “Prospectus Supplement”) that describes the specific information and terms
about the particular Securities being offered and may add, update or change information contained in this Prospectus. You should
read both this Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement, together with any additional information which is incorporated by reference
into this Prospectus. This Prospectus may not be used to offer or sell securities without the Prospectus Supplement which includes
a description of the method and terms of that offering.
The Company may sell the Securities on
a continuous or delayed basis to or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. The Prospectus Supplement,
which the Company will provide to you each time it offers Securities, will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or
agents involved in the offering and sale of the Securities, and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them.
For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution”
in this Prospectus.
The Common Shares are traded on the
Toronto Stock Exchange (which we refer to as the “TSX”) under the symbol “KOR” and quoted for trading
on the OTCQX under the symbol “CORVF”. On February 14, 2019, the last trading day prior to the date of this Prospectus,
the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX was $2.02 per Common Share and the last reported bid price quoted on the OTCQX
was US$1.52. There is currently no market through which the Securities, other than the Common Shares, may be sold and purchasers
may not be able to resell the Securities purchased under this Prospectus. This may affect the pricing of the Securities, other
than the Common Shares, in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of these Securities
and the extent of issuer regulation. See “Risk Factors”.
Investing in the Securities involves
risks. See “Risk Factors” on page 5.
These Securities have not been approved
or disapproved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or any state securities commission nor has the
SEC or any state securities commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary
is a criminal offense.
THE DATE OF
THIS PROSPECTUS IS FEBRUARY 19, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS
PROSPECTUS
This Prospectus is a part of a registration
statement that the Company filed with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration
process, the Company may sell any combination of the Securities described in this Prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total
dollar amount of initial aggregate offering price of US$30,000,000. This Prospectus provides you with a general description of
the Securities that we may offer. The specific terms of the Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered will
be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement and may include, where applicable: (i) in the case of Common Shares, the number of
Common Shares offered, the offering price and any other specific terms of the offering; (ii) in the case of Warrants, the designation,
number and terms of the Common Shares purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants, any procedures that will result in the adjustment
of those numbers, the exercise price, dates and periods of exercise, and the currency or the currency unit in which the exercise
price must be paid and any other specific terms; (iii) in the case of Subscription Receipts, the designation, number and terms
of the Common Shares or Warrants receivable upon satisfaction of certain release conditions, any procedures that will result in
the adjustment of those numbers, any additional payments to be made to holders of Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction of the
release conditions, the terms of the release conditions, terms governing the escrow of all or a portion of the gross proceeds from
the sale of the Subscription Receipts, terms for the refund of all or a portion of the purchase price for Subscription Receipts
in the event the release conditions are not met and any other specific terms; and (iv) in the case of Units, the designation, number
and terms of the Common Shares, Warrants, or Subscription Receipts comprising the Units. A Prospectus Supplement may include specific
variable terms pertaining to the Securities that are not within the alternatives and parameters set forth in this Prospectus.
In connection with any offering of the
Securities (unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement), the underwriters or agents may over-allot or effect transactions
which stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities offered at a higher level than that which might exist in the open
market. Such transactions, if commenced, may be interrupted or discontinued at any time. See “Plan of Distribution”.
Please carefully read both this Prospectus
and any Prospectus Supplement together with the documents incorporated herein by reference under “Documents Incorporated
by Reference” and the additional information described below under “Where You Can Find More Information”.
Owning securities may subject you to
tax consequences both in Canada and the United States. This Prospectus or any applicable Prospectus Supplement may not describe
these tax consequences fully. You should read the tax discussion in any Prospectus Supplement with respect to a particular offering
and consult your own tax advisor with respect to your own particular circumstances.
You should rely only on the information
contained in this Prospectus. The Company has not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained
in or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus or any applicable Prospectus Supplement or the other information included in
the registration statement of which this Prospectus forms part. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as
to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. The distribution or possession of this Prospectus in or
from certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these Securities and is not soliciting
an offer to buy these Securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted or where the person making the offer
or sale is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is not permitted to make such offer or sale. The information contained
in this Prospectus or any applicable Prospectus Supplement is accurate only as of the date of this Prospectus or such Prospectus
Supplement, as applicable, regardless of the time of delivery of this Prospectus or any applicable Prospectus Supplement or of
any sale of the Securities. The Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed
since that date.
Information contained on our website should
not be deemed to be a part of this Prospectus or any applicable Prospectus Supplement or incorporated by reference herein and should
not be relied upon by prospective investors for the purpose of determining whether to invest in the Securities.
In this Prospectus and in any Prospectus
Supplement, unless the context otherwise requires, references to “Corvus”, “Corvus Gold” and the “Company”
refer to Corvus Gold Inc., either alone or together with its subsidiaries.
CAUTIONARY
NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS CONCERNING ESTIMATES OF MEASURED, INDICATED AND INFERRED RESOURCES AND PROVEN AND PROBABLE
RESERVES
In accordance with applicable Canadian
securities regulatory requirements, all of our mineral reserve and mineral resources estimates included or incorporated by reference
in this Prospectus have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Canadian securities laws, which differ from the requirements
of United States securities laws and uses terms that are not recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”). The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral
reserve” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
(the “CIM”) – CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the
CIM Council on May 10, 2014 (the “CIM Definition Standards”) which were incorporated by reference in the Canadian Securities
Administrator’s Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).
These definitions differ from the definitions in the SEC Industry Guide 7 (“SEC Industry Guide 7”) under the United
States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final”
or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average metal 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 are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned
not to assume that all or any part of a mineral deposit 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,
technical 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 regulations, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility
or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral
resource exists or is economically, technically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource
is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations, if such disclosure includes the grade or quality and the quantity for each
category of mineral resource or mineral reserve; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does
not constitute “reserves” by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.
Accordingly, information contained in this
Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain descriptions of our mineral deposits that 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.
The term “mineralized material”
as used in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein, although permissible under SEC Industry Guide 7,
does not indicate “reserves” by SEC Industry Guide 7 standards. We cannot be certain that any part of the
mineralized material will ever be confirmed or converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant “reserves”. Investors
are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the mineralized material will ever be confirmed or converted into reserves
or that mineralized material can be economically or legally extracted.
CAUTIONARY
NOTE TO ALL INVESTORS CONCERNING ECONOMIC ASSESSMENTS THAT INCLUDE INFERRED RESOURCES
Mineral resources that are not mineral
reserves have no demonstrated economic viability. The preliminary economic assessment included in the Technical Report is preliminary
in nature and includes “inferred mineral resources” that have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence,
and are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized
as mineral reserves and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. It cannot be assumed that
all, or any part, of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Investors are cautioned not to assume
that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable.
CURRENCY
AND EXCHANGE RATES
All dollar amounts and references to “$”
in this Prospectus are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. The Company’s accounts are maintained in
Canadian dollars and the Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles. All references to “U.S. dollars”, “USD” or to “US$” are to United States
dollars.
The following table sets forth the rate
of exchange for the Canadian dollar, expressed in United States dollars in effect at the end of the periods indicated, the average
of exchange rates in effect during such periods, and the high and low exchange rates during such periods based on the noon rate
of exchange as reported by the Bank of Canada for conversion of Canadian dollars into United States dollars.
|
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Year Ended May 31
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Canadian Dollars to U.S. Dollars
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2018
US$
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2017
US$
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2016
US$
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Rate at end of period
|
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0.7723
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|
|
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0.7407
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|
|
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0.7634
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Average rate for period
|
|
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0.7866
|
|
|
|
0.7559
|
|
|
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0.7567
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High for period
|
|
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0.8245
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|
|
|
0.7877
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|
|
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0.8191
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Low for period
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0.7405
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|
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0.7276
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|
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0.6854
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METRIC CONVERSION
TABLE
To Convert Imperial Measurement Units
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To Metric Measurement Units
|
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Multiply by
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|
Acres (“ac”)
|
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Hectares (“ha”)
|
|
0.4047
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|
Feet (“ft”)
|
|
Meters (“m”)
|
|
0.3048
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Miles (“mi”)
|
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Kilometers (“km”)
|
|
1.6093
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|
Tons (short)
|
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Tonnes (“t”)
|
|
0.9071
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|
Gallons (“ga”)
|
|
Liters (“l”)
|
|
4.55
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Ounces (troy) (“oz”)
|
|
Grams (“g”)
|
|
31.103
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|
Ounces (troy) per ton (short)
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|
Grams per tonne (“g/t”)
|
|
34.286
|
|
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Prospectus, including
all exhibits hereto and any documents that are incorporated by reference as set forth under “Documents Incorporated by Reference”,
contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such legislation and forward-looking information under the provisions
of applicable Canadian securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Corvus. Such
forward-looking statements concern our anticipated results and developments in the operations of the Company in future periods,
planned exploration activities, the adequacy of the Company’s financial resources and other events or conditions that may
occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects,”
“anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “potential,” “possible”
and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results “will,” “may,” “could”
or “should” (or the negative and grammatical variations of any of these terms) occur or be achieved. These forward-looking
statements may include, but are not limited to, statements concerning:
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·
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the Company’s strategies and objectives, both generally and in respect of its specific mineral
properties;
|
|
·
|
the timing of decisions regarding the timing and costs of exploration programs with respect to,
and the issuance of the necessary permits and authorizations required for, the Company’s exploration programs, including
for the North Bullfrog Project (“NBP”) and for the Mother Lode Project (“MLP”);
|
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·
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the Company’s estimates of the quality and quantity of the mineral reserves and mineral resources
at its mining properties;
|
|
·
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the future price of minerals;
|
|
·
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estimates of future operating and financial performance;
|
|
·
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potential funding requirements and sources of capital, including near-term sources of additional
cash;
|
|
·
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the Company’s expectation that we will continue to raise capital through the sale of non-core
assets, equity and/or debt financings and through the exercise of stock options and warrants;
|
|
·
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the Company’s expectation that the Company will continue to incur losses and will not pay
dividends for the foreseeable future;
|
|
·
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the Company’s estimates of its future cash position;
|
|
·
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the Company’s intention to identify and execute cost cutting initiatives;
|
|
·
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the Company’s expectation that raising capital for mining companies without producing assets
will continue to be difficult for the foreseeable future, and the potential impact of this on the Company’s ability to raise
capital in sufficient amounts on reasonable terms;
|
|
·
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the Company’s potential ability to generate proceeds from operations or the dispositions
of its assets;
|
|
·
|
the timing, performance and results of feasibility studies;
|
|
·
|
the Company’s potential entry into agreements to find, lease, purchase, option or sell mineral
interests;
|
|
·
|
plans and estimates concerning potential project development, including matters such as schedules,
estimated completion dates and estimated capital and operating costs;
|
|
·
|
costs and timing of the exploration and development of new deposits;
|
|
·
|
success of exploration activities;
|
|
·
|
permitting and certification time lines;
|
|
·
|
government regulation of mining exploration, development and operations;
|
|
·
|
timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, title disputes or claims;
|
|
·
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the timing and cost of planned exploration programs of the Company and its joint venture partners
(as applicable), and the timing of the receipt of results therefrom;
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the Company’s future cash requirements and use of proceeds of sales of none-core assets;
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general business and economic conditions;
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the Company’s ability to meet its financial obligations as they come due, and to be able
to raise the necessary funds to continue operations;
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the Company’s expectation that it will be able to add additional mineral projects of merit
to its assets;
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the potential for the existence or location of additional high-grade veins, or high-grade mineralization;
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the potential for any delineation of higher grade mineralization;
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the potential for there to be one or more additional vein zone(s);
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the potential discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves and any expansion
thereof beyond the current estimate; and
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the Company’s expectation that it will be able to build itself into a non-operator gold producer
with significant carried interests and royalty exposure.
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Such forward-looking statements reflect
the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties,
assumptions and other important factors. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements,
including, among others, risks related to:
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our requirement of significant additional capital and our ability to raise such additional capital
on favourable terms;
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our ability to raise funds in new share offerings due to future sales of Common Shares in the public
or private market and our ability to raise funds from the exercise of stock options and warrants;
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whether our acquisition, exploration and potential development activities, as well as the realization
of the market value of our assets, will be commercially successful and whether any transaction we enter will maximize the realization
of the market value of our assets;
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our limited operating history;
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a shortage of skilled labour, equipment and supplies;
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our reliance on third parties to fulfill their obligations under our agreements;
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cost increases for our exploration and, if warranted, development projects;
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our Properties being in the exploration stage;
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mineral exploration, development and production activities;
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our lack of mineral production from our Properties;
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estimates of mineral resources, the accuracy of such estimates and the accuracy of sampling and
subsequent assays and geologic interpretations on which they are based;
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preliminary assessment results and the accuracy of estimates and assumptions on which they are
based;
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changes in project parameters;
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failure of equipment and processes to operate as anticipated;
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accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry;
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changes in mineral resource estimates;
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the accuracy of calculations of mineral resources and mineralized material fluctuations therein
based on metal prices, inherent vulnerability of the ore and recoverability of metal in the mining process;
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actual results of current exploration activities;
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risks associated with restructuring and cost-efficiency initiatives;
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differences in United States and Canadian mineral reserve and mineral resource reporting;
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our exploration activities being unsuccessful;
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the success of future joint ventures, partnership and other arrangements relating to our properties;
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technical and operational feasibility and the economic viability of deposits;
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fluctuations in gold, silver and other metal prices;
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our ability to obtain permits and licenses for production;
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government and environmental regulations that may increase our costs of doing business or restrict
our operations;
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proposed legislation that may significantly affect the mining industry;
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changes in corporate governance and public disclosure regulations;
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inherent hazards of mining exploration, development and operating activities;
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future water supply issues;
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land reclamation requirements;
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competition in the mining industry;
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equipment and supply shortages;
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current and future joint ventures and partnerships;
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our ability to attract qualified management and other key personnel;
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the ability to enforce judgment against certain of our Directors;
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conflicts of interest of some of our directors as a result of their involvement with other natural
resource companies;
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claims on the title to our Properties;
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surface access on our Properties;
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potential future litigation;
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our lack of insurance covering all our operations and potential liabilities;
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risks related to current global financial conditions;
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our status as a “passive foreign investment company” under US federal tax code; and
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Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties
materialize, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein.
For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those in such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, please see “Risk Factors” below in this Prospectus.
Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described
in forward-looking statements and forward looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated,
estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that these statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events
could differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. The forward-looking statements included and incorporated by reference
in this Prospectus are made as of the date of this Prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein, as applicable,
and accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as otherwise indicated by us, these statements do not reflect the
potential impact of any non-recurring or other special items or of any disposition, monetization, merger, acquisition, other business
combination or other transaction that may be announced or that may occur after the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are
provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans and allowing investors
and others to get a better understanding of our operating environment. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly
update any forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SUMMARY
Overview of the Company
We are a mineral exploration company engaged
in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties. We currently hold, or have rights to acquire, interests
in two mineral properties in Nevada, USA: the NBP and the MLP (collectively, the “Properties”). The Company’s
objective with respect to such properties are to evaluate the potential of the properties and to determine if spending additional
funds is warranted (in which case, an appropriate program to advance the properties to the next decision point will be formulated
and, depending upon available funds, implemented by us) or not (in which case the properties may be returned by us to the optionor/lessor
or, in respect of properties in which we are earning an interest, be returned to the optionor thereof). Our present focus is on
the exploration and, if warranted, development of the NBP, located approximately 15 kilometres north of Beatty, Nevada, and the
MLP, located in the Bare Mountain District, approximately 10 kilometres from the NBP. Corvus also staked three additional claim
blocks, the MN claim group, to the northwest of the Mother Lode claims, the ME claim group, to the east of the Mother Lode claims,
and the GAP claim group along the southern edge of the NBP. We continue to assess additional mineral property acquisitions but
do not presently contemplate entering into any such agreements, other than in connection with the NBP and the MLP.
We are in the exploration stage and do
not mine, produce or sell any mineral products at this time.
We were incorporated under the Business
Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “BCBCA”) with the name “Corvus Gold Inc.” on April 13, 2010
as a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (“ITH”), with an authorized capital consisting
of an unlimited number of Common Shares. Pursuant to the corporate spin-out of Corvus from ITH by way of a plan of arrangement
among ITH, the shareholders of ITH and Corvus under the BCBCA, effective August 26, 2010, Corvus was spun out as a separate and
independent public company, and each shareholder of ITH received one-half of a Common Share.
We are a reporting issuer in the Canadian
Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario and the Common Shares are listed for trading on the TSX under the trading symbol
“KOR” and are quoted for trading on the OTCQX under the symbol “CORVF”.
Our head office is located at Suite 1750
– 700 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 1G8, and our registered and records office is located at
Suite 2200, HSBC Building, 885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3E8.
Emerging Growth Company Status
We qualify as an “emerging growth
company” as defined in Section 101 of the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”) as we do not have
more than $1,000,000,000 in annual gross revenue and did not have such amount as of May 31, 2018, being the last day of our last
fiscal year.
We may lose our status as an emerging growth
company on the last day of our fiscal year during which (i) our annual gross revenue exceeds $1,000,000,000 or (ii) we issue more
than $1,000,000,000 in non-convertible debt in a three-year period. We will lose our status as an emerging growth company if at
any time we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer. We will lose our status as an emerging growth company on the last day of
our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of common equity securities pursuant to an effective
registration statement (August 28, 2019).
As an emerging growth company, we are exempt
from Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 14A (a) and (b) of the Exchange Act. Such sections are provided
below:
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Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires a public company’s auditor to attest
to, and report on, management's assessment of its internal controls.
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Sections 14A(a) and (b) of the Exchange Act, implemented by Section 951 of the Dodd-Frank Act,
require companies to hold shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation and golden parachute compensation.
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As long as we qualify as an emerging growth
company, we will not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section
14A(a) and (b) of the Exchange Act, we may however determine to voluntarily comply with such requirements in our discretion.
Recent Developments
Exploration Activities
On November 1, 2018, we announced an updated
preliminary economic assessment on the Properties and filed the Technical Report. The Technical Report was subsequently amended
on November 8, 2018 to fix typographical errors and refiled. Please refer to the section of this Prospectus entitled “Properties
Update” for a summary of the Technical Report.
On October 24, 2018, we announced that
we had expanded our District wide land package by approximately 14% and now control 100% of approximately 123.1 km² in the
Bullfrog Mining District. The new approximately 15.2 km² land package was staked as open ground and covers several new target
areas along a major structural zone connecting the historic Bullfrog Mine area with the newly discovered North Bullfrog deposits.
Corporate Financial Activities
On July 6, 2017, we announced the closing
of a $4,650,000 private placement with Coeur Mining at $0.75 per Common Share. Under the terms of the agreement, we issued 6,200,000
Common Shares.
On December 7, 2017, the Company closed
a non-brokered private placement equity financing and issued 2,829,130 Common Shares at a price of $1.15 per Common Share for gross
proceeds of $3,253,499, and 1,574,803 Common Shares at a price of $1.27 per Common Share for gross proceeds of $2,000,000.
On June 7, 2018, the Company closed a non-brokered
private placement equity financing and issued 1,730,770 Common Shares at a price of $2.60 per Common Share for gross proceeds of
$4,500,002 (the “Strategic Investment”).
Between November 13, 2018 and November
19, 2018, the Company issued 4,036,900 Common Shares upon the exercise of 4,036,900 stock options.
On November 26, 2018, the Company issued
an aggregate of 25,000 Common Shares to the Greenspun Group (6,250 Common Shares to each of BMG Holdings, LP, DRG Holdings, LP,
SGF Holdings, LP, and JGG Holdings, LP) pursuant to the terms of the mining lease agreement dated December 1, 2007 between Talon
Gold Nevada Inc. (now Corvus Gold Nevada Inc.) and the Greenspun Group, as amended on February 11, 2015. On November 22, 2017,
the term of such mining lease agreement was extended for 10 additional years to December 7, 2027.
On December 20, 2018, the Company closed
a non-brokered private placement equity financing and issued 800,000 Common Shares to AngloGold Ashanti (USA) Exploration Inc.
at a price of $2.60 per Common Share for gross proceeds of $2,080,000 (the “December 2018 Private Placement”).
For a further description of our business,
see the section entitled “Part I, Item 1, Business” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2018,
filed on Form 10-K, which Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference, see below under the heading “Document Incorporated
by Reference”.
The Securities Offered under this Prospectus
The Company may offer the Common Shares,
Warrants, Subscription Receipts or Units with a total value of up to US$30,000,000 from time to time under this Prospectus, together
with any applicable Prospectus Supplement, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of offering.
This Prospectus provides you with a general description of the Securities the Company may offer. Each time the Company offers Securities,
it will provide a Prospectus Supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and other important terms of the Securities,
including, to the extent applicable:
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designation or classification;
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aggregate offering price;
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original issue discount, if any;
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rates and times of payment of dividends, if any;
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redemption, conversion or exchange terms, if any;
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conversion or exchange prices, if any, and, if applicable, any provisions for changes to or adjustments
in the conversion or exchange prices and in the securities or other property receivable upon conversion or exchange;
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restrictive covenants, if any;
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voting or other rights, if any; and
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important United States and Canadian federal income tax considerations.
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A Prospectus Supplement may also add, update
or change information contained in this Prospectus or in documents the Company has incorporated by reference. However, no Prospectus
Supplement will offer a security that is not described in this Prospectus.
The Company may sell the Securities on
a continuous or delayed basis to or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. The Prospectus Supplement,
which the Company will provide each time it offers Securities, will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents
involved in the sale of the Securities, and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them.
Common Shares
The Company may offer Common Shares. The
Company may issue Common Shares independently or together with Warrants or Subscription Receipts, and the Common Shares may be
attached to or separate from such securities. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to one vote per Common Share on all matters
that require shareholder approval. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to dividends when and if declared by the Board. The Common
Shares are described in greater detail in this Prospectus under “Description of Common Shares”.
Warrants
The Company may offer Warrants for the
purchase of Common Shares, in one or more series, from time to time. The Company may issue Warrants independently or together with
Common Shares, Subscription Receipts, or Units and the Warrants may be attached to or separate from such securities. Warrants to
be issued under this Prospectus may or may not be listed on the TSX or on any other securities exchange. The Prospectus Supplement
regarding any Warrant to be issued under this Prospectus will provide disclosure regarding whether the Warrants to be issued under
such Prospectus Supplement will be listed or are listed on a securities exchange and will be filed in Canada on the System for
Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”) and in the United States with the SEC.
The Warrants will be evidenced by warrant
certificates and may be issued under one or more warrant indentures, which are contracts between the Company and a warrant trustee
for the holders of the Warrants. In this Prospectus, the Company has summarized certain general features of the Warrants under
“Description of Warrants.” The Company urges you, however, to read any Prospectus Supplement related to the series
of Warrants being offered, as well as the complete warrant indentures and warrant certificates that contain the terms of the Warrants.
Specific warrant indentures will contain additional important terms and provisions and will be filed in the United States on Form
8-K with the SEC and will be filed in Canada on SEDAR.
Subscription Receipts
The Company may issue Subscription Receipts,
which will entitle holders to receive upon satisfaction of certain release conditions and for no additional consideration, Common
Shares, Warrants, Units or any combination thereof. Subscription Receipts will be issued pursuant to one or more subscription receipt
agreements, each to be entered into between the Company and an escrow agent, which will establish the terms and conditions of the
Subscription Receipts. Each escrow agent will be a financial institution organized under the laws of Canada or a province thereof
and authorized to carry on business as a trustee. A copy of the subscription receipt agreement will be filed in the United States
on Form 8-K with the SEC and will be filed in Canada on SEDAR after it has been entered into.
In the Prospectus, the Company has summarized
certain general features of the Subscription Receipts under “Description of Subscription Receipts”. The Company urges
you, however, to read any Prospectus Supplement related to Subscription Receipts being offered, as well as the complete subscription
receipt agreement.
Units
The Company may offer Units consisting
of Common Shares, Warrants and/or Subscription Receipts to purchase any of such securities in one or more series. This Prospectus
contains a summary of certain general features of the Units under “Description of Units.” The Company urges you, however,
to read any Prospectus Supplement related to the series of Units being offered. The Company may evidence each series of units by
unit certificates that the Company will issue under a separate unit agreement with a unit agent. The Company will file in the United
States on Form 8-K with the SEC and will file in Canada on SEDAR the unit agreements that describe the terms of the series of Units
the Company is offering before the issuance of the related series of Units.
THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO OFFER
OR SELL ANY SECURITIES UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
RISK FACTORS
Investing in the Securities involves
a high degree of risk. Prospective investors in a particular offering of Securities should carefully consider the following risks
as well as the other information contained in this Prospectus, any applicable Prospectus Supplement, and the documents incorporated
by reference herein before investing in the Securities. If any of the following risks actually occurs, the Company’s business
could be materially harmed. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones the Company faces. Additional risks
and uncertainties, including those of which the Company is currently unaware or that the Company deems immaterial, may also adversely
affect the Company’s business.
Risks
Related To Our Company
We will require significant additional
capital to fund our business plan.
We will be required to expend significant
funds to determine if proven and probable mineral reserves exist at our Properties, to continue exploration and if warranted, develop
our existing Properties and to identify and acquire additional properties to diversify our Properties portfolio. We have spent
and will be required to continue to expend significant amounts of capital for drilling, geological and geochemical analysis, assaying
and feasibility studies with regard to the results of our exploration. We may not benefit from some of these investments if we
are unable to identify commercially exploitable mineralized material.
Our ability to obtain necessary funding
for these purposes, in turn, depends upon a number of factors, including the status of the national and worldwide economy and the
price of gold and silver. We may not be successful in obtaining the required financing or, if we can obtain such financing, such
financing may not be on terms that are favorable to us. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite
postponement of further mining operations or exploration and development and the possible partial or total loss of our potential
interest in our Properties.
We have a limited operating history
on which to base an evaluation of our business and prospects.
Since our inception we have had no revenue
from operations. We have no history of producing metals from any of our properties. Our Properties are exploration stage properties.
Advancing properties from exploration into the development stage requires significant capital and time, and successful commercial
production from a property, if any, will be subject to completing feasibility studies, permitting and construction of the mine,
processing plants, roads, and other related works and infrastructure. As a result, we are subject to all of the risks associated
with developing and establishing new mining operations and business enterprises including:
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completion of feasibility studies to verify reserves and commercial viability, including the ability
to find sufficient gold/silver mineral reserves to support a commercial mining operation;
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the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of further exploration, preparing feasibility studies,
permitting and construction of infrastructure, mining and processing facilities;
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the availability and costs of drill equipment, exploration personnel, skilled labor and mining
and processing equipment, if required;
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the availability and cost of appropriate smelting and/or refining arrangements, if required;
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compliance with environmental and other governmental approval and permit requirements;
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the availability of funds to finance exploration, development and construction activities, as warranted;
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potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups, local groups or
local inhabitants which may delay or prevent development activities;
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potential increases in exploration, construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost
of fuel, power, materials and supplies; and
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potential shortages of mineral processing, construction and other facilities related supplies.
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The costs, timing and complexities of exploration,
development and construction activities may be increased by the location of our Properties and demand by other mineral exploration
and mining companies. It is common in exploration programs to experience unexpected problems and delays during drill programs and,
if commenced, development, construction and mine start-up. Accordingly, our activities may not result in profitable mining operations
and we may not succeed in establishing mining operations or profitably producing metals at any of our properties.
We have a history of losses and expect
to continue to incur losses in the future.
We have incurred losses since inception,
have negative cash flow from operating activities and expect to continue to incur losses in the future. We incurred the following
losses from operations during each of the following periods:
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$(9,194,678) for the year ended May 31, 2018; and
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$(6,730,817) for the year ended May 31, 2017.
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We expect to continue to incur losses unless
and until such time as one of our Properties enters into commercial production and generate sufficient revenues to fund continuing
operations. We recognize that if we are unable to generate significant revenues from mining operations and dispositions of our
properties, we will not be able to earn profits or continue operations. At this early stage of our operation, we also expect to
face the risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies at the start up stage of their business
development. We cannot be sure that we will be successful in addressing these risks and uncertainties and our failure to do so
could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition.
Increased costs could affect our
financial condition.
We anticipate that costs at our projects
and Properties that we may explore or develop, will frequently be subject to variation from one year to the next due to a number
of factors, such as changing grade, metallurgy and revisions to mine plans, if any, in response to the physical shape and location
of the body. In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities such as fuel, steel, rubber, and electricity. Such commodities
are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production at certain operations less profitable.
A material increase in costs at any significant location could have a significant effect on our profitability.
Negative Operating Cash Flow.
The Company is an exploration stage
company and has not generated cash flow from operations. The Company is devoting significant resources to the development
of the Properties and to actively pursue exploration and development opportunities, however, there can be no assurance that it
will generate positive cash flow from operations in the future. The Company expects to continue to incur negative consolidated
operating cash flow and losses until such time as it achieves commercial production at a particular project. The Company
currently has negative cash flow from operating activities.
Risks
Related to Mining and Exploration
Our NBP and the MLP are in the exploration
stage.
The NBP and the MLP have estimated mineral
resources identified, but there has not been a mineral reserve estimation in accordance with NI 43-101 or SEC Industry Guide 7.
There is no assurance that we can establish the existence of any mineral reserves on the NBP or the MLP in commercially exploitable
quantities. Until we can do so, we cannot earn any revenues from the properties and if we do not do so we will lose all of the
funds that we expend on exploration. If we do not discover any mineral reserves in a commercially exploitable quantity, the exploration
component of our business could fail.
We have not established that our NBP or
MLP contains any mineral reserve according to recognized reserve guidelines, nor can there be any assurance that we will be able
to do so. A mineral reserve is defined by the SEC in its Industry Guide 7 as that part of a mineral deposit, which could be economically
and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. The probability of an individual prospect ever having
a “reserve” that meets the requirements of the SEC’s Industry Guide 7 is extremely remote; in all probability
our mineral Properties do not contain any “reserves” and any funds that we spend on exploration could be lost. Even
if we do eventually discover a mineral reserve on our Properties, there can be no assurance that they can be developed into producing
mines and extract those minerals. Both mineral exploration and development involve a high degree of risk and few mineral properties
which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines.
The commercial viability of an established
mineral deposit will depend on a number of factors including, by way of example, the size, grade and other attributes of the mineral
deposit, the proximity of the mineral deposit to infrastructure such as a smelter, roads and a point for shipping, government regulation
and market prices. Most of these factors will be beyond our control, and any of them could increase costs and make extraction of
any identified mineral deposit unprofitable.
The nature of mineral exploration
and production activities involves a high degree of risk and the possibility of uninsured losses.
Exploration for and the production of minerals
is highly speculative and involves much greater risk than many other businesses. Most exploration programs do not result in the
discovery of mineralization, and any mineralization discovered may not be of sufficient quantity or quality to be profitably mined.
Our operations are, and any future development or mining operations we may conduct will be, subject to all of the operating hazards
and risks normally incident to exploring for and development of mineral properties, such as, but not limited to:
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economically insufficient mineralized material;
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the ability to find sufficient gold, silver or other metal reserves to support a profitable mining
operation;
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fluctuation in production costs that make mining uneconomical;
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unanticipated variations in grade and other geologic problems;
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difficult surface or underground conditions;
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metallurgic and other processing problems;
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mechanical and equipment performance problems;
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failure of pit walls or dams;
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unusual or unexpected rock formations;
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personal injury, fire, flooding, cave-ins and landslides; and
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decrease in the value of mineralized material due to lower gold and/or silver prices.
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Any of these risks can materially and adversely
affect, among other things, the development of properties, production quantities and rates, costs and expenditures, potential revenues
and production dates. We currently have very limited insurance to guard against some of these risks. If we determine that capitalized
costs associated with any of our mineral interests are not likely to be recovered, we would incur a write-down of our investment
in these interests. All of these factors may result in losses in relation to amounts spent which are not recoverable, or result
in additional expenses.
We have no history of producing metals
from our current mineral properties and there can be no assurance that we will successfully establish mining operations or profitably
produce precious metals.
We have no history of producing metals
from our current mineral Properties. We do not produce gold or silver and do not currently generate operating earnings. While we
seek to move our project and Properties into production, such efforts will be subject to all of the risks associated with establishing
new mining operations and business enterprises, including:
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the timing and cost, which are considerable, of the construction of mining and processing facilities;
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the ability to find sufficient gold/silver reserves to support a profitable mining operation;
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the availability and costs of skilled labor and mining equipment;
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compliance with environmental and other governmental approval and permit requirements;
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the availability of funds to finance construction and development activities;
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potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups, local groups or
local inhabitants that may delay or prevent development activities; and
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potential increases in construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost of labor, fuel,
power, materials and supplies.
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It is common in new mining operations to
experience unexpected problems and delays during construction, development and mine start-up. In addition, our management will
need to be expanded. This could result in delays in the commencement of mineral production and increased costs of production. Accordingly,
we cannot assure you that our activities will result in profitable mining operations or that we will successfully establish mining
operations.
Estimates of mineral resources are
subject to evaluation uncertainties that could result in project failure.
Unless otherwise indicated, mineralization
figures presented in this Prospectus and in our filings with securities regulatory authorities, press releases and other public
statements that may be made from time to time are based upon estimates made by independent geologists and mining engineers. When
making determinations about whether to advance any of our projects to development, we must rely upon such estimated calculations
as to the mineral resources, mineral reserves and grades of mineralization on our properties. Until ore is actually mined and processed,
mineral resources, mineral reserves and grades of mineralization must be considered as estimates only.
