UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
☐ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
☐ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report
For the transition period from to
Commission File No. 001-38145
Fury Gold Mines Limited
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
British Columbia, Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
1630 - 1177 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC, V6E 2K3
Canada
(Address of principal executive office)
Phil van Staden, Chief Financial Officer, +1 (647) 673-7664, phil.vanstaden@furygoldmines.com
1630 - 1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6E 2K3
(Name, telephone, email and/or facsimile number and address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | ||
Common Shares, no par value | FURY | NYSE American and TSX |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or stock as of the closing of the period covered by the Annual Report: 145,744,795 Common Shares
Indicate by check mark if the registration is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
☐ Yes ☒ No
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
☐ Yes ☒ No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, and/or an emerging growth company. See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☐ | Non-accelerated filer ☒ |
Emerging growth company ☐ |
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP |
☐ |
|
|
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board |
☒ |
|
|
Other |
☐ |
If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 ☐ Item 18 ☐
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
☐ Yes ☒ No
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made on this Form 20-F ("Annual Report") contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of assisting the Company's securityholders and prospective investors in understanding management's intentions and views regarding future outcomes and are inherently uncertain and should not be heavily relied upon. When used in this Annual Report, the words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "seek", "propose", "estimate", "expect", and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, identify such forward-looking statements. Specific forward-looking statements in this Annual Report include:
the Company's exploration and financing plans,
the ability of the Company to realize the objectives of the Company's planned exploration programs;
the results of the Company's exploration programs and the likelihood of discovering or expanding resources;
the Company's estimated mineral resources;
the future price of minerals, especially gold and other precious metals;
the Company's future capital expenditures and requirements, and sources and timing of additional financing;
the potential for resource expansion and ultimately mine development of the Company's Eau Claire Project,
permitting timelines and possible delays;
local indigenous and other communities engagement;
government regulation of mining operations;
environmental and climate-related risks;
the possible impairment of mining interests;
any objectives, expectations, intentions, plans, results, levels of activity, goals or achievements;
the liquidity of the common shares in the capital of the Company; and
other events or conditions that may occur in the future.
The forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report represent the Company's views as of the date hereof. The assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs, and opinions may change without notice and in unanticipated ways. Many assumptions may prove to be incorrect, including:
the Company's budgeting plans, expected costs, assumptions regarding market conditions and other factors upon which the Company has based its expenditure and funding expectations;
the Company will be able to raise additional capital to proceed with its exploration, development and operations plans and attracting finance for precious metal exploration will be possible;
the Company's ability to obtain or renew the licenses, permits and regulatory approvals necessary for its planned exploration;
the Company's exploration plans will not be adversely impacted by declines in prices of precious metals and consequent impairment of the Company's ability to finance its operations
that operations and financial markets will not in the long term be adversely impacted by wars or pandemics;
the Company's ability to complete and successfully integrate acquisitions;
the Company's plan of operations will not be adversely impacted by climate change, extreme weather events, water scarcity, and seismic events, and the Company's strategies to deal with these issues will be effective;
the Company's expectations regarding the future demand for, and supply and price of, precious metals;
the Company's ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel to pursue its business operations;
the Company's mineral resource estimates, and the assumptions upon which they are based, are reasonably accurate;
the Company will be able to comply with current and future environmental, safety and other regulatory requirements and to obtain and maintain local community support.
Inherent in the forward-looking statements are known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or developments in the Company's business or in its industry, to adversely differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of the risks and other factors (some of which are beyond the Company's control) which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and information contained in this Annual Report include, but are not limited to:
the Company does not earn any revenues from its business and has history of losses and negative cash flows from operations, each of which is expected to continue in the future;
the Company may not be able to secure additional financings, including equity financings, to continue the planned exploration of its mineral properties;
the Company's exploration programs are inherently risky as they involve uncertain geology and risk exploration failure and may overrun on costs and not be successful in achieving the targeted objectives or result in the discovery of new resources or the expansion of existing resources
the Company's plan of operations involves risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, potential unintended releases of contaminants, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding);
the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; the estimation of mineral resources, the Company's ability to obtain funding, including the Company's ability to complete future equity financings;
environmental risks and remediation measures, including evolving environmental regulations and legislation;
changes in laws and regulations impacting exploration and mining activities;
the Company's mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title;
legal and litigation risks;
statutory and regulatory compliance;
insurance and uninsurable risks;
the continuation of our management team and our ability to secure the specialized skill and knowledge necessary to operate in the mining industry
the Company's limited business history and history of losses and negative cash, which will continue into the foreseeable future;
our inability to pay dividends, volatility in the Company's share price, the continuation of our management team and our ability to secure the specialized skill and knowledge necessary to operate in the mining industry; relations with and claims by local communities and non-governmental organizations, including relations with and claims by indigenous populations;
the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting;
cybersecurity risks and other reputational risks;
general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties;
the effects of climate change, extreme weather events, water scarcity, and seismic events, and the effectiveness of strategies to deal with these issues;
and public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other uninsurable risks.
While intended to list the primary risks were see, no list can contain an exhaustive list of the risk and other factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. Some of these risks and other factors are discussed in more detail in the section entitled "Risk Factors". Investors and others should carefully consider these risks and other factors and not place heavy reliance on the forward-looking statements.
The Company only updates its risk factors and forward-looking statements, when and to the extent required by applicable securities laws. See Item 3.D - Risk Factors below for a more detailed discussion of the risks faced by the Company.
Emerging Growth Company ("EGC") Status
The Company ceased to qualify as an "emerging growth company", as defined in Section 3(a) of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the "JOBS Act"), on December 31, 2022, which was the last day of the Company's fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act").
Generally, any registrant that has any class of its securities under Section 12 of the Exchange Act is required to include in its annual reports filed by it under the Exchange Act a management report on internal control over financial reporting and, subject to an exemption available to registrants that are neither an "accelerated filer" or a "larger accelerated filer" (as those terms are defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2), an auditor attestation report on management's assessment of internal control over financial reporting. As the Company has ceased to qualify as an "emerging growth company", the Company will be required to include in its subsequent annual reports, an auditor attestation report on management's assessment of internal control over financial reporting to the extent that it does not qualify for the exemption available to registrants that are neither an "accelerated filer" or "large accelerated filer". Based on the Company's aggregate market-value as at June 30, 2023, the Company qualifies as a "non-accelerated filer" and, as such, is not to required to include and has not included an auditors attestation report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting with this Annual Report.
Currency
In this Annual Report, unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts and references to "C$" or "$" are to Canadian dollars and references to "US$" are to U.S. dollars. All dollar amounts are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Part I
Item 1 - Identity of Directors, Senior Management, and Advisers
Not applicable
Item 2 - Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable
Item 3 - Key Information
A. [Reserved]
B. Capitalization and indebtedness
Not Applicable
C. Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds
Not Applicable
D. Risk factors
An investment in securities of Fury Gold involves significant risks, which should be carefully considered by prospective investors before purchasing such securities. Management of Fury Gold considers the following risks to be most significant for potential investors in Fury Gold, but such risks do not necessarily comprise all those associated with an investment in Fury Gold. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to management of Fury Gold may also have an adverse effect on Fury Gold's business. If any of these risks actually occur, Fury Gold's business, financial condition, capital resources, results of operations and/or future operations could be materially adversely affected.
In addition to the other information set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report, the following risk factors should be carefully considered when assessing risks related to Fury Gold's business.
Exploration Activities May Not Be Successful
Exploration for, and development of, mineral properties is speculative and involves significant financial risks, which even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not eliminate. While the discovery of an ore body may result in substantial rewards, few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Major expenditures may be required to establish reserves by drilling, to complete a feasibility study and to construct mining and processing facilities at a site for extracting gold or other metals from ore. Fury Gold cannot ensure that its future exploration programs will result in profitable commercial mining operations.
Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Unusual or unexpected formations, formation pressures, fires, power outages, labour disruptions, flooding, explosions, cave-ins, landslides and the inability to obtain adequate machinery, equipment and/or labour are some of the risks involved in mineral exploration activities. The Company has relied on and may continue to rely on consultants and others for mineral exploration expertise.
The Company has implemented safety and environmental measures designed to comply with or exceed government regulations and ensure safe, reliable and efficient operations in all phases of its operations. The Company maintains liability and property insurance, where reasonably available, in such amounts as it considers prudent. The Company may become subject to liability for hazards against which it cannot insure or which it may elect not to insure against because of high premium costs or other reasons.
Also, substantial expenses may be incurred on exploration projects that are subsequently abandoned due to poor exploration results or the inability to define reserves that can be mined economically. Development projects have no operating history upon which to base estimates of future cash flow. Estimates of proven and probable mineral reserves and cash operating costs are, to a large extent, based upon detailed geological and engineering analysis. There have been no feasibility studies conducted in order to derive estimates of capital and operating costs including, among others, anticipated tonnage and grades of ore to be mined and processed, the configuration of the ore body, ground and mining conditions, expected recovery rates of the gold or copper from the ore, and anticipated environmental and regulatory compliance costs.
Substantial expenditures are required to establish mineral resources and mineral reserves through drilling and development and for mining and processing facilities and infrastructure. No assurances can be given that mineral will be discovered in sufficient quantities to justify commercial operations or that funds required for development can be obtained on a timely basis. There is also no assurance that even if commercial quantities of ore are discovered that the properties will be brought into commercial production or that the funds required to exploit any mineral reserves and resources discovered by the Company will be obtained on a timely basis or at all. Economic feasibility of a project is based on several other factors including anticipated metallurgical recoveries, environmental considerations and permitting, future metal prices and timely completion of any development plan. Most of the above factors are beyond the control of the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company's mineral exploration activities will be successful. In the event that such commercial viability is never attained, the Company may seek to transfer its property interests or otherwise realize value or may even be required to abandon its business and fail as a "going concern".
Moreover, advancing any of the Company's exploration properties into a revenue generating property, will require the construction and operation of mines, processing plants and related infrastructure, the development of which includes various risks associated with establishing new mining operations, including:
• the ability to obtain a social license from the local communities affected given many communities are opposed to mining operations of any kind;
• the timing and costs, which can be considerable, of the construction of mining and processing facilities;
• the availability and cost of skilled labour, mining equipment and principal supplies needed for operations;
• the availability and cost of appropriate smelting and refining arrangements; • the need to maintain necessary environmental and other governmental approvals and permits;
• the availability of funds to finance construction and development activities;
• potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups, local groups or other stakeholders which may delay or prevent development activities; and
• potential increases in construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost of labour, fuel, power, materials and supplies.
It is possible that actual costs and economic returns of future mining operations may differ materially from Fury Gold's best estimates. It is not unusual for new mining operations to experience unexpected problems during the start-up phase and to require more capital than anticipated. These additional costs could have an adverse impact on Fury Gold's future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition.
Commodity Price Fluctuations and Cycles
Resource exploration is significantly linked to the outlook for commodities. When the price of commodities being explored for declines, investor interest subsides, and capital markets become more difficult. The price of commodities varies on a daily basis and there is no reliable way to predict future prices.
Gold prices specifically are historically subject to wide fluctuation and are influenced by a number of factors including not only supply and demand for industrial its uses, but for speculation purposes, all of which factors are beyond the control or influence of the Company. Some factors that affect the price of gold include industrial and jewelry demand; central bank lending or purchase or sales of gold bullion; forward or short sales of gold by producers and speculators; future level of gold productions; and rapid short-term changes in supply and demand due to speculative or hedging activities by producers, individuals or funds. Gold prices are also affected by macroeconomic factors including: confidence in the global monetary system; expectations of the future rate of inflation; the availability and attractiveness of alternative investment vehicles; the general level of interest rates; the strength of, and confidence in the U.S. dollar, the currency in which the price of gold is generally quoted, and other major currencies; global and regional political or economic events; and costs of production of other gold producing companies.
Additional Funding Requirements and Shareholder Equity Dilution
Fury Gold's business is in the exploration stage and the Company does not carry-on mining activities. As such, it will require additional financing to continue its operations. Fury Gold's ability to secure additional financing and fund ongoing exploration will be affected by many factors, including the strength of the economy and other general economic factors. Global financial conditions continue to be subject to volatility arising from international geopolitical developments and global economic phenomenon, as well as general financial market turbulence. Access to public financing and credit can be negatively impacted by the effect of these events on Canadian and global credit markets. These instances of volatility and market turmoil could adversely impact Fury Gold's operations and the trading price of the Common Shares. There can be no assurance that Fury Gold will be able to obtain adequate financing in the future, or that the terms of such financing will be favourable for further exploration and development of its projects. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration, drilling and/or development. Further, revenues, financings and profits, if any, will depend upon various factors, including the success, if any, of exploration programs and general market conditions for natural resources.
In order to finance future operations, Fury Gold may raise funds through the issuance of additional Common Shares or the issuance of debt instruments or other securities convertible into Common Shares. Fury Gold cannot predict the size of future issuances of Common Shares or the issuance of debt instruments or other securities convertible into Common Shares or the dilutive effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of Fury Gold's securities will have on the market price of the Common Shares.
Negative Cash Flow
Fury Gold experiences negative cash flow from operations and anticipates incurring negative cash flow from operations for 2024 and beyond as a result of the fact that it does not have revenues from mining or any other activities. In addition, as a result of Fury Gold's business plans for the development of its mineral projects, Fury Gold expects cash flow from operations to continue to be negative until Fury Gold is able to establish the economic viability and the development of one of its mineral projects, of which there is no assurance. Accordingly, Fury Gold's cash flow from operations will be negative for the foreseeable future as a result of expenses to be incurred s in connection with advancement of exploration on its mineral projects.
Indirect Economic Interest in the Homestake Ridge Project
As a result of the completion of the sale of the Homestake Ridge Project to Dolly Varden in February 2022, the Company no longer owns and controls the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Homestake Ridge Project. The Company continues to own an indirect minority economic interest in the Homestake Ridge Project through its ownership of a significant interest in Dolly Varden's common shares. Additionally, the Company has the right to nominate two directors to the Dolly Varden Board and the right to nominate a representative to the technical committee. However, the Company does not control Dolly Varden and, accordingly, will not be able to control the manner in which Dolly Varden continues the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Homestake Ridge Project. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Company will agree with the manner in which Dolly Varden continues this exploration and, if warranted, development of the Homestake Ridge Project. In addition, the value of the Company's ownership in Dolly Varden will vary as the price of the common shares of Dolly Varden fluctuate on the TSX Venture Exchange and this value may be more or less than the accounting value ascribed to these shares. While the Company has pre-emptive rights under the Investor Rights Agreement to retain is ownership position in Dolly Varden (on a percentage ownership basis) there is no assurance that the Company will exercise these pre-emptive rights to continue to maintain its position if Dolly Varden determines to complete future equity offerings, either as a result of a determination of the Company not to invest or the inability of the Company to allocate available funds to complete a required investment. Accordingly, the Company's interest in Dolly Varden may ultimately be diluted. In addition, the Company's ability to sell its shares in Dolly Varden is restricted under the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement which may impact the ability that the Company is ultimately able to realize for its investment in Dolly Varden.
Price Volatility of Publicly Traded Securities
In recent years, the securities markets in the United States and Canada, and in particular the markets for junior resource companies, have experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market prices of securities of many mining companies have experienced wide fluctuations in price which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. There can be no assurance that continuing fluctuations in share price will not occur in connection with the Company's common shares or with its shareholding in Dolly Varden shares. These factors are ultimately beyond the control of Fury Gold and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. Securities class action litigation often has been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. The Company may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and damages and divert management's attention and resources.
Mineral Resource Estimates
There is no certainty that any of the mineral resources on the Eau Claire Project, the Committee Bay Project, or any other project with mineral resources will be advanced into mineral reserves. Until a deposit is actually mined and processed, the quantity of mineral resources and grades must be considered as estimates only, and are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry best practices. Valid estimates made at any given time may vary significantly when new information becomes available. While Fury Gold believes that the Company's estimates of mineral resources are well established and reflect management's best estimates, by their nature mineral resource estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon statistical inferences and geological interpretations, which may ultimately prove inaccurate.
The mineral resource estimates included herein have been determined and valued based on assumed future prices, cut-off grades and operating costs. Furthermore, fluctuations in gold and base or other precious metals prices, results of drilling, metallurgical testing and production and the evaluation of studies, reports and plans subsequent to the date of any estimate may require revisions to such estimates. Any material reductions in estimates of mineral resources could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
To date, the Company has not established mineral reserves on any of its mineral properties.
Inflation
Consumer price inflation has risen significantly in 2023 and if it continues will mean much higher costs for Fury Gold's expenditure programs. Fury Gold's program cost estimates could rapidly become out-of-date. If this happens, the Company will need to either raise additional funds causing equity dilution or reduce its expenditures and reducing progress. Increases in inflation usually result in central bank interest rate hikes which can trigger negative capital market conditions making financing difficult. While inflation increases have often led to higher precious metals prices, there can be no assurance of that and the Company's operations and its share price could well be adversely affected by increased inflation.
Property Commitments
Fury Gold's mineral properties and/or interests may be subject to various land payments, royalties and/or work commitments. Failure by Fury Gold to meet its payment obligations or otherwise fulfill its commitments under these agreements could result in the loss of related property interests.
Environmental Regulatory, Health & Safety Risks
Fury Gold's operations are subject to environmental regulations promulgated by government agencies from time to time. Environmental legislation and regulation provide for restrictions and prohibitions on spills, releases or emissions of various substances produced in association with certain exploration industry operations, such as from tailings disposal areas, which would result in environmental pollution. A breach of such legislation may result in the imposition of fines and penalties. In addition, certain types of operations require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which means stricter standards, and enforcement, fines and penalties for non-compliance are more stringent. Future legislation and regulations could cause additional expenses, capital expenditures, restrictions, liabilities and delays in exploration of any of Fury Gold's properties, the extent of which cannot be predicted. Environmental assessments of proposed projects carry a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and directors, officers and employees. The cost of compliance with changes in governmental regulations has a potential to reduce the profitability of operations.
Although Fury Gold believes its operations are in compliance in all material respects with all relevant permits, licenses and regulations involving worker health and safety as well as the environment, there can be no assurance regarding continued compliance or ability of the Company to meet stricter environmental regulation, which may also require the expenditure of significant additional financial and managerial resources.
Moreover, mining companies are often targets of actions by non-governmental organizations and environmental groups in the jurisdictions in which they operate. Such organizations and groups may take actions in the future to disrupt Fury Gold's operations. They may also apply pressure to local, regional and national government officials to take action which may be adverse to Fury Gold's operations. Such actions could have an adverse effect on Fury Gold's ability to advance is projects and, as a result on its operations and financial performance.
Relationships with Local Communities and Indigenous Organizations
Negative relationships with Indigenous and local communities could result in opposition to the Company's projects. Such opposition could result in material delays in attaining key operating permits or make certain projects inaccessible to the Company's personnel. Fury Gold respects and engages meaningfully with Indigenous and local communities at all of its operations. Fury Gold is committed to working constructively with local communities, government agencies and Indigenous groups to ensure that exploration work is conducted in a culturally and environmentally sensitive manner.
Fury Gold believes its operations can provide valuable benefits to surrounding communities, in terms of direct employment, training and skills development and other benefits associated with ongoing community support. In addition, Fury Gold seeks to maintain its partnerships and relationships with local communities, including Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders in a variety of ways, including in-kind contributions, volunteer time, sponsorships and donations. Notwithstanding the Company's ongoing efforts, local communities and stakeholders could become dissatisfied with its activities or the level of benefits provided, which could result in civil unrest, protests, direct action or campaigns against it. Any such occurrence could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
Environmental Protection
All phases of the Company's operations are subject to treaty provision and federal, provincial and local environmental laws and regulations. These provisions, laws and regulations address, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards, land reclamation, the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste, and the protection of natural resources and endangered species. Fury Gold has expanded significant financial and managerial resources to comply with environmental protection laws, regulations and permitting requirements in each jurisdiction where it operates. Fury Gold's exploration and drilling projects operate under various operating and environmental permits, licenses and approvals that contain conditions that must be met. Failure to obtain such permits, licenses and approvals and/or meet any conditions set forth therein could have a material adverse effect on Fury Gold's financial conditions or results of operations. Environmental hazards may exist on the Company's properties which are unknown to the Company at present and were caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the properties, for which the Company could be held liable.
Although Fury Gold believes its operations are in compliance, in all material respects, with all relevant permits, licenses and regulations involving worker health and safety as well as the environment, there can be no assurance regarding continued compliance or ability of Fury Gold to meet potentially stricter environmental regulation, which may also require the expenditure of significant additional financial and managerial resources.
Fury Gold cannot be certain that all environmental permits, licenses and approvals which it may require for its future operations will be obtainable on reasonable terms or that such laws and regulations would not have an adverse effect on any mining project that it might undertake. To the extent such permits, licenses and approvals are required and are not obtained, Fury Gold may be delayed or prohibited from proceeding with planned exploration or development of its projects, which would adversely affect Fury Gold's business, prospects and operations.
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions including orders issued by governmental, 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 upon them for violation of applicable laws or regulations. Amendments to current provisions, laws and regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mining companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on Fury Gold and cause increases in capital expenditures or exploration costs, reduction in levels of exploration or abandonment or delays in the development of mining properties.
Moreover, mining companies are often targets of actions by non-governmental organizations and environmental groups in the jurisdictions in which they operate. Such organizations and groups may take actions in the future to disrupt Fury Gold's operations. They may also apply pressure to local, regional and national government officials to take actions which may be adverse to Fury Gold's operations. Such actions could have an adverse effect on Fury Gold' ability to advance its projects and, as a result, on its financial position and results.
Climate Change
Fury Gold recognizes climate change as an international and community concern. The effects of climate change or extreme weather events may cause prolonged disruption to the delivery of essential commodities which could negatively affect production efficiency. Furthermore, increased regulation of greenhouse gas emissions (including in the form of carbon taxes or other charges) may adversely affect the Company's operations and that related legislation is becoming more stringent.
Fury Gold is focused on operating in a manner that minimizes environmental impacts of its activities; however, environmental impacts from exploration and drilling activities are inevitable. The physical risks of climate change that may impact the Company's operations are highly uncertain and may be particular to the unique geographic circumstances associated with each of its operations. Such physical risks include, but are not limited to, extreme weather events, wildfires, resource shortages, changes in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels and changing temperatures. The Company's operations in Nunavut and northern British Columbia are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather due to their remoteness. There may also be supply chain implications in getting supplies to the Company's operations, including transportation issues. Fury Gold makes efforts to mitigate climate risks by ensuring that extreme weather conditions are included in its emergency response plans. However, there is no assurance that the response will be effective, and the physical risks of climate change will not have an adverse effect on the Company's operations and profitability.
Moreover, governments are introducing climate change legislation and treaties at the international, national and local levels. Regulations relating to emission levels and energy efficiency are becoming more stringent, which may result in increased costs of compliance. Some of the costs associated with reducing emissions can be offset by increased energy efficiency and technological innovation. However, if current regulatory trends continue, this may result in increased costs at some or all of the Company's operations. There is no assurance that such regulations will not have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
Changes in Government Regulation
In addition to climate change, other changes in government regulations or the application thereof and the presence of unknown environmental hazards on any of Fury Gold's mineral properties may result in significant unanticipated compliance and reclamation costs. Government regulations and treaty provisions relating to mineral rights tenure, permission to disturb areas and the right to operate can adversely affect Fury Gold.
Fury Gold may not be able to obtain all necessary licenses and permits that may be required to carry out exploration on any of its projects. Obtaining the necessary governmental permits is a complex, time consuming and costly process. The duration and success of efforts to obtain permits are contingent upon many variables not within our control. Obtaining environmental permits may increase costs and cause delays depending on the nature of the activity to be permitted and the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the permitting authority. There can be no assurance that all necessary approvals and permits will be obtained and, if obtained, that the costs involved will not exceed those that we previously estimated. It is possible that the costs and delays associated with the compliance with such standards and regulations could become such that we would not proceed with the development or operation.
Competitive Conditions
Fury Gold's activities are directed towards exploration, evaluation and development of mineral deposits. The mineral exploration industry is competitive and Fury Gold will be required to compete for the acquisition of mineral permits, claims, leases and other mineral interests for operations, exploration and development projects. As a result of this competition Fury Gold may not be able to acquire or retain prospective development projects, technical experts that can find, develop and mine such mineral properties and interests, workers to operate its mineral properties, and capital to finance exploration, development and future operations. The Company competes with other mining companies, some of which have greater financial resources and technical facilities, for the acquisition of mineral property interests, the recruitment and retention of qualified employees; and for investment capital with which to fund its projects. If Fury Gold is unable to successfully compete in its industry it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
Local Community Uncertainties
Fury Gold's operations at the Committee Bay Project are located in Nunavut, and, as such, its operations are exposed to various levels of political, economic and other risks and uncertainties inherent in operating in such jurisdictions. Risks and uncertainties of operating in Nunavut may vary from time to time, but are not limited to a limited local workforce, poor infrastructure, a complex regulatory regime and harsh weather. Moreover, Fury Gold's operations at the Eau Claire Project are located within the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region, which is subject to a modern treaty with the Cree Nation. The treaty identifies land use categories across the region and communities of interest within the Cree Nations which will be consulted with during development of mineral projects in the Eau Claire Project area.
Acquisitions May Not Be Successfully Integrated
Fury Gold undertakes evaluations from time to time of opportunities to acquire additional mining assets and businesses. Any such acquisitions may be significant in size, may change the scale of the Company's business, may require additional capital, and/or may expose the Company to new geographic, political, operating, financial and geological risks.
Fury Gold's success in its acquisition activities depends on its ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates, acquire them on acceptable terms, and integrate their operations successfully. Any acquisitions would be accompanied by risks such as: (i) a significant decline in the relevant metal price after Fury Gold commits to complete an acquisition on certain terms; (ii) the quality of the mineral deposit acquired proving to be lower than expected; the difficulty of assimilating the operations and personnel of any acquired companies; (iii) the potential disruption of Fury Gold's ongoing business; (iv) the inability of management to realize anticipated synergies and maximize the financial and strategic position of Fury Gold; (v) the failure to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies; (vi) the impairment of relationships with employees, customers and contractors as a result of any integration of new management personnel; and (vii) the potential unknown liabilities associated with acquired assets and businesses.
Changes in the Market Price of Common Shares
The Common Shares are listed on the TSX and the NYSE American. The price of Common Shares is likely to be significantly affected by short-term changes in the gold price or in its financial condition or results of operations as reflected in its quarterly earnings reports. Other factors unrelated to Fury Gold's performance that may have an effect on the price of Common Shares and may adversely affect an investor's ability to liquidate an investment and consequently an investor's interest in acquiring a significant stake in Fury Gold include: a reduction in analyst coverage by investment banks with research capabilities, a drop in trading volume and general market interest in Fury Gold's securities, a failure to meet the reporting and other obligations under relevant securities laws or imposed by applicable stock exchanges could result in a delisting of the Common Shares and a substantial decline in the price of the Common Shares that persists for a significant period of time.
Properties May Be Subject to Defects in Title
Fury Gold has investigated its rights to explore and exploit its projects and, to the best of its knowledge, its rights are in good standing. However, no assurance can be given that such rights will not be revoked, or significantly altered, to Fury Gold's detriment. There can also be no assurance that Fury Gold's rights will not be challenged or impugned by third parties.
Some of Fury Gold's mineral claims may overlap with other mineral claims owned by third parties which may be considered senior in title to the Fury Gold mineral claims. The junior claim is only invalid in the areas where it overlaps a senior claim. Fury Gold has not determined which, if any, of the Fury Gold mineral claims is junior to a mineral claim held by a third party. Although Fury Gold is not aware of any existing title uncertainties with respect to any of its projects, there is no assurance that such uncertainties will not result in future losses or additional expenditures, which could have an adverse impact on Fury Gold's future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition.
Reliance on Contractors and Experts
In various aspects of its operations, Fury Gold relies on the services, expertise and recommendations of its service providers and their employees and contractors, whom often are engaged at significant expense to the Company. For example, the decision as to whether a property contains a commercial mineral deposit and should be brought into production depends in large part upon the results of exploration programs and/or feasibility studies, and the recommendations of duly qualified third party engineers and/or geologists. In addition, while Fury Gold emphasizes the importance of conducting operations in a safe and sustainable manner, it cannot exert absolute control over the actions of these third parties when providing services to Fury Gold or otherwise operating on Fury Gold's properties. Any material error, omission, act of negligence or act resulting in environmental pollution, accidents or spills, industrial and transportation accidents, work stoppages or other actions could adversely affect the Company's operations and financial condition.
Qualified and Experienced Employees, Management, and Board Members
Fury Gold's future success is based on successfully attracting, training and developing employees at all levels of the company from Site Staff to Executive Management. This is especially true for Geologists with the required skillset being available in the geographic areas that we operate in. The markets for highly skilled workers, as well as talented professionals and leaders in the mining and exploration industry are extremely competitive. The inability to meet our needs for skilled workers and talented professionals and leaders, whether through recruitment or internal training and development activities, could impact our ability to effectively implement our strategy. In addition to this, retaining qualified board members with diversified experience also brings valuable oversight and knowledge to the business.
Legal and Litigation Risks
All industries, including the exploration industry, are subject to legal claims, with and without merit. Defense and settlement costs of legal claims can be substantial, even with respect to claims that have no merit. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the litigation process, the resolution of any particular legal proceeding to which Fury Gold may become subject could have a material adverse effect on Fury Gold's business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results. Defense and settlement of costs of legal claims can be substantial.
Risks Relating to Statutory and Regulatory Compliance
Fury Gold's current and future operations, from exploration through development activities and commercial production, if any, are and will be governed by applicable laws, regulations and treaty obligations governing mineral claims acquisition, prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, mine safety and other matters. Companies engaged in exploration activities and in the development and 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, treaty obligations and permits. Fury Gold has received all necessary permits for the exploration work it is presently conducting; however, there can be no assurance that all permits which Fury Gold may require for future exploration, construction of mining facilities and conduct of mining operations, if any, will be obtainable on reasonable terms or on a timely basis or at all, or that such laws and regulations would not have an adverse effect on any project which Fury Gold may undertake.
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, treaty obligations and permits may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including the forfeiture of claims, 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. Fury Gold may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of its mineral exploration activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of such laws, regulations, treaty obligations and permits. Fury Gold is not currently covered by any form of environmental liability insurance. See " Insurance Risk", below.
Existing and possible future laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of exploration companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on Fury Gold and cause increases in capital expenditures or require abandonment or delays in exploration.
Insurance and Uninsurable Risks
Fury Gold is subject to a number of operational risks and may not be adequately insured for certain risks, including: accidents or spills, industrial and transportation accidents, which may involve hazardous materials, labour disputes, catastrophic accidents, fires, blockades or other acts of social activism, changes in the regulatory environment, impact of non-compliance with laws and regulations, natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods, earthquakes, ground movements, cave-ins, and encountering unusual or unexpected geological conditions and technological failure of exploration methods.
Limited Business History and No History of Earnings
Fury Gold has no history of operating earnings. The likelihood of success of Fury Gold must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays frequently encountered in connection with the establishment of its business. Fury Gold has limited financial resources and there is no assurance that additional funding will be available to it for further operations or to fulfill its obligations under applicable agreements. There is no assurance that Fury Gold will ultimately generate revenues, operate profitably, or provide a return on investment, or that it will successfully implement its plans.
Claims by Investors Outside of Canada
Fury Gold is incorporated under the laws of British Columbia. All of Fury Gold's directors and officers, with the exception of Mr. Tim Clark, CEO of the Company who is a US resident, and some of the experts named herein, are residents of Canada or otherwise reside outside of the United States, and all or a substantial portion of their assets, and a substantial portion of Fury Gold's assets, are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors in the United States or outside of Canada to bring an action against directors, officers or experts who are not resident in the United States. It may also be difficult for an investor to enforce a judgment obtained in a United States court or a court of another jurisdiction of residence predicated upon the civil liability provisions of United States federal securities laws or other laws of the United States or any state thereof or the equivalent laws of other jurisdictions outside of Canada against those persons or Fury Gold.
No-Dividends Policy
No dividends on the Common Shares have been paid by Fury Gold to date. Payment of any future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of the Board after taking into account many factors, including Fury Gold's operating results, financial conditions, development and growth, and current and anticipated cash needs.
Disclosure and Internal Controls
Internal controls over financial reporting are procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are properly authorized, assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use, and transactions are properly recorded and reported. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in reports filed with securities regulatory agencies is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis and is accumulated and communicated to Fury Gold's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance with respect to the reliability of reporting, including financial reporting and financial statement preparation.
The Company documented and tested its internal controls over financial reporting during its most recent fiscal year in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act ("SOX"). SOX requires an annual assessment by management and an independent assessment by the Company's independent auditors of the effectiveness of the Company's internal controls over financial reporting. As the Company is presently a "non-accelerated filer", the Company's independent auditors are not required to attest to the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. While the Company's management has assessed and made a statement to internal controls over financial reporting, and the Company will be required to detail changes to our internal controls on a quarterly basis, the Company cannot provide assurance that the independent registered public accounting firm's review process in assessing the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, if obtained, would not find one or more material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
The Company may fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of its internal controls over financial reporting as such standards are modified, supplemented, or amended from time to time, and the Company may not be able to ensure that it can conclude on an ongoing basis that its internal controls over financial reporting are effective. The Company's failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of its financial statements, which in turn could harm the Company's business and negatively impact the trading price of its common shares. In addition, any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm the Company's operating results or cause it to fail to meet its reporting obligations. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to remediate material weaknesses, if any, identified in future periods, or maintain all the controls necessary for continued compliance, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to retain sufficient skilled finance and accounting personnel, especially in light of the increased demand for such personnel among publicly traded companies. Future acquisitions of companies, if any, may provide the Company with challenges in implementing the required processes, procedures and controls in its acquired operations. Acquired companies may not have disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting that are as thorough or effective as those required by the securities laws currently applicable to the Company.
No evaluation can provide complete assurance that the Company's internal control over financial reporting will detect or uncover all failures of persons within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be reported. The effectiveness of the Company's controls and procedures could also be limited by simple errors or faulty judgment. The challenges involved in implementing appropriate internal controls over financial reporting will likely increase with the Company's plans for ongoing development of its business and this will require that the Company continues to improve its internal controls over financial reporting. Although the Company intends to devote substantial time and incur costs, as necessary, to ensure ongoing compliance, the Company cannot be certain that it will be successful in complying with SOX.
Cybersecurity Risks
Information systems and other technologies, including those related to the Company's financial and operational management, and its technical and environmental date, are an integral part of the Company's business activities. Network and information systems related events, such as computer hacking, cyber-attacks, computer viruses, works or other destructive or disruptive software, process breakdowns, denial of service attaches, or other malicious activities or any combination of the foregoing, or power outages, natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other similar events could result in damage to the Company's property, equipment and date. These events also could result in significant expenditures to repair or replace damage property or information systems and/or to protect them from similar events in the future. Furthermore, any security breaches such as misappropriation, misuse, leakage, falsification, accidental release or loss of information contained in the Company's information technology seems including personal and other data that could damage is reputation and require the Company to expend significant capital and other resources to remedy any such security breach. Insurance held by the Company may mitigate losses; however, in any such events or security breaches may not be sufficient to cover any consequent losses or otherwise adequately compensate the Company for disruptions to its business that may result and the occurrence of any such events or security breaches could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations and financial results. There can be no assurances that these events and/or security breaches will not occur in the future or not have an adverse effect on the Company's operations and financial results.
Social Media Risks
As a result of social media and other web-based applications, companies today are at much greater risk of losing control over how they are perceived. Damage to Fury Gold's reputation can be the result of the actual or perceived occurrence of any number of events, and could include any negative publicity, whether true or not. Although the Company places a great emphasis on protecting its image and reputation, it does not ultimately have direct control over how it is perceived by others. Reputation loss may lead to increased challenges in developing and maintaining community relations, decreased investor confidence and act as an impediment to the Company's overall ability to advance its projects, thereby having a material adverse impact on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
Liabilities relating to Past Issuances of Flow-Through Shares
The Company has issued Flow-Through Shares which requires that it expend the proceeds on exploration in Canada pursuant to the requirements of Canadian tax legislation which incentivized investors to purchase these shares (which aside form the tax aspects are in all respects ordinary common shares). Although the Company believes it will be able to incur the necessary amount of exploration expenditures as required by the Flow-Through Share subscription agreements, there is a risk that expenditures incurred by the Company may not be expended within the time limits, or that they will qualify as "Canadian exploration expenditures" ("CEE") , as such term is defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act"), or that any such resource expenses incurred will be reduced by other events including failure to comply with the provisions of the Flow-Through Share subscription agreements or of applicable income tax legislation.
If the Company does not renounce to Flow-Through Share subscribers CEE within 2023, or if there is a reduction in such amount renounced pursuant to the provisions of the Tax Act, the Company may need to indemnify such subscribers, on the terms included in the Flow-Through Share subscription agreements, for an amount equal to the amount of any tax payable or that may become payable under the Tax Act. There were $0.6 million remaining expenditures as of December 31, 2023, in connection with the requirement to incur CEE in 2024.
On March 23, 2023, the Company issued 6,076,500 FTS of the Company for gross proceeds of $8.75 million. The Company is required to deploy the remaining $0.6 million of CEE on or before December 31, 2024 in respect of this financing and the balance in 2025 and failure to do so will result in material financial penalties.
The Company is a foreign private issuer which exempts us from complying with certain Exchange Act reporting requirements.
The Company is considered a "foreign private issuer" and will report under the Exchange Act as a non-U.S. company with foreign private issuer status. This means that, as long as the Company qualifies as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, it will be exempt from certain provisions of the Exchange Act that are applicable to U.S. domestic public companies, including:
the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act;
the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time;
The Company intends to take advantage of these exemptions (or voluntarily comply with the requirements applicable to U.S. domestic public companies) until such time as it is no longer a foreign private issuer. The Company would cease to be a foreign private issuer at such time as more than 50% of the Company's outstanding voting securities are held by U.S. residents and any of the following three circumstances applies: (i) the majority of the Company's executive officers or directors are U.S. citizens or residents; (ii) more than 50% of the Company's assets are located in the USA; or (iii) the Company's business is administered principally in the USA.
If the Company fails to maintain its foreign private issuer status and decides, or is required, to register as a U.S. domestic issuer, the regulatory and compliance costs to the Company will be significantly more than the costs incurred as a foreign private issuer. In such event, the Company would not be eligible to use foreign issuer forms and would be required to file periodic and current reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the SEC, which are generally more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer.
It may be difficult to enforce judgments or bring actions outside the United States against the Company and certain of its directors.
The Company is a British Columbia, Canada corporation and certain of its officers and directors are neither citizens nor residents of the USA. A substantial part of the assets of several of these persons are located outside the USA. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for an investor:
to enforce in courts outside the U.S. judgments obtained in U.S. courts based upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws against these persons and the Company; or
to bring in courts outside the U.S. an original action to enforce liabilities based upon U.S. federal securities laws against these persons and the Company.
We may be a "passive foreign investment company" ("PFIC"), which may have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. investors.
We believe that we were classified as a PFIC for our most recently completed tax year, and based on current business plans and financial expectations, we expect that we may be a PFIC for our current tax year and subsequent tax years. If we are a PFIC for any year during a U.S. taxpayer's holding period of Common Shares, then such U.S. taxpayer generally will be required to treat any gain realized upon a disposition of the Common Shares or any so-called "excess distribution" received on its Common Shares as ordinary income, and to pay an interest charge on a portion of such gain or distribution. In certain circumstances, the sum of the tax and the interest charge may exceed the total amount of proceeds realized on the disposition, or the amount of excess distribution received, by the U.S. taxpayer. Subject to certain limitations, these tax consequences may be mitigated if a U.S. taxpayer makes a timely and effective QEF Election (as defined below) or a Mark-to-Market Election (as defined below). A U.S. taxpayer who makes a timely and effective 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 amounts to our shareholders. However, U.S. taxpayers should be aware that there can be no assurance that we will satisfy the record keeping requirements that apply to a qualified electing fund, or that we will supply U.S. taxpayers with information that such U.S. taxpayers require to report under the QEF Election rules, in the event that we are a PFIC and a U.S. taxpayer wishes to make a QEF Election. Thus, U.S. taxpayers may not be able to make a QEF Election with respect to their Common Shares. A U.S. taxpayer who makes the 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. This paragraph is qualified in its entirety by the discussion below under the heading "Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations - Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules." Each potential investor who is a U.S. taxpayer should consult its own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the PFIC rules and the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the Common Shares.
Item 4 - Information on the Company
A. History and development of the company
Name, Address and Incorporation
The Company was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA") on June 9, 2008, under the name Georgetown Capital Corp. The Company was a Capital Pool Company under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") and, accordingly, on February 23, 2011, the Company completed a qualifying transaction (the "Qualifying Transaction") with Full Metal Minerals USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Full Metals Minerals Ltd. Pursuant to the Qualifying Transaction, the Common Shares began trading on the TSXV. On October 15, 2013, the Company changed its name to Auryn Resources Inc. On November 1, 2016, the Company completed its graduation to the TSX and the Common Shares began trading on the TSX. In connection with the Company's graduation to the TSX, the Common Shares were voluntarily delisted from the TSXV. On July 17, 2017, the Common Shares also commenced trading on the NYSE American.
Fury Gold is a reporting issuer in all of the provinces and territories of Canada. In addition, the Common Shares are registered under Section 12(b) of the U.S. Exchange Act by virtue of being listed on the NYSE American. The Company's registered and records office is at 1500-1055 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 4N7, and its head office is located at 1630-1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 2K3.
2020 Merger and Reorganization
On October 9, 2020, the Company acquired all of the then-issued and outstanding shares of Eastmain Resources Inc. ("Eastmain") in accordance with the terms and conditions of the arrangement agreement dated August 10, 2020 (the "Arrangement Agreement"). On October 5, 2020, the Eastmain Transaction and the Spinco Transactions (as defined herein) received the approval of both the Company's and Eastmain's shareholders, and on October 7, 2020, the British Columbia Supreme Court and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice approved the Reorganization Arrangement and the Eastmain Arrangement, respectively, and both courts issued final orders approving the Eastmain Transaction and the Spinco Transactions. In accordance with the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, the Company changed its name to "Fury Gold Mines Limited" pursuant to a certificate of change of name dated October 8, 2020.
Immediately following the closing of the Transaction, the Company's ticker symbol for the Common Shares was changed to "FURY" effective October 12, 2020 on the NYSE American and October 13, 2020 on the TSX. Eastmain's shares were delisted from the TSX and removed from the OTCQB after the end of trading on October 9, 2020. Immediately following the closing of the Eastmain Arrangement, Eastmain became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fury Gold.
2022 Sale of mineral interests to Dolly Varden Silver Corporation for Dolly Varden Shares
On February 25, 2022, the Company announced the completion of the sale of the Homestake Ridge project to Dolly Varden Silver Corporation ("Dolly Varden"), a publicly traded corporation listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. Pursuant to the Homestake Purchase Agreement entered into on December 6, 2021, Dolly Varden acquired 100% of Homestake Resource Corporation from Fury in exchange for a $5 million cash payment and the issuance of 76,504,590 common shares of Dolly Varden. On October 13, 2022, the Company reduced its holdings to 59,504,590 by selling 17 million common shares, representing 22.2% of the Company's interest in Dolly Varden, for gross proceeds of $6.8 million, and resulting in the Company's interest in Dolly Varden being reduced to 25.8%. Following further dilutive equity financings completed by Dolly Varden on December 22, 2022 and November 2, 2023, Fury Gold held 59,504,590 common shares, representing a 22.03% interest in Dolly Varden as at December 31, 2023. The Company's interest in Dolly Varden was further reduced by 5,450,000 shares in a March 2024 private sale.
2022 Acquisition of 25% interest in Universal Mineral Services Ltd ("UMS")
On April 1, 2022, the Company purchased a 25% share interest in UMS, a private shared-services provider for nominal consideration. The remaining 75% of UMS is owned equally by three other junior resource issuers, namely Tier One Silver Inc, Coppernico Metals Inc, and Torq Resources Inc. who share a head office location in Vancouver, BC. Previously, UMS had been privately owned by a director in common, Mr. Ivan Bebek, then subsequently from January 1, 2022, by Mr. Steve Cook, another director in common, until March 31, 2022.
UMS is the private company through which its shareholders, including Fury Gold, share geological, financial, and transactional advisory services as well as administrative services on a full, cost recovery basis. Having these services available through UMS, on an as needed basis, allows the Company to maintain a more efficient and cost-effective corporate overhead structure by hiring fewer full-time employees and engaging outside professional advisory firms less frequently. The agreement has an indefinite term and can be terminated by either party upon providing 180 days' notice. Many of the Company's key personnel are now, or will be, directly employed by UMS and seconded to the Company and other members of the group.
2022 to 2024 Acquisition of additional interest in the Eleonore South Gold Project
On September 12, 2022, the Company and its joint venture partner Newmont Corporation ("Newmont"), through their respective subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of the remaining approximately 23.77% participating interest of Azimut Exploration Inc. in the ESJV, on a pro-rata basis. Following the completion of the transaction, the 100% ESJV participating interests were then held 50.022% by the Company and 49.978% by Newmont with Fury remaining operator under an amended and restated joint operating agreement.
On February 29, 2024, the Company completed the purchaser of Newmont's 49.978% interest in the Eleonore South Gold Project in Quebec ("Eleonore South") for $3,000,000. As a result of the consolidation, Fury Gold is the sole owner of Eleonore South. The Company acquired Newmont's 30,392,372 common shares or 10.98% of Sirios Resources Inc. ("Sirios") as part of the transaction for an additional $1,300,000. Sirios shares have been acquired for investment purposes, and Fury will evaluate its investment in Sirios on an ongoing basis with respect to any possible additional purchases or dispositions. In March 2024, the Company sold 1,514,000 common shares, resulting in the Company's interest in Sirios being reduced to 10.4%.
Inter-corporate Relationships
Fury Gold conducts its business through a number of wholly-owned subsidiaries depicted in a diagram under the Organizational structure section. It owns 25% of a shared service provider company (with three other junior resource explores each owning 25%) which is further discussed under "Related party Transactions" below.
Significant Events and Highlights
2021
Eau Claire Exploration Program
In November 2020, Fury Gold commenced an ongoing initial 50,000m drill program at the Eau Claire project. The drill program consists of i) an infill phase focused on upgrading and expanding the current resource ("Infill Program") and ii) an exploration phase designed to test targets along the 4.5km long deposit trend ("Expansion Program"). To date a total of 35,297 metres, or approximately 70% of the total program, have been drilled at Eau Claire. The Company temporarily paused drilling at Eau Claire in the fourth quarter of 2021 to allow the receipt of pending drillhole assay results. The remainder of the program is planned to be completed in 2022.
During the third quarter of 2021, the Company completed biogeochemical surveys on three grids targeting six priority regional exploration targets ("Regional Exploration Program").
The Expansion Drill Program, Exploration Drill Program and the Regional Exploration Program are discussed below under "Eau Claire Project - Eau Claire Exploration Program ".
Committee Bay Project Drill and Exploration Program
The Company completed 2,587m of diamond drilling during a six-week field program in the third quarter of 2021. As summarized below under "Committee Bay Project - 2021 Committee Bay Exploration Program". The drilling was focused on expanding the defined high-grade mineralization at the Raven prospect and testing the potential mineralization below the current resource at the Three Bluffs deposit.
Changes to Management and the Board
On March 16, 2021, the Company announced that Tim Clark has been appointed a director of the Company, replacing Mr. Blair Schultz, an Eastmain nominee, who had resigned as a director. The Company also announced the appointment of Jeffrey Mason as lead director.
On August 18, 2021, the Company appointed Tim Clark to the position of Chief Executive Officer, replacing Mr. Timmins, who resigned to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Clark has 23 years of global capital markets experience with numerous major US, European and Canadian banks. Over the years, he has developed strong working relationships with Tier 1 institutional investors throughout the United States and Canada, providing corporate strategy, and peer and financial analysis and insights on corporates within the materials, commodities and mining sectors.
Financing
On October 13, 2021, the Company announced completion of a non-brokered private placement of 7,461,450 Units and raised gross proceeds of CAD$5,596,088. Each Unit consisted of one Common Share and one common share purchase warrant, (each, a "Warrant") entitling the holder to purchase one Common Share ("Warrant Share") at a price of CAD$1.20 for a period of three years. The expiry date of the Warrants can be accelerated to 30 days with notice from the Company should the Common Shares trade after the expiry of the four-month hold period at a price equal to or greater than CAD$1.50 for 20 consecutive trading days.
Corporate developments
On April 30, 2021, the Company announced the filing of a preliminary short form base shelf prospectus (the "Shelf Prospectus") with the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in all of the provinces and territories of Canada and has filed a corresponding registration statement on Form F-10 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The final Shelf Prospectus was filed on May 10, 2021, and the Form F-10 registration statements was declared effective by the SEC on May 11, 2021. As a result of the completion of these filings, the Company is permitted to publicly offer up to $200 million of common shares, subscription receipts, warrants, and units or any combination thereof to investors in Canada and the United States during the 25-month period from May 10, 2021, that the Shelf Prospectus is effective.
On September 13, 2021, the Company announced that it had entered into a Royalty Purchase Agreement for the purchase of a 2% net smelter return royalty on certain claims at its Homestake Ridge project in British Columbia. The purchase price paid was $400,000, payable 25% in cash and 75% in shares. The purchase completed on September 27, 2021, and the Company issued 328,767 common shares on closing.
On December 6, 2021, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Dolly Varden Silver Corp. pursuant to which the Company completed the sale of a 100% interest in Homestake Resources Corporation, the owner of a 100% interest in the Homestake Ridge Project, to Dolly Varden which completed on February 25, 2022, after Dolly Varden shareholder approval was obtained.
2022
Eau Claire Exploration Program
In October 2022, the Company completed the initial drilling program at Eau Claire and the Percival prospect, completing a total of approximately 52,700m from 2020-2022, with the final 17,700m completed in 2022. Additionally, the company completed a B-horizon soil sampling program at Lac Clarkie, a property adjacent to the Eau Claire project.
The Expansion Drill Program, Exploration Drill Program and the Regional Exploration Program are discussed below under "Eau Claire Project - 2022 Eau Claire Exploration Program".
Changes to Management and the Board
On March 9, 2022, the Company announced the appointment of Bryan Atkinson, P.Geo, to Senior Vice President (SVP), Exploration and Michael Henrichsen, P.Geo, to Chief Geological Officer, effective immediately. The Company also announced that Salisha Ilyas, Vice President of Investor Relations, has resigned to pursue other opportunities.
On May 24, 2022, the Company announced that the Company's Board Chair's Chair, Ivan Bebek was retiring from the Board, effective June 29, 2022 and would be an advisor.
Financing
On April 14, 2022, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement with two placees, who include a Canadian corporate investor and a US institutional investor, for a private placement sale of 13.75 million common shares of the Company at a price of $0.80 per share for gross proceeds of $11,000,000.
Completion of Sale of Homestake Ridge Project to Dolly Varden and Investor Rights Agreement
On February 25, 2022, the Company completed the sale of the Homestake Ridge Project to Dolly Varden. Pursuant to the agreement entered into on December 6, 2021 ("Homestake Purchase Agreement"), Dolly Varden purchased 100% of the shares of the Company's subsidiary, Homestake Resource Corporation for a $5 million cash payment and the issuance of 76,504,590 common shares of Dolly Varden (the "Homestake Transaction. As a result of the sale, the Company has an indirect economic interest in the Homestake Ridge Project through its ownership of shares of Dolly Varden but does not have legal control over either Dolly Varden or the Homestake Ridge Project.
In connection with the Homestake Transaction, Dolly Varden and Fury Gold entered into an investor rights agreement (the "Homestake Investor Rights Agreement") pursuant to which Fury Gold has the following rights, and is subject to the following obligations:
(i) Fury Gold will have the right to appoint two nominees to the Dolly Varden board so long as Fury Gold owns greater than 20% of the Dolly Varden common shares outstanding. Should Fury Gold own less than 20% but greater than 10% of the Dolly Varden shares outstanding, Fury Gold shall have the right to appoint one nominee to the Dolly Varden board. Tim Clark, the Chief Executive Officer of Fury Gold, and Michael Henrichsen, the Chief Geological Officer of Fury Gold, joined the Dolly Varden Board upon closing of the Homestake Transaction.
(ii) Fury Gold will have the right to appoint one member to Dolly Varden's technical committee for the purpose of providing non-binding advice and recommendations to the Dolly Varden board for so long as Fury Gold is entitled to appoint one nominee to the Dolly Varden board.
(iii) Fury will have pre-emptive rights to maintain its ownership percentage in Dolly Varden for so long as Fury Gold owns more than 10% of the outstanding Dolly Varden common shares, subject to certain carve-outs and top-up rights.
(iv) Fury Gold will not sell the Dolly Varden Shares during the one-year hold period following closing and will provide to Dolly Varden the right to direct the sale of any DV Shares proposed to be sold by Fury Gold after the expiry of the initial one-year hold period.
(v) Fury Gold will for the initial two year period following closing, and subject to Fury Gold continuing to hold at least 10% of Dolly Varden's outstanding shares, vote its shares in accordance with Dolly Varden management's recommendations at each meeting of the shareholders of Dolly Varden, subject to exceptions for certain excluded matters, including special resolutions, minority shareholder votes required pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 and matters that would materially and adversely impact Fury Gold disproportionately.
(vi) Fury Gold will not for the initial three-year period following Closing, and subject to Fury Gold continuing to hold at least 10% of Dolly Varden's outstanding shares, acquire additional securities of Dolly Varden, solicit proxies separately from any Dolly Varden board approved proxy circular or otherwise seek to control management, the board or the policies of Dolly Varden.
2022 Partial Sale of Dolly Varden Shareholdings
On October 3, 2022, the Company announced that it had entered into a non-brokered sale agreement to sell 17 million common shares of Dolly Varden at $0.40 per share, representing approximately 7.4% of the outstanding common shares of Dolly Varden. The gross proceeds received by the Company upon the close of the transaction on October 13, 2022, was $6.8 million. At December 31, 2022, and 2023, the Company held a 23.5% and 22.03% interest, respectively, in Dolly Varden.
2023 up to March 2024
Eau Claire Exploration Program
On February 13, 2023, Fury Gold provided an update on targeting the wholly owned Lac Clarkie project immediately to the east of its 100% owned Eau Claire project in the Eeyou Istchee Territory in the James Bay region of Quebec. The Company has defined a total of eight gold targets through the completion of a B-horizon soil sampling program (Figure 1). Six of the targets lie along the Cannard Deformation Zone, which hosts numerous gold occurrences along its >100 kilometre (km) mapped extent, including Fury's Eau Claire Deposit and Percival Property. Fury is working to prioritize these newly defined targets for follow-up in 2023 with the aim of advancing a number of these targets.
In April 2023, Fury Gold commenced a drilling program at the Eau Claire Deposit, comprising of 10,000 to 15,000 metres (m), with the goals of i) continuing expansion of the high-grade Eau Claire resource; ii) following up on the 2022 success at the Percival Prospect 14 km to the east of Eau Claire; and iii) advancing several early-stage exploration targets along the Cannard Deformation Zone to the drill ready stage.
On July 10, 2023, the Company announced its 2023 summer exploration program and the restart of all exploration activities, which had been interrupted since June 5, 2023, due to a governmental emergency fire evacuation order.
On August 3, 2023, Fury announced results for the first three 2023 core drill holes at the high-grade Eau Claire gold project. The 2023 drill program focused on the continued expansion of the Hinge Target located immediately west of the Eau Claire Deposit. Drilling at the Hinge Target continues to return multiple stacked zones of gold mineralization from each drill hole, including 5.0m of 3.6 g/t Au within a broader interval of 14.0m of 2.37 g/t Au. Additional drill intercepts include 6.5m of 2.66 g/t Au, 6.0m of 2.77 g/t Au and 1.0m of 10.35 g/t Au.
On October 3, 2023, the Company reported the results for an additional two infill core drill holes from the Hinge Target at the Eau Claire Project. The 2023 drill program continues to focus on infill drilling at the Hinge Target located immediately west of the Eau Claire Deposit. Every hole completed at the Hinge Target to date has intercepted two corridors of stacked gold-bearing quartz tourmaline veins and alteration, including 3.5m of 5.73 g/t gold and 11.27 g/t Tellurium and 7.43g/t gold over 2.5m within a broader interval of 4.65g/t gold and 8.72 g/t Tellurium over 4.5m. Drill holes 23EC-065 and 23EC-068 represent the continuation of a series of infill drill holes designed to tighten up the spacing of the 2022 Hinge Target drilling to a nominal spacing of 60-80m. The stacked intercepts through these new holes continue to exhibit the overall strength of the mineralized system within the Hinge Target.
On November 28, 2023, the Company reported additional results from the 2023 infill drilling program at the Hinge Target at the Eau Claire Project. Drilling continues to intercept multiple zones of gold mineralization, including 5.5m of 4.52 g/t gold and 3.0m of 3.34 g/t gold from 23-EC-069; 1.0m of 20.20 g/t gold and 3.5m of 3.51 g/t gold from 23EC-070; 1.0m of 19.55 g/t gold from 23EC-066; and 3.5m of 3.82 g/t gold from 23EC-067.
On January 17, 2024, the Company reported results from the 2023 drilling program at the Hinge Target at the Eau Claire Project. Highlights from the seven drill holes include 31.77 g/t gold over 3.50m from 23EC-077; 65.0 g/t gold over 0.50m and 14.25 g/t gold over 1.0m from 23EC-074; 2.56 g/t gold over 7.50m from 23EC-068; and 3.41 g/t gold over 6.50m and 5.0 g/t gold over 3.50m from 23EC-075.
On February 6, 2024, the Company announced the final set of results from the 12,000m 2023 drilling program at the Hinge Target, part of the high-grade Eau Claire Project. Highlights from these last five drill holes include 17.62 g/t gold over 3.50m, including 29.80 g/t gold over 2m, and 22.20 g/t gold over 0.50m from 23EC-079; and 5.49 g/t gold over 3.50m from 23-EC-078. The reported intercepts from drill hole 23EC-082 of 17.62 g/t gold over 3.50m is within 135m of surface and is completely open to surface and to the west, above the rest of the Hinge Target.
2023 Changes to Management and the Board
On February 22, 2023, the Company announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Brian Christie as an Independent Director, effective immediately. Mr. Christie most recently served as Vice President, Investor Relations at Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, prior to which Mr. Christie worked for over 17 years as a precious and base metals mining analyst and brings with him extensive experience in the capital markets and the mining industry. Mr. Christie holds a BSc. In Geology (University of Toronto) and an MSc. In Geology (Queen's University) and is a member of the Canadian Investor Relations Institute (CIRI) and the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI). On May 15, 2023, the Company announced the appointment of Mr. Christie as Board Chair, replacing Mr. Jeffrey Mason, who was appointed Board Chair on January 11, 2023 and continues to serve as independent Director of Fury Gold. The Company also announced that Michael Henrichsen, Chief Geological Officer, retired from his role.
On June 23, 2023, Phil van Staden, having previously served as the Company's Corporate Controller since 2020, was appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company and brings over 15 years of diverse international experience in various accounting roles and industries throughout South Africa and Canada. He holds B. Commerce and B. Commerce Honours degrees, respectively, from the University of Pretoria and the University of South Africa. Mr. van Staden, took over from Dr. Lynsey Sherry, who had been the Chief Financial Officer since November 2020. Mr. van Staden was appointed Chief Financial Officer effective January 1, 2024.
On September 5, 2023 Fury announced that it had appointed Ms. Isabelle Cadieux as an Independent Director, effective immediately. Ms. Cadieux, a professional geologist, brings more than 30 years of experience in mineral exploration and financing in the mining sector. She last held the position of Managing Director, Investment at SIDEX, a Québec institutional fund that finances exploration companies, including Fury, and continues to hold shares in Fury, where she served from 2001 until 2023. She holds an M.Sc. in Mineral Exploration (MINEX) from McGill University and a B.Sc. in Geology from the University of Ottawa. Ms. Cadieux acted as President of the Ordre des géologues du Québec (OGQ) in 2008, sat on the Board of Directors from 2005 to 2010, and was Director of the Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists from 2007 to 2011 where she represented the OGQ. From 2011 to 2016, she was a member of the Executive Committee of the UQAT-UQAM Chair in Mining Entrepreneurship. Throughout her career, she has been involved in various sector-related organizations, among others the Québec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ), the Canadian Institute of Mines and Metallurgy (CIM), Minalliance and Mine d'Avenir.
2023 Financings
In March 2023, the Company closed a bought-deal private placement (the "March 2023 Offering") of 6,076,500 Common Shares of the Company that qualify as "flow-through shares" (the "FT Shares") at a price of C$1.44 per FT Share for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $8.750 million. The proceeds from the March 2023 Offering are being used to incur "flow-through mining expenditures" in connection with the exploration of the Company's Eau Claire and ESJV projects. As at December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $544,000 available to incur flow-through mining expenditures before December 31, 2024.
Corporate developments
On October 12, 2023, the Company filed a short form base shelf prospectus (the "Shelf Prospectus") with the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in all of the provinces and territories of Canada and has filed a corresponding registration statement on Form F-10 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of the completion of these filings, the Company is permitted to publicly offer up to $75 million of common shares, subscription receipts, warrants, and units or any combination thereof to investors in Canada and the United States during the 25-month period from October 12, 2023, that the Shelf Prospectus is effective.
Effective February 29, 2024, the Company acquired Newmont's 49.978% interest in Eleonore South (the "Eleonore South Project") and now has 100% ownership.
B. Business Overview
Fury Gold Mines is a Canadian-focused gold exploration company strategically positioned in two prolific mining regions: the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Region of Quebec and the Kitikmeot Region in Nunavut. Fury Gold has a portfolio of mineral properties of which only two are considered material at this time: the Eau Claire property located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Region of Northern Quebec (the "Eau Claire Project"), and the Committee Bay gold project located in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut (the "Committee Bay Project"). The Eleonore South Joint Venture ("Eleonore South Joint Venture"), of which Fury Gold was the operator and held a 50.022% equity interest, as at December 31, 2023, is one of the more prolific targets for discovery. Effective February 29, 2024, Fury consolidated its interest at the Eleonore South Gold Project (now referred to as "Eleonore South Project") to 100% ownership and the Eleonore South Joint Venture has been terminated.
Since 2016, the Company has been actively exploring its mineral projects with the goal of identifying new areas of significant mineralization. As discussed in Committee Bay Project and Eau Claire Project sections below, the majority of this work has taken place away from the known deposit areas in the form of regional exploration and prospect drilling at satellite targets. Though this work has yet to lead to the discovery of any new material mineral deposits, it has strengthened the Company's understanding of the geological systems and provided new evidence with respect to the projects' continued perspectivity. The Company expects to continue its exploration on the Eau Claire Project through 2024 as discussed above under the heading "General Development of the Business - Recent Developments".
The Company has not yet determined whether any of its mineral property interests contain economically recoverable mineral reserves. The Company's continuing operations and the underlying value of the Company's mineral property interests are entirely dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable mineral reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete the exploration of its mineral property interests, obtaining the necessary mining permits, and on future profitable production or the proceeds from the disposition of the exploration and evaluation assets. See "Risk Factors" for further information.
Reliance on Key Personnel
Most aspects of the Company's business require specialized skills and knowledge. Such skills and knowledge include the areas of geology, mining, metallurgy, engineering, environment issues, permitting, social issues, capital markets, financing and accounting. While competition in the resource mining industry can make it difficult to locate and retain competent employees in such fields, the Company has been successful in finding and retaining personnel for the majority of its key processes. See "Risk Factors - Reliance on Key Personnel".
In addition, Fury Gold's technical and management teams have a track record of successfully monetizing assets for all stakeholders and local communities in which it operates. Fury Gold conducts itself to the highest standards of corporate governance and sustainability.
Competitive Conditions
The mineral exploration industry is competitive and Fury Gold will be required to compete for the acquisition of project opportunities. As a result of this competition Fury Gold may not be able to acquire or retain prospective mineral projects, technical experts that can find, develop and mine such mineral properties and interests, workers to operate its mineral properties, and capital to finance exploration, development and future operations. The Company competes with other mining companies, some of which have greater financial resources and technical facilities, for the acquisition of mineral property interests, the recruitment and retention of qualified employees and for necessary investment capital with which to fund its operations and projects. See "Risk Factors - Competitive Conditions".
Cyclical and Seasonal
The Company's mineral exploration activities may be subject to seasonality due to adverse weather conditions affecting exploration including, without limitation, incremental weather, frozen ground and restricted access due to snow, ice or other weather-related factors. Further, the mining business, and particularly the precious metals industry, including the gold industry, is subject to metal price cycles. Moreover, the mining and mineral exploration business is subject to global economic cycles effecting, among other things, the marketability and price of gold products in the global marketplace. See "Risk Factors - Commodity Price Fluctuations and Cycles".
Intangible Properties
The Company's intangible property, including its mineral and surface rights, is described elsewhere in this AIF. The Company's business is not materially affected by intangibles such as business or commercial licenses, patents and trademarks or other intellectual property.
Environmental Protection
Exploration activities are subject to numerous and often stringent environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with such laws and regulations increases the costs of and delays planning, designing, drilling and developing the Company's properties. To the best of management's knowledge, the Company is in compliance in all material respects with all environmental laws and regulations applicable to its exploration and drilling activities. Fury Gold is committed to meeting or surpassing all applicable environmental legislation, regulations, permit and license requirements, and to continuously improving its environmental performance and practices. The Company embraces safe, socially and environmentally responsible and sustainable work practices during all activities. Fury Gold seeks to utilize innovative technologies and techniques to reduce its environmental footprint across all of the Company's projects. This includes awarding drill contracts to an EcoLogo certified contractor at Eau Claire, the use of Rotary Air Blast (RAB) drilling at the Committee Bay Project, which reduces water usage, footprint and time on the ground, and the use of drone imagery to allow targeted ground-based follow up of outcrop. Current costs associated with compliance are considered to be normal. See "Risk Factors - Environmental Regulatory, Health & Safety Risks and "Risk Factors - Environmental Protection".
Employees
As at December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately 10 equivalent full-time employees located primarily in Canada. The Company shares certain technical and administrative functions provided by Vancouver-based Universal Mineral Services Ltd on a full-cost recovery basis (See "Related Party Transactions"). The Company also relies on consultants and contractors to carry on many of its business activities and, in particular, to supervise and carry out mineral exploration and drilling on its mineral properties. No management functions of Fury Gold are performed to any substantial degree by a person other than the directors or executive officers of Fury Gold.
Social and Environmental Policies
Building and maintaining good corporate citizenship is an important component of Fury Gold's business practices. The Company has adopted several social and environmental policies and codes of conduct that are essential to its operations. The Company's operating practices are governed by the principles set out in its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Gender Diversity Policy, Insider Trading Policy, Disclosure Policy and Whistle-Blower Policy.
Fury Gold endeavours to contribute to the communities in which it operates by focusing on activities that can make a meaningful, positive and lasting difference to the lives of those affected by its presence. Fury Gold prioritizes creating mutually beneficial and long-term partnerships with the communities where it operates, respecting their interests as our own. Fury Gold establishes constructive local partnerships to contribute to local priorities and interests and to have communities benefit both socially and economically from its activities. The Company seeks opportunities to maximize employment and procurement for local communities through the provision of suitable training opportunities and resources.
Fury Gold endeavours to engage in open and transparent dialogue with governments, local communities, Indigenous peoples, organizations and individuals on the basis of respect, fairness and meaningful consultation and participation.
Further information regarding Fury Gold's corporate governance policies and charters can be found on its website at www.furygoldmines.com/corporate/corporate-governance.
Indigenous and Local Community Engagement
Fury Gold respects and engages meaningfully with Indigenous and local communities at all of its operations. The Company is committed to working constructively with local communities, government agencies and Indigenous groups to ensure that exploration work is conducted in a culturally and environmentally sensitive manner. The Company's engagement with Indigenous and local communities is governed by the principles set out in its Indigenous and Community Relations Committee Charter. Moreover, Fury Gold is committed to:
• sharing information about its projects and operations, providing meaningful opportunities for input and dialogue and involving local and Indigenous communities in archaeological work, environmental assessments and related studies;
• making meaningful efforts to reach agreements with local and Indigenous groups on the preferred method of participation and engagement processes;
• exploring opportunities for local and Indigenous communities to benefit from its projects and activities, which may include employment, contracting, training, community benefits and agreements, as appropriate to the type and stage of activity being undertaken; and
• engaging in candid and respectful dialogue with a view to resolving or minimizing any disagreements and ensuring full communication in respect of any unresolved issues.
Fury Gold is committed to responsible mineral exploration. The Company values forging strong, durable, and respectful relationships with the Indigenous communities in which it operates. During 2021, employees and the board of directors took part in a multi-module accredited in-house learning program to facilitate the building of Indigenous cultural competency.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company continued to work through its Ecologo certification for mineral exploration. Ecologo is the first comprehensive certification for mineral exploration companies and their service providers that features third-party certification of environmental, social and economic practices in Quebec. Additionally, during the first quarter of 2022, the Company undertook a qualitative environmental, social and governance ("ESG") assessment with Digbee, a technology company which provides qualitative assessment tools to mining companies to track their ESG achievements. Fury Gold received an overall score of BB with a range of CC to A broken down into a corporate score of BB with a range of B to A and a project score of BB with a range of CC to A for both the Eau Claire and Committee Bay projects. These results are considered strong for an exploration company and the Company is continually evaluating and implementing initiatives to improve future scores. Fury Gold is conducting a second annual Digbee ESG Certification in 2024, that continues to validate the Company's existing ESG engagement and strategy. In May 2023, the Company's subsidiary Eastmain entered into a Services Agreement with Stajune Ventures Inc, a business entity of the Cree Nation of Eastmain which provided for the local First Nation personnel to provide services to the Summer 2023 exploration activities at the Eau Claire project.
Fury Gold's Indigenous and Community Relations Committee Charter can be viewed on its website at www.furygoldmines.com/corporate/corporate-governance-1/.
Continuing Operations and COVID-19
There were no material impacts to the Company's exploration programs or other operations in 2023 arising from COVID-19. See "Risk Factors - COVID-19 and Other Pandemics".
C. Organizational Structure
The following diagram depicts the Company's corporate structure as of December 31, 2023, and its material subsidiaries, including the name, jurisdiction of incorporation and proportion of ownership in each:
Not reflected in the above organization chart is the Company's 25% interest in UMS. (See interest of "Related Party Transactions - Agreement with Universal Mineral Services Ltd.") as well as a 2024 acquisition of a 10.98% portfolio investment in Sirios Resources Inc., as described above.
Following the acquisition of the Eleonore South project on February 29, 2024, Fury holds 100% interest in the Project through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Eastmain Resources Inc.
D. Property, plant and equipment and Exploration and Evaluation Assets
Summary of Mineral Properties
At December 31, 2023, the Company's two material mineral properties were the Eau Claire property located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Region of Northern Quebec (the "Eau Claire Project"), and the Committee Bay gold project located in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut (the "Committee Bay Project").
Eau Claire Project
The following disclosure relating to the Eau Claire Project (other than the disclosure regarding the 2023 Eau Claire exploration programs) is based on information derived from the technical report summary on the Eau Claire Project entitled "Technical Report on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada" prepared by Mr. David Frappier-Rivard, the Company's Exploration Manager, with an effective date of December 31, 2023 (the "Eau Claire Technical Report Summary"), as attached to this Annual Report as Exhibit [15.2]. The Eau Claire Technical Report Summary conforms to SEC's Modernized Property Disclosure Requirements for Mining Registrants as described in Subpart 229.1300 of Regulation S-K, Disclosure by Registrants Engaged in Mining Operations ("S-K 1300") and Item 601(b)(96) - Technical Report Summary. All information of a scientific or technical nature contained below and provided after the date of the Eau Claire Report has been reviewed and approved by David Frappier-Rivard, the Company's Exploration Manager and a "qualified person" for the purposes of S-K 1300.
The Eau Claire Project is a material property for the purposes of S-K 1300.
Property Description and Location
Fury Gold owns a 100%-interest in the Eau Claire Project, host to the Eau Claire gold deposit, one of five known gold deposits in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec. The largest of these, Newmont's Éléonore mine, is located 57 km NNW of the Eau Claire Project.
The Eau Claire Project is located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory of Northern Quebec, approximately 320 km northwest of the town of Chibougamau and 800 km north of Montreal. The property is accessible, year-round, by the Route du Nord and is located 100 km north of Nemaska, serviced by commercial flights twice per week. The centre of the property is located at approximately 75.78 degrees longitude west and 52.22 degrees latitude north in 1:50,000 scale NTS map sheets 33B04 and 33B05.
Land Tenure
As of the effective date of the Eau Claire Technical Report Summary, the Eau Claire Project consisted a single contiguous block totalling 446 claims covering 23,284 hectares (ha) held by Eastmain Resources Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Fury. The claims are in good standing as of the date hereof.
The Eau Claire Project is located north of the 52nd parallel (52ºN) and as such is subject to the provisions of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (1975), and the Paix des Braves Agreement (2002). The Eau Claire Project falls within the Eeyou Istchee Territory of the Eastmain Cree First Nation, including trap line VC36 held by Dr. Ted Moses as the Cree Tallyman, and on Category III lands, as established under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
The figure below presents property location and claims comprising the Eau Claire Deposit:
Existing Infrastructure
There is no permanent infrastructure on the Eau Claire Project. Fury maintains a 40 person camp for seasonal use to support exploration activities on the Eau Claire Project. The Eau Claire Project benefits from nearby Hydro Quebec infrastructure which allows for the project to be road accessible. Hydro power lines are present within 5km of the Eau Claire deposit.
Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
As of the effective date of the Eau Claire Technical Report Summary, the Project consisted of a single contiguous block totalling 446 claims covering 23,284 hectares (ha) held by Eastmain Resources Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fury. The claims are in good standing as of the date hereof.
The Project is located north of the 52nd parallel (52ºN) and as such is subject to the provisions of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (1975), and the Paix des Braves Agreement (2002). The Project falls within the Eeyou Istchee Territory of the Eastmain Cree First Nation, including trap line VC36 held by Dr. Ted Moses as the Cree Tallyman, and on Category III lands, as established under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
There is no permanent infrastructure on the Project. Fury maintains a 40 person camp to support exploration activities on the Project. The Project benefits from nearby Hydro Quebec infrastructure which allows for the project to be road accessible. Hydro power lines are present within 5km of the Eau Claire deposit.
History
Key historical events are:
1897: First reconnaissance survey in the area by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) (A. P. Low).
1942: Mapping of the Eastmain Greenstone Belt by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) (Shaw).
1966: Eade from the Geological Survey of Canada mapped the area of interest at a 1:1 000 000 scale.
1971 and 1972: Canico carried out a "winkie" drilling program (19 holes).
1973 to 1977: SEREM and Société de développement de la Baie-James (SDBJ) carried out geochemical surveys, prospecting, rock sampling, airborne and ground geophysics, geological mapping, and diamond drilling.
1978: Mapping at the 1:100 000 scale by the Ministère des Richesse Naturelle (MRN) (Franconi)
1985 to 1990: Westmin conducted airborne geophysics, soil geochemistry, prospecting, mapping, trenching and drilling (79 DDH, totalling 8,937 metres)
1995 to 2001: SOQUEM conducted soil geochemistry, geological mapping, trenching and drilling (54 DDH totalling 19,639 metres)
2002 to 2020: Eastmain Resources carried out geochemical and airborne geophysical surveys, geological mapping, prospecting, trenching and drilling. A total 816 diamond drilled holes, totalling 277,410.6 metres, were drilled. In 2018 discovered the Percival prospect where they drilled 13,182.6 metres in 2018 and 2019.
Geology and Mineralization
The Eau Claire Property is located in the La Grande volcanic subprovince (2800 to 2738 Ma), east the Opinaca metasedimentary subprovince (2703 to 2674 Ma) and lies within the Eastmain Greenstone Belt (2752 to 2696 Ma). The Eau Claire gold deposit and the Percival prospect occur within a few kilometres of the Cannard Deformation Zone, a crustal scale structural break and is hosted in the Natel Formation (2739 to 2720 Ma), which is made up of komatiites, komatiitic basalt, massive to pillowed basaltic and andesitic flows of tholeiitic affinity (magnesian tholeiites and iron tholeiites), with interbedded sequences of mudstone, wacke and iron formation. The Eau Claire Property holds the Eau Claire deposit, the Percival prospect and numerous other known mineral occurrences as shown on Figure 3.
The majority of the gold mineralization identified to date at Eau Claire occurs as stacked late quartz tourmaline veining (VQTL) within interbedded mafic volcanics and volcaniclastic sequences proximal to regional D2 shear zones. Gold mineralization also occurs within altered host rock without veining occurring as centimetre to several metre wide tourmaline-actinolite ± biotite ± calcite replacement zones around vein selvages. A third style of gold mineralization recently identified in silicified breccias and quartz veins hosted in sediments and volcanic rocks proximal to iron formation on the eastern side of the Eau Claire Project. Eau Claire hosts over 12 showings, the most advanced being the Eau Claire deposit and the Percival prospect.
The veining at the Eau Claire deposit forms a crescent-shaped mineralized, surface projected footprint 1.8 kilometres long by more than 100 metres wide, which has been traced to a vertical depth of 900 metres. The deposit is split into two zones referred to the 450 West zone and the 850 West zone. Veins within the 450 West zone typically strike 85 degrees and dip 50 to 65 degrees to the south. Veins within the 850 West zone typically strike 60 degrees and dip subvertically. Mineralization exhibits both stratigraphic and structural controls though is generally defined by a westerly plunging anticline.
Gold mineralization in the Eau Claire Deposit is structurally controlled and exhibits similar geological, structural and metallogenic characteristics to Archean Greenstone-hosted quartz-carbonate vein (lode) deposits. These deposits are also known as mesothermal, orogenic, lode gold, shear-zone-related quartz- carbonate or gold-only deposits.
Significant gold mineralization was recently identified at the Percival prospect, 14 km to the east of the Eau Claire deposit. Mineralization at Percival has been defined within a 500x100x300m footprint associated with folded sulphidized and silicified breccias and quartz veining in an interbedded volcanic and sedimentary sequence. Fury recognized that the high-grade core of the Percival mineralization, represented by historical drill intercepts of 9.0m of 6.26 g/t gold, 8.5m of 7.13 g/t gold, and 2.0m of 8.47 g/t gold was parallel and slightly offset to magnetic stratigraphic units that define a steep westerly plunging fold hinge. Targeting of the fold hinge geometry has significantly expanded the Percival mineralized footprint with intercepts of up to 13.5m of 8.05 g/t Au, including 3m of 25.8 g/t Au. Exploration historically has focussed on VQTL within mafic volcanic sequences at Eau Claire, the recent identification of the Percival mineralization indicates there is good potential to discover additional mineralization and to add to the resource base within the Eau Claire Project.
Mineral Resources
The Mineral Resources at the Eau Claire Deposit are estimated to be approximately 0.9 Mt of Measured Mineral Resources grading 6.63 g/t Au containing 193,000 ounces gold, Indicated Mineral Resources of 3.39 Mt grading 6.06 g/t Au containing 660,000 ounces gold and 2.38 Mt of inferred Mineral Resources at an average grade of 6.53 g/t Au containing 500,000 ounces gold.
The estimate was carried out using a block model method constrained by wireframe grade-shell models, with Inverse Distance Cubed (ID3) weighting. To fulfil the resource criteria of "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction", a preliminary pit shell was generated from the open pit model. Blocks from the open pit model captured within this shell were considered eligible for reporting as open pit resources. Open pit resources were considered from surface to 150m below surface and underground resources were those blocks 150 - 860m below surface.
The 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) was prepared using 2019 CIM Best Practice Guidelines for mineral resource estimation. The wireframe grade shell models represent the drilled mineralization and are suitable for use in block model estimations. The Eau Claire deposit meets the criteria of reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction in the combined open pit and underground portions of the MRE.
There is no mineralization that qualifies as Mineral Reserves on the Eau Claire Project.
Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security
Fury Gold manages its exploration samples from their collection points. For drilling, the foreman or driller transports drill core in closed and secured core boxes from the drill to the onsite core-logging facility, where they are received by a geologist or a geological technician. The core boxes are arranged in numerical order, opened, measured and inspected for any drill site numbering or measurement discrepancies. Prior to storage, boxes are tagged with aluminum labels.
Samples are systematically hand oriented in the core box by reference to rock foliation and end matched where possible before being marked for cutting.
While core is logged, mineralized sections are described, measured and marked for sampling with assay tags placed at the end of each sample. A technician selects the interval and saws it in half lengthwise along the core axis perpendicular to core foliation. Core is replaced in position in the core box with the 'top' half of the sawn sample interval placed in a plastic sample bag along with a copy of the assay tag. The sample bag is sealed with a plastic tie. The remaining half-core interval is left in the core box and stored as a permanent record or for further sampling and review.
Individual core samples were placed in rice bags which were sealed using uniquely numbered zip ties. Completed sample shipments for the Extension Program in 2020 and early 2021 and all 2022 drilling were sent to ALS Lab in Val d'Or, QC (ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015 accredited facility) for preparation and analysis.
Each sample batch is logged into a master manifest listing the sample shipment and a sample shipping list is attached to the first bag of the shipment. At every staging point from camp to the final destination, all parties handling the samples are required to confirm that the number of physical samples received in sample transport sign-off.
Sampling, Analysis and Data Verification
Fury Gold has adapted the historical Analytical Quality Assurance Program at Eau Claire to control and assure the analytical quality of assays. This protocol includes the systematic addition of blank samples and certified standards to each batch of samples sent for analysis at commercial laboratories. Blank samples are used to check for possible contamination in laboratories, while certified standards determine the analytical accuracy and precision of the laboratory procedure. Generally, check sample inserts approximate 10% of sample flow from project sites.
Pulp (inline split of 100-150 g) and coarse reject (inline split of 250-500 g) lab duplicates are also acquired by the primary lab at a rate of 2 each per hundred samples submitted and shipped to a second independent lab for further sample QA/QC.
Sample shipments from the exploration program in 2021 were sent to Actlabs in Val d'Or, QC for preparation and then to Actlabs in Thunder Bay, ON for analysis. All samples are assayed using 50 g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (1A2B-50) and multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (1F2). Where 1A2B-50 results were greater than 5 ppm Au the assay were repeated with 50 g nominal weight fire assay with gravimetric finish (1A3-50). QA/QC programs using internal standard samples, field and lab duplicates and blanks indicate good.
Analytical samples for the Extension Program from March 2021 through to October 2021 were sent to Bureau Veritas (BV) lab in Timmins, ON (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited facility) for preparation and analysis. Preparation included crashing core sample to 90% < 2mm and pulverizing 1000g of crushed material to better than 85% < 75 microns. All samples are assayed using 50 g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (BV code FA450) and multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (BV code MA200). Where FA450 results are greater than 5 ppm Au the assay is repeated with 50 g nominal weight fire assay with gravimetric finish (FA550-Au). QA/QC programs using internal and lab standard and blank samples, field and lab duplicates and re-assay indicate good overall accuracy and precision.
The Company's main assay contractor for the Eau Claire Project is ALS Chemex. Once received by ALS, samples were weighed, dried and finely crushed to better than 90% passing 2 mm (Tyler 10 mesh). A split of 1,000 grams was taken using a riffle splitter and pulverized to better than 85% passing a 75 micron (Tyler 200 mesh) screen (package PREP-31B).
All samples were initially assayed for gold using a conventional fire assay procedure with and inductively coupled plasma - atomic absorption spectroscopy (ICP-AAS) finish on 50-gram sub-samples (package code Au-AA24). The detection limits of this method are 0.005 to 10 parts per million gold (ppm Au). Samples containing more than 5 ppm Au are re-assayed using a second 50-gram aliquot by fire assay with a gravimetric finish (package code Au-GRA22). The detection limits of this method are 0.05 to 10,000 ppm Au.
All samples are also analyzed for a suite of 47 trace elements using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) methods. The element suite includes, among others; silver, bismuth, copper, cadmium, cobalt, lead, nickel, zinc, arsenic, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, tellurium, vanadium and barium. Base metal concentrations that exceed detection limits (usually > 1%) and silver are re-analyzed via dilution and re-analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results were corrected for spectral inter-element interference.
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
In 2010, Eastmain contracted the services of SGS Mineral Services (Lakefield Research) ("SGS") to evaluate the mineralized material characteristics through mineralogy, chemical analyses and comminution testing, and to explore several processing avenues for the purpose of establishing a preliminary gold recovery flowsheet.
Four vein composites representing the P, JQ, R, and S veins (the "Vein Composites") and one master composite (an equally weighted blend of the four vein composites) (the "Master Composite") were subjected to mineralization characterization, metallurgical and environmental testing. These composites were prepared from assay reject material in freezer storage at SGS from analytical work completed in 2008.
The SGS test work completed on the Master Composite and Vein Composites samples indicated the following:
Gravity separation will generate significant gold recovery in an industrial setting. Gold recoveries ranged from 30% to 45% in the master composite and up to 74% from the S Vein composite.
Flotation of the Master Composite gravity separation tailings, at grind sizes ranging from 121 to 65 μm, resulted in excellent gold recovery for all of the tests conducted. Approximately 94% gold recovery was achieved at a P80 of 121μm while ~96% was achieved at P80 = 65 μm.
Gold recovery by gravity separation plus flotation ranged from 92% to 97% in the variability tests completed for the Vein Composites.
Cyanide leaching of gravity separation tailing yielded an excellent gold response in all tests completed with approximately 95.7% of the gold being recovered in the gravity plus cyanidation flowsheet at 121 μm for the Master Composite. Gold recoveries ranged from 95.6% from the R vein composite to 98.2% from the S vein composite.
Flotation concentrate cyanidation yielded a unit gold extraction of 98.3% at a grind size of 121 μm. Overall circuit gravity separation followed by flotation concentrate cyanidation yielded a gold extraction of 92.8%.
The acid-base accounting and net acid generation tests completed on the various feed and tailing streams generated in the program clearly indicate that the samples will not generate acid mine drainage.
Supplemental test work completed in 2017 by SGS returned gold grades of 6.56 g/t Au, 0.08 g/t Au, and 4.98 g/t Au, were reported for the ore sample, hanging wall-footwall sample, and the master composite, respectively. Gold recovery by gravity separation followed by gravity tailing cyanidation yielded results that compared very well to parallel test work completed in 2010. Gold recovery from the 2010 Master Composite (at a 14.8 g/t Au head grade) was 95.7% with a final tailing grade of 0.66 g/t Au. In 2017, overall gold recovery from a head grade of 4.85 g/t Au was approximately 96%, with a final tailings grade of approximately 0.20 g/t Au.
Gravity concentration followed by direct cyanidation yielded results superior to the gravity-flotation alternative in the 2017 program. Fine grinding yielded improved gold extraction; further test work should allow optimization of grind size. The gravity and cyanidation test work results indicate that an overall gold recovery of 95% should be attainable. Bond ball mill index measurements reported by SGS yielded values of approximately 11.0 kWh/t indicating a soft material. Grinding costs should be low if the samples tested are representative.
2023 Mineral Resource Estimate
Eau Claire Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate as of December 31, 2023
Mineral Resource Estimate (effective February December 31, 2023)(1-7)
Category | Tonnes | (g/t Au) | Contained Au (oz) |
Measured | 906,000 | 6.63 | 193,000 |
Indicated | 3,388,000 | 6.06 | 660,000 |
Total Measured & Indicated | 4,294,000 | 6.18 | 853,000 |
Inferred | 2,382,000 | 6.53 | 500,000 |
Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources (effective December 31, 2023)(1-7)
Open Pit (surface to 150 m) | Underground (150 m - 860 m) | |||||
Category | Tonnes | (g/t Au) | Contained Au (oz) | Tonnes | (g/t Au) | Contained Au (oz) |
Measured | 574,000 | 6.66 | 123,000 | 332,000 | 6.56 | 70,000 |
Indicated | 636,000 | 5.13 | 105,000 | 2,752,000 | 6.27 | 555,000 |
Measured & Indicated | 1,210,000 | 5.86 | 228,000 | 3,084,000 | 6.30 | 625,000 |
Inferred | 43,000 | 5.06 | 7,000 | 2,339,000 | 6.56 | 493,000 |
Notes:
1. The classification of the current Mineral Resource Estimate into Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources has been completed in accordance with the definitions under S-K 1300, which are consistent with current 2014 CIM Definition Standards - For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.
2. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.
3. All Resources are presented undiluted and in situ, constrained by 3D wireframe models (the constraining volumes), and are considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
4. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that most of the Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
5. Open pit Mineral Resources are reported at a base case cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au within a conceptual pit shell and underground Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 2.5 g/t Au outside the conceptual pit shell. Cut-off grades are based on a gold price of US$1,250 per ounce, a foreign exchange rate of US$0.80 and a gold recovery of 95%.
6. The results from pit optimization are used solely for the purpose of testing the "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction" by an open pit and do not represent an attempt to estimate mineral reserves. There are no mineral reserves on the Property. The results are used as a guide to assist in the preparation of a Mineral Resource statement and to select an appropriate resource reporting cut-off grade.
7. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Inferred Mineral Resource will be upgraded to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource as a result of continued exploration. There is no other relevant data or information available that is necessary to make the technical report summary understandable and not misleading.
Conclusions
Drilling to 2018 at the Eau Claire deposit has outlined mineralization with three-dimensional continuity, and size and grades that can potentially be extracted economically. Project geologists have a good understanding of the regional, local, and deposit geology and controls on mineralization. The geological models are reasonable and plausible interpretations of the drill results.
There has been no new drilling in the immediate area of those resources last calculated in 2018, and the relationship between the long-term average metal price and operating cost assumptions have been taken into account by Mr. Frappier-Rivard arriving at his 2023 mineral resource estimate.
Mineral Resources for the Eau Claire deposit were estimated assuming combined open pit and underground mining methods. At cut-off grades of 0.5 g/t Au for open pit and 2.5 g/t Au for underground, Measured Mineral Resources are estimated to total 0.9 Mt at an average grade of 6.63 g/t Au containing 193,000 ounces gold. At the same cut-off grades, Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated to total 3.39 Mt at an average grade of 6.06 g/t Au containing 660,000 ounces gold. At the same cut-off grades, Inferred Mineral Resources are estimated to total 2.38 Mt at an average grade of 6.53 g/t Au containing 500,000 ounces gold. The open pit resources were constrained by a preliminary pit shell generated in Whittle software from surface to 150m below surface. Underground resources are reported at the high cut-off grade outside of the pit shell from 150 to 860m below surface.
The limited metallurgical testwork conducted so far suggests that the gold can be recovered by conventional means, such as a combination of gravity followed by cyanide leaching of the concentrate. Additional metallurgical testwork will be warranted if further exploration increases the size of the resource.
In 2018, significant gold mineralization was identified at the Percival prospect located 14 kilometres (km) to the east of the Eau Claire deposit. The Eau Claire deposit, the Percival prospect and various other mineral occurrences, displayed on Figure 3, are all located within the Eau Claire Property, also referred to as the Eau Claire Project. Gold mineralization at Percival has been defined within a 500x100x300m footprint within folded sulphidized and silicified breccias and quartz veining in an interbedded volcanic and sedimentary sequence. Fury recognized that the high-grade core of the Percival mineralization, represented by historical drill intercepts of 9.0m of 6.26 g/t gold, 8.5m of 7.13 g/t gold, and 2.0m of 8.47 g/t gold was parallel and slightly offset to magnetic stratigraphic units that define a steep westerly plunging fold hinge. Targeting of the fold hinge geometry has significantly expanded the Percival mineralized footprint with intercepts of up to 13.5m of 8.05 g/t Au, including 3m of 25.8 g/t Au. Exploration historically has focussed on Quartz-tourmaline veins (VQTL) within mafic volcanic sequences at Eau Claire, the recent identification of the Percival mineralization indicates there is good potential to discover additional mineralization and to add to the resource base within the Eau Claire Project.
Recommendations
The following summarizes the work programs recommended by the authors of the Eau Claire Technical Report Summary.
Future exploration efforts should continue to focus on the Eau Claire deposit and Percival prospect styles of mineralization identified to date as it has been shown these can host significant gold grades over width. The recommended Phase 1 work program consists of a regional portion focussed on refining known gold occurrences within the Project and attempting to define new prospects in areas with favourable geological and structural settings. In addition to the regional program, a drill program, focussed on the Eau Claire deposit, designed to tie-in the mineralization identified 450m west of the current resource with the aim of updating the current mineral resource should be completed. Additional drilling would focus on the Percival prospect and other nearby geochemical anomalies to determine the continuity and scale of gold mineralization.
The Phase 1 program is anticipated to include collection of 15,000 infill till and biogeochemical samples and 30,000 m of Diamond drilling, 20,000m at the Eau Claire deposit and 10,000m at Percival. The Phase 1 program is estimated to cost approximately $13.5 million. The estimated costs of the recommended work program are derived from Mr. Frappier-Rivard's extensive knowledge of working in Northern Quebec gained over the past 20 years with upward adjustment for the current supply and labour markets.
The Phase 2 exploration program will continue to be drill intensive. An additional 20,000 - 30,000m of diamond drilling should be completed at the Eau Claire deposit to explore the down dip potential of the limb mineralization as well as tying in the newly identified mineralization at the Gap zone and to the east of the defined resource with the ongoing goal of continuing to update the Mineral Resource Estimate. An additional 20,000m of drilling should be allocated to regional targets defined from the Phase 1 program. The Phase 2 program is estimated to cost between $18 and $22.5 million, as set forth in the table below:(Table 18).
Recommended Work Programs
Phase 1 | ||
Type | Details | Cost Estimate (C$) |
Labour | Staff Wages, Technical and Support Contractors | 1,750,000 |
Assaying | Sampling and Analytical | 750,000 |
Drilling | Diamond Drilling (30,000m at $175/m) | 5,250,000 |
Till Sampling | Detailed sampling program | 1,500,000 |
Land Management | Consultants. Assessment Filing, Claim maintenance | 750,000 |
Community Relations | Community Tours, Outreach | 75,000 |
Information Technology | Remote site communications and IT | 35,000 |
Safety | Equipment, Training and Supplies | 75,000 |
Expediting | Expediting | 150,000 |
Camp Costs | Equipment, Maintenance, Food, Supplies | 250,000 |
Freight and Transportation | Freight, Travel, Helicopter | 450,000 |
Fuel | 1,200,000 | |
General and Administration | 100,000 | |
Sub-total | 12,335,000 | |
Contingency (10%) | 1,233,500 | |
Total | 13,568,500 | |
Phase 2 | ||
Type | Details | Cost Estimate (C$) |
Labour | Staff Wages, Technical and Support Contractors | 2,250,000 |
Drilling | Diamond Drilling (40,000 - 50,000m) | 7,875,000 |
Assaying | Sampling and Analytical | 1,000,000 |
Community Relations | Community Tours, Outreach | 100,000 |
Information Technology | Remote site communications and IT | 100,000 |
Safety | Equipment, Training and Supplies | 125,000 |
Expediting | Expediting | 250,000 |
Camp Costs | Equipment, Maintenance, Food, Supplies | 750,000 |
Freight and Transportation | Fright, Travel, Helicopter | 1,950,000 |
Fuel | 3,000,000 | |
General and Administration | 500,000 | |
Sub-total | 17,900,000 | |
Contingency (10%) | 1,790,000 | |
Total | 19,690,000 |
2021 - 2023 Eau Claire Exploration Program
From 2020 through to 2022, Fury completed a total of 79 diamond drill holes for approximately 52,960m on the Eau Claire Project. The drill program consisted of i) an extension phase focused on extensions to the known vein corridors along strike from the Eau Claire resource ("Extension Program"); ii) an exploration phase designed to test targets along the 4.5km long deposit trend ("Exploration Program") and iii) an exploration phase of drilling designed to test targets at the Percival prospect 14km east of the Eau Claire Deposit.
The focus of the 2022 exploration campaign has been on the Exploration and Regional Programs, with an emphasis on extending the resource within the Western Hinge Target as well as along the southeast margin of the Eau Claire deposit, and drill testing the Percival target. The Company completed its 2022 drilling program in October 2022, drilling 28 holes, approximately 17,700m, exceeding the original planned drilling program of 15,000m. Overall, the Company drilled approximately 52,700m during 2021 and 2022, compared to a target of 50,000m due to certain efficiencies achieved. Additionally, during the third quarter of 2022, the Company completed a soil sampling surveys on three grids targeting five priority regional exploration targets within the adjacent Lac Clarkie property.
The Expansion Program at the Eau Claire deposit targets the southeast margin of the existing inferred mineral resource, which is currently defined by 204,000 ounces ("oz") at 11.81 grams per tonne ("g/t") Au (using a 2.5 g/t Au cut-off grade). This drill program is designed to connect isolated defined resource blocks as well as to expand the resource to the east. Results from the four holes completed in the second quarter of 2022 were released on August 3, 2022 including 4.43 g/t Au over 1.43m and 4.60 g/t Au over 1.25m, with hole 22EC-048 exhibiting four zones of high grade and broad widths of more moderate grade, including 3.50m of 4.79 g/t gold, 1.00m of 14.19 g/t gold, 3.50m of 5.86 g/t gold, 1.00m of 20.6 g/t gold and 17.50m of 1.29 g/t Au.
On January 23, 2023, the Company released results for the final hole completed at the Hinge Target in 2022. Drill hole 22EC-059 was drilled oblique to all other drilling at the Hinge Target (at an angle of 150 degrees) and provides confirmation of the current geological interpretation. The hole intercepted eight zones of gold mineralization across 350m drilled width including 1.50m of 22.77 g/t gold, 1.50m of 15.30 g/t gold and 1.50m of 6.46 g/t gold. These intercepts extend the gold mineralization and represent a 100m offset to the west and a 150m vertical offset of the defined shallow 850 Zone within the Hinge Target. Notably, the reported intercept of 1.50m of 22.77 g/t gold at a downhole depth of 181.5m, approximately 155m below surface, is one of the shallowest high-grade intercepts to date within the Hinge Target zone.
The exploration drilling program along the Eau Claire deposit trend continues to demonstrate the potential to significantly expand the Eau Claire deposit to the west. The focus during 2022 has been on the Western Hinge, and Gap Zone as well as along the north limb of the anticline. All exploration targets within the Deposit Trend have the potential to significantly expand the Eau Claire mineralized footprint. To date the footprint of gold mineralization has been increased by over 455m or 25% at the Hinge Target alone and remains open to further expansion to the West. The eleven holes drilled into the Hinge Target have had a hit rate of nearly 55% above the Eau Claire underground measured and indicated resource grade of 6.3 g/t gold and over 80% above the underground cut-off grade of 2.5 g/t gold.
In April 2023, Fury Gold commenced a drilling program at the Eau Claire Deposit, comprising of 10,000m to 15,000m with the goals of i) continuing expansion of the high-grade Eau Claire resource; ii) following up on the 2022 success at the Percival Prospect 14 kilometres (km) to the east of Eau Claire; and iii) advancing several early-stage exploration targets along the Cannard Deformation Zone to the drill ready stage. Results from the first three 2023 core holes at the Hinge Target located immediately west of the Eau Claire Deposit included 5m of 3.6 g/t gold, 6.0m of 2.77 g/t Au and 1.0m of 10.35 g/t Au. Additional drill intercepts released on October 3, 2023 including 3.5m of 5.73 g/t gold and 11.27 g/t Tellurium and 7.43g/t gold over 2.5m within a broader interval of 4.65g/t gold and 8.72 g/t Tellurium over 4.5m. Final results from the 12,000m 2023 drilling program at the Hinge Target , part of the high-grade Eau Claire Project, were released on February 6, 2024. Highlights from these last five drill holes include 17.62 g/t gold over 3.50m, including 29.80 g/t gold over 2m, and 22.20 g/t gold over 0.50m.
During the last quarter of 2023, the Company completed an 18,800m drill program at Eau Claire, exceeding the original 15,000m of planned drilling for the year.
Regional Exploration:
The Percival prospect, located 14km east of the Eau Claire deposit, is currently represented by a 500m by 100m mineralized footprint hosted within folded sulphidized and silicified breccias in an interbedded volcanic and sedimentary sequence. Previous geochemical surveys did not image the shallow gold mineralization represented by historical drill intercepts of 93.1m of 2.22 g/t Au, 9.0m of 6.26 g/t Au, 8.5m of 7.13 g/t Au and 2.0m of 8.47 g/t Au. An orientation survey, conducted in 2020, was able to successfully detect the gold mineralization at Percival through biogeochemistry sampling. In 2021 a biogeochemical survey covering 6.5km of prospective stratigraphy along the Percival trend identified 15 discrete gold and pathfinder anomalies(+/- As, Pb, Zn). Two of these anomalies were previously known prospects, Percival and Carodoc, the remaining 13 anomalies are new occurrences of gold and associated pathfinder mineralization.
A 28.89 line-km Induced Polarization ground geophysical survey completed along the Percival trend covered 8 of the 15 identified biogeochemical anomalies mentioned above. The survey identified discrete resistivity anomalies within a highly chargeable package of rocks. The resistivity anomalies fingerprint the sulphide-rich silica breccia gold-bearing bodies at Percival.
Targeting at Percival has significantly advanced recently with the completion of the Induced Polarization ground geophysical survey as well as a biogeochemical survey covering 6.5km of the Percival trend. The higher-grade Percival mineralization is sub-parallel to magnetic stratigraphic units that define a steeply plunging fold geometry. Based on the advancement in targeting at Percival the Company commenced an initial drilling program in late Q2 2022. Three holes targeted the parallel hinge 500m to the east of Percival proper for a total of 2,052m. A further five holes were completed to test extensions of the historical gold mineralization at Percival proper for a total of 2,667m. The results from the 2022 Regional Exploration diamond drilling program confirm that the high-grade core of the Percival mineralization plunges steeply to the west and remains open in all directions. Highlights included an 85m step out from historical high-grade mineralization which intercepted 13.5m of 8.05 g/t Au, (including 3.00m of 25.8 g/t Au) in drill hole 22KP-008 and a 150m step out which intercepted 7.5m of 4.38 g/t Au, (including 3m of 8.7 g/t Au, and 3m of 5.5 g/t Au) in drill hole 22KP-005.
On February 13, 2023, the Company announced results from a soil sampling program testing five priority regional targets. The survey defined a total of eight gold targets, six of which lie along the Cannard Deformation Zone which hosts numerous gold occurrences along its >100km mapped extent including Fury's Eau Claire Deposit and Percival Prospect. Results of up to 85 parts per billion (ppb) gold and 590ppb silver were returned from the 2,529 samples collected. A total of 62 samples returned values above 50ppb gold, background values in gold as defined by the 50th percentile are 1ppb gold. Ninety-two samples returned results above 100ppb silver, background value of silver from the survey as defined by the 50th percentile of 20ppb silver.
On November 6, 2023, the Company announced results for the first five 2023 core drill holes from the Percival Main prospect, located 14 kilometers (km) east of the high-grade Eau Claire Project. Drill hole 23KP-015 targeted a 70 meter (m) step out from the 2022 drilling on the eastern flank of the known Percival Main mineralization and intercepted 279 g/t Au over 1.5m, 5.0m of 2.68 g/t gold and 7.5m of 2.31 g/t gold. Drill hole 23KP-015 is on the eastern most section completed to date at Percival Main which remains open in all directions. Three drill holes targeted the westerly continuation of the high-grade intercept reported from drill hole 22KP-008. These drill holes intercepted 22.5m of 0.52 g/t gold from 23KP-009; 19.5m of 0.66 g/t gold from 23KP-010 and; 52.5m of 0.34 g/t gold from 23KP-011. Results from a single hole testing the easterly continuation of the same 2022 intercept encountered additional broad zones of mineralization including 48.5m of 0.86 g/t gold, 16.5m of 1.42 g/t gold, including 11.55 g/t gold over 1.5m, and 14m of 1.09 g/t gold from 23KP-012.
Committee Bay Project
The following disclosure relating to the Committee Bay Project is based on information derived from the technical report summary entitled "Technical Report on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada" dated effective December 31, 2023, prepared by Bryan Atkinson, P.Geo. as Senior Vice President Exploration of Fury Gold Mines (the "Committee Bay Technical Report Summary"). The Committee Bay Technical Report Summary conforms to the SEC's Modernized Property Disclosure Requirements for Mining Registrants as described in S-K 1300 and Item 601(b)(96) - Technical Report Summary. All information of a scientific or technical nature contained below and provided after the date of the Committee Bay Technical Report Summary has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Atkinson as a "qualified person" for the purposes of SK-1300.
The Committee Bay Project is a material property for the purposes of S-K 1300.
Description and Location
The Committee Bay Project is located in the eastern part of the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut, approximately 430 km northwest of the town of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. The Project is accessible by air, either from Rankin Inlet or Baker Lake, Nunavut. Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake are serviced seasonally by barge and ship. The hamlets of Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, Naujaat, Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak, and Kugaaruk are accessible by scheduled commercial flights.
The Committee Bay Project consists of 57 Crown Leases and 154 mineral claims in six non-contiguous blocks totaling approximately 254,933.10 ha.
The figure below presents property location and claims comprising the Committee Bay project:
Access, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
The Committee Bay Project is accessed via fixed wing charter primarily through a 914 m, graded, esker airstrip at Hayes Camp, a permitted, seasonally prepared 1,580 m winter ice airstrip, which is constructed on the adjacent Sandspit Lake, or a 320m tundra airstrip at the Bullion Camp.
The Committee Bay Project is located in the Wager Bay Plateau Ecoregion of the Northern Arctic Ecozone (Marshall and Schutt, 1999). This ecoregion is classified as having a low arctic ecoclimate. Summers are short and cold, with mean daily temperatures above freezing only in July and August. Snow cover usually lasts from September to June, but it can fall during any month. Most of the lakes are icebound until approximately mid-July. Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, but drifting of snow in the winter can result in considerable localized accumulations, particularly on the sides of hills. Fog is often a problem near the coast and at higher elevations particularly during the late spring to early summer and the fall months.