Our exploration and future mining operations,
if any, are and would be faced with risks associated with being able to accurately predict the quantity and quality of mineral
resources/reserves within the earth using statistical sampling techniques. Estimates of mineral resource/reserve on our Properties
would be made using samples obtained from appropriately placed trenches, test pits and underground workings and intelligently designed
drilling. There is an inherent variability of assays between check and duplicate samples taken adjacent to each other and between
sampling points that cannot be reasonably eliminated. Additionally, there also may be unknown geologic details that have not been
identified or correctly appreciated at the current level of accumulated knowledge about our Properties. This could result in uncertainties
that cannot be reasonably eliminated from the process of estimating mineral resources/reserves. If these estimates were to prove
to be unreliable, we could implement an exploitation plan that may not lead to commercially viable operations in the future.
Any material changes in mineral resource/reserve
estimates and grades of mineralization will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and a property’s
return on capital.
As we have not completed feasibility studies
on our NBP or MLP and have not commenced actual production, mineral resource estimates may require adjustments or downward revisions.
In addition, the grade ultimately mined, if any, may differ from that indicated by our feasibility studies and drill results. Minerals
recovered in small scale tests may not be duplicated in large scale tests under on-site conditions or in production scale.
The mineral resource estimates contained
in this Prospectus have been determined based on assumed future prices, cut-off grades and operating costs that may prove to be
inaccurate. Extended declines in market prices for gold or silver may render portions of our mineralization and resource estimates
uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineralization or adversely affect any commercial viability determinations we may reach.
Any material reductions in estimates of mineralization, or of our ability to extract this mineralization, could have a material
adverse effect on our share price and the value of our Properties.
There are differences in U.S. and
Canadian practices for reporting reserves and resources.
Our mineral resource estimates are not
directly comparable to those made in filings subject to SEC reporting and disclosure requirements, as we generally report mineral
reserves and mineral resources in accordance with Canadian requirements. These requirements are different from the practices used
to report mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates in reports and other materials filed with the SEC. It is Canadian practice
to report measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources, which are generally not permitted in disclosure filed with the SEC
by United States issuers. In the United States, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination
has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination
is made. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources
will ever be converted into reserves.
Further, “inferred mineral resources”
have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Disclosure
of “contained ounces” is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC only permits issuers to
report “resources” as in place, tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.
Accordingly, information concerning descriptions
of mineralization, mineral reserves and mineral resources contained in this Prospectus, or in the documents incorporated herein
by reference, may not be comparable to information made public by other United States companies subject to the reporting and disclosure
requirements of the SEC.
Our exploration activities on our
properties may not be commercially successful, which could lead us to abandon our plans to develop our properties and our investments
in exploration.
Our long-term success depends on our ability
to identify mineral deposits on our existing Properties and other properties we may acquire, if any, that we 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 labor. The success of gold, silver and other commodity exploration is determined in part by the following
factors:
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the identification of potential mineralization based on surficial analysis;
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availability of government-granted exploration permits;
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the quality of our management and our geological and technical expertise; and
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the capital available for exploration and development work.
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Substantial expenditures are required to
establish proven and probable mineral 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 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. We may invest significant capital and resources in exploration activities and abandon
such investments if we are unable to identify commercially exploitable mineral reserves. The decision to abandon a project may
have an adverse effect on the market value of our securities and the ability to raise future financing.
The volatility of the price of gold
and silver could adversely affect our future operations and, if warranted, our ability to develop our properties.
The potential for profitability of our
operations, the value of our Properties, the market price of the Common Shares and our ability to raise funding to conduct continued
exploration and development, if warranted, are directly related to the market price of gold and silver. Our decision to put a mine
into production and to commit the funds necessary for that purpose must be made long before the first revenue from production would
be received. A decrease in the price of gold and/or silver may prevent our Properties from being economically mined or result in
the write-off of assets whose value is impaired as a result of lower gold and silver prices. The prices of gold and silver are
affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including inflation, fluctuation of the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, global
and regional demand, the sale of gold by central banks, and the political and economic conditions of major gold and silver producing
countries throughout the world.
The volatility of mineral prices represents
a substantial risk which no amount of planning or technical expertise can fully eliminate. In the event gold and/or silver prices
decline or remain low for prolonged periods of time, we might be unable to develop our Properties, which may adversely affect our
results of operations, financial performance and cash flows.
We may not be able to obtain all
required permits and licenses to place any of our properties into production.
Our current and future operations, including
development activities and commencement of production, if warranted, require permits from governmental authorities and such operations
are and will be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labor
standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, mine safety and other matters.
Companies engaged in mineral property exploration and the development or operation of mines and related facilities generally experience
increased costs, and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations
and permits. We cannot predict if all permits which we may require for continued exploration, development or construction of mining
facilities and conduct of mining operations will be obtainable on reasonable terms, if at all. Costs related to applying for and
obtaining permits and licenses may be prohibitive and could delay our planned exploration and development activities. Failure to
comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions, 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 may
be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines
or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations. Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing
operations and activities of mining companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on
our operations and cause increases in capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production at producing
properties or require abandonment or delays in development of new mining properties.
We are subject to significant governmental
regulations, which affect our operations and costs of conducting our business.
Our current and future operations are and
will be governed by laws and regulations, including:
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laws and regulations governing mineral concession acquisition, prospecting, development, mining
and production;
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laws and regulations related to exports, taxes and fees;
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labor standards and regulations related to occupational health and mine safety; and
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environmental standards and regulations related to waste disposal, toxic substances, land use and
environmental protection.
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Companies engaged in exploration activities
often experience increased costs and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable
laws, regulations and permits. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits may result in enforcement actions,
including the forfeiture of mineral claims or other mineral tenures, orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities requiring
operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional
equipment or costly remedial actions. We may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of our mineral
exploration activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of such laws, regulations and permits.
Existing and possible future laws, regulations
and permits governing operations and activities of exploration companies, or more stringent implementation, could have a material
adverse impact on our business and cause increases in capital expenditures or require abandonment or delays in exploration.
Our activities are subject to environmental
laws and regulations that may increase our costs of doing business and restrict our operations.
All phases of our operations are subject
to environmental regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate. 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. These
laws address emissions into the air, discharges into water, management of waste, management of hazardous substances, protection
of natural resources, antiquities and endangered species and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining operations. Compliance with
environmental laws and regulations and future changes in these laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays and
may cause material changes or delays in our operations and future activities. It is possible that future changes in these laws
or regulations could have a significant adverse impact on our Properties or some portion of our business, causing us to re-evaluate
those activities at that time.
Legislation has been proposed that
would significantly affect the mining industry.
Members of the United States Congress have
repeatedly introduced bills which would supplant or alter the provisions of the United States General Mining Law of 1872. If enacted,
such legislation could change the cost of holding unpatented mining claims and could significantly impact our ability to develop
mineralized material on unpatented mining claims. Such bills have proposed, among other things, to either eliminate or greatly
limit the right to a mineral patent and to impose a federal royalty on production from unpatented mining claims. Although we cannot
predict what legislated royalties might be, the enactment of these proposed bills could adversely affect the potential for development
of unpatented mining claims and the economics of existing operating mines on federal unpatented mining claims. Passage of such
legislation could adversely affect our financial performance.
Regulations and pending legislation
governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating costs, which could have a material adverse effect
on our business.
A number of governments or governmental
bodies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to various climate change interest groups and the potential
impact of climate change. Legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs on us, our
venture partners and our suppliers, including costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental
monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations. Any adopted future climate change regulations could also
negatively impact our ability to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. Given the emotion, political
significance and uncertainty around the impact of climate change and how it should be dealt with, we cannot predict how legislation
and regulation will affect our financial condition, operating performance and ability to compete. Furthermore, even without such
regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about potential impacts on climate change by
us or other companies in our industry could harm our reputation. The potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations
are highly uncertain, and would be particular to the geographic circumstances in areas in which we operate. These may include changes
in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels and changing temperatures. These impacts may
adversely impact the cost, production and financial performance of our operations.
Our relationship with the communities
in which we operate impacts the future success of our operations.
Our relationship with the communities in
which we operate is important to ensure the future success of our existing operations. While we believe our relationships with
the communities in which we operate are strong, there is an increasing level of public concern relating to the perceived effect
of mining activities on the environment and on communities impacted by such activities. Certain non-governmental organizations
(“NGOs”), some of which oppose globalization and resource development, are often vocal critics of the mining industry
and its practices. Adverse publicity generated by such NGOs or others related to extractive industries generally, or its operations
specifically, could have an adverse effect on our reputation or financial condition and may impact its relationship with the communities
in which we operate. While we believe that we operate in a socially responsible manner, there is no guarantee that our efforts
in this respect will mitigate this potential risk.
Our business is subject to evolving
corporate governance and public disclosure regulations that have increased both our compliance costs and the risk of noncompliance,
which could have an adverse effect on our stock price.
We are subject to changing rules and regulations
promulgated by a number of governmental and self-regulated organizations, including the SEC, applicable securities regulatory authorities
in Canada, the TSX, the OTCQX, applicable Canadian authorities and the Financial Accounting Standards Board. These rules and regulations
continue to evolve in scope and complexity and many new requirements have been created in response to laws enacted by Congress,
making compliance more difficult and uncertain. Our efforts to comply with new regulations have resulted in, and are likely to
continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating
activities to compliance activities.
Land reclamation requirements for
our properties may be burdensome and expensive.
Although variable depending on location
and the governing authority, land reclamation requirements are generally imposed on mineral exploration companies (as well as companies
with mining operations) in order to minimize long term effects of land disturbance.
Reclamation may include requirements to:
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control dispersion of potentially deleterious effluents;
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treat ground and surface water to drinking water standards; and
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reasonably re-establish pre-disturbance land forms and vegetation.
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In order to carry out reclamation obligations
imposed on us in connection with our potential development activities, we must allocate financial resources that might otherwise
be spent on further exploration and development programs. We plan to set up a provision for our reclamation obligations on our
Properties, as appropriate, but this provision may not be adequate. If we are required to carry out unanticipated reclamation work,
our financial position could be adversely affected.
We face intense competition in the
mining industry.
The mining industry is intensely competitive
in all of its phases. As a result of this competition, some of which is with large established mining companies with substantial
capabilities and with greater financial and technical resources than ours, we may be unable to acquire additional attractive mining
claims or financing on terms we consider acceptable. We also compete with other mining companies in the recruitment and retention
of qualified managerial and technical employees. If we are unable to successfully compete for qualified employees, our exploration
and development programs may be slowed down or suspended. We compete with other precious metal companies for capital. If we are
unable to raise sufficient capital, our exploration and development programs may be jeopardized or we may not be able to acquire,
develop or operate additional precious metal projects.
A shortage of equipment and supplies
could adversely affect our ability to operate our business.
We are dependent on various supplies and
equipment to carry out our mining exploration and, if warranted, development operations. The shortage of such supplies, equipment
and parts could have a material adverse effect on our ability to carry out our operations and therefore limit, or increase the
cost of, production.
Joint ventures and other partnerships
may expose us to risks.
We may enter into joint ventures or partnership
arrangements with other parties in relation to the exploration, development and production of a certain portion of the NBP and
the Mother Lode Property in which we have an interest. Joint ventures can often require unanimous approval of the parties to the
joint venture or their representatives for certain fundamental decisions such as an increase or reduction of registered capital,
merger, division, dissolution, amendments of constating documents, and the pledge of joint venture assets, which means that each
joint venture party may have a veto right with respect to such decisions which could lead to a deadlock in the operations of the
joint venture. Further, we may be unable to exert control over strategic decisions made in respect of such properties. Any failure
of such other companies to meet their obligations to us or to third parties, or any disputes with respect to the parties’
respective rights and obligations, could have a material adverse effect on the joint ventures or their properties and therefore
could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial performance, cash flows and the price of the Common
Shares.
Our directors and officers may have
conflicts of interest as a result of their relationships with other companies.
Our directors and officers are also directors,
officers and shareholders of other companies that are similarly engaged in the business of acquiring, developing and exploiting
natural resource properties. Consequently, there is a possibility that our directors and/or officers may be in a position of conflict
in the future.
Our failure to strictly comply with
anti-corruption laws could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and results of operations.
Our operations are governed by, and involve
interactions with, many levels of government in numerous countries. We are required to comply with anti-corruption and anti-bribery
laws, including the Canadian Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
In recent years, there has been a general increase in both the frequency of enforcement and the severity of penalties under such
laws, resulting in greater scrutiny and punishment to companies convicted of violating anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws. Furthermore,
a company may be found liable for violations by not only its employees, but also by its contractors and third-party agents. Our
internal procedures and programs may not always be effective in ensuring that we, our employees, contractors or third-party agents
will comply strictly with such laws. If we become subject to an enforcement action or in violation of such laws, this may have
a material adverse effect on our reputation, result in significant penalties, fines and/or sanctions imposed on us, and/or have
a material adverse effect on our operations.
Our failure to strictly comply with
Canada’s Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and results of
operations.
The Canadian Extractive Sector Transparency
Measures Act (“ESTMA”), which became effective June 1, 2015, requires public disclosure of payments to governments
by mining and oil and gas companies engaged in the commercial development of oil, gas and minerals who are either publicly listed
in Canada or with business or assets in Canada. Mandatory annual reporting is required for extractive companies with respect to
payments made to foreign and domestic governments at all levels, including entities established by two or more governments, including
Indigenous groups. Reporting on payments to Canadian First Nations will commence in 2018 for payments made in 2017. ESTMA requires
reporting on the payments of any taxes, royalties, fees, production entitlements, bonuses, dividends, infrastructure improvement
payments, and any other prescribed payment over C$100,000. Failure to report, false reporting or structuring payments to avoid
reporting may result in fines of up to C$250,000 (which may be concurrent). We commenced ESTMA reporting in 2017. If we become
subject to an enforcement action or in violation of ESTMA, this may result in significant penalties, fines and/or sanctions imposed
on us resulting in a material adverse effect on our reputation.
Our business is affected by the global
economy.
Global financial conditions continue to
be characterized as volatile. In recent years, global markets have been adversely impacted by the credit crisis that began in 2008,
the European debt crisis and significant fluctuations in fuel and energy costs and metals prices. Many industries, including the
mining industry, have been impacted by these market conditions. Global financial conditions remain subject to sudden and rapid
destabilizations in response to future events, as government authorities may have limited resources to respond to future crises.
A continued or worsened slowdown in the financial markets or other economic conditions, including but not limited to consumer spending,
employment rates, business conditions, inflation, fuel and energy costs, consumer debt levels, lack of available credit, the state
of the financial markets, interest rates and tax rates, may adversely affect our growth and profitability. Future crises may be
precipitated by any number of causes, including natural disasters, geopolitical instability, changes to energy prices or sovereign
defaults. If increased levels of volatility continue or in the event of a rapid destabilization of global economic conditions,
it may result in a material adverse effect on commodity prices, demand for metals, including gold, silver, zinc, copper and lead,
availability of credit, investor confidence, and general financial market liquidity, all of which may adversely affect our business
and the market price of our securities.
We may experience difficulty attracting
and retaining qualified management to meet the needs of our anticipated growth, and the failure to manage our growth effectively
could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
We are dependent on a relatively small
number of key employees, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Operating Officer. The loss of any officer
could have an adverse effect on us. We have no life insurance on any individual, and we may be unable to hire a suitable replacement
for them on favorable terms, should that become necessary.
It may be difficult to enforce judgments
or bring actions outside the United States against us and certain of our directors.
We are a Canadian corporation and certain
of our Directors are neither citizens nor residents of the United States. A substantial part of the assets of several of these
persons, are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for an investor:
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to enforce in courts outside the United States judgments obtained in United States courts based
upon the civil liability provisions of United States federal securities laws against these persons and the Company; or
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to bring in courts outside the United States an original action to enforce liabilities based upon
United States federal securities laws against these persons and the Company.
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Our results of operations could be
affected by currency fluctuations.
Our Properties are located in the United
States and most costs associated with this property are paid in U.S. dollars. There can be significant swings in the exchange rate
between the U.S. and Canadian dollar. There are no plans at this time to hedge against any exchange rate fluctuations in currencies.
Title to our properties may be subject
to other claims, which could affect our Properties rights and claims.
There are risks that title to our property
may be challenged or impugned. Our current Properties are located in Nevada and 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
our Properties which, if successful, could impair development and/or operations. This is particularly the case in respect of those
portions of our Properties in which we hold our interest solely through a lease with the claim holders, as such interest is substantially
based on contract and has been subject to a number of assignments (as opposed to a direct interest in the property).
Several of the mineral rights to our Properties
consist of “unpatented” lode mining claims created and maintained in accordance with the United States General Mining
Law of 1872. Unpatented mining claims are unique property interests, and are generally considered to be subject to greater title
risk than other real property interests because the validity of unpatented mining claims is often uncertain. This uncertainty arises,
in part, out of the complex federal and state laws and regulations under the United States General Mining Law of 1872. Also, unpatented
mining claims are always subject to possible challenges by third parties or validity contests by the federal government. The validity
of an unpatented lode mining or mill site claim, in terms of both its location and its maintenance, is dependent on strict compliance
with a complex body of U.S. federal and state statutory and decisional law. In addition, there are few public records that definitively
determine the issues of validity and ownership of unpatented mining claims. Should the federal government impose a royalty or additional
tax burdens on the portion of the property that lie within public lands, the resulting mining operations could be seriously impacted,
depending upon the type and amount of the burden.
We may be unable to secure surface
access or purchase required surface rights.
Although the Company acquires the rights
to some or all of the minerals in the ground subject to the mineral tenures that it acquires, or has a right to acquire, in most
cases it does not thereby acquire any rights to, or ownership of, the surface to the areas covered by such mineral tenures. In
such cases, applicable mining laws usually provide for rights of access to the surface for the purpose of carrying on mining activities,
however, the enforcement of such rights through the courts can be costly and time consuming. It is necessary to negotiate surface
access or to purchase the surface rights if long-term access is required. There can be no guarantee that, despite having the right
at law to access the surface and carry on mining activities, we will be able to negotiate satisfactory agreements with any such
existing landowners/occupiers for such access or purchase of such surface rights, and therefore we may be unable to carry out planned
mining activities. In addition, in circumstances where such access is denied, or no agreement can be reached, we may need to rely
on the assistance of local officials or the courts in such jurisdiction the outcomes of which cannot be predicted with any certainty.
Our inability to secure surface access or purchase required surface rights could materially and adversely affect our timing, cost
or overall ability to develop any mineral deposits we may locate.
Our properties and operations may
be subject to litigation or other claims.
From time to time our Properties or operations
may be subject to disputes which may result in litigation or other legal claims. We may be required to assert or defend against
these claims which will divert resources and management time from operations. The costs of these claims or adverse filings may
have a material effect on our business and results of operations.
We do not currently insure against
all the risks and hazards of mineral exploration, development and mining operations.
Exploration, development and mining operations
involve various hazards, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, metallurgical and other processing problems, unusual
or unexpected rock formations, structural cave-ins or slides, flooding, fires, metal losses and periodic interruptions due to inclement
or hazardous weather conditions. These risks could result in damage to or destruction of mineral properties, facilities or other
property, personal injury, environmental damage, delays in operations, increased cost of operations, monetary losses and possible
legal liability. We may not be able to obtain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums or at all. We may
elect not to insure where premium costs are disproportionate to our perception of the relevant risks. The payment of such insurance
premiums and of such liabilities would reduce the funds available for exploration and production activities.
We are dependent upon information
technology systems, which are subject to disruption, damage, failure and risks associated with implementation and integration.
We are dependent upon information technology
systems in the conduct of our operations. Our information technology systems are subject to disruption, damage or failure
from a variety of sources, including, without limitation, computer viruses, security breaches, cyber-attacks, natural disasters
and defects in design. Cybersecurity incidents, in particular, are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious
software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in
systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and the corruption of data. Various measures have
been implemented to manage our risks related to information technology systems and network disruptions. However, given the unpredictability
of the timing, nature and scope of information technology disruptions, we could potentially be subject to operational delays, the
compromising of confidential or otherwise protected information, destruction or corruption of data, security breaches, other manipulation
or improper use of our systems and networks or financial losses from remedial actions, any of which could have a material adverse
effect on our cash flows, competitive position, financial condition or results of operations.
Recently enacted changes in tax law
could materially affect our financial position and results of operations.
On December 22, 2017, the President of
the United States signed into law H.R. 1 (the “U.S. Tax Reform”). We are in the process of determining the impact to
our financial statements of all aspects of U.S. Tax Reform and intend to reflect the impact of such reform in the financial statements
during the period in which such amounts can be reasonably estimated. There is substantial uncertainty regarding the details of
the U.S. Tax Reform. The intended and unintended consequences of the U.S. Tax Reform on our business are not yet widely understood
and, due to our international business activities, the changes to the taxation of our activities affected by the U.S. Tax Reform
could increase our effective tax rate and could materially impact our financial position or results of operations.
Risks
Related to the Common Shares
We believe that we may be a “passive
foreign investment company” for the current taxable year which may result in materially adverse United States federal income
tax consequences for United States investors.
We generally will be designated as a “passive
foreign investment company” under the meaning of Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(a “PFIC”) if, for a tax year, (a) 75% or more of our gross income for such year is “passive income” (generally,
dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of assets producing passive income) or (b) if at least 50%
or more of the value of our assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income, based on the quarterly average of
the fair market value of such assets. United States shareholders should be aware that we believe we were classified as a PFIC during
our tax year ended May 31, 2018, and based on current business plans and financial expectations, believe that we may be a PFIC
for the current and future taxable years. If we are a PFIC for any year during a U.S. shareholder’s holding period, then
such U.S. shareholder generally will be required to treat any gain realized upon a disposition of Common Shares, or any “excess
distribution” received on its Common Shares, as ordinary income, and to pay an interest charge on a portion of such gain
or distribution, unless the shareholder makes a timely and effective "qualified electing fund" election (“QEF Election”)
or a "mark-to-market" election with respect to the Common Shares. A U.S. shareholder who makes a QEF Election generally
must report on a current basis its share of our net capital gain and ordinary earnings for any year in which we are a PFIC, whether
or not we distribute any amount to our shareholders. A U.S. shareholder who makes a mark-to-market election generally must include
as ordinary income each year the excess of the fair market value of the Common Shares over the taxpayer’s basis therein.
Each U.S. shareholder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the PFIC rules and the U.S. federal income tax consequences
of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
If we fail to establish and maintain
an effective system of internal control, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or to prevent fraud. Any
inability to report and file our financial results accurately and timely could harm our reputation and adversely impact the trading
price of our Common Shares.
Effective internal control is necessary
for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud,
we may not be able to manage our business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment existed, and our business
and reputation with investors may be harmed. As a result of our small size, any current internal control deficiencies may adversely
affect our financial condition, results of operation and access to capital. Although as of May 31, 2018, management has concluded
that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, there can be no assurance that our internal control over financial
reporting will remain effective.
Our share price may be volatile and
as a result you could lose all or part of your investment.
In addition to volatility associated with
equity securities in general, the value of your investment could decline due to the impact of any of the following factors upon
the market price of the Common Shares:
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changes in the worldwide price for gold and/or silver;
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disappointing results from our exploration efforts;
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decline in demand for Common Shares;
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downward revisions in securities analysts’ estimates or changes in general market conditions;
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·
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technological innovations by competitors or in competing technologies;
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·
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investor perception of our industry or our prospects; and
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·
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general economic trends.
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In the last 12 months, the price of our
stock on the TSX has ranged from a low of $1.40 to a high of $3.39. In addition, stock markets in general have experienced extreme
price and volume fluctuations and the market prices of securities have been highly volatile. These fluctuations are often unrelated
to operating performance and may adversely affect the market price of the Common Shares. As a result, you may be unable to resell
any Common Shares you acquire at a desired price.
We have never paid dividends on the
Common Shares.
We have not paid dividends on the Common
Shares to date, and we may not be in a position to pay dividends for the foreseeable future. Our ability to pay dividends with
respect to the Common Shares will depend on our ability to successfully develop our NBP and MLP and generate earnings from operations.
Further, our initial earnings, if any, will likely be retained to finance our operations. Any future dividends on Common Shares
will depend upon our earnings, our then-existing financial requirements and other factors, and will be at the discretion of the
board of directors of the Company.
Investors’ interests in our
Company will be diluted and investors may suffer dilution in their net book value per Common Share if we issue additional employee/Director/consultant
options or if we sell additional Common Shares to finance our operations.
In order to further expand the Company’s
operations and meet our objectives, any additional growth and/or expanded exploration activity will likely need to be financed
through sale of and issuance of additional Common Shares, including, but not limited to, raising funds to explore the NBP and the
MLP. Furthermore, to finance any acquisition activity, should that activity be properly approved, and depending on the outcome
of our exploration programs, we will likely also need to issue additional Common Shares to finance future acquisitions, growth
and/or additional exploration programs of our NBP and MLP or to acquire additional properties. We will also in the future grant
to some or all of our Directors, officers, and key employees and/or consultants options to purchase Common Shares as non-cash incentives.
The issuance of any equity securities could, and the issuance of any additional Common Shares will, cause our existing shareholders
to experience dilution of their ownership interests.
If we issue additional Common Shares or
decide to enter into joint ventures with other parties in order to raise financing through the sale of equity securities, investors’
interests in the Company will be diluted and investors may suffer dilution in their net book value per Common Share depending on
the price at which such securities are sold.
We are subject to the continued listing
criteria of the TSX and our failure to satisfy these criteria may result in delisting of the Common Shares.
The Common Shares are currently listed
on the TSX. In order to maintain the listing, we must maintain certain financial and share distribution targets, including maintaining
a minimum number of public shareholders. In addition to objective standards, the TSX may delist the securities of any issuer if,
in its opinion, the issuer’s financial condition and/or operating results appear unsatisfactory; if it appears that the extent
of public distribution or the aggregate market value of the security has become so reduced as to make continued listing on the
TSX inadvisable; if the issuer sells or disposes of principal operating assets or ceases to be an operating company; if an issuer
fails to comply with the listing requirements of TSX; or if any other event occurs or any condition exists which makes continued
listing on the TSX, in the opinion of the TSX, inadvisable.
If the TSX delists the Common Shares, investors
may face material adverse consequences, including, but not limited to, a lack of trading market for the Common Shares, reduced
liquidity, decreased analyst coverage of the Company, and an inability for us to obtain additional financing to fund our operations.
The issuance of additional Common
Shares may negatively impact the trading price of our securities.
We have issued Common Shares in the past
and will continue to issue Common Shares to finance our activities in the future. In addition, outstanding options, warrants and
broker warrants to purchase Common Shares may be exercised, resulting in the issuance of additional Common Shares. The issuance
by us of additional Common Shares would result in dilution to our shareholders, and even the perception that such an issuance may
occur could have a negative impact on the trading price of the Common Shares.
We are an “emerging growth
company,” and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make
our Common Shares less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,”
as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, or the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company,
we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are
not emerging growth companies, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements,
and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval
of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although
circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our Common Shares held by non-affiliates
exceeds $700 million as of any November 30 before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as
of the following May 31. We cannot predict if investors will find our Common Shares less attractive because we may rely on these
exemptions. If some investors find our Common Shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for
our Common Shares and our stock price may be more volatile. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can also delay adopting
new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected
not to avail ourselves of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, will be subject to the same new
or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
Broker-dealers may be discouraged
from effecting transactions in Common Shares because they are considered a penny stock and are subject to the penny stock rules.
The Common Shares are a penny stock. The
SEC has adopted Rule 15g-9 which generally defines “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price
(as defined) less than US$5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than US$5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. The
Common Shares are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell
to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors”. The term “accredited investor”
refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of US$5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of US$1,000,000
or annual income exceeding US$200,000 or US$300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior
to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a
form prepared by the SEC, which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market.
The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of
the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny
stock held in the customer’s account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information,
must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing
before or with the customer's confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock
not otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable
investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements
may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the Common Shares. Consequently, these
penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade in the Common Shares.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows the Company to “incorporate
by reference” information it files with the SEC. This means that the Company can disclose important information
to you by referring you to those documents. Any information the Company references in this manner is considered part of this Prospectus. Information
the Company files with the SEC after the date of this Prospectus will automatically update and, to the extent inconsistent, supersede
the information contained in this Prospectus.
The following documents which have been
filed by the Company with securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada and with the SEC, are specifically incorporated
by reference into, and form an integral part of, this Prospectus.
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(a)
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the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company, for the
year ended May 31, 2018, which report contains the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto
as at May 31, 2018 and 2017 and for the years ended May 31, 2018 and 2017, together with the auditors’ report thereon and
the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the years ended May
31, 2018 and 2017, as filed with the SEC on August 28, 2018;
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(b)
|
the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, dated August 20, 2018, in connection with
the Company’s October 11, 2018 annual general meeting of shareholders, including the information specifically incorporated
by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, as filed with the SEC on August 31, 2018;
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|
(c)
|
the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, for the quarter ended August 31, 2018, which
report contains the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto as at August 31, 2018 and
for the quarters ended August 31, 2018 and 2017 and the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition
and results of operations for the quarters ended August 31, 2018 and 2017, as filed with the SEC on October 11, 2018;
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(d)
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the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, for the quarter ended November 30, 2018, which
report contains the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto as at November 30, 2018 and
for the quarters ended November 30, 2018 and 2017 and the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition
and results of operations for the quarters ended November 30, 2018 and 2017, as filed with the SEC on January 10, 2019;
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(e)
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the Company’s
Current Reports on Form 8-K as filed on July 12, 2018 relating to the closing of the
Strategic Investment and October 17, 2018 relating to the results of the Company’s
annual general meeting held on October 11, 2018;
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|
(f)
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the description of the Company’s common stock contained in its registration statement on
Form 8-A filed on May 29, 2015, including any amendment or report filed for purposes of updating such description; and
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(g)
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all other documents filed by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act (excluding, unless otherwise provided therein or herein, information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 on any Current
Report on Form 8-K), after the date of this Prospectus but before the end of the offering of the securities made by this Prospectus.
|
We also hereby specifically incorporate
by reference all filings filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the initial
registration statement on Form S-3 to which this Prospectus relates and prior to effectiveness of such registration statement.
You may obtain copies of any of these documents
by contacting us at the address and telephone number indicated below or by contacting the SEC as described below. You may request
a copy of these documents, and any exhibits that have specifically been incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus
supplement, at no cost, by writing or telephoning to:
Corvus Gold Inc.
1750 – 700 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C
1G8
Attention: Peggy Wu, Chief Financial Officer
(604) 638-3246
PROPERTIES
UPDATE
The scientific and technical information
included in the following section has been derived, in part, from the technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 entitled
“Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Integrated Mother Lode and North Bullfrog Projects, Bullfrog
Mining District, Nye County, Nevada”, dated November 1, 2018 and amended on November 8, 2018, with an effective date of September
18, 2018 (the “Technical Report”). The Technical Report was prepared by Scott E. Wilson, CPG (#10965) and SME-RM (#4025107)
of Resource Development Associates, Inc. (“RDA”) of Highlands Ranch, CO, USA, Michael Cole, SME-RM (#4130807), Mining
Engineer, of Roanoke, VA, USA, Christopher L. Easton, MMSA-QP, Metallurgical Consultant and President at Easton Process Consulting,
Inc. of Highlands Ranch, CO, USA and Richard Delong, MMSA-QP, Environmental Geologist (#01471) and President of EM Strategies,
of Reno, NV, USA, each of whom is a qualified person under NI 43-101.
The NBP and MLP do not have any known proven
or probable reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7 and the project is exploratory in nature. The Technical Report is referred to herein
for informational purposes only and is not incorporated herein by reference. The Technical Report contains disclosure regarding
mineral resources that are not SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant proven or probable reserves. See “Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors
Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves” above.
Project Description, Location and Access
Location and Means of Access
The project (the “Project”
or the “NB-MLP”) consists of both the NBP and the MLP integrated into a single mining operation which is located in
southwest Nevada near the community of Beatty, Nevada. Figure 1 shows the land positions that form the NB-MLP. NB-MLP is accessible
from Beatty, Nevada, which is an approximately two and a half hour drive (193 km, 120 mi) north of Las Vegas, Nevada via US Highway
95. US Highway 95 is the major transportation route between Las Vegas, Nevada, Reno, Nevada and Boise, Idaho. Las Vegas is serviced
by a major international airport. Beatty is the closest town to the Project having a population of about 1,100, and providing most
basic services.
NBP lies 10 km due north of Beatty and
is accessed via several dirt roads to the west from US Highway 95 between mile markers 66 and 72 (6-12 road miles north of Beatty
on US Highway 95). A network of typically well-maintained dirt roads provides access to most of the important exploration areas.
MLP lies 8 km due east of Beatty. MLP is accessed from US Highway 95 just one mile south of Beatty by taking the Fluorspar Canyon
road east. Access around the Project is also by a network of reasonably good dirt roads.
Figure 1 – Map showing the boundaries
of the NBP and MLP (grid UTM NAD27 Zone 11).