There is no permanent infrastructure at the Committee Bay Project. The Company maintains four camps to support seasonal exploration campaigns in various portions of the Committee Bay Project, namely the Hayes Camp (100 person capacity), the Bullion Camp (20 to 40 person capacity), Crater Camp (40 person capacity) and the Ingot Camp (10 person capacity). A drill water system is maintained at the Three Bluffs site.
Geology, Mineralization and Deposit Types
The Committee Bay Project area, situated in the Churchill Structural Province, is underlain by Archean and Proterozoic rocks and extensively covered by Quaternary glacial drift. It comprises three distinct Archean sub-domains (Prince Albert Group, Northern Migmatite, and Walker Lake Intrusive Complex).
The CBGB, which hosts the gold occurrences discussed in the Committee Bay Report, is composed of Prince Albert Group rocks. These are bounded by the wide, northeast-striking Slave-Chantrey mylonite belt to the northwest and by the Amer and Wager Bay shear zones to the south. Two major fault systems, the northeast-striking Kellet fault and the northwest-striking Hayes River fault, intersect the central portion of the CBGB and cut the Prince Albert Group rocks. Gold occurrences in the CBGB appear to be spatially related to the major shear systems and their sub-structures indicating the potential for the re-mobilization of mineral-bearing fluids along these structures.
The regional strike of rock units in the West Laughland Lake area is generally north but shows a degree of variability. Units, generally vertically dipping in much of the CBGB, have a more moderate to shallow dip at Four Hills. Rocks generally strike northeast from Four Hills east to the Committee Bay Project. In the Hayes River area, the east-striking Walker Lake shear zone is the dominant structure. Dips in the Hayes River area are generally sub-vertical and there is evidence of flexural shear and silicification along lithological contacts between iron formation and talc-actinolite schist (meta-komatiite). Rocks of the Curtis River area, approximately 120 km northeast of the Hayes River area, strike northeast and dip sub-vertically.
The iron formations that host the Three Bluffs, Antler, Hayes, and Ledge gold occurrences have unique lithological associations with their contact rocks and do not appear to be stratigraphically equivalent.
Three low, rounded, rusty outcrops, called West, Central, and East, comprise the Three Bluffs gold occurrence. Gold mineralization is hosted in gossanous, predominantly oxide, silicate, and sulphide facies iron formations. Iron formation thicknesses range from 25 m to 30 m at the West Bluff to 55 m at the Central Bluff. The Three Bluffs iron formation maintains a thickness of 10 m for a minimum strike length of 1.8 km and is at least 55 m thick for 700 m. The iron formations are poorly banded to massive with locally shared, quartz-veined intervals of up to 3 m near lithological contacts. Chlorite and epidote alteration indicates either lower amphibolite grade metamorphism (epidote-amphibolite facies) or the result of retrograde greenschist facies metamorphism associated with gold deposition. Local mineralization, composed of disseminated pyrite and pyrrhotite, can occupy up to 50% of the rock volume.
History
Key historical events for the project are include: (i) in 1961 and 1967, mapping was done in the area by the Geological Survey of Canada ("GSC"); (ii) in 1970, King Resources Company conducted reconnaissance geological mapping and sampling in the Laughland Lake and Ellice Hills areas, with follow-up work including geophysics and detailed mapping, trenching, and sampling; (iii) in 1970, 1974, and 1976 Cominco Ltd. Carried out reconnaissance and detailed geological mapping, ground geophysics, and sampling in the Hayes River area; (iv) in 1971, the Aquitaine Company conducted airborne electromagnetic ('EM") and magnetometer surveys; (v) from 1972 to 1977, detailed re-mapping of the area was done by the GSC; (vi) in 1979, Urangesellschaft Canada Ltd. Carried out reconnaissance airborne radiometric surveys and prospecting for uranium in the Laughland Lake area; (vii) in 1986, Wollex carried out geological mapping and rock sampling in the West Laughland Lake area; (viii) in 1992, GSC conducted geological re-assessment of the mineral potential of the Prince Albert Group; (ix) in 1994, channel sampling carried out over the Three Bluffs area but the results were lost; (x) in 1996, Terraquest Ltd. Conducted a high-resolution airborne magnetometer survey; (xi) from 1997 to 1998, P.H. Thompson Geological Consulting Ltd. Conducted regional geological mapping in the Three Bluffs area; (xii) from 1999 to 2002: GSC conducted a multi-disciplinary study of the Committee Bay Greenstone Belt ("CBGB"); (xiii) from 1992 to 2012, North Country Gold and its predecessors Carried out prospecting, rock sampling, gridding, airborne and ground geophysics, geophysics, geological mapping, and reverse circulation and diamond drilling on several of the gold targets including Three Bluffs, Three Bluffs West, West Plains, Anuri, Inuk, Antler, and Hayes.
Historical drilling (pre-2015) on the Project amounts to 68,269.98 metres drilled in 426 drill holes. Of the historical drilling, 351 drill holes comprising 58,575.56 m were completed at Three Bluffs and are the basis for the Three Bluffs Mineral Resource described below.
Sampling, Analyses and Data Verification
Committee Bay RAB Drilling QA/QC Disclosure
Intercepts were calculated using a minimum of a 0.25 g/t Au cut off at beginning and end of the intercept and allowing for no more than four consecutive samples (six metres) of less than 0.25 g/t Au.
Analytical samples were taken using 1/8 of each 5ft (1.52m) interval material (chips) and sent to ALS Global ("ALS") Lab in Yellowknife, NWT and Vancouver, BC for preparation and then to ALS Lab in Vancouver, BC for analysis. All samples are assayed using 30g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (Au-AA25) and multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (ME-MS61). Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") programs using internal standard samples, field and lab duplicates and blanks indicate good accuracy and precision in a large majority of standards assayed.
Committee Bay Diamond Drilling QA/QC Disclosure
Intercepts were calculated using a minimum of a 0.25 g/t Au cut off at beginning and end of the intercept and allowing for no more than six consecutive metres of less than 0.25 g/t Au.
Analytical samples were taken by sawing NQ diameter core into equal halves on site and sent one of the halves to ALS Lab in Yellowknife, NWT for preparation and then to ALS Lab in Vancouver, BC for analysis. All samples are assayed using 50g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (Au-AA26) and multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (ME-MS61). QA/QC programs using internal standard samples, field and lab duplicates and blanks indicate good accuracy. Due to the nuggety nature of mineralization encountered, the Company will be running additional analysis on duplicate samples to better understand the analytical precision.
True widths of mineralization are unknown based on current geometric understanding of the mineralized intervals.
Committee Bay Grabs QA/QC Disclosure:
Approximately 1 to 2kg of material was collected for analysis and sent to ALS Lab in Vancouver, BC for preparation and analysis. All samples are assayed using 50g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (Au-AA26) and multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (ME-MS61). QA/QC programs for 2018 rock grab samples using internal standard samples, lab duplicates, standards and blanks indicate good accuracy and precision in a large majority of standards assayed. Grab samples are selective in nature and cannot be consider as representative of the underlying mineralization.
Core arrives in camp at the end of each drill shift where geological technicians check and correct and downhole distance discrepancies. Technicians record core recovery, fracture density and orientation, magnetic susceptibility, and overall rock quality designation. Geological logging follows, comprising measurement and descriptions of geological units and the collection of semi- quantitative data such as the number of visible gold occurrences, volume percent sulphide minerals, volume percent of alteration minerals, volume percent vein quartz, etc. Sample intervals are then designated by the logging geologist focusing on sulphide bearing and/or silicified Intervals that are well bracketed by apparently unmineralized rock. Protocols limit sampling intervals between 0.75 m and 1 m in length with a minimum length of 0.3 m and a maximum length of 1.5 m so long as geological boundaries were honoured.
Drill core is digitally photographed and core samples are marked for sawing. Sampling intervals, geological boundaries, and a "saw line" are marked by the logging geologist and the core is sawed in half longitudinally by technicians. One half of the core is placed in a sample bag with a uniquely numbered tag and secured with plastic cable ties. Each batch of 20 field samples contain a blank and one of four commercial certified reference materials. The remaining half core is returned to the core box for reference. The majority of the reference core remains on-site except for chosen intervals which are taken to Edmonton, Alberta for display purposes. Individual sample bags are placed inside a larger bag which is closed with a security seal for shipment to the laboratory.
Assaying procedures are generally similar to those used in 2003, with some minor modifications. The standard aliquot size was increased to 2AT (58.32 g) and the samples were all analyzed using FA with a gravimetric finish. Selected samples, containing visible gold or which assayed greater than 20 g/t Au, are re-analyzed using metallic screen fire assay that include twin 2AT gravimetric assays of the fine fraction. A pulp from each sample is sent for standard 30 element ICP analysis using a three-acid digestion.
All the RAB and diamond drill core samples are analyzed at the ALS laboratory in Vancouver, BC, by fire assay of a 50 g sample followed by a gravimetric finish according to ALS lab code Au-GRA22 and by a multi-element inductively couple plasma atomic emission spectrometry or mass spectrometry ("ICP-AES/ICP-MS") package following a four acid digestion of a one gram sample according to ALS lab code ME-MS61. Sample intervals with visible gold in core were assayed using a Screen Fire Assay method on a one kg sample according to ALS lab code Au-SCR24 where the entire sample is screened to 100 μm and firs assays are performed on a 50 g sample of <100 μm material and on the entire >100 μm material. The fire assay is calculated as a weighted average of the two fire assays.
In the opinion of Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. ("RPA", formerly Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc.), the sample collection, preparation, analysis, transport, and security procedures at the Committee Bay Project are adequate for use in the estimation of mineral resources.
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
2003 Metallurgical Testing
Dawson Metallurgical Laboratories, Inc. of Salt Lake City, Utah, was commission in 2003 to conduct metallurgical tests on Three Bluffs mineralized material. Twelve drill core samples, eight high-grade and four low-grade, totaling approximately 20 kg were used. The mineralogical study reported the principal sulphide minerals as pyrrhotite with minor pyrite. No reference was made to any deleterious elements in the samples.
The test indicated that 92% gold recovery could be achieved with cyanidation but the presence of pyrrhotite would result in high cyanide consumption. RPA notes that these preliminary tests suggest gold at Three Bluffs can be recovered using conventional methods.
2008 Metallurgical Testing
Mineral processing testwork comprising exploratory gravity concentration, cyanide leaching, and froth flotation studies were undertaken by Process Research Associates Ltd. ("PRA") under the guidance of RPA. The sample used was a 110 kg composite of drill core samples from the 2007 exploration program with an average estimated grade of 4.3 g/t Au and 7.5% S.
Additional gravity recovery test work on Three Bluffs mineralization was performed by Knelson Research Technology Centre. An 18 kg sample, taken from a composite of coarse rejects sample material from 2007 drill core samples, was subjected to multi-pass testing utilizing a bench-scale enhanced gravity concentrator. The tests were designed to examine recovery trends for gold and gold-bearing sulphides.
Based on the composite sample tested it was expected that Three Bluffs mineralization could be processed by various standard beneficiation steps to recover approximately 93% of the gold. The limited metallurgical testwork conducted to date suggests that the gold can be recovered by conventional means, a combination of gravity and flotation followed by cyanide leaching of the concentrate. The metallurgical test results indicated that a combination of gravity and flotation followed by cyanide leaching of the concentrate is likely the most suitable processing option.
2009 Metallurgical Testing
Follow-up work at PRA was then undertaken in April 2009 to look specifically at a flowsheet consisting of gravity recovery followed by cyanidation. These results were reported by PRA on May 6, 2009.
At a primary grind size P80 of 74 μm, gold was effectively extracted by gravity and flotation, with 96% of the gold recovered. In a single Locked-Cycle test, a gravity circuit recovery of 60.5% gold in 0.22% of mass, followed by a cleaner flotation recovery of 35.3% gold in 17.7% of the mass, was obtained. Thus, an overall gold recovery of 95.8% in 17.9% of the mass was shown to be possible. Flotation recovery without gravity scalping was also reasonably successful.
Flotation concentrate was subjected to cyanide leach testwork. A total of eight concentrate leach tests were performed. A single whole ore cyanide leach test obtained 79.2% gold extraction after 48 hours and 94.6% after 72 hours.
Several issues were identified during metallurgical testing of samples, the largest issue lies with cyanide consumption. Cyanide consumption has been found to be extremely high at up to 0.2 kg/h, while leaching kinetics remain low. Another issue that has been identified is that gold bearing sulphides are not amenable to enhanced gravity separation, therefore batch concentration and not continuous gravity concentration should be utilized.
Based on the samples tested to date, Three Bluffs ore is generally considered to be relatively free-milling. Gravity concentration has been effective in recovering up to 60% of the gold. Much of the remaining gold can be effectively recovered by either flotation or cyanide leaching to produce an overall metallurgical recovery above 90%. RPA recommends further optimization and variability work on a greater variety of samples from the Three Bluffs property if further economic studies are conducted.
There has been no mineralogical processing and metallurgical testing since 2009.
Committee Bay Mineral Resource Estimates
The mineral resources at the Committee Bay Project are estimated to be approximately 2.07 million tonnes of indicated mineral resources grading 7.85 g/t Au, containing 524,000 ounces of gold, and 2.93 million tonnes of inferred mineral resources grading 7.64 g/t Au, containing 720,000 ounces of gold as of September 11, 2023. No additional drilling within the resource has been completed and the 2017 Mineral Resource Estimate and the 2017 block model remains appropriate for the 2023 mineral resource calculation in the opinion of Mr. Atkinson. Mr. Atkinson acknowledges that some other parties may be using somewhat higher long-term gold price assumptions than were used for this estimate. A bulk density of 3.15 t/m3 was applied for estimation of tonnage. This value was derived from a total of 6,426 density determinations carried out on drill core from a variety of locations in the deposit.
The estimate was carried out using a block model method constrained by wireframe grade shell models, with Inverse Distance Cubed ("ID3") weighting. Two sets of wireframes and block models were employed: one contemplated open pit mining and the other, underground mining. The block model grade interpolations were checked by (i) an inspection of the interpolated block grades in plan and section views and comparison to the composite grades, and (ii) through a statistical comparison of global block and composite mean grades. Inspection of the block grades in plan and section indicates that the grade estimation honours the drill hole grades reasonably well.
The reported mineral resources at calculated cut-off grades of 3.0 g/t Au for open pit mining and 4.0 g/t Au for underground mining based on the following assumptions:
To fulfill the resource criteria of "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction", a pit shell analysis was run on the 0.5 g/t Au model to determine how much of the deposit could potentially be extracted using open pit methods. The analysis was done using Whittle software with very preliminary assumptions for pit slopes, metallurgical recovery, prices, and costs.
For this mineral resource the preliminary pit shell that was optimized in 2013 using a different gold price and cost assumptions (listed below) than those used to calculate the updated cut-off grade. Mr. Atkinson considers this approach reasonable given that the pit shell used to report open pit resources is conceptual and the relative difference between the underground and open-pit resource cut-off grades is negligible.
The following cost assumptions were used:
Blocks from the open pit model captured within this shell were considered eligible for reporting as open pit resources. The same pit shell was applied to the underground model, except that blocks from this model were included in the resource only if they were outside of the shell.
Mineral Resources as of December 31, 2023
Class | Type | Cut-off (g/t AU) |
Tonnes (000 t) |
Gold Grade (g/t Au) |
Contained Gold (oz Au) |
Indicated | Open Pit | 3.0 | 1,760 | 7.72 | 437,000 |
Indicated | Underground | 4.0 | 310 | 8.57 | 86,000 |
Total | 2,070 | 7.85 | 524,000 | ||
Inferred | Open Pit | 3.0 | 590 | 7.57 | 144,000 |
Inferred | Underground | 4.0 | 2,340 | 7.65 | 576,000 |
Total | 2,930 | 7.64 | 720,000 |
Notes:
1. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability, although, as per CIM requirements, the Mineral Resources reported above have been determined to have demonstrated reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
2. The Mineral Resources were estimated in accordance with S-K 1300 definitions, which are consistent with the definitions adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions (2014) and Best Practices Guidelines (2019) prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by the CIM Council.
3. The Mineral Resources Committee Bay Gold Project was initially reported in Ross (2017) - QP David A. Ross, M.Sc., P.Geo, effective date of May 31, 2017.
4. The resources reported above are reviewed in detail within this Report and are accepted as effective as of December 31, 2023 by the Qualified Person, Mr. Bryan Atkinson, Senior Vice President Exploration of the Company.
5. The Cutoff grades were determined using average block grade values within the estimation domains and an Au price of US$1,200/oz, and Process Recovery of 93%, Open Pit mining costs of C$10.00/t, Underground mining costs of C$70.00/t, Process and G&A costs of approximately C$75/t and an exchange rate of 1.25 US$/C$.
6. A bulk density values value of 3.15 t/m3 was assigned based on available SG measurements.
7. Differences may occur in totals due to rounding.
Exploration Program Recommendations
The following summarizes the work programs recommended by the authors of the Committee Bay Technical Report Summary for the Committee Bay Project. The Phase 1 program is anticipated to include collection of 15,000 infill detailed till samples and 7,500 m of Diamond drilling along the shear zone sub-parallel to the Three Bluffs deposit. The Phase 1 program is estimated to cost approximately $5 million Details of the recommended Phase I program can be found below.
A Phase 2 exploration program will be drill intensive. An additional 10,000 - 15,000m of diamond drilling should be completed at the Three Bluffs deposit to explore the down dip potential of the limb mineralization as well as tying in the newly identified shear zone hosted mineralization with the ultimate goal of updating the Mineral Resource Estimate. An additional 10,000m of drilling should be allocated to regional targets defined from the Phase 1 program. The Phase 2 program is estimated to cost between $15 and $20 million. Details of the recommended Phase 2 program can be found below.
Recommended Work Programs for 2024 and beyond
Phase 1 | |||
Type | Details | Cost Estimate (C$) | |
Labour | Staff Wages, Technical and Support Contractors | 350,000 | |
Assaying | Sampling and Analytical | 150,000 | |
Drilling | Three Bluffs Diamond Drilling (7,500 meters at $220/m) | 1,650,000 | |
Till Sampling | Detailed sampling program | 120,000 | |
Land Management | Consultants. Assessment Filing, Lease Payments | 250,000 | |
Community Relations | Community Tours, Outreach | 30,000 | |
Information Technology | Remote site communications and IT | 35,000 | |
Safety | Equipment, Training and Supplies | 15,000 | |
Expediting | Expediting (Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, Churchill) | 150,000 | |
Camp Costs | Equipment, Maintenance, Food, Supplies | 250,000 | |
Freight and Transportation | Freight, Travel, Helicopter, Fixed Wing | 450,000 | |
Fuel | 1,000,000 | ||
General and Administration | 100,000 | ||
Sub-total | 4,550,000 | ||
Contingency (10%) | 455,000 | ||
Total | 5,005,000 |
Phase 2 | |||
Type | Details | Cost Estimate (C$) | |
Labour | Staff Wages, Technical and Support Contractors | 1,750,000 | |
Drilling | 20,000 - 25,000 m Diamond Drilling at Three Bluffs and regional | 6,500,000 | |
Assaying | Sampling and Analytical | 750,000 | |
Community Relations | Community Tours, Outreach | 50,000 | |
Information Technology | Remote site communications and IT | 150,000 | |
Safety | Equipment, Training and Supplies | 75,000 | |
Expediting | Expediting (Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, Churchill) | 550,000 | |
Camp Costs | Equipment, Maintenance, Food, Supplies | 1,250,000 | |
Freight and Transportation | Freight, Travel, Helicopter, Fixed Wing | 1,950,000 | |
Fuel | 2,750,000 | ||
General and Administration | 400,000 | ||
Sub-total | 16,175,000 | ||
Contingency (10%) | 1,617,500 | ||
Total | 17,792,500 |
2015 through 2021 Committee Bay Exploration by Fury
Since acquiring the Project, Fury Gold has completed a total of 47,194.47 m of RAB drilling in 271 drill holes as well as 14,006.28 m of diamond drilling as part of the Phase 1 recommendations detailed above. In addition to the drilling extensive regional and infill till geochemical campaigns, ground and airborne geophysical surveying as well as aerial drone surveying have been undertaken. The Company has incurred approximately $60M in expenditures exploring the Project. The Company views that the results from this exploration further support conclusions drawn in the Committee Bay Report and do not represent a material change to the Committee Bay Project. The Company intends to continue its exploration in accordance with the Phase 2 recommendations with the continued testing of regional drill targets and expansion drilling at the Three Bluffs deposit.
The Company did not undertake an exploration program at Committee Bay in 2022 in order to focus available resources on the exploration program in Quebec.
2018 Committee Bay Exploration Program
During 2018, the Company drilled approximately 10,000 m across several targets in the vicinity of the Three Bluffs deposit but away from known mineralization. Summarized results from this program are highlighted as follows:
Aiviq - 16 core and 7 RAB holes - The majority of the core drill holes intersected 20 - 40 meter widths of intense quartz veining and sulphidized banded iron formations. Results from the Aiviq core drill program include highlights of 13.5 m of 1.54 g/t gold (including 6 m of 3.3 g/t gold) 4.5 m of 2.93/t Au, and 1.5 m of 8.95/t Au;
Kalulik - 8 RAB holes - The 2018 drill program at Kalulik identified two separate gold-bearing hydrothermal systems, 4 km apart, that intersected broad zones of low-grade mineralization over 10 - 20 meter widths within sulphidized banded iron formations and associated quartz veining. These results include 21.34 m at 0.4 g/t gold and 16.76 m at 0.45 g/t gold; and,
2019 Committee Bay Exploration Program
During 2019, the Company followed up on the results from its 2018 program by completing the following:
Machine Learning - A total of twelve new targets were generated through unbiased processing of existing exploration data. Two of the targets overlapped with the Company's geologist derived targets adjacent to the Aiviq and Kalulik discoveries;
Drill Program - A 2,700m diamond drill program at the Committee Bay Project targeted a combination of both machine learning and traditional geologist generated targets and drilled a new gold-bearing system along the regional fault zone that hosts the Aiviq and Kalulik systems. These results include 30 m of 0.67 g/t gold, including 1.5m of 5.03 g/t gold; and
IP Survey - A 27 line - kilometer induced polarization survey was conducted to identify both chargeability and conductivity targets along the Aiviq-Shamrock corridor.
2021 Committee Bay Project Drill and Exploration Program
The Company completed 2,587m of diamond drilling during a six-week field program in the third quarter of 2021. The drilling was focused on expanding the defined high-grade mineralization at the Raven prospect and testing the potential mineralization below the current resource at the Three Bluffs deposit.
Raven Prospect
The Raven prospect is located in the southwest third of the Committee Bay Gold Belt, approximately 50 km west of the Three Bluffs deposit. The prospect is situated along an 8km long shear zone where defined gold mineralization is strongly associated with arsenopyrite within sheared and altered gabbros as well as within quartz veins marking the contact between the gabbro and metasediments over a known strike length of approximately 1.2km. There have been 207 rock samples historically taken over the defined area of mineralization, with 30 samples returning values greater than 5 g/t gold with a peak value of 143 g/t gold. Importantly, only 1.2km of the 8km shear zone has been systematically explored to date.
The prospect has a total of nine historical drill holes totaling 1,670m with intercepts including 5.49m of 12.6 g/t gold, 2.84m of 31.1 g/t gold, and 5.38m of 2.99 g/t gold over a drilled strike length of 400m. Historical drilling at the prospect has defined a high-grade body of mineralization approximately 250m in length, with a 30-degree plunge to the east that is open along strike and down dip. Highlights include drill intercepts of 9.18 g/t gold (Au) over 1.5 metres (m) and 7.30 g/t Au over 1.0m in drill hole 21RV-012 and 0.88 g/t Au over 8.00m in drill hole 21RV-011 as well as rock grab results of up to 32.90 g/t Au from a newly identified gold mineralized outcrop 150m to the south of the Raven structure that was drilled in this program.
The reported intercepts have extended mineralization 160m down dip and 70m along strike from historical drilling at Raven. These results paired with the identification of a previously untested gold mineralized structure clearly indicate the significance of the Raven structure and shear zones in general, as exploration targets along the belt. Additional till sampling was completed at the Raven prospect to explore the entire length of the 8km shear zone to define new targets. The sampling has identified high-grade gold mineralization 150m south of the main Raven showing along an undrilled structure at the edge of an 8km long regional shear zone. Seven rock grab samples from outcrop returned results above 10 g/t Au with a peak of 32.9 g/t Au. Gold and arsenic in till now define a coherent 1,400m by 500m anomaly at Raven.
Three Bluffs Deposit
The Three Bluffs deposit contains a high-grade resource defined by 525,000oz at 7.85 g/t gold in the indicated category and 720,000oz at 7.64 g/t gold in the inferred category. The deposit is characterized by gold mineralization hosted within a folded, silicified, and sulphidized banded iron formation. The anticline that defines the deposit has a strike length of approximately 4km and has been drilled from 150m to 650m vertical depth and is open down dip. High-grade mineralization at the deposit is associated with high conductivity responses due to the intense sulphidation of the banded iron formation as evidenced in the hinge zone of the anticline.
Fury Gold's primary target for 2021 at the Three Bluffs deposit was a conductive body that measures 600m by 200m at a vertical depth of between 300m and 500m. The target is down dip from high grade mineralization within the limbs of the anticline and is offsetting the following intersections: 5m of 40.6 g/t gold, 5.3m of 29.03 g/t gold, 11m of 16.23 g/t gold, 5m of 15.2 g/t gold, 2m of 21.81 g/t gold, and 2m of 19.38 g/t gold. The Company completed a single drill hole that intersected 10.0m of 13.93 g/t Au, 3.0m of 18.67 g/t Au and 1.0m of 23.2 g/t Au (Figure 5). These intercepts are associated with a deformation zone within a meta-sediment unit that is underexplored at Three Bluffs.
Figure 1: Three Bluffs Gold Deposit Long Section Looking North depicting the 2021 drilling results.
2022 and 2023 Committee Bay Project Exploration Program
The Company did not undertake an exploration program in 2022 and 2023 in order to focus all resources on the Quebec programs. However all claims were and are maintained in good standing.
Éléonore South Property, Québec, Canada
All information of a scientific or technical nature contained below has been reviewed and approved by David Frappier-Rivard, the Company's Exploration Manager and a "qualified person" for the purposes of SK-1300.
The Éléonore South Property is not a material property for the purposes of S-K 1300.
The Éléonore South property is strategically located in an area of prolific gold mineralization within the Eeyou Istchee James Bay gold camp and is locally defined by Newmont's Éléonore mine and Sirios Resources' Cheechoo deposit. The property has been explored over the last 12 years by the joint venture focused on the extension of the Cheechoo deposit mineralization within the portion of the Cheechoo Tonalite on the joint venture ground. Approximately 27,000m of drilling in 172 drill holes, covering only a small proportion of the property at the Moni and JT prospects has been completed. Notable drill intercepts include 53.25m of 4.22 g/t gold (Au); 6.0m of 49.50 g/t Au including 1.0m of 294 g/t Au and 23.8m of 3.08 g/t Au including 1.5m of 27.80 g/t Au.
In December 2020, Fury Gold announced the recognition of a large-scale gold in till anomaly on the Éléonore South property through a review of historical datasets. This target has not been drill tested. In September 2021 the ESJV initiated a field program designed to refine the broad geochemical anomaly into discrete targets for further follow up and eventual drill testing. Additionally, a regional survey was completed on the southern third of the property where no historical systematic sampling had been completed.
During the third quarter of 2022 an orientation biogeochemical sampling survey was completed over a buried fold hinge target interpreted to be hosted within the same sedimentary rock package as Newmont's Éléonore mine. A total of 641 biogeochemical samples were collected. In addition to the biogeochemical orientation survey the Company completed a rock sampling program within the nine discrete gold in soil anomalies identified from the 2021 field work. The nine discrete gold in till anomalies are centered on an east-west structural corridor that separates intrusives to the south and sediments to the north. The importance of this new structural framework is that the newly defined gold in till anomalies are located along deep-rooted structures clearly visible in the geophysical data. Based on the elemental associations observed of gold with arsenic, bismuth and tungsten, in both the historical and infill sampling the most likely style of mineralization to be encountered in the nine targets will be the Cheechoo style observed at the JT and Moni zones.
This property was previously owned and operated through a joint operation agreement which ended when the Company announced through a news release that it had acquired 100% of the interests as at February 29, 2024. On March 20, 2024 the Company announced its intention to commence diamond core drilling operations at Éléonore South. The diamond drilling program commenced at the end of March 2024 comprising approximately 2,000m focussed on the Moni showing trend where previous drilling intercepted up to; 53.25m of 4.22 g/t Au; 6.0m of 49.50 g/t Au including 1.0m of 294 g/t Au and 23.8m of 3.08 g/t Au including 1.5m of 27.80 g/t Au several of which remains open.
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not Applicable
Item 5 - Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
This section of the Annual Report will discuss the factors that have influenced the Company's financial results and condition for the last three years. This section is supplemental to and should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Annual Financial Statements and other financial information within this document. All $ amounts under Item 5 is expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars.
A. Operating results
Below are selected information from the Consolidated Annual Financial Statements for the Five years ended December 31, 2023:
As at and for the year ended December 31: |
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
Revenue | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Net loss (earnings) | 17,213 | (24,908 | ) | 16,790 | 14,253 | 13,933 | |||||||||
Net comprehensive loss (earnings) | 17,219 | (24,905 | ) | 16,790 | 14,230 | 14,136 | |||||||||
Basic and diluted loss (earnings) per share | 0.12 | (0.18 | ) | 0.14 | 0.18 | 0.22 | |||||||||
Cash | 7,313 | 10,309 | 3,259 | 15,361 | 660 | ||||||||||
Restricted cash | 144 | 144 | 130 | 165 | 115 | ||||||||||
Marketable securities | 1,166 | 582 | 605 | 2,675 | 346 | ||||||||||
Other assets | 1,665 | 1,944 | 2,331 | 3,077 | 2,127 | ||||||||||
Mineral property interests | 142,639 | 145,190 | 160,693 | 160,772 | 39,714 | ||||||||||
Investments in associates | 36,248 | 42,430 | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Current liabilities | 1,732 | 1,308 | 5,116 | 11,295 | 4,005 | ||||||||||
Non-current liabilities | 4,569 | 4,498 | 4,547 | 4,483 | 2,134 | ||||||||||
Working capital surplus (deficit)(1) | 7,713 | 10,554 | (428 | ) | 8,353 | (2,293 | ) | ||||||||
Accumulated deficit | 149,054 | 131,841 | 156,749 | 139,959 | 102,604 | ||||||||||
Cash used in operating activities | (13,060 | ) | (14,012 | ) | (17,273 | ) | (9,457 | ) | (7,418 | ) | |||||
Cash provided by investing activities | 2,446 | 10,435 | (186 | ) | (15,366 | ) | 20 | ||||||||
Cash provided by financing activities | 7,624 | 10,629 | 5,357 | 43,958 | 10,527 |
(1) defined as total current assets less total current liabilities
(2) for a detailed breakdown by quarter for the two years ended December 31, 2023 see the Company's 6k filing on April 2, 2024.
Discussion comparing the results for the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022:
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company reported a total net loss of $17,213 and loss per share of $0.12 compared to a total net earnings of $24,908 and earnings per share of $0.18 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The primary driver of change from net earnings in the prior year to a net loss in the current year was the net gain of $48,390 recognized on the sale of Homestake Resources to Dolly Varden. The gain recognized was comprised of cash proceeds of $5,000 and the fair value of the 76,504,590 common shares of Dolly Varden, calculated based on the market value of the common shares on date of closing, net of transaction costs. Additionally, other significant changes were as follows:
Operating expenses
Exploration and evaluation costs increased to $9,311 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $9,217 for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to an increase in costs relating to shutting down mid-way through the drilling season due to the wildfires in Quebec and only restarting later in the year;
Fees, salaries, and other employment benefits decreased to $2,630 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $3,199 for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to a combination of lower headcount and a lower share-based compensation expense. In addition, bonuses paid during May 2022 were not paid out in 2023.
Insurance costs decreased to $646 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $728 for the year ended December 31, 2022, due to the re-negotiated terms from the middle of 2023 significantly decreasing the year-over-year costs;
Legal and professional fees increased to $863 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $804 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The higher costs in 2023 were primarily related to additional internal control review work performed as well as the costs of renewing the Company's prospectus;
Marketing and investor relations decreased to $737 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $809 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in costs was due to the focused effort on decreasing events in the second half of 2023 to conserve funds and only focus on specific events and contracts; and
Regulatory and compliance costs increased to $275 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $218 for the year ended December 31, 2022, due to the costs of filing the prospectus in the US which wasn't necessary in 2022.
Other income, net
An impairment expense of $5,506 for the year ended December 31, 2022, arose from the sale of the 17 million common shares of Dolly Varden. There was no similar transaction in the year ended December 31, 2023;
Net gain on disposition of mineral interests came from the extinguishment of royalty agreement in 2023, whereas in 2022 derived from the sale of Homestake Resources;
The increase in interest income resulted from the increase in cash held brought about by the sale of Dolly Varden shares at the end of 2022 and the financing during the first quarter of 2023; and
A higher unrealized loss on marketable securities during 2023 compared to 2022 was due to a higher number of comparative securities held to 2022, with a lowering of their market values as at the 2023 year end significantly increasing the unrealized losses.
Discussion comparing the results for the year ended December 31, 2022 to the year ended December 31, 2021:
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company reported a total net earnings of $24,908 and earnings per share of $0.18 compared to a total net loss of $16,790 and loss per share of $0.14 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The primary driver of change from a net loss in the prior year to net earnings was the net gain of $48,390 recognized on the sale of Homestake Resources to Dolly Varden. The gain recognized was comprised of cash proceeds of $5,000 and the fair value of the 76,504,590 common shares of Dolly Varden, calculated based on the market value of the common shares on date of closing, net of transaction costs. Additionally, other significant changes were as follows:
Operating expenses
Exploration and evaluation costs decreased to $9,217 for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $15,355 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease resulted from the 2022 drilling campaign commencing in April and comprising a 17,700m drill program, with the first three months of 2022 primarily focused on geophysical surveying; in comparison, the 2021 drilling campaign in Quebec completed 35,000m of drilling with additional drills engaged, and the Company completed a 3,500m summer drilling program at Committee Bay;
Fees, salaries, and other employment benefits decreased to $3,199 for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $3,694 for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to reduced headcount and lower share-based compensation expense, offset in part by higher bonus;
Legal and professional fees decreased to $804 for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $1,983 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The higher costs in the comparative period were primarily due to the preparation of the Company's base shelf prospectus, with the final prospectus filed in May 2021;
Marketing and investor relations decreased to $809 for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $1,093 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in costs was due to a reduction in marketing campaigns undertaken in 2022 as compared to 2021 which saw significant marketing activity in the first quarter of 2021; and
Office and administration costs decreased to $398 for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $606 for the year ended December 31, 2021, driven by the closure of the Toronto administration office in 2021.
Other income, net
An impairment expense of $5,506 arising from the sale of the 17 million common shares of Dolly Varden;
Net loss from associates of $5,880 primarily comprising the Company's share of net losses of Dolly Varden; and
Lower amortization of flow-through share premium, reflecting the completion of the flow through expenditure requirements during 2022.
Exploration tax credits refunded
B. Liquidity and capital resources
Cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company generated cash from investing activities of $2,446, primarily representing option payment received, interest income, and proceeds from the sale of marketable securities. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company generated cash from investing activities of $10,435, primarily representing the cash proceeds, net of transaction costs, arising from the sale of the Dolly Varden shares in October 2022 and the net cash proceeds of $4,479 from the Dolly Varden Transaction in February 2022, offset in part by the acquisition cost of the additional ESJV interest.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, cash provided by financing activities of $7,624 primarily represented the net proceeds received in respect of the March 2023 financing. For the year ended December 31, 2022, cash provided by financing activities of $10,629 primarily represented the net proceeds received in respect of the April 2022 financing.
Cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company used cash of $14,012 in operating activities compared to $17,273 in 2021. The cash outflow for was lower primarily due to the lower exploration activity and the higher income tax cash refunds in 2021.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company generated cash from investing activities of $10,435, primarily representing the cash proceeds, net of transaction costs, arising from the sale of the Dolly Varden shares in October 2022 and the net cash proceeds of $4,479 from the Dolly Varden Transaction in February 2022, offset in part by the acquisition cost of the additional ESJV interest. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company used cash in investing activities of $186 which was primarily settlement of certain transaction costs arising from the acquisition of Eastmain Resources Inc., offset in part by proceeds received from the exercise of certain marketable securities.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, cash provided by financing activities of $10,629 primarily represented the net proceeds received in respect of the April 2022 financing. For the year ended December 31, 2021, cash provided by financing activities of $5,357 was comprised of proceeds received in respect of the October 2021 financing.
Capital resources
The Company proactively manages its capital resources and makes adjustments in light of changes in the economic environment and the risk characteristics of the Company's assets. To effectively manage its capital requirements, the Company has in place a budgeting and cash management process to help determine the funds required to ensure the Company has the appropriate liquidity to meet its current project plans and achieve its growth objectives. The Company ensures that there is sufficient liquidity available to meet its short-term business requirements, including contractual commitments, taking into account its anticipated cash outflows from exploration activities and its holdings of cash and marketable securities. The Company monitors and adjusts, when required, these exploration programs as well as corporate administrative costs to ensure that adequate levels of working capital are maintained.
As at the date of this Annual Report, the Company expects its existing capital resources to support certain planned activities for the next 12 months at the Eau Claire project and short-term contractual commitments. The Company's ability to undertake further project expansionary plans is dependent upon the Company's ability to obtain adequate financing in the future. While the Company has been successful at raising capital in the past, there can be no assurance that the Company will have sufficient financing to meet its future capital requirements or that additional financing will be available on terms acceptable to the Company in the future.
March 2023 financing
On March 23, 2023, the Company completed a bought deal private placement financing. At the close of the financing, the Company issued 6,076,500 flow-through shares of the Company for total gross proceeds to the Company of $8,750. The proceeds of the financing will be used to advance the Company's exploration projects in Quebec. Share issue costs totaled $912.
April 2022 financing
On April 14, 2022, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement with two investors comprised of a Canadian corporate investor and a US institutional investor, for a Private Placement of 13.75 million common shares of the Company at a price of $0.80 per share for gross proceeds of $11,000. Proceeds from the Private Placement will be used to fund continued exploration at the Company's Eau Claire project in Quebec. Share issue costs totaled $136.
October 2021 financing
The Company completed a non-brokered private placement on October 13, 2021 ("October 2021 Financing") for gross proceeds of $5,596 which was closed in two tranches and consisted of 7,461,450 units priced at $0.75 per share. Each unit consisted of one common share of Fury Gold and one warrant entitling the holder to purchase one warrant share at a price of $1.20 for a period of three years. The expiry date of the warrants can be accelerated to 30 days with notice from the Company should the common shares trade after the expiry of the four-month hold period at a price equal to or greater than $1.50 for 20 consecutive trading days. Share issue costs related to the October 2021 Financing totaled $211, which included $68 in commissions and $143 in other issuance costs. The proceeds of the October 2021 financing were used to fund exploration at Eau Claire and general working capital.
Contractual Commitments
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts that give rise to commitments for future minimum payments. The following table summarizes the remaining contractual maturities of the Company's financial liabilities and commitments as at December 31, 2023, shown in contractual undiscounted cashflows:
Within 1 year |
2 to 3 years |
Over 3 years |
At December 31 2023 |
|||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 1,034 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,034 | ||||
Quebec flow-through expenditure requirements | 1,223 | - | - | 1,223 | ||||||||
Undiscounted lease payments | 189 | 64 | - | 253 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 2,446 | $ | 64 | $ | - | $ | 2,510 |
Additionally, to maintain the Company's properties in good standing order, the Company is required to make certain mineral claims payments on an annual or bi-annual basis. The Company estimates that $361 of payments arising on mineral claims and leases will be payable during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Planned Exploration Activities
The company is still in the process of finalizing its final 2024 exploration programs while preparing to issue an updated resources during the second quarter of 2024. An initial 2,000 meters drill program at its Éléonore South gold project was announced on March 20, 2024, in addition to the biogeochemical sampling program scheduled for early Summer. The following work has been budgeted for the next 12 months:
Exploration Program | Projected Cost ($,000's) |
Eau Claire Project: Regional Exploration: • 2024 Exploration Program: drill test certain high priority geochemical and structural targets along the Percival to Serendipity Trend. • Objective: Drilling to test regional targets for potential discovery of a new gold mineralized system. |
2,000 |
Eau Claire Project: • Drill test deposit trend targets including the shallow Hinge and Gap Zone. • Objective: Identify additional areas for potential further resource expansion. |
1,000 |
Éléonore South: • Exploration Program: completion of a 2,000m drill program at certain high priority targets at the Éléonore South, and the regional exploration program with further surface sampling work to expand on the initial 2021 and 2022 findings. • Objective: Maiden drill program to test 6 priority geochemical targets to determine their potential to host significant gold mineralization while continuing to advance other targets and prospects to the drill stage. |
2,000 |
As at December 31, 2023, the Company had working capital of approximately $7.7 million, which the Company defines as total current assets less total current liabilities including a cash balance of $7.3 million (which excludes $0.1 million of restricted cash). As of the date of this Annual Report, the Company's working capital is estimated to have declined by approximately $2.5 million since December 31, 2023 to pay for general corporate costs, the additional ESJV share and the proceeds from the sale of a portion of our Dolly Varden shares. The Company does not include its shares in Dolly Varden (current market value $51 million) in working capital because it accounts for these shares as an affiliated entity. The Dolly Varden shares are eligible for sale and there is a reasonably liquid market for them.
C. Research and development, patents and licenses, etc
The Company has not performed any research and development activities in the last three years.
D. Trend information
Refer to Item 4A and Item 4B for a discussion about the historical factors influencing the business as well as current events that could impact the future operations of the Company.
E. Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to select accounting policies and make estimates and judgments that may have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. Estimates are continuously evaluated and are based on management's experience and expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual outcomes may differ from these estimates.
Critical accounting judgments exercised in applying accounting policies, apart from those involving estimates, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in these consolidated financial statements are as follows:
(a) Functional currency
The functional currency for each of the Company's subsidiaries is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. Determination of functional currency may involve certain judgments to determine the primary economic environment and the Company reconsiders the functional currency of its entities if there is a change in events and conditions that determined the primary economic environment.
(b) Economic recoverability and probability of future economic benefits of mineral property interests
Management has determined that the acquisition of mineral properties and related costs incurred, which have been recognized on the consolidated statements of financial position, are economically recoverable. Management uses several criteria in its assessments of economic recoverability and probability of future economic benefit including geological data, scoping studies, accessible facilities, and existing and future permits.
(c) Indications of impairment of assets
Assessments of impairment indicators are performed at the Cash Generating Unit ("CGU") level and judgment is involved in assessing whether there is any indication that an asset or a CGU may be impaired. The assessment of the impairment indicators involves the application of a number of significant judgments and estimates to certain variables, including metal price trends, exploration plans for properties, and the results of exploration and evaluation to date.
(d) Income taxes
The provision for income taxes and composition of income tax assets and liabilities requires management's judgment. The application of income tax legislation also requires judgment in order to interpret legislation and to apply those findings to the Company's transactions.
Credit on duties refundable for loss and refundable tax credits for resource investment
The Company is entitled to a refundable credit on duties of 12% for eligible losses under the Quebec Mining Duties Act and a refundable resource investment tax credit of 38.75% under the Quebec Income Tax Act. These credits are applicable to qualified exploration expenditures on properties located within the province of Quebec. Application for these credits is subject to verification and, as such, they are recognized only when they are received or when a notice of assessment confirming the amount to be paid is issued. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company received a refund of $307 consisting of $304 principal and $3 interest (December 31, 2022 - $187, December 31, 2021 - $3,835), which was classified as income tax recovery on the consolidated statements of (earnings) loss and comprehensive (income) loss.
(e) Determination of control of subsidiaries and joint arrangements
Judgement is required to determine when the Company has control of subsidiaries or joint control of joint arrangements. This requires an assessment of the relevant activities of the investee, being those activities that significantly affect the investee's returns (including operating and capital expenditure decision-making, financing of the investee, and the appointment, remuneration, and termination of key management personnel) and when the decisions in relation to those activities are under the control of the Company or require unanimous consent from the investors.
(f) Investments in associates
The Company conducts a portion of its business through equity interests in associates. An associate is an entity over which the Company has significant influence and is neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture. The Company has significant influence when it has the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the associate but does not have control or joint control over those policy decisions.
(g) Financial instruments
Financial instruments are assessed upon initial recognition to determine whether they meet the definition of a financial asset, financial liability, or equity instrument depending on the substance of the contractual arrangement. Judgement is required in making this determination as the substance of a transaction may differ from its legal form. Once a determination is made, IFRS requires that financial instruments be measured at fair value on initial recognition. For financial instruments that do not have quoted market prices or observable inputs, judgements are made in determining what are appropriate inputs and assumptions to use in calculating the fair value.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty that have significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows:
(h) Reclamation obligations
Management assesses its reclamation obligations annually and when circumstances suggest that a material change to the obligations have occurred. Significant estimates and assumptions are made in determining the provision for site reclamation and closure because there are numerous factors that will affect the ultimate liability that becomes payable. These factors include estimates of the extent, the timing, and the cost of reclamation activities, regulatory change, cost increases, and changes in discount rates. Those uncertainties may result in actual expenditures differing from the amounts currently provided. The provision at the reporting date represents management's best estimate of the present value of the future reclamation costs required. Changes to estimated future costs are recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position by adjusting the reclamation asset and liability.
(i) Share-based compensation
The Company determines the fair value of equity-settled share-based payments using the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date. For options granted, the Company uses the Black‐Scholes option pricing model. This option pricing model requires the development of market-based subjective inputs, including the risk-free interest rate, expected price volatility, and expected life of the option. Changes in these inputs and the underlying assumption used to develop them can materially affect the fair value estimate.
(j) Deferred tax assets and liabilities
Management judgment and estimates are required in assessing whether deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position. Judgments are made as to whether future taxable profits will be available in order to recognize deferred tax assets. Assumptions about the generation of future taxable profits depend on management's estimates of future cash flows. These depend on estimates of future production and sales volumes, commodity prices, reserves, operating costs, and other capital management transactions. These judgments and assumptions are subject to risk and uncertainty, and changes in circumstances may alter expectations which may impact the amount of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities recognized on the consolidated statements of financial position and the benefit of other tax losses and temporary differences not yet recognized.
F. Disclosure of a registrant's action to recover erroneously awarded compensation.
Not applicable.
Item 6 - Directors, Senior Management, and Employees
A. Directors and senior management
The following table sets out the names, province or state and country of residence, positions with or offices held with Fury Gold, and principal occupation for the past five years of each of Fury Gold's directors and executive officers, as well as the period during which each has been a director of Fury Gold. The following table also identifies the members of each committee of the Board.
The term of office of each director of Fury Gold expires at the annual general meeting of shareholders each year.
Name, Position and Province and Country of Residence |
Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years |
Director Since |
FORRESTER (TIM) A. CLARK CEO & Director Massachusetts, United States |
Mr. Clark has served as CEO since August 18, 2021 and is a director of the Company. Mr. Clark brings 23 years of global capital markets experience with numerous US, European, and Canadian banks, including Barclays Capital, National Bank Financial, Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, and most recently BMO Capital Markets, where he held the role of Managing Director, Institutional Equity Sales. Over the years, he has developed strong working relationships with Tier 1 institutional investors throughout the United States providing corporate strategy, and peer and financial analysis and insights on corporates within the materials, commodities, and mining sectors. Mr. Clark holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Accounting from Vanderbilt University. Mr. Clark serves as an independent director of Dolly Varden Silver Corporation ("Dolly Varden") on behalf of the Company pursuant to an investor rights agreement entered into between the Company and Dolly Varden. | March 16, 2021 |
BRIAN CHRISTIE (2)(3) Chair Ontario, Canada |
Mr. Christie currently serves as the independent Chair of the Board of the Company. Mr. Christie served as the Vice President of Investor Relations at Agnico Eagle Mines Limited ("Agnico Eagle") for over 9 years until June 2022, and is currently retained by Agnico Eagle as a Senior Advisor, Investor Relations. During his tenure at Agnico Eagle, the company was consistently recognized as having one of the top Investor Relations programs across all industries in Canada. From 2016 until 2021 he served as an Independent Director (including 2 years as Board Chair and Compensation Committee Chair) of the Denver Gold Group, a Colorado based not-for-profit association owned by its member gold companies who control most of the world's precious metal output and mineral assets. Before joining Agnico Eagle, he worked for over 17 years in the investment industry, primarily as a precious and base metals mining analyst with Desjardins Securities, National Bank Financial, Canaccord Capital and HSBC Securities. Prior to this, Mr. Christie spent 13 years in the mining industry as a geologist for a variety of mining companies, including Homestake, Billiton, Falconbridge Copper and Newmont Mining. Mr. Christie holds a BSc. in Geology (University of Toronto) and an MSc. in Geology (Queen's University) and is a member of the Canadian Investor Relations Institute (CIRI) and the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI). Mr. Christie currently serves as a director of Wallbridge Mining Company Limited ("Wallbridge") and Forum Energy Metals Corp; Past director of Denver Gold Group; VP, Investor Relations at Agnico Eagle. | February 22, 2023 |
Name, Position and Province and Country of Residence |
Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years |
Director Since |
JEFFREY MASON(1) (2) Director British Columbia, Canada |
Mr. Mason currently serves as an independent director and is a CPA and holds an ICD designation. Mr. Mason has extensive experience in the exploration, development, construction, and operation of precious and base metals projects in the Americas, Asia and Africa, including 15 years as a Principal, director and CFO for the Hunter Dickinson Inc. group of public companies. Mr. Mason began his career with Deloitte LLP as a CPA, followed by six (6) years at Barrick Gold Company. Overall, Mr. Mason has served as CEO, CFO, Corporate Secretary, Board Chair and Board director for over 20 public companies listed on the TSX, TSXV, NYSE American and NASDAQ. Mr. Mason currently serves as an independent director of, Tier One Silver Inc ("Tier One"), and Coppernico Resources ("Coppernico"). Mr. Mason is also chair of the board and independent director of Wildpack Beverage Inc ("Wildpack"). Previously, Mr. Mason was the Chair of the Board and interim CEO of Great Panther Mining Limited. | February 7, 2019 |
STEVE COOK(1) (4) Director British Columbia, Canada |
Mr. Cook currently serves as an independent director of the Company. Mr. Cook is a former tax partner at the law firm of Thorsteinssons LLP, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Mr. Cook received his B.Comm. and LL.B. degrees from the University of British Columbia and was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1982 and the Ontario Bar in 1992. He retired from the Ontario Bar in 2014. Mr. Cook is a specialist in corporate and international tax planning, offshore structures, representation, and civil and criminal tax litigation. Mr. Cook has served on the board of Brett Resources Ltd. prior to it being acquired by Osisko Mining Corp. and Cayden Resources Inc. prior to it being acquired by Agnico. Mr. Cook currently serves as a director of Torq, Tier One, and Coppernico. Past Director of Cayden Resources Inc; Past Director of Skeena Resources Ltd.; Past Director of SnipGold Corp; Past Director of LaSalle Exploration Corp. | October 28, 2013 |
Name, Position and Province and Country of Residence |
Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years |
Director Since |
MICHAEL HOFFMAN (1) (3) (4) Director Ontario, Canada |
Mr. Hoffman currently serves as an independent director of the Company. Mr. Hoffman is an experienced mining executive with over 30 years of practice including engineering, mine operations, corporate development, projects, and construction. Mr. Hoffman previously served as a director of Trevali Mining from 2011 to 2019 and acted as Chair from late 2017 to early 2019. Mr. Hoffman also has direct northern Canadian mining experience including operations and projects. Mr. Hoffman is a Mining Engineering graduate from Queen's University and is a Professional Engineer in the province of Ontario. He is also a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors. Mr. Hoffman currently serves as a director and chair of 1911 Gold Company ("1911 Gold"), and director and chair of NiCAN Ltd ("NiCAN"); Past director of Eastmain and Velocity Minerals. | October 9, 2020 |
ALISON SAGA WILLIAMS (2) (4) Director Ontario, Canada |
Ms. Williams currently serves as an independent director of the Company. Ms. Williams has worked in Indigenous communities in government and corporate roles in the capacity of legal counsel, negotiations and governance, and as a strategic advisor, for over 20 years. Ms. Williams has been on negotiation teams that have successfully settled over $1 billion in agreements and has worked on Indigenous community engagement and negotiations to support national energy and mining projects. Over the last 25 years, she has also held many non-profit board positions. Ms. Williams is Anishinaabe, a member of Curve Lake First Nation, and is currently an elected official for her community. Ms. Williams has extensive experience in compensation analysis both through her involvement in non-profit boards and as an elected official for a First Nation. Ms. Williams teaches at Osgoode Hall Law School as an Adjunct Professor and supports student led negotiations focusing on consultation, Indigenous rights, and reconciliation. Ms. Williams currently serves as a director of NiCAN Ltd, Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School; Elected Official for the Curve Lake First Nation. Principal of AS Williams Consulting firm | October 5, 2020 |
Name, Position and Province and Country of Residence |
Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years |
Director Since |
ISABELLE CADIEUX (3) Director Quebec, Canada |
Ms. Cadieux currently serves as an independent director of the Company. Ms. Cadieux, a professional geologist, has more than 30 years of experience in mineral exploration and financing in the mining sector. She last held the position of Managing Director - Investment at SIDEX, a Québec institutional fund that finances exploration companies active in Québec, where she served from 2001 until 2023. Her mineral exploration experience across Canada and abroad, includes positions with AGIP (1980-1983 in Saskatchewan), AREVA (1988-1992 in Québec, Ontario, and the Northwest Territories), and Channel Resources (1996-1999 in Burkina Faso) and covers a wide range of ore deposit types and mineral commodities, in particular gold, copper, and uranium. She holds an M.Sc. in Mineral Exploration (MINEX) from McGill University and a B.Sc. in Geology from the University of Ottawa. Ms. Cadieux acted as President of the Ordre des géologues du Québec (OGQ) in 2008, sat on the Board of Directors from 2005 to 2010 and was Director of the Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists from 2007 to 2011 where she represented the OGQ. From 2011 to 2016, she was a member of the Executive Committee of the UQAT-UQAM Chair in Mining Entrepreneurship. Throughout her career, she has been involved in various sector-related organizations, among others the Québec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ), the Canadian Institute of Mines and Metallurgy (CIM), Minalliance and Mine d'Avenir. |
September 5, 2023 |
Name, Position and Province and Country of Residence |
Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years |
Director Since |
PHIL VAN STADEN Chief Financial Officer Ontario, Canada |
Mr. van Staden is an accounting professional that brings over 15 years of diverse international experience in various accounting roles and industries throughout South Africa and Canada. He obtained his BCom and BCom Honours degrees respectively from the University of Pretoria and the University of South Africa in 2007. Mr. van Staden served as head of the finance department at Arthur Kaplan, the largest Swiss watch retailer in Africa. He then moved on to become the finance and general manager of Pezula Golf and Housing Estate, a top 5 housing estate within South Africa. Mr. van Staden has been with Fury Gold since 2020. Past Controller of Fury Gold; |
N/A |
BRYAN ATKINSON SVP, Exploration Alberta, Canada |
Mr. Atkinson has been involved in mineral exploration globally for over fifteen years with a focus on orogenic lode gold and intermediate sulphidation epithermal deposits. Most recently, his work has been with high sulphidation, intermediate sulphidation, skarn and orogoenic deposit styles throughout the Americas. Mr. Atkinson has undertaken roles varying from soil sampler to ground geophysical surveyer, through to project geologist, project manager and most recently, Exploration Manager. In his role as an Exploration Manager he oversaw the successful completion of over 45,000m of exploration drilling across three projects in a six-month period with an overall budget of $40M. Mr. Atkinson has also developed a valuable background in community relations as the manager of all First Nations engagement across Auryn Resources' North American project portfolio. Past Exploration Manager of Universal Mineral Services; Past Senior Geologist of APEX Geoscience Ltd. | N/A |
Notes:
(1) Member of the Audit Committee.