Corvus Interest in the Project
MLP Area and Location
The MLP is located in the northern Bare
Mountain area of northwestern Nye County, Nevada. A map of the MLP is presented in Figure 1, which shows the boundary defined by
public land mining claims in blue. Location of the property is shown with respect to Beatty, NV. The Project covers approximately
3,570 ha (8,820 ac) of federal unpatented lode mining claims located in Sections 10, 11, 14, 15, 22, 23, 26, 27, 34, 35 and 36
of T11S, R47E; Sections 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 of T12S, R47E; and Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17 and 18 of T12S, R48E, Mount
Diablo Base and Meridian (“MDBM”). A list of the mining claims included in the MLP and administered by the US Bureau
of Land Management (“BLM”) is provided in Table 1. Corvus owns, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mother Lode Mining
Company LLC, the historic Mother Lode property which consists of 13 mining claims (the “Historic Mother Lode Property”).
The MN and ME claims were staked by Corvus in 2017 and 2018 and are 100% owned by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Corvus Gold Nevada
Inc. (“Corvus Nevada”).
In May of 2017, Corvus purchased 100% of
the Historic Mother Lode Property by acquiring the Goldcorp Daisy LLC from Goldcorp USA, Inc. Goldcorp Daisy LLC was subsequently
renamed the Mother Lode Mining Company LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Corvus Nevada. The Historic Mother Lode Property
consisted of 13 mining claims (BVC, Mother Lode, MF and TWE in Table 1) comprising approximately105 ha (~260 ac) around and adjacent
to the historic Mother Lode open pit. Corvus issued Goldcorp USA, Inc. 1,000,000 common shares of Corvus and granted a 1% Net Smelter
Royalty (“NSR”) on any future production from the 13 claims for a gold price up to USD 1,300 per ounce, increasing
to a 2% NSR for a gold price equal to or greater than USD 1,400 per ounce.
Table 1 – List of Federal Mining
Claims forming the MLP
Land Holder
|
Claim Name
|
BLM Serial Numbers
|
Mother Lode Mining Company LLC
|
BVC #5696
|
262789
|
Mother Lode Mining Company LLC
|
BVC #5697
|
262790
|
Mother Lode Mining Company LLC
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BVC #5698
|
262791
|
Mother Lode Mining Company LLC
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BVC #2
|
352232
|
Mother Lode Mining Company LLC
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Mother Lode #15
|
264628
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Mother Lode Mining Company LLC
|
Mother Lode #20
|
264633
|
Mother Lode Mining Company LLC
|
MF 15
|
699017
|
Mother Lode Mining Company LLC
|
MF 17
|
699019
|
Mother Lode Mining Company LLC
|
MF 19
|
699021
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Mother Lode Mining Company LLC
|
TWE 41
|
685492
|
Mother Lode Mining Company LLC
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TWE 42
|
685493
|
Mother Lode Mining Company LLC
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TWE 43
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685494
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Mother Lode Mining Company LLC
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TWE 44
|
685495
|
Corvus Gold Nevada Inc.
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ME-01 to ME-22
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1143493-1143514
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Corvus Gold Nevada Inc.
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MN-01 to MN-30
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1143463-1143492
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Corvus Gold Nevada Inc.
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MN-31 to MN-105
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1163266-1163340
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Corvus Gold Nevada Inc.
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MN-106 to MN-159
|
1166983-1167036
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Corvus Gold Nevada Inc.
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MN-160 to MN-414
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1177225-1177477
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Corvus Gold Nevada Inc.
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MN-415 to MN-426
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1180305-1180316
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All of the mining claims on public land
at the MLP are administered by the BLM. The mining claims require payment of yearly maintenance fees to the BLM and Nye County
(recording fees) of an aggregate of USD 137,478 (estimated for 2019). These claims give Corvus the right to explore for and mine
minerals, including gold and silver, subject to the necessary permits. Corvus has a current Notice-level exploration permit from
the BLM which allows Corvus to access, maintain the roads, perform drilling and sampling, and create up to five ac of surface disturbance
under permit N-095622. A second Notice-level permit (N-96894) which allows construction of up to 17 drill sites with up to 4.39
ac of surface disturbance at the Willy’s target area (east of MLP), has been granted by the BLM (the “Willy’s
NOI”). A third Notice-level permit (N-96991) which allows construction of up to 8 drill sites for up to 0.7 ac of disturbance
at the Sawtooth target area (west of MLP) has been acknowledged by the BLM (the “Sawtooth Notice”). A Plan of Operations
(NVN-096238) to construct up to 550 drill sites for up to 140 ac of disturbance is pending approval from the BLM and the Nevada
Department of Environmental Protection (“NDEP”).
Reclamation bonding related to environmental
liabilities at MLP is in place to cover proposed disturbance on the property. Such reclamation liabilities are covered by surety
bonds issued to the BLM by Lexon Insurance Company (“Lexon”) in the amounts of USD 33,216 for the Mother Lode Notice
and USD 9,515 for the Willy’s NOI, and USD 5,367 for the Sawtooth Notice. Additional bonding of up to an estimated USD 440,067
will be required in phases when the Mother Lode Plan of Operations is approved.
Corvus has submitted an application to
the Nevada Division of Water Resources for 276 acre-feet of water rights used historically in the Daisy Project mining and processing
concession.
NBP Area and Location
The NBP is located in the Bullfrog Hills
of northwestern Nye County, Nevada. A map of the NBP property is presented in Figure 1, which shows the public lands boundary defined
by mining claims in blue. Within the public land boundary are private lands (based on historic patented mining claims). The Project
covers about 7,223 ha of patented and unpatented lode mining claims in Sections 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,
32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 of T10S, R46E; Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 of T11S, R46E; Section 19, 30, 31, 32
of T10S, R47E; and Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17 and 18 of T11S, R47E, MDBM. Corvus has a total of nine option/lease agreements
in place that give it control of 303 ha (748 ac) of private land derived from the 51 historic patented lode mining claims which
are listed in Table 2. Corvus has also purchased surface rights to an additional 37 ha (91 ac) of private land derived from 5 historical
patented claims in the Mayflower area.
The mining claims and lease agreements
give Corvus the right to explore the property subject to required regulatory permits. Corvus currently has permits for exploration
on the public and private land from the BLM and the NDEP Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation (the “BMRR”).
The permits allow non-exclusive access by Corvus and its contractors for surface disturbance associated with exploration drilling,
engineering characterization, and baseline environmental data collection as defined in the permits. The claims and lease agreements
also give Corvus the rights to conduct mining operations to extract the mineral resources subject to future operating permits.
Redstar Option/Joint Venture/International
Tower Hill Mines Ltd. Purchase of Land
Redstar Gold Corporation (“RGC”)
originally staked 213 public land mining claims and optioned private land related to 21 historic patented lode mining claims from
six private parties in 2005-2006 at the NBP. ITH optioned the original NBP land package from RGC in 2006, creating the North Bullfrog
Property Joint Venture (the “NBPJV”). In 2007, ITH added the Mayflower Property related to 11 historic patented lode
mining claims to the NBPJV under the Greenspun lease agreement. In 2008, RGC added further private land related to 12 historic
patented lode mining claims (Connection and adjacent properties) to the NBPJV under the first lease agreement with Lunar Landing
LLC. In August 2009, ITH purchased a 100% interest in the NBPJV from RGC by paying to RGC CAD$250,000 and issuing to RGC 200,000
common shares of ITH. The land holdings were then transferred to Corvus during the spin out from ITH on August 26, 2010. In March
2011, Corvus completed the Sussman option agreement on private land related to two historic patented lode mining claims in the
Jolly Jane area of the NBP. In May 2014, Corvus amended its existing lease agreement with Kolo Corp. to add the historic Yellow
Rose and Yellow Rose No. 1 patented claims. In March 2015, Corvus added a second option agreement with Lunar Landing LLC, to lease
the Sunflower, Sunflower No. 1 and Sunflower No. 2 historic patented claims. Table 2 summarizes the obligations of the nine private
land lease agreements which are part of Corvus’ responsibilities on the NBP. The leases allow extension beyond the original
term with payment of the annual advanced royalty and continuation of exploration work at NBP.
Table 2 – NBP Private Land
Leases and defined Obligations (all funds USD)
Party
|
Area
|
Claims/
Acres
|
Next
Payment3
|
Property
Taxes
|
NSR
|
Signing
Date
|
Term
(yrs)
|
Term
Extend
|
Option
to
Purchase
Property
|
Option
to
Purchase
Royalty
|
NSR
Option
Term
|
Gregory
|
North
Pioneer
|
1/8.2
|
$3,800
|
na
|
2%
|
6/16/2006
|
10
|
yes
|
no
|
$1
M/%
|
na
|
Wiley1
|
Savage
|
3/45.7
|
$9,500
|
na
|
2%
|
5/22/2006
|
5
|
yes
|
no
|
$1
M/%
|
na
|
Kolo
Corp
|
Jolly
Jane & Yellow Rose
|
4/81.7
|
$7,400
|
$258
|
3%
|
5/8/2006
|
10
|
yes
|
no
|
$0.85/%
|
na
|
Milliken
|
Pioneer
|
3/24.5
|
$5,700
|
na
|
2%
|
5/8/2006
|
10
|
yes
|
no
|
$1M/%
|
na
|
Pritchard
|
Pioneer
|
12/203.0
|
$20,000
|
na
|
4%
|
5/16/2006
|
10
|
yes
|
no
|
$1M/%
|
na
|
Lunar
Landing LLC
|
Connection
|
12/195.0
|
$16,200
|
$207
|
4%
|
10/27/2008
Amended
5/28/2014
|
10
|
yes
|
$1
M
|
$1M/%
|
35
yrs
|
Lunar
Landing LLC
|
Sunflower
|
3/59.2
|
$5,000
|
$180
|
4%
|
3/30/2015
|
4
|
7
yrs
|
$0.3
M
|
$0.5/%
|
35
yrs
|
Greenspun2
|
Mayflower
|
11/183.05
|
$10,000
|
$214
|
4%
|
08/25/2017
|
10
|
3
yrs
|
$7.5
M
|
No
|
3
yrs
|
Sussman
|
Jolly
Jane
|
2/37.4
|
$32,000
|
$113
|
2%
|
3/14/2011
|
10
|
10
yrs
|
Inclusive
in Royalty Purchase
|
$1M/%
|
na
|
Total
|
-
|
51/748.7
|
$109,600
|
$972
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
1 Original
title transferred from Hall to Wiley due to death in the family.
2 Plus 50,000 common
shares of ITH and 25,000 common shares of Corvus.
3 Estimated 2019.
Mayflower Area
ITH, through its subsidiary Talon Gold
Nevada Inc. (now Corvus Nevada), entered into a mining lease with the Greenspun Group with an option to purchase 74 ha (183 ac)
of patented lode mining claims that cover much of the Mayflower prospect (the “Mayflower Lease”). The Mayflower Lease
requires Corvus to make payments and complete work programs as outlined in Table 3. During the term of the lease, any production
from the Mayflower property is subject to a sliding scale royalty, also outlined in Table 3. Corvus has the right to purchase a
100% interest in the Mayflower property for USD 7.5 million plus a 0.5% NSR (if gold is less than USD 500) or 1.0% NSR (if gold
is above USD 500) at any time during the term of the lease (subject to escalation for inflation if the option is exercised after
the 10th year of the lease). The annual property taxes to be paid by Corvus for the Mayflower property are USD 214. On February
11, 2015, the Mayflower Lease was amended with the addition of an anti-dilution clause applying to the ITH common shares to be
issued to the lessor and with an increase in the annual payment to include 25,000 common shares of Corvus. On November 22, 2017,
the Mayflower Lease was extended until 2027 with the original terms and an annual payment of USD 10,000, and issuance of 50,000
ITH common shares and 25,000 Corvus common shares to the lessor.
On February 21, 2013, Corvus signed a purchase
agreement for the surface rights to 37 ha (91 ac) of private land related to five historic patented lode mining claims owned by
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Millman. The claims are located immediately east of the Mayflower deposit. The purchase was subsequently closed
on March 27, 2013 (the “Closing Date”). Corvus purchased the surface rights for USD 160,000. This ground could be used
for overburden storage at the Mayflower deposit as well as improving access to the Mayflower deposit, in general. Additionally,
Corvus agreed to pay the Millman’s a fee of USD 0.02 per ton of any potential overburden storage subject up to a minimum
storage of 12 million short tons of material. The minimum storage fee of USD 240,000 was financed by a promissory note at an interest
rate of 4.2% per annum from the Closing Date and due on December 31, 2015. The promissory note was paid off in December 2015.
Table 3 -Summary of the original
and extended terms of the Mayflower/Greenspun Lease
Term:
|
Five additional years to December 7, 2017,
plus an additional three year period or so long thereafter as commercial production continues
Ten Additional years to December 7, 2027,
plus an additional three year period or so long thereafter as commercial production continues
|
Lease Payments: Due on Each Anniversary Date of the Lease
|
On regulatory acceptance - USD 5,000 and
25,000 common shares of ITH
Each of first – fourth anniversaries,
USD 5,000 and 20,000 common shares of ITH
Each of fifth – ninth anniversaries,
USD 10,000, 50,000 common shares of ITH and 25,000 common shares of Corvus
Each tenth to 20th anniversaries,
USD 10,000, 50,000 common shares of ITH and 25,000 common shares of Corvus
|
Work Commitments: Excess Expenditures in Any Year Can Be Carried Forward, or if under Spent the Unspent Portion Paid to Greenspun Group
|
Years 1-3 USD 100,000 each year the lease
is in effect
Years 4-6 USD 200,000 each year the lease
is in effect
Years 7-10 USD 300,000 each year the lease
is in effect
Years 11-20 USD 300,000 each year the lease
is in effect
|
Retained Royalty: Production Sliding Scale Net Smelter Return Based on Price of Gold Each Quarter
|
2% if gold is less than USD 300 per ounce
3% if gold is between USD 300 and USD 500
per ounce
4% if gold is more than USD 500 per ounce
|
Advance Minimum Royalty Payments (if not in commercial production by the twentieth anniversary, in order to extend lease for an additional three years)
|
Years 21-23 USD 100,000 each year the lease is in effect and commercial production has not been achieved
|
Purchase Option:
|
During first 10 years property can be purchased
for USD 7.5 million plus an 0.5% NSR (if gold is less than USD 500) or 1.0% (if gold is above USD 500)
After the tenth anniversary the USD 7.5
million purchase price escalates by the Consumer Price Index, using the CPI immediately prior to the tenth anniversary as a base
|
Other NBP Property Considerations
Corvus staked 652 additional public land
mining claims between 2012 and 2015, including 595 claims staked in 2012, and 57 claims staked in 2015. Table 4 lists the total
of 865 mining claims on federal land at the NBP. All of these properties are held through Corvus Nevada.
All of the mining claims on public land
at the NBP are administered by the BLM. The mining claims require payment of yearly maintenance fees to the BLM and Nye County
(recording fees) of an aggregate of USD 144,465 (estimated for 2019). Annual property taxes to be paid by Corvus for some of the
properties subject to the original six RGC leases and subsequent leases are tabulated in Table 2 and 3. These claims give Corvus
the right to explore for and mine minerals, including gold and silver, subject to the necessary permits from regulatory agencies,
the NDEP BMRR and the BLM.
The current exploration permits from the
BLM and the NDEP allow Corvus surface access, maintenance of roads, and exploration drilling with a defined amount of accompanying
surface disturbance. Current exploration activities are covered by a Plan of Operations (NVN-083002) with the BLM. Two Plans of
Operations are in place with the NDEP (NDEP #0280 and #0290) that fulfill the State of Nevada permitting obligations on the private
and public lands, respectively. Reclamation bonds, related to environmental liabilities to which the NBP is subject, are in place
to cover activities on the property. Corvus’ reclamation liabilities are covered by surety bonds issued by Lexon in the amount
of USD 284,386 for 77.4 ac of disturbance on public land with the BLM and USD 209,070 for 25.4 ac of disturbance on private land
with NDEP.
Two Notice-level operating permits have
been obtained for disturbance in areas outside the Plan of Operations area. These include the North Bullfrog Baseline Collection
Project and the East Bullfrog Exploration Project. Corvus’ reclamation liabilities for these permits are covered by surety
bonds issued by Lexon in the amounts of USD 47,068 and USD 31,143, respectively.
In December 2013, the Company completed
the purchase of 170 ha (420 ac) parcel of private land 16 km north of the NBP, which includes 1,600 acre-feet of irrigation water
rights within the Sarcobatus Flat water basin. The cost of the land was USD 1,000,000. The Company has registered the purchase
of water rights with the Nevada State Engineer and has received Permit 87214 which allows a consumptive use of 1,277 acre-feet
of water per year for the purpose of mining. The Company has also received Permit 87745T which allows the transfer of the extraction
point of a portion of the water right to NBP and allows the consumption of 67 acre-feet of water per year to support its future
drilling programs. The water right requires annual renewal and has currently been extended through June 11, 2019.
Table 4 – Summary of the unpatented
lode mining claims at the NBP
Land Holder
|
Claim Name
|
US Bureau of Land Management Serial
Number
|
Corvus Gold Nevada, Inc.
|
NB 1 – NB 149
|
922928 – 923076
|
Corvus Gold Nevada, Inc.
|
NB 150
|
943108
|
Corvus Gold Nevada, Inc.
|
NB-151A
|
1078379
|
Corvus Gold Nevada, Inc.
|
NB 152 – NB 154
|
943110 – 943112
|
Corvus Gold Nevada, Inc.
|
NB-155A
|
1078381
|
Corvus Gold Nevada, Inc.
|
NB 156 – NB 161
|
943114 – 943119
|
Corvus Gold Nevada, Inc.
|
NB 162 – NB 213
|
989863 – 989914
|
Corvus Gold Nevada, Inc.
|
NB 214 – NB 510
|
1069332 – 1069628
|
Corvus Gold Nevada, Inc.
|
NB 511
|
1078379
|
Corvus Gold Nevada, Inc.
|
NB 512 – NB 808
|
1085130 – 1085426
|
Corvus Gold Nevada, Inc.
|
NB 809 – NB 865
|
1109343 – 1109399
|
Corvus Gold Nevada Inc.
|
GAP 001-190
|
Pending
|
The authors of the Technical Report did
not identify any significant factors and risks that may affect access or title to the NBP or MLP, or the right or ability to perform
work on the NB-MLP Project. To the extent known, the authors know of no other royalties, back-in rights, payments or other agreements
and encumbrances to which the property is subject.
History
The Project is located in the Bullfrog
district which is informally divided into three subdistricts: 1) Main Bullfrog; 2) North Bullfrog; and 3) Bare Mountain. Figure
2 shows the North Bullfrog (blue boundary) and Mother Lode (purple boundary) claim blocks, the historic (green asterisks) and modern
(red) producing mines and the general areas of the subdistricts. Gold was first discovered in the main Bullfrog district by Frank
“Shorty” Harris and Ernest Cross on August 9, 1904 at the location of the Original Bullfrog mine. The discovery sparked
a rush of prospectors and within a few weeks the district was staked “for nine miles in all directions from the sagebrush
flats, including part of the desert to the tip of every summit in sight”. Reports note that 111,805 ounces of gold and 868,749
ounces of silver were produced in the district between 1905 and 1921. The Montgomery-Shoshone mine was the most important mine
in the district, operating between 1907 and 1910. A number of other small mines in the Main Bullfrog and North Bullfrog subdistricts
contributed to the total reported production.
The Bare Mountain subdistrict is also known
historically as the Fluorine district. Gold was first discovered on the east side of Bare Mountain in 1905, as prospectors flocked
to the Beatty area after the discovery at the Original Bullfrog mine (the “Original Bullfrog Discovery”). Gold was
first discovered in Fluorspar Canyon in 1906 near the Daisy shaft. Unreported amounts of gold were produced from a number of small
operations around Bare Mountain between 1907 and 1929. Gold prospecting led to the discovery of a number of fluorite vein deposits
associated with gold mineralization including the Daisy (or Crowell), Goldspar and Mary mines. Daisy was by far the largest fluorspar
mine producing 204,508 tons between 1919 and 1986. Fluorspar Canyon was named because of a number of fluorite occurrences in the
Daisy area.
Figure 2 – Bullfrog Mining District
Map
Mercury was discovered in 1908 at the Harvey
(also known as the Telluride) mine on the northeast flank of Bare Mountain just one kilometer south-southwest of the Mother Lode
deposit. The Harvey mine operated intermittently between 1912 and 1943 producing 72 flasks of mercury. Another mercury occurrence
known as the Tip Top mine lies along the Flatiron jasperoid just 800 m southwest of the Mother Lode deposit. The Tip Top mine has
no documented production, but may have produced up to 100 flasks of mercury. The Harvey and Tip Top mines are known to have gold
associated with cinnabar, but no reported gold production. Mercury was later discovered at the Thompson mine in 1929. The Thompson
mine is located 5 km northeast of Mother Lode, and is reported to have had only minor mercury production.
Ceramic grade high-purity silica was produced
at the Silicon mine between 1919 and 1929, located 1.5 km northwest of the Thompson mine.
Modern exploration for precious metals
in the Main Bullfrog subdistrict began as early as 1982, when geologists from St. Joe Minerals Corporation became interested in
the Montgomery-Shoshone area. St. Joe Minerals conducted extensive exploration in the area of the Montgomery-Shoshone and Senator
Stewart mines, resulting in the discovery of the Bullfrog vein deposit in 1987. Several company acquisitions resulted in Barrick
Gold Corporation (“Barrick”) being the final owner and operator of the mine. The Bullfrog mine produced gold and silver
from three deposits including: 1) Bullfrog (open pit and underground); 2) Montgomery-Shoshone (open pit); and 3) Bonanza Mountain
(open pit). Between 1989 and 1999, the Bullfrog mine produced 2.31 million ounces (“Moz”) of gold and 3.0 Moz of silver.
The Gold Bar open pit mine, located 4 km northeast of the Original Bullfrog mine, produced a small (unreported) amount of gold
in the late 1980’s.
Modern exploration for precious metals
in the North Bullfrog subdistrict began as early as 1974. There has been no reported modern production from the North Bullfrog
subdistrict.
Modern exploration for precious metals
in the Bare Mountain subdistrict began in the 1973 when Cordilleran Exploration Company (“Cordex”) staked claims in
the Sterling mine area. Between 1973 and 1977, Cordex discovered and delineated bulk-tonnage sediment-hosted gold mineralization
at the Sterling mine. In 1978, Cordex leased the Sterling property to Saga Exploration Company (“Saga”). Saga continued
to explore the property, and in 1980 formed the Sterling Mine Joint Venture (“SMJV”). The SMJV began producing gold
in April 1980.
Cordex explored the Paleozoic sedimentary
rocks in Fluorspar Canyon starting in the mid-1970’s, focusing on gold mineralization associated with the fluorite occurrences.
In 1979, U.S. Borax Incorporated (“US Borax”) (Pacific Coast Mines) staked the original BVC claims in the Fluorspar
Canyon area. U.S. Borax was primarily interested in uranium, but recognized the potential for bulk-tonnage volcanic-hosted disseminated
gold mineralization, and discovered the Secret Pass deposit in 1981. In 1985, Cordex entered into a joint venture agreement with
U.S. Borax, and by 1989 had earned 100% interest in the U.S. Borax holdings, which would become the core of the Daisy mine property.
In 1990-1991, Inter-Rock Gold, Inc. (“Inter-Rock”), through a series of transactions, acquired an option to earn a
100% interest in the Daisy mine property, subject to a 25% back-in right to Cordex. Between 1985 and 1994, Cordex was involved
in the discovery and delineation of two new sediment-hosted gold deposits at Daisy South and Daisy West, as well as expanding the
Secret Pass deposit. In 1994, Inter-Rock had earned 100% interest in the Daisy mine property through the funding of ongoing exploration,
and Cordex (now Rayrock Mines Inc. (“Rayrock”)) elected to exercise their back-in rights to hold 25% interest in the
property. In 1995, the Mother Lode property was purchased by Rayrock from U.S. Nevada Gold Search Joint Venture (“USNGSJV”)
and incorporated it into the Daisy mine property. The Daisy mine partnership subsequently consisted of Rayrock as the operator
(35%) and Inter-Rock as the majority owner (65%). The Daisy mine partnership began mining the Secret Pass and Daisy West deposits
in late 1996 and ceased mining operations in late 1999. Inter-Rock sold all interest in the Daisy mine property back to Rayrock
in 1998. Gold production from the Daisy leach pad continued into 2001.
Reported modern production of 351,744 ounces
from Bare Mountain subdistrict has come from the following deposits: 1) 212,744 ounces produced at the Sterling mine (open pit
and underground) between 1980 and 2015; 2) 104,000 ounces produced from the combined Secret Pass and Daisy West open pit mines
between 1996 and 2001; and 3) 35,000 ounces produced from the Mother Lode open pit mine between 1989-1991.
MLP History
In 1983, shortly after U.S. Borax had discovered
the Secret Pass deposit, Galli Exploration Associates (“Galli”) which was later spun off as GEXA Gold Corporation (“GEXA”)
in 1987, prospected and staked claims in the Mother Lode-Joshua Hollow areas east of Secret Pass. In 1985, Galli drilled 54 shallow
holes in the Flatiron jasperoid area along the Fluorspar Canyon Fault. Mineralized intercepts were generally narrow, low grade,
and confined to the fault zone. Galli geologists recommended drilling the pediment area where the Fluorspar Canyon Fault was projected
to intersect a northwest-trending rangefront fault. The Mother Lode deposit was discovered in 1987 with drill hole ML-59, which
intersected 47m (155 ft.) of 1.7 g/t (0.049 ounces per ton) gold. GEXA also discovered the SNA deposit under pediment to the south
of Mother Lode in 1987.
The Mother Lode deposit was delineated
by drilling in 1987 and 1988. In 1988, GEXA formed USNGSJV with U.S. Precious Metals, Inc. and contract miner N.A. Degerstrom,
Inc. Mining of the Mother Lode deposit began in 1989. Between 1989 and 1991, the USNGSJV produced approximately 35,000 ounces of
gold at Mother Lode at an average grade of 1.8 g/t gold. The bulk of the gold production came in 1990. Mining ceased in 1991 as
oxide reserves were mined-out.
Rayrock purchased the Mother Lode property
in 1995 from the USNGSJV; incorporating the Mother Lode and SNA deposit resources into the Daisy mine property. Rayrock continued
to explore the Mother Lode-SNA area through 1997. Rayrock also intended to mine sulfide resources at Mother Lode as a part of their
Daisy mine plan but a declining gold price in 1998 prohibited this development. Some mining development was done in the Mother
Lode pit between 1998 and 1999, but no separate gold production was reported.
Glamis Marigold Mining Company (“Glamis”)
acquired all of the assets of Rayrock in March 1999, including 100% interest in the Daisy mine property. Glamis continued limited
gold recovery from the Daisy leach pad into early 2001. Total gold production reported by the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
was nominally 104,000 Au ounces. The majority of the Daisy mine property was dropped by Glamis in 2001 and 2002, and the Daisy
Project began reclamation work. Glamis retained a small portion of the Daisy Project property including the 13 mining claims covering
the Mother Lode mine area. Goldcorp USA, Inc. acquired all of the assets of Glamis in 2006, including the 13 claims at Mother Lode.
The Mother Lode claims were transferred into Goldcorp Daisy LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Goldcorp USA, Inc.) in 2014. In May
2017, Corvus acquired Goldcorp Daisy LLC from Goldcorp USA, Inc. In 2017-2018, Corvus has staked 436 additional mining claims which
comprise the current MLP land position shown in Figure 1 and 2.
In May 2016, Glamis was notified by the
BLM that the BLM was closing the Plan of Operations and authorizing a reclamation cost estimate reduction of 100%. In June 2016,
Goldcorp Daisy LLC received notification from the BMRR that all regulatory requirements for permanent closure of the Daisy mine
had been met, and that the Water Pollution Control Permit was terminated. Goldcorp Daisy LLC was relieved of all obligations under
Nevada Revised Statutes 445 A and the Nevada Administrative Code 445A. BMRR also concurred with the BLM’s decision and terminated
the Reclamation Permit 0031 noting that all reclamation and surety liability associated with the permit had been successfully completed.
Sterling Gold Mining Corp began acquiring
land and staking open ground in the Daisy-Secret Pass-Mother Lode area in 2005, and by 2007 had assembled a substantial land position
at northern Bare Mountain covering all the former Daisy mine property and surrounding Glamis’ small Mother Lode claim block.
The land position is currently owned by Coeur Mining Inc.
NBP History
Also known as the Pioneer district, the
early history of the NBP is comingled with the Main Bullfrog district. A rush of prospectors came to the Bullfrog Hills soon after
the Original Bullfrog Discovery, which resulted in discoveries at the Mayflower mine in 1906 and the Pioneer mine in 1907. The
Pioneer mine and Mayflower mine were the principal mines at the NBP. The Mayflower mine was intermittently active between 1906
and 1940. The Pioneer mine was intermittently active between 1908 and 1920 with 1909-1910 being the most productive years. There
are no accurate production figures, but limited records suggest that head grades were between 0.5 to 1 ounce of gold per ton at
both Mayflower and Pioneer. Underground development at Sierra Blanca, Jolly Jane, Savage Valley and YellowJacket between 1910 and
1914 had no reported production.
Modern exploration for precious metals
at NBP started with Cordex at the Connection prospect in 1974. Table 5 outlines a number of companies that worked in various target
areas up to 1996. These programs consisted of a variety of activities including surface mapping and sampling, underground mapping
and sampling, and drilling. Through the 1996 Barrick program, approximately 249 rotary and reverse-circulation drill holes were
drilled on the NBP by eight different operators. Barrick had dropped all interest in the NBP by 1998.
Table 5 – List of Companies
that have explored NBP
Company
|
Years of Activity
|
Principal Target
|
Cordex Exploration Company
|
1974-1982
|
Connection, Pioneer
|
U.S. Borax Inc.
|
1982
|
Mayflower
|
Galli Exploration Associates/GEXA Gold Corporation
|
1984-1991
|
Pioneer, Connection
|
Copper Range Exploration Co.
|
1984-1985
|
Mayflower
|
Western States Minerals Corp.
|
1987
|
West Mayflower
|
Bond Gold Corp./Sunshine Mining Co. JV
|
1988-1994
|
Sierra Blanca, YellowJacket
|
Pathfinder Minerals PLC
|
1991, 1992
|
Pioneer
|
Barrick Gold Corporation
|
1995-1996
|
Jolly Jane, Sierra Blanca, Mayflower, etc.
|
RGC became attracted to the North Bullfrog
area in late 2005, and began staking unpatented claims and acquiring leases on patented claims in 2006. In March 2007, RGC granted
ITH the right to earn an interest in the NBP and thereafter formed the NBPJV. In December 2007, ITH completed a lease of the Mayflower
property, which was included in the NBPJV. Following the execution of the NBPJV option/joint venture agreement, ITH commenced active
exploration on the NBP. In October 2008, RGC completed a lease of the Connection property, which was also included in the NBPJV.
On August 4, 2009, ITH purchased RGC’s interests in the property and continued the exploration program as sole owner/lessor.
On August 26, 2010, ITH spun out Corvus as a separate public company in a transaction that resulted in Corvus acquiring all of
the interest and responsibilities in the NBP.
Geologic Setting, Mineralization and
Property Geology
Regional Geologic Setting
The Project lies within the Walker Lane
mineral belt and the Southwestern Nevada Volcanic Field (“SWNVF”). The regional stratigraphy includes a basement of
Late Proterozoic to Late Paleozoic metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Basement rocks are overlain by a thick pile of Miocene volcanic
and lesser sedimentary rocks of the SWNVF, ranging in age from approximately 15-7.5 million years (“Ma”) (Figure 3).
The pre-Tertiary rocks exhibit large-scale folding and thrust faulting, having been subjected to compressional deformation associated
with multiple pre-Tertiary orogenic events. The stratigraphy of the SWNVF is dominated by ash flow tuff sheets erupted from a cluster
of nested calderas known as the Timber Mountain Caldera Complex. The southwestern edge of the caldera complex lies approximately
eight km northeast of the MLP, and ten km east of the NBP (Figure 3). The stratigraphy of the SWNVF includes voluminous ash flow
tuff sheets, smaller volume lava flows, shallow intrusive bodies, and lesser sedimentary rocks. Many of the volcanic units exposed
around NB-MLP include ash flow tuffs that originated from the caldera complex. Other volcanic units are locally sourced outside
of the caldera complex, particularly at the NBP.
The Bullfrog and Fluorspar Hills comprise
a somewhat isolated structural domain within the Walker Lane, where both pre-Tertiary and Miocene rocks have been subjected to
large-scale, west- to west-north-west-directed, syn-volcanic extension (i.e. down-to-the-west normal faulting and east-tilting
of stratigraphy). Extensional faulting was coincident with magmatism and volcanic activity between approximately 15-9.4 Ma. Hydrothermal
alteration and gold mineralization were also episodic through this time period. If present, through-going right-lateral faults
of the Walker Lane are poorly exposed in the SWNVF. One possible example of a NW-trending, through-going Walker Lane structure
cuts through the historic Silicon and Thompson mine areas to the northeast of the MLP (Figures 2 and 3). Despite the dominance
of caldera volcanism in the region, little or no mineralization is associated with any caldera ring fracture system. Rather, mineralization
is typically associated with extensional faults outside of the caldera complex.
Extension is accommodated by the Bullfrog
Hills Fault System (“BHFS”); a complex group of kinematically linked faults that facilitate west-north-west-directed
extension and east-tilted block rotation. The primary structure of the BHFS is the Southern Bullfrog Hills Fault (“SBHF”).