(2) Member of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee. Effective March 15, 2023, Brian Christie was appointed to the Committee, replacing Michael Hoffman
(3) Member of the Technical, Safety and Risk Management Committee. Effective March 15, 2023, Brian Christie was appointed to the Committee, replacing Steve Cook. Effective November 8, 2023, Isabelle Cadieux was appointed to the Committee.
(4) Member of the Indigenous and Community Relations Committee.
B. Compensation
Executive Compensation
Name and principal position | Year |
Salary | Option- based awards (6) |
Share-based awards (7) |
Non-equity incentive plan compensation |
Total compensation |
($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ||
Current and Former Officers | ||||||
Tim Clark, CEO (1) | 2023 | 378,000 | 144,300 | 164,125 | 164,125 | 850,550 |
Phil van Staden, CFO(2) |
2023 | 122,250 | 35,978 | 13,425 | 13,425 | 185,078 |
Bryan Atkinson(3) SVP, Exploration |
2023 | 225,750 | 97,042 | 39,506 | 39,506 | 401,804 |
Lynsey Sherry(4) Former CFO |
2023 | 125,417 | 112,734 | Nil | Nil | 238,151 |
Michael Henrichsen Former CGO(5) |
2023 | 22,422 | 43,290 | Nil | Nil | 65,712 |
(1) Mr. Tim Clark's salary and non-equity incentive plan compensation is payable in US dollars. A foreign exchange rate of 1.35 was used to calculate the CAD equivalent which was included in the table above.
(2) Mr. Phil van Staden was appointed CFO on June 23, 2023, prior to which Mr. van Staden served as the Corporate Controller and Senior Accountant for the Company. The above table includes compensation from the date of hire of Mr. van Staden by the Company in an executive role.
(3) Mr. Atkinson has served as SVP, Exploration since March 9, 2022, prior to which Mr. Atkinson was VP, Project Development of the Company since October 9, 2020.
(4) Dr. Sherry resigned from the Company, effective June 23, 2023.
(5) Mr. Michael Henrichsen resigned as the Chief Geologist Officer effective May 16, 2023.
(6) The values in this column represent the fair value of share options granted on the date of grant. The fair value of the share options granted in 2023 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted assumptions: risk-free interest rate: 3.06%; expected dividend yield: Nil; stock price volatility: 68.3%; and expected life in years: 5.0.
(7) The values in this column represents the fair value of shares when they vested.
Additional information on the compensation of our officers and directors is included in our information circular for our 2023 annual general meeting, as attached hereto as Exhibit 15.7, which information has been prepared in Canadian securities law disclosure standards.
Outstanding Share-based Awards and Option-based Awards
The following table sets out all option-based awards outstanding as at December 31, 2023, for executives:
Option-based Awards | ||||
Name | Number of securities underlying unexercised Options (#) |
Option exercise price ($) |
Option expiration date (D/M/Y) |
Value of unexercised in- the-money Options(1) ($) |
Current Officers | ||||
Tim Clark |
600,000 870,000 130,000 |
0.82 0.93 1.53 |
17-Jan-28 26-Aug-26 02-Apr-26 |
Nil Nil Nil |
Phil van Staden | 45,000 45,000 17,500 17,500 15,000 |
0.53 0.82 1.00 1.00 1.85 |
23-Jun-28 17-Jan-28 22-Apr-27 24-Jan-27 20-Dec-25 |
3,150 Nil Nil Nil Nil |
Bryan Atkinson | 269,000 135,000 135,000 150,000 |
0.82 1.00 1.00 2.05 |
17-Jan-28 22-Apr-27 24-Jan-27 20-Oct-25 |
Nil Nil Nil Nil |
(1) Based on the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 30, 2023 of $0.67.
Board Compensation
Compensation during the most recently completed fiscal year ended December 31, 2023:
Name(1) |
Fees earned |
Option- based awards |
Non-equity incentive plan compensation |
Other Compensation (4) |
Total |
($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | |
Current Directors | |||||
Brian Christie (2) | 60,310 | 93,188 | Nil | Nil | 153,498 |
Jeffrey R. Mason | 57,262 | 94,276 | Nil | Nil | 151,538 |
Steve Cook | 45,600 | 75,036 | Nil | 12,500 | 133,136 |
Michael Hoffman | 43,763 | 75,036 | Nil | Nil | 118,799 |
Saga Williams | 42,450 | 75,036 | Nil | Nil | 117,486 |
Isabelle Cadieux(3) | 11,795 | 41,886 | Nil | Nil | 53,681 |
(1) Mr. Clark is a current director and received compensation in 2023 for his service as an officer of the Company. See "Executive Compensation" table.
(2) Mr. Christie was appointed to the Board effective February 22, 2023, and subsequently as chair on May 16. 2023.
(3) Mrs. Cadieux was appointed to the Board effective September 5, 2023.
(4) Mr. Cook received certain fees paid in respect of his role as managing director of Universal Mineral Services Ltd, of which the Company holds a 25% interest. (See "Related Party Transactions")
Outstanding Option-based Awards
The following table sets out all option-based awards outstanding as of December 31, 2023, for each director who was not an executive officer of the Company:
Option-based Awards | ||||
Name | Number of securities underlying unexercised Options (#) |
Option exercise price ($) |
Option expiration date (D/M/Y) |
Value of unexercised in-the-money Options(1) ($) |
Current Directors | ||||
Brian Christie | 40,000 156,000 |
0.82 0.85 |
15-May-28 17-Feb-28 |
Nil Nil |
Jeffrey R. Mason | 196,000 135,000 135,000 130,000 |
0.82 1.00 1.00 2.05 |
17-Jan-28 22-Apr-27 24-Jan-27 20-Oct-25 |
Nil Nil Nil Nil |
Steve Cook | 156,000 160,000 160,000 130,000 |
0.82 1.00 1.00 2.05 |
17-Jan-28 22-Apr-27 24-Jan-27 20-Oct-25 |
Nil Nil Nil Nil |
Michael Hoffman | 156,000 80,000 80,000 130,000 35,006 |
0.82 1.00 1.00 2.05 0.86 |
17-Jan-28 22-Apr-27 24-Jan-27 20-Oct-25 23-Jan-25 |
Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil |
Saga Williams | 156,000 80,000 80,000 130,000 |
0.82 1.00 1.00 2.05 |
17-Jan-28 22-Apr-27 24-Jan-27 20-Oct-25 |
Nil Nil Nil Nil |
Isabelle Cadieux | 156,000 | 0.55 | 21-Sep-28 | 7,020 |
(1) Based on the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 31, 2023 of $0.67.
C. Board practices
The term of office of each director of the Company expires at the annual general meeting of shareholders each year. The board currently has 4 committees namely the Audit Committee, Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee, the Indigenous and Community Relations Committee, and the Technical, Safety and Risk Management Committee. Each standing committee of the Board operates according to its mandate, which is approved by the Board and sets out the committee's duties and responsibilities. Copies of the standing committee mandates are available at www.furygoldmines.com/about-us/governance/.
Audit Committee
The Company has an Audit Committee, which is currently comprised of Steve Cook (Chair), Jeffrey Mason, and Michael Hoffman, each of whom is considered independent and financially literate in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Audit Committee has adopted a written charter that sets out its duties and responsibilities.
- Steve Cook is a retired tax partner at the law firm of Thorsteinssons LLP, Vancouver, BC. Mr. Cook received his B.Comm. and LL.B. degrees from the University of BC and was called to the BC Bar in 1982 and the Ontario Bar in 1992. Mr. Cook is a specialist in corporate and international tax planning, offshore structures, representation, and civil and criminal tax litigation.
- Jeffrey Mason is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds an Institute of Corporate Directors designation. Over the past 26 years he served on over 20 public company's boards. He is experienced in exploration, development, construction and operation for silver, gold, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, platinum group metals and diamond projects in the Americas, Asia and Africa.
- Michael Hoffman is an experienced mining executive with over 30 years of practice including engineering, mine operations, corporate development, projects and construction. Mr. Hoffman also has direct northern Canadian mining experience including operations and projects.
The primary responsibility of the Audit Committee of the Company is that of oversight of the financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. This includes oversight responsibility for financial reporting and continuous disclosure, oversight of external audit activities, oversight of financial risk and financial management control, and oversight responsibility for compliance with tax and securities laws and regulations as well as whistle blowing procedures. The Audit Committee is also responsible for the other matters as set out in its charter and/or such other matters as may be directed by the Board from time to time. The Audit Committee should exercise continuous oversight of developments in these areas.
The Audit Committee has adopted specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services to be provided to the Company or any subsidiaries by the Company's external auditor. The Chair of the Audit Committee has the authority to pre-approve in between regularly scheduled Audit Committee meetings any non-audit service of less than $50,000, however such approval will be presented to the Audit Committee at the next scheduled meeting for formal approval.
Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee
The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee has the following members: Jeffrey Mason (Chair), Brian Christie, and Saga Williams.
The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee follows both the mandate of the Charter of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee Charter, both of which are included in the Company's corporate governance material, which is posted on the Company's website.
All members of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee are independent in accordance with applicable securities laws. None of the members of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee were, during the most recently completed fiscal year of the Company, an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Nominating and Governance Committee Charter
• The functions of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee fall under the Nominating and Governance Committee Charter and are to provide a focus on governance that will enhance the Company's performance, to assess and make recommendations regarding the effectiveness of the Board, and to establish and lead the process for identifying, recruiting, appointing, re-appointing, and providing ongoing development for directors.
• The Company has formal procedures for assessing the effectiveness of Board committees as well as the Board as a whole. This function is carried out annually under the direction of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee and those assessments are then provided to the Board.
• The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee is responsible for developing and recommending to the Board the Company's approach to corporate governance and assists members of the Board in carrying out their duties. The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee also reviews all new and modified rules and policies applicable to governance of listed corporations to ensure that the Company remains in full compliance with such requirements as are applicable.
• In exercising its nominating function, the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee evaluates and recommends to the Board the size of the Board and certain persons as nominees for the position of director of the Company.
Compensation Committee Charter
• The function of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee under the Compensation Committee Charter is to consider the terms of employment of the CEO, CFO and other executive officers, and to consider the Company's general compensation policy and its policy for granting awards under Fury Gold's long-term incentive plan.
• The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee functions include: the annual review of compensation paid to the Company's executive officers and directors, the review of the performance of the Company's executive officers, and the task of making recommendations on compensation to the Board.
• The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee also periodically considers the grant of Options. Options have been granted to the executive officers, directors, and certain other service providers taking into account competitive compensation factors and the belief that Options help align the interests of executive officers, directors, and service providers with the interests of Shareholders.
Other board committees with their committee members are:
Indigenous and Community Relations Committee
Saga Williams (Chair)
Michael Hoffman
Steve Cook
Technical, Safety and Risk Management Committee
Brian Christie (Chair)
Michael Hoffman
Isabelle Cadieux
Potential Conflicts of Interest
No directors or officers have any known conflicts of interest in connection with Fury Gold. Several directors serve on the boards of other publicly traded junior mining companies which can lead to potential conflicts of interest in connection with the entitlement to mineral project opportunities which may come to their attention. In response to this risk, the Company and its shared services provider, Universal Mineral Services Ltd. haves established policies to avoid these situations and to comply with legal requirements of their fiduciary obligations and the requirements of the applicable corporate laws (Business Corporations Act (British Columbia)) should such potential conflict of interest situations arise.
Whistleblower policy
The Company has adopted certain procedures to receive complaints and submissions relating to accounting matters through a whistleblower hotline email. The policy outlines procedures for financial concerns and other corporate issues. The Chair of the Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring and receiving any communication or complaints addressed in terms of the policy.
D. Employees
As at December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately 10 equivalent full-time employees located primarily in Canada. The Company shares certain technical and administrative functions provided by Vancouver-based Universal Mineral Services Ltd on a full-cost recovery basis. The Company also relies on consultants and contractors to carry on many of its business activities and, in particular, to supervise and carry out mineral exploration and drilling on its mineral properties. No management functions of Fury Gold are performed to any substantial degree by a person other than the directors or executive officers of Fury Gold.
In addition to full-time employees, the company also employed annually between 10 and 35 temporary employees over the last 3 years to assist with certain geological and administrative work out our projects.
E. Share ownership
As at April 26, 2024, the directors and officers of the Company beneficially own as a group an aggregate of 2,950,077 common shares (2.02%) of the Company.
As at April 26, 2024, the Company's directors and senior management beneficially owned the following number of the Company's common shares:
Name | Number of Common Shares beneficially owned |
Percentage share ownership (1) |
Tim Clark, CEO | 923,542 | 0.63% |
Phil van Staden, CFO | 22,375 | 0.02% |
Bryan Atkinson, SVP, Exploration | 116,707 | 0.08% |
Brian Christie, Chair | 66,547 | 0.05% |
Jeffrey R. Mason, Director | 724,732 | 0.50% |
Steve Cook, Director | 794,485 | 0.54% |
Michael Hoffman, Director | 233,019 | 0.16% |
Saga Williams, Director | 61,371 | 0.04% |
Isabelle Cadieux, Director | 7,299 | 0.01% |
(1) Based on outstanding shares of 146,077,103 on April 26, 2024
All of the above shares held are voting shares and do not have any different voting rights other than the other outstanding shares of the Company.
As at April 30, 2024, the Company's directors and senior management beneficially held the following number of share purchase options and unvested restricted share units:
Share purchase options
Name | Number of securities underlying unexercised Options (#) |
Option exercise price ($) |
Option expiration date (D/M/Y) |
Tim Clark, CEO | 600,000 870,000 130,000 |
0.82 0.93 1.53 |
17-Jan-28 26-Aug-26 02-Apr-26 |
Phil van Staden, CFO | 45,000 45,000 17,500 17,500 15,000 |
0.53 0.82 1.00 1.00 1.85 |
23-Jun-28 17-Jan-28 22-Apr-27 24-Jan-27 20-Dec-25 |
Name | Number of securities underlying unexercised Options (#) |
Option exercise price ($) |
Option expiration date (D/M/Y) |
Bryan Atkinson, SVP, Exploration | 269,000 135,000 135,000 150,000 |
0.82 1.00 1.00 2.05 |
17-Jan-28 22-Apr-27 24-Jan-27 20-Oct-25 |
Brian Christie, Chair | 40,000 156,000 |
0.82 0.85 |
15-May-28 17-Feb-28 |
Jeffrey R. Mason, Director | 196,000 135,000 135,000 130,000 |
0.82 1.00 1.00 2.05 |
17-Jan-28 22-Apr-27 24-Jan-27 20-Oct-25 |
Steve Cook, Director | 156,000 160,000 160,000 130,000 |
0.82 1.00 1.00 2.05 |
17-Jan-28 22-Apr-27 24-Jan-27 20-Oct-25 |
Michael Hoffman, Director | 156,000 80,000 80,000 130,000 35,006 |
0.82 1.00 1.00 2.05 0.86 |
17-Jan-28 22-Apr-27 24-Jan-27 20-Oct-25 23-Jan-25 |
Saga Williams, Director | 156,000 80,000 80,000 130,000 |
0.82 1.00 1.00 2.05 |
17-Jan-28 22-Apr-27 24-Jan-27 20-Oct-25 |
Isabelle Cadieux, Director | 156,000 | 0.55 | 21-Sep-28 |
Unvested Restricted Share Units:
Name | Number of unvested Restricted Share Units (#) |
Vesting date (D/M/Y) |
Tim Clark, CEO | 105,641 105,642 105,642 |
9-Jan-25 9-Jan-26 9-Jan-27 |
Name | Number of unvested Restricted Share Units (#) |
Vesting date (D/M/Y) |
Phil van Staden, CFO | 15,195 15,195 15,196 |
9-Jan-25 9-Jan-26 9-Jan-27 |
Bryan Atkinson, SVP, Exploration | 44,990 44,991 44,991 |
9-Jan-25 9-Jan-26 9-Jan-27 |
Brian Christie, Chair | 16,547 16,548 16,548 39,521 39,522 39,522 |
4-Jun-24 3-Sep-24 3-Dec-24 9-Jan-25 9-Jan-26 9-Jan-27 |
Jeffrey R. Mason, Director | 8,572 8,572 8,572 31,456 31,456 31,456 |
4-Jun-24 3-Sep-24 3-Dec-24 9-Jan-25 9-Jan-26 9-Jan-27 |
Steve Cook, Director | 9,208 9,208 9,208 31,456 31,456 31,456 |
4-Jun-24 3-Sep-24 3-Dec-24 9-Jan-25 9-Jan-26 9-Jan-27 |
Michael Hoffman, Director | 8,572 8,572 8,572 31,456 31,456 31,456 |
4-Jun-24 3-Sep-24 3-Dec-24 9-Jan-25 9-Jan-26 9-Jan-27 |
Saga Williams, Director | 8,572 8,572 8,572 31,456 31,456 31,456 |
4-Jun-24 3-Sep-24 3-Dec-24 9-Jan-25 9-Jan-26 9-Jan-27 |
Name | Number of unvested Restricted Share Units (#) |
Vesting date (D/M/Y) |
Isabelle Cadieux, Director | 7,299 7,300 7,300 31,456 31,456 31,456 |
4-Jun-24 3-Sep-24 3-Dec-24 9-Jan-25 9-Jan-26 9-Jan-27 |
Long Term Incentive Plan
The following is a summary of the material terms of the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "LTI Plan" that provides for the awards summarized below.
A. General Description and Terms of Awards
B. Stock Options
C. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Stock Units (PSUs
D. Deferred Share Units (DSUs)
E. Additional Information regarding PSUs, RSUs and DSUs
F. Share Purchase Commitments (SPCs).
A. General Description and Terms Of Awards
Eligible Participants | For Options, any director, officer, or employee of the Company or of United Mineral Services Ltd., ("UMS") the Company's shared services provider. For PSUs and RSUs, SPCs, directors, officers, or employees of the Company, including any subsidiary of the Company are eligible. For DSUs, non-executive directors of the Company. |
Types of Awards | Awards refers to Options, PSUs, RSUs and DSUs. |
SPCs | Share purchase commitments (SPCs) for service providers are allowed rather than "awarded" per se as they represent an assumption of financial risk by the participants. The extent to which a Participant agrees to purchase shares and permit a payroll of quarterly fee deduction to fund the purchase will vary by Participant. SPCs will be entered into in the discretion of the Board generally on a first come, first served basis, within the limits overall 2% and 30,000 shares per person limits in the LTI-Plan |
10% Limit-whether settled by Shares or Cash | The aggregate number of Shares (or cash equivalent) to be reserved and set aside for issue or settlement upon the purchase, exercise or settlement for all awards granted under the LTI Plan, together with all other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company (other than any securities issued for new-hire employment inducement pursuant to Section 613(c) of the TSX Corporation Manual), shall not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares at the time of granting the award (on a non-diluted basis); provided that, the aggregate number of Shares to be reserved and set aside for redemption and settlement in each category DSUs, RSUs PSUs and SPCs shall not exceed (in each such category), 2% of the issued and outstanding Shares outstanding (on a non-diluted basis) at the time of the granting of the DSUs, RSUs, PSUs SPCs. |
Other LTI-Plan Limits | When combined with all of the Company's other previously established security-based compensation arrangements, the LTI Plan shall not result in: (i) a number of Shares issued to insiders within a one- year period exceeding 5% of the issued and outstanding Shares; (ii) a number of Shares issuable to insiders at any time exceeding 5% of the issued and outstanding Shares; and (iii) a number of Shares; (i) issuable to all non-executive directors of the Company exceeding 1% of the issued and outstanding Shares at such time, or (ii) issuable to any one non-executive director within a one-year period exceeding an award value of $150,000 per such non-executive director; provided that DSUs granted in lieu of director fees payable on account of a director's service as a member of the Board shall be excluded for purposes of the above-noted limits. |
Definition of Market Price | "Market Price" means the volume-weighted average trading price of the Shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the applicable date as reported by the TSX. |
Assignability | An award may not be assigned, transferred, charged, pledged or otherwise alienated, other than to a participant's limited permitted assigns or personal representatives. |
Limits on LTI-Plan Amending Procedures |
The Board may, without Shareholder approval, amend, suspend, terminate or discontinue the LTI Plan or may amend the terms and conditions of any Awards and SPCs granted thereunder, provided that no amendment may materially and adversely affect any outstanding Award or SPC without the consent of the applicable participant. Amendments that do not require Shareholder approval and that are within the authority of the Board are limited to: (i) amendments of a "housekeeping" nature or administrative in nature, including any amendment for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, typographical or like error or to correct or supplement any provision of the LTI Plan that conflicts with any other provision of the LTI Plan; (ii) an amendment which is necessary to comply with applicable law or the rules, regulations and policies of the TSX; (iii) amendments necessary for awards to qualify for favourable treatment under applicable tax laws; (iv) any amendment to the definition of Eligible Person or to the vesting provisions of the LTI Plan or any Award or SPC; (v) amendments necessary to suspend or terminate the plan (vi) amendments of the dates on which participants may become eligible to participate in the SPC, the minimum and maximum permitted payroll deduction rate, the term of a participant's contributions and right to cancel the SPC, the rights of SPC holders of Shares, the rights to sell or withdraw Shares, including any holding period. Shareholder approval at a duly convened shareholders' meeting shall be required for any of the following amendments which may: i. with respect to granted Options, reduce the Option Price, or cancel and reissue any Options so as to in effect reduce the Option Price; ii. extend (i) the term of an issued Option beyond its original expiry date, or (ii) the date on which a Performance Share Unit, Restricted Share Unit or Deferred Share Unit will be forfeited or terminated in accordance with its terms; iii. increase the fixed maximum percentage of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan beyond 10% in total or effect an increase in any category of DSU,PSU,DSU or SPC beyond 2% of the issued and outstanding Shares at the time of grant; iv. remove or to exceed the insider participation; v. permit Awards granted under the Plan to be transferable or assignable other than for estate settlement purposes; vi. increase the Corporation's contribution to an SPC or increase in the limit of number of shares allowed to be purchased by a Participant within a 12 month period; vii. change the definition of Market Price; or delete, alter or reduce the foregoing range of amendments which require approval by the shareholders of the Corporation. |
Limited Financial Assistance |
The Corporation will only provide financial assistance to participants under the LTI Plan in respect of SPCs which financial assistance will be limited to 25% of the purchase price of the Shares,. |
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Other |
The LTI Plan further provides that if the expiry date or vesting date of Options is (i) during a blackout period, or (ii) within ten trading days following the end of a blackout period, the expiry date or vesting date, as applicable, will be automatically extended for a period of ten trading days following the end of the blackout period. In the case of Unit Awards, any settlement that is effected during a blackout period shall be in the form of a cash payment. |
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Detailed Description of Awards |
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B. Stock Options |
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Stock Option Terms and Exercise Price |
A stock option is treasury security entitling the holder to purchase up to a fixed number of Shares for a fixed period at a fixed price. The number of Shares subject to each Option grant, exercise price, vesting, expiry date and other terms and conditions are determined by the Board. The exercise price shall in no event be lower than the Market Price of the Shares on the grant date. |
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Term |
No Option shall have a term exceeding five years. |
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Vesting |
Unless otherwise specified, each Option shall vest as to 25% upon grant and 12.5% after each quarter from the grant date. |
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Exercise of Option |
A participant may exercise vested Options by (i) payment of the exercise price per Share subject to each Option, or if permitted by the Board, (ii) without payment either (A) by receiving an amount in cash per Option equal to the cash proceeds realized upon the sale of the Shares by a securities dealer in the capital markets, less the applicable exercise price and any applicable withholding taxes, or (B) by receiving the net number of Shares remaining after the sale of such number of Shares by a securities dealer in the capital markets as required to realize cash proceeds equal to the applicable exercise price and any applicable withholding taxes. |
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Termination Date |
The participant's last day of office or active employment by the Company or any subsidiary for any reason whatsoever (the "Termination Date"). |
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Circumstances Causing Cessation of Entitlement |
Death |
Unvested Unvested Options automatically vest as of the date of death. |
Vested Vested Options expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date of the Option and one year following the date of death. |
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Disability |
Unvested Options continue to vest in accordance with their terms. |
Vested Options expire on the scheduled expiry date of the Option. |
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Retirement and Early Retirement |
Unvested Options continue to vest in accordance with their terms, subject to compliance with any applicable non-compete and/or non-solicit provisions. |
Vested Options expire on the scheduled expiry date of the Option. |
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For purposes of the Plan, "Early Retirement" means a participant's resignation from employment on or after the date that the participant reaches age 60 and the participant has at least 5 years of service in the aggregate as at his or her Termination Date, other than a Retirement. |
Early Retirement If a participant retires early and subsequently commences alternative employment without having received prior written consent from the Company, unvested Options automatically terminate on the applicable commencement date. |
Early Retirement If a participant retires early and subsequently commences employment without having received prior written consent from the Company, all vested Options expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date of the Option and three months following the applicable commencement date. |
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Resignation or loss of office |
Unvested Options are forfeited. |
Vested Options expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date of the Option and three months following the Termination Date. |
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Termination without Cause (No Change in Control) |
Unvested Options are forfeited on the Termination Date. |
Vested Options expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date of the Option and three months following the Termination Date. |
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Change in Control |
Unless otherwise provided in the participant's service agreement or award agreement, unvested Options do not vest and become immediately exercisable upon a change in control, unless: (i) the successor fails to continue or assume the obligations under the LTI Plan or fails to provide for a substitute award, or (ii) if the Option is continued, assumed or substituted, the participant is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason in accordance with the terms of the participant's service agreement within two years following the change in control. The Board shall have the right, but not the obligation, to permit each participant to exercise all of the participant's outstanding Options (to the extent vested), subject to completion of the change in control. |
Vested Options expire on the scheduled expiry date of the Option. |
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Termination for Cause |
Options, whether vested or unvested as of the Termination Date, automatically terminate. |
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C. RSUs and PSUs |
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RSU and PSU Terms |
RSUs and PSUs are notional securities that entitle the recipient to receive cash or Shares at the end of a vesting period. Vesting of PSUs is contingent upon achieving certain performance criteria, thus ensuring greater alignment with the long-term interests of Shareholders. The terms applicable to RSUs and PSUs under the LTI Plan (including the vesting schedule, performance cycle, performance criteria for vesting and whether dividend equivalents will be credited to a participant's account) are determined by the Board at the time of the grant. |
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Vesting |
Unless otherwise provided, RSUs typically vest on November 30th of the third calendar year following the year in which the RSU was granted. Unless otherwise noted, PSUs shall vest as at the date that is the end of the performance cycle, subject to any performance criteria having been satisfied. |
Settlement |
On settlement, the Company shall, for each vested RSU or PSU being settled, deliver to a participant a cash payment equal to the Market Price of one Share as of the vesting date, one Share, or any combination of cash and Shares equal to the Market Price of one Share as of the vesting date, at the discretion of the Board. Notwithstanding that the settlement may be in cash, the number of RSUs and PSUs remain governed by the 10% aggregate limit for all equity based compensation. |
D. Deferred Share Units |
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DSU Terms |
A DSU is a notional security that entitles the recipient to receive cash or Shares upon resignation from the Board. The terms applicable to DSUs under the LTI Plan (including whether dividend equivalents will be credited to a participant's DSU account) are determined by the Board at the time of the grant. Under the LTI Plan, the Board may grant discretionary DSUs and mandatory or elective DSUs that are granted as a component of a non-executive director's annual retainer. Notwithstanding that the settlement may be in cash, the number of DSUs remain governed by the 10% aggregate limit for all equity based compensation.
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Vesting |
Unless otherwise provided, mandatory or elective DSUs vest immediately and the Board determines the vesting schedule for discretionary DSUs at the time of grant. The Corporation has not in the past and does not currently expect to grant discretionary DSUs in the future subject to vesting. |
Settlement |
DSUs may only be settled after the date on which the participant ceases to hold all positions with the Company or a related corporation. At the grant date, the Board shall stipulate whether the DSUs are paid in cash, Shares, or a combination of both, in an amount equal to the Market Price of the notional Shares represented by the DSUs in the participant's DSU account. |
E. Other Information About PSUs, RSUs and DSUs |
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Credit to Account |
As dividends are declared, additional PSUs, RSUs and/or DSUs may be credited to a participant in an amount equal to the greatest whole number which may be obtained by dividing (i) the value of such dividend or distribution on the payment date therefore by (ii) the Market Price of one Share on such date. |
Circumstances Causing Cessation of Entitlement |
Death |
Vested Unit Awards will be settled as of the date of death. Unvested Unit Awards (other than DSUs) will vest and be settled as of the date of death, prorated to reflect (i) for RSUs, the actual period between the grant date and date of death, and (ii) for PSUs, the actual period between the commencement of the performance cycle and the date of death, based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period(s) up to the date of death. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining Units Awards will terminate as of the date of death. Unvested DSUs automatically terminate on the date of death. |
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Disability |
Vested Unit Awards will be settled as of the date of disability. Unvested Unit Awards (other than DSUs) will vest and be settled in accordance with their terms as of the date of disability, and (i) PSUs will be prorated to reflect the actual period between the commencement of the performance cycle and the date of disability, based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period up to the date of disability, and (ii) RSUs will be prorated to reflect the actual period between the grant date and the date of disability. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining Unit Awards (including unvested DSUs) will automatically terminate as of the date of disability. |
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Retirement/ Early Retirement |
Vested Unit Awards will be settled as of the Termination Date. Unvested PSUs will continue to vest and be settled in accordance their terms, based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period(s) and subject to compliance with any applicable non- compete and/or non-solicit provisions. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining PSUs will terminate as of the expiry date of the applicable performance period. Unvested RSUs will continue to vest and be settled in accordance with their terms, subject to compliance with any applicable non-compete and/or non-solicit provisions. Unvested DSUs automatically terminate on the Termination Date. Early Retirement If a participant retires early and subsequently commences alternative employment without having received prior written consent from the Company, all unvested PSUs and RSUs will automatically terminate on the applicable commencement date. |
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Resignation or loss of office |
Vested Unit Awards will be settled in accordance with their terms as of the Termination Date. Unvested Unit Awards automatically terminate on the Termination Date. |
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Termination without Cause (No Change in Control) |
Vested Unit Awards will be settled in accordance their terms as of the Termination Date. The following summary is in respect of the unvested Unit Awards as at the Termination Date: Outstanding PSUs that would have vested on the next vesting date following the Termination Date are prorated to reflect the actual period between the commencement of the performance cycle and the Termination Date, based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period(s) up to the Termination Date, and will be settled in accordance with their terms as of such vesting date. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining PSUs will terminate as of the Termination Date. Outstanding RSUs that would have vested on the next vesting date following the Termination Date, will vest and be settled in accordance with their terms as of such vesting date, prorated to reflect the actual period between the grant date and Termination Date. Unvested DSUs automatically terminate on the date of termination. |
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Change in Control |
Unless otherwise provided in the participant's service agreement or award agreement, Unit Awards do not vest and become immediately settleable upon a change in control, unless: (i) the successor fails to continue or assume the obligations under the LTI Plan or fails to provide for a substitute award, or (ii) if the Unit Awards are continued, assumed or substituted, the participant is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason in accordance with the terms of the participant's service agreement within two years following the change in control, and in each case, any outstanding PSUs will vest based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period(s) up to the effective date of the change in control. The Board shall have the right, but not the obligation, to settle all of the participant's outstanding Unit Awards (to the extent vested), subject to completion of the change in control. |
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Termination with Cause |
Unit Awards, whether vested or unvested as of the Termination Date, automatically terminate. |
F. Share Purchase Commitment (SPCs) |
Eligible Participants |
Any officer or employee of the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, including part time provided that the officer or employee has been actively employed by the Company, or any eligible subsidiary for at least three months. |
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Maximum Number of Shares in a SPC |
The LTI Plan limits the number of Shares that any one Participant in any calendar year can acquire under a SPC to 30,000 Shares |
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Aggregate Maximum Number of Shares reserved for SPCs |
The maximum number of Shares in all SPCs is limited to 2% of the issued shares (non-diluted basis) |
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Administration |
The SPC will be administered by the board of directors of the Company (the "Board"). The Board can delegate a committee of the Board, such of the Board's duties and powers relating to the SPC as the Board may see fit, subject to applicable law. |
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Contributions |
Participant Contributions |
Participants may elect to contribute between one (1) and ten (10) percent of their base salary towards the purchase of Shares. The Corporation shall have no obligation to pay interest on participant contributions or to hold such amounts in a trust or in any segregated account. A participant may not make any separate cash payment other than the participant's contributions into the participant's SPC account. A participant shall be entitled to increase, decrease, suspend, terminate or resume his or her participant contributions no more than two times per calendar year, or three times per calendar year for employees returning from a leave of absence. |
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Employer Contributions |
The Corporation will match the contribution of the participant in an amount equal to twenty-five (25) percent of the participant's contribution. |
Insider Participation Limits |
The SPC, when combined with all of the Company's other established security-based compensation arrangements, shall not result at any time in: (i) a number of Shares issued to insiders within a one-year period exceeding 5% of the issued and outstanding Shares; and (ii) the number of Shares issuable to insiders at any time exceeding 5% of the issued and outstanding Shares. Additionally, in no event shall the number of Shares acquired by any one participant in any calendar year exceed thirty thousand (30,000), or such other maximum number of Shares as determined from time to time by the Company. |
Blackout Period |
Notwithstanding any other provision of the plan, if a blackout period is in effect, (i) an eligible participant subject to the blackout period may not enroll in the plan until after the end of the blackout period, and (ii) a participant subject to the blackout period may not increase, decrease, suspend, terminate or resume his or her participant's contributions until after the end of the blackout period. |
Shares Subject to the SPC |
The aggregate number of Shares to be reserved and set aside for issue from treasury under the SPC is a maximum of 2% of the issued and outstanding Shares from time to time on a non-diluted basis. The aggregate number of Shares issued pursuant to the SPC, together with all other established security-based compensation arrangements of the Company (other than any Shares issued pursuant to Section 613(c) of the TSX Corporation Manual), shall not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares at the time the Shares are available (on a non-diluted basis). The Corporation has not issued any Shares under the SPC. |
Dividend Equivalents |
Dividend equivalents (generally distributions made to all holders of common shares) are credited to a participant's SPC account as follows: (i) any cash dividends or distributions credited to the participant's SPC account are deemed to be invested in additional Shares on the payment date established for the related dividend or distribution in an amount equal to the greatest whole number which may be obtained by dividing (a) the value of such dividend or distribution on the payment date by (b) the Market Price (as defined below) of one Share on the dividend payment date, and such additional Shares are subject to the same terms and conditions as are applicable in respect of the Shares with respect to which such dividends or distributions were payable; and (ii) if any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares or other securities, such Shares and other securities are subject to the same holding period and the same vesting and other restrictions (if applicable) as apply to the Shares with respect to which they were paid. |
Financial Assistance |
Other than the Company's 25% contribution, no financial assistance is provided to SPC participants. |
Assignability |
Shares acquired under the SPC may not be assigned, transferred, charged, pledged or otherwise alienated, other than to a participant's permitted assigns or personal representatives. |
Market Price |
"Market Price" means the volume-weighted average trading price of the Shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the applicable date as reported by the TSX. |
Purchase Price |
Market Purchase Shares |
For all Shares purchased in the market, the purchase price will be 100% of the average purchase price of the Shares purchased by the administrator on behalf of the participants through the facilities of the TSX or the NYSE, as applicable, on the date that such Market Purchase Shares are acquired. The Administrator will control the time, amount and manner of the purchases of any Market Purchase Shares. |
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Treasury Purchase Shares |
For all Shares purchased and issued from treasury, the purchase price will be a price per Share equal to 100% of the Market Price on the date such Shares are issued. |
Vesting & Holding Period |
Shares acquired pursuant to the SPC vest immediately. Shares acquired with employer's contributions are, subject to the cessation of a participant's employment, subject to a 6 month holding period commencing as of the day such Shares are acquired by the participant (the "Holding Period"). |
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Withdrawals |
Subject to compliance with applicable laws, any restrictions as may be prescribed by the Board and the Holding Period, participants are entitled to sell or withdraw some or all Shares held in their SPC account twice per calendar year. The Hold period is waived in the case of a change of control of the Corporation. Such Shares will be sold on the TSX and/or NYSE as soon as is administratively practical after receipt of the request. The sale price for such Share shall be the prevailing market price of the Shares at the time of such sale. |
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Termination Date |
The participant's last day of office or active employment by the Company or any subsidiary for any reason whatsoever (the "Termination Date"). |
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Termination of Employment |
Death |
The participant's personal representative may elect to withdraw or sell all the Shares credited to the participant's SPC account as of the date of death by making an election in the form and in the manner prescribed by the administrator. In the event that no such written notice of election is received by the administrator within 30 days of the participant's date of death, the participant's personal representative (or such other designated person) will automatically be deemed to have elected to sell the balance of Shares as of the 31st day following date of death. Thereafter, any accumulated cash and Shares credited to the participant's SPC account as of the date of death will be delivered to, or on behalf of, the participant as soon as administratively practicable. |
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Termination for any reason other than death |
The participant may elect to withdraw or sell all the Shares credited to the participant's SPC account as of the Termination Date, by making an election in the form and in the manner prescribed by the administrator. In the event that no such written notice of election is received by the administrator within 30 days of the Termination Date, the participant will automatically be deemed to have elected to sell the balance of the Shares as of the 31st day following the Termination Date. Thereafter, any accumulated cash credited to the participant's SPC account as of the Termination Date will be delivered to, or on behalf of, the participant as soon as administratively practicable. |
The LTI Plan is considered an "evergreen" plan pursuant to the rules of the TSX and consequently, the Company must obtain Shareholder approval of the unallocated awards under the LTI Plan every three years.
Item 7 - Major Shareholders and Related-Party Transactions
A. Major shareholders
The Company is a publicly-held corporation, with its shares held by residents of Canada, the United States of America and other countries. To the best of the Company's knowledge, other than as noted below, no person, corporation or other entity beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or controls more than 5% of the common shares of Fury, the only class of securities with voting rights. None of these 5%+ shareholders have different voting rights from the Company's other shareholders. For these purposes, "beneficial ownership" means the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting or to dispose or direct the disposition of any security:
Name of Beneficial Owner (1) | Number of common shares held |
Percentage of issued shares(2) |
Fidelity Investments (3) | 10,800,000 | 7.39% |
Newmont Corporation (4) | 7,515,825 | 5.14% |
(1) The term "beneficial owner" of securities refers to any person who, even if not the record owner of the securities, has or shares the underlying benefits of ownership. These benefits include the power to direct the voting or the disposition of the securities or to receive the economic benefit of ownership of the securities. A person also is considered to be the "beneficial owner" of securities that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days by option or other agreement. Beneficial owners include persons who hold their securities through one or more trustees, brokers, agents, legal representatives or other intermediaries, or through companies in which they have a "controlling interest," which means the direct or indirect power to direct the management and policies of the entity.
(2) Based on outstanding shares of 146,077,103 on April 12, 2024.
(3) Acquired in a private placement transaction on April 19, 2022.
(4) Acquired in a private placement transaction on January 24, 2017.
Geographic Breakdown of Shareholders
As of April 12, 2024, Fury's register of shareholders indicates that Fury's common shares are held as follows:
Location | Number of registered shareholders of record |
Number of shares | Percentage of total shares |
Canada | 102 | 141,567,640 | 96.91% |
United States | 204 | 3,699,340 | 2.53% |
Other | 16 | 810,123 | 0.56% |
TOTALS | 322 | 146,077,103 | 100% |
Shares registered in intermediaries were assumed to be held by residents of the same country in which the clearing house was located.
Fury's securities are recorded on the books of its transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc., located at 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, Canada (604) 661-9400 in registered form. However, the majority of such shares are registered in the name of intermediaries such as brokerage houses and clearing houses (on behalf of their respective brokerage clients). Fury does not have knowledge or access to the identities of the beneficial owners of such shares registered through intermediaries.
Control
Fury is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any other corporation, by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal person, severally or jointly, other than as noted above under Major Shareholders. There are no arrangements known to Fury which, at a subsequent date, may result in a change in control of Fury.
B. Related-party transactions
Except as disclosed below, the Company has not, since January 1, 2022, and does not at this time propose to:
(1) enter into any transactions which are material to the Company or a related party or any transactions unusual in their nature or conditions involving goods, services or tangible or intangible assets to which The Company or any of its former subsidiaries was a party;
(2) make any loans or guarantees directly or through any of its former subsidiaries to or for the benefit of any of the following persons:
(a) enterprises directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controlling or controlled by or under common control with the Company; (b) associates of the Company (unconsolidated enterprises in which the Company has significant influence or which has significant influence over the Company) including shareholders beneficially owning 10% or more of the outstanding shares of The Company;
(c) individuals owning, directly or indirectly, shares of the Company that gives them significant influence over The Company and close members of such individuals families;
(d) key management personnel (persons having authority in responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company including directors and senior management and close members of such directors and senior management); or
(e) enterprises in which a substantial voting interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by any person described in (c) or (d) or over which such a person is able to exercise significant influence.
Universal Mineral Services ("UMS"):
Under the shared services arrangements with the Company's 25%-owned affiliate service provider company UMS, all transactions have occurred in the normal course of operations, and the shared costs are considered by management to be priced at equal to or better than would be the fair market rates for the shared services. All amounts owing to or from UMS are unsecured, non-interest bearing, and have no specific terms of settlement, unless otherwise noted.
Years ended December 31 | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Exploration and evaluation costs | $ | 872 | $ | 590 | $ | 215 | |||
General and administration | 714 | 841 | 384 | ||||||
Total transactions for the period | $ | 1,586 | $ | 1,431 | $ | 599 |
The outstanding balance owing at December 31, 2023, was $103 (December 31, 2022 - $240, December 31, 2021 - $142) which is included in accounts payable.
The Company is contractually obligated to provide for a certain share, estimated annually, of the operating expenses of UMS, specifically in respect of a ten-year office lease which was entered into on July 1, 2021. As at December 31, 2023, the Company expects to incur approximately $381 in respect of its share of future rental expense.
The Company issues share options to UMS employees some of whom provide part time services to the Company. During the 4th quarter 2023, certain key management personnel of the Company transferred from UMS to be directly employed by the Company. The Company recognized a share-based compensation expense of $317 for the year ended December 31, 2023 in respect of share options issued to UMS employees (December 31, 2022 - $483, December 31, 2021 - $453)
Dolly Varden Silver Corp ("Dolly Varden"):
Other than in respect of the Homestake Investor Rights Agreement, as described above under Item 4.A, here were no related-party transactions between the Company and our associate Dolly Varden in the last three years.
Key Management personnel compensation
The remuneration of the Company's key management personnel was as follows:
Years ended December 31 | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Short-term benefits provided to executives (a) | $ | 1,109 | $ | 1,719 | $ | 982 | |||
Directors' fees paid to non-executive directors | 289 | 203 | 204 | ||||||
Share-based payments | 1,013 | 1,059 | 1,206 | ||||||
Total | $ | 2,411 | $ | 2,981 | $ | 2,392 |
(a) Short-term employee benefits include salaries, bonuses payable within twelve months of the date of the consolidated statements of financial position, and other annual employee benefits.
C. Interests of experts and counsel
Not applicable
Item 8 - Financial Information
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
Consolidated Statements
This Annual Report contains the audited Annual Consolidated Financial Statements which includes the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2023 and 2022 and the related consolidated statements of (earnings) loss and comprehensive (earnings) loss, consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated statements of changes in shareholders' equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. These financial statements are accompanied by the appropriate PCAOB audit report issued by Deloitte LLP
In addition to the Company's Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements of Dolly Varden in whom we are considered to have a significant influence in, has been included for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 in line with Rule 3-09 of Regulation S-X. Whether an equity investee is significant, is measured through the Rule 3-09 significance tests based on investment and income thresholds which triggered the significant equity method investee disclosures. The Company acquired its initial investment in Dolly Varden on February 25, 2022 at which time it was considered to be an associate investment. The Company has sought and received relief from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in view of Section 2405.4 which allow the Company to file full year financial statements of Dolly Varden for the year ended December 31, 2022. Readers are referred to Note 11 of the Company's Annual Consolidated Financial Statements that includes (i) summarized statements of financial position for Dolly Varden as at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and (ii) consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive earnings for Dolly Varden for (i) the period from February 25, 2022 to December 31, 2022, and (ii) year ended December 31, 2023.
The Company's Annual Consolidated Financial Statements as well as the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements of Dolly Varden are included as part of this Annual Report with page references F1 - F36 and F37 - F62.
Legal Proceedings
As of the date of this Annual Report, in the opinion of our management, we are not currently a party to any litigation or legal proceedings which are material, either individually or in the aggregate, and, to our knowledge, no legal proceedings of a material nature involving us currently are contemplated by any individuals, entities or governmental authorities.
Dividends
We have not paid any dividends on our common shares since in Company. Our management anticipates that we will retain all future earnings and other cash resources for the future operation and development of our business. We do not intend to declare or pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Payment of any future dividends will be at the Board of Directors' discretion, subject to applicable law, after taking into account many factors including our operating results, financial condition and current and anticipated cash needs.
B. Significant changes
There has been no significant changes since the issuance of the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, except as disclosed in the Annual Report.
Item 9 - The Offer and Listing
A. Offer and listing details
The Company's common shares trade on the NYSE and the TSX under the trading symbol "FURY".
B. Plan of distribution
Not applicable
C. Markets
The Company's common shares trade on the NYSE and the TSX under the trading symbol "FURY".
D. Selling shareholders
Not applicable
E. Dilution
Not applicable
F. Expenses of the issue
Not applicable
Item 10 - Additional Information
A. Share capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and articles of association
The Company was originally incorporated on June 9, 2008 pursuant to the British Columbia Business Corporations Act (the "Business Corporations Act") under the name "Georgetown Capital Corp.". On October 15, 2013, the Company changed its name to "Auryn Resources Inc." and subsequently, on October 8, 2020, changed its name to Fury Gold Mines Limited. The Company's incorporation number, as assigned by the British Columbia Registry Services, is BC0827202.
The Company's current Notice of Articles is dated September 6, 2023 and the Company's Articles dated effective June 24, 2021 are attached to this Annual report on Form 20-F as Exhibits 1.01 and 1.02, respectively.
The following is a summary of certain material provisions of (i) Fury's Notice of Articles and Articles, and (ii) certain provisions of the British Columbia Business Corporations Act (the "Business Corporations Act") applicable to Fury:
1. Objects and Purposes
Fury's Notice of Articles and Articles do not specify objects or purposes. Fury is entitled under the Business Corporations Act to carry on all lawful businesses which can be carried on by a natural person.
2. Directors
Director's power to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which the director is interested.
According to the Business Corporations Act, a director holds a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction if:
1. the contract or transaction is material to the company;
2. the company has entered, or proposes to enter, into the contract or transaction, and
3. either of the following applies to the director:
a. the director has a material interest in the contract or transaction;
b. the director is a director or senior officer of, or has a material interest in, a person who has a material interest in the contract or transaction.
However, the Business Corporations Act also provides that in the following circumstances, a director does not hold a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction if:
1. the situation that would otherwise constitute a disclosable interest arose before the coming into force of the Business Corporations Act or, if the company was recognized under the Business Corporations Act, before that recognition, and was disclosed and approved under, or was not required to be disclosed under, the legislation that:
a. applied to the company on or after the date on which the situation arose; and
b. is comparable in scope and intent to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act;
2. both the company and the other party to the contract or transaction are wholly owned subsidiaries of the same corporation;
3. the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the other party to the contract or transaction;
4. the other party to the contract or transaction is a wholly owned subsidiary of the company; or
5. where the director or senior officer is the sole shareholder of the company or of a corporation of which the company is a wholly owned subsidiary.
The Business Corporations Act further provides that a director of a company does not hold a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction merely because:
1. the contract or transaction is an arrangement by way of security granted by the company for money loaned to, or obligations undertaken by, the director or senior officer, or a person in whom the director or senior officer has a material interest, for the benefit of the company or an affiliate of the company;
2. the contract or transaction relates to an indemnity or insurance;
3. the contract or transaction relates to the remuneration of the director or senior officer in that person's capacity as director, officer, employee or agent of the company or of an affiliate of the company;
4. the contract or transaction relates to a loan to the company, and the director or senior officer, or a person in whom the director or senior officer has a material interest, is or is to be a guarantor of some or all of the loan; or
5. the contract or transaction has been or will be made with or for the benefit of a corporation that is affiliated with the company and the director or senior officer is also a director or senior officer of that corporation or an affiliate of that corporation.
Under Fury's Articles, a director or senior officer who holds a disclosable interest (as that term is used in the Business Corporations Act) in a contract or transaction into which Fury has entered or proposes to enter:
1. is liable to account to Fury for any profit that accrues to the director or senior officer under or as a result of the contract or transaction only if and to the extent provided in the Act;
2. is not entitled to vote on any directors' resolution to approve that contract or transaction, unless all the directors have a disclosable interest in that contract or transaction, in which case any or all of those directors may vote on such resolution; 3. and who is present at the meeting of directors at which the contract or transaction is considered for approval may be counted in the quorum at the meeting whether or not the director votes on any or all of the resolutions considered at the meeting.
A director or senior officer who holds any office or possesses any property, right or interest that could result, directly or indirectly, in the creation of a duty or interest that materially conflicts with that individual's duty or interest as a director or senior officer, must disclose the nature and extent of the conflict as required by the Business Corporations Act. No director or intended director is disqualified by his or her office from contracting with Fury either with regard to the holding of any office or place of profit the director holds with Fury or as vendor, purchaser or otherwise, and no contract or transaction entered into by or on behalf of Fury in which a director is in any way interested is liable to be voided for that reason.
Directors' power, in the absence of an independent quorum, to vote compensation to themselves or any members of their body.
The compensation of the directors is decided by the directors unless the board of directors requests approval to the compensation from the shareholders by ordinary resolution. The Business Corporations Act provides that a director of a company does not hold a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction merely because the contract or transaction relates to the remuneration of the director or senior officer in that person's capacity as director, officer, employee or agent of Fury or of an affiliate of Fury.
Borrowing powers exercisable by the directors.