The SBHF is an east-west-trending, north-dipping, district-scale, low-angle detachment fault. West of Beatty, in the main Bullfrog
district, the SBHF separates Proterozoic metamorphic rocks in the footwall from weakly metamorphosed Paleozoic sedimentary and
Tertiary volcanic rocks in the hanging wall. East of Beatty, in the Bare Mountain sub-district, the same fault is called the Fluorspar
Canyon Fault (“FCF”, Figure 3). The FCF cuts up-section from west to east such that in Fluorspar Canyon it separates
Paleozoic sedimentary rocks (footwall) from brittle Tertiary volcanic rocks (hanging-wall). The FCF continues to cut up-section
to the east until it eventually separates brittle Tertiary rocks (footwall) from brittle Tertiary rocks (hanging-wall) at MLP.
The magnitude of displacement along the SBHF-FCF appears to decrease from west to east across the greater Bullfrog district. The
northward dip of the SBHF-FCF generally increases from west to east including: approximately 20 degrees north at the Bullfrog mine,
25-30 degrees north in lower Fluorspar Canyon, 45 degrees north at the Secret Pass mine, and 55-65 degrees northwest at Mother
Lode.
Secondary structures of the BHFS include
large-displacement, north-northwest- to north-northeast-trending, moderately to steeply west-dipping, down-to-the-west, normal
faults. These faults accommodate the east-tilting of the Tertiary units throughout the Bullfrog and Fluorspar Hills. Hydrothermal
alteration and gold mineralization are often spatially associated with these large-displacement faults. Such faults are expected
to have listric shapes at depth. The MP fault, which hosts the Bullfrog vein at the Bullfrog mine, is an example of a listric fault.
Another example is the Contact Fault, which truncates the north side of the Montgomery-Shoshone deposit. The Contact Fault also
hosts low-grade mineralization under Rhyolite Valley. The Road Fault at the NBP is the northern continuation of the Contact Fault.
Such faults are interpreted to sole into the SBHF-FCF detachment fault at depth.
The long period of syn-volcanic extension
in the western SWNVF between approximately 15-9.4 Ma (depending on location) includes at least two periods of accelerated extension
documented in the Bullfrog and Fluorspar Hills. A major period of extension between approximately 12.7 Ma and 11.6 Ma has been
identified, culminating with the eruption of the Timber Mountain Group ash-flows between 11.6 and 11.45 Ma. Evidence for this period
of extension lies west of MLP where the 12.7 Ma Tiva Canyon Tuff is tilted up to 45 degrees east, but the nearby 11.6 Ma Rainier
Mesa Tuff is essentially horizontal. Block rotation of up to 45 degrees is documented between 12.7 and 11.6 Ma in the Fluorspar
Hills. Mineralization at MLP is coincident with the onset of this period of accelerated extension. It is postulated that a second
period of accelerated extension between 11.4 Ma and 10.5 Ma, resulted in major block rotation, rapid erosion and the deposition
of the Rainbow Mountain Debris Flow Sequence. In the Mayflower area, the base of the Rainbow Mountain Debris Flow Sequence is tilted
as much as 55 degrees east, whereas the top of the sequence is tilted only 25 degrees east. Block rotation of up to 30 degrees
is documented in this area while the Mayflower basin was filling with debris. In the southern Bullfrog Hills east of Rainbow Mountain,
the 11.45 Ma Ammonia Tanks tuff is tilted as much as 70 degrees east, whereas the base of the overlying Rainbow Mountain sequence
is tilted only 35 degrees east. The block rotation of 35 degrees is documented in this area between 11.4 and 10.5 Ma. Extensional
faulting continued through approximately 9.5 Ma, with an additional 25 degrees of eastward rotation of the Rainbow Mountain Sequence.
Extensional faulting ceased in the Bullfrog Hills prior to the eruption of the relatively flat-lying 9.4 Ma Pahute Mesa Tuff. The
10 Ma age of Bullfrog and Mayflower mineralization and the 9.5-10.2 Ma age of the Eastern Steam-heated Zone at NBP coincide with
the culmination of extensional tectonism in the Bullfrog Hills.
Extensional faulting in the Bullfrog and Fluorspar
Hills created fault-bounded sedimentary basins which filled with basement- and volcanic-derived sediments (e.g. the Sedimentary
Rocks of Joshua Hollow, the Jolly Jane Formation, and the Rainbow Mountain Debris Flow Sequence). During younger periods of extension,
older normal faults in the hanging-walls of large-displacement listric faults may have experienced significant reactivation and
subsequent eastward rotation, such that they may exhibit relative reverse displacement.
Figure 3 – Regional Geology
of the Greater Bullfrog District
MLP Geology and Mineralization
The MLP stratigraphy are listed on the
map and include in order of youngest to oldest:
|
●
|
QC – Quarternary Cover, unconsolidated alluvial depos.
|
|
●
|
Tmr-Rainier Mesa Tuff, moderate to densely welded crystal-richj rhyolite tuff.
|
|
●
|
Tprt-Pre-Rainier Mesa Tuffs and Lavas – bedded crystal.
|
|
●
|
Tox-Pre-Rainier Mesa Debris Flow Breccia – debris flow breccia between Tp unit and Tprt unit.
|
|
●
|
Tlr-Lithic Ridge Tuff, rhyolite porphyry lava flows.
|
|
●
|
Tip-Rhyolite quartz porphyry dikes.
|
|
●
|
Tjs-Sedimentary Rocks of Joshua Hollow.
|
|
●
|
Psq-Orduvician Eureka Quartzite and Antelope Valley Limestone.
|
|
●
|
Psd-Silurian Lone Mountain Dolomite.
|
MLP is characterized as a sediment, intrusive,
and locally volcanic-hosted disseminated gold deposit. Mineralization most closely resembles Carlin-type sediment-hosted gold deposits
of north-central Nevada. There is also evidence for a large buried porphyry-type magmatic system associated with the rhyolite dike
swarm at eastern Bare Mountain. The Mother Lode deposit formed at approximately12.7 Ma, which is much younger than the typical
approximately 40 Ma age in north-central Nevada. The nature of mineralization is rather passive and with very low introduction
of secondary silica, suggesting it may have formed at a shallower depth and at lower temperature than typical Carlin-type deposits.
Mineralization exhibits geochemical associations between Au and As-Sb-Hg-Tl-Te-Bi-F, with very low Ag and base metals.
The Mother Lode deposit model consists
of structurally and stratigraphically-controlled disseminated gold mineralization hosted primarily in rhyolite porphyry dikes (Tip)
and the Sedimentary Rocks of Joshua Hollow (“SRJH”). Lesser volume hosts include Paleozoic sedimentary rocks (Psd and
Psq), Tertiary volcanic rocks (Tlr), and debris flow breccias (Tox). Mineralization in Tip, SRJH and Tlr is mostly sulphide, but
may be oxidized depending on depth. Mineralization in Psd, Psq and Tox is mostly oxide. The current interpretation is that oxide
mineralization in Tox is detrital, with mineralized rock having been mass-wasted as scarp breccias into the hanging-wall of the
FCF. Paleozoic rocks are most commonly mineralized in proximity to dike margins, but are also mineralized along subtle non-dike-filled
structures and as pseudo-stratiform jasperoid bodies.
The primary structural control feeding
mineralization at MLP is a series of north-trending, 50-70 degree west-dipping rhyolite dike-filled structures. Mineralization
is both semi-tabular and highly irregular as fluids ascended along dike-filled structures in the underlying Paleozoic rocks, through
the Tertiary unconformity, and expanded upward into the Tertiary section. Mineralizing fluids appear to have bled out laterally
away from mineralized dikes into favorable permeable lithologies and secondary structures, including the FCF. Deeper drilling has
extended the deposit to the west, where it appears that the FCF plays a significant role as a high-grade structural feeder. The
potential for additional mineralized dikes in the vicinity of the FCF at depth to the west below current drilling is a highly attractive
target.
Rhyolite dikes along the entire Bare Mountain
swarm were subjected to high-temperature, sanidine- and biotite-stable alteration shortly after emplacement. At MLP, biotite-stable
alteration was followed by a lower temperature pervasive illite-smectite-pyrite event that affected both the dikes and surrounding
wall rocks. The illite-smectite-pyrite event penetrates well up into the Lithic Ridge Tuff, forming a large sulphidation halo around
the gold mineralization. Illite-smectite-pyrite alteration typically exhibits strongly elevated As, Sb and Tl, and may be well-mineralized
or only anomalous in gold. The evidence suggests an early relatively barren illite-pyrite event is followed by an overprinting
main stage Au-Te sulphidation event.
Trace element geochemistry associated with
gold mineralization in drill hole samples includes: As (max 9262 parts per million (“ppm”)), Sb (max 1429 ppm), Te
(max 16 ppm), Tl (max 17 ppm), Hg (max 30 ppm) and Bi (max 25 ppm). The elements with the strongest correlation to gold are tellurium
and arsenic. Base metals are very low at MLP. Elevated base metal values are largely associated with basement rocks. The presence
of fluorite veining and a strong association between gold and fluorine at MLP is reported. Fluorine is not included in the multi-element
analysis used by Corvus, but fluorite has been identified in the Mother Lode pit. Petrographic studies on sulphide concentrates
from drill holes at MLP identified growth zones in pyrite grains exhibiting concentrations of arsenic. It has been concluded that
the Mother Lode deposit formed at a depth of 500-1000 m or less, from gold-bearing fluids with temperatures between 200-240oC.
High-grade gold appears to be associated with remobilized carbon, particularly in Tjs and Tjvs in the upper portion of the deposit.
Remobilized carbon appears to have accumulated in a blanket-like zone above the upper reaches of the rhyolite dikes.
Jasperoid in Paleozoic rocks appears to
have both structural and stratigraphic control. Jasperoid intervals in drill holes commonly contain significant Ag values up to
100 ppm. The average Ag/Au ratio from jasperoid samples is 15:1. The average Ag/Au ratio in non-jasperoid Tertiary rock-hosted
samples is less than 0.5:1. Jasperoid mineralization in Paleozoic rocks may be a separate mineralizing event that predates the
main Mother Lode gold system. Jasperoid is typically oxidized and yields high cyanide shake leach recoveries.
NBP Geology and Mineralization
Many of the major units at the NBP are
separated by significant erosional unconformities, which together with pervasive alteration and structural juxtaposition have confounded
local and regional stratigraphic correlations. For this reason a series of samples were submitted by Corvus for geochronological
studies. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma analysis on zircons was used to determine the eruptive ages of the different
volcanic units, and Ar-Ar dating on adularia was used to date the vein mineralization.
The geochronological studies have significantly
refined the stratigraphy of the NBP. Prior to obtaining the zircon age dates, the Sierra Blanca Tuff was correlated with the Bullfrog
Tuff of the Crater Flat Group. The zircon dates confirm the age difference between rocks of the North Bullfrog Hills Volcanic Complex
(“NBHVC”) and the Bullfrog Tuff, and indicate that volcanism of the NBHVC extended from around approximately 15 Ma
to 14 Ma. With age range of 15-14 Ma, the NBHVC correlates with some of the oldest volcanic rocks in the SWNVF, as well as the
Tr1 time-stratigraphic position. Zircon dating also appears to confirm the proposed correlation between the Sierra Blanca Tuff
and the Upper Tuff of Sawtooth Mountain.
Corvus and previous operators exploring
in the northern Bullfrog Hills have defined targets in areas of historic mines or prospects, as well as targets associated with
high level epithermal alteration. Mineral resources have been identified in several areas including: Jolly Jane, Sierra Blanca,
YellowJacket, Air Track Hill, Air Track West, and Mayflower. In 2007-2008, ITH/RGC drilled several holes at Air Track Hill and
Mayflower, with two holes each at Sierra Blanca, Pioneer and Savage Valley. Between 2010 and 2017, Corvus drilled numerous holes
at Sierra Blanca, YellowJacket, Jolly Jane, Mayflower and Connection, which provided the basis for the mineral resource estimates
in the Technical Report.
Sierra Blanca-YellowJacket Mineralization
Mineralization at Sierra Blanca can be
classified into the following styles:
Early, large-volume, pervasive low-grade
disseminated gold mineralization associated with quartz-adularia-pyrite alteration.
Middle, structurally-controlled disseminated
gold mineralization associated with overprinting illite-adularia-pyrite alteration and gold enrichment (NW10, NE30, NE50, NE60,
Liberator Faults).
Late, high-grade gold associated with quartz
veins and quartz stockwork veining (YellowJacket Vein Zone).
The metallurgical characteristics of these
styles of mineralization have resulted in the differentiation of three metallurgical classes for the estimate of the Sierra Blanca-YellowJacket
mineral resource: 1) disseminated oxide; 2) disseminated sulphide; and 3) quartz vein and stockwork mineralization.
Pervasive Disseminated Mineralization
The Sierra Blanca Tuff and Pioneer Formation
exhibit alteration-style disseminated mineralization over virtually the entire Sierra Blanca area. The Sierra Blanca Tuff is ubiquitously
altered to a fine-grained mixture of quartz and adularia with disseminated pyrite. Quartz-adularia alteration is not as widespread
or as well developed in the underlying Pioneer Formation, which is more typically altered to a light green smectite-illite+adularia-chlorite
assemblage. The tuffs are progressively altered to smectite-illite, illite-adularia and finally to quartz-adularia as the alteration
intensity and gold grade increases. The specific controls on alteration development are difficult to constrain with wide-spaced
drilling. However, it appears that alteration is controlled by a combination of high-angle structures feeding fluids into permeable
stratigraphic intervals.
Disseminated mineralization in the un-oxidized
portions of the deposit is directly related to the pyrite content, which in turn reflects the original iron content of the rock.
Pyrite morphologies in disseminated mineralization include fine to coarse disseminated, biotite-replacement, lithic clast-replacement
and veinlet infill; indicating a complex history with multiple generations of pyrite growth. Some pyrite grains show zoned gold
and arsenic, but no consistent pattern was observed in the grains studied a gold deportment study carried out on the disseminated
mineralization revealed that most of the gold is held in the lattice of the disseminated pyrite. When the pyrite is oxidized, the
gold is readily recoverable with simple cyanide.
Structurally Controlled Disseminated
Mineralization
Structurally-controlled alteration-style
mineralization is characterized by the development of disseminated pyrite within faults and in proximal wallrock directly adjacent
to faults. These zones may be over 10 m wide locally. Many faults host this style of mineralization including the NE20, NE30, NE40,
NE50, NE60, NW10, Air Track Hill, and the Liberator Faults. Structurally-controlled alteration-style mineralization overprints
the earlier pervasive quartz-adularia disseminated mineralization, and results in consistently higher grades (1-17 g/t gold). In
the Sierra Blanca Tuff, the illite overprint results in a bleached white illite-adularia-pyrite assemblage. Where developed in
the Savage Valley Dacite, the alteration is a brown illite-pyrite to illite-adularia-pyrite assemblage, which commonly contains
higher grades. This is particularly notable along the Liberator Fault, where gold grades of up to 17 g/t have been encountered
in the dacite. This mineralization has a consistently higher Ag/Au ratio than earlier disseminated mineralization.
Disseminated mineralization has been modeled
as oxide disseminated and sulphide disseminated. Oxide disseminated is amenable to heap leaching. Sulphide disseminated is amenable
to flotation concentration and either ambient air oxidation or pressure oxidation recovery of gold from a sulphide concentrate.
Quartz Vein Mineralization
The YellowJacket Vein Zone occurs in the
northeast portion of the Sierra Blanca resource area (Figure 4). The YellowJacket Vein Zone consists of the massive YellowJacket
Vein surrounded by hanging wall and footwall stockwork vein zones. The YellowJacket Vein Zone was discovered with drill hole NB-12-138,
and was systematically drilled-out with core in 2013-14. The YellowJacket Vein Zone strikes north-northwest and dips between 65-75
degrees west. The zone varies between 15-35 m wide, and persists over a strike length of approximately 850 m. The main YellowJacket
Vein is continuous in drill holes along approximately 700 m of strike length. The vein zone is entirely blind and not recognizable
at the surface. The surface projection of the YellowJacket Vein Zone is shown on Figure 4. The continuity of the vein and stockwork
zone along strike is remarkably consistent. Quartz vein and stockwork mineralization appears to overprint all earlier alteration-style
mineralization.
High-grade quartz veins often exhibit crustiform
banding and bladed quartz pseudomorphs after calcite typical of low-sulphidation epithermal veins. The quartz vein mineralogy is
very simple and consists of native gold and electrum with varying amounts of acanthite and accessory silver sulphosalts. The high
grades of the quartz stockwork zones are typically carried by less than 1-2 centimeter (“cm”) grey translucent quartz
veinlets containing visible gold and trace amounts of pyrite. Metallurgical testing has shown that the massive quartz vein and
quartz stockwork mineralization is free milling. Other YellowJacket-style veins and stockwork zones have been penetrated by drilling
in the North Sierra Blanca area outside of the YellowJacket Vein Zone. These are generally small-volume veins or stockwork zones
that locally carry high-grades. Most of these subsidiary vein zones appear to be controlled by NE-trending cross faults (i.e. NE50
and the Rhyolite Vein in the vicinity of the NE20). The northeast faults are kinematically linked to the YellowJacket Vein structure
and served as vein fluid conduits. Potential exists to expand northeast-trending or other subsidiary vein zones with additional
drilling. The better grade-thickness intercepts are likely associated with intersections between the YellowJacket Fault and northeast-trending
cross faults.
Jolly Jane
The pseudo-stratabound nature of disseminated
mineralization within the Sierra Blanca Tuff at Jolly Jane was recognized by Barrick in 1995, but was not of sufficient grade to
be pursued at that time. This style of mineralization was the main focus of Corvus’ drilling program in 2010-11, when twenty-seven
reverse circulation (“RC”) holes totaling 4,128.5 m (13,545 ft.) were drilled at Jolly Jane. In 2012 and 2013, 34 additional
holes were drilled at Jolly Jane totaling 4,234 m (13,891 ft.). These included three PQ3 core holes for metallurgical samples,
29 infill RC holes on the ZuZu patented claim, and two step-out RC holes to the north of the mineral resource area (Figure 6).
Eight surface rock chip/channel lines totaling 384 m (1,260 ft.) have been sampled at 5-foot intervals to resemble drill holes.
The results of the 2010-13 work, along with data from the Barrick drilling, are the basis for the mineral resources presented in
this document.
The mineral resources at Jolly Jane consist
of the older alteration-style quartz-adularia-pyrite disseminated mineralization. The primary host rock is the Sierra Blanca Tuff,
and secondary host rocks include the Savage Valley Dacite, Pioneer Formation, Savage Formation and rhyolite of the North Bullfrog
Suite. Mineralization is controlled by a combination of small-displacement, high-angle feeder structures and the highly brecciated
Sierra Blanca Tuff. The deposit is largely pseudostratabound within the Sierra Blanca Tuff. Minor quartz stockwork veining occurs
throughout the Jolly Jane area, but no YellowJacket-style gold-silver enrichment event has been identified to date. All of the
current mineral resources at Jolly Jane are oxide.
Wide spaced drilling at North Jolly Jane,
including five additional holes drilled in 2015-2017, has encountered thick intervals of low-grade quartz-adularia-altered Sierra
Blanca Tuff. Both low-grade oxide and sulphide mineralization is present in the Sierra Blanca Tuff and Savage Valley Dacite at
North Jolly Jane. Low-grade mineralization has been extended approximately 750 m north of the Jolly Jane mineral resource, but
there is insufficient drill density to necessitate an update of the Jolly Jane mineral resource in this document.
Figure 4 – Geologic map of the
Sierra Blanca – YellowJacket Resource area showing the outline of the Sierra Blanca open pit and surface projection of the
YellowJacket vein.
Figure 5 - Cross section looking north
through Sierra Blanca-YellowJacket
Figure 6 – Geologic Map of the
Jolly Jane Resource area.
Figure 7 Cross sections through the
Jolly Jane Resource area along lines JJ Long_04, JJ Sect_K,
JJ Sect_G and JJ Sect_B in Figure
6
Mayflower Mineralization
The historic Mayflower mine was developed
on en echelon quartz-calcite veins and stockwork zones along the northwest-striking, steeply SW-dipping Mayflower Fault Zone (“MFZ”).
The MFZ consists of multiple southwest-dipping fault splays with a complex network of fractures linking the main strands together.
Based on the displacement of the base of Trt2 (defined below), the total apparent vertical displacement across the MFZ
is approximately 60 m. There appear to be three main fault splays within the MFZ in the southeastern part of the deposit. Two of
these splays merge in the vicinity of the David Adit and only two splays remain in the northwestern end of the deposit. High-grade
mineralization appears to be best developed in the fracture zones along and adjacent to the main fault splays. Dilation caused
by differential movement between the fault splays appears to be the main control on disseminated mineralization. The entire Mayflower
deposit is oxidized.
The mineralized zone is traceable for approximately
900 m along strike. The bulk of the mineralization occurs in debris flow sediments of the Rainbow Mountain Sequence, but locally
extends upward into the overlying Rainbow Mountain Tuff (“Trt2”). Alteration-style quartz-adularia disseminated mineralization
surrounds a steeply dipping zone of veinfilled breccias. Quartz-adularia alteration extends out into the debris flow sediments
for several tens of metres around the main fault zone. Certain horizons appear more permeable than others and therefore are altered
and mineralized for greater distances. Alteration pinches to only a few metres wide along faults in Trt2.
Vein and stockwork mineralization is proximal
to individual fault splays. Late stage black manganiferous calcite occurs as veins and breccia fillings along the mineralized structures.
This calcite is mineralized and is thought to be a late vein stage of the waning hydrothermal system. Narrow high-grade gold zones
(shoots) are known from the historic workings and from Corvus drilling. Overall, the mineralized zone appears to narrow with depth,
and has a steeper more planar hanging-wall than footwall. There is a clear correlation between higher gold grades and arsenic,
both of which are associated with adularization of the host rocks.
The Mayflower inclined shaft was initially
developed in the early 20th century on the main Mayflower splay of the MFZ. Historical records indicate the shaft developed four
levels, with mining occurring on the 200, 300 and 400 levels. The bulk of the production came from the 300 level. It appears that
approximately 17,000 t of material had been extracted by that time. The David Adit and Starlight workings were developed on the
David Adit splay, which is the footwall to the Mayflower splay. The David Adit was driven to explore the northwest extension of
the system.
The Mayflower prospect was the focus of
modern exploration and drilling by numerous companies starting in 1982. Drilling results have been collected for most of the drill
holes. Original assay certificates are available for the Barrick drilling. In 2008, ITH drilled 24 RC holes totaling 5,953 m (19,531
ft) in the Mayflower area. In 2012, Corvus drilled 52 additional holes totaling 7,503 m (24,615 ft) including: 1) 14 PQ3 core holes
totaling 1,922 m (6,306 ft); 2) 26 in-fill/definition RC holes totaling 3,077 m (10,095 ft); 3) seven condemnation RC holes totaling
1,218 m (3,500 ft); 4) four water monitor wells (RC) totaling 981 m (3,220 ft); and 5) one water pilot RC hole totaling 305 m (1,000
ft). The PQ3 core holes have been used for additional metallurgical testing including bottle roll and column leach tests. Data
for both the Corvus drilling and historic Barrick drilling are used in the mineral resource estimate in the Technical Report.
Deposit Type
Gold mineralization in the Bare Mountain
subdistrict includes a variety of types: 1) sediment- and intrusive-hosted disseminated Carlin-like (Sterling, Mother Lode, SNA);
2) sediment-hosted Carlin-like (Daisy West and South); 3) volcanichosted low sulfidation disseminated epithermal (Secret Pass);
and 4) sediment-hosted quartz vein stockwork (Reward). Types 1, 2, and 3 are associated with late fluorite vein mineralization,
high As-Sb-Hg, and very low base metals. Type 4 has no fluorite association, very low As-Sb-Hg, and elevated base metals. Most
of the gold deposits in the greater Bullfrog district range in age from approximately 13 Ma to 9.5 Ma. However, quartz stockwork
veins associated with the Reward deposit are cut by unmineralized andesitic dikes dated at 26 Ma. The Reward deposit is older and
apparently unrelated to the other deposits in the district.
Mineralization at MLP most closely resembles
Carlin-type sediment-hosted gold systems of northern Nevada. The Mother Lode deposit model includes structurally and stratigraphically-controlled
disseminated sulfide and oxide mineralization hosted in primarily in Tertiary sedimentary rocks and rhyolite porphyry dikes. Paleozoic
sedimentary rocks comprise a smaller volume host in proximity to dikes and the basal Tertiary unconformity. Tertiary volcanic rocks
and debris flow breccias are also mineralized at MLP. Alteration types associated with gold mineralization include passive decalcification
and illite-pyrite alteration. Unique features of MLP-style mineralization compared to typical Carlin-type deposits include: the
association with fluorine, the significant volume of mineralization that is rhyolite porphyry dikehosted, elevated tellurium and
bismuth, and the generally passive, innocuous, very low-silica nature of the mineralization. Carlin-type gold deposits are generally
known to form at depths of greater than 2 km, at temperatures between 180-240o C. Mineralization at MLP may have formed
at depths of 500-1000 m or less, and at temperatures less than 240o C.
Gold mineralization in the Main Bullfrog
and North Bullfrog subdistricts is characterized as volcanic-hosted low-sulfidation epithermal type. Two styles of epithermal precious
metal mineralization are present: 1) disseminated mineralization associated with sulfidation of iron in the volcanic host rocks;
and 2) open-space filling quartz and/or carbonate veins, which are controlled by boiling. Pervasive quartz-adularia alteration
of volcanic rocks is intimately associated with the disseminated mineralization and is an important ground preparation process
for later vein forming events. Epithermal deposits form at shallow depth, from the surface to generally less than 2 km. Temperatures
of formation range between 150 to 300°C. Mineralization at NBP is typical of other low-sulfidation type gold systems in and
around the Walker Lane trend such as: Bullfrog, Round Mountain, Rawhide, Aurora, Bodie and Comstock. These deposits commonly contain
higher grade gold in vein and stockwork zones surrounded by zones of lower grade disseminated mineralization. This is the accepted
exploration model at NBP.
Exploration
Exploration is on-going at both the MLP
and NBP. Exploration at the Project has been conducted through drilling, surface mapping and rock sampling.
MLP Exploration
The exploration potential of the MLP: The
focus of 2017 Phase 1 and 2018 Phase 2 drilling programs has been to delineate open pit resources at the Mother Lode deposit area.
The deposit remains open at depth to the west, north and east of the current limit of drilling. There is still excellent potential
for additional open pit and underground mineable resources. The primary focus of Phase 3 drilling in the fall of 2018 will be extending
the mineralization at Mother Lode West. Exploration target areas for MLP include Flatiron, Willy’s, Sawtooth, Coronet, Twisted
Canyon, and Baileys Gap.
Exploration work, other than drilling,
conducted on the MLP exploration targets is described briefly below:
Willy’s – The
first pass of surface rock sampling yielded no significant gold values. Recessive exposures of altered and iron-stained SRJH (“Tjs”)
and Lithic Ridge Tuff (“Tlr”) have yielded arsenic values up to 439 ppm. The alteration and trace element geochemistry
exhibited in the Tlr unit at Willy’s is similar to what is exposed on the north wall of the pit above the MLP orebody. The
Willy’s area has excellent potential for discovery of new blind Mother Lode-style gold mineralization hosted in Tjs and Tip
dikes below Tlr. The dikes at Willy’s lie along strike of a major north-northeast-trending dike swarm that is well-exposed
just one kilometre to the south. Four to six RC holes are planned at the Willy’s target area in the fall of 2018.
Sawtooth - The Sawtooth target
is located 7 km west of MLP on the western portion of the MN claim block in lower Fluorspar Canyon. Geologic mapping has identified
the Sawtooth fault: a large-displacement, north-northeast- trending, down-to-the-west normal fault. The Sawtooth fault juxtaposes
Ammonia Tanks Tuff (“Tma”) in the hanging wall against pre-Rainier Mesa Tuff (“Tprt”) in the footwall.
The structural and stratigraphic setting is similar to the MP Fault at the Bullfrog mine. The Sawtooth fault is expected to sole
into the Fluorspar Canyon Fault just 400 m south of the MN claim block.
Coronet - The Coronet target
area is located 1.5 km west of MLP on the eastern portion of the MN claim block. Initially, the target was identified as having
a west-dipping, down-to-the-west fault that projects to the north-northeast from Secret Pass pit area. Subsequent mapping has resulted
in some ambiguity about the nature of the structure and stratigraphy in the area. However, first pass rock sampling has yielded
Au values up to 104 parts per billion (“ppb”) and As up to 247 ppm.
Figure 8 – Map of Mother Lode
claim blocks showing the main Mother Lode deposit and surrounding exploration targets.
Twisted Canyon - The Twisted Canyon
target area is located 1.5 km north of Coronet, and 2.5 km northwest of MLP (Figure 8). The area lies along the eastern margin
of what was describes as the Twisted Canyon Topographic Wall. First pass mapping and sampling has yielded a sample with 65 ppb
Au and 2.37 ppm Hg associated with high level argillic alteration. The alteration is hosted in pre-Rainier Mesa rhyolite and tuff,
indicating a younger age of alteration and mineralization than Mother Lode.
NBP Exploration
Despite the substantial amount of work
that has already been done, the exploration potential of the NBP is still significant and the Project remains under-explored. The
blind discovery of the YellowJacket high-grade vein/stockwork deposit in 2012 and the identification of the extensive, largely
untested Eastern Steam-heated Zone in 2014 indicate significant exploration potential for the discovery of new blind high-grade
deposits. Opportunities for expanding the NBP resources include: 1) possible continued expansion of the YellowJacket vein deposit
at depth; 2) new discoveries of blind, high-grade YellowJacket-style vein systems adjacent to or within current disseminated resources
in the Western Resource Area; 3) expanding or identifying new disseminated mineralization at target areas outside of the existing
mineral resource boundaries; and 4) new discoveries of either high-grade vein or disseminated mineralization under the Bullfrog-age
Eastern Steam-heated Zone.
Exploration work, other than drilling,
conducted on the NBP exploration targets is described briefly below:
Eastern Steam-Heated Zone -
Geologic mapping, rock and soil sampling, age dating and a gravity survey was conducted by Corvus over the Eastern Steam-heated
Zone (“ESHZ”) in 2014 and 2015. In early 2015, a gravity survey was completed in order to define possible structures
beneath the extensive alteration zone which covers approximately 142 square km. Also in 2015, an extensive soil grid consisting
of 3,672 samples was completed. The ESHZ is a broad area characterized by resistive low-temperature opal-chalcedonic silica accumulations
(ribs and mounds) surrounded by recessive kaolinite-alunite alteration. Low-temperature residual silica accumulation is interpreted
to define a paleo-groundwater table at the ESHZ. Residual silica forms erosional remnants of a flat tabular zone at similar elevations
across much of the ESHZ. The steam heated alteration and residual silica are largely barren of metals, as would be expected at
this level of erosion over a productive vein system. The target concept at the ESHZ is to test for high-grade veins in a hypothetical
boiling zone below the steam-heated alteration and the paleo-groundwater table. The work that has developed this concept has defined
a series of exploration targets within and around the ESHZ called Spicerite, Alunite Hill, Vinegaroon, Haul Road, Burro, Sinter,
Yellow Rose, and Baileys.
Alunite Hill - Alunite Hill
is located on the western side of the Eastern Steam-heated Zone, in an area of transition from steam-heated alteration to illite
and adularia alteration. Alunite Hill is named for the abundant hypogene alunite veining in strongly silicified Paintbrush Tuff.
The primary structural feature is the NW-trending, moderate to steeply SW-dipping Alunite Hill Fault. The Alunite Hill Fault juxtaposes
the Paintbrush and Bullfrog Tuffs in the hanging wall against a dacite porphyry intrusive body. The wall rocks of the Alunite Hill
Fault exhibit both steam-heated and non-steam-heated alteration. The fault hosts a discontinuous Au-Ag-bearing quartz vein that
locally exhibits spectacular bladed quartz pseudomorphs after calcite. Rock sampling has yielded up to 0.746 ppm Au and 13 ppm
Ag. The Alunite Hill and Spicerite No. 1 Faults may be the same structure propagating under the cover of the altered debris flow
breccia sequence.
Baileys - Limited mapping
and rock sampling has been done at the Baileys target area east of US Highway 95. Steam-heated alteration hosted in the Ammonia
Tanks Tuff includes resistive residual silica ribs and mounds surrounded by recessive kaolinite-alunite alteration. As expected,
there is no significant surface geochemistry found in the current rock sampling. Additional mapping is necessary before targeting
deep drilling at Baileys. Additional claims were staked in 2018 which connect the NBP with the MLP, extending the Baileys target
area into the Baileys Gap area to the southeast.
Drilling
The MLP was acquired in May 2017, and Corvus
reprioritized exploration for the higher grade mineralization indicated to exist at MLP. Corvus initiated the MLP drilling program
in 2017 with fall Phase 1 drilling and Phase 2 drilling in the spring of 2018.
MLP Drilling
The current Mother Lode claim group at
MLP was once a part of a much larger claim block. The purchase of the Mother Lode group included the data for 520 drill holes totaling
66,932 m (219,592 ft.). The data included exploration holes and water wells from within and surrounding the current claim block.
The first known drilling at the MLP was conducted by GEXA. In 1985, GEXA drilled 54 shallow holes totaling 4,371 m (14,340 ft.)
along the Flatiron target southwest of Mother Lode. Between 1987 and 1991, GEXA and the USNGSJV drilled 318 holes totaling 40,842
m (133,964 ft.) in conjunction with discovery, delineation and development of the Mother Lode and SNA deposits. The GEXA-USNGSJV
drilling included four PQ core holes at Mother Lode and four PQ core holes at SNA. The GEXA-USNGSJV drilling also included six
water wells drilled in 1988. Between 1987 and 1997, Cordex/Rayrock drilled 132 holes totaling 19,502 m (63,984 ft.) on the ground
surrounding the original Mother Lode property. A significant portion of this drilling was at Mother Lode proper in 1997 after the
property was acquired by Rayrock in 1995. The 1997 Rayrock drilling included two PQ core holes at Mother Lode. Rayrock also drilled
two shallow water wells near the Daisy leach pad. The existing drilling data from the earlier exploration and production operations
has been compared to the results of the Corvus 2017-2018 drilling as part of the data verification program. No exploration drilling
had occurred in the Mother Lode area for a period of nearly 20 years between 1998 and the fall of 2017.
Starting in September 2017 through July
2018, Corvus has drilled 78 holes totaling 25,823 m (84,721 ft.), including three core holes and 75 RC holes. All three core holes
(ML17-001, 002 and 003) were drilled HQ diameter from the surface. ML17-003 was reduced to NQ lower in the hole when the HQ rods
were stuck. The three core holes were drilled early in the program and have been essential to recognizing and understanding the
stratigraphy at Mother Lode. Most aspects of drilling and sampling procedures at the MLP are done with the same methodology and
quality control developed and used at the NBP since 2010.
RC drilling uses 5½ inch downhole
hammer bits. Most holes were completed with a hammer bit to depths of up to 440 m (1445 ft.). Tricone rotary drill bits are used
to complete those holes that had significant groundwater inflow. Perched water was been encountered in a number of holes. Corvus
measures static water level daily as a hole is drilled. Historic drilling at Mother Lode indicated localized, perched water zones,
and the Corvus exploration drilling has produced similar information. The data have not demonstrated a predictable static water
table. A few of the deeper holes past 400 m have encountered significant fracture-controlled groundwater up to 30 ga per minute.
When significant groundwater is encountered, it is measured by a timed 5 gallon bucket test taken from the discharge at the splitter.
Drilling work conducted on the MLP exploration
targets is described briefly below:
Flatiron - Three holes were drilled
by Corvus in early 2018 to test the down-dip extension of the known mineralization along the FCF. All three holes (ML18-056, -057
and -058) cut gold mineralization similar to the historic drilling the style of mineralization at Flatiron is identical to Mother
Lode. The Flatiron mineralization is interpreted to be a distal extension of the Mother Lode deposit, and ultimately may connect
with Mother Lode mineralized zone at depth and along strike.
NBP Drilling
In 2007-2008, ITH and RGC (under the NBPJV)
drilled several holes at Air Track Hill and Mayflower, with two holes each at Sierra Blanca, Pioneer and Savage Valley. In 2008,
Corvus (ITH under the NBPJV) drilled 24 RC holes totaling 5,953 m (19,531 ft) in the Mayflower area.
Between 2010 and 2017, Corvus drilled numerous
holes at Sierra Blanca, YellowJacket, Jolly Jane, Mayflower and Connection, leading to the mineral resource estimates presented
in the Technical Report.
In 2010-11, Corvus drilled 44 RC holes
totaling 12,785 m (41,945 ft) in the Sierra Blanca area and twenty-seven RC holes totaling 4,128.5 m (13,545 ft) were drilled at
Jolly Jane.
In 2012, Corvus drilled 16 additional holes
at Sierra Blanca totaling 3,548 m (11,640 ft) including: 4 PQ3 holes for metallurgical samples, 6 HQ3 exploration holes and 6 step-out/infill
RC holes.
In 2012, Corvus drilled 52 additional holes
at Mayflower totaling 7,503 m (24,615 ft) including: 1) 14 PQ3 core holes totaling 1,922 m (6,306 ft); 2) 26 in-fill/definition
RC holes totaling 3,077 m (10,095 ft); 3) seven condemnation RC holes totaling 1,218 m (3,500 ft); 4) four water monitor wells
(RC) totaling 981 m (3,220 ft); and 5) one water pilot RC hole totaling 305 m (1,000 ft).
In 2012 and 2013, 34 additional holes were
drilled at Jolly Jane totaling 4,234 m (13,891 ft). These included three PQ3 core holes for metallurgical samples, 29 infill RC
holes on the ZuZu patented claim, and two step-out RC holes to the north of the mineral resource area.
In 2013, Corvus drilled 87 additional holes
at Sierra Blanca totaling 19,000 m (62,340 ft) including: 35 HQ3 core holes, 12 PQ3 core holes, and 40 RC holes. Fifteen channel
sample lines totaling 1,070 m (3,510 ft) were completed along new road cuts in 2013-14. In 2014, Corvus drilled 48 additional core
holes at Sierra Blanca totaling 11,000 m (36,100 ft) including: 36 HQ3 core holes and 12 PQ3 holes.
Between 2015 and 2017, Corvus drilled 67
additional holes (4 core and 63 RC) totaling 19,192 m (62,965 ft) in the greater Sierra Blanca area. The Sierra Blanca mineral
resource is based on this drilling.
Drilling work conducted on the NBP exploration
targets is described briefly below:
YellowJacket Vein Zone -
The YellowJacket Vein Zone has largely been closed off by drilling along strike, but remains open at depth on some sections. Much
of the early resource definition drilling of the disseminated mineralization was vertical and was not effective at defining through-going,
steeply dipping vein targets.
Swale - The Swale target
lies along strike of the north-northwest projection of the YellowJacket Vein Zone. Several east-directed angle holes were drilled
in the Swale area looking for the northern extension of the YellowJacket Vein. Most of the holes drilled at Swale encountered 1+
g/t Au sulfide mineralization, some of which is associated with quartz stockwork veining. Much of this sulfide mineralization appears
to be too deep to support open pit mining. The current drilling has not confirmed a northern extension of the YellowJacket Vein
Zone. Additional deep drilling (400-600 + m below surface) will be required to continue to test the underground vein and disseminated
sulfide potential along strike of the YellowJacket Vein Zone.
Cat Hill - Five east-directed
angle holes were drilled at Cat Hill between 2015 and 2017. Hole NB-15-284 encountered multiple 10-40 m intercepts at greater than
0.15 g/t Au, including two individual samples at greater than 1 g/t Au. Two other holes also have significant low-grade oxide intercepts.
Most of the mineralization encountered in the drilling at Cat Hill is oxidized. The Corvus drilling suggests that a small oxide
resource can be developed at Cat Hill with additional drilling.
Liberty Vein - The Liberty
Vein structure exposed at the surface does not appear to be rooted by any significant gold mineralization. However, existing drill
holes failed to target the structure at a deep enough elevation to test for a vein zone in the Sierra Blanca Tuff.
Cloud 9 - One east-directed
angle hole (NB-16-307) was drilled to test the fault for veining at shallow depth below the vein occurrence. No significant gold
was encountered on the fault, but the footwall rocks at depth were found to be relatively unaltered, in situ Wood Canyon Formation
basement. The drill hole is significant in that it shows that pre-Tertiary basement stratigraphy has returned to near surface in
the footwall block of the West Jolly Jane Fault. This implies that the Sierra Blanca Tuff may also return to near surface between
North Jolly Jane and Cloud 9. The evidence suggests the existence of a new shallow oxide target in Sierra Blanca Tuff between North
Jolly Jane and Cloud 9. Additional drilling is warranted in this area.
Jasperoid -The target is
an occurrence of mineralized bedding-parallel jasperoid in limey beds of the Wood Canyon Formation, Barrick drill hole RDH-767
intersected 21 m at 0.35 g/t oxide in this area (including 1.52 m at 1.1 g/t). This intercept has never been followed up. The Wood
Canyon Formation is the host unit at the Reward deposit south of Beatty. Little attention has been given to the Wood Canyon Formation
as an ore host at NBP. Additional drilling has been recommended in this area.
West Connection -Corvus drilled
one hole at West Connection in 2011 (NB-11-77). The hole did not encounter significant quartz veining, but it intersected a zone
of anomalous gold (greater than 0.1 ppm) gold between 94 to 107 m, and several zones with anomalous arsenic and antimony. Well
crystallized hydrothermal kaolinite was found in a number of intervals in this hole, possibly linking this structure to the opalite
alteration along the Road Fault. There has been no follow-up drilling in this area since 2011.
Spicerite - Corvus drilled one angled
core hole (NB-15-429) and three angled RC holes (NB-15-263, 264 and 265) on an east-west fence across the Spicerite target area.
No significant gold or other metal values were encountered at the elevations reached by these holes (approximately 300 m below
surface). All holes bottomed in low-temperature opal-kaolinite-alunite alteration. The stratigraphy encountered in the drill holes
demonstrates that the Spicerite No. 1 Fault has approximately 700 m of down-to-the-west displacement. This fault is likely the
deep structural conduit feeding the hydrothermal fluids at Spicerite. The Spicerite No. 1 Fault is an analog of the MP fault that
hosts the Bullfrog vein deposit, and should be the primary target for future drilling. The Spicerite No. 1 Fault requires deep
drilling down-dip below existing holes. This represents one of the best targets for a new Bullfrog-age vein system at depth under
the ESHZ.
Alunite Hill - Corvus drilled
three holes (NB-15-260, 261 and 262) on the Alunite Hill Fault. Holes 260 and 261 comprise a fence of two angle holes under the
best developed portion of the vein at the surface. Both holes intercepted quartz stockwork veining on the fault, each having with
4-6 m intervals of low-grade Au-Ag mineralization. The drilling indicates a much flatter southwest-dip of approximately 35 degrees
in contrasts to the 50-75 degree dips measured at surface. The initial test of the Alunite Hill Fault was not successful in identifying
high-grade gold. The fault still has potential for high-grade mineralization at depth and along strike. Additional drilling is
recommended at depth and along strike to fully test the Alunite Hill Fault.
Yellow Rose - The Yellow
Rose target area lies partially on patented claims near the northernmost exposure of the ESHZ. Shallow drilling in the surrounding
area by GEXA failed to encounter significant gold mineralization. The area is underlain by steam-heated alteration hosted in heterolithic
and monolithic debris flow breccias. There is a series of north-south to north-northwest-trending high angle structures that cut
the host rocks. There is anomalous gold in rock samples at the Yellow Rose adit in steam-heated alteration. Gold values up to 0.230
ppm area associated with illite-adularia-alteration approximately 200 m west of the adit. The Yellow Rose area exhibits both steam-heated
and non-steam heated alteration assemblages at similar elevations, suggesting a fluctuating paleo-groundwater table and the potential
for buried gold mineralization.
Sampling, Data Analysis and Data Verification
Corvus uses two types of drilling systems
for exploration and resource drill programs at both NBP and MLP:
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Rotary RC drilling with either down-the-hole hammer drilling or rotary tri-cone drilling;
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Down-the-hole hammer drilling is used for drilling above the water table
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Rotary tri-cone drilling is used when drilling below the water table.
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PQ or HQ diameter wireline, diamond core drilling with triple tube core barrels.
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Reverse Circulation Rotary Drilling
Corvus drilling at MLP between September
2017 and June 2018 included 3 core holds and 67 RC holes totaling 22,551 m. Corvus drilling at NBP between 2015 and 2017 included
97 RC holes with a total length of 26,345 m. Standard procedures, put in place during the 2010-2011 North Bullfrog RC sampling
program, have been used in all Corvus drill programs. RC samples are collected at continuous 5-ft (1.52 m) intervals starting from
the top of each hole. Two duplicate samples for each interval are captured by a rotary splitter and kept in large sample bags placed
in 5 gallon buckets. The custom-made, heavy duty, sample bags have a white barcode tag for the samples going to the assay lab,
and a red barcode tag for the duplicate samples being kept for other purposes (field duplicates, metallurgical testing, etc.).
The sample hose and rotary splitter are cleaned thoroughly with a high pressure water sprayer prior to drilling of each 20-ft rod
(6.1 m). In order to minimize contamination between 5-foot intervals, the splitter is also quickly sprayed out after each interval
is drilled, but before the sample bags are pulled, without stopping drill penetration. Individual samples bags are tied-off without
pouring off the contained water, and placed in orderly rows at the drill site for natural decanting of the excess water. The sampling
associated with RC drilling is supervised by an on-site Corvus rig geologist.
Within 3-5 days the samples are sufficiently
dry to allow transport. The samples are loaded into super sacks (bulk bags) and transported to a staging area at Corvus’
core shack/field office. Pre-selected blanks and reference standards are placed inside the super sack, and it is sealed with a
large, numbered plastic zip-tie. The super sacks are stored in a secure area until they are loaded onto the assay lab truck. The
assay lab truck comes to the project for sample pick-ups on an as-needed basis. Chain of custody is transferred to the assay lab
personnel at pick-up time.
The drill chips are cursorily logged at
the drill site, and later logged in greater detail in an office setting using a binocular microscope. Magnetic susceptibility and
an HCl acid “fizz-test” are also measured on the chips for each five-foot interval. The geologic characteristics that
are determined routinely on drill chips include: color, lithology and stratigraphic unit assignment, alteration style and intensity,
vein type and percentage, sulfide type and percentage, and oxide type and relative intensity. The following five oxide classes
are used to quantify the oxidation state of each sample:
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Class 1: Total sulphide, no oxide present
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Class 2: Mostly sulphide with minor oxide present
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Class 3: Mixed oxide/sulphide in generally equal proportions
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Class 4: Mostly oxide with minor fresh sulphide present
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Class 5: Total oxide, no sulphide present
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Oxide classes 5, 4 and 3 have consistently
yielded favorable gold recoveries in bottle roll tests. Model blocks assigned to classes 5, 4 and 3 comprise the oxide mineralization
category. Oxide classes 2 and 1 have consistently yielded un-favorable gold recoveries in bottle roll tests. Model blocks assigned
to oxide classes 2 and 1 comprise the sulphide mineralization category.
Core Drilling
Three (3) core holes were drilled at MLP
in 2017, totaling 911.53 m. HQ3 core was drilled and extracted using triple-tube tooling to ensure the best recovery through highly
fractured intervals. Triple tube tooling minimizes core separation and rotation within the extraction tube. In conjunction with
the logging, sample intervals were marked in the core box and assigned unique sample numbers in a sequence that included pre-selected
quality assurance (“QA”) and quality control (“QC”) samples every tenth sample. Each hole starts with a
blank QA/QC sample, and alternates between blanks and reference standards. Once a hole is logged and tagged for sampling, each
box is photographed within a fabricated lighting and reference frame. The reference frame allows rectification of the image so
that in future applications true lengths can be measured on the core using the photos. Once a hole, or a group of boxes
in a hole, are photographed, the photos are reviewed for adequacy and the photo files renamed using hole number and box number.
All sample intervals of core are cut in
half with a core saw, with one half of the core being placed in a sample bag to be assayed, and the other half returned to the
original core box for archive. Selected lengths of each hole were sampled with continuous intervals based on careful logging of
geological characteristics.
Sample Security and Quality Assurance
Prior to shipment, all MLP core samples
were photographed, cut, weighed and then placed in bulk bags that are sealed with a security tag. RC samples from the Project are
not weighed until they reach the lab, but are also shipped in bulk bags which are sealed with a security tag prior to shipment.
Samples from each MLP drill hole (September 2017 -to present) were sent to American Assay Labs (“AAL”) in Sparks, Nevada
as a separate shipment with a chain of custody document to certify that the seals were intact when the shipment was received. Samples
from each NBP drill hole (2010-2017) were sent to ALS Minerals in Reno, Nevada as separate shipments with a chain of custody document
to certify that the seals were intact when the shipment was received.
Accredited Laboratories
Assaying for the MLP holes has been performed
by AAL in Sparks, Nevada. Corvus has no business relationship with AAL beyond being a customer for analytical services. The Sparks
laboratory is Standards Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario Accredited Laboratory No. 536 and conforms with requirements of CAN-P-1579,
CAN-P-4E (ISO/IEC 17025:2005).
Check assaying on MLP samples has been
performed by Bureau Veritas (Metals & Mining) North America (“BVM”, formerly Inspectorate America Corporation),
in Sparks, Nevada and Vancouver, Canada, and ALS Minerals Laboratories (“ALS Minerals”), in Sparks, Nevada. Corvus
has no business relationship with BVM or ALS Minerals beyond being a customer for analytical services. The BVM laboratory is Accredited
Laboratory No. 720 and conforms to requirements of CAN-P-1579, CAN-P-4E (ISO 9001:2008) and ALS is Accredited Laboratory No. 660
and conforms to requirements of CAN-P-1579, CAN-P-4E (ISO/IEC 17025:2005).
Assaying for the NBP was performed by ALS
Minerals primarily in Reno, Nevada, with some work performed in Vancouver, British Columbia. Corvus has no business relationship
with ALS Minerals beyond being a customer for analytical services. The Reno laboratory is Standards Council of Canada, Ottawa,
Ontario Accredited Laboratory No. 660 and conforms with requirements of CAN-P-1579, CAN-P-4E (ISO/IEC 17025:2005). The North Vancouver,
British Columbia laboratory is Standards Council of Canada, Accredited Laboratory No. 579 and conforms with requirements of CAN-P-1579,
CAN-P-4E (ISO/IEC 17025:2005).
Check assaying on NBP samples was performed
by Inspectorate America Corporation, Sparks, Nevada. Corvus has no business relationship with Inspectorate America Corporation
beyond being a customer for analytical services. The Laboratory is Accredited Laboratory No. 720 and conforms to requirements of
CAN-P-1579, CAN-P-4E (ISO/IEC 17025:2005).
Quality Control
Corvus utilizes several QC processes to
assure high quality of the produced resource characterization data:
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Preparation Duplicates;
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Field Duplicate Samples;
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Pulp Duplicate Samples;
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Certified Reference Materials
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Identical QC approaches have been used
in both the MLP and NBP resource drilling programs. The MLP QC data are presented here because they represent Corvus work in the
recent period of 2017-2018. The same levels of quality have been maintained in all Corvus drilling programs.
Duplicate Samples
Duplicate Samples were used to monitor
the precision of the assays that were incorporated into the mineral resource estimate. Duplicates monitor three sources of variation:
sampling method, preparation and assaying. Preparation duplicates are used to monitor the sample preparation process, field duplicates
are used to document the precision associated with sampling at the drill site, and pulp duplicates are used to monitor the assaying
process. Corvus uses all three types of duplicates to monitor the precision of the gold and silver analyses. However, field duplicates
are only collected for RC holes.
Preparation Duplicates
Sample preparation duplicates (“Prep
Duplicates”) were created by crushing the sample and then splitting it in half. The two halves were then processed as separate
samples. Five Prep Duplicates were created for each drill hole. The selection of preparation duplicates was made by geologists
logging the hole, based on their interpretation of lithologies and degree of mineralization.
Field Duplicates
Field duplicates were selected by the Project
Manager after the gold assay results for an RC hole had been received. At the drill site, two samples were taken for every 1.52
m (5-ft) interval, with a primary sample being labeled with a white tag. The secondary sample was labeled with a red tag with an
“M” suffix added to the original sample number. The secondary (red tag bags) were used for the field duplicates. The
selected field duplicates would have a gold value of 0.1 ppm or higher, based on the results of the primary sample. Field duplicates
have undergone the same transport and security procedure as all other RC and rock samples. The field duplicates were used to check
the accuracy and precision of the sample splitting at the drill site.
Pulp Duplicates
Pulp duplicates were used to indicate the
homogeneity of the pulp material that is subjected to the fire assay and variations generally reflect the nugget effect in gold
samples. For the MLP samples, AAL routinely ran pulp duplicates as part of their internal QA/QC program and these assays are analyzed
as part of assay QA/QC. For the NBP samples, ALS Minerals routinely ran pulp duplicates as part of their internal QA/QC program
and these assays are analyzed as part of assay QA/QC.
Check Assays
For the MLP, Four hundred and two (402)
check samples were analyzed for gold and multi-elements in 3 separate check assay jobs at BVM and ALS Minerals to check the results
of AAL. The samples submitted included both drill produced materials from MLP drilling and standard samples supplied by Rocklabs
Ltd. of Auckland, New Zealand and Geostats Pty Ltd. of O’Connor, Western Australia. The standard samples include both Certified
Reference Materials (“CRMs” or “standards”) and Blank Material (“Blank”). The first job, ML180215CA,
had 135 samples, the second, ML180410CA, had 128 samples, and the third, ML180524CA, had 139 samples. Of the standards submitted
for the three jobs, 33 were standard material and 6 were blank material. ML180215CA contained 12 with standard material, ML180410CA
contained 7 with standard material and 6 with blank material, and ML180524CA contained 14 with standard material.
Overall, the comparison of the test results
indicates good agreement between the different labs.
For the NBP, one hundred and ninety four
(194) samples were sent to Inspectorate America Corporation to check results from ALS Minerals
Blanks
Blank samples were inserted into the sample
sequence at a ratio of 1:20 to monitor for carryover contamination and to ensure that there was not a high bias in the assay. Carryover
is a process where a small portion of the previous sample contaminates the next sample. AAL and ALS Minerals allows a total of
1% carryover from preparation and analytical processes combined. Each blank that assays higher than three times the detection limit
was evaluated to see if the value reflected carryover or some other problem. For example, for the MLP samples, if a blank assayed
0.009 ppm Au for the FA-PB30-ICP analytical method and the previous sample ran 1ppm Au then the blank was not investigated because
acceptable carryover could explain up to 0.01 ppm. However, if the blank had assayed 0.015 ppm Au it would be more than can be
explained by carryover from a 1 ppm previous sample and an investigation would be initiated. In respect of the MLP samples, the
investigation included a rerun of the blank and surrounding samples as well as any documentation that was associated with the work
order at AAL. There were cases where the investigation does not resolve the reason for the higher than expected value.
Certified Reference Materials
CRMs were used to monitor the accuracy
of the assay results reported by AAL for the MLP samples, and ALS Minerals for the NBP samples. CRMs were inserted into the sample
sequence at a ratio of 1:20 and served to monitor both accuracy and sample sequence errors. A number of different CRMs covering
a range of grades and mineral compositions were used for Mother Lode assay quality control. The reported assay value was controlled
by the 10% analytical precision specified by AAL for the MLP samples and ALS Minerals for the NBP samples, and therefore, in the
following discussion the performance of the CRM’s was discussed relative to the specified AAL or ALS Minerals precision,
as applicable.
CRM’s used in the 2017-2018 MLP drilling
campaign were analyzed using the FA-PB30-ICP analytical method. All the CRM values fall within the theoretical analytical precision
quoted by AAL.
CRM’s used in the 2015-2017 NBP drilling
campaign were analyzed using the Au-ICP22 and AU-ICP21 analytical method. All the CRM values fall within the theoretical analytical
precision quoted by ALS Minerals.
Data Verification
One of the authors of the Technical Report,
Mr. Wilson, verified the data used in the Technical Report by:
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Visiting the Project and confirming the geology and mineralization;
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Visiting the core and RC storage areas and inspecting the core cutting facility;
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Verifying the location of drill holes in the field;
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Reviewing the QA/QC protocols; and
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Reviewing the quality analysis of RC drilling data.
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Mr. Wilson concluded that:
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Exploration drilling, drill hole surveys, sampling, sample preparation, assaying, and density measurements
have been carried out in accordance with CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (“CIM
Best Practice Guidelines”) and are suitable to support the mineral resource estimates and preliminary economic assessment
(“PEA”) contained in the Technical Report.
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Exploration and drilling programs are well planned and executed and supply sufficient information
for mineral resource estimates and mineral resource classification and the PEA contained in the Technical Report
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Sampling and assaying includes sufficient quality assurance procedures
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Exploration databases are professionally constructed and are sufficiently error free to support
mineral resource estimates and the PEA contained in the Technical Report
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Therefore, in the opinion of the Mr. Wilson,
such data is adequate and can be relied upon to estimate mineral resources for the Project and for the purposes of the preliminary
economic assessment as described in the Technical Report
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical
Testing
The samples tested as part of the MLP and
NBP metallurgical programs and presented in the Technical Report are representative of the various types and styles of mineralization
found at the Mother Lode and NBP. The testing data are representative and the Technical Report author knows of no known processing
factors or deleterious elements that could have a significant effect on potential economic extraction.
MLP metallurgical test work has been performed
on samples from core and RC drill cuttings generated during the 2017-2018 exploration programs at MLP and on a “grab”
sample from the MLP pit in 2017. The data consist of the results of cyanidation bottle roll tests, gravity concentration with cyanidation
leaching of tails, flotation, comminution, diagnostic leaching, mineralogy, concentrate pressure oxidation and concentrate roasting
followed by cyanidation, and gravity/flotation/cyanidation tests. The metallurgical test work addresses both the oxidized portion
of the mineralization, suitable for heap leach processing and sulphide portion, which is amenable to cyanidation after concentration
by flotation and pressure oxidation of sulphides.
NBP metallurgical test work has been performed
on samples from core and RC drill cuttings generated during the exploration programs at NBP and on bulk sample materials collected
from surface outcrops and from dumps resulting from previous underground mining at the NBP. The data consist of the results of
cyanidation bottle roll tests at different particle sizes, cyanidation column leach tests at 80% passing (P80) -6.3mm, -12.5 mm
(½ inch), -19 mm (3/4 inch) and -51 mm (2 inch) and gravity concentration with cyanidation leaching of tails tests. The
metallurgical test work addresses both the disseminated, oxidized portion of the mineralization, suitable for heap leach processing
and the higher-grade, vein and stockwork mineralization from the YellowJacket zone which will require milling with gravity concentration
and cyanide leaching of tails. These results demonstrate high cyanide solubility of the contained gold and silver in YellowJacket
mineralization at 100-200 mesh. The data indicate that simple process systems based on cyanide leaching are suitable for both the
disseminated, oxidized low-grade mineralization and for the higher-grade vein and vein stockwork mineralization at YellowJacket.
The data indicate North Bullfrog Sierra Blanca tuff, Pioneer Formation tuff, Dacite, and Rhyolite refractory sulphide materials
are cyanide amenable after sulphide and gold concentration by flotation and alkaline sulphide oxidation.
Metallurgical testing related in the Technical
Report was performed by McClelland Analytical Services Laboratories Inc. of Sparks Nevada (“McClelland”), McClelland
is an ISO 17025 accredited facility that supplies quantitative chemical analysis in support of metallurgical, exploration and environmental
testing using classic methods and modern analytical instrumentation. McClelland has met the requirements of the IAS Accreditations
Criteria for Testing Laboratories (AC89), has demonstrated compliance with ANS/ISO/IEC Standard 17025:2005, General requirements
for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, and has been accredited, since November 12, 2012. Hazen Research Inc.
(“Hazen”), an independent laboratory, has performed flotation, AAO testing and cyanide leach testing on samples of
sulphide mineralization from the YellowJacket zone and Swale area of Sierra Blanca. Hazen performed a roasting test on Mother Lode
flotation concentrate. Hazen holds analytical certificates from state regulatory agencies and the US Environmental Protection Agency
(the “EPA”). Hazen participates in performance evaluation studies to demonstrate competence and maintains a large stock
of standard reference materials from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Canadian Centre for Mineral
and Energy Technology (CANMET), the EPA and other sources. Hazen’s QA program has been developed for conformance to the applicable
requirements and standards referenced in 10 CFR 830.120 subpart A quality assurance requirements, January 1, 2002.
Other scoping tests have been performed
by lab organizations and are presented for completeness, including:
Hazen – roasting tests of MLP material
and analysis of cyanide bottle roll tests performed at RDi (defined below). NBP bottle roll testing of six samples collected from
drilling in the Mayflower area, and refractory material treatment by sulphide and gold flotation, flotation concentrate, sulphide
oxidation by AAO and cyanidation of oxidized material.
Kappes, Cassidy and Associates, Reno, Nevada
(“KCA”) – bottle roll testing on materials from the Connection area, core material from the Sierra Blanca area
and on RC sample materials from the Sierra Blanca and Jolly Jane areas; Advanced Mineral Technology Laboratory Limited (“AMTEL”),
London, Ontario, Canada - gold deportment studies of two samples of leached tail fractions of un-oxidized samples from the Savage
Valley area.
Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd.
– Quemscan analysis of gravity concentrate samples YellowJacket vein and stockwork materials and MLP sulphide composites.
Resource Development Inc. (“RDi”)
completed pressure oxidation and cyanidation test on MLP sulphide concentrates.
Blue Coast Group Research, Parksville,
B.C., conducted scoping test work on a grab sample from the MLP pit that included standard cyanidation, flotation, minerology,
and whole ore atmospheric alkaline oxidation.
Mother Lode Metallurgical Testing
During 2018, fresh materials from core
assaying and field duplicates from the RC drilling were obtained and composites developed for oxide material, two sulphide materials,
and comminution tests. The sulfide materials are predominantly associated with two different geologic units; Tip1 – a porphyritic
rhyolite intrusive, and Tjvs – sediments of Joshua Hollow.
The 2018 test program took place at McClelland,
Hazen, and RDi.
Three metallurgical composites were prepared
from drill hole reject samples to represent oxide material, sulfide material, type Tip1, and sulfide material type Tjvs. The samples
comprising these composites were RC drill duplicate samples and were nominally minus 6.3 mm (1/4 inch) size.
Two additional composites were prepared
for comminution testing. The samples were broken core, nominally 25.4 mm (1 inch) diameter in size.
A separate set of 52 oxide samples were
investigated for preg-rob assaying, as well as a series of bottle roll tests.
McClelland completed:
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Head Analyses: conducted on the three metallurgical composites included fire assay, cyanide shake
analysis, carbon and sulfur speciation analyses, and diagnostic leach tests.
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Comminution Testing: a crusher work index, abrasion index and ball mill work index test was conducted
on each of the two comminution composites.
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Gravity Concentration Testing: a whole sample gravity concentration test was conducted on each
of the two sulfide composites to determine response to whole sample gravity concentration at a P80-75µm feed size.
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Flotation Testing: Whole sample rougher flotation testing was conducted on the two sulfide composites.
Parameters evaluated included feed size, reagent schemes, solids density and desliming before flotation. Bulk, 14 kg, flotation
tests were also conducted to generate concentrate for ultra-fine grinding/cyanidation testing and concentrate oxidation tests.
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Flotation Product Cyanidation Testing: Flotation concentrate from bulk whole flotation tests conducted
on the sulfide composites. Concentrate samples were sent to ALS (Kamloops) for ultra-fine grinding (UFG) to generate feeds for
cyanidation leach tests. Duplicate cyanidation tests, both with and without activated carbon added, were conducted on the reground
concentrate from each composite. Bottle roll cyanidation tests were also conducted on flotation tailings from three selected tests.
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Bulk Gravity Concentration/Flotation Testing: A bulk (49 kg) gravity concentration test was conducted
on each of the two sulfide composites at a P80 -75µm feed size, using a Knelson concentrator to generate concentrate and
feed for bulk flotation testing. The resulting gravity concentrate was cleaned by panning. The resulting cleaner tails and rougher
tails were recombined and used as feed for a bulk flotation test.
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Rougher flotation was conducted on each of the two gravity tailings to generate concentrate for
testing. The gravity cleaner concentrates and flotation rougher concentrates were combined for down-stream process testing.
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Acid base accounting (ABA) testing on the corresponding flotation tailings were also completed.
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Additionally,
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Concentrate roasting tests and cyanidation of roasted residues was completed at Hazen
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And, concentrate pressure oxidation (POX) and cyanidation of residues was completed at RDi.
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North Bullfrog Metallurgical Testing
Mining activities at NBP took place in
the period 1909 – 1926, however, there are no metallurgical data available for that period. Data from subsequent exploration
drilling at NBP between 1972 and 1996 by the various organizations listed in Table 5 do not contain any records of metallurgical
test work. All of the known metallurgical test work on NBP mineralization have been produced by Corvus beginning in 2010.
This section presents a summary the metallurgical
testing performed from 2008-2017 and available for inclusion in this Technical Report.
The majority of the metallurgical program
has been completed by McClelland. McClelland has performed bottle roll testing on RC cuttings and core sample materials from the
Sierra Blanca, the Jolly Jane, the Savage Valley and the Mayflower areas and column leach tests at P80 of -12.5 mm (1/2
inch), -19 mm (3/4 inch) and -51 mm (2 inch) for the Sierra Blanca, Savage Valley, Jolly Jane and Mayflower areas, bottle roll
testing on these column leach composites at nominal P80 -75 µm (-200 mesh) and 1.7 mm (-10 mesh), 6.3 mm (-1/4
inch) and 19 mm (-3/4 inch), bottle roll test results for vein and stockwork materials representative of the YellowJacket mineralization
at various feed sizes and gravity concentration with cyanide leaching of tail materials on YellowJacket vein and vein stockwork
mineralization.
The NBP metallurgical testing is organized
in three sections. The first section summarizes bottle roll and column tests by deposit for the Connection, Jolly Jane (JJ), Mayflower
(MF), Savage Valley, (SV), Sierra Blanca (SB), and preliminary bottle roll tests on Yellow Jacket. The test programs were completed
2008-2013 primarily at the McClelland laboratories. The second section details metallurgical testing of the higher-grade Yellow
Jacket oxide material. The third section details testing of the Yellow Jacket sulphide material which was performed by Hazen.