Under the Articles, the directors may, on behalf of Fury:
1. borrow money in such manner and amount, on such security, from such sources and upon such terms, and conditions as they consider appropriate;
2. issue bonds, debentures, and other debt obligations either outright or as a security for any liability or obligation of Fury or any other person and at such discounts or premiums and on such other terms as they consider appropriate;
3. guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any obligation of any other person; and
4. mortgage, charge, whether by way of specific or floating charge, grant a security interest in, or give other security on, the whole or any part of the present and future assets and undertaking of Fury.
Retirement and non-retirement of directors under an age limit requirement.
There are no such provisions applicable to Fury under its Memorandum or its Articles or the Business Corporations Act.
Number of shares required for a director's qualification.
Directors need not own any shares of Fury in order to qualify as directors.
3. Rights, Preferences and Restrictions Attaching to Each Class of Shares
Authorized Capital
The Company's authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares and an unlimited number of preferred shares (none of which preferred shares have been allotted or issued).
Common Shares
The rights, preferences and restrictions attached to the Company's common shares are summarized as follows:
Dividends
Subject the provisions of the Business Corporations Act, the directors may from time to time declare and authorized payments of dividends out of available assets. Any dividends must be declared and paid according to the number of shares held. Under the Business Corporations Act, no dividend may be paid if Fury is, or would as a result of payment of the dividend become, insolvent.
Voting Rights
Each common share is entitled to one vote on matters to which common shares ordinarily vote including the annual election of directors, appointment of auditors and approval of corporate changes. Directors are elected to hold office at each annual meeting and hold office until the ensuing annual meeting. Directors automatically retire at each annual meeting. There are no staggered directorships among Fury's directors. There are no cumulative voting rights applicable to Fury.
Rights to Profits and Liquidation Rights
All common shares of Fury participate ratably in any net profit or loss of Fury and participate ratably as to any distribution of assets in the event of a winding up or other liquidation.
Redemption
The common shares are not subject to any rights of redemption.
Sinking Fund Provisions
Fury has no sinking fund provisions or similar obligations relating to the common shares.
Shares Fully Paid
All common shares of Fury must, under the Business Corporations Act, be issued as fully paid for cash, property or services. They are therefore non-assessable and not subject to further calls for payment.
Pre-emptive Rights
Holders of common shares of Fury are not entitled to any pre-emptive rights which provide a right to any holder to participate in any further offerings of the Company's equity or other securities.
Preferred Shares
Preferred Shares are authorized to be issued from time to time in one or more series, and the Board may fix from time to time before such issue the number of Preferred Shares, the designation, rights and privileges attached thereto including any voting rights, dividend rights, redemption, purchase or conversion rights, sinking fund or other provisions. Preferred Shares generally rank in priority over Common Shares and any other shares ranking by their terms junior to the Preferred Shares as to dividends and return of capital upon, liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or any other return of capital or distribution of the assets of the Company
4. Changes to Rights and Restrictions to Shares
The Articles provide that, subject to the Business Corporations Act, the Company may, by special resolution:
create special rights or restrictions for, and attach those special rights or restrictions to, the shares of any class or series of shares, whether or not any or all of those shares have been issued; or
vary or delete any special rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series of shares, whether or not any or all of those shares have been issued.
Subject to the Business Corporations Act, the Company may by directors resolution subdivide or consolidate all or any of its unissued, or fully paid issued, shares and, if applicable, alter its Notice of Articles, and, if applicable, its Articles.
The Articles provide that the Company may by directors resolution authorize an alteration of its Notice of Articles in order to change its name or adopt or change any translation of that name.
The Company's Articles provide that, subject to the Business Corporations Act, the Company may by ordinary resolution of shareholders (or a resolution of the directors in the case of §(c) or §(f) below):
(a) create one or more classes or series of shares or, if none of the shares of a class or series of shares are allotted or issued, eliminate that class or series of shares;
(b) increase, reduce or eliminate the maximum number of shares that Fury is authorized to issue out of any class or series of shares or establish a maximum number of shares that Fury is authorized to issue out of any class or series of shares for which no maximum is established;
(c) subdivide or consolidate all or any of its unissued, or fully paid issued, shares;
(d) if the Company is authorized to issue shares of a class of shares with par value:
(e) change all or any of its unissued, or fully paid issued, shares with par value into shares without par value or any of its unissued shares without par value into shares with par value;
(f) alter the identifying name of any of its shares; or
(g) otherwise alter its shares or authorized share structure when required or permitted to do so by the Act where it does not specify a special resolution.
The Articles provide that a special resolution is a resolution of shareholders that is approved by two thirds (66 2/3%) of those votes cast at a properly constituted meeting of shareholders. An ordinary resolution is a resolution of shareholders that is approved by a majority of those votes cast at a properly constituted meeting of shareholders. Quorum pursuant to the Articles is two shareholders holding at least 25% of issued shares.
If special rights and restrictions are altered and any right or special right attached to issued shares is prejudiced or interfered with, then the consent of the holders of shares of that class or series by a special separate resolution will be required.
The Business Corporations Act also provides that a company may reduce its capital if it is authorized to do so by a court order, or, if the capital is reduced to an amount that is not less than the realizable value of the company's assets less its liabilities, by a special resolution or court order.
Generally, there are no significant differences between British Columbia and United States law with respect to changing the rights of shareholders as most state corporation statutes require shareholder approval (usually a majority) for any such changes that affect the rights of shareholders.
5. Meetings of Shareholders
The Articles provide that the Company must hold its annual general meeting once in every calendar year (being not more than 15 months from the last annual general meeting) at such time and place to be determined by the directors of Fury. Shareholders meetings are governed by the Articles of Fury but many important shareholder protections are also contained in the Canadian provincial securities laws that are applicable to Fury as a reporting issuer in all of the Provinces and Territories of Canada ("Canadian Securities Laws") and the British Columbia Corporations Act. The Articles provide that Fury will provide at least 21 days' advance written notice of any meeting of shareholders and will provide for certain procedural matters and rules of order with respect to conduct of the meeting. The directors may fix in advance a date, which is no fewer than 21 days prior to the date of the meeting for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at a general meeting.
Canadian Securities Law and the British Columbia Corporations Act superimpose requirements that generally provide that shareholders meetings require not less than a 60 day notice period from initial public notice and that Fury makes a thorough advanced search of intermediary and brokerage registered shareholdings to facilitate communication with beneficial shareholders so that meeting proxy and information materials can be sent via the brokerages to unregistered but beneficial shareholders. The form and content of information circulars and proxies and like matters are governed by Canadian Securities Laws and the British Columbia Corporations Act. This legislation specifies the disclosure requirements for the proxy materials and various corporate actions, background information on the nominees for election for director, executive compensation paid in the previous year and full details of any unusual matters or related party transactions. Fury must hold an annual shareholders meeting open to all shareholders for personal attendance or by proxy at each shareholder's determination.
Most state corporation statutes require a public company to hold an annual meeting for the election of directors and for the consideration of other appropriate matters. The state statutes also include general provisions relating to shareholder voting and meetings. Apart from the timing of when an annual Meeting must be held and the percentage of shareholders required to call an annual Meeting or an extraordinary meeting, there are generally no material differences between Canadian and United States law respecting annual meetings and extraordinary meetings.
6. Rights to Own Securities
There are no limitations under Fury's Articles or in the Business Corporations Act on the right of persons who are not citizens of Canada to hold or vote common shares.
7. Restrictions on Changes in Control, Mergers, Acquisitions or Corporate Restructuring of the Company
The Company's Articles do not contain any provisions that would have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the Company. There are no adopted provisions in the Company's Articles triggered by or affected by a change in outstanding shares which gives rise to a change in control.
8. Ownership Threshold Requiring Public Disclosure
The Articles of Fury do not require disclosure of share ownership. Share ownership of director nominees must be reported annually in proxy materials sent to Fury's shareholders. There are no requirements under British Columbia corporate law to report ownership of shares of Fury but Canadian Securities Law requires disclosure of trading by insiders (generally officers, directors and holders of 10% of voting shares) within 5 days of the trade. In addition, Canadian Securities Laws require disclosure of acquisition of more than 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company by press release and filing of an early warning report within 2 business days of the acquisition. Canadian Securities Laws also require that we disclose in our annual general meeting proxy statement, holders who beneficially own more than 10% of our issued and outstanding shares, and United States federal securities laws require the disclosure in our annual report on Form 20-F of holders who own more than 5% of our issued and outstanding shares.
Most state corporation statutes do not contain provisions governing the threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed. United States federal securities laws require a company that is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to disclose, in its annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission those shareholders who own more than 5% of a corporation's issued and outstanding shares.
9. Differences in Law between the US and British Columbia
Differences in the law between United States and British Columbia, where applicable, have been explained above within each category.
10. Changes in the Capital of the Company
There are no conditions imposed by Fury's Notice of Articles or Articles which are more stringent than those required by the Business Corporations Act.
Limitations on Rights of Non-Canadians
The Company is incorporated pursuant to the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. There is no law or governmental decree or regulation in Canada that restricts the export or import of capital, or affects the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to a non-resident holder of common shares, other than withholding tax requirements. Any such remittances to United States residents are generally subject to withholding tax, however, no such remittances are likely in the foreseeable future. See "Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for United States Residents" below.
There is no limitation imposed by Canadian law or by our Articles or other constituent documents of our Company on the right of a non-resident to hold or vote common shares of our Company. However, the Investment Canada Act (Canada) (the "Investment Act") has rules regarding certain acquisitions of shares by non-Canadians, along with other requirements under that legislation.
The following discussion summarizes the principal features of the Investment Act for a non-Canadian (as defined under the Investment Act) who proposes to acquire common shares of our Company. The discussion is general only; it is not a substitute for independent legal advice from an investor's own advisor; and it does not anticipate statutory or regulatory amendments.
The Investment Act is a federal statute of broad application regulating the establishment and acquisition of Canadian businesses by non-Canadians, including individuals, governments or agencies thereof, corporations, partnerships, trusts or joint ventures (each an "entity"). Investments by non-Canadians to acquire control over existing Canadian businesses or to establish new ones are either reviewable or notifiable under the Investment Act. If an investment by a non-Canadian to acquire control over an existing Canadian business is reviewable under the Investment Act, the Investment Act generally prohibits implementation of the investment unless, after review, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (the "Minister") is satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada.
A non-Canadian would acquire control of our Company for the purposes of the Investment Act through the acquisition of common shares if the non-Canadian acquired a majority of the voting interests in our Company.
Further, the acquisition of less than a majority but one-third or more of the voting interests in our Company by a non-Canadian would be presumed to be an acquisition of control of our Company unless it could be established that, on the acquisition, our Company was not controlled in fact by the acquirer through the ownership of such voting interests.
For a direct acquisition that would result in an acquisition of control of our Company, subject to the exception for "WTO investors" that are controlled by persons who are nationals or permanent residents of World Trade Organization ("WTO") member nations, a proposed investment generally would be reviewable where the value of the acquired assets is $5 million or more.
For a proposed indirect acquisition by an investor other than a so-called "WTO investor" that would result in an acquisition of control of our Company through the acquisition of a non-Canadian parent entity, the investment generally would be reviewable where the value of the assets of the entity carrying on the Canadian business, and of all other entities in Canada, the control of which is acquired, directly or indirectly, is $50 million or more.
In the case of a direct acquisition by a WTO investor that is not a state-owned enterprise, the threshold is significantly higher. An investment in common shares of our Company by a WTO investor that is not a state-owned enterprise would be reviewable only if it was an investment to acquire control of the Company and the enterprise value of the assets of the Company was equal to or greater than a specified amount, which is published by the Minister after its determination for any particular year. For 2024, this amount is $1.326 billion (unless the investor is controlled by persons who are nationals or permanent residents of countries that are party to one of a list of certain free trade agreements, in which case the amount is $1.989 billion for 2024); each year, both thresholds are adjusted by a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) based index.
The higher WTO threshold for direct investments and the exemption for indirect investments do not apply where the relevant Canadian business is carrying on a "cultural business". The acquisition of a Canadian business that is a cultural business is subject to lower review thresholds under the Investment Act because of the perceived sensitivity of the cultural sector.
If the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that an investment by a non-Canadian "could be injurious to national security", the Minister may send the non-Canadian a notice indicating that an order for review of the investment may be made. The review of an investment on the grounds of national security may occur whether or not an investment is otherwise subject to review on the basis of net benefit to Canada or otherwise subject to notification under the Investment Act.
Certain transactions, except those to which the national security provisions of the Investment Act may apply, relating to common shares of our Company are exempt from the Investment Act, including:
the acquisition of our common shares by a person in the ordinary course of that person's business as a trader or dealer in securities;
the acquisition of control of our Company in connection with the realization of security granted for a loan or other financial assistance and not for a purpose related to the provisions of the Investment Act, if the acquisition is subject to approval under the Bank Act, the Cooperative Credit Associations Act, the Insurance Companies Act or the Trust and Loan Companies Act; and
the acquisition of control of our Company by reason of an amalgamation, merger, consolidation or corporate reorganization following which the ultimate direct or indirect control in fact of our Company, through the ownership of voting interests, remains unchanged.
C. Material contracts
Except for contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, the following are the only material agreements to which the Company is party (the "Material Contracts"):
(1) UMS is the private company through which its shareholders, including the Company, share geological, financial, and transactional advisory services as well as administrative services on a full, cost recovery basis. This allows the Company to maintain a more efficient and cost-effective corporate overhead structure by hiring fewer full-time employees and engaging outside professional advisory firms less frequently. The agreement has an indefinite term and can be terminated by either party upon providing 180 days notice. The Company is committed to certain office rental expense in respect of shared head office including after termination of the UMS agreement which the Company may terminate anytime on 180 days notice. The UMS agreement is filed as Exhibit 4.2 to this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
D. Exchange control
The Company is incorporated pursuant to the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. There is no law or governmental decree or regulation in Canada that restricts the export or import of capital, or affects the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to a non-resident holder of common shares, other than withholding tax requirements. Any such remittances to United States residents are generally subject to withholding tax, however no such remittances are likely in the foreseeable future. See "Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Information for United States Residents" below.
There is no limitation imposed by Canadian law or by the charter or other constituent documents of our Company on the right of a non-resident to hold or vote common shares of our Company. However, as discussed above in Item 10.B, "Memorandum and Articles of Association," under the heading "Limitations on Rights of Non-Canadians," the Investment Canada has rules regarding certain acquisitions of shares by non-residents, along with other requirements under that legislation.
E. Taxation
Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the Common Shares.
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 as a result of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the Common 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 particular U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal net investment income, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. In addition, except as specifically set forth below, this summary does not discuss applicable tax reporting requirements. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal net investment income, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
No opinion from 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 considerations applicable to U.S. Holders as discussed in this summary. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, and 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 positions taken in this summary.
Scope of this Summary
Authorities
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed) promulgated under the Code, published rulings of the IRS, published administrative positions of the IRS, the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention (as defined below), and U.S. court decisions, that are in effect and 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 retroactively. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis.
U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of Common Shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
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 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 brokers or dealers in securities or currencies or are traders in securities that elect to apply a mark-to-market accounting method; (d) have a "functional currency" other than the U.S. dollar; (e) own Common Shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion transaction, constructive sale, or other integrated transaction; (f) acquired Common Shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (g) hold Common 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 partnerships and other pass-through entities (and investors in such partnerships and entities); (j) are S corporations (and shareholders therein); (k) are subject to special tax accounting rules; (l) own, 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; (m) are U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S.; or (n) hold Common Shares in connection with a trade or business, permanent establishment, or fixed base outside the United States. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal net investment income, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common 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 Common Shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such entity or arrangement and the owners of such entity or arrangement generally will depend on the activities of such entity or arrangement and the status of such partners (or other owners). This summary does not address the tax consequences to any such entity or arrangement or partner (or other owner). Partners (or other owners) of entities or arrangements that are classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
If we are considered a "passive foreign investment company" within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code (a "PFIC") at any time during a U.S. Holder's holding period, the following sections will generally describe the potentially adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
We believe that we were classified as a PFIC for our most recently completed tax year, and based on current business plans and financial expectations, we expect that we may be a PFIC for our current tax year and subsequent 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, our PFIC status for the current year and future years 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 PFIC determination made by us. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding our status as a PFIC and the PFIC status of each of our non-U.S. 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 for any tax year in which (a) 75% or more of our gross income for such tax year 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 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, "passive income" does not include any interest, dividends, rents, or royalties that are received or accrued by us from a "related person" (as defined in Section 954(d)(3) of the Code), 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 be deemed to own their proportionate share of any of our subsidiaries which are also PFICs (each, a "Subsidiary PFIC"), and will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax as discussed below under the heading "Default PFIC Rules Under Section 1291 of the Code" on their proportionate share of any (i) distribution on the shares of a Subsidiary PFIC and (ii) disposition or deemed disposition of shares of a Subsidiary PFIC, both as if such U.S. Holders directly held the shares of such Subsidiary PFIC. 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 Common Shares are made. 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 Common Shares.
Default PFIC Rules Under Section 1291 of the Code
If we are a PFIC, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder of the purchase of Common Shares and the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares will depend on whether such U.S. Holder makes a "qualified electing fund" or "QEF" election 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") with respect to the Common Shares. A U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF Election or a Mark-to-Market Election (a "Non-Electing U.S. Holder") will be subject to tax as described below.
A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code with respect to (a) any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares and (b) any excess distribution received on the Common 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 Common Shares, if shorter).
Under Section 1291 of the Code, any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares of a PFIC (including an indirect disposition of shares of a Subsidiary PFIC), and any excess distribution received on such Common Shares (or a distribution by a Subsidiary PFIC to its shareholder that is deemed to be received by a U.S. Holder) must be ratably allocated to each day in a Non-Electing U.S. Holder's holding period for the Common 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 preferential tax rates, as discussed below). 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 Common 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. If we cease to be a PFIC, a Non-Electing U.S. Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status with respect to Common Shares by electing to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code as discussed above) as if such Common 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 QEF Election for the first tax year in which its holding period of its Common Shares begins generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above with respect to its Common Shares. However, a U.S. Holder that makes a 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 generally (a) may receive a tax-free distribution from us to the extent that such distribution represents "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 Common 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 Common 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" for purposes of avoiding the default PFIC rules discussed above if such QEF Election is made for the first year in the U.S. Holder's holding period for the Common 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 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 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 were 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.
U.S. Holders should be aware that there can be no assurances that we will satisfy the record keeping requirements that apply to a QEF, or that we will supply U.S. Holders with a PFIC Annual Information Statement or other information that such U.S. Holders are required to report under the QEF rules, in the event that we are a PFIC. Thus, U.S. Holders may not be able to make a QEF Election with respect to their Common Shares. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a QEF Election.
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
U.S. 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 with respect to Common Shares only if the Common Shares are marketable stock. The Common Shares generally will be "marketable stock" if the Common 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 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 ensure active trading of listed stocks. If such stock is traded on such a qualified exchange or other market, such stock generally will be considered "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. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the marketable stock rules.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to its Common Shares generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above with respect to such Common 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 Common Shares 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 Common Shares.
A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective 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 Common Shares, as of the close of such tax year over (b) such U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Common 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 (i) such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares, over (ii) the fair market value of such Common 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 timely and effective Mark-to-Market Election generally also will adjust such U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Common 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 Common 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).
A U.S. Holder makes a Mark-to-Market Election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621 to a timely filed U.S. federal income tax return. A timely 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 Common Shares cease to be "marketable stock" or the IRS consents to revocation of such election. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor 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 Common 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 eliminate the interest charge and other income inclusion rules described above with respect to deemed dispositions of Subsidiary PFIC stock or 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 Common 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 Common Shares are transferred.
If finalized in their current form, the proposed Treasury Regulations applicable to PFICs would be effective for transactions occurring on or after April 1, 1992. Because the proposed Treasury Regulations have not yet been adopted in final form, they are not currently effective, and there is no assurance that they will be adopted in the form and with the effective date proposed. Nevertheless, the IRS has announced that, in the absence of final Treasury Regulations, taxpayers may apply reasonable interpretations of the Code provisions applicable to PFICs and that it considers the rules set forth in the proposed Treasury Regulations to be reasonable interpretations of those Code provisions. The PFIC rules are complex, and the implementation of certain aspects of the PFIC rules requires the issuance of Treasury Regulations which in many instances have not been promulgated and which, when promulgated, may have retroactive effect. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors about the potential applicability of the proposed Treasury Regulations.
Certain additional adverse rules will 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 Common 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 Common Shares.
In addition, a U.S. Holder who acquires Common Shares from a decedent will not receive a "step up" in tax basis of such Common Shares to fair market value.
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 their own tax advisor 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 advisor regarding the PFIC rules (including the applicability and advisability of a QEF Election and Mark-to-Market Election) and how the PFIC rules may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
General Rules Applicable to the Acquisition, Ownership, and Disposition of Common Shares
The following discussion describes the general rules applicable to the ownership and disposition of the Common Shares but is subject in its entirety to the special rules described above under the heading "Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules."
Distributions on Common Shares
We do not expect to pay dividends with respect to the Common Shares in the foreseeable future. A U.S. Holder that receives a distribution, including a constructive distribution, with respect to a Common 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 and accumulated "earnings and profits", as computed under U.S. federal income tax principles. A dividend generally will be taxed to a U.S. Holder at ordinary income tax rates we are a PFIC for the tax year of such distribution or the preceding tax year. 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 Common Shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of such Common Shares (refer to the "Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares" section below). However, we may not maintain the calculations of earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, and each U.S. Holder may be required to assume that any distribution by us with respect to the Common Shares will constitute ordinary dividend income. Dividends received on Common Shares generally will not be eligible for the "dividends received deduction" generally applicable to corporations. Subject to applicable limitations and provided we are eligible for the benefits of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention, or the Common 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 not be classified as a PFIC in the tax year of distribution or in the preceding tax year. The dividend rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the application of such rules.
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares
Upon the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (a) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received and (b) such U.S. Holder's tax basis in such Common Shares sold or otherwise disposed of. Gain or loss recognized on such sale or other taxable disposition generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or other taxable disposition, the Common Shares have been held for more than one year. Preferential tax rates may 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 Tax 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 Common 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). If the foreign currency received is not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, 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 receives payment in foreign currency and engages in a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the foreign currency 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 advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving, owning, and disposing of foreign currency.
Foreign Tax Credit
Dividends paid on the Common Shares will be treated as foreign-source income, and generally will be treated as "passive category income" or "general category income" for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Any gain or loss recognized on a sale or other disposition of Common Shares generally will be United States source gain or loss. Certain U.S. Holders that are eligible for the benefits of Canada-U.S. Tax Convention may elect to treat such gain or loss as Canadian source gain or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. The Code applies various complex limitations on the amount of foreign taxes that may be claimed as a credit by U.S. taxpayers. In addition, Treasury Regulations that apply to taxes paid or accrued (the "Foreign Tax Credit Regulations") impose additional requirements for Canadian withholding taxes to be eligible for a foreign tax credit, and there can be no assurance that those requirements will be satisfied. The Treasury Department has recently released guidance temporarily pausing the application of certain of the Foreign Tax Credit Regulations.
Subject to the PFIC rules and the Foreign Tax Credit Regulations discussed above, a U.S. Holder that pays (whether directly or through withholding) Canadian income tax with respect to dividends paid on the Common 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 paid. 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 subject to U.S. federal income tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes paid or accrued (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 tax advisor regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
Information Reporting; Backup Withholding Tax
Under U.S. federal income tax laws 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 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. U. S. Holders may be subject to these reporting requirements unless their Common 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 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 the Common Shares generally may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding tax, currently at the rate of 24%, if a U.S. Holder (a) fails to furnish its correct U.S. taxpayer identification number (generally on 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 it 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, such as U.S. Holders that are corporations, generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding tax rules. 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 a complete 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 advisors regarding the information reporting and backup withholding rules.
THE ABOVE SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF ALL TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO U.S. HOLDERS WITH RESPECT TO THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP, AND DISPOSITION OF COMMON SHARES. U.S. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM IN THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for United States Residents
The following is a summary of certain Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the holding and disposition of our securities acquired by a holder who, at all relevant times, (a) for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act") (i) is not resident, or deemed to be resident, in Canada, (ii) deals at arm's length with us and underwriters that we have recently used, and is not affiliated with us or the underwriters that we have recently used, (iii) holds our common shares as capital property, (iv) does not use or hold the common shares in the course of carrying on, or otherwise in connection with, a business carried on or deemed to be carried on in Canada and (v) is not a "registered non-resident insurer" or "authorized foreign bank" (each as defined in the Tax Act), or other holder of special status, and (b) for the purposes of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention (the "Tax Treaty"), is a resident of the United States, has never been a resident of Canada, does not have and has not had, at any time, a permanent establishment or fixed base in Canada, and who otherwise qualifies for the full benefits of the Tax Treaty. Holders who meet all the criteria in clauses (a) and (b) above are referred to herein as "U.S. Holders", and this summary only addresses such U.S. Holders.
This summary does not deal with special situations, such as the particular circumstances of traders or dealers, tax exempt entities, insurers or financial institutions, or other holders of special status or in special circumstances. Such holders, and all other holders who do not meet the criteria in clauses (a) and (b) above, should consult their own tax advisors.
This summary is based on the current provisions of the Tax Act, the regulations thereunder in force at the date hereof (the "Regulations"), the current provisions of the Tax Treaty, and our understanding of the administrative and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency published in writing prior to the date hereof. This summary takes into account all specific proposals to amend the Tax Act and Regulations publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof (the "Proposed Amendments") and assumes that such Proposed Amendments will be enacted in the form proposed. However, such Proposed Amendments might not be enacted in the form proposed, or at all. This summary does not otherwise take into account or anticipate any changes in law or administrative or assessing practices, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial decision or action, nor does it take into account tax laws of any province or territory of Canada or of any other jurisdiction outside Canada, which may differ significantly from those discussed in this summary.
For the purposes of the Tax Act, all amounts relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of our securities must generally be expressed in Canadian dollars. Amounts denominated in United States currency generally must be converted into Canadian dollars using the rate of exchange that is acceptable to the Canada Revenue Agency.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any particular U.S. Holder, and no representation with respect to the Canadian federal income tax consequences to any particular U.S. Holder or prospective U.S. Holder is made. This summary is not exhaustive of all Canadian federal income tax considerations. Accordingly, all prospective purchasers (including U.S. Holders as defined above) should consult with their own tax advisors for advice with respect to their own particular circumstances.
Withholding Tax on Dividends
Amounts paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited as, on account or in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of, dividends on our common shares to a U.S. Holder will be subject to Canadian withholding tax. Under the Tax Treaty, the rate of Canadian withholding tax on dividends paid or credited by us to a U.S. Holder that beneficially owns such dividends and substantiates eligibility for the benefits of the Tax Treaty is generally 15% (unless the beneficial owner is a company that owns at least 10% of our voting stock at that time, in which case the rate of Canadian withholding tax is generally reduced to 5%)
Dispositions
A U.S. Holder will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act on a capital gain realized on a disposition or deemed disposition of a security, unless the security is "taxable Canadian property" to the U.S. Holder for purposes of the Tax Act and the U.S. Holder is not entitled to relief under the Tax Treaty.
Generally, the common shares will not constitute "taxable Canadian property" to a U.S. Holder at a particular time unless, at any time during the 60 month period immediately preceding the disposition, more than 50% of the fair market value of such security was derived, directly or indirectly, from one or any combination of: (i) real or immovable property situated in Canada, (ii) "Canadian resource properties" (as defined in the Tax Act), (iii) "timber resource properties" (as defined in the Tax Act), and (iv) options in respect of, or interests in, or for civil law rights in, property described in any of the foregoing whether or not the property exists. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in certain other circumstances set out in the Tax Act, common shares could also be deemed to be "taxable Canadian property".
Provided that the common shares are listed on a "designated stock exchange" as defined in the Tax Act (which includes the TSXV) at the time of disposition, the common shares generally will not constitute "taxable Canadian property" of a U.S. Holder at that time unless, at any time during the 60 month period immediately preceding the disposition, the following two conditions are met concurrently: (i) the U.S. Holder, persons with whom the U.S. Holder did not deal at arm's length, partnerships in which the U.S. Holder or such non-arm's length person holds a membership interest (either directly or indirectly through one or more partnerships), or the U.S. Holder together with all such persons, owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of shares of our company; and (ii) more than 50% of the fair market value of the shares of the company was derived directly or indirectly from one or any combination of real or immovable property situated in Canada, Canadian resource properties (as defined in the Tax Act), timber resource properties (as defined in the Tax Act) or options in respect of, or interests in, or for civil law rights in, property described in any of the foregoing whether or not the property exists. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in certain other circumstances set out in the Tax Act, common shares could also be deemed to be "taxable Canadian property".
U.S. Holders who may hold common shares as "taxable Canadian property" should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the application of Canadian capital gains taxation, any potential relief under the Tax Treaty, and special compliance procedures under the Tax Act, none of which is described in this summary.
F. Dividends and paying agents
Not applicable
G. Statement by experts
Not applicable
H. Documents on Display
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and files reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any of our reports and other information at, and obtain copies upon payment of prescribed fees from, the Public Reference Room maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, DC 20549. In addition, the SEC maintains a web site that contains reports and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
The documents concerning our Company referred to in this Annual Report may be viewed at our principal executive offices, 1630-1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2K3, during normal business hours. Copies of our financial statements and other continuous disclosure documents required under the Securities Act (British Columbia) are available for viewing on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
I. Subsidiary Information
See Item 4.C, "Organizational Structure", for the Company's material subsidiaries as at the date of this Annual Report.
J. Annual Report to Security Holders
Under continuous disclosure requirements under Canadian securities laws, the Company is required to file annually on SEDAR+ within 90 days following the end of each fiscal year, the following annual continuous disclosure filings (together, the "Annual Filings"):
(i) Management's Discussion and Analysis in respect of such fiscal year on Form 51-102F1 (the "Annual MD&A"), (ii) the audited annual financial statements (the "Annual Financial Statements") prescribed by Section 4.1 of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations (as adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators),
(iii) an annual information form on Form 51-102F2 (the "AIF"), and
(iv) officer certifications on Form 52-109F1 executed by, respectively, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer.
If we do not file our annual report on Form 40-F for the relevant fiscal year, we will be required to provide the Annual Filings to the holders of our common shares in response to the requirements of Form 6-K. In such circumstances, we will submit the Annual Filings to such security holders in electronic format in accordance with the EDGAR Filer Manual. As we did not file an annual report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company filed a 6-K that included the Annual Filings for the year ended December 31, 2023 in accordance with the EDGAR Filer Manual on April 2, 2024.
Item 11 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As at December 31, 2023, the Company's financial instruments consist of cash, marketable securities, accounts receivable, deposits, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The fair values of these financial instruments, other than the marketable securities, approximate their carrying values due to their short term to maturity. The Company's marketable securities, representing investments held in publicly traded entities, were classified as level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and measured at fair value using their quoted market price at period end.
The Company's financial instruments are exposed to certain financial risks, primarily liquidity risk, credit risk and market risk, including price risk. Details of the primary financial risks that the Company is exposed to are available in the notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities. The Company proactively manages its capital resources and has in place a budgeting and cash management process to help determine the funds required to ensure the Company has the appropriate liquidity to meet its current exploration plans and achieve its growth objectives. The Company ensures that there is sufficient liquidity available to meet its short-term business requirements, taking into account its anticipated cash outflows from exploration activities, and its holdings of cash and marketable securities. The Company monitors and adjusts, when required, these exploration programs as well as corporate administrative costs to ensure that adequate levels of working capital are maintained.
As at December 31, 2023, the Company had unrestricted cash of $7,313 (December 31, 2022 - $10,309, December 31, 2021 - $3,259), working capital surplus of $7,713 (December 31, 2022 - $10,554, December 31, 2021 - working capital deficit of $428), which the Company defines as current assets less current liabilities, and an accumulated deficit of $149,054 (December 31, 2022 - $131,841, December 31, 2021 - $156,749). During the year ended December 31, 2023, Fury Gold incurred a comprehensive loss of $17,219 (December 31, 2022 - income of $24,905, December 31, 2021 - loss of $16,790). With no source of operating cash flow, there is no assurance that sufficient funding will be available to conduct further exploration of its mineral properties.
The Company's contractual obligations are as follows:
Within 1 year |
2 to 3 years |
Over 3 years |
At December 31 2023 |
|||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 1,034 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,034 | ||||
Quebec flow-through expenditure requirements | 1,223 | - | - | 1,223 | ||||||||
Undiscounted lease payments | 189 | 64 | - | 253 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 2,446 | $ | 64 | $ | - | $ | 2,510 |
The Company also makes certain payments arising on mineral claims and leases on an annual or bi-annual basis to ensure all the Company's properties remain in good standing. Cash payments of $298 were made during the year ended December 31, 2023, in respect of these mineral claims (December 31, 2022 - $215), with $78 recognized in prepaid expenses as at December 31, 2023 (December 31, 2022 - $78).
Credit risk
The Company's cash and accounts receivables are exposed to credit risk, which is the risk that the counterparties to the Company's financial instruments will cause a loss to the Company by failing to pay their obligations. The amount of credit risk to which the Company is exposed is considered insignificant as the Company's cash is held with highly rated financial institutions in interest-bearing accounts and the accounts receivable primarily consist of sales tax receivables and a receivable from a reputable supplier of services in Canada.
Market risk
This is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Significant market risks to which the Company is exposed are as follows:
i. Currency risk
The Company is exposed to currency risk by having balances and transactions in currencies that are different from the relevant functional currency (the Canadian dollar). The Company's foreign currency exposure related to its financial assets and liabilities held in US dollars was as follows:
Years ended December 31 | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Financial assets | |||||||||
US$ bank accounts | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 569 | |||
Financial liabilities | |||||||||
Accounts payable | (7 | ) | (61 | ) | (160 | ) | |||
$ | (6 | ) | $ | (60 | ) | $ | 409 |
A 10% increase or decrease in the US dollar to Canadian dollar exchange rate would not have a material impact on the Company's net loss.
ii. Price risk
The Company holds certain investments in marketable securities (note 8) which are measured at fair value, being the closing share price of each equity security at the date of the consolidated statements of financial position. The Company is exposed to changes in share prices which would result in gains and losses being recognized in the loss for the year. A 10% increase or decrease in the Company's marketable securities' share prices would not have a material impact on the Company's net loss.
Item 12 - Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
Outstanding share purchase warrants
Warrants outstanding |
Exercise price ($/share) |
|||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | 1,626,740 | $ | 1.66 | |||
Issued | 7,461,450 | 1.20 | ||||
Exercised | (101,042 | ) | 1.46 | |||
Expired | (775,695 | ) | 1.42 | |||
Outstanding at December 31, 2021 | 8,211,453 | $ | 1.27 | |||
Expired during 2022 | (750,003 | ) | 1.95 | |||
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2023 | 7,461,450 | $ | 1.20 |
The following table reflects the warrants issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023:
Expiry date | Warrants outstanding |
Exercise price ($/share) |
||||
October 6, 2024 | 5,085,670 | 1.20 | ||||
October 12, 2024 | 2,375,780 | 1.20 | ||||
Total | 7,461,450 | 1.20 |
Part II
Item 13 - Defaults, Dividend Arrearages, and Delinquencies
There has not been a material default in the payment of principal, interest, a sinking or purchase fund installment, or any other material default not cured within thirty days, relating to indebtedness of the Company or any of its significant subsidiaries. There are no payments of dividends by the Company in arrears, nor has there been any other material delinquency relating to any class of preference shares of the Company.
Item 14 - Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable
Item 15 - Controls and Procedures
A. Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures ("DC&P") are defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act to mean controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As of December 31, 2023, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of, and with the participation of, the Company's management, including the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the Company's DC&P. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that such DC&P are effective as of December 31, 2023.
B. Management's annual report on internal control over financial reporting
The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting ("ICFR"). Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) define this as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company's principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company assets, or incurring liabilities or other obligations that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
It is management's responsibility to establish and maintain adequate ICFR to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.
The Company's management, including the Company's CEO and CFO, assessed the effectiveness of the Company's ICFR as of December 31, 2023, based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, the Company's ICFR was effective.
C. Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm
The Company has concluded that, as at June 30, 2023, the Company did not qualify as either an "accelerated filer" or a "large accelerated filer", as these terms are defined under the Exchange Act. Accordingly, the Company qualifies as a "non-accelerated filer" under the Exchange Act and, as such, management's report on the effectiveness of the Company's ICFR is not subject to attestation by the Company's registered public accounting firm. Accordingly, this Annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company's registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
D. Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2023, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 16 - [Reserved]
Item 16A - Audit committee financial expert
The current members of the Audit Committee are Steve Cook (Chairperson), Jeffrey Mason and Michael Hoffman. All current members of the Audit Committee are considered financially literate, and all are independent as such terms are defined under the NYSE American Company Guide.
The Company's Board of Directors has determined that Steve Cook, the Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board, is an audit committee financial expert (as that term is defined in Item 407 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act and Form 20-F) and is an independent director under applicable laws and regulations and the requirements of the NYSE American.
Item 16B - Code of Ethics
The Company's board of directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics governing directors, officers, employees and contractors. The purpose of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is to deter wrongdoing and promote:
honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
avoidance of conflicts of interest, including disclosure to an appropriate person of any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to such a conflict;
full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that Company files with, or submits to, the securities regulators and in other public communications made by Company;
compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;
the prompt internal reporting to an appropriate person of violations of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics;
accountability for adherence to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics;
guidance to employees, contractors, officers and directors to help them recognize and deal with ethical issues; provide mechanisms to report unethical conduct; and
The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on the Company's website at https://furygoldmines.com/about-us/governance/
During the most recently completed fiscal year, the Company has neither: (a) materially amended its Code of Ethics; nor (b) granted any waiver (including any implicit waiver) form any provision of its Code of Ethics.
Item 16C - Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table sets forth information regarding the amount billed and accrued to us by Deloitte LLP (PCAOB ID No. 1208) for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Nature of Services | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 |
Audit Fees(1) | $425,521 | $471,262 |
Audit-Related Fees(2) | Nil | Nil |
Tax Fees | Nil | Nil |
All Other Fees | Nil | Nil |
Total | $425,521 | $471,262 |
Notes:
(1) "Audit Fees" include fees necessary to perform the annual audit and quarterly reviews of the Company's consolidated financial statements. Audit Fees also include audit or other attest services required by legislation or regulation, such as comfort letters, consents, reviews of securities filings and statutory audits. In 2022 and 2023, the Audit Fees included fees incurred in connection with certain securities filings.
(2) "Audit-Related Fees" include services that are traditionally performed by the auditor. These audit-related services include employee benefit audits, due diligence assistance, accounting consultations on proposed transactions, internal control reviews and audit or attest services not required by legislation or regulation.
Item 16D - Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees.
Not applicable
Item 16E - Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable
Item 16F - Change in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
Not applicable
Item 16G - Corporate Governance
The Company's common shares are listed in the United States on the NYSE American stock exchange ("NYSE American"). The Company is considered a "foreign issuer" under the NYSE American Company Guide as it is incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia. Section 110 of the NYSE American Company Guide permits NYSE American to consider the laws, customs and practices of foreign issuers in relaxing certain NYSE American listing criteria, and to grant exemptions from NYSE American listing criteria based on these considerations. The Company's governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. domestic companies pursuant to NYSE American listing standards in the following manner:
• Quorum Requirements:
Section 123 of the NYSE American Company Guide requires that the quorum for meetings of shareholders of a listed company be not less than 33-1/3% of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders. The Company's quorum requirement is specified in its Articles as two shareholders, present in person or represented by proxy, who hold at least 25% of the issued shares entitled to be voted at each meeting of the shareholders of the Company. Accordingly, the Company does not satisfy the requirement of Section 123 of the NYSE American Company Guide that it have a quorum of not less than 33 1/3% of its outstanding shares.
• Solicitation of Proxies:
NYSE American requires the solicitation of proxies and delivery of proxy statements for all shareholder meetings, and requires that these proxies shall be solicited pursuant to a proxy statement that conforms to applicable SEC proxy rules. The Company is a foreign private issuer as defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the equity securities of the Company are accordingly exempt from the proxy rules set forth in Sections 14(a), 14(b), 14(c) and 14(f) of the Exchange Act. The Company solicits proxies in accordance with applicable rules and regulations in Canada.
• Shareholders Approval for Dilutive Private Placement Financings:
Section 713 of the NYSE American Company Guide requires that the Company obtain the approval of its shareholders for share issuances equal to 20 percent or more pre-issuance outstanding shares for a price which is less than the greater of book or market value of the shares. There is no such requirement for shareholder approval under British Columbia law or under the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Company's home country stock exchange. However, the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange will require shareholder approval for (i) share issuances that materially affect control of the Company, and (ii) share issuances in connection with private placement or acquisition transactions where the number of shares to be issued exceeds 25% of the pre-issuance outstanding shares of the Company, on a non-diluted basis. The Company anticipates that it would seek a waiver from NYSE American's section 713 requirements should a proposed share issuance trigger the NYSE American shareholders' approval requirement in circumstances where the same financing does not trigger such a shareholder approval requirement under British Columbia law or under the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange.
The foregoing are consistent with the laws, customs and practices in Canada.
Item 16H - Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable
Item 16I. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable
Item 16J. Insider Trading Policy
The Company's Board of Directors adopted an Insiders Trading policy on April 16, 2021 of which a copy is available on the Company's website at https://furygoldmines.com/about-us/governance/.
Item 16K. Cybersecurity
We are in the process of establishing policies and processes for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats, and plan to integrate these processes into our overall risk management systems and processes. We plan to assess material risks from cybersecurity threats, including any potential unauthorized occurrence on or conducted through our information systems that may result in adverse effects on the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of our information systems or any information residing therein.
We have engaged third-party IT consultants to complete a cybersecurity audit of the Company's IT infrastructure and systems in past years. We plan to continue conducting annual risk assessments to identify cybersecurity threats, as well as assessments in the event of a material change in our business practices that may affect information systems and our broader enterprise IT environment. These risk assessments include identification of reasonably foreseeable internal and external risks, the likelihood and potential damage that could result from such risks, and the sufficiency of existing policies, procedures, systems, and safeguards in place to manage such risks.
Following these risk assessments, we plan to design, implement, and maintain reasonable safeguards to minimize identified risks; reasonably address any identified gaps in existing safeguards; and regularly monitor the effectiveness of our safeguards.
Our overall risk management system plans to include:
We continue to make investments to enhance the protection of our information technology systems and our business from cybersecurity incidents The Company's Annual Consolidated Financial Statements appear on pages F1-F36 of this Annual Report and are incorporated herein by reference.
Part III
Item 17 - Financial Statements
See Item 18
Item 18 - Financial Statements
Our audited financial statements as prepared by our management and approved by the Board of Directors include:
Item 19 - Exhibits
A. Financial Statements
The financial statements and the notes thereto as required under Item 18 are attached hereto and found immediately following the text of this Annual Report:
Description | Page |
Annual Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company | F1-F36 |
Annual Consolidated Financial Statements of Dolly Varden | F37-F62 |
B. Index to Exhibits
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
FURY GOLD MINES LIMITED | |||
By: | /s/ Phil van Staden | ||
Name: | Phil van Staden | ||
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
Date: May 6, 2024
(An exploration company)
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Fury Gold Mines Limited
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Fury Gold Mines Limited and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of (earnings) loss and comprehensive (income) loss, equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and December 2022, and its financial performance and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Accounting for Equity Method Investment in Dolly Varden Silver Corporation ("Dolly Varden") - Refer to Notes 1 and 3 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company has a 22% interest in Dolly Varden where the remaining 78% interest is held by third-party investors. The Company has accounted for its interest in Dolly Varden under the equity method of accounting as it exercises significant influence, but not control. The Company's investment in an associate was initially recognized at cost and subsequently increased or decreased to recognize the Company's share of earnings and losses of the associate, after any adjustments necessary to give effect to uniform accounting policies, and for impairment losses.
We identified the accounting for equity method investment as a critical audit matter because of its significance to the Company's financial statements. This required an increased extent of audit effort, including the need to involve the auditor of Dolly Varden.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the equity method investment in Dolly Varden included the following, among others:
/s/ Deloitte LLP
1208
Chartered Professional Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
April 2, 2024
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015.
Fury Gold Mines Limited |
||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position |
||||||||||||
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
At December 31 |
|
|
At December 31 |
|
||||
|
|
Note |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cash |
|
|
7 |
|
|
$ | 7,313 |
|
|
$ | 10,309 |
|
Marketable securities |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
1,166 |
|
|
|
582 |
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
374 |
|
|
|
369 |
|
Prepaid expenses and deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
602 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,445 |
|
|
|
11,862 |
|
Non-current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
Prepaid expenses and deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
Property and equipment |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
588 |
|
|
|
931 |
|
Mineral property interests |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
142,639 |
|
|
|
145,190 |
|
Investments in associates |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
36,248 |
|
|
|
42,430 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
179,730 |
|
|
|
188,737 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
|
|
|
$ | 189,175 |
|
|
$ | 200,599 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
$ | 1,034 |
|
|
$ | 1,148 |
|
Lease liability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
160 |
|
Flow-through share premium liability |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
544 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,732 |
|
|
|
1,308 |
|
Non-current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease liability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
227 |
|
Provision for site reclamation and closure |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
4,495 |
|
|
|
4,271 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
$ | 6,301 |
|
|
$ | 5,806 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
|
|
15 |
|
|
$ | 310,277 |
|
|
$ | 306,328 |
|
Share option and warrant reserve |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
21,660 |
|
|
|
20,309 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9 | ) |
|
|
(3 | ) |
Deficit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(149,054 | ) |
|
|
(131,841 | ) |
Total equity |
|
|
|
|
|
$ | 182,874 |
|
|
$ | 194,793 |
|
Total liabilities and equity |
|
|
|
|
|
$ | 189,175 |
|
|
$ | 200,599 |
|
Commitments (notes 11(b), 20); Subsequent events (note 23).
Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors:
“Forrester A. Clark” |
|
“Steve Cook” |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
Director |
|
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Fury Gold Mines Limited |
F-1 |
Fury Gold Mines Limited | |||||
Consolidated Statements of (Earnings) Loss and Comprehensive (Income) Loss | |||||
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | |||||
Years ended December 31 |
Note | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||
Exploration and evaluation | 14 | $ | 9,311 | $ | 9,217 | $ | 15,355 | |||
Fees, salaries and other employee benefits | 2,630 | 3,199 | 3,694 | |||||||
Insurance | 646 | 728 | 637 | |||||||
Legal and professional | 863 | 804 | 1,983 | |||||||
Marketing and investor relations | 737 | 809 | 1,093 | |||||||
Office and administration | 384 | 398 | 606 | |||||||
Regulatory and compliance | 275 | 218 | 371 | |||||||
14,846 | 15,373 | 23,739 | ||||||||
Other (income) expense, net: | ||||||||||
Net gain on disposition of mineral interests | 6 & 10 | (468 | ) | (48,390 | ) | - | ||||
Losses on marketable securities | 8 | 655 | 135 | 1,180 | ||||||
Net loss from associates | 11 | 6,182 | 5,880 | - | ||||||
Amortization of flow-through share premium | 12 | (3,345 | ) | (3,124 | ) | (4,520 | ) | |||
Impairment expense | 11 | - | 5,506 | 42 | ||||||
Accretion on provision for site reclamation and closure | 13 | 148 | 94 | 69 | ||||||
Interest expense | 61 | 115 | 98 | |||||||
Interest income | (590 | ) | (228 | ) | (36 | ) | ||||
Foreign exchange loss | 13 | 9 | 14 | |||||||
Other | - | (91 | ) | 39 | ||||||
2,656 | (40,094 | ) | (3,114 | ) | ||||||
(Earnings) loss before taxes | 17,502 | (24,721 | ) | 20,625 | ||||||
Income tax recovery | 5d | (289 | ) | (187 | ) | (3,835 | ) | |||
Net (earnings) loss for the year | 17,213 | (24,908 | ) | 16,790 | ||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | ||||||||||
Unrealized currency loss on translation of foreign operations | 3s | 6 | 3 | - | ||||||
Total comprehensive (income) loss for the year | $ | 17,219 | $ | (24,905 | ) | $ | 16,790 | |||
(Earnings) loss per share: | ||||||||||
Basic and diluted (earnings) loss per share | 19 | $ | 0.12 | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | 0.14 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Fury Gold Mines Limited |
F-2 |
Fury Gold Mines Limited | |||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Equity | |||||||||||||||||
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except share amounts) |
Number of common shares |
Share capital |
Share option and warrant reserve |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
Deficit | Total | |||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | 117,823,857 | $ | 294,710 | $ | 11,521 | $ | - | $ | (139,959 | ) | $ | 166,272 | ||||||
Comprehensive loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (16,790 | ) | (16,790 | ) | ||||||||||
Shares issued pursuant to the purchase of a royalty, net of share issue costs | 328,767 | 290 | - | - | - | 290 | ||||||||||||
Shares issued pursuant to private placement, net of share issue costs | 7,461,450 | 5,385 | - | - | - | 5,385 | ||||||||||||
Share options exercised | 5,834 | 6 | (1 | ) | - | - | 5 | |||||||||||
Warrants exercised | 101,042 | 159 | (12 | ) | - | - | 147 | |||||||||||
Fair value of warrants issued | - | (5,086 | ) | 5,086 | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Share-based compensation | - | - | 2,046 | - | - | 2,046 | ||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | 125,720,950 | $ | 295,464 | $ | 18,640 | $ | - | $ | (156,749 | ) | $ | 157,355 | ||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) for the year | - | - | - | (3 | ) | 24,908 | 24,905 | |||||||||||
Shares issued pursuant to offering, net of share issue costs |
13,750,000 | 10,864 | - | - | - | 10,864 | ||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | - | - | 1,669 | - | - | 1,669 | ||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | 139,470,950 | $ | 306,328 | $ | 20,309 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | (131,841 | ) | $ | 194,793 | |||||
Comprehensive loss for the year | - | - | - | (6 | ) | (17,213 | ) | (17,219 | ) | |||||||||
Shares issued pursuant to offering, net of share issue costs (note 15b(i)) |
6,076,500 | 3,949 | - | - | - | 3,949 | ||||||||||||
Share-based compensation (note 16a) | 197,345 | - | 1,351 | - | - | 1,351 | ||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | 145,744,795 | $ | 310,277 | $ | 21,660 | $ | (9 | ) | $ | (149,054 | ) | $ | 182,874 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Fury Gold Mines Limited |
F-3 |
Fury Gold Mines Limited | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | |||||
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) |
Years ended December 31 | ||||||||||
Note | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Operating activities: | ||||||||||
Earnings (loss) for the year | $ | (17,213 | ) | $ | 24,908 | $ | (16,790 | ) | ||
Adjusted for: | ||||||||||
Interest income |
(590 | ) | (228 | ) | (36 | ) | ||||
Items not involving cash: | ||||||||||
Net gain on disposition of mineral interests | 6 & 10 | (468 | ) | (48,390 | ) | - | ||||
Losses on marketable securities | 8 | 655 | 135 | 1,180 | ||||||
Depreciation | 9 | 343 | 341 | 371 | ||||||
Impairment expense | 11 | - | 5,506 | 42 | ||||||
Net loss from associates | 11 | 6,182 | 5,880 | - | ||||||
Amortization of flow-through share premium | 12 | (3,345 | ) | (3,124 | ) | (4,520 | ) | |||
Accretion of provision for site reclamation and closure | 13 | 148 | 94 | 69 | ||||||
Share-based compensation | 16 | 1,351 | 1,669 | 2,046 | ||||||
Interest expense | 61 | 100 | 98 | |||||||
Other | - | - | 1 | |||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital | 18 | (184 | ) | (903 | ) | 266 | ||||
Cash used in operating activities | (13,060 | ) | (14,012 | ) | (17,273 | ) | ||||
Investing activities: | ||||||||||
Interest income | 590 | 228 | 36 | |||||||
Acquisition of mineral interests, net of cash acquired | 10 | - | (1,281 | ) | - | |||||
Acquisition of Eastmain Resources Inc, net of cash acquired | - | - | (1,210 | ) | ||||||
Option payment received | 10 | 125 | 310 | 150 | ||||||
Acquisition of Universal Mineral Services Ltd | 11 | - | (1 | ) | - | |||||
Acquisition of Homestake Ridge royalty, inclusive of fees | - | - | (110 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from disposition of mineral interests, net of transaction costs | 6 | 1,350 | 4,479 | - | ||||||
Proceeds from disposition of investment in associate, net of transaction costs | 11 | - | 6,774 | - | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities | 8 | 381 | - | 1,000 | ||||||
Property and equipment additions, net of disposals | - | - | (87 | ) | ||||||
Marketable securities additions | 8 | - | (60 | ) | - | |||||
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash | 7 | - | (14 | ) | 35 | |||||
Cash provided by used in investing activities | 2,446 | 10,435 | 186 | |||||||
Financing activities: | ||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net of costs | 15 | 7,838 | 10,864 | 5,385 | ||||||
Lease payments | (214 | ) | (235 | ) | (180 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from share option and warrant exercises | 16 | - | - | 152 | ||||||
Cash provided by financing activities | 7,624 | 10,629 | 5,357 | |||||||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash | (6 | ) | (2 | ) | - | |||||
Increase (decrease) in cash | (2,996 | ) | 7,050 | (12,102 | ) | |||||
Cash, beginning of the year | 10,309 | 3,259 | 15,361 | |||||||
Cash, end of the year | 7 | $ | 7,313 | $ | 10,309 | $ | 3,259 |
Supplemental cash flow information (note 18).