The gold mineralization at the NBP contains
various amounts of silver. Silver ratios in the Sierra Blanca mineralization average 3.5 silver to 1.0 gold, the Jolly Jane mineralization
averages 1.6 silver to 1.0 gold and the Mayflower mineralization averages 0.64 silver to 1.0 gold. YellowJacket mineralization
averages approximately 5 silver to 1 gold. Bottle roll and column leach recoveries of silver are also reported in the data. Column
Silver recoveries ranged from 3% to 16%. Discussion of the silver data contained in the Technical Report is limited to column leach
testing of the disseminated low-grade mineralization and to the YellowJacket data, where relatively high silver grades and recovery
is indicated by the data. Silver recoveries from the sulphide mineralization testing were not measured.
The testing programs for NBP mineralization
included:
|
·
|
Cyanide bottle roll testing at particle sizes ranging from P80 – 75 microns to P80-19 mm
on mineralization from Mayflower, Jolly Jane, Savage Valley and Sierra Blanca;
|
|
·
|
Cyanide column leach tests on particles sizes ranging P80 12.5 mm to 50 mm on mineralization from
Mayflower, Jolly Jane, Savage Valley and Sierra Blanca developed from PQ core and from historic mine dumps;
|
|
·
|
Cyanide vat leach tests on particles sizes ranging from 75 mm to 250 mm from surface mineralization
at Mayflower and Sierra Blanca;
|
|
·
|
Comminution tests on samples from Jolly Jane and Sierra Blanca, and from YellowJacket core;
|
|
·
|
Cyanide bottle roll testing at particle sizes ranging from P80 -75 microns to -19mm on mineralization
from YellowJacket Vein and vein stockwork materials;
|
|
·
|
Gravity gold concentration tests on mineralization from YellowJacket vein and vein stockwork materials
above and below the oxidation horizon;
|
|
·
|
Cyanide bottle roll tests on the gravity tail products from YellowJacket vein and vein stockwork
materials above and below the oxidation horizon;
|
|
·
|
Cyanide bottle roll tests on sulphide mineralization from the YellowJacket/Sierra Blanca areas;
|
|
·
|
Concentration tests on sulphide mineralization from the YellowJacket/Sierra Blanca areas;
|
|
·
|
Atmospheric Alkaline Oxidation (AAO) of Sulphide concentrates from the YellowJacket/Sierra Blanca
areas;
|
|
·
|
And, Cyanide bottle roll tests on AAO residues to estimate total gold recovery from sulphide mineralization
from YellowJacket/Sierra Blanca materials.
|
Metallurgical Processing
The NBP and MLP samples tested are representative
of the various types and styles of mineralization and the mineral deposit as a whole, and have been used to identify processing
and characteristics. The core and bulk samples were augmented by samples from RC holes to project spatial and depth related variability.
The Author knows of no known processing factors or deleterious elements that could have a significant effect on economic extraction.
The testing on higher grade vein and stockwork
mineralization in the YellowJacket zone indicates it should be processed in a milling system using gravity concentration, intensive
CN leaching of the gravity concentrate followed by CN leaching of the combined gravity tail and leached gravity concentrate. A
conventional paste tailing management facility would be constructed for the limited volume of milled material. NBP sulphide material
is amenable to sulphide and gold concentration by flotation, oxidative pretreatment by AAO followed by cyanidation. Pressure oxidation
tests have not been performed on NBP sulphide material. It is assumed gold recovery will remain the same or increase with pressure
oxidation. MLP sulphide material is amenable to sulphide gold concentration by flotation, oxidative pretreatment by pressure oxidation
followed by cyanidation.
The grades and recoveries of the NBP disseminated
mineralized material are suitable for heap leach processing. Historical data for heap leaching of oxide mineralization at MLP indicate
it is suitable for heap leach processing with similar recoveries to NBP mineralization.
Oxide Milling Process Characteristics
and Recovery
The parameters, listed in Table 6, are
assumed for the mill process assumed for YellowJacket/Sierra Blanca vein and in the process analysis are based on metallurgical
testing results for the gravity concentration, intense cyanide leaching of gravity concentrate and cyanide leaching of the combined
gravity tail.
Table 6 -North Bullfrog Assumed Oxide Mill Process Parameters
Process Parameter
|
Assumed Value
|
Primary Cush Size
|
P80 - 110mm
|
SAG Mil
|
P80 – 12 mm
|
Pebble Crusher Size
|
P80 - 2.0 mm
|
Gravity Concentrate Feed
|
P80 - 212μm
|
Gravity Concentrate Mass Pull
|
0.3 - 1%
|
Gravity Concentrate Re-grind Size
|
P80 -45μm (-325 mesh)
|
Ball Mill Cyclone Overflow
|
P80 -75μm (-200 mesh)
|
Gravity Concentrate Leach – NaCN consumption
|
25 .0 kg/tonne
|
Gravity Concentrate Leach – Lime added
|
14.0 kg/tonne
|
Gravity Tail Leach – NaCN consumption
|
0.13 kg/tonne
|
Gravity Tail Leach – Lime added
|
1.0 kg/tonne
|
Metal recoveries indicated by the gravity
concentration/CN leaching test work on YellowJacket vein and vein stockwork samples were high (+90%) across a grade range 1.5 –
9 g/t, then dropped at lower grade (0.5 g/t) for composite samples from above the oxidation surface. The recoveries for composite
samples from below the oxidation surface were approximately 5% lower. Mineralization in YellowJacket, associated with the structural
zones were subdivided by structure type, grade and location with respect to the oxidation surface to estimate gold and silver recovery.
Minor amounts of pyrite (1-2%) were present in the mineralization below the oxidation surface and contained a small fraction of
the gold, which probably impacted recovery. Table 7 lists the portions of metal projected to occur in each structural zone and
the estimated metal recovery used to estimate a weighted average for the YellowJacket mineralization.
Table 7-Proportions of Metal and Estimated
Gold and Silver Recovery
Oxidation
|
Structural
Zone
|
Estimated Au
Rec. (%)
|
Proportion of
Au (%)
|
Estimated Ag
Rec. (%)
|
Proportion of
Ag (%)
|
Above
|
Vein and Vein Stockwork
|
91.0
|
36
|
78.2
|
52
|
Above
|
Minor Stockwork
|
92.9
|
4
|
79.0
|
2
|
Above
|
Faults
|
76.1
|
4
|
68.2
|
4
|
Below
|
Vein and Vein Stockwork
|
84.7
|
52
|
63.3
|
41
|
Below
|
Minor Stockwork
|
80.8
|
2
|
60.7
|
1
|
Below
|
Faults
|
71.0
|
1
|
60.7
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average
|
All
|
86.8
|
100
|
71.4
|
100
|
Mother Lode and North Bullfrog Sulphide
Mineralization Characteristics and Recovery
The parameters, listed in Table 8, assumed
for the mill/flotation/AAO process, are based on metallurgical testing results for flotation concentration, sulphide AAO and CIL
cyanidation of the oxidized material.
Gold
recoveries are presented in Table 9. Gold recoveries are presented in Sierra Blanca and Pioneer Formation tuff had overall gold
recoveries of 93 and 94%, in Soda Ash, respectively and 91 and 93% when in trona, respectively. Rhyolite gold dissolution was 89
and 87% in soda and trona, respectively. Dacite gold dissolution was 88 and 87% in soda ash and trona, respectively. Silver recovery
was based on Sierra Blanca concentrate values back calculated through flotation to a calculated head grade. Silver recovery was
estimated at 77% in flotation and 74% in the cyanide leach for a weighted recovery of 57%. Based on a 10% mass pull for all material
types, the average bottle roll cyanide and lime consumptions are 0.2 and 0.6 kg/tonne ore.
Table 8 - Assumed Mother Lode and
NBP Sulphide Mill Process Parameters
Process Parameter
|
NBP Assume Value
|
Mother Lode
Assume Value
|
Primary Cush Size
|
P80 - 110mm
|
|
|
|
SAG Mill
|
P80 - 12mm
|
Pebble Crush Size
|
P80 - 2mm
|
Ball Mill Cyclone Overflow
|
P80 -75μm (-200 mesh)
|
Flotation
|
|
|
Lab Residence Time
|
20 min
|
25-30 min
|
Commercial Residence Time
|
50 min
|
50 min
|
Rougher Flotation Concentrate Mass Pull
|
10%
|
26%
|
Sulphide Recovery to Concentrate
|
85-95%
|
85.4-92.6%
|
Gold Recovery to Concentrate
|
88-94%
|
86.9% Tip1
82.3% Tjvs
|
Silver Recovery to Concentrate
|
77%
|
n/a
|
Flotation Concentrate Re-grind Size
|
P80 -15μm
|
PAX
|
0.25 kg/t
|
0.025 kg/t
|
Sodium Metasilicate
|
n/a
|
0.25-0.3 kg/t
|
Aero 208
|
n/a
|
0.05 kg/t
|
Aerofroth 65
|
n/a
|
0.005 kg/t
|
Cyquest 3223
|
0.1 kg/t
|
n/a
|
Polyfroth
|
0.03 kg/t
|
n/a
|
Flocculant
|
0.01 kg/t
|
n/a
|
AAO Leach/POX
|
|
|
Oxygen Concentration
|
93 vol%
|
PreAcidification
|
n/a
|
Yes
|
Alkaline Reagent
|
Soda Ash
|
n/a
|
Leach Residence Time
|
40 hrs.
|
1 hr.
|
Operating Temperature, oC
|
85
|
225
|
Operating Pressure, kPa
|
101.3
|
3600 (522 psi)
|
Oxygen Partial Pressure, kPa
|
~11.5
|
690 (100 psi)
|
Cyanide Leach
|
|
|
Gold Dissolution
|
97%
|
96.2% Tip1
93.4% Tjvs
|
Silver Dissolution
|
74%
|
n/a
|
CIL Leach – NaCN consumption
|
0.4 kg/tonne
|
|
CIL Leach – Lime Consumption
|
2.5 kg/tonne
|
25 kg/ tonne
|
Overall Recovery
|
|
|
Overall Gold Recovery
|
91%
|
80%
|
Overall Silver Recovery
|
57%
|
N/A
|
Table 9 - AAO Metal and Estimated Gold
and Silver Recoveries
Conc. Type
|
Neutralizing
Reagent
|
Flotation
Recovery
|
CIL
Recovery
|
Overall
Recovery
|
|
|
Au %
|
Au %
|
Au %
|
Sierra Blanca Tuff
|
Soda Ash
|
94%
|
99%
|
93%
|
Pioneer Formation Tuff
|
Soda Ash
|
94%
|
100%
|
94%
|
Rhyolite
|
Soda Ash
|
89%
|
100%
|
89%
|
Dacite
|
Soda Ash
|
88%
|
100%
|
88%
|
Sierra Blanca Tuff
|
Trona
|
94%
|
97%
|
91%
|
Pioneer Formation Tuff
|
Trona
|
94%
|
99%
|
93%
|
Rhyolite
|
Trona
|
89%
|
99%
|
87%
|
Dacite
|
Trona
|
88%
|
99%
|
87%
|
Heap Leach Process Characteristics
and Recovery
Column leach testing was performed on composites
samples from Sierra Blanca/Savage Valley, Jolly Jane and Mayflower resource areas. The testing indicated higher gold recovery with
decreasing particle size and ultra-high intensity blasting has been assumed during mining of the heap leach mineralization to produce
particle size fraction similar to primary crushing at P80 -76 mm.
Size vs recovery data has been used to
extrapolate the column leach test results at P80 -19mm to the larger Run-of-Mine (“ROM”) size, and recoveries have
been adjusted for time and lift height effects. ROM gold recoveries established by extrapolation of time and feed material size,
with the current set of data, carry a risk of being lower because of extrapolation. It is recommended large column tests, at or
above, the anticipated ROM size be completed to confirm gold recoveries and allow for interpolation of ROM material recoveries.
Table 10 lists the projected field leach recoveries assumed after 1000 days of leaching, and the estimated field NaCN and Lime
consumptions derived from the tests results.
Table 10 - Assumed NBP Heap Leach
Metal Recoveries and Reagent Consumptions
Resource Area
|
% of Total Au in
Heap Leach
Mineralization
|
Average Column
Test Au
Recovery* Au at
360 days (P80 -
9mm)
|
Projected Field Leach
Recovery* at 1000
days Assuming ROM
at P80 -76 mm
|
NaCN Cons.
(kg/tonne)
|
Lime Cons.
(kg/tonne)
|
Au (%)
|
Ag (%)
|
Sierra Blanca/Savage Valley
|
77
|
83.4
|
74.4
|
5.8
|
0.25
|
1.0
|
Jolly Jane
|
14
|
79.1
|
67.3
|
6.8
|
0.25
|
1.0
|
Mayflower
|
9
|
88.0
|
79.2
|
9.7
|
0.45
|
1.25
|
The column leach recoveries at 360 days
leach is based on column leach tests at P80 -19mm, without consideration of placement, wetting, heap retention, pond retention
and process gold recovery. Projected field leach recoveries from the heap leach pad assume 1,000 days leaching and a ROM particle
size gradation of P80 -76mm (similar to primary crushing) produced by ultra-high intensity blasting.
Historical performance of the heap leach
operations at Mother Lode and bottle roll test data on MLP mineralization from 2017-2018 drilling materials indicates a field recovery
of 74% of the contained gold, similar to the NBP assumptions.
Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserve
Estimates
Mineral Resources
The basis for the mineral resource estimates
are geologic models interpreted by Corvus geologists and constructed in Leapfrog® Software. Geostatistics and estimates of
mineralization were prepared by Resource Development Associates. The current mineralization update focused on developing the MLP
stratigraphic and mineralization interpretations around the Mother Lode deposit. No changes were made to the NBP geologic interpretation
effective October 31, 2017 and no new drill data were available to add to the existing NBP database.
Industry accepted grade estimation techniques
were used to develop global mineralization block models. The MLP and NBP mineral resource estimates consider three conceptual processing
methods; (1) mill processing of oxide and gravity-separable gold and silver, (2) mill processing of sulphide gold and silver mineralization
by gravity and flotation concentration followed by pressure oxidation of the concentrate, and (3) heap leach processing of oxide
gold and silver mineralization. The process plant would include a CIL circuit and a refinery to produce a doré on-site for
sale at spot market prices.
The combined mineral resource estimate
for NB-MLP is summarized in Table 11, where they are grouped according to the two primary processing approaches of milling and
heap leaching. Classification of the resource according to measured, indicated and inferred categories is also included in the
table.
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves
and do not demonstrate economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resource will be converted
to mineral reserves. Quantity and grade are estimates and are rounded to reflect the fact that the resource estimate is an approximation.
RDA has completed the mineral resource
estimates according to the CIM Best Practice Guidelines. There have been historic resource estimates at MLP, within the context
of NI 43-101, including actual mine production. In addition to NBP Resource Estimates, this report is the first mineral resource
estimate at MLP since the adoption of NI 43-101. Project mineral inventories are reported at various cut-off-grades and classifications.
Mineral resources have been reported in accordance with the disclosure obligations under NI 43-101.
Vulcan® Software was used to estimate
and quantify the Project mineral resources. Vulcan® software utilizes a block modeling approach to represent the deposit as
a series of 3-D blocks to which grade attributes, and other attributes can be assigned. Mineral inventories have been pit-constrained
using Whittle® in order to demonstrate the reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction. General statistics and geostatistics
were evaluated using GSLIB®, Sage2000®, Rockworks® Utilities, Excel and a variety of internally developed programs.
Maps, cross sections, project layout and other visual aides were evaluated with Vulcan® and ArcGIS®.
Table 11 - Mother Lode and North
Bullfrog, Pit-constrained, Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources* at Gold Selling Price of USD 1,250 per Ounce (Qualified
Person: RDA, Scott Wilson, CPG; Effective September 18, 2018)
|
Gold Milling
Cutoff Grade 0.63-0.76 Au
g/t
|
Gold Heap Leach
Cutoff Grade 0.06-0.15 Au
g/t
|
Gold Total
(Milling & Heap Leach)
|
Resource
Classification
|
Tonnes
(x1,000)
|
Au
g/t
|
Au
Ounces
(x1,000)
|
Tonnes
(x1,000)
|
Au
g/t
|
Au
Ounces
(x1,000)
|
Tonnes
(x1,000)
|
Au
g/t
|
Au
Ounces
(x1,000)
|
Measured
|
9,311
|
1.59
|
475
|
34,560
|
0.27
|
305
|
43,871
|
0.55
|
780
|
Indicated
|
18,249
|
1.68
|
988
|
149,374
|
0.24
|
1,150
|
167,623
|
0.40
|
2,138
|
Total M & I
|
27,560
|
1.65
|
1,463
|
183,934
|
0.25
|
1,455
|
211,494
|
0.43
|
2,918
|
Inferred
|
2,284
|
1.61
|
118
|
78,742
|
0.26
|
549
|
81,026
|
0.26
|
667
|
|
Silver Milling
Cutoff Grade 0.63-0.76 Au
g/t
|
Silver Heap Leach
Cutoff Grade 0.06-0.15 Au
g/t
|
Silver Total
(Milling & Heap Leach)
|
Resource
Classification
|
Tonnes
(x1,000)
|
Ag
g/t
|
Ag
Ounces
(x1,000)
|
Tonnes
(x1,000)
|
Ag
g/t
|
Ag
Ounces
(x1,000)
|
Tonnes
(x1,000)
|
Ag
g/t
|
Ag
Ounces
(x1,000)
|
Measured
|
6,019
|
11.47
|
2,220
|
14,525
|
1.41
|
658
|
20,544
|
4.36
|
2,878
|
Indicated
|
8,315
|
8.93
|
2,388
|
129,251
|
0.66
|
2,758
|
137,566
|
1.16
|
5,146
|
Total M & I
|
14,334
|
9.99
|
4,608
|
143,776
|
0.74
|
3,416
|
158,110
|
1.58
|
8,024
|
Inferred
|
116
|
9.12
|
34
|
64,669
|
0.48
|
1,008
|
64,785
|
0.50
|
1,042
|
* - Cautionary
Note to U.S. Investors: The above table uses the terms “mineral resource,” “measured mineral resource,”
“Indicated mineral resource”, “measured and indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource”.
Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a mineral deposit in the above categories will ever be converted
into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant reserves. MLP and NBP do not contain SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant reserves and the properties
are exploratory in nature. See “Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred
Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves” above.
The evaluation of mineral resources for
the Project involved the following procedures:
|
·
|
Validation of the database and wireframe models developed by Corvus;
|
|
·
|
Data Processing (compositing and capping) and statistical analysis;
|
|
·
|
Selection of estimation strategies and estimation parameters;
|
|
·
|
Block modelling and grade interpolation and validation of the results;
|
|
·
|
Classification and tabulation of mineral resources; and
|
|
·
|
Quantifying the reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction of mineral resources.
|
Reasonable prospects for eventual economic
extraction assume open pit mining, run-of-mine heap leach processing of oxide mineralization, mill processing of un-oxidized mineralization
or mill processing of gravity separable gold and silver.
Economic parameters used in the analysis
are listed in Table 12 and are based on the following processes:
|
·
|
Gravity – CIL mill processing of YellowJacket mineralization;
|
|
·
|
Heap Leach processing of disseminated mineralization;
|
|
·
|
Ambient Alkaline Oxidation processing of Sierra Blanca sulphide mineralization; and
|
|
·
|
Pressure oxidation of Mother Lode Mill mineralization.
|
Table 12 - Pit Constraining
Parameters Used for the Corvus Gold September 18, 2018 Mineral Resource Update
Parameter
|
Unit
|
Mayflower
|
Jolly Jane
|
Sierra
Blanca
|
YellowJacket
Vein/Vein
Stockwork
|
YellowJacket
Sulphide
|
Mother
Lode
Sulphide
|
Mother
Lode
Oxide
|
Mining Cost
|
USD/tonne
|
1.64
|
1.42
|
1.54
|
1.54
|
1.54
|
1.40
|
1.40
|
Au Cut-Off
|
g/tonne
|
0.10
|
0.10
|
0.10
|
0.35
|
0.71
|
0.63
|
0.06
|
Processing Cost
|
USD/tonne
|
1.72
|
1.72
|
1.15
|
11.84
|
25.6
|
19.50
|
1.20
|
Au Recovery
|
%
|
70
|
72
|
73.8
|
86.6
|
91
|
80.0
|
74.0
|
Ag Recovery
|
%
|
8
|
8
|
6.3
|
74.3
|
57.2
|
NA
|
NA
|
Administrative Cost
|
USD/tonne
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
0.45
|
0.45
|
0.45
|
0.50
|
0.50
|
Refining & Sales
|
USD/oz
|
5.00
|
5.00
|
5.00
|
5.00
|
5.00
|
5.00
|
5.00
|
Au Selling Price
|
USD/oz
|
1,250
|
1,250
|
1,250
|
1,250
|
1,250
|
1,250
|
1,250
|
Slope Angle
|
Degrees
|
50
|
50
|
50
|
50
|
50
|
60
|
60
|
The parameters listed in Table 12 define
a realistic basis to estimate the mineral resources for the Project and are representative of similar mining operations throughout
Nevada. The mineral resource has been limited to mineralized material that occurs within the pit shells and which could be scheduled
to be processed based on a defined cut-off grade. All other material within the defined pit shells was characterized as non-mineralized
material.
RDA knows of no environmental, permitting,
legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, or other relevant factors that may materially affect the mineral
resource estimate in the Technical Report.
Mineral Reserve Estimate
There are no mineral reserves estimated
for the Project.
Mining Operations
The Technical Report assumes conventional
surface mining methods using surface drill and blast techniques with off highway haul trucks and front-end loaders would be employed
at both the Mother Lode open pit and the North Bullfrog open pits. Higher grade mineralization from the YellowJacket vein and vein
stockwork, and any Sierra Blanca sulfide mineralization with sufficient grade would be trucked on US Highway 95 to a central mill
facility located at Mother Lode.
Mineralized material would be delivered
to one of two different processes; heap leaching or milling, dependent on the material type and gold grade. Heap leach pads would
be constructed at both sites but higher-grade mineralization would only be processed at a mill facility assumed to be constructed
at the MLP site. The mill would combine circuits to process either oxide mineralization (YellowJacket vein and vein stockwork)
or sulfide mineralization through separate circuits. Structurally controlled mineralization in YellowJacket above 0.35 g/t would
be delivered to the mill circuit where it would be crushed to meet mill feed requirements, followed by grinding, gravity concentration
and CIL leaching. Sulfide mineralization would be crushed and ground, followed by gravity concentration to produce a concentrate,
chemical flotation to produce a concentrate, pressure oxidization of the concentrates, and then CIL leaching. Oxide mineralization
between the grades of 0.06 g/t and 0.35 g/t at YellowJacket, above 0.06 g/t from the disseminated mineralization in the Sierra
Blanca, Jolly Jane and Mayflower deposits at North Bullfrog, and above 0.06 g/t at the Mother Lode deposit would be delivered to
centrally located, run-of-mine heap leaching facilities at each site. Heap leach mineralization would be placed and shaped by haul
trucks and dozers. At the heap leach facilities, cyanide solution would be used to dissolve the gold and silver, and then would
be processed through standard carbon-in-column leach column arrays. Loaded carbon from the column arrays would be refined into
gold doré in-site refinery that would be part of the mill. Overburden material would be trucked to overburden storage facilities
proximal to each open pit.
A single leach pad and process facility
location is assumed at each site to recover metal from oxide mineralized material. The facilities would average daily leach pad
placement of 68.5 k tonnes per day and 13.5 k tonnes per day, for NBP and MLP, respectively. AT NBP, the heap leach pad and ponds
would be located near the northwest corner of the site. NBP would produce mineralization from both the Company’s federal
public land and private land resources. All mineralization at MLP would be produced from federal public land. Each of the Project
resource areas at North Bullfrog, Mayflower, Sierra Blanca, Jolly Jane and YellowJacket, and Mother Lode would require a separate
surface mine excavation. Material would be mined from each site concurrently, however, the individual deposits at North Bullfrog
mine would be mined at different times in the schedule. The Mother Lode deposits and the Sierra Blanca/YellowJacket deposit would
produce continuously over the entire life of mine (“LOM”) to maintain the mill throughput.
In the conceptual mine plans, 10 m-high
benches would be drilled and blasted, then loaded into 133 tonne haul trucks using 20 m3 front end loaders. At NBP,
the haul trucks would deliver the mineralized material to either the stockpile transfer system for the mill grade mineralization
or place the blasted material directly on the leach pad. The stockpile transfer system would consist of a grizzly, a feeder and
conveyor belt feeding bins. Highway haul trucks would be loaded from the bin and transport the mill grade mineralization to the
MLP mill stockpiles using US Highway 95. Mill grade mineralization from MLP would also be stockpiled at the mill location. Mining
rates at both NBP and MLP are sufficient to create a mill stockpile that will allow higher grade mineralization to be fed (grade
streaming) to the mill in early years of the schedule. The mill stockpile is scheduled to reach a maximum size of 11.7 M tonnes
by the end of year 2, and then begin to decline through the LOM.
Mining production would begin at an initial
rate of 14 k tonnes of mineralized material per day as pre-stripping in year -1, increasing to a peak rate of 106 k tonnes of mineralized
material per day by the second production year. Total gold mined would average 450 k ounces contained over the first 4 years and
average at approximately 394 k contained ounces per year over the 9 years of production. Grade Streaming (highest grade possible
at any point in the schedule considering the mill throughput) was the key factor influencing the production schedule in the Whittle®
scheduling software. The Stockpile Cut-Off Grade Optimization tool within the Whittle® software was used to optimize the stockpile
management. Mill production was assumed at 8,200 tonnes per day. Rates of heap leach mining were set by the requirements of the
grade streaming strategy and to deliver the highest grade possible as early in the schedule. YellowJacket would be mined as the
start-up pit to provide high grade feed for the mill at commissioning and would continue for 9 years. Sierra Blanca would be mined
throughout the life of the operation and would be split into three phases; a starter phase, a mid-grade phase and a low-grade phase.
Mayflower would be mined at the beginning of the mine life because of its relatively high grade, and Jolly Jane was scheduled to
enhance heap leach grades as the Sierra Blanca heap leach grade declined. The total Project would contain 269 million mineralized
tonnes at an average grade of 0.38 g/t gold and a byproduct silver grade of 0.93 g/t. The life of mine strip ratio would be 1.08:1,
which includes all heap leach and mill material. Unsmoothed Whittle® pits were used as the basis of the open pit production
quantities. Volumes were extracted from the Vulcan® block models and scheduled out with the Whittle® scheduling software
which included the ability to optimize based on the stockpiling of mill feed mineralization. All mineralization in the production
plan was selected on a whole block basis and was therefore assumed to include dilution. In all areas of the mine the swell factors
used standard assumptions for swell factors of 35% for all bucket and truck body calculations. For the YellowJacket/Sierra Blanca
Pits, Mayflower Pit and Jolly Jane Pit, an ultimate pit slope of 50 degrees was used for the Whittle® process, while for the
Mother Lode pit, a pit slope of 65 degrees was assumed.
The mining fleet is expected to contain
three 20 m3 wheel loaders and up to twenty-one 133 tonne capacity haul trucks, four 306 kW dozers, six rotary drills
with 24.6 kilogram per centimeter squared compressors to handle the harder rock types, three 193 kW road graders along with associated
support and maintenance equipment. A truck shop at MLP would be equipped for major maintenance with smaller shop at NBP for preventive
maintenance. A back-country dirt road was assumed to allow transport of equipment between the two sites based on operational demand
and maintenance requirements. Warehouses, fuel depot and operations offices have been assumed in the requirements. The mine production
fleet is designed to have up to 21 trucks operating under three-wheel loaders at any time. The availability of 93% and utilization
of 87% is normally sufficient to allow normal maintenance on all of the mine equipment as required to meet manufacturer specifications.
Based on a 250-hour preventative maintenance schedule, means trucks and loaders would be maintained on day shift only and other
mining equipment would be maintained on night shift.
The Technical Report projects that 254
personnel would be employed at the Project. The NBP mining group would be expected to operate on a 24-hour day and 365 days per
year. The mining and maintenance operations plus support would be expected to be spread over a four-crew rotation planned as 12-hour
day and night shifts with rotation between days and nights as defined by the operations group. This would produce about 8 hours
of overtime in an average week, which has been utilized for cost estimates. The engineering and geology groups would work a four-day
schedule and would have sufficient coverage over the weekends to limit any delays caused by manning schedules. The technical staff
schedule would be based on rotating each month. This would provide overlap between the two survey, engineering and geology groups
during the week when the workload would be heaviest.
The burden rate in the Technical Report
is estimated at 38% above the base rate to cover the cost of insurance, social security and other benefits to be determined by
the owners of this project.
Processing and Recovery Operations
MLP and NBP Recovery Methods
The Project oxide materials evaluated in
the Technical Report would be processed in a standard heap leach recovery circuit commonly used in the region. The cyanide solutions
from the heap leach would be treated in a Carbon-in-Columns (“CIC”) gold adsorption and desorption circuit.
The MLP mill would process NBP oxide, NBP
sulphide and MLP sulphide materials separately from stockpiles located at the mill site. NBP Oxide material will be processed in
a conventional gravity/CIL mill circuit. Sulphide materials from both MLP and NBP will be processed through a milling and flotation
plant to produce a concentrate. The flotation concentrate will be thickened, stockpiled, and processed through a pressure oxidation
circuit followed by a CIL circuit. Oxide and sulphide CIL tails would be detoxified through an Inco/SO2 type process.
Tailings would be pumped to a paste tailings thickener. Slurry would be deposited as a paste in a tailings facility. Detoxified,
non-cyanide containing paste thickener overflow solution would be returned to the mill.
Carbon from the CIC and CIL circuits would
be processed in a carbon handling circuit located at the mill. The carbon handling would include carbon stripping, acid washing
and reactivation circuits. The process solutions from carbon stripping would be sent to electrolytic cells for gold recovery in
a precipitate sludge. The sludge would be retorted for mercury removal and then melted into doré bars in a furnace.
Gold Recovery
MLP ROM oxide material gold recovery and
reagent consumptions for the heap leach materials are based on bottle roll tests and historical Daisy mine ROM gold production
data. The Au recovery for the heap leach is assumed to be 74% and cyanide and lime consumptions are 0.05 kg NaCN/t and 2 kg CaO/t.
The NBP disseminated mineralization in
the Sierra Blanca/Savage Valley, Mayflower and Jolly Jane deposits, gold recovery and reagent consumptions for the heap leach materials
are based on +100 bottle roll tests at varying sizes and 40 column tests In the test program, Savage Valley ores were independently
tested, but because of the metallurgical response, similar geology and overlapping location of the two pits, the Savage Valley
and Sierra Blanca ores were combined and described hereafter as Sierra Blanca. The average Au recovery for the heap leach, considering
the three mineralization resources was 74%. Silver recoveries were assumed to range from 5.8% to 9.7% for the different resource
areas, averaging 6%.
MLP sulphide material processed in a flotation/concentrate
pressure oxidation/CIL process indicated a weighted gold dissolution, for Tip1 and Tjvs materials, of 80%. Sodium cyanide and lime
consumptions are estimated to be 0.2 kg/t and 25 kg/t.
NBP sulfide material gold dissolution in
this study assumes that AAO and pressure oxidation oxidized processes would provide similar sulphide oxidation and gold dissolution.
Sulphur oxidation and gold dissolution correlated very well in the AAO tests. Gold recovery based on a flotation and sulphur oxidation
by AAO, indicated Sierra Blanca and Pioneer Formation tuff had overall gold recoveries of 93 and 94%, in Soda Ash, respectively
and 91 and 93% when in trona, respectively. Rhyolite gold dissolution was 89 and 87% in soda and trona, respectively. Dacite gold
dissolution was 88 and 87% in soda ash and trona, respectively. Silver recovery was based on Sierra Blanca concentrate values back
calculated through flotation to a calculated head grade. Silver recovery was estimated at 77% in flotation and 74% in the cyanide
leach for a weighted recovery of 57%. The average bottle roll cyanide and lime consumptions are 0.2 and 0.6 kg/ton ore.
MLP Heap Leaching Facility
The Mother Lode heap leach materials would
be trucked to the heap leach pad at a nominal rate of 13,600 tonnes per day. The mineralized material would be stacked on the heap
in 9.1 m (30 ft) lifts. Lime will be added to individual truck loads. The heap will be leached using buried emitters with a weak
cyanide solution.
The barren solution from the carbon columns
would be adjusted with makeup water, sodium cyanide, anti-scalant, and will be pumped to the heap leach pad. The pH will be adjusted
with additional lime (CaO), added to pad, if necessary. The solution distribution on the heap will use buried emitters. Solution
application rates will range from 12 l/hr-m2 to 6.0 l/hr-m2. Provision will be made to recycle a portion
of the pregnant solution back to the heap to extend the leach retention times.
Pregnant solution from the heap will be
collected in a pond and pumped to the CIC Plant located in the MLP mill. The plant would treat 680 m3 /hr and will consist
of a single train of five cascading carbon columns. The columns would be equipped with a feed box and trash carbon screen on the
solution discharge. Carbon will advance on a weekly basis countercurrent to the solution flow, in a 3.0 tonne batch. Loaded carbon
will be acid washed, stripped, and regenerated in a kiln and returned to the CIC columns.
The strip solution will be sent to electrolytic
cells for gold recovery in a precipitate sludge. Sludge will be retorted for mercury removal and melted into doré bars in
a furnace.
NBP Heap Leaching
NBP heap leach materials would be trucked
to the heap leach pad at a nominal rate of 61,000 tonnes per day. The mineralized material will be stacked on the heap in 9.1 m
(30 ft) lifts. Lime will be added to individual truck loads. The heap will be leached using buried emitters with a weak cyanide
solution.
The barren solution from the carbon columns
will be adjusted with makeup water, sodium cyanide, anti-scalant, and will be pumped to the heap leach. The pH will be adjusted
with additional lime (CaO) added to pad if necessary. The solution distribution on the heap will use buried emitters. Solution
application rates will range from 12 l/hr-m2 (0.005 gpm/ft2) to 6.0 l/hr-m2 (0.0025 gpm/ft2).
Provision will be made to recycle a portion of pregnant solution to the heap leach pad to extend the leach times. The makeup water
requirement for the heap leach pad loss was estimated to be 2800 l/min (750 gpm).
Pregnant solution from the heap will be
collected in a pond and pumped to the CIC Plant. The CIC Plant will consist of two parallel trains, comprising five cascading carbon
columns, processing approximately 1,818 m3 /hr., (8,000 gpm) of solution. The column trains will be equipped with feed
boxes and trash carbon screens on the solution discharge. Carbon will be advanced on a weekly basis countercurrent to the solution
flow in two x 3.5 tonne lots. Loaded carbon will be trucked to the Mother Lode mill for acid washing, stripping, and regeneration.
Regenerated carbon will be trucked back to the NBP CIC plant as needed to maintain sufficient carbon inventory.
Project Milling Operation
NBP oxide and sulphide mineralization will
be trucked to the MLP mill and stockpiled in feed piles as needed. MLP sulphide material will be fed to the mill from stockpiles
as needed. The stockpiled materials will be processed at a rate of 8,200 tpd. Process time for this study assumed the mill will
process oxide material 50% of the time and sulfide material 50% of the time. The flotation plant will remain idle while oxide material
is processed. The pressure oxidation plant will be fed from the flotation plant, or stockpiled flotation concentrate, and will
run continuously.
Infrastructure, Permitting and Compliance
Activities
General Area Infrastructure Resources
Much of the primary infrastructure required
to develop a surface mine is available in close proximity to both the MLP and NBP. The availability of these key infrastructure
elements is described in the following sections on location and access, human resources, electrical power, water resources and
project infrastructure elements. Location of the properties with respect to Beatty, NV is shown in Figure 1.
Location and Access
The MLP is located approximately 10 km
(6 mi) east of the community of Beatty, in Nye County. The property can be reached by two gravel roads that connect with US Highway
95, which lies to the west. An unnamed gravel road begins at the south edge of Beatty and runs along Fluorspar Canyon. This road
was historically the main access to the MLP and Daisy mining operations. A second unnamed road connects to US Highway 95 just 3
km (2 miles) north of Beatty and connects with the road in Fluorspar Canyon just below the historic Secret Pass open pit mine.
The NBP is located approximately 16 km
(9.3 mi) north of the community of Beatty, in Nye County Nevada. The property is immediately west of US Highway 95, which connects
the major cities of Las Vegas and Reno. Access to the property from the highway is currently by several dirt roads that are maintained
and provide access for an existing commercial aggregate producer, as well as, cattle grazing operations further to the west. A
dirt road at the north end of the property, Strozzi Ranch Road, would provide access to the major facilities location and would
connect to the powerline running along US Highway 95.
An overland, dirt road would be constructed
to connect the two project sites and provide the ability to move major equipment between sites to maximize mining equipment efficiency.
The road would be constructed on public land and would require a Right-of-Way permit with the BLM. The equipment moves would be
intermittent, limiting the amount and frequency of road maintenance required. The road would be single lane, and equipment moves
would be accompanied by leading and following hazard vehicles to control any encounters with public traffic along the road or at
the required crossing of US Highway 95.
Major mining and construction equipment
sales and service are readily available throughout Nevada; however, most major mining operations are located in the northern part
of the State and are serviced from the cities of Reno and Elko. Las Vegas, 200 km (125 mi) south of NB-MLP, also has a major construction
industry and heavy equipment sales and service are available there.
Beatty is a small residential community
with motels, restaurants and stores.
Human Resources
Human resources are available within the
community of Beatty, which has a population of approximately 1,100 people, and historically had provided a substantial portion
of the workforce for the Bullfrog Mine, which operated between 1989 and 1998 as both an open pit and underground gold mining operation.
The community has a long association with the mining industry and could contribute some experienced personnel to a mining project.
The community has schools, a medical clinic, motels, fuel service and food stores.
Pahrump, approximately 110 km (68 mi) to
the southeast of Beatty, is a larger community with a population of 36,000. Pahrump is a local regional center, with a hospital
and emergency medical services, a college campus with technical training for industrial support and expanded service sectors. Pahrump
has traditionally provided human resources for the Nevada Test Site, which had numerous high technology and underground construction
projects. The Test Site is approximately 40 miles from Pahrump, so locals are used to relatively long commutes on a daily basis.
Similarly, Tonopah, NV is a regional center to the north of Beatty, with the capability to contribute to the available labor supply.
Electrical Power
Electrical power is provided to the immediate
area of NB-MLP by the Valley Electric Association, Inc. (“VEA”), which is headquartered in Pahrump, Nevada. A 130-kV
line runs along US Highway 95 to a location several miles to the south of the access road to the MLP in Fluorspar Canyon then connects
into the Beatty Substation. Current substation capacity at Beatty is projected to be sufficient to meet the needs of the required
pressure oxidation processing plant at Mother Lode. A single-phase powerline currently runs along Fluorspar Canyon to provide power
to a communications tower located in the Bare Mountains above the Secret Pass open pit. A high capacity powerline would need to
be constructed to meet the Mother Lode requirements. To provide power at the NBP, a 25-kV line runs north from Beatty along US
Highway 95. VEA has recently upgraded the main powerline, which now exceeds the projected requirements for NBP with 15 Mw capacity.
Corvus’ NBP requirements were considered in the upgrade of the powerline.
At NBP, two electrical feeder lines run
west from the main line, one to the perimeter of the NBP property to power an aggregate crushing plant operating in the southern
portion of NBP and a second line traverses the property to power a centrally located communication station and the Company’s
weather station which has been installed on Corvus controlled patented mining claims near Mayflower.
Water Resources
Water resources for mining at MLP and NBP
must be obtained from the ground water in the Crater Flats (Basin 229), Oasis Valley (Basin 228) and Sarcobatus (Basin 146) hydrographic
basins.
The MLP access road in Fluorspar Canyon
is located across US Highway 95 from the termination of the water network operated by the Beatty Water and Sanitation District
(“BWSD”). It is anticipated that MLP process water will be provided by a utility agreement with BWSD, which has substantial,
existing and unused water rights in the Oasis Valley and Amargosa hydrographic basins. Historic ground water permits from the Mother
Lode and Daisy mining operations are being re-activated by Corvus to provide for site water and for dust suppression for future
exploration and operations at the MLP.
In 2014, Corvus purchased a 430-ac property
located 48 km (30 mi), along US Highway 95, to the north of NBP in the Sarcobatus hydrographic basin which included a 1600-acre-foot
water right. In 2018, Corvus applied for and received temporary conversion of the water right to “mining application”
by the Nevada Division of Water Resources. Historic production testing of a single well at the property indicated that a 270-foot-deep
well could produce water at the permitted flowrate. Electrical power is available at the Sarcobatus property, and a pipe line could
be constructed through the Sarcobatus alluvial valley to NBP, which lies 32 km (20 miles) to the south. Alternatively, the northeast
corner of NBP lies within the Sarcobatus hydrographic basin, and Corvus would explore for a water production well field in the
basin nearer the Project and make application to the Nevada State Engineer for a temporary relocation of the production location.
Water wells, booster stations and pipelines
would be developed to transport water to the mines, process facilities and ancillary structures.
Project Specific Infrastructure Elements
– MLP
Mill Facility
A mill facility would be constructed north
of the Mother Lode open pit, and would consist of primary, secondary and tertiary stage crushing equipment, a gravity concentrator,
a flotation plant, a pressure oxidation vessel, oxygen plant and leach tanks. Minimal plant buildings would be required due to
the relatively mild climate at MLP. The mill facility would be open air, with some portions of the plant enclosed. The refinery
and laboratory facilities would require climate-controlled buildings. The plant would have the capacity to bypass the flotation
and pressure oxidation stages and would process YellowJacket vein and vein stockwork oxide mineralization approximately half of
the year and would process Mother Lode sulfide mineralization through the pressure oxidation circuit the other half of the year.
Tailings Storage Facility
Locations with relatively flat open terrain
to the north of the MLP open pit have sufficient area for both the heap leach pad and a tails storage facility (“TSF”).
The MLP conceptual configuration would locate the TSF north of a low ridge and next to the heap leach pad. Up-stream raising of
the embankments is projected for incremental increases of the storage capacity. A thickened tail, using high rate thickeners, is
projected to favorably impact water consumption and shorten the TSF reclamation period. It will also reduce the construction requirements
to build the embankments.
Heap Leach Pad and Ponds
The heap leach pad would be located north
of the Mother Lode open pit with an approximate total storage capacity of 40 M tonnes of mineralized material. The final design
of the leach pad would include construction specifications for a prepared subgrade, soil underliner, high density polyethylene
(“HDPE”) liner, and solution collection system and overliner layer. The leach pad would be constructed in phases with
three expansions added to the initial leach pad constructed.
The final design would include a solution
management system that connects the solution collection system within the leach pad, to the process pond and CIC array. It is intended
that the final design would show the compartmentalization of the leach pad into solution collection cells and the individual cells
would have flow measuring points and sampling locations. From this point, the solution would be directed to the pond or the CIC
array, as necessary for maximizing recovery. Adjacent to the process pond would be an event pond and the two ponds would be connected
by a spillway. The size of the ponds would be based on the 100-year, 24-hour event and the 24-hour drain down of the leach pad,
as well as, 0.6 m (two ft) of freeboard per state regulations. Similar to the heap leach pad, the ponds would have a prepared subgrade,
soil underliner and two layers of HDPE liner for leak detection and primary containment, respectively.
Ancillary Facilities
The MLP would require the design and the
construction of several ancillary structures for the day to day operations of the mine. These facilities would include a truck/tire
shop, warehouse, administration, and clinic, wash bay, fuel island, assay/metallurgical lab, security and maintenance facilities.
These structures would be centrally located near the process plant and leach pad with access points to each of the facilities from
the existing site access roadway. The aforementioned would be constructed in the first phase of mine development and infrastructure
construction. To the extent possible, the facilities would be of a temporary nature consistent with the currently envisioned short
life of the Project.
Surface Water Management Facilities
The location of the heap leach pad, ponds,
and process plant would require diversion structures to redirect surface runoff around these facilities and discharge into natural
drainage channels. For ease of construction, the channels were assumed to be 3 m (10 ft) wide at the bottom of the channel, 1.5
m (5 ft) deep, and have side slopes of 3:1. The channel would be lined with a geotextile fabric and riprap along the entire length
of the channel and up the side slopes to protect the channel for a flow depth of 1.2 m (4 ft).
Waste Rock Management Facilities
Based on the most recent mine production
schedule, 178 M tonnes of waste rock would need to be stockpiled. A portion of the stockpiles may require underdrain material with
neutralizing characteristics, which would be comprised of the dolomite rocks that form a part of the stripped waste material.
Project Specific Infrastructure Elements
- NBP
Site Road Access
Access to the NBP would be from US Highway
95 just north of the Town of Beatty and east along the Strozzi Ranch Road. The site access would follow this existing roadway corridor
for approximately 7.5 km (4.6 mi) and would require improvement to allow two-lane traffic. The access to the operations site from
the access road would be designed so it would be secured with a perimeter fence and security gate, but historical access along
the Strozzi Ranch Road by others would not be impeded.
The current concept envisions hauling the
mill grade mineralization from North Bullfrog to the Mother Lode mill for processing. An intermediate stockpile would hold the
mineralization with a feeder, conveyor and bin system, located to the east of the NBP Heap Leach Pad, to load contracted 40 tonne
highway trucks with tandem trailers. A dozer would push mineralization from the stockpile into the feeder. The mineralization would
be trucked to US Highway 95 along Strozzi Ranch Road, then on the highway through Beatty, and then to the Mother Lode process facility
via the access road up Fluorspar Canyon. Stockpiles located at the MLP mill site would be used to feed the mill with the scheduled
mineralization.
Haul Roads
The conceptual plan for loading the leach
pad would be by haul trucks and dozers. The Mayflower mine requires the longest haul road with an approximate haul distance of
4.5 km (2.8 mi) along the western edge of the property to the leach pad location. The mine plan calls for early mining of the Sierra
Blanca/YellowJacket Resource prior to mining of the Jolly Jane Resource. A haul road within the Sierra Blanca pit would be planned
for hauling from the Jolly Jane pit to the heap leach pad.
Leach Pad Access Road
A leach pad perimeter road would be constructed
for access to the leach pad and process ponds.
Heap Leach Pad and Ponds
The heap leach pad would be located northwest
of Sierra Blanca with an approximate total storage capacity of 200 M tonnes of mineralized material. The final design of the leach
pad would include construction specifications for a prepared subgrade, soil underliner, HDPE liner, and solution collection system
and overliner layer. The leach pad would be constructed in phases with three expansions added to the initial leach pad constructed.
The final design would include a solution
management system that connects the solution collection system within the leach pad, to the process pond and CIC array. It is intended
that the final design would show the compartmentalization of the leach pad into solution collection cells and the individual cells
would have flow measuring points and sampling locations. From this point, the solution would be directed to the pond or the CIC
array, as necessary for maximizing recovery. Adjacent to the process pond would be an event pond and the two ponds would be connected
by a spillway. The size of the ponds would be based on the 100-year, 24-hour event and the 24-hour drain down of the leach pad,
as well as, 0.6 m (two ft) of freeboard, per state regulations. Similar to the heap leach pad, the ponds would have a prepared
subgrade, soil underliner and two layers of High-density Polyethylene (“HDPE”) liner for leak detection and primary
containment, respectively.
Ancillary Features
The NBP would require the design and the
construction of several ancillary structures for the day to day operations of the mine. These facilities would include a minimal
truck/tire shop, warehouse, administration, clinic, wash bay, fuel island, security and maintenance facilities. Major equipment
maintenance would be performed at the Main Truck Shop located at the MLP. These structures would be centrally located near the
leach pad with access points to each of the facilities from the existing site access roadway from US Highway 95. The aforementioned
would be constructed in the first phase of mine development and infrastructure construction. To the extent possible, the facilities
would be of a temporary nature consistent with the currently envisioned short life of the Project.
Surface Water Management Facilities
The location of the heap leach pad, ponds,
and leach columns would require diversion structures to redirect surface runoff around these facilities and discharge into natural
drainage channels. For ease of construction, the channels were assumed to be 3 m (10 ft) wide at the bottom of the channel, 1.5
m (5 ft) deep, and have side slopes of 3:1. The channel would be lined with a geotextile fabric and riprap along the entire length
of the channel and up the side slopes to protect the channel for a flow depth of 1.2 m (4 ft).
Waste Rock Management Facilities
Based on the most recent mine production
schedule, 112 M tonnes of waste rock would need to be stockpiled.
Permitting
Corvus currently has permits to conduct
exploration activities at NBP with both the NDEP BMRR and the BLM. Those permits allow 20 ac and 120 ac of surface disturbance
on the private and public land, respectively. The permits for activities on the public lands are based on an Environmental Assessment
that contains environmental baseline data on wildlife, climate and local physical characteristics.
In addition, Corvus has permits to conduct
exploration with the BLM at three areas with the MLP (Sawtooth, Willy’s, and Mother Lode). These permits are Notices for
exploration disturbance of less than five ac each. Corvus is also in the process of obtaining permits from BLM and BMRR for 145
ac of exploration related disturbance. The permits for activities on the public lands are based on an Environmental Assessment
that contains environmental baseline data on wildlife, climate and local physical characteristics.
Baseline Characterization Activities
Corvus has developed characterization plans
which describe the on-going and future collection of baseline environmental data that will be required to support a future mine
permitting process at NBP and MLP. Current baseline characterization activities include:
Geochemical characterization of waste rock
geochemistry – At NBP, acid based accounting characterization of waste rock as defined in the current mining plans using
static tests have been completed and a first phase of Humidity Cell Tests (“HCT”) have been completed for the waste
rock associated with mining the heap leach disseminated mineralization. The second phase of HCTs is being defined to characterize
waste associated with the mining of the YellowJacket mineralization.
At NBP, hydrologic characterization testing
has been performed during installation of 12 ground water monitoring wells. Collection of water quality data began in Q4 2012 on
a quarterly basis for the ground water monitoring wells and a group of 12 surface springs surrounding NBP. NDEP Profile I parameters
are reported for each ground water and spring sample.
Surveys of plants and wildlife have been
conducted on a large portion of NBP and the Mother Lode area of MLP, including special surveys for bats and desert tortoise. Desert
tortoise range is currently limited to the eastern portion of NBP, outside of the areas containing currently defined mineral resources.
Recent habitat studies of the eastern portion of NBP have indicated that the area is not critical tortoise habitat.
A meteorological station has been in operation
on the NBP site since August 2012.
These studies address some of the baseline
data whose collection is time critical to production of a mining plan of operations which would serve as the basis to initiate
the BLM’s National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) process (likely through the preparation of an environmental
impact statement (“EIS”) that is required for the processing of a Plan of Operations). There will be additional baseline
data collection requirements of which timing could affect the schedule for completion of the EIS. In addition, other baseline characterization
activities would be required but would not control the schedule for completion of the EIS.
No known environmental issues have been
identified at the NBP or MLP sites that would materially affect the current mine design or scope of the needed environmental permits.
Geochemical characteristics of the waste rock suggest that no acid generation and only minor metals leaching would be expected
from the waste materials associated with the heap leach mineralization. Ground water quality is typical of the regional data and
drilling activities suggest minimal water inflow because only a small portion of mining would be below the water table.
Major Permits for Future Mining
Both NBP and MLP will be open pit mining
operations, and each would have associated waste rock dumps and a heap leach ore processing facility. At MLP there will also be
milling operations with an associated tailings storage facility. The mill will have both a CIL process and a pressure oxidation
process.
In order to conduct mining and processing
activities, NBP and MLP will each need specific permits from the NDEP BMRR and the BLM. The following is a list of the major permits
that will be required. None of the permits are currently in application stage.
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Plan of Operations/Nevada Reclamation Permit;
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Water Pollution Control Permit;
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Air Quality Operating Permits;
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Industrial Artificial Pond Permit.
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In addition to the above noted major permits,
other notifications or ministerial permits that will likely be necessary to conduct the mining operations are Mine Registry, Mine
Opening Notification, Solid Waste Landfill, Hazardous Waste Management, General Storm Water, Hazardous Materials, Fire and Life
Safety, Explosives, Notification of Commencement of Operations, Radio License, Public Water Supply, Mine Safety and Health Administration
(“MSHA”) Identification Number and MSHA Coordination, Septic Tank and Petroleum Contaminated Soils. These permits are
issued by various State and Federal agencies, but are generally not time critical, as in the case of the major permits identified
earlier.
Capital and Operating Costs
Capital and operating costs used for the
PEA are based on evaluation of multiple sources of information. Active Nevada mining operations based on exclusive heap leach processing
and combined heap leach processing and mill processing of gold ores were visited in the period November-December, 2011, again in
October of 2014. Operating costs, consumable costs and construction costs were discussed with mine site staff during the visits
and were used as bench marks for establishing the PEA estimates. Capital and operating costs were also developed using information
available from the CostMine cost data service for 2018 by InfoMine USA, Inc. In addition, all available Project technical data
and metallurgical process related test work were considered to build up a processing operating cost estimate.
Preliminary site infrastructure (mill,
tailing storage facility, heap leach pad, overburden storage facility, roads, shops, offices, etc.) have been evaluated and a conceptual
arrangement was defined as the basis of capital costs estimates. Capital costs were developed based on the nominal mining rates
of 66 M tonnes of total material per year. The capital cost includes estimates of sustaining capital and all facilities and equipment
needed for all phases of the Project over its projected 9 years of active mining. The mobile equipment was assumed to be financed
over its first 5 years of use with 20% down payment and assuming 6% annual interest. All costs are in constant USD from 2018.
Cost accuracy is estimated to be + or –
30%, in the opinion of the authors of the Technical Report.
Life of Mine Capital Estimate
Total capital expenditure of USD 483.6
M is listed in Table 13, and reflects costs transferred to Opex and recovered from accounting cash flow.
Table 13 – Estimated total NB-MLP
project capital costs
Capital Item
|
Estimated Capital Cost (USD M)
|
Total Initial Capital
|
USD 423.5
|
Sustaining Capital
|
USD 157.6
|
Total Estimated Expenditure
|
USD 581.2
|
Capitalized Mining Transferred to Opex in Year 1
|
(USD 56.8)
|
Working Capital Recovery End Year 2
|
(USD 40.1)
|
Initial Fills Recovery End of Life
|
(USD 0.6)
|
Total Project Capital
|
USD 483.6
|
Initial Capital Cost Estimate
The initial capital cost estimates consist
of go-forward costs to be incurred after approval of a Plan of Operations, and after construction/operating permits have been received.
Capital estimates are based on the project configuration at both MLP and NBP. It covers the schedule period year -1, and includes
all construction costs up to the start of production, which is defined as when the first mineralized material is placed on the
leach pad and the first mineralization is processed in the mill. The scope of the initial capital includes direct capital costs,
indirect costs, Owner’s costs and Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (“EPCM”) and contingency.
Direct capital costs include the, heap initial leach pad construction, heap leach pumps and ponds, YellowJacket mineralization
loading facility, carbon columns, mining equipment, shops, offices, mill facilities, and site infrastructure. A mill facility with
8,200 tonne/day crushing and grinding circuit, flotation, pressure oxidation, leach and CIL circuits, carbon absorption, desorption
and refining (“ADR”) plant, tailings storage facility and mill water storage ponds/tanks was assumed to constructed
at Mother Lode, and higher-grade mineralization produced from Sierra Blanca/YellowJacket at NBP was assumed to be hauled to the
mill facility at MLP using US Highway 95. Preproduction mining would occur at both mining sites in the construction year -1 to
ensure that mill feed would be available in year +1, and to allow the project to develop a mill stockpile sufficient to allow higher
grade mill mineralization to be supplied to the mill selectively during the early portion of the schedule (grade-streaming). Indirect
costs include EPCM which is applied as a proportion of direct costs ranging from 18% to 7% depending on the complexity of the capital
item. Owner’s costs include an allowance for property maintenance, owner project management, and the expansion and training
of the mine management and labor force. Contingency was set at proportions of the capital item cost ranging from 25% to 10% depending
on the complexity of the capital item excluding owner’s cost, mobile equipment and EPCM.
Initial capital costs are divided between
direct and indirect costs in the construction year in Tables 14 and 15.
Table 14 – Estimated initial
direct capital costs for NB-MLP
Capital Item
|
Estimated Capital Cost (USD $M)
|
Mill
|
193.4
|
Heap Leach
|
13.4
|
Mobile Equipment
|
17.4
|
Infrastructure & Facilities
|
42.9
|
Capitalized Mining
|
56.8
|
Total
|
323.9
|
Table 15 – Estimated initial
indirect capital costs for NB-MLP
Capital Item
|
Estimated Capital Cost (USD $M)
|
EPCM
|
38.9
|
Owner’s Cost
|
6.0
|
Contingency
|
54.7
|
Total
|
99.6
|
Sustaining Capital Cost Estimate
Sustaining capital cost estimates included
all capital costs that would be incurred after production starts (year +1 to year 9). It included estimated capital for expansion
of production capability (leach pad expansion, Tails Storage Facility, haul road construction, etc.) and replacement capital (mobile
equipment overhaul or replacement of worn out equipment). Annual principal payments for the mobile equipment were also included
in sustaining capital. Sustaining capital cost estimates are listed in Table 16, along with the remaining EPCM and contingency
depending on the complexity of cost items (the mobile equipment and working capital). EPCM is greater than contingency in Table
16 because it has been applied to the mobile equipment principal, but contingency has not. Mining costs for mineralization stockpiled
has been transferred to capital in the year it is mined, and credited back to operating cost in the year it is processed, to that
the next effect is neutral over the LOM. Working capital was estimated to be equivalent to operating costs for the first 3 months
of production, or USD 40.1 M., and is not included in Table 16. Working capital is credited out of the project capital costs at
the end of production year 2. Initial fills costs were estimated to be USD 0.6 M and were recovered by transferring to operating
costs in the last year of active operation.
Table 16 – Estimated sustaining
capital cost for NB-MLP
Capital Item
|
Estimated Capital Cost (USD $M)
|
Sustaining LOM
|
51.9
|
Remaining EPCM
|
3.3
|
Remaining Contingency
|
4.9
|
Total
|
60.1
|
Operating Costs
Operating cost estimates were developed
from spreadsheet cost models built up from first principles. These spreadsheets considered the schedule of production physicals,
assumed equipment productivities, consumables and operating maintenance and production labor. The projected unit costs were compared
to benchmark information for the Nevada heap leach operations visited in late 2014 and in public reports of Nevada operating mines.
The process cost estimation spreadsheets were developed separately for heap leach processing and for the mill processing.
Operating costs were estimated for the
categories of mining, processing, administration and reclamation. Table 17 list the operating cost estimates used in the economic
analysis.
Table 17 – Estimated Operating
Costs for NB-MLP
Operating Cost Area
|
LOM Average Operating Cost (USD/ tonne
processed)
|
LOM Average Operating Cost (USD/Au
oz)
|
Mining(1)
|
2.95
|
312
|
Heap Leach Processing(2)
|
1.20
|
114
|
Mill Oxide Processing(2)
|
16.74
|
65
|
Mill Sulfide Processing(2)
|
18.89
|
132
|
Administration(2),(3)
|
0.53
|
56
|
Reclamation(2)
|
0.12
|
13
|
Total
|
na
|
692
|
(1)-total operating cost/total
processed tonnes.
(2)-operating cost per process
specific tonnes.
(3)- includes royalties, financing
interest, transport & refining charges.
Preliminary Economic Assessment
This PEA is preliminary in nature and is
based on technical and economic assumptions which will be evaluated in more advanced studies. The PEA is based on the mineral resource
estimate (effective date September 18, 2018). The PEA is based on a production plan that includes material in measured, indicated
and inferred classifications from both Resource models (NBP and MLP). This report assumes that the Project would support an open
pit mining operation that recovers gold and silver metals from the ground to be sold at a profit.
This PEA is preliminary in nature, it
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, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment
will be realized. The current basis of Project information is not sufficient to convert the in-situ mineral resources to mineral
reserves, and mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The PEA results are
only intended as an initial, first-pass review of the Project economics based on preliminary information.
The economic analysis of the Project assumed
constant 2018 US dollars and was performed on an annual basis beginning at the start of year -1 when operating permits are assumed
to have been issued. Construction was assumed to require 1 year with placement of mineralized material on a heap leach pad and
mill processing to start at the beginning of year +1. This PEA assumes a central mill processing facility constructed at the MLP
which has a circuit that will be configured to process oxide vein and vein stockwork mineralization from the Sierra Blanca/YellowJacket
deposit at NBP and sulfide mineralization from the MLP and NBP. The mill grade mineralization at NBP would be loaded on to highway
trucks and hauled to the mill site at MLP using US Highway 95. Mining would be concurrent at both sites. Lower grade, oxide mineralization
at both locations would be processed on heap leach pads. Gold would be captured from the leach solutions using carbon-in-pulp columns,
and the carbon from NBP would be hauled to the MLP mill for metal stripping and refining.
The PEA estimated mill gold recoveries
based on bottle roll testing and gravity concentration testing performed on the YellowJacket vein and stockwork materials which
indicate high gold and silver recovery using simple CN leaching. Sulfide mineralization exists at both MLP and NBP and would require
the addition of a flotation and a pressure oxidation circuit to the mill. Gold recoveries for the mill are estimated to vary from
80% - 87% for MLP and NBP mill mineralization, respectively. Metallurgical testing programs were carried out by McClelland, Hazen
and RDi on composite samples from both deposits to provide the basis of the mill circuit configuration. Heap leach recoveries were
based on column leach testing data for composite samples constructed from Mayflower, Jolly Jane, Savage Valley and Sierra Blanca
2012 PQ core drilling for NBP. Historical data from the operating heap leaches at Mother Lode and the Daisy Project in 1988-1999
were combined with laboratory bottle roll and shake leach testing from samples from Corvus drilling at MLP were used to estimate
heap leach recoveries for MLP oxide mineralization.
The mill process recovery assumptions reflected
overall gold and silver recoveries based on conceptual flow diagram discussed under the heading “Processing and Recovery
Operations”. The average mill recoveries for gold were 82.9% and 74.3% for silver.
The heap leach process recovery assumptions
reflected consideration of the particle size resulting from ultra-high intensity blasting to produce a gradation similar to primary
crushing (P80 -76mm) and the leach pad placement schedule. The leach pad production model predicts an average gold recovery of
73.8%, and an average silver recovery of 6% of fire assay grade. The production model assumes a 3 year buildup of gold in solution
inventory which would require 3 years of rinsing after the final leach pad placement to recover inventory. No cost escalation was
included in the calculations, and the cash flows were presented after-royalty and after-tax. A gold price of USD 1,250 per ounce
was assumed for all years (1-9) for the base case. All economic projections were made on an after-royalty and after-tax basis.
The analysis included measured, indicated
and inferred mineral resources in the mining and economic study. Measured and indicated resources make up 81% of the gold ounces
in the total production plan. The remaining 19% of the gold ounces in the production plan are classified as inferred mineral resources.
Subdivided by process, 41% of the gold ounces in the mill production schedule are classified as measured and indicated mineral
resources, and 40% of the gold ounces in the heap leach production schedule are classified as indicated mineral resources. The
inferred mineral resources are subdivided as 3% processed by the mill and 16% processed by heap leach.
Key performance parameters are listed in
Table 18.
Table 18 – Key project and economic
performance indicators for NB-MLP
Parameter
|
Data Value
|
Measured Resource within Whittle Shells*
|
43.9 M t at 0.55 g/t Au for 779 kozs and at 2.04 g/t Ag for 2,880 kozs
|
Indicated Resource within Whittle Shells*
|
167.6 M t at 0.40 g/t Au for 2,133 kozs and at 0.95 g/t Ag for 5,138 kozs
|
Inferred Resource within Whittle Shells*
|
81.0 M t at 0.26 g/t Au for 668 kozs and at 0.40 g/t Ag for 1,040 kozs
|
Post-Tax and Royalty Net Present Value at 5%
|
USD 586M
|
Post Tax and Royalty Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”)
|
38 %
|
Post Tax Payback
|
2.1 years
|
Pre-tax cashflow ; IRR
|
USD 970 M ; approximately 45%
|
Overall Strip Ratio
|
1.08:1 (overburden: mineralized material)
|
Average Annual Payable Gold Production years 1-4
|
347 kozs/year
|
Average LOM Payable Gold Production years
|
282 kozs/year
|
Average Gold Recovery - mill
|
82.9%
|
Average Gold Recovery- heap leach
|
74.3%
|
Average Cash Cost
|
USD 692/Au Oz*
|
Average Silver Recovery-mill
|
74.3%
|
Average Silver Recovery – heap leach
|
6%
|
Average Total Mining Rate
|
170 k tonne/day
|
Average Mineralized Material Mining Rate
|
82 k tonne/day
|
* Mill selection COG = 0.35-0.76g/t,
Heap Leach selection COG= 0.06-0.1 g/t Au.
Exploration, Development and Production
The PEA results, for the Project with a
mill facility at MLP and heap leach operations at both NBP and MLP, indicate the substantial financial impact on project performance
of the higher grade sulphide and vein/vein stockwork types of mineralization that occurs at each site. Therefore, the authors of
the Technical Report recommend that future exploration should focus on the identification and development of other deposits and
sources of the higher-grade mineralization. In addition, RDA has recommended that Corvus define and continue to execute programs
that enhance and develop the supporting technical information, particularly as related to metallurgical processing of sulphide
resources at both locations. Specifically, promising approaches to heap leach processing of sulphide mineralization have recently
been tested at different locations and have the potential for substantial and favorable impacts on the conceptual project economic
performance. These data would be used to refine the preliminary economic assessment of the combination of NBP with MLP, at the
time of the next resource update.
These recommended activities are:
|
·
|
Exploration drilling at identified targets at both MLP and NBP;
|
|
·
|
Resource definition drilling at MLP;
|
|
·
|
Metallurgical testing of gold bearing mineralization, particularly novel sulphide heap leaching
technology;
|
|
·
|
Continued environmental baseline characterization;
|
The projected costs for the next phase
of this program are outlined in Table 19.
Table 19 – Proposed work program
to advance the NB-MLP
Activity
|
Amount
|
Exploration Drilling Resource Definition Drilling and Data Management
|
USD 0.80 M
|
Baseline Data Collection
|
USD 0.05 M
|
Metallurgical Testing
|
USD 0.35 M
|
Resource Model, Geologic Model and PEA Update
|
USD 0.15M
|
Total
|
USD 1.35M
|
RDA has not recommended successive phases
of work for the advancement of the Project.