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Fury Gold Mines Limited |
F-4 |
Note 1: Nature of operations |
Fury Gold Mines Limited (the "Company" or "Fury Gold") was incorporated on June 9, 2008, under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE-American, with its common shares trading under the symbol FURY. The Company's registered and records office is at 1500-1055 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC, V6E 4N7 and the mailing address is 1630-1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 2K3.
The Company's principal business activity is the acquisition and exploration of resource projects in Canada. At December 31, 2023, the Company had two principal projects: Eau Claire in Quebec and Committee Bay in Nunavut. At December 31, 2023, the Company held a 50.022% interest in the Eleonore South Joint Venture ("ESJV"), which was then increased to 100% as part of a transaction that closed on February 29, 2024.
Sale of Homestake Resources Corporation ("Homestake Resources")
On December 6, 2021, the Company entered into a definitive agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with Dolly Varden Silver Corporation ("Dolly Varden") pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell to Dolly Varden a 100% interest in Fury Gold's wholly owned subsidiary, Homestake Resources in exchange for $5,000 in cash and 76,504,590 common shares in Dolly Varden. Homestake Resources is the owner of a 100% interest in the Homestake Ridge gold-silver project which is located adjacent to the Dolly Varden Project owned by Dolly Varden in the Golden Triangle, British Columbia ("the Dolly Varden Transaction"). The Dolly Varden Transaction completed on February 25, 2022. As a result, Fury acquired the 76,504,590 Dolly Varden Shares on February 25, 2022, representing approximately 35.33% of the Dolly Varden Shares outstanding and 32.88% of Dolly Varden on a fully diluted basis as of that date.
In connection with the Dolly Varden Transaction and as contemplated in the Purchase Agreement, Dolly Varden and Fury Gold have also entered into an investor rights agreement dated February 25, 2022 (the "Investor Rights Agreement"). Pursuant to its obligations under the Investor Rights Agreement, Dolly Varden has appointed Forrester "Tim" Clark, the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of Fury Gold, and Michael Henrichsen, the Chief Geological Officer of Fury Gold, to the board of directors of Dolly Varden.
(a) On October 13, 2022, the Company announced that it had completed a non-brokered sale agreement to sell 17,000,000 common shares of Dolly Varden at $0.40 per share, representing approximately 7.4% of the outstanding common shares (note 11). The net proceeds received by the Company upon close of the transaction was $6,774. As of December 31, 2023, the Company held a 22.03% interest in Dolly Varden.
(b) On March 12, 2024, the Company sold 5,450,000 common shares of Dolly Varden at $0.735 per Share for gross proceeds of $4,006, thus reducing its position to 19.99% of Dolly Varden, and decreasing its right to one director on Dolly Varden under its Investors Rights Agreement, to which notice have been given. (Note 23g).
Acquisition of 25% equity interest in Universal Mineral Services Ltd. ("UMS")
On April 1, 2022, the Company purchased a 25% share interest in UMS, a private shared-services provider for nominal consideration. The remaining 75% of UMS is owned equally by three other junior resource issuers, namely Tier One Silver Inc, Coppernico Metals Inc, and Torq Resources Inc. who share a head office location in Vancouver, BC. Previously, UMS had been privately owned by a director in common, Mr. Ivan Bebek, then subsequently from January 1, 2022, by Mr. Steve Cook, another director in common, until March 31, 2022.
UMS is the private company through which its shareholders, including Fury Gold, share geological, financial, and transactional advisory services as well as administrative services on a full cost recovery basis. Having these services available through UMS, on an as needed basis, allows the Company to maintain a more efficient and cost-effective corporate overhead structure by hiring fewer full-time employees and engaging outside professional advisory firms less frequently. The agreement has an indefinite term and can be terminated by either party upon providing 180 days notice.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-5 |
Increase in ownership interest of Éléonore South Joint Venture ("ESJV") and amended joint venture arrangement
On September 12, 2022, the Company and its joint operation partner Newmont Corporation ("Newmont"), through their respective subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of the remaining approximately 23.77% participating interest of Azimut Exploration Inc. in the ESJV, on a pro-rata basis. As a result of the transaction, the 100% ESJV participating interests at December 31, 2022 and 2023 were held 50.022% by the Company and 49.978% by Newmont, with Fury Gold remaining operator under an amended and restated joint operating agreement.
Subsequent to December 31, 2023, the Company and its joint operation partner Newmont Corporation ("Newmont"), through their respective subsidiaries, entered into a new agreement whereby the Company acquired 100% control of the interests, consolidating these properties into the Company's portfolio. The transaction closed on February 29, 2024 (note 23d).
Note 2: Basis of presentation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"), effective for the year ended December 31, 2023. IFRS comprises IFRSs, International Accounting Standards ("IASs"), and interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee ("IFRICs"), and the former Standing Interpretations Committee ("SICs").
These consolidated financial statements were approved and authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors of the Company on April 2, 2024.
Note 3: Material Accounting Policy Information
a) Basis of measurement
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for those assets and liabilities that are measured at revalued amounts or fair values at the end of each reporting period.
b) Currency of presentation
The Company's presentation currency is the Canadian ("CAD") dollar. All amounts, with the exception of per share amounts, are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated. References to US$ are to United States ("US") dollars.
c) Basis of preparation and consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company has power over an investee, when the Company is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from the investee and when the Company has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial results of the Company from the effective date of acquisition up to the effective date of disposition or loss of control. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
The subsidiaries (with a beneficial interest of 100%) of the Company as at December 31, 2023 were as follows:
Subsidiary |
Place of incorporation |
Functional currency | ||||
Eastmain Mines Inc. ("Eastmain Mines") (a) | Canada | CAD | ||||
Eastmain Resources Inc. ("Eastmain") | ON, Canada | CAD | ||||
Fury Gold USA Limited ("Fury Gold USA") (b) | Delaware, U.S.A. | USD | ||||
North Country Gold Corp. ("North Country") | BC, Canada | CAD |
(a) The entity is incorporated federally in Canada.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-6 |
(b) Fury Gold USA provided certain administrative services with respect to employee benefits for US resident personnel.
Investments in associates and joint arrangements
These consolidated financial statements also include the following joint arrangements and investments in associates:
Associates and joint arrangement |
Ownership interest | Location |
Classification and accounting method |
|||||||
Dolly Varden | 22.030% | BC, Canada | Associate; equity method | |||||||
UMS | 25.000% | BC, Canada | Associate; equity method | |||||||
ESJV | 50.022% | Quebec, Canada | Joint operation |
d) Foreign currency translation
The financial statements of the Company and each of its subsidiaries are prepared in its functional currency determined on the basis of the currency of the primary economic environment in which such entities operate. The presentation and functional currency of the Company and each of its subsidiaries, with the exception of Fury Gold USA, is the Canadian dollar. Fury Gold USA's functional currency has been determined to be the US dollar.
Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the transaction dates. At each reporting date, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the entity's functional currency at the then prevailing rates and non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated into the entity's functional currency at rates in effect at the date the transaction took place.
Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items or on translating monetary items at rates different from those at which they were translated on initial recognition during the period or in previous financial statements are included in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss for the period in which they arise.
e) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid short-term investments that are readily convertible to cash and have maturities with terms of less than ninety days and/or with original maturities over ninety days but redeemable on demand without penalty. As at December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not have any cash equivalents.
f) Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as follows:
• Computer equipment |
3 years | |
• Machinery and equipment |
5-10 years | |
• Right-of-use ("ROU") assets |
the lease term, unless the transfer of the asset ownership is reasonably certain at the end of the lease term, whereupon depreciation is over the useful life. |
g) Mineral property interests and exploration expenditures
Title to mineral properties involves certain inherent risks due to the difficulties of determining the validity of certain claims as well as the potential for problems arising from the frequently ambiguous conveyancing historical characteristic of many properties. The Company has investigated title to all of its mineral properties and, to the best of its knowledge, title to all of its properties is in good standing.
The Company accounts for mineral property interests in accordance with IFRS 6 - Exploration for and evaluation of mineral properties ("IFRS 6").
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-7 |
Costs directly related to acquiring the legal right to explore a mineral property including acquisition of licenses, mineral rights, and similar acquisition costs are recognized and capitalized as mineral property interests. Acquisition costs incurred in obtaining the legal right to explore a mineral property are deferred until the legal right is granted and thereon reclassified to mineral property interests. Transaction costs incurred in acquiring an asset are deferred until the transaction is completed and then included in the purchase price of the asset acquired.
Once the legal right to explore a property has been acquired, costs directly related to exploration and evaluation activities including, but not limited to, researching and analyzing existing exploration data, conducting geological studies, exploration drilling and sampling, and payments made to contractors and consultants in connection with the exploration and evaluation of the property, are expensed in the period in which they are incurred as exploration and evaluation costs on the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
Costs not directly attributable to exploration and evaluation activities, including general administrative overhead costs, are expensed as administrative costs in the period in which they occur.
As the Company currently has no operational income, any incidental revenues earned in connection with exploration activities are applied as a reduction to exploration and evaluation costs.
When a project is deemed to no longer have commercially viable prospects to the Company, all capitalized acquisition costs in respect of that project are deemed to be impaired. As a result, those costs, in excess of the estimated recoverable amount, are expensed to the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
The Company assesses mineral property interests for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of the asset may exceed its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of the asset's fair value less costs to sell and its value in use.
Once the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting the mineral resources has been determined, the property is considered to be a mine under development at which point the assets and further related costs no longer fall under the guidance of IFRS 6.
(h) Joint arrangement
The Company conducts a portion of its business through a joint arrangement where the parties are bound by contractual arrangements establishing joint control with decisions about the relevant activities that significantly affect the returns of the investee requiring unanimous consent. A joint arrangement is classified as either a joint operation or a joint venture, subject to the terms that govern each investor's rights and obligations in the arrangement.
In a joint operation, the investor has rights and obligations to the separate assets and liabilities of the investee, therefore the Company recognizes its share of the assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses of the joint arrangement.
(i) Investments in associates
The Company conducts a portion of its business through equity interests in associates. An associate is an entity over which the Company has significant influence and is neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture. The Company has significant influence when it has the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the associate but does not have control or joint control over those policy decisions.
The Company accounts for its investments in associates using the equity method. Under the equity method, the Company's investment in an associate is initially recognized at cost and subsequently increased or decreased to recognize the Company's share of earnings and losses of the associate, after any adjustments necessary to give effect to uniform accounting policies, and for impairment losses after the initial recognition date. The Company's share of an associate's losses that are in excess of its investment in the associate are recognized only to the extent that the Company has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate. The Company's share of earnings and losses of its associate are recognized in net (earnings)/loss during the period.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-8 |
j) Impairment of non-financial assets
At each reporting date, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its non-financial assets to determine whether there are any indicators of impairment. If any such indicator exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment, if any.
Where the asset does not generate cash inflows that are independent from other assets, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the Cash Generating Unit ("CGU") to which the asset belongs. Any intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is tested for impairment annually and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired. An asset's recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount is reduced to the recoverable amount and an impairment loss is recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss. Where an impairment subsequently reverses, the carrying amount is increased to the revised estimate of recoverable amount but only to the extent that this does not exceed the carrying value that would have been determined if no impairment had previously been recognized. A reversal of impairment is recognized in the consolidated statements of (earnings) loss and comprehensive (income) loss.
k) Leases
The Company assesses if a contract is or contains a lease at inception of the contract. Control is considered to exist if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset during the term of the lease. When a lease is identified, a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability are recognized, except for short-term leases (defined as leases with a lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low value assets. For these leases, the Company recognizes the lease payments as an expense in profit or loss on a straight-line basis.
Right-of-use assets, which are included in property and equipment, are recognized at cost, which is comprised of the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs and decommissioning and restoration costs, less any lease incentives received. Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis, except where ownership is expected to be transferred at the end of the lease, whereby the asset is depreciated over its useful life.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease or the Company's incremental borrowing rate, if the rate implicit in the lease cannot be determined. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are:
l) Provisions
Provisions are recorded when a present legal or constructive obligation exists as a result of past events where it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefit will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-9 |
m) Provision for site reclamation and closure
An obligation to incur rehabilitation and site restoration costs arises when an environmental disturbance is caused by the exploration, development, or on-going production of a mineral property interest. Such costs arising from the decommissioning of plant and other site preparation work, discounted to their net present value, are provided for and capitalized at the start of each project as soon as the obligation to incur such costs arises, as well when changes in estimates occur year over year. These costs are charged to the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss over the life of the operation through amortization and the unwinding of the discount in the provision.
n) Flow-through common shares
Canadian income tax legislation permits companies to issue flow-through instruments whereby the income tax deductions generated by eligible expenditures of the Company, defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) as qualified Canadian exploration expenses ("CEE"), are claimed by the investors rather than by the Company. Shares issued on a flow-through basis are typically sold at a premium above the market share price which relates to the tax benefits that will flow through to the investors. The Company often issues flow-through shares as part of its equity financing transactions in order to fund its Canadian exploration activities. The Company estimates the portion of the proceeds attributable to the premium as being the excess of the flow-through share price over the market share price of the common shares without the flow-through feature at the time of issuance. The premium is recorded as a liability which represents the Company's obligation to spend the flow-through funds on eligible expenditures and is amortized through the consolidated statements of (earnings) loss and comprehensive (income) loss as the eligible expenditures are incurred.
o) (Earnings) Loss per share
Basic (earnings) loss per share is calculated by dividing the net (earnings) loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the reporting period. The diluted loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding on a diluted basis. The weighted average number of shares outstanding on a diluted basis takes into account the additional shares for the assumed exercise of share options and warrants, if dilutive. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming that outstanding share options were exercised and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire common shares at the average market price during the reporting period.
p) Share-based compensation
Options
From time to time, the Company grants share options to employees and non-employees. An individual is classified as an employee, versus a non-employee, when the individual is an employee for legal or tax purposes (direct employee) or provides services similar to those performed by a direct employee.
The fair value of share options, measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model at the date of grant, is charged to the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss over the vesting period. Performance vesting conditions and forfeitures are taken into account by adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each reporting date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognized over the vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest.
Where the terms and conditions of options are modified before they vest, any change in the fair value of the options, measured immediately before and after the modification, is also charged to the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss over the remaining vesting period.
Equity instruments granted to non-employees are recorded in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss at the fair value of the goods or services received, unless they are related to the issuance of shares. Costs related to the issuance of shares are recorded as a reduction of share capital.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-10 |
When the value of goods or services received in exchange for a share-based payment cannot be reliably estimated, the fair value is measured by use of a valuation model. The expected life used in the model is adjusted, based on management's best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioral considerations.
All equity-settled share-based payments are recorded in the share option and warrant reserve until exercised. Upon exercise, shares are issued from treasury and the amount previously recorded in share option and warrant reserve is reclassified to share capital along with any consideration paid.
Deferred, Performance and Restricted Share Units ("DSU", "PSU" and "RSU")
Under the Company's Long-term incentive ("LTI") plan, the board can issue DSU's, PSU's or RSU's to eligible members of management and or the board. The fair value of these shares will be determined at the time that they are granted and will be charged to the consolidated statements of (earnings) loss and comprehensive (income) loss at the time all vesting criteria have been met.
DSU's, PSU's or RSU's issued under the Company's LTI plan vest on or before the third anniversary of the grant or as otherwise provided and may be settled in the form of the Company's common shares or, at the option of the Company, the cash equivalent based on the market price of the common shares as of the vesting date.
The Company has historically settled RSUs in common shares. The Company has no present obligation to settle these in cash.
q) Income taxes
Income tax reported in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss for the period presented comprises current and deferred income tax. Income tax is recognized in the consolidated statements of (earnings) loss and comprehensive (income) loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in equity.
Current income tax for each taxable entity in the Company is based on the local taxable income at the local statutory tax rate enacted or, substantively enacted, at the reporting date and includes any adjustments to tax payable or recoverable with regards to previous periods.
Deferred income tax is determined using the liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred income tax provided is based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using the expected future tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
A deferred income tax asset is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset only when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities, when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company intends to settle its tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.
r) Financial instruments
The Company recognizes financial assets and liabilities on its consolidated statements of financial position when it becomes a party to the contract creating the asset or liability.
On initial recognition, all financial assets and liabilities are recorded by the Company at fair value, net of attributable transaction costs, except for financial assets and liabilities classified as fair value through profit or loss for which transaction costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
i) Amortized cost
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-11 |
Financial assets that meet the following conditions are measured subsequently at amortized cost:
The amortized cost of a financial asset is the amount at which the financial asset is measured at initial recognition minus the principal repayments, plus the cumulative amortization using the effective interest method of any difference between that initial amount and the maturity amount, adjusted for any loss allowance. Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method.
ii) Fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVTOCI")
Financial assets that meet the following conditions are measured at FVTOCI:
The Company does not have any financial assets classified as FVTOCI at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
iii) Financial assets measured subsequently at fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL")
By default, all other financial assets are measured subsequently at FVTPL.
The Company, at initial recognition, may also irrevocably designate a financial asset as measured at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise from measuring assets or liabilities or recognizing the gains and losses on them on different bases. Financial assets measured at FVTPL are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, with any fair value gains or losses recognized in profit or loss to the extent they are not part of a designated hedging relationship. Fair value is determined in the manner described in note 20.
iv) Financial liabilities and equity
Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangements, and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument.
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Company after deducting all its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Company are recognized at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Repurchase of the Company's own equity instruments is recognized and deducted directly in equity. No gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue, or cancellation of the Company's own equity instruments.
Financial liabilities that are not contingent consideration of an acquirer in a business combination, held for trading, or designated as at FVTPL, are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
v) Impairment
The Company recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses on its financial assets. The amount of expected credit losses is updated at each reporting period to reflect changes in credit risk since initial recognition of the respective financial instruments.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-12 |
(s) Other Comprehensive (Income) loss
Other comprehensive (income) loss is the change in net assets arising from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Comprehensive (income) loss comprises net (earnings) loss and other comprehensive loss. Foreign currency translation differences arising on translation of subsidiaries with a different functional currency are also included in other comprehensive loss.
Note 4: Changes in accounting standards |
Application of new and revised accounting standards:
The Company has adopted the following amended accounting standards and policies effective January 1, 2023. There was no impact to the Company's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 upon adoption.
Amendments to IAS 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements and IFRS Practice Statement 2 Making Materiality Judgements - Disclosure of Accounting Policies
The Company has adopted the amendments to IAS 1 in the current year. The amendments change the requirements in IAS 1 with regard to disclosure of accounting policies. The amendments replace all instances of the term 'significant accounting policies' with 'material accounting policy information'. Accounting policy information is material if, when considered together with other information included in an entity's financial statements, it can reasonably be expected to influence decisions that the primary users of general-purpose financial statements make on the basis of those financial statements.
The supporting paragraphs in IAS 1 are also amended to clarify that accounting policy information that relates to immaterial transactions, other events or conditions is immaterial and need not be disclosed. Accounting policy information may be material because of the nature of the related transactions, other events or conditions, even if the amounts are immaterial. However, not all accounting policy information relating to material transactions, other events or conditions is itself material.
There was no impact to the Company's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 upon adoption.
Amendments to IAS 8 - Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors - Definition of Accounting Estimates
The amendments introduce a definition of 'accounting estimates' and clarify the difference between changes in accounting policies and changes in accounting estimates.
There was no impact to the Company's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 upon adoption.
Amendments to IAS 12 - Income Taxes - Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction
The Company has adopted the amendments to IAS 12 in the current year. The amendments narrow the scope of the initial recognition exemption ("IRE") so that it does not apply to transactions that give rise to equal and offsetting temporary differences. As a result, companies will need to recognize a deferred tax asset and a deferred tax liability for temporary differences arising on initial recognition of a lease and a decommissioning provision.
There was no impact to the Company's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 upon adoption.
Amendments to IAS 12 - Income Taxes International Tax Reform - Pillar Two
The Company has adopted the amendments to IAS 12 in the current year. The IASB amends the scope of IAS 12 to clarify that the Standard applies to income taxes arising from tax law enacted or substantively enacted to implement the Pillar Two model rules published by the OECD, including tax law that implements qualified domestic minimum top-up taxes described in those rules.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-13 |
The amendments introduce a temporary exception to the accounting requirements for deferred taxes in IAS 12, so that an entity would neither recognise nor disclose information about deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar Two income taxes.
There was no impact to the Company's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 upon adoption.
New and amended standards not yet effective:
The following new and amended standards, which are not yet effective, have not been applied by the Company in these financial statements.
Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements - Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current
The amendments to IAS 1 published in January 2020 affect only the presentation of liabilities as current or non-current in the statement of financial position and not the amount or timing of recognition of any asset, liability, income or expenses, or the information disclosed about those items.
The amendments clarify that the classification of liabilities as current or non-current is based on rights that are in existence at the end of the reporting period, specify that classification is unaffected by expectations about whether an entity will exercise its right to defer settlement of a liability, explain that rights are in existence if covenants are complied with at the end of the reporting period, and introduce a definition of 'settlement' to make clear that settlement refers to the transfer to the counterparty of cash, equity instruments, other assets or services.
The amendments are applied retrospectively for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2024, with early application permitted.
Management does not expect the adoption of these amendments would have a material impact to the Company's financial statements.
Amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures - Supplier Finance Arrangements
The amendments add a disclosure objective to IAS 7 stating that an entity is required to disclose information about its supplier finance arrangements that enables users of financial statements to assess the effects of those arrangements on the entity's liabilities and cash flows. In addition, IFRS 7 was amended to add supplier finance arrangements as an example within the requirements to disclose information about an entity's exposure to concentration of liquidity risk.
Management does not expect the adoption of these amendments would have a material impact to the Company's financial statements.
Amendment to IFRS 16 Leases - Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback
The amendments to IFRS 16 add subsequent measurement requirements for sale and leaseback transactions that satisfy the requirements in IFRS 15 to be accounted for as a sale. The amendments require the seller-lessee to determine 'lease payments' or 'revised lease payments' such that the seller-lessee does not recognise a gain or loss that relates to the right of use retained by the seller-lessee, after the commencement date.
The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2024. Earlier application is permitted.
Management does not expect the adoption of these amendments would have a material impact to the Company's financial statements.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-14 |
Note 5: Critical accounting estimates and judgments |
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to select accounting policies and make estimates and judgments that may have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. Estimates are continuously evaluated and are based on management's experience and expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual outcomes may differ from these estimates.
Critical accounting judgments exercised in applying accounting policies, apart from those involving estimates, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in these consolidated financial statements are as follows:
(a) Functional currency
The functional currency for each of the Company's subsidiaries is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. Determination of functional currency may involve certain judgments to determine the primary economic environment and the Company reconsiders the functional currency of its entities if there is a change in events and conditions that determined the primary economic environment.
(b) Economic recoverability and probability of future economic benefits of mineral property interests
Management has determined that the acquisition of mineral properties and related costs incurred, which have been recognized on the consolidated statements of financial position, are economically recoverable. Management uses several criteria in its assessments of economic recoverability and probability of future economic benefit including geological data, scoping studies, accessible facilities, and existing and future permits.
(c) Indications of impairment of assets
Assessments of impairment indicators are performed at the Cash Generating Unit ("CGU") level and judgment is involved in assessing whether there is any indication that an asset or a CGU may be impaired. The assessment of the impairment indicators involves the application of a number of significant judgments and estimates to certain variables, including metal price trends, exploration plans for properties, and the results of exploration and evaluation to date.
(d) Income taxes
The provision for income taxes and composition of income tax assets and liabilities requires management's judgment. The application of income tax legislation also requires judgment in order to interpret legislation and to apply those findings to the Company's transactions.
Credit on duties refundable for loss and refundable tax credits for resource investment
The Company is entitled to a refundable credit on duties of 12% for eligible losses under the Quebec Mining Duties Act and a refundable resource investment tax credit of 38.75% under the Quebec Income Tax Act. These credits are applicable to qualified exploration expenditures on properties located within the province of Quebec. Application for these credits is subject to verification and, as such, they are recognized only when they are received or when a notice of assessment confirming the amount to be paid is issued. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company received a refund of $307 consisting of $304 principal and $3 interest (December 31, 2022 - $187, December 31, 2021 - $3,835) which was classified as income tax recoveries on the consolidated statements of (earnings) loss and comprehensive (income) loss.
(e) Determination of control of subsidiaries and joint arrangements
Judgement is required to determine when the Company has control of subsidiaries or joint control of joint arrangements. This requires an assessment of the relevant activities of the investee, being those activities that significantly affect the investee's returns (including operating and capital expenditure decision-making, financing of the investee, and the appointment, remuneration, and termination of key management personnel) and when the decisions in relation to those activities are under the control of the Company or require unanimous consent from the investors.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-15 |
(f) Investments in associates
The Company conducts a portion of its business through equity interests in associates. An associate is an entity over which the Company has significant influence and is neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture. The Company has significant influence when it has the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the associate but does not have control or joint control over those policy decisions.
(g) Financial instruments
Financial instruments are assessed upon initial recognition to determine whether they meet the definition of a financial asset, financial liability, or equity instrument depending on the substance of the contractual arrangement. Judgement is required in making this determination as the substance of a transaction may differ from its legal form. Once a determination is made, IFRS requires that financial instruments be measured at fair value on initial recognition. For financial instruments that do not have quoted market prices or observable inputs, judgements are made in determining what are appropriate inputs and assumptions to use in calculating the fair value.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty that have significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows:
(h) Reclamation obligations
Management assesses its reclamation obligations annually and when circumstances suggest that a material change to the obligations have occurred. Significant estimates and assumptions are made in determining the provision for site reclamation and closure because there are numerous factors that will affect the ultimate liability that becomes payable. These factors include estimates of the extent, the timing, and the cost of reclamation activities, regulatory change, cost increases, and changes in discount rates. Those uncertainties may result in actual expenditures differing from the amounts currently provided. The provision at the reporting date represents management's best estimate of the present value of the future reclamation costs required. Changes to estimated future costs are recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position by adjusting the reclamation asset and liability.
Key assumptions included in the estimate of the reclamation obligations for the Company's properties in Quebec and Nunavut were as follows:
Years ended December 31 | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Risk-free interest rate | 3.02% | 3.28% | 1.68% | ||||||
Annual inflation | 2.25% | 2.50% | 2.50% |
(i) Share-based compensation
The Company determines the fair value of equity-settled share-based payments using the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date. For options granted, the Company uses the Black‐Scholes option pricing model. This option pricing model requires the development of market-based subjective inputs, including the risk-free interest rate, expected price volatility, and expected life of the option. Changes in these inputs and the underlying assumption used to develop them can materially affect the fair value estimate.
(j) Deferred tax assets and liabilities
Management judgment and estimates are required in assessing whether deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position. Judgments are made as to whether future taxable profits will be available in order to recognize deferred tax assets. Assumptions about the generation of future taxable profits depend on management's estimates of future cash flows. These depend on estimates of future production and sales volumes, commodity prices, reserves, operating costs, and other capital management transactions. These judgments and assumptions are subject to risk and uncertainty, and changes in circumstances may alter expectations which may impact the amount of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities recognized on the consolidated statements of financial position and the benefit of other tax losses and temporary differences not yet recognized.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-16 |
Note 6: Sale of Homestake Resources |
On February 25, 2022, the Company completed the sale of Homestake Resources to Dolly Varden for cash proceeds of $5,000 and 76,504,590 common shares of Dolly Varden (note 1). The Company's resulting interest in Dolly Varden represented approximately 35.3% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Dolly Varden on February 25, 2022, which has been accounted for using the equity method (note 3i). The Company recognized a gain of $48,390, net of transaction costs of $589, on the date of disposition, calculated as follows:
Net assets derecognized: |
|
Total |
|
|
Mineral interests |
|
$ | 16,460 |
|
Reclamation bond |
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
$ | 16,528 |
|
Net proceeds: |
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
$ | 5,000 |
|
Working capital adjustment |
|
|
68 |
|
76,504,590 common shares of Dolly Varden |
|
|
60,439 |
|
Transaction costs |
|
|
(589 | ) |
|
|
$ | 64,918 |
|
Net gain on disposition |
|
$ | 48,390 |
|
The fair value of the common shares of Dolly Varden received on date of disposition is based on the market price of the shares at the date of disposition of $0.79 per share.
The Company had sufficient non-capital losses at December 31, 2022 to offset the capital gain arising on disposition of Homestake Resources. As such, there was nil tax payable on the sale of Homestake Resources.
Note 7: Cash and restricted cash |
|
|
At December 31 |
|
|||||
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
||
Cash |
|
$ | 7,313 |
|
|
$ | 10,309 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
$ | 7,457 |
|
|
$ | 10,453 |
|
Restricted cash includes an amount of $75 (December 31, 2022 - $75) in connection with an irrevocable standby letter of credit in favor of Kitikmeot Inuit Association in connection with the Company's Committee Bay project. Restricted cash is classified as a non-current asset and is not available for use within one year of the date of the consolidated statements of financial position.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-17 |
Note 8: Marketable securities |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
|
$ | 605 |
|
Additions |
|
|
110 |
|
Unrealized net loss |
|
|
(135 | ) |
Balance at December 31, 2022 |
|
$ | 582 |
|
Additions |
|
|
1,619 |
|
Sale of marketable securities |
|
|
(381 | ) |
Realized gain on disposition |
|
|
293 |
|
Unrealized net loss |
|
|
(947 | ) |
Balance at December 31, 2023 |
|
$ | 1,166 |
|
During the year ended December 31, 2023 the Company received 3,500,000 common shares of Ophir Gold Corp in respect of the sale of certain mineral claims in Quebec. Additionally, the Company received 650,000 Q2 Metals Corp common shares as settlement for a royalty extinguishment agreement which had nil carrying value at the time of the transaction as well as 1,237,216 Benz Mining Corp common shares as part of the 3rd option payment for the Eastmain Mine property agreement.
Purchases and sales of marketable securities are accounted for as of the trade date.
Note 9: Property and equipment |
Property and equipment are recorded at cost, and at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, were comprised as follows:
|
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
Office lease |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Total |
|
||||
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
At December 31, 2021 |
|
$ | 2,191 |
|
|
$ | 531 |
|
|
$ | 11 |
|
|
$ | 2,733 |
|
Additions during 2022 |
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
81 |
|
At December 31, 2022 and 2023 |
|
$ | 2,272 |
|
|
$ | 531 |
|
|
$ | 11 |
|
|
$ | 2,814 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2021 |
|
$ | (1,389 | ) |
|
$ | (150 | ) |
|
$ | (3 | ) |
|
$ | (1,542 | ) |
Depreciation for the year |
|
|
(204 | ) |
|
|
(133 | ) |
|
|
(4 | ) |
|
|
(341 | ) |
At December 31, 2022 |
|
$ | (1,593 | ) |
|
$ | (283 | ) |
|
$ | (7 | ) |
|
$ | (1,883 | ) |
Depreciation for the year |
|
|
(205 | ) |
|
|
(134 | ) |
|
|
(4 | ) |
|
|
(343 | ) |
At December 31, 2023 |
|
$ | (1,798 | ) |
|
$ | (417 | ) |
|
$ | (11 | ) |
|
$ | (2,226 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2022 |
|
$ | 679 |
|
|
$ | 248 |
|
|
$ | 4 |
|
|
$ | 931 |
|
At December 31, 2023 |
|
$ | 474 |
|
|
$ | 114 |
|
|
$ | - |
|
|
$ | 588 |
|
Note 10: Mineral property interests
The Company's principal resource properties are located in Canada.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-18 |
Quebec
The Company maintains interests in 12 properties within the James Bay region of Quebec. The principal projects are:
Eau Claire
The Company owns a 100% interest in the Eau Claire project located immediately north of the Eastmain reservoir, approximately 10 kilometres ("km") northeast of Hydro Quebec's EM-1 hydroelectric power facility, 80 km north of the town of Nemaska, 320 km northeast of the town of Matagami, and 800 km north of Montreal, Quebec. The property consists of map-designated claims totaling approximately 23,000 hectares.
Eastmain Mine
The Eastmain Mine project hosts the Eastmain Mine gold deposit. The past-producing Eastmain Mine project comprises 152 mineral claims and an industrial lease. Located on the eastern most part of the Upper Eastmain River Greenstone Belt of the James Bay District of northern Quebec, the property covers approximately 80 km2 of highly prospective terrain.
In 2019, Benz Mining entered into an option agreement with Eastmain to allow Benz Mining the option to earn a 75% interest in certain Eastmain Mine property in return for making option payments of $2,320 between October 2019 and October 2023, and incurring exploration expenditures of $3,500 on the property. The option payments may be settled in both cash and shares. This option agreement was subsequently amended in April 2020 to grant Benz Mining the option to earn up to 100% of the Ruby Hill properties located to the west of the Eastmain Mine project. The Company would retain 1-2% net smelter royalties in respect of the properties following completion of the option agreement requirements. During November 2023 the Company received $1,350 in cash and $396 worth of Benz Mining common shares to finalize the 75% interest acquisition. After completion of the 75% acquisition, Benz Mining may acquire the remaining 25% interest upon payment of $1,000 upon closing of project financing, and $1,500 upon commencement of commercial production.
Éléonore South Joint Venture ("ESJV")
The ESJV project consists of two separate blocks of map-designated claims, comprising a total of 282 claims covering approximately 147 km2 of the Opinaca area of James Bay, Quebec. The Éléonore West block consists of 34 mineral claims covering approximately 18 km2, while the Éléonore South block contains 248 claims extending over an area of approximately 130 km2. The project is a joint operation and project ownership is based on participation in the funding of annual exploration programs. At December 31, 2023 the project was held by the partners approximately as follows: Fury Gold 50.022% and Newmont 49.978%. The Company is the operator of the project.
Subsequent to December 31, 2023, the Company and its joint operation partner Newmont Corporation ("Newmont"), through their respective subsidiaries, entered into a new agreement whereby the Company acquired 100% control of the interests, consolidating these properties into the Company's portfolio. The transaction closed on February 29, 2024 (note 23d).
Nunavut
Committee Bay
The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary North Country, owns a 100% interest in the Committee Bay project located in Nunavut, Canada. The Committee Bay project includes approximately 280,000 hectares situated along the Committee Bay Greenstone Belt located within the Western Churchill province of Nunavut. The Committee Bay project is subject to a 1% Net Smelter Royalty ("NSR") on gold production, with certain portions subject to an additional 1.5% NSR. The 1.5% NSR is payable on only 7,596 hectares and can be purchased by the Company within two years of commencement of commercial production for $2,000 for each one-third (0.5%) of the 1.5% NSR.
Gibson MacQuoid
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-19 |
In 2017, the Company acquired a number of prospecting permits and mineral claims along the Gibson MacQuoid Greenstone Belt in Nunavut, Canada. In 2019, the Company staked additional claims, which overlapped the Company's prospecting claims that expired in February 2020, to maintain a contiguous land package over the Company's current areas of interest. The Company's claims, which are located between the Meliadine deposit and Meadowbank mine, cover approximately 120 km of strike length of the prospective greenstone belt and total 51,622 hectares collectively.
Quebec |
Nunavut |
British Columbia |
Total | |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 125,094 | $ | 19,139 | $ | 16,460 | $ | 160,693 | ||||
Sale of Homestake Resources (note 1) | - | - | (16,460 | ) | (16,460 | ) | ||||||
Acquisition of additional ownership interest in ESJV (note 1) | 1,281 | - | - | 1,281 | ||||||||
Option payment received | (310 | ) | - | - | (310 | ) | ||||||
Change in estimate of provision for site reclamation and closure (note 13) | (409 | ) | 395 | - | (14 | ) | ||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | 125,656 | $ | 19,534 | $ | - | $ | 145,190 | ||||
Option payment received | (880 | ) | - | - | (880 | ) | ||||||
Disposition | (1,746 | ) | - | - | (1,746 | ) | ||||||
Change in estimate of provision for site reclamation and closure (note 13) | (52 | ) | 127 | - | 75 | |||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | 122,978 | $ | 19,661 | $ | - | $ | 142,639 |
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company received settlement for the sale of certain common shares of publicly traded entities. These have been classified as marketable securities (note 8).
On December 12, 2022, the Company entered into an Option Agreement ("the Ophir Agreement"), pursuant to which Ophir Gold Corp. (the "Optionee") would acquire a 100% interest in the Radis Property through payment of certain cash and common shares over a three-year period, payments of which may be accelerated by the Optionee. The Company shall retain a 2% NSR on the property, three-quarters of which may be purchased by the Optionee for $1,500. The Agreement was subject to certain closing conditions, which were met on January 25, 2023. The first option payment, comprising a cash payment of $50 and 2,500,000 common shares of Ophir Gold with a fair value of $625, was received upon closing, while the second option payment was received during December 2023 comprising of $75 cash and 1,000,000 common shares with a fair value of $130 upon date of receipt for a total of $880. The common shares of Ophir Gold have been classified as marketable securities (note 3).
On August 16, 2023 the Company entered into a royalty extinguishment agreement whereby certain Eastmain net smelter royalties of the Mia project were extinguished in exchange for marketable securities to the value of $468 as at the date of the agreement.
In November 2023, the Company received the final option payment of $1,725, comprising of $1,350 cash and 1,237,216 shares with a fair value upon date of receipt of $396 for a total of $1,746, from Benz Mining in respect of the option agreement to acquire 75% of certain Eastmain Mine properties and Ruby Hill properties (year ended December 31, 2022 - $310 cash).
Note 11: Investments in associates
(a) Summarized financial information of the Company's investments in associates:
The carrying amounts of the Company's investments in associates as at December 31, 2023, were as follows:
Dolly Varden | UMS | Total | |||||||
Carrying amount at December 31, 2021 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Acquisition of equity investment | 60,439 | 151 | 60,590 | ||||||
Disposal (note 1) | (12,280 | ) | - | (12,280 | ) | ||||
Company's share of net loss of associates | (5,856 | ) | (24 | ) | (5,880 | ) | |||
Carrying amount at December 31, 2022 | $ | 42,303 | $ | 127 | $ | 42,430 | |||
Company's share of net loss of associates | (6,177 | ) | (5 | ) | (6,182 | ) | |||
Carrying amount at December 31, 2023 | $ | 36,126 | $ | 122 | $ | 36,248 |
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-20 |
The quoted fair market value of the Company's interest in Dolly Varden at December 31, 2023 was $51,769 (December 31, 2022 - $53,554) based on the closing share price on that date.
On October 13, 2022, the Company completed the sale of 17,000,000 common shares of Dolly Varden, comprising 22.2% of the Company's equity interest in Dolly Varden acquired as part of the disposition of Homestake Resources (note 1), for total gross proceeds of $6,800. As at September 30, 2022, the sale was considered highly probable; therefore, the partial investment in associate represented by the 17,000,000 common shares was classified as an asset held for sale. The Company remeasured the carrying amount of the shares held for sale as the lower of cost and FVLCD and recognized an impairment expense of $5,506 in respect of the disposal. A reconciliation of the impairment expense is as follows:
Carrying amount, investment in Dolly Varden | $ | 55,265 | |
Equity interest transferred to held for sale | 22.2% | ||
Carrying amount transferred to asset held for sale | 12,280 | ||
Less: FVLCD | (6,774 | ) | |
Impairment expense recognized | $ | 5,506 |
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company's equity share of net loss of the Company's associates on a 100% basis were as follows:
Year ended December 31, 2022 | Dolly Varden | UMS | Total | ||||||
Cost recoveries | $ | - | $ | (4,412 | ) | $ | (4,412 | ) | |
Exploration and evaluation | 16,936 | 1,642 | 18,578 | ||||||
Marketing | 1,057 | 312 | 1,369 | ||||||
Share-based compensation | 1,786 | 2,433 | 4,219 | ||||||
Administrative and other | (508 | ) | 121 | (387 | ) | ||||
Net loss of associate, 100% | 19,271 | 96 | 19,367 | ||||||
Average equity interest for the year | 30.4% | 25% | |||||||
Company's share of net loss of associates | $ | 5,856 | $ | 24 | $ | 5,880 |
The net loss for the associates in 2022 includes the periods February 25, 2022 to December 31, 2022 for Dolly Varden and April 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 for UMS as these are the periods they were considered to be equity investees.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company's equity share of net loss of the Company's associates on a 100% basis were as follows:
Year ended December 31, 2023 | Dolly Varden | UMS | Total | ||||||
Cost recoveries | $ | - | $ | (5,517 | ) | $ | (5,517 | ) | |
Exploration and evaluation | 24,806 | 1,907 | 26,713 | ||||||
Marketing | 1,409 | 464 | 1,873 | ||||||
Share-based compensation | 1,971 | - | 1,971 | ||||||
Administrative and other | (1,536 | ) | 3,166 | 1,630 | |||||
Net loss of associate, 100% | 26,650 | 20 | 26,670 | ||||||
Average equity interest for the period | 23.18% | 25% | |||||||
Company's share of net loss of associates | $ | 6,177 | $ | 5 | $ | 6,182 |
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-21 |
The Company's equity share of net assets of associates at December 31, 2022, is as follows:
Dolly Varden | UMS | |||||
Current assets | $ | 28,914 | $ | 879 | ||
Non-current assets | 155,198 | 2,750 | ||||
Current liabilities | (4,100 | ) | (1,654 | ) | ||
Non-current liabilities | - | (1,467 | ) | |||
Net assets, 100% | 180,012 | 508 | ||||
Company's equity share of net assets of associate | $ | 42,303 | $ | 127 |
The Company's equity share of net assets of associates at December 31, 2023, is as follows:
Dolly Varden | UMS | |||||
Current assets | $ | 11,468 | $ | 844 | ||
Non-current assets | 153,296 | 2,468 | ||||
Current liabilities | (804 | ) | (1,484 | ) | ||
Non-current liabilities | - | (1,340 | ) | |||
Net assets, 100% | 163,960 | 488 | ||||
Company's equity share of net assets of associate | $ | 36,126 | $ | 122 |
(b) Services rendered and balances with UMS
Years ended December 31 | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Exploration and evaluation costs | $ | 872 | $ | 590 | $ | 215 | |||
General and administration | 714 | 841 | 384 | ||||||
Total transactions for the year | $ | 1,586 | $ | 1,431 | $ | 599 |
The outstanding balance owing at December 31, 2023 was $103 (December 31, 2022 - $240) which is included in accounts payable.
As part of the UMS arrangement, the Company is contractually obliged to pay certain rental expenses in respect of a ten-year office lease entered into by UMS on July 1, 2021. As at December 31, 2023, the Company expects to incur approximately $381 in respect of its share of future rental expense of UMS.
The Company issues share options to certain UMS employees, including key management personnel of the Company (note 16). The Company recognized a share-based compensation expense of $317 for the year ended December 31, 2023 in respect of share options issued to UMS employees (December 31, 2022 - $483, December 31, 2021 - $453) which is included within employee benefits and exploration and evaluation costs.
Note 12: Flow-through share premium liability
Flow-through shares are issued at a premium, calculated as the difference between the price of a flow-through share and the price of a common share at that date. Tax deductions generated by eligible expenditures are passed through to the shareholders of the flow-through shares once the eligible expenditures are incurred and renounced.
In March 2023, the Company completed an equity financing by raising $8,750 through the issuance of 6,076,500 flow-through subscription receipts.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-22 |
The flow-through share funding and expenditures along with the corresponding impact on the flow-through share premium liability were as follows:
Expenditures | Flow through premium liability |
|||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 18,079 | $ | 7,644 | ||
Flow-through eligible expenditures | (10,789 | ) | (4,520 | ) | ||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 7,290 | $ | 3,124 | ||
Flow-through eligible expenditures | (7,290 | ) | (3,124 | ) | ||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | - | $ | - | ||
Flow-through funds raised | 8,750 | 3,889 | ||||
Flow-through eligible expenditures | (7,527 | ) | (3,345 | ) | ||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | 1,223 | $ | 544 |
Note 13: Provision for site reclamation and closure
The Company recognizes a provision for site reclamation and closure, which reflects the present value of the estimated amount of cash flows required to satisfy the asset retirement obligation in respect of the Committee Bay and Quebec properties. The components of this obligation are the removal of equipment currently being used at the site as well as costs associated with the reclamation of the camp housing and work sites on the property. The estimate of future asset retirement obligations is subject to change based on amendments to applicable laws, management's intentions, and mining lease renewals.
The key assumptions used to calculate the present value of the future estimated cash flows of the Company's projects are as follows:
Undiscounted cash flow obligation for site reclamation of $6,246 (December 31, 2022 - $6,065, December 31, 2021 - $4,938);
Expected timing of future cash flows which is between the years 2026 and 2041;
Annual inflation rate of 2.25% (December 31, 2022 - 2.5%, December 31, 2021 - 2.5%); and
Risk-free interest rate of 3.02% (December 31, 2022 - 3.28%, December 31, 2021 - 1.68%).
The present value of the liability for the site reclamation and closure provision for the Company's projects was as follows:
Quebec | Nunavut | Total | |||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 1,934 | $ | 2,256 | $ | 4,190 | |||
Accretion | 42 | 52 | 94 | ||||||
Change in estimate | (409 | ) | 396 | (13 | ) | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | 1,567 | $ | 2,704 | $ | 4,271 | |||
Accretion | 54 | 94 | 148 | ||||||
Change in estimate | (52 | ) | 128 | 76 | |||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | 1,569 | $ | 2,926 | $ | 4,495 |
Note 14: Exploration and evaluation costs
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company's exploration and evaluation costs were as follows:
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-23 |
Quebec |
Nunavut |
British Columbia |
Total |
|||||||||
Assaying | $ | 1,538 | $ | 44 | $ | - | $ | 1,582 | ||||
Exploration drilling | 2,250 | - | - | 2,250 | ||||||||
Camp cost, equipment and field supplies | 936 | 194 | - | 1,130 | ||||||||
Geological consulting services | 7 | 16 | - | 23 | ||||||||
Geophysical analysis | 165 | - | - | 165 | ||||||||
Permitting, environmental and community costs | 235 | 158 | - | 393 | ||||||||
Expediting and mobilization | 17 | - | - | 17 | ||||||||
Salaries and wages | 1,987 | 23 | - | 2,010 | ||||||||
Fuel and consumables | 481 | - | - | 481 | ||||||||
Aircraft and travel | 784 | (1 | ) | - | 783 | |||||||
Share-based compensation | 465 | 12 | - | 477 | ||||||||
Total for year ended December 31, 2023 | $ | 8,865 | $ | 446 | $ | - | $ | 9,311 | ||||
Quebec | Nunavut |
British Columbia |
Total | |||||||||
Assaying | $ | 1,638 | $ | 50 | $ | 2 | $ | 1,690 | ||||
Exploration drilling | 1,768 | - | - | 1,768 | ||||||||
Camp cost, equipment and field supplies | 844 | 193 | 10 | 1,047 | ||||||||
Geological consulting services | 50 | 13 | - | 63 | ||||||||
Geophysical analysis | 127 | - | - | 127 | ||||||||
Permitting, environmental and community costs | 163 | 164 | - | 327 | ||||||||
Expediting and mobilization | 12 | - | - | 12 | ||||||||
Salaries and wages | 2,330 | 45 | 1 | 2,376 | ||||||||
Fuel and consumables | 537 | - | - | 537 | ||||||||
Aircraft and travel | 768 | 21 | - | 789 | ||||||||
Share-based compensation | 471 | 9 | 1 | 481 | ||||||||
Total for year ended December 31, 2022 | $ | 8,708 | $ | 495 | $ | 14 | $ | 9,217 | ||||
Quebec | Nunavut |
British Columbia |
Total | |||||||||
Assaying | $ | 2,502 | $ | 264 | $ | 21 | $ | 2,787 | ||||
Exploration drilling | 3,448 | 601 | 125 | 4,174 | ||||||||
Camp cost, equipment and field supplies | 1,280 | 377 | 124 | 1,781 | ||||||||
Geological consulting services | 481 | 312 | 3 | 796 | ||||||||
Geophysical analysis | 185 | - | - | 185 | ||||||||
Permitting, environmental and community costs | 186 | 184 | 53 | 423 | ||||||||
Expediting and mobilization | 79 | 170 | 6 | 255 | ||||||||
Salaries and wages | 1,921 | 458 | 100 | 2,479 | ||||||||
Fuel and consumables | 462 | 30 | - | 492 | ||||||||
Aircraft and travel | 429 | 1,079 | 2 | 1,510 | ||||||||
Share-based compensation | 346 | 88 | 39 | 473 | ||||||||
Total for year ended December 31, 2021 | $ | 11,319 | $ | 3,563 | $ | 473 | $ | 15,355 | ||||
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-24 |
Note 15: Share capital
(a) Authorized
Unlimited common shares without par value.
Unlimited preferred shares - nil issued and outstanding.
(b) Share issuances
During the year ended December 31, 2023:
i. The Company closed the "March 2023 Offering", issuing 6,076,500 flow-through common shares for gross proceeds of $8,750. Share issue costs related to the March 2023 Offering totaled $912, which included $525 in commissions and $387 in other issuance costs. A reconciliation of the impact of the March 2023 Offering on share capital is as follows:
Number of common shares |
Impact on share capital |
|||||
Flow-through shares issued at $1.44 per share | 6,076,500 | $ | 8,750 | |||
Cash share issue costs | - | (912 | ) | |||
Proceeds net of share issue costs | 6,076,500 | $ | 7,838 | |||
Less: flow-through share premium liability (note 12) | - | (3,889 | ) | |||
Total allocated to share capital | 6,076,500 | $ | 3,949 |
ii. On December 27, 2023, the company issued 197,345 Restricted Share Units ("RSUs") which vested on the same date, and another 273,542 were approved subsequent to year end, for issuance during January 2024, which were issued on January 31, 2024 as part of the Company's Long-term incentive plan. (Note 23b)
During the year ended December 31, 2022:
i. The Company closed the "April 2022 Offering", a non-brokered private equity placement, for gross proceeds of $11,000 which consisted of 13,750,000 common shares priced at $0.80 per share. Proceeds from the Private Placement were used to fund exploration at the Company's Eau Claire project in Quebec and for general working capital.
Share issue costs related to the April 2022 Offering totaled $136. A reconciliation of the impact of the private placement on share capital is as follows:
Number of common shares |
Impact on share capital |
|||||
Common shares issued at $0.80 per share | 13,750,000 | $ | 11,000 | |||
Cash share issue costs | - | (136 | ) | |||
Proceeds net of share issue costs | 13,750,000 | $ | 10,864 |
During the year ended December 31, 2021:
i. The Company closed the "October 2021 Offering", a non-brokered private equity placement, for gross proceeds of $5,596 which was closed in two tranches and consisted of 7,461,450 units priced at $0.75 per share. Each unit consisted of one common share of Fury Gold and one warrant entitling the holder to purchase one warrant share at a price of CAD$1.20 for a period of three years. The expiry date of the warrants can be accelerated to 30 days with notice from the Company should the common shares trade after the expiry of the four-month hold period at a price equal to or greater than CAD$1.50 for 20 consecutive trading days.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-25 |
Share issue costs related to the October 2021 Offering totaled $211, which included $68 in commissions and $143 in other issuance costs. A reconciliation of the impact of the private placement on share capital is as follows:
Number of common shares |
Impact on share capital |
|||||
Common shares issued at $0.75 per share | 7,461,450 | $ | 5,596 | |||
Cash share issue costs | - | (211 | ) | |||
Proceeds net of share issue costs | 7,461,450 | $ | 5,385 |
ii. 328,767 shares with a fair market value of $300 were issued to purchase a 2% royalty interest on the Homestake Ridge project (note 11). Share issuance costs incurred in respect of the purchase was $10.
iii. 5,834 shares were issued as a result of share options being exercised with a weighted average exercise price of $0.86 for gross proceeds of $6. An amount of $1 attributed to these share options was transferred from the equity reserves and recorded against share capital.
iv. 101,042 shares were issued as a result of share warrants being exercised with a weighted average exercise price of $1.46 for gross proceeds of $147. An amount of $12 attributed to these share warrants was transferred from the equity reserves and recorded against share capital.
Note 16: Share-based compensation and warrant reserve
(a) Share-based compensation expense
The Company uses the fair value method of accounting for all share-based payments to directors, officers, employees, and other service providers. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense as follows:
Years ended December 31 | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Recognized in net loss (earnings) and included in: | |||||||||
Exploration and evaluation costs | $ | 477 | $ | 481 | $ | 473 | |||
Fees, salaries and other employee benefits | 874 | 1,188 | 1,573 | ||||||
Total share-based compensation expense | $ | 1,351 | $ | 1,669 | $ | 2,046 |
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company granted 3,134,800 (December 31, 2022 - 3,430,000, December 31, 2021 - 1,405,000) share options to directors, officers, employees, and certain consultants who provide certain on-going services to the Company, representative of employee services. The weighted average fair value per option of these share options was calculated as $0.47 (December 31, 2022 - $0.46, December 31, 2021 - $0.56) using the Black-Scholes option valuation model at the grant date. In addition to options, the Company also granted 197,345 RSU's during the year ended December 31, 2023, (December 31, 2022, and 2021 - nil) to officers and employees which have all vested and were settled through the issuance of common shares.