CONSOLIDATED
CAPITALIZATION
The applicable Prospectus Supplement will
describe any material change, and the effect of such material change, on our share and loan capitalization that will result from
the issuance of Securities pursuant to such Prospectus Supplement. Except as set forth above under the section entitled “Corvus
Gold Inc. – Recent Developments – Corporate Financial Activities”, there have not been any material changes
in our share and loan capital since August 31, 2018, the date of our most recently filed interim financial statements.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities will be used by the Company for development of existing
or acquired mineral properties and may also be used for acquisitions, working capital requirements, to repay indebtedness outstanding
from time to time, if any, or for other general corporate purposes, which may include costs of corporate development initiatives,
ongoing regulatory, legal and accounting expenses, and management and administrative expenses. The Company generates no operating
revenue from the exploration activities on its property interests and has negative cash flow from operating activities.
The Company anticipates that it will continue to have negative cash flow until such time that commercial production is achieved
at a particular project. To the extent that the Company has negative cash flows in future periods in excess of net proceeds
from the sale of Securities, it may need to deploy a portion of net proceeds from the sale of Securities to fund such negative
cash flow. More detailed information regarding the use of proceeds from the sale of Securities will be described in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement. The Company may, from time to time, issue Common Shares or other securities otherwise than through the
offering of Securities pursuant to this Prospectus.
PRICE RANGE
AND TRADING VOLUME
The Common Shares
are listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the symbol “KOR”. In the United States, the Common Shares are quoted
for trading on OTCQX under the symbol “CORVF”. On February 14, 2019, the last trading day prior to the date of this
Prospectus, the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX was $2.02 and the last reported bid price quoted on the OTCQX was
US$1.52.
Trading price and volume
of the Common Shares and issuances of Securities in the 12 months prior to the date of the applicable Prospectus Supplement will
be provided as required for each applicable Prospects Supplement.
CERTAIN
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The applicable Prospectus
Supplement may describe certain Canadian federal income tax consequences to investors described therein of acquiring, owning and
disposing of any of the Securities thereunder including, in the case of investors who are not residents of Canada for purposes
of the Income Tax Act (Canada), whether payment of any amount in respect of a security will be subject to Canadian non-resident
withholding tax.
The applicable Prospectus
Supplement may also describe certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Securities
offered thereunder by an initial investor who is a U.S. person (within the meaning of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code), if applicable,
including, to the extent applicable, any such consequences relating to Securities payable in a currency other than the U.S. dollar,
issued at an original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes or containing early redemption provisions or other special
terms. Investors should read the tax discussion in any Prospectus Supplement with respect to a particular offering and consult
their own tax advisors with respect to their own particular circumstances.
DESCRIPTION
OF COMMON SHARES
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited
number of Common Shares, without par value, of which 110,847,845 are issued and outstanding as at the date of this Prospectus.
Under our stock option plan, we may grant
options to our directors, officers, employees and consultants. The combined maximum number of our Common Shares that
may be reserved for issuance under the option plan is a variable number equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares
on a non-diluted basis. Options are granted from time to time at the discretion of the Board, with vesting periods and other
terms as determined by the Board. There are options outstanding to purchase up to 10,315,000 Common Shares at prices ranging from
$0.77 to $2.06.
The Company may issue Common Shares independently
or together with Warrants or Subscription Receipts, and the Common Shares may be attached to or separately from such securities.
Holders of Common Shares are entitled to
receive notice of and to attend any meetings of shareholders of the Company and at any meetings of shareholders to cast one vote
for each Common Share held. Holders of Common Shares do not have cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of directors
and accordingly, holders of a majority of the Common Shares entitled to vote in any election of directors may elect all directors
standing for election. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive dividends as and when declared by the board of directors
of the Company at its discretion from fund legally available therefor and to receive a pro rata share of the assets of the
Company available for distribution to the shareholders in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company
after payment of debts and other liabilities, in each case subject to the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached
to any other series or class of shares ranking senior in priority to or on a pro-rata basis with the holders of Common Shares with
respect to dividends or liquidation. There are no pre-emptive, subscription, conversion or redemption rights attached to the Common
Shares nor do they contain any sinking or purchase fund provisions.
DESCRIPTION
OF WARRANTS
The following description, together with
the additional information the Company may include in any applicable Prospectus Supplements, summarizes the material terms and
provisions of the Warrants that the Company may offer under this Prospectus, which will consist of Warrants to purchase Common
Shares and may be issued in one or more series. Warrants may be offered independently or together with Common Shares, Subscription
Receipts or Units offered by any Prospectus Supplement, and may be attached to or separate from those Securities. While the terms
the Company has summarized below will apply generally to any Warrants that it may offer under this Prospectus, the Company will
describe the particular terms of any series of Warrants that it may offer in more detail in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
The terms of any Warrants offered under a Prospectus Supplement may differ from the terms described below. As of the date of this
Prospectus, we have no Warrants outstanding.
General
Warrants will be issued under and governed
by the terms of one or more warrant indentures (each a “Warrant Indenture”) between the Company and a warrant trustee
(the “Warrant Trustee”) that the Company will name in the relevant Prospectus Supplement. Each Warrant Trustee will
be a financial institution organized under the laws of Canada or any province thereof and authorized to carry on business as a
trustee. The Warrant Trustee will act solely as our agent and will not assume a relationship of agency with any holders of Warrant
certificates or beneficial owners of Warrants.
This summary of some of the provisions
of the Warrants is not complete. The statements made in this Prospectus relating to any Warrant Indenture and Warrants to be issued
under this Prospectus are summaries of certain anticipated provisions thereof and do not purport to be complete and are subject
to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable Warrant Indenture and the Prospectus
Supplement describing such Warrant Indenture. Prospective investors should refer to the Warrant Indenture relating to the specific
Warrants being offered for the complete terms of the Warrants. The Company urges you to read the applicable Prospectus Supplement
related to the applicable Warrants that the Company sells under this Prospectus, as well as the complete Warrant Indenture and
Warrant Certificate. In the United States, the Company will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus
is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that the Company files with the SEC, any Warrant
Indenture describing the terms and conditions of Warrants the Company is offering before the issuance of such Warrants. In
Canada, the Company will file on SEDAR a copy of any Warrant Indenture after the Company has entered into it.
Warrants
The particular terms of each issue of Warrants
will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. This description will include, where applicable:
|
·
|
the designation and aggregate number of Warrants;
|
|
·
|
the price at which the Warrants will be offered;
|
|
·
|
the currency or currencies in which the Warrants will be offered;
|
|
·
|
the date on which the right to exercise the Warrants will commence and the date on which the right
will expire;
|
|
·
|
the designation, number and terms of the Securities that may be purchased upon exercise of each
Warrant, the price at which and currency or currencies in which the Securities may be purchased upon exercise of each Warrant and
the procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers;
|
|
·
|
the exercise price of the Warrants;
|
|
·
|
the designation and terms of any Securities, if any, with which the Warrants will be offered, if
any, and the number of the Warrants that will be offered with each Security;
|
|
·
|
the date or dates, if any, on or after which the Warrants and, if the Warrants are issued as a
Unit with another Security, the other Securities with which the Warrants will be offered will be transferable separately;
|
|
·
|
any minimum or maximum amount of Warrants that may be exercised at any one time;
|
|
·
|
any terms, procedures and limitation relating to the transferability, exchange or exercise of the
Warrants;
|
|
·
|
whether the Warrants will be subject to redemption or call and, if so, the terms of such redemption
or call provisions;
|
|
·
|
whether the Warrants are to be issued in registered form, “book-entry only” form, non-certificated
inventory system form, bearer form or in the form of temporary or permanent global securities (and, if so, the identity of the
depositary of the global securities) and the basis of exchange, transfer and ownership thereof;
|
|
·
|
whether the Warrants will be listed on any exchange;
|
|
·
|
material United States and Canadian federal income tax consequences of owning the Warrants;
|
|
·
|
any material risk factors relating to such Warrants;
|
|
·
|
any other rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Warrants; and
|
|
·
|
any other material terms or conditions of the Warrants.
|
Rights of Holders Prior to Exercise
Warrant certificates will be exchangeable
for new Warrant certificates or different denominations at the office indicated in the Prospectus Supplement. Prior to the exercise
of their Warrants, holders of Warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the Common Shares issuable upon exercise of
the Warrants.
Exercise of Warrants
Each Warrant will entitle the holder to
purchase the Common Shares that the Company specifies in the applicable Prospectus Supplement at the exercise price that the Company
describes therein. Unless the Company otherwise specifies in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, holders of the Warrants may
exercise the Warrants at any time up to the specified time on the expiration date that the Company sets forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.
Holders of the Warrants may exercise the
Warrants by delivering the Warrant Certificate representing the Warrants to be exercised together with specified information, and
paying the required amount to the Warrant Trustee in immediately available funds, as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
The Company will set forth on the Warrant Certificate and in the applicable Prospectus Supplement the information that the holder
of the Warrant will be required to deliver to the Warrant Trustee.
Upon receipt of the required payment and
the Warrant Certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the Warrant Trustee or any other
office indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will issue and deliver the Common Shares purchasable upon
such exercise. If fewer than all of the Warrants represented by the Warrant Certificate are exercised, then the Company will issue
a new Warrant Certificate for the remaining amount of Warrants. If the Company so indicates in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
holders of the Warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for Warrants.
Anti-Dilution
The Warrant Indenture will specify that
upon the subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or other material change of the Common Shares or any other reorganization,
amalgamation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, the Warrants will thereafter evidence the
right of the holder to receive the securities, property or cash deliverable in exchange for, or on the conversion of, or in respect
of, the Common Shares to which the holder of a Common Share would have been entitled immediately after such event. Similarly, any
distribution to all or substantially all of the holders of Common Shares of rights, options, warrants, evidences of indebtedness
or assets will result in an adjustment in the number of Common Shares to be issued to holders of Warrants.
Global Securities
The Company may issue Warrants in whole
or in part in the form of one or more global securities, which will be registered in the name of and be deposited with a depositary,
or its nominee, each of which will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The global securities may be in temporary
or permanent form. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and
limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global security. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the exchange,
registration and transfer rights relating to any global security.
Modifications
The Warrant Indenture will provide for
modifications and alterations to the Warrants issued thereunder by way of a resolution of holders of Warrants at a meeting of such
holders or a consent in writing from such holders. The number of holders of Warrants required to pass such a resolution or execute
such a written consent will be specified in the Warrant Indenture.
The Company may amend any Warrant Indenture
and the Warrants, without the consent of the holders of the Warrants, to cure any ambiguity, to cure, correct or supplement any
defective or inconsistent provision, or in any other manner that will not materially and adversely affect the interests of holders
of outstanding Warrants.
DESCRIPTION
OF SUBSCRIPTION RECEIPTS
The Company may issue Subscription Receipts
separately or together with Common Shares, Warrants or Units, as the case may be. Subscription Receipts may be issued at various
times which will entitle holders thereof to receive upon satisfaction of certain release conditions and for no additional consideration,
Common Shares, Warrants, Units or any combination thereof. Subscription Receipts will be issued pursuant to one or more subscription
receipt agreements (each, a “Subscription Receipt Agreement”), each to be entered into between the Company and an escrow
agent that will be named in the relevant Prospectus Supplement (the “Escrow Agent”), which will establish the terms
and conditions of the Subscription Receipts. Each Escrow Agent will be a financial institution organized under the laws of Canada
or a province thereof and authorized to carry on business as a trustee. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will include details
of the Subscription Receipt Agreement covering the Subscription Receipts being offered. In the United States, the Company will
file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current
report on Form 8-K that the Company files with the SEC, any Subscription Receipt Agreement describing the terms and conditions
of Subscription Receipts the Company is offering before the issuance of such Subscription Receipts. In Canada, the Company will
file on SEDAR a copy of any Subscription Receipt Agreement after the Company has entered into it. As of the date of this Prospectus,
we have no Subscription Receipts outstanding.
The following description sets forth certain
general terms and provisions of Subscription Receipts that may be offered by us pursuant to this Prospectus and is not intended
to be complete. The statements made in this Prospectus relating to any Subscription Receipt Agreement and Subscription Receipts
to be issued thereunder are summaries of certain anticipated provisions thereof and are subject to, and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable Subscription Receipt Agreement and the Prospectus Supplement describing
such Subscription Receipt Agreement. The Company urges you to read the applicable Prospectus Supplement related to the particular
Subscription Receipts that the Company sells under this Prospectus, as well as the complete Subscription Receipt Agreement.
The Prospectus Supplement relating to any
Subscription Receipts the Company offers will describe the Subscription Receipts and include specific terms relating to their offering.
All such terms will comply with the requirements of the TSX relating to Subscription Receipts. If underwriters or agents are used
in the sale of any Subscription Receipts, one or more of such underwriters or agents may also be parties to the Subscription Receipt
Agreement governing the Subscription Receipts sold to or through such underwriters or agents.
General
The Prospectus Supplement and the Subscription
Receipt Agreement for any Subscription Receipts the Company offers will describe the specific terms of the Subscription Receipts
and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
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the designation and aggregate number of Subscription Receipts offered;
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the price at which the Subscription Receipts will be offered;
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the currency or currencies in which the Subscription Receipts will be offered;
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the conditions (the “Release Conditions”) that must be met in order for holders of
Subscription Receipts to receive for no additional consideration Common Shares, Warrants, Units or a combination thereof, as the
case may be, and the consequences of such Release Conditions not be satisfied;
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the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares, Warrants, Units or combination thereof
to be received by holders of such Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions, and any procedures that will
result in the adjustment of those numbers;
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the procedures for the issuance and delivery of Common Shares, Warrants, Units or a combination
thereof to holders of Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions;
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whether any payments will be made to holders of Subscription Receipts upon delivery of the Common
Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions (e.g., an amount equal to dividends declared
on Common Shares by the Company to holders of record during the period from the date of issuance of the Subscription Receipts to
the date of issuance of any Common Shares pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement);
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the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will hold all or a portion of the gross proceeds
from the sale of Subscription Receipts, together with interest and income earned thereon (collectively, the “Escrowed Funds”),
pending satisfaction of the Release Conditions;
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the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Escrow Agent will hold Common Shares, Warrants or
a combination thereof pending satisfaction of the Release Conditions;
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the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will release all or a portion of the Escrowed
Funds to the Company upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions;
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if the Subscription Receipts are sold to or through underwriters or agents, the terms and conditions
under which the Escrow Agent will release a portion of the Escrowed Funds to such underwriters or agents in payment of all or a
portion of their fees or commission in connection with the sale of the Subscription Receipts;
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procedures for the refund by the Escrow Agent to holders of Subscription Receipts of all or a portion
of the subscription price for their Subscription Receipts, plus any pro rata entitlement to interest earned or income generated
on such amount, if the Release Conditions are not satisfied;
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any contractual right of rescission to be granted to initial purchasers of Subscription Receipts
in the event this Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement under which Subscription Receipts are issued or any amendment hereto or
thereto contains a misrepresentation;
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any entitlement of the Company to purchase the Subscription Receipts in the open market by private
agreement or otherwise;
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whether the Subscription Receipts and the Securities comprising the Subscription Receipts are to
be issued in registered form, “book-entry only” form, non-certificated inventory system form, bearer form or in the
form of temporary or permanent global securities (and, if so, the identity of the depositary for the global securities) and the
basis of exchange, transfer and ownership thereof;
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whether the Company will issue the Subscription Receipts as bearer securities, registered securities
or both;
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provisions as to modification, amendment or variation of the Subscription Receipt Agreement or
any rights or terms attaching to the Subscription Receipts;
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the designation and terms of any other securities with which the Subscription Receipts will be
offered, if any, and the number of Subscription Receipts that will be offered with each security;
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the dates or periods during which the Subscription Receipts may be exchanged in Common Shares,
Warrants, Units or a combination thereof to holders of Subscription Rights upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions;
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the identity of the Escrow Agent;
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whether the Subscription Receipts will be listed on any exchange;
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material United States and Canadian federal tax consequences of owning the Subscription Receipts;
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any material risk factor relating to such Subscription Receipts;
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any other rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Subscription Receipts;
and
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any other material terms or conditions of the Subscription Receipts.
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Subscription Receipt certificates will
be exchangeable for new Subscription Receipt certificates of different denominations at the office indicated in the Prospectus
Supplement. Prior to the exchange of their Subscription Receipts, the holders of Subscription Receipts will not be shareholders
of the Company and will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities subject to the Subscription Receipts. Holders of
Subscription Receipts are entitled only to receive Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof on exchange of their Subscription
Receipts, plus any cash payments provided for under the Subscription Receipt Agreement, if the Release Conditions are satisfied.
If the Release Conditions are not satisfied, the holders of Subscription Receipts will be entitled to a refund of all or a portion
of the subscription price therefor and all or a portion of the pro rata share of interest earned or income generated thereon,
as provided in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.
Escrow
The Subscription Receipt Agreement will
provide that the Escrowed Funds will be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent, and such Escrowed Funds will be released to the Company
(and, if the Subscription Receipts are sold to or through underwriters or agents, a portion of the Escrowed Funds may be released
to such underwriters or agents in payment of all or a portion of their fees in connection with the sale of the Subscription Receipts)
at the time and under the terms specified by the Subscription Receipt Agreement. If the Release Conditions are not satisfied, holders
of Subscription Receipts will receive a refund of all or a portion of the subscription price for their Subscription Receipts plus
their pro rata entitlement to interest earned or income generated on such amount, if provided for in the Subscription Receipt
Agreement, in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement. Common Shares or Warrants may be held in escrow
by the Escrow Agent, and will be released to the holders of Subscription Receipts following satisfaction of the Release Conditions
at the time and under the terms specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.
Anti-Dilution
The Subscription Receipt Agreement will
specify that upon the subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or other material change of the Common Shares or Warrants or
any other reorganization, amalgamation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, the Subscription
Receipts will thereafter evidence the right of the holder to receive the securities, property or cash deliverable in exchange for,
or on the conversion of, or in respect of, the Common Shares or Warrants to which the holder of a Common Share or Warrant would
have been entitled immediately after such event. Similarly, any distribution to all or substantially all of the holders of Common
Shares of rights, options, warrants, evidences of indebtedness or assets will result in an adjustment in the number of Common Shares
to be issued to holders of Subscription Receipts whose Subscription Receipts entitle the holders thereof to receive Common Shares.
Alternatively, such securities, evidences of indebtedness or assets may, at the option of the Company, be issued to the Escrow
Agent and delivered to holders of Subscription Receipts on exercise thereof. The Subscription Receipt Agreement will also provide
that if other actions of the Company affect the Common Shares or Warrants, which, in the reasonable opinion of the directors of
the Company, would materially affect the rights of the holders of Subscription Receipts and/or the rights attached to the Subscription
Receipts, the number of Common Shares or Warrants which are to be received pursuant to the Subscription Receipts will be adjusted
in such manner, if any, and at such time as the directors of the Company may in their discretion reasonably determine to be equitable
to the holders of Subscription Receipts in such circumstances.
Rescission
The Subscription Receipt Agreement will
also provide that any misrepresentation in this Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement under which the Subscription Receipts are
offered, or any amendment thereto, will entitle each initial purchaser of Subscription Receipts to a contractual right of rescission
following the issuance of the Common Shares or Warrants to such purchaser entitling such purchaser to receive the amount paid for
the Subscription Receipts upon surrender of the Common Shares or Warrants, provided that such remedy for rescission is exercised
in the time stipulated in the Subscription Receipt Agreement. This right of rescission does not extend to holders of Subscription
Receipts who acquire such Subscription Receipts from an initial purchaser, on the open market or otherwise, or to initial purchasers
who acquire Subscription Receipts in the United States.
Global Securities
The Company may issue Subscription Receipts
in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities, which will be registered in the name of and be deposited with
a depositary, or its nominee, each of which will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The global securities may
be in temporary or permanent form. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of any depositary arrangement and
the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global security. The applicable Prospectus Supplement also
will describe the exchange, registration and transfer rights relating to any global security.
Modifications
The Subscription Receipt Agreement will
provide for modifications and alterations to the Subscription Receipts issued thereunder by way of a resolution of holders of Subscription
Receipts at a meeting of such holders or a consent in writing from such holders. The number of holders of Subscriptions Receipts
required to pass such a resolution or execute such a written consent will be specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.
The Subscription Receipt Agreement will
also specify that the Company may amend the Subscription Receipt Agreement and the Subscription Receipts, without the consent of
the holders of the Subscription Receipts, to cure any ambiguity, to cure, correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision,
or in any other manner that will not materially and adversely affect the interests of holders of outstanding Subscription Receipts
or as otherwise specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.
DESCRIPTION
OF UNITS
The Company may issue Units, separately
or together, with Common Shares, Warrants or Subscription Receipts or any combination thereof, as the case may be. Each Unit will
be issued so that the holder of the Unit is also the holder of each Security comprising the Unit. Thus the holder of a Unit will
have the rights and obligations or a holder of each Security.
The following description, together with
the additional information the Company may include in any applicable Prospectus Supplements, summarizes the material terms and
provisions of the Units that the Company may offer under this Prospectus. While the terms the Company has summarized below will
apply generally to any Units that the Company may offer under this Prospectus, the Company will describe the particular terms of
any series of Units in more detail in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The terms of any Units offered under a Prospectus Supplement
may differ from the terms described below. As of the date of this Prospectus, we have no Units outstanding.
The Company will enter into a form of unit
agreement (“Unit Agreement”) between the Company and a unit agent (“Unit Agent”) that describes the terms
and conditions of the series of Units the Company is offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of the related
series of Units. In the United States, the Company will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus
is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that the Company files with the SEC and in Canada,
will file on SEDAR, the form of Unit Agreement that describes the terms and conditions of the series of Units the Company is offering,
and any supplemental agreements, after the Company has entered into it.
The following summary of material terms
and provisions of the Units are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Unit Agreement
and any supplemental agreements applicable to a particular series of Units. The Company urges you to read the applicable Prospectus
Supplements related to the particular series of Units that the Company sells under this Prospectus, as well as the complete Unit
Agreement and any supplemental agreements that contain the terms of the Units.
General
The Company may issue units comprising
two or more of Common Shares, Warrants and Subscription Receipts in any combination. Each Unit will be issued so that the holder
of the Unit is also the holder of each security included in the Unit. Thus, the holder of a Unit will have the rights and obligations
of a holder of each included security. The Unit Agreement under which a Unit is issued may provide that the Securities included
in the Unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.
The Company will describe in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement the terms of the series of Units, including:
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the designation and aggregate number of Units;
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the price at which the Units will be offered;
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the currency or currencies in which the Units will be offered;
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the designation and terms of the Units and the Securities comprising the Units, including whether
and under what circumstances those Securities may be held or transferred separately;
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whether the Units will be issued with any other Securities and, if so, the amount and terms of
these Securities;
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any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the Units or of the
Securities comprising the Units
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any provisions of the governing Unit Agreement that differ from those described below;
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whether the Units and the Securities comprising the Units are to be issued in registered form,
“book-entry only” form, non-certificated inventory system form, bearer form or in the form of temporary or permanent
global securities and the basis of exchange, transfer and ownership thereof;
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any material risk factors relating to such Units or the Securities comprising the Units;
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material Canadian and United States federal income tax consequences of owning the Securities comprising
the Units;
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any other rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the Units or the Securities
comprising the Units; and
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any other material terms or conditions of the Units or the Securities comprising the Units.
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The provisions described in this section,
as well as those described under “Description of Common Shares”, “Description of Warrants” and “Description
of Subscription Receipts” will apply to each Unit and to any Common Share, Warrant or Subscription Receipt included in each
Unit, respectively.
Issuance in Series
The Company may issue Units in such amounts
and in numerous distinct series as the Company determines.
Enforceability of Rights by Holders
of Units
Each Unit Agent will act solely as the
Company’s agent under the applicable Unit Agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust
with any holder of any Unit. A single bank or trust company may act as Unit Agent for more than one series of Units. A Unit Agent
will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by the Company under the applicable Unit Agreement or Unit, including
any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon the Company. Any holder
of a Unit may, without the consent of the related Unit Agent or the holder of any other Unit, enforce by appropriate legal action
its rights as holder under any security included in the Unit.
The Company, the Unit Agents and any of
their agents may treat the registered holder of any Unit Certificate as an absolute owner of the Units evidenced by that certificate
for any purpose and as the person entitled to exercise the rights attaching to the Units so requested, despite any notice to the
contrary.
PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
General
The Company may offer and sell the Securities
on a continuous or delayed basis, separately or together: (a) to one or more underwriters or dealers; (b) through one or more agents;
or (c) directly to one or more other purchasers. The Securities offered pursuant to any Prospectus Supplement may be sold from
time to time in one or more transactions at: (i) a fixed price or prices, which may be changed from time to time; (ii) market prices
prevailing at the time of sale; (iii) prices related to such prevailing market prices; or (iv) other negotiated prices, including
in transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market distributions” as defined in NI 44-102, including sales made directly
on the TSX or other existing trading markets for the Securities. A description of such price will be disclosed in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement. The prices at which the Securities may be offered may vary as between purchaser and during the period of
distribution. If, in connection with the offering of Securities at a fixed price or prices, the underwriters have made a bona
fide effort to sell all of the Securities at the initial offering price fixed in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
public offering price may be decreased and thereafter further changed, from time to time, to an amount not greater than the initial
public offering price fixed in such Prospectus Supplement, which case the compensation realized by the underwriters will be decreased
by the amount that the aggregate price paid by purchasers for the Securities is less than the gross proceeds paid by the underwriters
to us. We will obtain any requisite exemptive relief prior to conducting “at-the-market distributions”. The Company
may only offer and sell the Securities pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement up to an aggregate US$30,000,000, during the 36-month
period that this Prospectus, including any amendments hereto, remains effective. The Prospectus Supplement for any of the Securities
being offered thereby will set forth the terms of the offering of such Securities, including the type of Security being offered,
the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, the purchase price of such Securities, the proceeds to the Company from
such sale, any underwriting commissions or discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation and any discounts
or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers. Only underwriters so named in the Prospectus Supplement are deemed to
be underwriters in connection with the Securities offered thereby.
By Underwriters
If underwriters are used in the sale, the
Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions,
including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Unless
otherwise set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto, the obligations of underwriters to purchase the Securities will
be subject to certain conditions, but the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the Securities offered by the Prospectus
Supplement if any of such Securities are purchased. The Company may agree to pay the underwriters a fee or commission for various
services relating to the offering of any Securities. Any such fee or commission will be paid out of the proceeds of the offering
or the general corporate funds of the Company.
By Dealers
If dealers are used, and if so specified
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will sell such Securities to the dealers as principals. The dealers may then
resell such Securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealers at the time of resale. Any public offering
price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
By Agents
The Securities may also be sold through
agents designated by the Company. Any agent involved will be named, and any fees or commissions payable by the Company to such
agent will be set forth, in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Any such fees or commissions will be paid out of the proceeds
of the offering or the general corporate funds of the Company. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, any agent
will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
Direct Sales
Securities may also be sold directly by
the Company at such prices and upon such terms as agreed to by the Company and the purchaser. In this case, no underwriters, dealers
or agents would be involved in the offering.
General Information
Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate
in the distribution of the Securities offered by this Prospectus may be deemed underwriters under the U.S. Securities Act, and
any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profit on their resale of the securities may be treated as underwriting
discounts and commissions under the U.S. Securities Act.
With respect to the sale of Securities
under this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement, the maximum commission or discount to be received by any member of the Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. or independent broker or dealer will not be greater than eight percent (8%).
Underwriters, dealers or agents who participate
in the distribution of Securities may be entitled under agreements to be entered into with the Company to indemnification by the
Company against certain liabilities, including liabilities under Canadian provincial and territorial and United States securities
legislation, or to contribution with respect to payments which such underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make in
respect thereof. Such underwriters, dealers or agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for,
the Company in the ordinary course of business.
The Company may enter into derivative transactions
with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this Prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If
the applicable Prospectus Supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered
by this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties may
use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of
stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock.
The third parties in such sale transactions will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
One or more firms, referred to as “remarketing
firms,” may also offer or sell the Securities, if the Prospectus Supplement so indicates, in connection with a remarketing
arrangement upon their purchase. Remarketing firms will act as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. These remarketing
firms will offer or sell the Securities in accordance with the terms of the Securities. The Prospectus Supplement will identify
any remarketing firm and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and will describe the remarketing firm’s compensation.
Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the Securities they remarket.
In connection with any offering of Securities
(unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement), underwriters may over-allot or effect transactions which stabilize or
maintain the market price of the Securities offered at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. Such
transactions may be commenced, interrupted or discontinued at any time.
Agents, underwriters or dealers may make
sales of Securities in privately negotiated transactions and/or any other method permitted by law, including sales deemed to be
an “at-the-market distribution” as defined in NI 44-102 and subject to limitations imposed by and the terms of any
regulatory approvals required and obtained under, applicable Canadian securities laws which includes sales made directly on an
existing trading market for the Common Shares, or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange. In connection
with any offering of Securities, except with respect to “at-the-market distributions”, underwriters may over-allot
or effect transactions which stabilize or maintain the market price of the offered Securities at a level above that which might
otherwise prevail in the open market. Such transactions may be commenced, interrupted or discontinued at any time. No underwriter
or dealer involved in an “at-the-market distribution”, no affiliate of such an underwriter or dealer and no person
or company acting jointly or in concert with such an underwriter or dealer will over-allot Securities in connection with such distribution
or effect any other transactions that are intended to stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities.
We may authorize agents or underwriters
to solicit offers by eligible institutions to purchase Securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement under delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The
conditions to these contracts and the commission’s payable for solicitation of these contracts will be set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement.
Each class or series of Securities, other
than the Common Shares, will be a new issue of Securities with no established trading market. Subject to applicable laws, any underwriter
may make a market in such Securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without
notice. There may be limited liquidity in the trading market for any such Securities.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, we do not intent to list any of the Securities other than the Common Shares on any securities exchange.
Consequently, unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, there is no market through which the Warrants,
Subscription Receipts and Warrants may be sold and purchasers may not be able to resell any such Securities purchased under this
Prospectus. This may affect the pricing of the Warrants, Subscription Receipts and Units in the secondary market, the transparency
and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of such Securities and the extent of issuer regulation. No assurances can be
given that a market for trading in Securities of any series or issues will develop or as to the liquidity of any such market, whether
or not the Securities listed on a securities exchange.
AUDITORS,
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The auditors of the Company are Crowe MacKay
LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, of Vancouver, British Columbia, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
The transfer agent and registrar for the
Common Shares is Computershare Investor Services Inc. at the principal offices in Vancouver and Toronto.
EXPERTS
Information relating to the Company’s
mineral properties in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein has been derived from reports, statements
or opinions prepared or certified by Scott E. Wilson, CPG, SME-RM, Michael Cole, SME-RM, Christopher L. Easton, MMSA-QP, Richard
Delong, MMSA-QP, Jeffrey A. Pontius, CPG and Carl E. Brechtel, SME-RM and this information has been included in reliance on such
companies and persons’ expertise. Each of Scott E. Wilson, CPG, SME-RM, Michael Cole, SME-RM, Christopher L. Easton, MMSA-QP,
Richard Delong, MMSA-QP, Jeffrey A. Pontius, CPG and Carl E. Brechtel, SME-RM is a qualified person as such term is defined NI
43-101.
None of Scott E. Wilson, CPG, SME-RM, Michael
Cole, SME-RM, Christopher L. Easton, MMSA-QP, Richard Delong, MMSA-QP, Jeffrey A. Pontius, CPG and Carl E. Brechtel, PE, SME-RM,
each being companies and persons who have prepared or certified the preparation of reports, statements or opinions relating to
the Company’s mineral properties, or any director, officer, employee or partner thereof, as applicable, received or has received
a direct or indirect interest in the property of the Company or of any associate or affiliate of the Company. As at the date hereof,
the aforementioned persons, companies and persons at the companies specified above who participated in the preparation of such
reports, statements or opinions, as a group, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, less than 1% of any class of our securities
or of any of our associates or affiliates.
None of the aforementioned firms or persons,
nor any directors, officers or employees of such firms, are currently expected to be elected, appointed or employed as a director,
officer or employee of Corvus or of any of our associates or affiliates, other than Jeffrey A. Pontius, CPG and Carl E.
Brechtel, PE, SME-RM, each of whom are either directors, officers or employees of Corvus or one of its subsidiaries.
The current auditors of the Company are
Crowe MacKay LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, of Vancouver, British Columbia, an Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm. Crowe MacKay LLP, report that they are independent of the Company in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct of
the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations
of the SEC. Crowe MacKay LLP is registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The audited consolidated financial
statements of the Company as at May 31, 2018 and 2017 and for the years ended May 31, 2018 and 2017 have been audited by Crowe
MacKay LLP, and are incorporated by reference herein in reliance on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
LEGAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to the Securities, the issue and sale of the Securities offered by this Prospectus will be passed upon on the
Company’s behalf by Cassels, Brock & Blackwell LLP, with respect to matters of Canadian law, and Dorsey & Whitney
LLP, with respect to matters of United States law.
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
The Company files annual, quarterly and
current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet
at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.
This Prospectus is part of a registration
statement and, as permitted by SEC rules, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. Whenever
a reference is made in this Prospectus to any of our contracts or other documents, the reference may not be complete and, for a
copy of the contract or document, you should refer to the exhibits that are part of the registration statement. You
may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges. You may
also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference rooms at:
100 F Street, N.E.
Room 1580
Washington, D.C. 20549
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October 3, 2019
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