The fair value of the share-based options granted during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions:
Years ended December 31 | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Risk-free interest rate | 3.06% | 2.20% | 0.91% | ||||||
Expected dividend yield | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||
Share price volatility | 68% | 67% | 67% | ||||||
Expected forfeiture rate | 4.7% | 2.5% | 0% | ||||||
Expected life in years | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.90 |
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-26 |
The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on the Government of Canada benchmark bond yields and treasury bills with a remaining term that approximates the expected life of the share-based options. The expected volatility assumption is based on the historical and implied volatility of the Company's common shares. The expected forfeiture rate and the expected life in years are based on historical trends.
(b) Long-term incentive plan
On June 29, 2023 the Company adopted a new Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTI Plan") which strives to accelerate and encourage additional share ownership by its employees, officers and directors. The LTI plan provides for the awarding of share options, performance share units, restricted share units and deferred share units. The LTI Plan limits the number of shares reserved for issuance under the LTI Plan, together with all other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company to 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares.
The number of share options issued and outstanding and the weighted average exercise price were as follows:
Number of share options |
Weighted average exercise price ($/option) |
|||||
Outstanding, December 31, 2020 | 8,141,004 | $ | 2.67 | |||
Granted | 1,405,000 | 1.03 | ||||
Exercised | (5,834 | ) | 0.86 | |||
Expired | (1,685,048 | ) | 3.62 | |||
Forfeited | (1,103,125 | ) | 2.04 | |||
Outstanding, December 31, 2021 | 6,751,997 | $ | 2.00 | |||
Granted | 3,430,000 | 1.00 | ||||
Expired | (608,237 | ) | 4.65 | |||
Forfeited | (693,436 | ) | 1.77 | |||
Outstanding, December 31, 2022 | 8,880,324 | $ | 1.44 | |||
Granted | 3,134,800 | 0.80 | ||||
Expired | (1,672,087 | ) | 1.58 | |||
Forfeited | (391,435 | ) | 0.95 | |||
Outstanding, December 31, 2023 | 9,951,602 | $ | 1.23 |
The number of Restricted Share Units Issued and outstanding and the weighted average exercise price were as follows:
Number of |
Weighted average vesting price ($/ share) |
|||||
Outstanding, December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 | - | $ | - | |||
Granted | 197,345 | 0.60 | ||||
Settled | (197,345 | ) | (0.60 | ) | ||
Outstanding, December 31, 2023 | - | $ | - |
All Restricted Share Units granted during 2023, also vested and settled through issuance of common shares.
As at December 31, 2023, the number of share options outstanding was as follows:
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-27 |
Options outstanding | Options exercisable | |||||
Exercise price ($/option) |
Number of shares |
Weighted average exercise price ($/option) |
Weighted average remaining life (years) |
Number of shares |
Weighted average exercise price ($/option) |
Weighted average remaining life (years) |
$0.56 - $1.00 | 6,922,993 | 0.91 | 3.46 | 5,647,193 | 0.93 | 3.31 |
$1.00 - $1.95 | 893,609 | 1.79 | 1.19 | 893,609 | 1.79 | 1.19 |
$2.05 | 2,135,000 | 2.05 | 1.81 | 2,135,000 | 2.05 | 1.81 |
9,951,602 | 1.23 | 2.90 | 8,675,802 | 1.30 | 2.72 |
(c) Share purchase warrants
The number of share purchase warrants outstanding at December 31, 2023 was as follows:
Warrants outstanding |
Exercise price ($/share) |
|||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | 1,626,740 | $ | 1.66 | |||
Issued | 7,461,450 | 1.20 | ||||
Exercised | (101,042 | ) | 1.46 | |||
Expired | (775,695 | ) | 1.42 | |||
Outstanding at December 31, 2021 | 8,211,453 | $ | 1.27 | |||
Expired during 2022 | (750,003 | ) | 1.95 | |||
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2023 | 7,461,450 | $ | 1.20 |
The following table reflects the warrants issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023:
Expiry date |
Warrants outstanding |
Exercise price ($/share) |
||||
October 6, 2024 | 5,085,670 | 1.20 | ||||
October 12, 2024 | 2,375,780 | 1.20 | ||||
Total | 7,461,450 | 1.20 |
Note 17: Key management personnel
Key management personnel include Fury Gold's board of directors and certain executive officers of the Company, including the CEO, Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") and Senior VP, Exploration.
The remuneration of the Company's key management personnel was as follows:
Years ended December 31 | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Short-term benefits provided to executives (a) | $ | 1,109 | $ | 1,719 | $ | 982 | |||
Directors' fees paid to non-executive directors | 289 | 203 | 204 | ||||||
Share-based payments | 1,013 | 1,059 | 1,206 | ||||||
Total | $ | 2,411 | $ | 2,981 | $ | 2,392 |
(a) Short-term employee benefits include salaries, bonuses payable within twelve months of the date of the consolidated statements of financial position, and other annual employee benefits.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-28 |
Note 18: Supplemental cash flow information
The impact of changes in non-cash working capital was as follows:
Years ended December 31 | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Accounts receivable | $ | (5 | ) | $ | (47 | ) | $ | 505 | |
Prepaid expenses and deposits | (59 | ) | (94 | ) | 260 | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (120 | ) | (762 | ) | (499 | ) | |||
Changes in non-cash working capital | $ | (184 | ) | $ | (903 | ) | $ | 266 |
Operating activities include the following cash received:
Years ended December 31 | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Income taxes refunded | $ | (307 | ) | $ | (187 | ) | $ | (3,835 | ) |
Income taxes paid | 18 | - | - | ||||||
Income tax expense (recovery) | $ | (289 | ) | $ | (187 | ) | $ | (3,835 | ) |
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-29 |
Note 19: (Earnings) loss per share
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the weighted average number of shares outstanding and (earnings) loss per share were as follows:
Years ended December 31 | ||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
Net loss (earnings) | $ | 17,213 | $ | (24,908 | ) | $ | 16,790 | |||
Weighted average basic number of shares outstanding | 144,184,481 | 139,470,950 | 119,701,040 | |||||||
Basic loss (earnings) per share | $ | 0.12 | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | 0.14 | |||
Weighted average diluted number of shares outstanding | 144,184,481 | 139,481,236 | 119,701,040 | |||||||
Diluted loss (earnings) per share | $ | 0.12 | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | 0.14 |
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-30 |
Note 20: Financial instruments
The Company's financial instruments as at December 31, 2023, consisted of cash, marketable securities, accounts receivable, deposits, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values, unless otherwise noted.
(a) Financial assets and liabilities by categories
At December 31, 2023 | At December 31, 2022 | At December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | FVTPL |
Total |
Amortized Cost | FVTPL |
Total |
Amortized Cost | FVTPL |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 7,313 | $ | - | $ | 7,313 | $ | 10,309 | $ | - | $ | 10,309 | $ | 3,259 | $ | - | $ | 3,259 | |||||||||
Marketable securities | - | 1,166 | 1,166 | - | 582 | 582 | - | 605 | 605 | ||||||||||||||||||
Deposits | 100 | - | 100 | 25 | - | 25 | 243 | - | 243 | ||||||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | 374 | - | 374 | 369 | - | 369 | 372 | - | 372 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total financial assets | $ | 7,787 | $ | 1,166 | $ | 8,953 | $ | 10,703 | 582 | $ | 11,285 | $ | 3,874 | 605 | $ | 4,479 | |||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 1,034 | - | 1,034 | 1,148 | - | 1,148 | 1,888 | - | 1,888 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total financial liabilities | $ | 1,034 | $ | - | $ | 1,034 | $ | 1,148 | $ | - | $ | 1,148 | $ | 1,888 | $ | - | $ | 1,888 |
(b) Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value
The categories of the fair value hierarchy that reflect the significance of inputs used in making fair value measurements are as follows:
Level 1 - fair values based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 - fair values based on inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 - fair values based on inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.
The Company's policy to determine when a transfer occurs between levels is to assess the impact at the date of the event or the change in circumstances that could result in a transfer. No transfers occurred between the levels during the year.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-31 |
The Company's financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
At December 31 | ||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 1 | Level 1 | Level 2(a) | |||||||||
Marketable securities | $ | 1,166 | $ | 582 | $ | 282 | $ | 323 |
(a) Marketable securities included in level 2 include warrants that were valued using an option pricing model which utilizes a combination of quoted prices and market-derived inputs, including volatility estimates.
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no financial assets or financial liabilities measured and recognized on the consolidated statements of financial position at fair value that would be categorized as level 2 or 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
(c) Financial instruments and related risks
The Company's financial instruments are exposed to liquidity risk, credit risk and market risks, which include currency risk, interest rate risk and price risk. As at December 31, 2023, the primary risks were as follows:
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities. The Company proactively manages its capital resources and has in place a budgeting and cash management process to help determine the funds required to ensure the Company has the appropriate liquidity to meet its current exploration plans and achieve its growth objectives. The Company ensures that there is sufficient liquidity available to meet its short-term business requirements, taking into account its anticipated cash outflows from exploration activities, and its holdings of cash and marketable securities. The Company monitors and adjusts, when required, these exploration programs as well as corporate administrative costs to ensure that adequate levels of working capital are maintained.
As at December 31, 2023, the Company had unrestricted cash of $7,313 (December 31, 2022 - $10,309, December 31, 2021 - $3,259), working capital surplus of $7,713 (December 31, 2022 - $10,554, December 31, 2021 - working capital deficit of $428), which the Company defines as current assets less current liabilities, and an accumulated deficit of $149,054 (December 31, 2022 - $131,841, December 31, 2021 - $156,749). During the year ended December 31, 2023, Fury Gold incurred a comprehensive loss of $17,219 (December 31, 2022 - income of $24,905, December 31, 2021 - loss of $16,790). With no source of operating cash flow, there is no assurance that sufficient funding will be available to conduct further exploration of its mineral properties.
The Company's contractual obligations are as follows:
Within 1 year |
2 to 3 years |
Over 3 years |
At December 31 2023 |
|||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 1,034 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,034 | ||||
Quebec flow-through expenditure requirements | 1,223 | - | - | 1,223 | ||||||||
Undiscounted lease payments | 189 | 64 | - | 253 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 2,446 | $ | 64 | $ | - | $ | 2,510 |
The Company also makes certain payments arising on mineral claims and leases on an annual or bi-annual basis to ensure all the Company's properties remain in good standing. Cash payments of $298 were made during the year ended December 31, 2023, in respect of these mineral claims (December 31, 2022 - $215), with $78 recognized in prepaid expenses as at December 31, 2023 (December 31, 2022 - $78).
Credit risk
The Company's cash and accounts receivables are exposed to credit risk, which is the risk that the counterparties to the Company's financial instruments will cause a loss to the Company by failing to pay their obligations. The amount of credit risk to which the Company is exposed is considered insignificant as the Company's cash is held with highly rated financial institutions in interest-bearing accounts and the accounts receivable primarily consist of sales tax receivables and a receivable from a reputable supplier of services in Canada.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-32 |
Market risk
This is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Significant market risks to which the Company is exposed are as follows:
i. Currency risk
The Company is exposed to currency risk by having balances and transactions in currencies that are different from the relevant functional currency (the Canadian dollar). The Company's foreign currency exposure related to its financial assets and liabilities held in US dollars was as follows:
Years ended December 31 | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Financial assets | |||||||||
US$ bank accounts | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 569 | |||
Financial liabilities | |||||||||
Accounts payable | (7 | ) | (61 | ) | (160 | ) | |||
$ | (6 | ) | $ | (60 | ) | $ | 409 |
A 10% increase or decrease in the US dollar to Canadian dollar exchange rate would not have a material impact on the Company's net loss.
ii. Price risk
The Company holds certain investments in marketable securities (note 8) which are measured at fair value, being the closing share price of each equity security at the date of the consolidated statements of financial position. The Company is exposed to changes in share prices which would result in gains and losses being recognized in the loss for the year. A 10% increase or decrease in the Company's marketable securities' share prices would not have a material impact on the Company's net loss.
Note 21: Management of capital
The Company's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company's ability to continue as a going concern in order to pursue exploration of resource properties and to maintain a flexible capital structure which optimizes the costs of capital at an acceptable risk.
The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may issue new shares or debt, acquire or dispose of assets, or adjust the amount of cash and investments.
In order to maximize ongoing exploration efforts, the Company does not pay out dividends, does not have any long-term debt, and is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. The capital of the Company was determined as follows:
Years ended December 31 | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Equity | $ | 182,874 | $ | 194,793 | $ | 157,355 | |||
Less: cash | (7,313 | ) | (10,309 | ) | (3,259 | ) | |||
$ | 175,561 | $ | 184,484 | $ | 154,096 |
The Company expects its capital resources to support its current forecasted project expenditures at the Eau Claire project and the Éléonore South project and other corporate activities. While the Company has been successful at raising capital in the past, there can be no assurance that the Company will have sufficient financing to meet its future capital requirements or that additional financing will be available on terms acceptable to the Company in the future.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-33 |
Note 22: Income taxes
Income tax recovery provision
The reconciliation of the income tax recovery computed at statutory rates to the reported income tax recovery is:
Years ended December 31 | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
(Earnings) Loss before income taxes | $ | 17,502 | $ | (24,721 | ) | $ | 20,625 | ||
Canadian federal and provincial income tax rates | 27% | 27% | 27% | ||||||
Expected income tax expense (recovery) | (4,725 | ) | 6,675 | (5,569 | ) | ||||
Increase (decrease) in income tax recovery resulting from: | |||||||||
Share-based compensation | 432 | 448 | 552 | ||||||
Share issuance costs | (246 | ) | (37 | ) | (60 | ) | |||
Adjustment to tax estimates | 934 | 114 | 1,170 | ||||||
Amortization of flow-through share premium | (903 | ) | (844 | ) | (1,220 | ) | |||
Flow-through expenditures renunciation | 1,995 | 1,934 | 2,856 | ||||||
Difference in future and foreign tax rates | 42 | 81 | (172 | ) | |||||
Sale of Homestake Resource Corporation | - | (3,021 | ) | - | |||||
Other | 503 | 497 | (2,948 | ) | |||||
Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax asset | 1,679 | (6,034 | ) | 1,556 | |||||
Income tax expense (recovery) | $ | (289 | ) | $ | (187 | ) | $ | (3,835 | ) |
Significant components of deferred tax asset and liabilities are:
December 31 2022 |
Net loss |
December 31 2023 | |||||||
Deferred income tax assets | |||||||||
Non-capital losses carried forward | $ | 13,635 | $ | 557 | $ | 14,192 | |||
Capital losses carried forward | 73 | (18 | ) | 55 | |||||
Share issuance costs and CEC | 317 | 39 | 356 | ||||||
Investments | 22 | 76 | 98 | ||||||
Investments in associates | 633 | 839 | 1,472 | ||||||
Site reclamation obligations | 1,145 | 61 | 1,206 | ||||||
Property and equipment | 427 | 52 | 479 | ||||||
Mineral property interests | 4,973 | 30 | 5,003 | ||||||
Capital lease obligation | 104 | (43 | ) | 61 | |||||
21,329 | 1,594 | 22,923 | |||||||
Deferred income tax liabilities | |||||||||
Property and equipment | (53 | ) | 29 | (24 | ) | ||||
Mineral property interests | (545 | ) | 28 | (517 | ) | ||||
Investments | (28 | ) | 28 | - | |||||
Net deferred tax assets | 20,702 | 1,679 | 22,381 | ||||||
Unrecognized deferred tax assets | (20,702 | ) | (1,679 | ) | (22,381 | ) | |||
Net deferred tax balance | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - |
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-34 |
December 31 2021 |
Net loss |
December 31 2022 | |||||||
Deferred income tax assets | |||||||||
Non-capital losses carried forward | $ | 21,032 | $ | (7,397 | ) | $ | 13,635 | ||
Capital losses carried forward | 183 | (110 | ) | 73 | |||||
Share issuance costs and CEC | 552 | (235 | ) | 317 | |||||
Investments | 18 | 4 | 22 | ||||||
Investments in associates | - | 633 | 633 | ||||||
Site reclamation obligations | 1,121 | 24 | 1,145 | ||||||
Property and equipment | 376 | 51 | 427 | ||||||
Mineral property interests | 5,001 | (28 | ) | 4,973 | |||||
Capital lease obligation | 124 | (20 | ) | 104 | |||||
Other | 63 | (63 | ) | - | |||||
28,470 | (7,141 | ) | 21,329 | ||||||
Deferred income tax liabilities | |||||||||
Property and equipment | (86 | ) | 33 | (53 | ) | ||||
Mineral property interests | (1,606 | ) | 1,061 | (545 | ) | ||||
Investments | (42 | ) | 14 | (28 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax assets | 26,736 | (6,034 | ) | 20,702 | |||||
Unrecognized deferred tax assets | (26,736 | ) | 6,034 | (20,702 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax balance | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - |
December 31 2020 |
Net loss |
December 31 2021 | |||||||
Deferred income tax assets | |||||||||
Non-capital losses carried forward | $ | 19,846 | $ | 1,186 | 21,032 | ||||
Capital losses carried forward | 82 | 101 | 183 | ||||||
Share issuance costs and CEC | 833 | (281 | ) | 552 | |||||
Investments | 44 | (26 | ) | 18 | |||||
Site reclamation obligations | 1,137 | (16 | ) | 1,121 | |||||
Property and equipment | 312 | 64 | 376 | ||||||
Mineral property interests | 3,985 | 1,016 | 5,001 | ||||||
Capital lease obligation | 66 | 58 | 124 | ||||||
Other | - | 63 | 63 | ||||||
26,305 | 2,165 | 28,470 | |||||||
Deferred income tax liabilities | |||||||||
Property and equipment | (52 | ) | (34 | ) | (86 | ) | |||
Mineral property interests | (877 | ) | (729 | ) | (1,606 | ) | |||
Investments | (196 | ) | 154 | (42 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax assets | 25,180 | 1,556 | 26,736 | ||||||
Unrecognized deferred tax assets | (25,180 | ) | (1,556 | ) | (26,736 | ) | |||
Net deferred tax balance | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - |
The Company has accumulated non-capital tax losses of approximately $54,073 (December 31, 2022 - $51,335, December 31, 2021 - $79,718) in Canada, which may be carried forward to reduce taxable income of future years. The non-capital tax losses will, if unused, expire between 2025 and 2043. The Company has not recognized any deferred tax assets at December 31, 2023, in respect of these non-capital losses due to the uncertainty that future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to utilize these non-capital losses.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-35 |
The Company has $111 accumulated tax capital losses (December 31, 2022 - $247, December 31, 2021 - $1,312) in Canada which may be carried forward indefinitely and used to reduce capital gains in future years.
Note 23: Subsequent events
(a) On January 9, 2024, the Company issued 1,318,623 RSU's to directors, officers, and employees. The RSU's were issued in accordance with the Company's LTI plan (note 16b), with a Black Scholes fair value of $0.80 per RSU, one third vesting annually on the anniversary and paid out as fully paid shares. The Company also approved 235,080 RSU's to directors vesting quarterly in 2024. In addition, 70,000 share purchase options, vesting over 18 months with a Black Scholes fair value of $0.25 per option was issued to a consultant.
(b) On January 31, 2024, the company issued 273,542 RSU's to directors, officers, and employees. The RSU's were issued in accordance with the Company's LTI plan (note 16b), which vested on the same day and paid out as fully paid shares.
(c) On February 2, 2024, the Company issued 75,000 share options to a contractor, vesting over 18 months and having a Black Scholes fair value of $0.19 per share option at the time.
(d) On February 29, 2024, the Company, and its joint operation partner Newmont Corporation ("Newmont"), through their respective subsidiaries, closed a transaction whereby the Company acquired 100% control of the joint operation interests, the Éléonore South project, consolidating these properties into the Company's portfolio. As part of the transaction, the Company acquired 30,392,372 shares of Sirios Resources Inc. from Newmont which represented a 10.98% share at the time.
(e) On March 12, 2024, the Company closed the sale of 5,450,000 common shares of Dolly Varden at $0.735 per Share for gross proceeds of $4,006.
Fury Gold Mines Limited Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements (Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) |
F-36 |
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Directors of
Dolly Varden Silver Corporation
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Dolly Varden Silver Corporation (the "Company"), as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, in conformity with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatements of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters do not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Assessment of Impairment Indicators of Exploration and Evaluation Assets ("E&E Assets")
As described in Note 9 to the financial statements, the carrying amount of the Company's E&E Assets was $70,906,785 as of December 31, 2023. As more fully described in Note 3 to the financial statements, management assesses the E&E Assets for indicators of impairment at each reporting period.
The principal considerations for our determination that the assessment of impairment indicators of the E&E Assets is a key audit matter are that there was judgment made by management when assessing whether there were indicators of impairment for the E&E Assets, specifically relating to the assets' carrying amount which is impacted by the Company's intent and ability to continue to explore and evaluate the assets. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures to evaluate audit evidence relating to the judgments made by management in their assessment of indicators of impairment that could give rise to the requirement to prepare an estimate of the recoverable amount of the E&E Assets.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the financial statements. Our audit procedures included, among others:
• Evaluating management's assessment of impairment indicators.
• Evaluating the intent for the E&E Assets through discussion and communication with management.
• Reviewing the Company's recent expenditure activity.
• Assessing compliance with agreements including reviewing option agreements and vouching cash payments and share issuances.
• Assessing the Company's rights to explore E&E Assets including sending confirmation requests to optionors to ensure good standing of agreements.
• Obtaining, on a test basis through government websites, confirmation of title to ensure mineral rights underlying the E&E Assets is in good standing.
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2011.
/s/ DAVIDSON & COMPANY LLP | |
Vancouver, Canada |
Chartered Professional Accountants |
March 26, 2024 |
DOLLY VARDEN SILVER CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars)
As at | Notes | December 31, 2023 |
December 31, 2022 |
||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 5 | $ | 9,982,389 | $ | 28,495,616 | ||
Prepaid expenses | 6 | 518,262 | 285,802 | ||||
Amounts receivable | 7, 12 | 967,264 | 132,347 | ||||
11,467,915 | 28,913,765 | ||||||
Non-current | |||||||
Equipment | 8 | 216,056 | 256,810 | ||||
Deposits | 9 | 159,000 | 159,000 | ||||
Exploration and evaluation assets | 4, 9 | 70,906,785 | 70,906,785 | ||||
$ | 82,749,756 | $ | 100,236,360 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||
Current Liabilities | |||||||
Accounts payable | 12 | $ | 146,429 | $ | 285,439 | ||
Accrued liabilities | 12 | 657,623 | 160,449 | ||||
Liability on flow-through share issuances | 10 | - | 3,653,886 | ||||
804,052 | 4,099,774 | ||||||
Shareholders' Equity | |||||||
Share capital | 10 | 184,751,037 | 173,967,990 | ||||
Reserves | 10 | 11,568,202 | 9,891,669 | ||||
Deficit | (114,373,535 | ) | (87,723,073 | ) | |||
81,945,704 | 96,136,586 | ||||||
$ | 82,749,756 | $ | 100,236,360 |
Nature and Continuance of Operations (Note 1)
Subsequent Events (Note 16)
These consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on March 26, 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
"Shawn Khunkhun" | "James Sabala" | |
Director | Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
DOLLY VARDEN SILVER CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars)
Year Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||
Notes | December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
EXPENSES | |||||||||
Consulting fees | $ | 220,772 | $ | 291,258 | |||||
Directors' fees | 10, 12 | 204,059 | 158,131 | ||||||
Exploration and evaluation | 9, 12 | 24,806,045 | 16,936,370 | ||||||
Management fees | 12 | 955,700 | 890,500 | ||||||
Marketing and communications | 1,409,433 | 1,056,605 | |||||||
Office and administration | 292,291 | 254,268 | |||||||
Professional fees | 305,053 | 181,127 | |||||||
Rent and maintenance | 12 | 141,183 | 135,990 | ||||||
Share-based payments | 10, 12 | 1,970,683 | 1,785,596 | ||||||
Transfer agent and filing fees | 156,390 | 112,445 | |||||||
Travel and accommodation | 343,036 | 116,592 | |||||||
Operating loss | (30,804,645 | ) | (21,918,882 | ) | |||||
Recovery on flow through share premium | 10 | 3,653,886 | 2,404,717 | ||||||
Part XII.6 tax expense | (404,318 | ) | (13,317 | ) | |||||
Interest and other income | 904,615 | 257,063 | |||||||
Loss and comprehensive loss for the year | $ | (26,650,462 | ) | $ | (19,270,419 | ) | |||
Basic and diluted loss per common share | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | |||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding-basic and diluted | 257,129,652 | 214,979,429 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
DOLLY VARDEN SILVER CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars)
As at | Common Shares |
Share Capital |
Reserves | Deficit | Total Shareholders' Equity |
||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2021 | 130,887,861 | $ | 79,996,264 | $ | 8,306,033 | $ | (68,452,654 | ) | $ | 19,849,643 | |||||
Issuance of common shares for acquisition of mineral properties | 76,504,590 | 60,438,626 | - | - | 60,438,626 | ||||||||||
Property acquisition cost | 402,815 | 338,364 | - | - | 338,364 | ||||||||||
Issuance of flow-through common shares | 31,793,616 | 32,199,887 | - | - | 32,199,887 | ||||||||||
Flow-through share premium | - | (5,923,930 | ) | - | - | (5,923,930 | ) | ||||||||
Issuance of common shares | 13,171,152 | 8,785,330 | - | - | 8,785,330 | ||||||||||
Share issuance costs - cash | - | (2,416,553 | ) | - | - | (2,416,553 | ) | ||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 894,250 | 550,002 | (199,960 | ) | - | 350,042 | |||||||||
Share-based payments | - | - | 1,785,596 | - | 1,785,596 | ||||||||||
Loss and comprehensive loss for the year | - | - | - | (19,270,419 | ) | (19,270,419 | ) | ||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2022 | 253,654,284 | 173,967,990 | 9,891,669 | (87,723,073 | ) | 96,136,586 | |||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 1,027,499 | 853,191 | (294,150 | ) | - | 559,041 | |||||||||
Issuance of common shares | 15,384,616 | 10,000,000 | - | - | 10,000,000 | ||||||||||
Share-based payments | - | - | 936,802 | - | 936,802 | ||||||||||
Restricted share compensation | - | - | 1,033,881 | - | 1,033,881 | ||||||||||
Share issuance costs - cash | - | (70,144 | ) | - | - | (70,144 | ) | ||||||||
Loss and comprehensive loss for the year | - | - | - | (26,650,462 | ) | (26,650,462 | ) | ||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2023 | 270,066,399 | $ | 184,751,037 | $ | 11,568,202 | $ | (114,373,535 | ) | $ | 81,945,704 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
DOLLY VARDEN SILVER CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars)
Year ended | Year ended | |||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||
Loss for the year | $ | (26,650,462 | ) | $ | (19,270,419 | ) |
Items not affecting cash: | ||||||
Share-based payments | 1,970,683 | 1,785,596 | ||||
Revaluation of deferred share units | (4,041 | ) | (9,914 | ) | ||
Recovery on flow-through share premium | (3,653,886 | ) | (2,404,717 | ) | ||
Depreciation of equipment | 54,889 | 61,967 | ||||
Changes in non-cash working capital items: | ||||||
Prepaid expenses | (232,460 | ) | (35,451 | ) | ||
Amounts receivable | (834,917 | ) | (35,827 | ) | ||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 362,205 | 246,802 | ||||
Cash used in operating activities | (28,987,989 | ) | (19,661,963 | ) | ||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||
Acquisition of equipment | (14,135 | ) | (72,633 | ) | ||
Acquisition of exploration and evaluation assets | - | (6,168,561 | ) | |||
Cash used in investing activities | (14,135 | ) | (6,241,194 | ) | ||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||
Private placement, net of share issuance costs | 9,929,856 | 38,568,664 | ||||
Exercise of stock options | 559,041 | 350,042 | ||||
Cash provided by financing activities | 10,488,897 | 38,918,706 | ||||
Change in cash during the year | (18,513,227 | ) | 13,015,549 | |||
Cash, beginning of year | 28,495,616 | 15,480,067 | ||||
Cash, end of year | $ | 9,982,389 | $ | 28,495,616 | ||
Supplemental disclosure with respect to cash flows: | ||||||
Interest income received in cash | $ | 904,615 | $ | 257,062 | ||
Non-cash transactions: | ||||||
Fair value of options exercised | $ | 294,150 | $ | 199,960 | ||
Fair value of shares issued for acquisition of exploration and evaluation assets |
$ | - | $ | 60,438,626 | ||
Shares issued for property acquisition costs | $ | - | $ | 338,364 | ||
Premium liability on flow-through shares | $ | - | $ | 5,923,930 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
1 NATURE OF AND CONTINUANCE OF OPERATIONS
Dolly Varden Silver Corporation (the "Company") was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act in the province of British Columbia on March 4, 2011 and is a public company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") under the symbol "DV". In addition, the Company trades on the OTCQX trading platform in the United States under the trading symbol "DOLLF". The Company's primary business is the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in Canada. The Company's head office is Suite 3123, 595 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V7X 1J1. The registered address and records office of the Company is located at Suite 1700 Park Place, 666 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2X8.
The Company owns interests in multiple mineral titles and claims in British Columbia, Canada. On February 25, 2022 the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of Homestake Resource Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary Homestake Royalty Corporate, (collectively "Homestake") in exchange for common stock of the Company (Note 4). The recoverability of amounts shown for exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable reserves and confirmation of the Company's interest in the underlying mineral claims, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to satisfy the expenditure requirements and to complete the development of properties, and upon future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition thereof. Subsequent to December 31, 2023, the Company completed an equity financing under its base shelf prospectus and raised gross proceeds of $15,000,000. Management believes that the Company has sufficient working capital to maintain its operations and activities for the next fiscal year.
There are many external factors that can adversely affect general workforces, economies and financial markets globally such as global health conditions and political conflict in other regions. It is not possible for the Company to predict the duration or magnitude of adverse results of such external factors and their effect on the Company's business or ability to raise funds.
2 BASIS OF PRESENTATION
(a) Statement of Compliance
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") effective for the year ended December 31, 2023.
(b) Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for certain financial instruments, which are measured at fair value. In addition, these consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting, except for cash flow information.
3 MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION
(a) Basis of Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. All intercompany transactions, balances, revenue and expenses are eliminated in full upon consolidation.
3. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION (cont'd)
(a) Basis of Consolidation (cont'd)
The legal subsidiaries of the Company are as follows:
Name of Subsidiary | Place of | Beneficial Ownership Interest | |
Incorporation | December 31,2023 | December 31, 2022 | |
Homestake Resource Corporation | British Columbia, Canada | 100% | 100% |
Homestake Royalty Corporation | British Columbia, Canada | 100% | 100% |
(b) Functional and Foreign Currency
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the Company's and its subsidiaries' functional currency. Foreign currency transactions are translated into Canadian dollars using the exchange rates at the date of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains or losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at year-end rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in profit or loss.
(c) Related Party Transactions
Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions. Related parties may be individuals or corporate entities. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties.
(d) Equipment
The Company records equipment using the cost method, whereby equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is recorded over the useful lives of the assets on a declining balance basis at the following annual rates.
Dock | 5% |
Gas tank | 10% |
Boat | 15% |
Tents and trailers | 30% |
General equipment | 20% |
Vehicles | 30% |
An item of equipment is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on disposal of the asset, determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, is recognized in profit or loss.
Where an item of equipment is composed of major components with different useful lives, the components are accounted for as separate items of equipment. Expenditures incurred to replace a component of an item of equipment that is accounted for separately including major inspection and overhaul expenditures, are capitalized.
3 MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLIICY INFORMATION (cont'd)
(e) Exploration and Evaluation Assets
Upon acquiring the legal right to explore a mineral property (exploration and evaluation assets), all direct costs related to the acquisition of a mineral property are capitalized. Exploration and evaluation expenditures incurred prior to the determination of the feasibility of mining operations and the decision to proceed with development are recognized in profit or loss as incurred, net of recoveries. Costs incurred before the Company has obtained the legal rights to explore an area are charged to profit or loss. Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment if (i) sufficient data exists to determine technical feasibility and commercial viability, and (ii) facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.
Once the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the extraction of mineral resources in an area of interest are demonstrable, exploration and evaluation assets attributable to that area of interest are first tested for impairment and then reclassified to mining property and development assets within equipment. Recoverability of the carrying amount of any exploration and evaluation assets is dependent on successful development and commercial exploitation, or alternatively, sale of the respective areas of interest.
(f) Impairment of Non-Financial Assets
Non-financial assets are evaluated at least annually by management for indicators that the carrying value is impaired and may not be recoverable. The Company's non-financial assets are equipment and exploration and evaluation assets. When indicators of impairment are present, the recoverable amount of an asset is evaluated at the level of a cash generating unit (CGU), the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. The recoverable amount of a CGU is the greater of the CGU's fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognized in profit or loss to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value. Estimated future cash flows are calculated using estimated recoverable reserves, estimated future commodity prices and the expected future operating and capital costs. The pre-tax discount rate applied to the estimated future cash flows reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the future cash flow estimates have not been adjusted.
Additionally, the reviews consider factors such as political, social and legal and environmental regulations. These factors may change due to changing economic conditions or the accuracy of certain assumptions and, hence, affect the recoverable amount. The Company uses its best efforts to fully understand all of the aforementioned to make an informed decision based upon historical and current facts surrounding the projects. Discounted cash flow techniques often require management to make estimates and assumptions concerning reserves and resources and expected future production revenues and expenses.
Assets that have been impaired are tested for possible reversal of the impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the impairment may have reversed. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset or cash generating unit ("CGU") is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset or CGU in prior periods. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately in profit or loss.
3 MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION (cont'd)
(g) Decommissioning Liabilities
The Company recognizes a provision for statutory, contractual, constructive or legal obligations associated with decommissioning of mining operations and reclamation and rehabilitation costs arising when environmental disturbance is caused by the exploration or evaluation of exploration and evaluation assets, and equipment. Provisions for site closure and decommissioning are recognized in the period in which the obligation is incurred or acquired and are measured based on expected future cash flows to settle the obligation, discounted to their present value. The discount rate used is a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability including risks specific to the countries in which the related operation is located.
When an obligation is initially recognized, the corresponding cost is capitalized to the carrying amount of the related asset in exploration and evaluation assets and equipment. These costs are depreciated using either the unit of production or straight-line method depending on the asset to which the obligation relates.
The obligation is increased for the accretion and the corresponding amount is recognized as a finance expense. The obligation is also adjusted for changes in the estimated timing, amount of expected future cash flows, and changes in the discount rate. Such changes in estimates are added to or deducted from the related asset except where deductions are greater than the carrying value of the related asset in which case, the amount of the excess is recognized in profit or loss.
Due to uncertainties concerning environmental remediation, the ultimate cost to the Company of future site restoration could differ from the amounts provided. The estimate of the total provision for future site closure and decommissioning costs is subject to change based on amendments to laws and regulations, changes in technology, price increases and changes in interest rates, and as new information concerning the Company's closure and decommissioning liabilities becomes available.
(h) Use of Estimates and Judgments
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. These and other estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and the effect on the consolidated financial statements of changes in these estimates could be material. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized during the year in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.
Significant Accounting Judgments
Significant accounting judgments that management has made in the process of applying accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
i) Recoverability of the carrying value of the Company's exploration and evaluation assets
Recorded costs of exploration and evaluation assets are not intended to reflect present or future values of these properties. The recorded costs are subject to measurement uncertainty and it is reasonably possible, based on existing knowledge, that a change in future conditions could require a material change in the recognized amount.
3 MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION (cont'd)
(h) Use of Estimates and Judgments (cont'd)
ii) Asset acquisition
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company acquired Homestake (Note 4). The process for determining whether the acquisition was an asset purchase versus a business acquisition was performed and primary consideration was given to the exploration stage of mineral properties, among other items. Shares issued for the acquisition were valued on the issue date and the excess of overall acquisition costs over net assets acquired was attributed to the mineral properties acquired.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
i) Share-based payments
The fair value of share-based payments is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Such option pricing models require the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility, option life, dividend yield, risk-free rate and estimated forfeitures at the initial grant date.
ii) Estimating useful life of equipment
Depreciation of equipment is charged to write down the value of those assets to their residual value over their respective estimated useful lives. Management is required to assess the useful economic lives and residual values of the assets such that depreciation is charged on a systematic basis to the current carrying amount. The useful lives are estimated having regard to such factors as asset maintenance, rate of technical and commercial obsolescence, and asset usage. The useful lives of key assets are reviewed annually.
(iii) Deferred income taxes
Judgment is required in determining whether deferred tax assets are recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position. Deferred tax assets, including those arising from unutilized tax losses require management to assess the likelihood that the Company will generate taxable earnings in future periods, in order to utilize recognized deferred tax assets. Estimates of future taxable income are based on forecast cash flows from operations and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. To the extent that future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from estimates, the ability of the Company to realize the net deferred tax assets recorded at the date of the consolidated statements of financial position could be impacted.
(iv) Accrual of British Columbia Mineral Exploration Tax Credit ("BC METC")
The provincial government of British Columbia provides for a refundable tax on net qualified mining exploration expenditures incurred in British Columbia. The credit is calculated as 20% of qualified mining exploration expenses less the amount of any assistance received or receivable. The determination of the expenditures that would qualify as mining exploration expenses was based on the previous years' tax filings and subsequent reviews by government auditors. BC METC will be recorded in profit or loss upon cash receipt or when reasonable assurance exists that the tax filings are assessed and the expenditures are qualified as mining exploration expenses.
3 MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION (cont'd)
(i) Financial Instruments
(i) Classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities
Under IFRS 9, Financial assets, on initial recognition, are recognized at fair value and subsequently classified and measured at: amortized cost; fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) or fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). The classification of financial assets depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. The Company's financial assets which consist of cash and cash equivalents, deposits and amounts receivable, are classified as amortized cost.
Under IFRS 9, financial liabilities, on initial recognition, are measured at fair value and subsequently measured at FVTPL or amortized cost. The Company's financial liabilities which consist of accounts payable and accrued liabilities are classified as amortized cost.
(ii) Impairment of financial assets
An 'expected credit loss' (ECL) model applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, contract assets and debt investments at FVOCI, but not to investments in equity instruments. The ECL model requires a loss allowance to be recognized based on expected credit losses. The estimated present value of future cash flows associated with the asset is determined and an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between this amount and the carrying amount as follows: the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to estimated present value of the future cash flows associated with the asset, discounted at the financial asset's original effective interest rate, either directly or through the use of an allowance account and the resulting loss is recognized in profit or loss for the period. In a subsequent period, if the amount of the impairment loss related to financial assets measured at amortized cost decreases, the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed through the statement of loss and comprehensive loss to the extent that the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortized cost would have been had the impairment not been recognized. The Company's financial assets measured at amortized cost are subject to the ECL model.
(j) Share capital
Common shares are classified as equity. Transaction costs directly attributable to the issue of common shares and stock options are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.
Flow-through shares are a type of common share and are securities permitted by Canadian Income Tax Legislation whereby the investor can claim the tax deductions arising from the renunciation of the related resource expenditures. The Company accounts for flow-through shares whereby any premium paid for the flow-through shares in excess of the market value of the shares without flow-through features at the time of issue is credited to flow-through premium liability. The flow-through premium liability is included in profit or loss as the qualifying expenditures are incurred on a pro-rata basis.
The Company may issue units consisting of common shares and common share purchase warrants. The Company estimates the fair value of the common shares based on their market price on the share issuance date. The residual difference, if any, between the unit price and the fair value of each common share represents the fair value attributable to each warrant.
3 MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION (cont'd)
(k) Income taxes Current income taxes
Income tax assets and liabilities for the current period are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted, at the reporting date. Current income tax relating to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income or equity is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity and not in profit or loss. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate.
Deferred income tax
Deferred income tax is recognized as the temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and recognized only to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilized. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized, or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset, if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred income taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
(l) Foreign currency translation
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rate in effect on the transaction date or at an average rate. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the statement of financial position date. Non-monetary items are translated using the historical rate on the date of the transaction. Revenue and expenses are translated at the exchange rates approximating those in effect on the date of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses are included in profit or loss.
(m) Loss per share
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share amounts are calculated assuming that the proceeds received from the exercise of stock options and warrants would be used to repurchase shares at the prevailing market rate. When a loss is incurred during the period, this calculation is considered to be anti-dilutive.
(n) Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in the Company's net assets that results from transactions, events and circumstances from sources other than the Company's shareholders and includes items that are not included in profit or loss. The Company currently has incurred no comprehensive income or loss.
3 MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION (cont'd)
(o) Share-based payments
The Company grants share-based awards to employees, directors and consultants as an element of compensation. The fair value of the awards is recognized over the vesting period as share-based compensation expense offset by reserves. The fair value of share-based compensation is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. At each reporting date prior to vesting, the cumulative expense representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management's best estimate of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest is computed. No expense is recognized for awards that do not ultimately vest. When stock options are exercised, the proceeds received, together with any related amount in the reserves, are credited to share capital.
In situations where equity instruments are issued to non-employees and some or all of the goods or services received by the entity as consideration cannot be specifically identified, they are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments. Otherwise, share based compensation are measured at the fair value of the goods or the services received.
The Company has granted its directors deferred share units (DSUs) whereby each DSU entitles a director to receive, upon his or her retirement from the Company, the cash equivalent of the market value of number of DSUs they have accumulated during their directorship, where each DSU is equal to one common share of the Company. DSUs can be earned in lieu of receiving cash for directors' fees, the Company recognizes the expense based on the quoted market price at the end of each quarter and a corresponding increase in equity for the eventual redemption when the DSUs are issued.
(p) Leases
At inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset over a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company assesses whether the contract involves the use of an identified asset, whether it has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset during the term of the contract and it has the right to direct the use of the asset.
The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the lease term, or the end of the useful life of the asset. The right-of-use asset may be reduced due to impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability.
A lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date discounted by the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined the incremental borrowing rate. The lease liability is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise of fixed payments, variable lease payments, and amounts expected to be payable at the end of the lease term.
The Company has elected not to recognize the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of twelve months or less. The lease payments associated with these leases are charged directly to income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
(q) New accounting pronouncements
There are no new accounting pronouncements that would have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements.
4 ACQUISITION OF HOMESTAKE RIDGE
On February 25, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of Homestake for total consideration of $5,000,000 and the issuance of 76,504,590 shares of the Company valued at $60,438,626. Homestake owns a 100% interest in the Homestake Ridge project ("Homestake Ridge"), located adjacent to the Dolly Varden Project ("DV Project") in British Columbia (Note 9).
The consideration paid on the acquisition of Homestake was accounted for as an acquisition of exploration and evaluation assets with the fair value of the shares issued valued using the market value of the Company's shares on the date of change of control.
The acquisition of Homestake was recorded in the accounts of the Company at its fair value determined as follows:
Consideration paid for 100% interest was as follows: | |||
Cash payment | $ | 5,000,000 | |
Common shares issued | 60,438,626 | ||
Other acquisition costs: | |||
Legal fees | 273,442 | ||
Advisory services - cash payment | 712,500 | ||
Advisory services - shares issued | 338,364 | ||
Regulatory fees | 33,250 | ||
Other professional fees | 45,000 | ||
Transfer agent and special general meeting costs | 36,369 | ||
Reclamation bond | 68,000 | ||
Total consideration paid | $ | 66,945,551 | |
Net assets acquired | |||
Assets acquired | |||
Reclamation bond | $ | 68,000 | |
Mineral property (Note 9) | 66,877,551 | ||
Net assets acquired | $ | 66,945,551 |
5 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
Cash | $ | 9,982,389 | $ | 26,895,616 | ||
Cash equivalent (Guaranteed investment certificates) | - | 1,600,000 | ||||
$ | 9,982,389 | $ | 28,495,616 |
As at December 31, 2022, the Company's cash includes demand deposits bearing interest at rates ranging from 0-3.80%.
6 PREPAID EXPENSES
Prepaid expenses consist of:
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
Advances for exploration expenditures | $ | 273,000 | $ | 51,738 | ||
Insurance and other administrative expenses | 245,262 | 234,064 | ||||
$ | 518,262 | $ | 285,802 |
7 AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Amounts receivable consists of:
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
Goods and Services Tax receivable | $ | 850,864 | $ | 111,144 | ||
Other | 116,400 | 21,203 | ||||
$ | 967,264 | $ | 132,347 |
8. EQUIPMENT
Equipment consists of:
Dock | Tents and Trailers |
Equipment | Vehicles | Gas Tank | Boat | Total | |||||||||||||||
Cost: | |||||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2021 | $ | 15,571 | $ | 163,956 | $ | 141,892 | $ | 39,936 | $ | 40,000 | $ | 91,755 | $ | 493,110 | |||||||
Additions | - | 39,359 | 33,274 | - | - | - | 72,633 | ||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2022 | 15,571 | 203,315 | 175,166 | 39,936 | 40,000 | 91,755 | 565,743 | ||||||||||||||
Additions | - | - | 14,135 | - | - | - | 14,135 | ||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2023 | $ | 15,571 | $ | 203,315 | $ | 189,301 | $ | 39,936 | $ | 40,000 | $ | 91,755 | $ | 579,878 | |||||||
Accumulated Depreciation: | |||||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2021 | $ | 7,877 | $ | 138,582 | $ | 38,832 | 17,285 | $ | 26,666 | $ | 17,724 | $ | 246,966 | ||||||||
Depreciation | 385 | 16,468 | 25,882 | 6,795 | 1,333 | 11,104 | 61,967 | ||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2022 | 8,262 | 155,050 | 64,714 | 24,080 | 27,999 | 28,828 | 308,933 | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation (Note 9) | 365 | 14,478 | 24,650 | 4,757 | 1,200 | 9,439 | 54,889 | ||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2023 | $ | 8,627 | $ | 169,528 | $ | 89,364 | $ | 28,837 | $ | 29,199 | $ | 38,267 | $ | 363,822 | |||||||
Net Book Value: | |||||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2022 | $ | 7,309 | $ | 48,265 | $ | 110,452 | $ | 15,856 | $ | 12,001 | $ | 62,927 | $ | 256,810 | |||||||
At December 31, 2023 | $ | 6,944 | $ | 33,787 | $ | 99,937 | $ | 11,099 | $ | 10,801 | $ | 53,488 | $ | 216,056 |
9 EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS
Title to exploration and evaluation assets involves certain inherent risks due to the difficulties of determining the validity of certain claims, as well as the potential for problems arising from- the frequently ambiguous conveyancing history characteristic of many exploration and evaluation assets. The Company has investigated title to all of its exploration and evaluation assets and, to the best of its knowledge, title to all of its properties is in good standing.
Exploration and evaluation asset costs are set out below:
Kitsault Valley | |||
Project | |||
Balance, December 31, 2020 and 2021 | $ | 4,029,234 | |
Addition - Homestake Ridge (Note 4) | 66,877,551 | ||
Balance, December 31, 2022 and 2023 | $ | 70,906,785 |
Kitsault Valley Project
During the years ended December 31, 2011 to 2018, the Company purchased the Dolly Varden Project, consisting of fee simple titles, mineral claims and mineral tenures in respect of certain lands located in the Kitsault area of British Columbia. The property is subject to a 2% net smelter return royalty ("NSR") of which one-half (or 1%) of the NSR can be repurchased by the Company for $2,750,000 at any time.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company acquired additional surface rights and fee simple lands. The total package had been previously leased annually by the Company from private owners. The transaction involved a payment of $153,000 in cash and issuance of 192,061 common shares of the Company for a value of $149,808.
On February 25, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of Homestake pursuant to a purchase agreement which the Company agreed to acquire from Fury Gold Mines Ltd., a 100% interest in the Homestake Ridge, located adjacent to the Company's DV Project in British Columbia (Note 4). The Homestake Ridge is subject to a 2% NSR applicable to certain claims (the "Crown Grants"). The 2% NSR on the Crown Grants includes an annual advanced minimum royalty of $50,000 yearly payment obligations. Ten business days after commencement of commercial production, approximately 17,300 shares of the Company are to be issued to the NSR holders. Additionally, a small area of the Homestake Ridge is subject to a 3% royalty. The Company refers to the combination of its Homestake Ridge and DV Project as the Kitsault Valley Project ("KV Project"). As of December 31, 2023, the Company has deposits totaling $159,000 (December 31, 2022 - $159,000) as reclamation bonds for the properties.
Big Bulk Property
On December 19, 2023, the Company entered into an assignment and assumption agreement (the "Assignment Agreement") with Libero Copper & Gold Corporation ("Libero") pursuant to which the Company acquired an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") to earn a 100% interest in certain claims known as the Big Bulk Project. As consideration for the Assignment Agreement the Company issued Libero 275,000 common shares of the Company valued at $222,750, subsequent to December 31, 2023.
9 EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS (cont'd)
In connection with this acquisition, the Company also entered into an amending agreements with LCT Holdings Inc., the owner of the Big Bulk Project and optionor under the Option Agreement. The amended Option Agreement provides that the Company may earn-in a 100% undivided interest in the Big Bulk Property by completing the following payments:
a) $50,000 in cash on or before December 31, 2023 (Paid);
b) $150,000 in cash on or before December 31, 2024;
c) $250,000 in cash or common shares on or before December 31, 2025;
d) $500,000 in cash or common shares on or before December 31, 2026; and
e) $500,000 in cash or common shares on or before December 31, 2027.
The Company may elect to issue common shares only when the market price of the common shares at the time is equal or greater than to the ten day volume weighted average price of the common shares of the Company, subject to such exchange's minimum pricing rules and further provided that the common shares may only be issued by the Company if the deemed price is equal to or greater than $0.64 per Common share, otherwise the Company may only satisfy such payment in cash..
The following table summarizes the exploration and evaluation expenses incurred during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
Analytical and sample related | $ | 1,898,610 | $ | 620,555 | ||
Camp, food, supplies and related | 2,312,427 | 1,570,350 | ||||
Claim maintenance | 59,030 | 61,288 | ||||
Community relations and related | 102,420 | 28,564 | ||||
Depreciation | 54,889 | 61,967 | ||||
Drilling | 13,720,520 | 9,203,552 | ||||
Equipment and warehouse rental | 751,388 | 437,330 | ||||
Fuel | 967,412 | 853,090 | ||||
Geological and geoscience | 2,879,962 | 2,127,293 | ||||
Mapping and modelling | 123,840 | 90,206 | ||||
Project supervision | 399,138 | 401,052 | ||||
Resource and metallurgy | 238 | - | ||||
Road and drill pad preparation | 1,246,252 | 1,296,699 | ||||
Supplies | - | 20,348 | ||||
Transport, travel and related | 289,919 | 295,376 | ||||
Cost recovery: BC METC | - | (131,030 | ) | |||
Total | $ | 24,806,045 | $ | 16,936,370 |
10. SHARE CAPITAL
Authorized: Unlimited number of common shares without par value. Issued:
On November 1, 2023, the Company completed the sale of 15,384,616 common shares of the Company to Hecla Canada Ltd. ("Hecla") at a price of $0.65 per common share for gross proceeds of $10,000,000. As a result, Hecla has increased its shareholding in the Company to 15.7% from 10.6%, calculated on an undiluted basis.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company issued 1,027,499 (2022 - 894,250) common shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options for proceeds of $559,041 (2022 - $350,042).
On December 22, 2022, the Company closed a private placement and raised gross proceeds of $5,071,064 through the sale of 5,634,516 flow-through common shares at a price of $0.90 per share. The Company recorded a flow-through premium liability of $394,416 for the difference between the fair value of its common shares and the issuance price of its flow through common shares.
On December 22, 2022, the Company closed a private placement and raised gross proceeds of $15,628,935 through the sale of 14,884,700 charity flow-through common shares at a price of $1.05 per charity flow-through common share. The Company recorded a flow-through premium liability of $3,274,634 for the difference between the fair value of its common shares and the issuance price of its charity flow-through common shares.
On December 22, 2022, the Company issued 2,334,114 common shares at a price per common share of $0.83 for gross proceeds of $1,937,315 pursuant to an anti-dilution right held by Hecla.
On February 25, 2022, the Company issued 76,504,590 common shares with a value of $60,438,626 upon acquisition of Homestake (Note 4). In connection with the acquisition of Homestake, the Company issued 402,815 common shares with a value of $338,364 to Haywood Securities Inc. ("Haywood") pursuant to a financial advisory agreement between Haywood and the Company.
On February 25, 2022, the Company issued 9,048,539 common shares at a price of $0.5882 per common share for aggregate proceeds of $5,322,351 pursuant to an anti-dilution right held by Hecla.
On March 31, 2022, the Company closed a private placement and raised gross proceeds of $11,499,888 through the sale of 11,274,400 flow-through common shares at a price of $1.02 per flow-through common share. The Company recorded a flow-through premium liability of $2,254,880 for the difference between the fair value of its common shares and the issuance price of its flow-through common shares.
On March 31, 2022, the Company issued 1,742,472 common shares at a price per common share of $0.86 for gross proceeds of $1,498,526 and issued 46,027 additional common shares at a price per common share of $0.5896 for gross proceeds of $27,138, pursuant to an anti-dilution right held by Hecla.
10. SHARE CAPITAL (cont'd)
Restricted Share Units
The Company adopted a RSU plan during the year ended December 31, 2022 after the shareholders approved a new rolling 10% RSU plan (the "RSU Plan") at its annual general meeting on June 2, 2022. The maximum number of common shares issuable upon the vesting of RSUs granted pursuant to the RSU Plan combined with other share-based compensation arrangements is set at 10% of the total issued common shares. The RSU Plan is an evergreen plan meaning any vesting of an RSU will, subject to the overall limit described above, allow new grants available under the RSU Plan resulting in a reloading of the number of RSUs available for grant. The Company expensed $1,033,881 included in share-based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2023 (2022 - $nil) related to the grant of 2,054,678 RSUs that vest equally over three years.
Number of | |||
RSUs | |||
Balance, December 31, 2022 and 2021 | - | ||
Granted | 2,054,678 | ||
Balance, December 31, 2023 | 2,054,678 |
Stock Options
The Company has a stock option plan under which it is authorized to grant share purchase options to executive officers, directors, employees and consultants enabling the holder to acquire up to 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. Under the plan, the exercise price of each option shall be no less than the discounted market price of the Company's shares prior to the grant in accordance with Exchange policies. Options are granted for a maximum term of 10 years.
Vesting is at the discretion of the Board of Directors. In the absence of a vesting schedule, such options shall vest immediately.
Number of Options |
Weighted Average Exercise Price $ |
|||||
Balance, December 31, 2021 | 7,397,500 | 0.45 | ||||
Granted | 4,925,000 | 0.77 | ||||
Exercised | (894,250 | ) | 0.39 | |||
Forfeited/expired | (25,000 | ) | 0.40 | |||
Cancelled | (300,000 | ) | 0.71 | |||
Balance, December 31, 2022 | 11,103,250 | 0.59 | ||||
Granted | 800,000 | 0.97 | ||||
Exercised | (1,027,499 | ) | 0.54 | |||
Forfeited/expired | (5,000 | ) | 0.40 | |||
Balance, December 31, 2023 | 10,870,751 | 0.62 |
10. SHARE CAPITAL (cont'd)
The Company had outstanding stock options enabling the holders to acquire common shares as follows:
Date of Expiry | Exercise Price $ |
# of stock options outstanding as at December 31, 2023 |
||||
December 12, 2024 | 0.30 | 375,000 | ||||
February 18, 2025 | 0.25 | 2,380,000 | ||||
February 28, 2025 | 0.25 | 200,000 | ||||
March 17, 2025 | 0.25 | 266,250 | ||||
March 25, 2026 | 0.71 | 2,425,000 | ||||
February 25, 2027 | 0.79 | 3,941,667 | ||||
August 19, 2027 | 0.71 | 582,834 | ||||
February 24, 2028 | 0.97 | 700,000 | ||||
Total Outstanding | 10,870,751 | |||||
Total Exercisable | 8,786,583 |
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized a total of $936,802 (December 31, 2022 - $1,785,596) in share-based payments expense for the options granted and vested during the year. The fair value of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $0.66 (2021 - $0.49) per option. The weighted average remaining life of the stock options as of December 31, 2023 is 2.44 (December 31, 2022 - 3.20) years.
The following weighted average assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of stock options granted:
For the year ended | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
Risk-free interest rate | 3.71% | 3.13% | |||||
Expected dividend yield | 0% | 0% | |||||
Annualized stock price volatility | 83% | 81% | |||||
Expected life of options | 5 years | 5 years | |||||
Expected forfeiture rate | 0% | 0% |
Deferred Share Units ("DSU")
The Company has a DSU plan that entitles certain directors and officers to receive the cash equivalent of the 29,135 (2022 - 29,135) DSUs issued when they retire from the Company. The value of the DSU on grant date is the market price, being the five-day volume weighted average price of the common shares immediately preceding the grant date. In October 2015, the Company ceased further accruals under the DSU plan. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company paid out $24,213 to a former director and recognized a decrease in the fair value of the outstanding DSU liability of $4,041 (2022 - decrease of $9,914), which was recognized as directors' fees (Note 12).
Flow-through Premium Liability
The following is a continuity of the liability portion of the flow-through share issuances:
Balance, December 31, 2021 | $ | 134,673 | |
Flow-through premium liability additions | 5,923,930 | ||
Settlement of flow-through share premium liability pursuant to qualifying expenditures | (2,404,717 | ) | |
Balance, December 31, 2022 | 3,653,886 | ||
Settlement of flow-through share premium liability pursuant to qualifying expenditures | (3,653,886 | ) | |
Balance, December 31, 2023 | $ | - |
10 SHARE CAPITAL (cont'd)
Anti-dilution rights agreements
In September 2012, the Company entered into an ancillary rights agreement with Hecla, whereby as long as Hecla holds a pro-rata interest of 10%, it reserves the right to maintain its ownership interest in the event the Company issues any equity securities. In February 2022, the Company entered into an investor rights agreement in relation to the acquisition of Homestake (Note 4) with Fury whereby as long as Fury holds a pro-rata interest of 10%, it reserves the right to maintain its ownership interest in the event the Company issues any equity securities for cash.
11 CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Company's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern to pursue other business opportunities and to maintain a flexible capital structure that optimizes the cost of capital within a framework of acceptable risk. The capital of the Company consists of items within shareholders' equity.
The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. To maintain or adjust its capital structure, the Company may issue new shares, issue new debt, or acquire or dispose of assets.
The Company is dependent on the capital markets as its main source of operating capital. The Company's capital resources are largely determined by the strength of the junior public markets, by the status of the Company's projects in relation to these markets and its ability to compete for investor support of its projects. There have been no changes to the Company's approach to capital management during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company has no capital restrictions other than an anti-dilution right in favor of Hecla and Fury whereby both parties have the right to maintain their equity holdings in the Company (Note 10).
12 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company incurred the following amounts charged by officers and directors (being key management personnel) and companies controlled and/or owned by officers and directors of the Company in addition to the related party transactions disclosed elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements:
Year ended | ||||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||
Directors' fees | $ | 208,100 | $ | 148,478 | ||
Exploration and evaluation (3) | 567,138 | 265,000 | ||||
Management fees (1)(2) | 956,200 | 890,500 | ||||
Share-based payments (1)(2) | 1,380,274 | 1,199,694 | ||||
Total | $ | 3,111,712 | $ | 2,503,672 |
(1) The Company entered into a consulting service agreement with S2K Capital Corp. and Shawn Khunkhun, Chief Executive Officer and director of the Company. Pursuant to this consulting agreement, Mr. Khunkhun is compensated at a rate of $28,333 (2022 - $25,000) per month. The Company is required to pay an equivalent to 24 months' pay plus an average of any cash performance bonus paid in the previous two completed financial years if the consulting agreement is terminated by either party absent an event of default during the twelve-month period following the date of a change in control of the Company. If the agreement is terminated for reasons other than event of default, the Company is required to pay a sum equal to 12 months' pay. The Company paid or accrued a $360,000 bonus for the year ended December 31, 2023.
(2) The Company entered into a consulting service agreement with Fehr & Associates and Ann Fehr, Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Company. Pursuant to this consulting agreement, Fehr & Associates is compensated at a rate of $19,067 (2022 - $17,500) per month for CFO, controller, bookkeeper and administrative services. The Company paid or accrued a $40,000 bonus for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company is required to pay an equivalent to 12 months' pay if the consulting agreement is terminated by either party absent an event of default during the twelve-month period following the date of a change in control of the Company.
(3) The Company is required to pay $260,000 if the consulting agreement with Mr. Van Egmond, VP Exploration, is terminated by either party absent an event of default during the twelve-month period following the date of a change in control of the Company.
(4) The Company paid exploration and evaluation expenses to a company controlled by a director.
Other related party transactions are as follows:
During the year ended December 31, 2023, $7,600 (2022 - $33,100) in office rent reimbursement was paid to corporations controlled by a director of the Company.
At December 31, 2023, included in amounts receivable is $nil (December 31, 2022 $17,271) owed from a corporation with a director in common related to an expense reimbursement.
At December 31, 2023, included in accounts payable is $3,196 (December 31, 2022 - $nil) owed to directors and officers of the Company. These amounts are unsecured, non-interest-bearing and due on demand.
At December 31, 2023 included in accrued liabilities is $nil (December 31, 2022 - $28,254) accrued to a former director for directors' fees outstanding related to outstanding DSUs.
At December 31, 2023 included in accrued liabilities is $120,000 (December 31, 2022 - $8,100) accrued to officers and directors of the Company.
13 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company's financial instruments recorded at fair value require disclosure as to how the fair value was determined based on significant levels of input described in the following hierarchy:
• Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
• Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices); and
• Level 3 - inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
The Company's financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, amounts receivable, deposits, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, all of which are measured at amortized cost.
Financial Instruments
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, amounts receivable, deposits, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments or market rates of interest.
The Company's risk exposures and the impact on the Company's financial instruments are summarized below.
Credit Risk
The Company's credit risk is primarily attributable to cash and cash equivalents, deposits and amounts receivable. The Company has no significant concentration of credit risk arising from operations. Cash and cash equivalents consists of bank balances and demand guaranteed investment certificates at reputable financial institutions, from which management believes the risk of loss to be remote. Amounts receivable and deposits are due from government agencies.
The Company limits its exposure to credit risk for cash by placing it with high quality financial institutions.
Liquidity Risk
The Company's ability to remain liquid over the long term depends on its ability to obtain additional financing through the issuance of additional securities, entering into credit facilities, or entering into joint ventures, partnerships or other similar arrangements. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to continue to raise adequate financing in the future to meet its obligations and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due. As at December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $9,982,389 to settle current liabilities of $804,052.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company has cash and cash equivalent balances subject to fluctuations in the prime rate. The Company periodically monitors the investments it makes and is satisfied with the credit ratings of its banks. Management believes that interest rate risk is remote, as investments are redeemable at any time and interest can be earned up to the date of redemption.
Price Risk
The Company is exposed to price risk with respect to commodity prices. The Company's future mining operations will be significantly affected by changes in the market price for silver. Precious metal prices fluctuate daily and are affected by numerous factors beyond the Company's control. The supply and demand for commodities, level of interest rates, rate of inflation, investment decisions by large holders of commodities and stability of exchange rates can all cause significant fluctuations in commodity prices.
14. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company operates in one reportable segment, the exploration and development of unproven exploration and evaluation assets. The Company's primary exploration and evaluation assets are located in British Columbia, and its corporate assets, comprising mainly of cash, are located in Canada. The Company is in the exploration stage and has no reportable segment revenues or operating results. All corporate expenses are incurred in Canada.
15 INCOME TAX
A reconciliation of income taxes at statutory rates with the reported taxes is as follows:
Year ended | Year ended | |||||
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
Loss for the year | $ | (26,650,462 | ) | $ | (19,270,419 | ) |
Expected income tax recovery | (7,196,000 | ) | (5,203,000 | ) | ||
Change in statutory rates and other | 256,000 | (3,000 | ) | |||
Permanent difference | (445,000 | ) | (199,000 | ) | ||
Impact of flow through share issuance | 5,553,000 | 4,324,000 | ||||
Share issuance costs | (19,000 | ) | (652,000 | ) | ||
Adjustment to prior years provision versus statutory tax returns and expiry of non-capital losses |
(284,000 | ) | (7,901,000 | ) | ||
Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences | 2,135,000 | 9,634,000 | ||||
Total income tax expense (recovery) | $ | - | $ | - |
The significant components of the Company's unrecorded deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
Year ended | Year ended | |||||
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
Deferred tax assets: | ||||||
Exploration and evaluation assets | $ | 7,557,000 | $ | 7,168,000 | ||
Property and equipment | 194,000 | 140,000 | ||||
Share issuance costs | 513,000 | 739,000 | ||||
Non-capital losses available for future periods | 12,744,000 | 10,826,000 | ||||
$ | 21,008,000 | $ | 18,873,000 | |||
Unrecognized deferred tax assets | (21,008,000 | ) | (18,873,000 | ) | ||
Net deferred tax assets | $ | - | $ | - | ||
15. INCOME TAX (cont'd)
The Company's unrecognized deductible temporary differences, tax credits and tax losses are as follows:
As at | As at | ||||||||
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
Temporary Differences: | |||||||||
Investment tax credit | $ | 711,000 | 2031 -2040 | $ | 711,000 | ||||
Property and equipment | $ | 718,000 | No expiry date | $ | 520,000 | ||||
Exploration and evaluation assets | $ | 26,068,000 | No expiry date | $ | 24,627,000 | ||||
Share issuance costs | $ | 1,902,000 | 2044 to 2047 | $ | 2,737,000 | ||||
Non-capital losses available for future periods | $ | 47,200,000 | 2024 to 2043 | $ | 40,096,000 |
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent to December 31, 2023, the Company:
• Issued 275,000 common shares to Libero in relation to the Assignment Agreement (Note 9);
• Issued 25,000 common shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options for proceeds of $6,250; and
• Closed a broker private placement and issued 14,285,700 flow-through common shares at a price of $1.05 per share for gross proceeds of $14,999,985. An underwriter fees of $749,999 was paid in relation to the financing.
EXHIBIT 1.1
EXHIBIT 1.2
EXHIBIT 1.3
EXHIBIT 1.4
Page: 1 of 1
EXHIBIT 1.5
FURY GOLD MINES LIMITED
(the "Company")
Extract of Minutes
AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF THE COMPANY
Pursuant to section 42(2)(a)(iv) of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), the following is an extract of the Annual and Special Meeting Minutes of the Company dated June 24, 2021, which extract is attached to the new Articles as made effective on June 24, 2021.
"Alteration of the Articles
Upon motion duly made, the following special resolution was passed by a majority of more than two-thirds of the votes submitted on the resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED AS A SPECIAL RESOLUTION that Article 23.1 of the articles is amended by
(a) replacing the period at the end of paragraph (e) of Article 23.1 - Method of Giving Notice and replacing it with "; and" and (b) adding a new paragraph (f) as set out below.
(f) as otherwise permitted by any securities legislation (together with all regulations and rules made and promulgated thereunder and all administrative policy statements, blanket orders, and rulings, notices, and other administrative directions issued by securities commissions or similar authorities appointed thereunder) in any province or territory of Canada or in the federal jurisdiction of the United States or in any state of the United States that is applicable to the Company."
Number: | BC0827202 | |
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT ARTICLES of FURY GOLD MINES LIMITED |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Articles adopted by Special Resolution of the Shareholders dated October 5, 2020 and received for deposit at the Company’s Registered and Records office on October 8, 2020 and filed with the BC Corporate Registry to be effective October 9, 2020. |
Number: | BC0827202 | |
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT ARTICLES of FURY GOLD MINES LIMITED (the "Company") |
Part I
INTERPRETATION
Definitions
1.1 In these Articles, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "Act" means the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) from time to time in force and all amendments thereto and includes all regulations and amendments thereto made pursuant to that Act;
(b) "board of directors", "directors" and "board" mean the directors or sole director of the Company for the time being;
(c) "Interpretation Act" means the Interpretation Act (British Columbia) from time to time in force and all amendments thereto and includes all regulations and amendments thereto made pursuant to that Act;
(d) "legal personal representative" means the personal or other legal representative of the shareholder;
(e) "registered address" of a shareholder means the shareholder's address as recorded in the central securities register;
(f) "seal" means the seal of the Company, if any;
(g) "share" means a share in the share structure of the Company; and
(h) "special majority" means the majority of votes described in §11.2 which is required to pass a special resolution.
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Act and Interpretation Act Definitions Applicable
1.2 The definitions in the Act and the definitions and rules of construction in the Interpretation Act, with the necessary changes, so far as applicable, and except as the context requires otherwise, apply to these Articles as if they were an enactment. If there is a conflict between a definition in the Act and a definition or rule in the Interpretation Act relating to a term used in these Articles, the definition in the Act will prevail. If there is a conflict or inconsistency between these Articles and the Act, the Act will prevail.
Part 2
SHARES AND SHARE CERTIFICATES
Authorized Share Structure
2.1 The authorized share structure of the Company consists of shares of the class or classes and series, if any, described in the Notice of Articles of the Company.
Form of Share Certificate
2.2 Each share certificate issued by the Company must comply with, and be signed as required by, the Act.
Shareholder Entitled to Certificate, Acknowledgment or Written Notice
2.3 Unless the shares of which the shareholder is the registered owner are uncertificated shares, each shareholder is entitled, without charge, to (a) one share certificate representing the shares of each class or series of shares registered in the shareholder's name or (b) a non- transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholder's right to obtain such a share certificate, provided that in respect of a share held jointly by several persons, the Company is not bound to issue more than one share certificate and delivery of a share certificate for a share to one of several joint shareholders or to one of the shareholders' duly authorized agents will be sufficient delivery to all. If a shareholder is the registered owner of uncertificated shares, the Company must send to a holder of an uncertificated share a written notice containing the information required by the Act within a reasonable time after the issue or transfer of such share.
Delivery by Mail
2.4 Any share certificate or non-transferable written acknowledgment of a shareholder's right to obtain a share certificate, or written notice of the issue or transfer of an uncertificated share may be sent to the shareholder by mail at the shareholder's registered address and neither the Company nor any director, officer or agent of the Company is liable for any loss to the shareholder because the share certificate, acknowledgement or written notice is lost in the mail or stolen.
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Replacement of Worn Out or Defaced Certificate or Acknowledgement
2.5 If a share certificate or a non-transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholder's right to obtain a share certificate is worn out or defaced, the Company must, on production of the share certificate or acknowledgment, as the case may be, and on such other terms, if any, as are deemed fit:
(a) cancel the share certificate or acknowledgment; and
(b) issue a replacement share certificate or acknowledgment.
Replacement of Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificate or Acknowledgment
2.6 If a share certificate or a non-transferable written acknowledgment of a shareholder's right to obtain a share certificate is lost, stolen or destroyed, a replacement share certificate or acknowledgment, as the case may be, must be issued to the person entitled to that share certificate or acknowledgment, if the requirements of the Act are satisfied, as the case may be, if the directors receive:
(a) proof satisfactory to it of the loss, theft or destruction; and
(b) any indemnity the directors consider adequate.
Splitting Share Certificates
2.7 If a shareholder surrenders a share certificate to the Company with a written request that the Company issue in the shareholder's name two or more share certificates, each representing a specified number of shares and in the aggregate representing the same number of shares as the share certificate so surrendered, the Company must cancel the surrendered share certificate and issue replacement share certificates in accordance with that request.
Certificate Fee
2.8 There must be paid to the Company, in relation to the issue of any share certificate under §2.5, §2.6 or §2.7, the amount, if any, not exceeding the amount prescribed under the Act, determined by the directors.
Recognition of Trusts
2.9 Except as required by law or statute or these Articles, no person will be recognized by the Company as holding any share upon any trust, and the Company is not bound by or compelled in any way to recognize (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or fraction of a share or (except as required by law or statute or these Articles or as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction) any other rights in respect of any share except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the shareholder.
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Part 3
ISSUE OF SHARES
Directors Authorized
3.1 Subject to the Act and the rights, if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Company may allot, issue, sell or otherwise dispose of the unissued shares, and issued shares held by the Company, at the times, to the persons, including directors, in the manner, on the terms and conditions and for the consideration (including any premium at which shares with par value may be issued) that the directors may determine. The issue price for a share with par value must be equal to or greater than the par value of the share.
Commissions and Discounts
3.2 The Company may at any time pay a reasonable commission or allow a reasonable discount to any person in consideration of that person's purchase or agreement to purchase shares of the Company from the Company or any other person's procurement or agreement to procure purchasers for shares of the Company.
Brokerage
3.3 The Company may pay such brokerage fee or other consideration as may be lawful for or in connection with the sale or placement of its securities.
Conditions of Issue
3.4 Except as provided for by the Act, no share may be issued until it is fully paid. A share is fully paid when:
(a) consideration is provided to the Company for the issue of the share by one or more of the following:
(i) past services performed for the Company;
(ii) property;
(iii) money; and
(b) the value of the consideration received by the Company equals or exceeds the issue price set for the share under §3.1.
Share Purchase Warrants and Rights
3.5 Subject to the Act, the Company may issue share purchase warrants, options and rights upon such terms and conditions as the directors determine, which share purchase warrants, options and rights may be issued alone or in conjunction with debentures, debenture stock, bonds, shares or any other securities issued or created by the Company from time to time.
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Part 4
SHARE REGISTERS
Central Securities Register
4.1 As required by and subject to the Act, the Company must maintain in British Columbia a central securities register and may appoint an agent to maintain such register. The directors may appoint one or more agents, including the agent appointed to keep the central securities register, as transfer agent for shares or any class or series of shares and the same or another agent as registrar for shares or such class or series of shares, as the case may be. The directors may terminate such appointment of any agent at any time and may appoint another agent in its place.
Part 5
SHARE TRANSFERS
Registering Transfers
5.1 A transfer of a share must not be registered unless the Company or the transfer agent or registrar for the class or series of shares to be transferred has received:
(a) except as exempted by the Act, a written instrument of transfer in respect of the share has been received by the Company (which may be a separate document or endorsed on the share certificate for the shares transferred) made by the shareholder or other appropriate person or by an agent who has actual authority to act on behalf of that person;
(b) if a share certificate has been issued by the Company in respect of the share to be transferred, that share certificate;
(c) if a non-transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholder's right to obtain a share certificate has been issued by the Company in respect of the share to be transferred, that acknowledgment; and
(d) such other evidence, if any, as the Company or the transfer agent or registrar for the class or series of share to be transferred may require to prove the title of the transferor or the transferor's right to transfer the share, that the written instrument of transfer and the right of the transferee to have the transfer registered.
Form of Instrument of Transfer
5.2 The instrument of transfer in respect of any share of the Company must be either in the form, if any, on the back of the Company's share certificates of that class or series or in some other form that may be approved by the directors from time to time or by the transfer agent or registrar for those shares.
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Transferor Remains Shareholder
5.3 Except to the extent that the Act otherwise provides, the transferor of a share is deemed to remain the holder of it until the name of the transferee is entered in a securities register of the Company in respect of the transfer.
Signing of Instrument of Transfer
5.4 If a shareholder, or the shareholder's duly authorized attorney, signs an instrument of transfer in respect of shares registered in the name of the shareholder, the signed instrument of transfer constitutes a complete and sufficient authority to the Company and its directors, officers and agents to register the number of shares specified in the instrument of transfer or specified in any other manner, or, if no number is specified, all the shares represented by the share certificates or set out in the written acknowledgments deposited with the instrument of transfer, or if the shares are uncertificated shares, then all of the shares registered in the name of the shareholder on the central securities register:
(a) in the name of the person named as transferee in that instrument of transfer; or
(b) if no person is named as transferee in that instrument of transfer, in the name of the person on whose behalf the instrument is deposited for the purpose of having the transfer registered.
Enquiry as to Title Not Required
5.5 Neither the Company nor any director, officer or agent of the Company is bound to inquire into the title of the person named in the instrument of transfer as transferee or, if no person is named as transferee in the instrument of transfer, of the person on whose behalf the instrument is deposited for the purpose of having the transfer registered or is liable for any claim related to registering the transfer by the shareholder or by any intermediate owner or holder of the shares transferred, of any interest in such shares, of any share certificate representing such shares or of any written acknowledgment of a right to obtain a share certificate for such shares.
Transfer Fee
5.6 There must be paid to the Company, in relation to the registration of a transfer, the amount, if any, determined by the directors.
Part 6
TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
Legal Personal Representative Recognized on Death
6.1 In case of the death of a shareholder, the legal personal representative of the shareholder, or in the case of shares registered in the shareholder's name and the name of another person in joint tenancy, the surviving joint holder, will be the only person recognized by the Company as having any title to the shareholder's interest in the shares. Before recognizing a person as a legal personal representative of a shareholder, the Company shall receive the documentation required by the Act.
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Rights of Legal Personal Representative
6.2 The legal personal representative of a shareholder has the same rights, privileges and obligations that attach to the shares held by the shareholder, including the right to transfer the shares in accordance with these Articles, provided the documents required by the Act and the directors have been deposited with the Company. This §6.2 does not apply in the case of the death of a shareholder with respect to shares registered in the name of the shareholder and the name of another person in joint tenancy.
Part 7
PURCHASE, REDEEM OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRE SHARES
Company Authorized to Purchase, Redeem or Otherwise Acquire Shares
7.1 Subject to §7.2, the special rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series and the Act, the Company may, if authorized by the directors, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its shares at the price and upon the terms determined by the directors.
Purchase When Insolvent
7.2 The Company must not make a payment or provide any other consideration to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its shares if there are reasonable grounds for believing that:
(a) the Company is insolvent; or
(b) making the payment or providing the consideration would render the Company insolvent.
Sale and Voting of Purchased, Redeemed or Otherwise Acquired Shares
7.3 If the Company retains a share redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired by it, the Company may sell, gift or otherwise dispose of the share, but, while such share is held by the Company, it:
(a) is not entitled to vote the share at a meeting of its shareholders;
(b) must not pay a dividend in respect of the share; and
(c) must not make any other distribution in respect of the share.
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Company Entitled to Purchase, Redeem or Otherwise Acquire Share Fractions
7.4 The Company may, without prior notice to the holders, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for fair value any and all outstanding share fractions of any class or kind of shares in its authorized share structure as may exist at any time and from time to time. Upon the Company delivering the purchase funds and confirmation of purchase or redemption of the share fractions to the holders' registered or last known address, or if the Company has a transfer agent then to such agent for the benefit of and forwarding to such holders, the Company shall thereupon amend its central securities register to reflect the purchase or redemption of such share fractions and if the Company has a transfer agent, shall direct the transfer agent to amend the central securities register accordingly. Any holder of a share fraction, who upon receipt of the funds and confirmation of purchase or redemption of same, disputes the fair value paid for the fraction, shall have the right to apply to the court to request that it set the price and terms of payment and make consequential orders and give directions the court considers appropriate, as if the Company were the "acquiring person" as contemplated by Division 6, Compulsory Acquisitions, under the Act and the holder were an "offeree" subject to the provisions contained in such Division, mutatis mutandis.
Part 8
BORROWING POWERS
8.1 The Company, if authorized by the directors, may:
(a) borrow money in the manner and amount, on the security, from the sources and on the terms and conditions that they consider appropriate;
(b) issue bonds, debentures and other debt obligations either outright or as security for any liability or obligation of the Company or any other person and at such discounts or premiums and on such other terms as the directors consider appropriate;
(c) guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any obligation of any other person; and
(d) mortgage, charge, whether by way of specific or floating charge, grant a security interest in, or give other security on, the whole or any part of the present and future assets and undertaking of the Company.
8.2 The powers conferred under this Part 8 shall be deemed to include the powers conferred on a company by Division VII of the Special Corporations Powers Act being chapter P-16 of the Revised Statutes of Quebec, 1988, and every statutory provision that may be substituted therefor or for any provision therein.
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Part 9
ALTERATIONS
Alteration of Authorized Share Structure
9.1 Subject to §9.2 and the Act, the Company may by special resolution:
(a) create one or more classes or series of shares or, if none of the shares of a class or series of shares are allotted or issued, eliminate that class or series of shares;
(b) increase, reduce or eliminate the maximum number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue out of any class or series of shares or establish a maximum number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue out of any class or series of shares for which no maximum is established;
(c) subdivide or consolidate all or any of its unissued, or fully paid issued, shares;
(d) if the Company is authorized to issue shares of a class of shares with par value:
(i) decrease the par value of those shares; or
(ii) if none of the shares of that class of shares are allotted or issued, increase the par value of those shares;
(e) change all or any of its unissued, or fully paid issued, shares with par value into shares without par value or any of its unissued shares without par value into shares with par value;
(f) alter the identifying name of any of its shares; or
(g) otherwise alter its shares or authorized share structure when required or permitted to do so by the Act where it does not specify by a special resolution;
and, if applicable, alter its Notice of Articles and Articles accordingly.
Special Rights or Restrictions
9.2 Subject to the Act and in particular those provisions of the Act relating to the rights of holders of outstanding shares to vote if their rights are prejudiced or interfered with, the Company may by special resolution:
(a) create special rights or restrictions for, and attach those special rights or restrictions to, the shares of any class or series of shares, whether or not any or all of those shares have been issued; or
(b) vary or delete any special rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series of shares, whether or not any or all of those shares have been issued, and alter its Notice of Articles and Articles accordingly.
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Change of Name
9.3 The Company may by resolution of the directors authorize an alteration to its Notice of Articles in order to change its name or adopt or change any translation of that name.
Other Alterations
9.4 If the Act does not specify the type of resolution and these Articles do not specify another type of resolution, the Company may by special resolution alter these Articles.
Part 10
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Annual General Meetings
10.1 Unless an annual general meeting is deferred or waived in accordance with the Act, the Company must hold its first annual general meeting within 18 months after the date on which it was incorporated or otherwise recognized, and after that must hold an annual general meeting at least once in each calendar year and not more than 15 months after the last annual reference date at such time and place as may be determined by the directors.
Resolution Instead of Annual General Meeting
10.2 If all the shareholders who are entitled to vote at an annual general meeting consent in writing by a unanimous resolution to all of the business that is required to be transacted at that annual general meeting, the annual general meeting is deemed to have been held on the date of the unanimous resolution. The shareholders must, in any unanimous resolution passed under this
§10.2, select as the Company's annual reference date a date that would be appropriate for the holding of the applicable annual general meeting.
Calling of Meetings of Shareholders
10.3 The directors may, at any time, call a meeting of shareholders.
Notice for Meetings of Shareholders
10.4 The Company must send notice of the date, time and location of any meeting of shareholders (including, without limitation, any notice specifying the intention to propose a resolution as an exceptional resolution, a special resolution or a special separate resolution, and any notice to consider approving an amalgamation into a foreign jurisdiction, an arrangement or the adoption of an amalgamation agreement, and any notice of a general meeting, class meeting or series meeting), in the manner provided in these Articles, or in such other manner, if any, as may be prescribed by ordinary resolution (whether previous notice of the resolution has been given or not), to each shareholder entitled to attend the meeting, to each director and to the auditor of the Company, unless these Articles otherwise provide, at least the following number of days before the meeting:
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(a) if the Company is a public company, 21 days;
(b) otherwise, 10 days.
Record Date for Notice
10.5 The directors may set a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of any meeting of shareholders. The record date must not precede the date on which the meeting is to be held by more than two months or, in the case of a general meeting requisitioned by shareholders under the Act, by more than four months. The record date must not precede the date on which the meeting is held by fewer than:
(a) if the Company is a public company, 21 days;
(b) otherwise, 10 days.
If no record date is set, the record date is 5 p.m. on the day immediately preceding the first date on which the notice is sent or, if no notice is sent, the beginning of the meeting.
Record Date for Voting
10.6 The directors may set a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders. The record date must not precede the date on which the meeting is to be held by more than two months or, in the case of a general meeting requisitioned by shareholders under the Act, by more than four months. If no record date is set, the record date is 5 p.m. on the day immediately preceding the first date on which the notice is sent or, if no notice is sent, the beginning of the meeting.
Failure to Give Notice and Waiver of Notice
10.7 The accidental omission to send notice of any meeting of shareholders to, or the non-receipt of any notice by, any of the persons entitled to notice does not invalidate any proceedings at that meeting. Any person entitled to notice of a meeting of shareholders may, in writing or otherwise, waive that entitlement or may agree to reduce the period of that notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting of shareholders is a waiver of entitlement to notice of the meeting unless that person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called.
Notice of Special Business at Meetings of Shareholders
10.8 If a meeting of shareholders is to consider special business within the meaning of §11.1, the notice of meeting must:
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(a) state the general nature of the special business; and (b) if the special business includes considering, approving, ratifying, adopting or authorizing any document or the signing of or giving of effect to any document, have attached to it a copy of the document or state that a copy of the document will be available for inspection by shareholders:
(i) at the Company's records office, or at such other reasonably accessible location in British Columbia as is specified in the notice; and
(ii) during statutory business hours on any one or more specified days before the day set for the holding of the meeting.
Place of Meetings
10.9 In addition to any location in British Columbia, any general meeting may be held in any location outside British Columbia approved by a resolution of the directors.
Part 11
PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Special Business
11.1 At a meeting of shareholders, the following business is special business:
(a) at a meeting of shareholders that is not an annual general meeting, all business is special business except business relating to the conduct of or voting at the meeting;
(b) at an annual general meeting, all business is special business except for the following:
(i) business relating to the conduct of or voting at the meeting;
(ii) consideration of any financial statements of the Company presented to the meeting;
(iii) consideration of any reports of the directors or auditor;
(iv) the setting or changing of the number of directors;
(v) the election or appointment of directors;
(vi) the appointment of an auditor;
(vii) the setting of the remuneration of an auditor;
(viii) business arising out of a report of the directors not requiring the passing of a special resolution or an exceptional resolution; (ix) any other business which, under these Articles or the Act, may be transacted at a meeting of shareholders without prior notice of the business being given to the shareholders.
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Special Majority
11.2 The majority of votes required for the Company to pass a special resolution at a general meeting of shareholders is two-thirds of the votes cast on the resolution.
Quorum
11.3 Subject to the special rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series of shares, and to §11.4, the quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of shareholders is at least two persons who are, or who represents by proxy, two or more shareholders who, in the aggregate, hold at least 25% of the issued shares entitled to be voted at the meeting.
One Shareholder May Constitute Quorum
11.4 If there is only one shareholder entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders:
(a) the quorum is one person who is, or who represents by proxy, that shareholder, and
(b) that shareholder, present in person or by proxy, may constitute the meeting.
Persons Entitled to Attend Meeting
11.5 In addition to those persons who are entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders, the only other persons entitled to be present at the meeting are the directors, the president (if any), the secretary (if any), the assistant secretary (if any), any lawyer for the Company, the auditor of the Company, any persons invited to be present at the meeting by the directors or by the chair of the meeting and any persons entitled or required under the Act or these Articles to be present at the meeting; but if any of those persons does attend the meeting, that person is not to be counted in the quorum and is not entitled to vote at the meeting unless that person is a shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the meeting.
Requirement of Quorum
11.6 No business, other than the election of a chair of the meeting and the adjournment of the meeting, may be transacted at any meeting of shareholders unless a quorum of shareholders entitled to vote is present at the commencement of the meeting, but such quorum need not be present throughout the meeting.
Lack of Quorum
11.7 If, within one-half hour from the time set for the holding of a meeting of shareholders, a quorum is not present:
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(a) in the case of a general meeting requisitioned by shareholders, the meeting is dissolved, and
(b) in the case of any other meeting of shareholders, the meeting stands adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and place.
Lack of Quorum at Succeeding Meeting
11.8 If, at the meeting to which the meeting referred to in §11.7(b) was adjourned, a quorum is not present within one-half hour from the time set for the holding of the meeting, the person or persons present and being, or representing by proxy, two or more shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the meeting shall be deemed to constitute a quorum.
Chair
11.9 The following individual is entitled to preside as chair at a meeting of shareholders:
(a) the chair of the board, if any; or
(b) if the chair of the board is absent or unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, the president, if any.
Selection of Alternate Chair
11.10 If, at any meeting of shareholders, there is no chair of the board or president present within 15 minutes after the time set for holding the meeting, or if the chair of the board and the president are unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, or if the chair of the board and the president have advised the secretary, if any, or any director present at the meeting, that they will not be present at the meeting, the directors present may choose either one of their number or the solicitor of the Company to be chair of the meeting. If all of the directors present decline to take the chair or fail to so choose or if no director is present or the solicitor of the Company declines to take the chair, the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting who are present in person or by proxy may choose any person present at the meeting to chair the meeting.
Adjournments
11.11 The chair of a meeting of shareholders may, and if so directed by the meeting must, adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place, but no business may be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.
Notice of Adjourned Meeting
11.12 It is not necessary to give any notice of an adjourned meeting of shareholders or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting of shareholders except that, when a meeting is adjourned for 30 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given as in the case of the original meeting.
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Decisions by Show of Hands or Poll
11.13 Subject to the Act, every motion put to a vote at a meeting of shareholders will be decided on a show of hands unless a poll, before or on the declaration of the result of the vote by show of hands, is directed by the chair or demanded by any shareholder entitled to vote who is present in person or by proxy.
Declaration of Result
11.14 The chair of a meeting of shareholders must declare to the meeting the decision on every question in accordance with the result of the show of hands or the poll, as the case may be, and that decision must be entered in the minutes of the meeting. A declaration of the chair that a resolution is carried by the necessary majority or is defeated is, unless a poll is directed by the chair or demanded under §11.13, conclusive evidence without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against the resolution.
Motion Need Not be Seconded
11.15 No motion proposed at a meeting of shareholders need be seconded unless the chair of the meeting rules otherwise, and the chair of any meeting of shareholders is entitled to propose or second a motion.
Casting Vote
11.16 In case of an equality of votes, the chair of a meeting of shareholders does not, either on a show of hands or on a poll, have a second or casting vote in addition to the vote or votes to which the chair may be entitled as a shareholder.
Manner of Taking Poll
11.17 Subject to §11.18, if a poll is duly demanded at a meeting of shareholders:
(a) the poll must be taken:
(i) at the meeting, or within seven days after the date of the meeting, as the chair of the meeting directs; and
(ii) in the manner, at the time and at the place that the chair of the meeting directs;
(b) the result of the poll is deemed to be the decision of the meeting at which the poll is demanded; and
(c) the demand for the poll may be withdrawn by the person who demanded it.
Demand for Poll on Adjournment
11.18 A poll demanded at a meeting of shareholders on a question of adjournment must be taken immediately at the meeting.
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Chair Must Resolve Dispute
11.19 In the case of any dispute as to the admission or rejection of a vote given on a poll, the chair of the meeting must determine the dispute, and the determination of the chair made in good faith is final and conclusive.
Casting of Votes
11.20 On a poll, a shareholder entitled to more than one vote need not cast all the votes in the same way.
No Demand for Poll on Election of Chair
11.21 No poll may be demanded in respect of the vote by which a chair of a meeting of shareholders is elected.
Demand for Poll Not to Prevent Continuance of Meeting
11.22 The demand for a poll at a meeting of shareholders does not, unless the chair of the meeting so rules, prevent the continuation of a meeting for the transaction of any business other than the question on which a poll has been demanded.
Retention of Ballots and Proxies
11.23 The Company must, for at least three months after a meeting of shareholders, keep each ballot cast on a poll and each proxy voted at the meeting, and, during that period, make them available for inspection during normal business hours by any shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the meeting. At the end of such three month period, the Company may destroy such ballots and proxies.
Part 12
VOTES OF SHAREHOLDERS
Number of Votes by Shareholder or by Shares
12.1 Subject to any special rights or restrictions attached to any shares and to the restrictions imposed on joint shareholders under §12.3:
(a) on a vote by show of hands, every person present who is a shareholder or proxy holder and entitled to vote on the matter has one vote; and
(b) on a poll, every shareholder entitled to vote on the matter has one vote in respect of each share entitled to be voted on the matter and held by that shareholder and may exercise that vote either in person or by proxy.
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Votes of Persons in Representative Capacity
12.2 A person who is not a shareholder may vote at a meeting of shareholders, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, and may appoint a proxy holder to act at the meeting, if, before doing so, the person satisfies the chair of the meeting, or the directors, that the person is a legal personal representative or a trustee in bankruptcy for a shareholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting.
Votes by Joint Holders
12.3 If there are joint shareholders registered in respect of any share:
(a) any one of the joint shareholders may vote at any meeting of shareholders, personally or by proxy, in respect of the share as if that joint shareholder were solely entitled to it; or
(b) if more than one of the joint shareholders is present at any meeting of shareholders, personally or by proxy, and more than one of them votes in respect of that share, then only the vote of the joint shareholder present whose name stands first on the central securities register in respect of the share will be counted.
Legal Personal Representatives as Joint Shareholders
12.4 Two or more legal personal representatives of a shareholder in whose sole name any share is registered are, for the purposes of §12.3, deemed to be joint shareholders registered in respect of that share.
Representative of a Corporate Shareholder
12.5 If a corporation, that is not a subsidiary of the Company, is a shareholder, that corporation may appoint a person to act as its representative at any meeting of shareholders of the Company, and:
(a) for that purpose, the instrument appointing a representative must be received:
(i) at the registered office of the Company or at any other place specified, in the notice calling the meeting, for the receipt of proxies, at least the number of business days specified in the notice for the receipt of proxies, or if no number of days is specified, two business days before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting; or
(ii) at the meeting or any adjourned meeting, by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting or by a person designated by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting;
(b) if a representative is appointed under this §12.5:
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(i) the representative is entitled to exercise in respect of and at that meeting the same rights on behalf of the corporation that the representative represents as that corporation could exercise if it were a shareholder who is an individual, including, without limitation, the right to appoint a proxy holder; and
(ii) the representative, if present at the meeting, is to be counted for the purpose of forming a quorum and is deemed to be a shareholder present in person at the meeting.
Evidence of the appointment of any such representative may be sent to the Company by written instrument, fax or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages.
Proxy Provisions Do Not Apply to All Companies
12.6 If and for so long as the Company is a public company or a pre-existing reporting company which has the Statutory Reporting Company Provisions as part of its Articles or to which the Statutory Reporting Company Provisions apply, then §12.7 to §12.15 are not mandatory, however the directors of the Company are authorized to apply all or part of such sections or to adopt alternative procedures for proxy form, deposit and revocation procedures to the extent that the directors deem necessary in order to comply with securities laws applicable to the Company.
Appointment of Proxy Holders
12.7 Every shareholder of the Company entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders may, by proxy, appoint one or more (but not more than two) proxy holders to attend and act at the meeting in the manner, to the extent and with the powers conferred by the proxy.
Alternate Proxy Holders
12.8 A shareholder may appoint one or more alternate proxy holders to act in the place of an absent proxy holder.
Proxy Holder Need Not Be Shareholder
12.9 A proxy holder need not be a shareholder of the Company.
Deposit of Proxy
12.10 A proxy for a meeting of shareholders must:
(a) be received at the registered office of the Company or at any other place specified, in the notice calling the meeting, for the receipt of proxies, at least the number of business days specified in the notice, or if no number of days is specified, two business days before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting; or
(b) unless the notice provides otherwise, be received, at the meeting or any adjourned meeting, by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting or by a person designated by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting.
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A proxy may be sent to the Company by written instrument, fax or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages, including through Internet or telephone voting or by email, if permitted by the notice calling the meeting or the information circular for the meeting.
Validity of Proxy Vote
12.11 A vote given in accordance with the terms of a proxy is valid notwithstanding the death or incapacity of the shareholder giving the proxy and despite the revocation of the proxy or the revocation of the authority under which the proxy is given, unless notice in writing of that death, incapacity or revocation is received:
(a) at the registered office of the Company, at any time up to and including the last business day before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting at which the proxy is to be used; or
(b) at the meeting or any adjourned meeting by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting, before any vote in respect of which the proxy has been given has been taken.
Form of Proxy
12.12 A proxy, whether for a specified meeting or otherwise, must be either in the following form or in any other form approved by the directors or the chair of the meeting:
[Name of Company]
(the "Company")
The undersigned, being a shareholder of the Company, hereby appoints [name] or, failing that person, [name], as proxy holder for the undersigned to attend, act and vote for and on behalf of the undersigned at the meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held on [month, day, year] and at any adjournment of that meeting.
Number of shares in respect of which this proxy is given (if no number is specified, then this proxy is given in respect of all shares registered in the name of the undersigned):
Signed [month, day, year] | ||
[Signature of shareholder] | ||
[Name of shareholder-printed] |
Revocation of Proxy
12.13 Subject to §12.14, every proxy may be revoked by an instrument in writing that is received:
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(a) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting at which the proxy is to be used; or
(b) at the meeting or any adjourned meeting, by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting, before any vote in respect of which the proxy has been given has been taken.
Revocation of Proxy Must Be Signed
12.14 An instrument referred to in §12.13 must be signed as follows:
(a) if the shareholder for whom the proxy holder is appointed is an individual, the instrument must be signed by the shareholder or the shareholder's legal personal representative or trustee in bankruptcy;
(b) if the shareholder for whom the proxy holder is appointed is a corporation, the instrument must be signed by the corporation or by a representative appointed for the corporation under §12.5.
Production of Evidence of Authority to Vote
12.15 The chair of any meeting of shareholders may, but need not, inquire into the authority of any person to vote at the meeting and may, but need not, demand from that person production of evidence as to the existence of the authority to vote.
Part 13
DIRECTORS
First Directors; Number of Directors
13.1 The first directors are the persons designated as directors of the Company in the Notice of Articles that applies to the Company when it is recognized under the Act. The number of directors, excluding additional directors appointed under §14.8, is set at:
(a) subject to §(b) and §(c), the number of directors that is equal to the number of the Company's first directors;
(b) if the Company is a public company, the greater of three and the most recently set of:
(i) the number of directors set by a resolution of the directors (whether or not previous notice of the resolution was given); and
(ii) the number of directors in office pursuant to §14.4;
(c) if the Company is not a public company, the most recently set of:
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(i) the number of directors set by a resolution of the directors (whether or not previous notice of the resolution was given); and
(ii) the number of directors in office pursuant to §14.4.
Change in Number of Directors
13.2 If the number of directors is set under §13.1(b)(i) or §13.1(c)(i):
(a) the shareholders may elect or appoint the directors needed to fill any vacancies in the board of directors up to that number; or
(b) if the shareholders do not elect or appoint the directors needed to fill any vacancies in the board of directors up to that number then the directors, subject to §14.8, may appoint directors to fill those vacancies.
Directors' Acts Valid Despite Vacancy
13.3 An act or proceeding of the directors is not invalid merely because fewer than the number of directors set or otherwise required under these Articles is in office.
Qualifications of Directors
13.4 A director is not required to hold a share as qualification for his or her office but must be qualified as required by the Act to become, act or continue to act as a director.
Remuneration of Directors
13.5 The directors are entitled to the remuneration for acting as directors, if any, as the directors may from time to time determine. If the directors so decide, the remuneration of the directors, if any, will be determined by the shareholders.
Reimbursement of Expenses of Directors
13.6 The Company must reimburse each director for the reasonable expenses that he or she may incur in and about the business of the Company.
Special Remuneration for Directors
13.7 If any director performs any professional or other services for the Company that in the opinion of the directors are outside the ordinary duties of a director, he or she may be paid remuneration fixed by the directors, or at the option of the directors, fixed by ordinary resolution, and such remuneration will be in addition to any other remuneration that he or she may be entitled to receive.
Gratuity, Pension or Allowance on Retirement of Director
13.8 Unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution, the directors on behalf of the Company may pay a gratuity or pension or allowance on retirement to any director who has held any salaried office or place of profit with the Company or to his or her spouse or dependants and may make contributions to any fund and pay premiums for the purchase or provision of any such gratuity, pension or allowance.
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Part 14
ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
Election at Annual General Meeting
14.1 At every annual general meeting and in every unanimous resolution contemplated by §10.2:
(a) the shareholders entitled to vote at the annual general meeting for the election of directors must elect, or in the unanimous resolution appoint, a board of directors consisting of the number of directors for the time being set under these Articles; and
(b) all the directors cease to hold office immediately before the election or appointment of directors under §(a), but are eligible for re-election or re-appointment.
Consent to be a Director
14.2 No election, appointment or designation of an individual as a director is valid unless:
(a) that individual consents to be a director in the manner provided for in the Act;
(b) that individual is elected or appointed at a meeting at which the individual is present and the individual does not refuse, at the meeting, to be a director; or
(c) with respect to first directors, the designation is otherwise valid under the Act.
Failure to Elect or Appoint Directors
14.3 If:
(a) the Company fails to hold an annual general meeting, and all the shareholders who are entitled to vote at an annual general meeting fail to pass the unanimous resolution contemplated by §10.2, on or before the date by which the annual general meeting is required to be held under the Act; or
(b) the shareholders fail, at the annual general meeting or in the unanimous resolution contemplated by §10.2, to elect or appoint any directors;
then each director then in office continues to hold office until the earlier of:
(c) when his or her successor is elected or appointed; and (d) when he or she otherwise ceases to hold office under the Act or these Articles.
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Places of Retiring Directors Not Filled
14.4 If, at any meeting of shareholders at which there should be an election of directors, the places of any of the retiring directors are not filled by that election, those retiring directors who are not re-elected and who are asked by the newly elected directors to continue in office will, if willing to do so, continue in office to complete the number of directors for the time being set pursuant to these Articles but their term of office shall expire when new directors are elected at a meeting of shareholders convened for that purpose. If any such election or continuance of directors does not result in the election or continuance of the number of directors for the time being set pursuant to these Articles, the number of directors of the Company is deemed to be set at the number of directors actually elected or continued in office.
Directors May Fill Casual Vacancies
14.5 Any casual vacancy occurring in the board of directors may be filled by the directors.
Remaining Directors Power to Act
14.6 The directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the board of directors, but if the Company has fewer directors in office than the number set pursuant to these Articles as the quorum of directors, the directors may only act for the purpose of appointing directors up to that number or of calling a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of filling any vacancies on the board of directors or, subject to the Act, for any other purpose.
Shareholders May Fill Vacancies
14.7 If the Company has no directors or fewer directors in office than the number set pursuant to these Articles as the quorum of directors, the shareholders may elect or appoint directors to fill any vacancies on the board of directors.
Additional Directors
14.8 Notwithstanding §13.1 and §13.2, between annual general meetings or by unanimous resolutions contemplated by §10.2, the directors may appoint one or more additional directors, but the number of additional directors appointed under this §14.8 must not at any time exceed:
(a) one-third of the number of first directors, if, at the time of the appointments, one or more of the first directors have not yet completed their first term of office; or
(b) in any other case, one-third of the number of the current directors who were elected or appointed as directors other than under this §14.8.
Any director so appointed ceases to hold office immediately before the next election or appointment of directors under §14.1(a), but is eligible for re-election or re-appointment.
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Ceasing to be a Director
14.9 A director ceases to be a director when:
(a) the term of office of the director expires;
(b) the director dies;
(c) the director resigns as a director by notice in writing provided to the Company or a lawyer for the Company; or
(d) the director is removed from office pursuant to §14.10 or §14.11.
Removal of Director by Shareholders
14.10 The Company may remove any director before the expiration of his or her term of office by special resolution. In that event, the shareholders may elect, or appoint by ordinary resolution, a director to fill the resulting vacancy. If the shareholders do not elect or appoint a director to fill the resulting vacancy contemporaneously with the removal, then the directors may appoint or the shareholders may elect, or appoint by ordinary resolution, a director to fill that vacancy.
Removal of Director by Directors
14.11 The directors may remove any director before the expiration of his or her term of office if the director is convicted of an indictable offence, or if the director ceases to be qualified to act as a director of a company and does not promptly resign, and the directors may appoint a director to fill the resulting vacancy.
Nomination of Directors
14.12 Subject only to the Act and to any waiver of the requirements of this section §14.12 approved by the Directors, which waivers shall be in the Directors' sole discretion,
(a) only persons who are nominated in accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for election as directors of the Company. Nominations of persons for election to the board may be made at any annual meeting of shareholders, or at any special meeting of shareholders (but only if the election of directors is a matter specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling such special meeting):
(i) by or at the direction of the board or an authorized officer of the Company, including pursuant to a notice of meeting;
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(ii) by or at the direction or request of one or more shareholders pursuant to a proposal made in accordance with the provisions of the Act or a requisition of the shareholders made in accordance with the provisions of the Act; or (iii) by any person (a "Nominating Shareholder") (A) who, at the close of business on the date of the giving of the notice provided for below in this §14.12 and on the record date for notice of such meeting, is entered in the securities register as a holder of one or more shares carrying the right to vote at such meeting or who beneficially owns shares that are entitled to be voted at such meeting and (B) who complies with the notice procedures set forth below in this §14.12.
(b) In addition to any other applicable requirements, for a nomination to be made by a Nominating Shareholder, such person must have given:
(i) timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at the principal executive offices of the Company in accordance with this §14.12; and
(ii) the representation and agreement with respect to each candidate for nomination as required by, and within the time period specified in §14.12(e).
(c) To be timely under §14.12(b)(i), a Nominating Shareholder's notice to the Corporate Secretary of the Company must be made:
(i) in the case of an annual meeting of shareholders, not less than 30 days prior to the date of the annual meeting of shareholders; provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting of shareholders is called for a date that is less than 40 days after the date (the "Notice Date") on which the first public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was made, notice by the Nominating Shareholder may be made not later than the tenth (10th) day following the Notice Date; and
(ii) in the case of a special meeting (which is not also an annual meeting) of shareholders called for the purpose of electing directors (whether or not called for other purposes), not later than the fifteenth (15th) day following the day on which the first public announcement of the date of the special meeting of shareholders was made.
(d) To be in proper written form, a Nominating Shareholder's notice to the Corporate Secretary of the Company, under §14.12(b)(i) must set forth:
(i) as to each person whom the Nominating Shareholder proposes to nominate for election as a director (A) the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (B) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (C) the class or series and number of shares in the capital of the Company which are controlled or which are owned beneficially or of record by the person as of the record date for the Meeting of Shareholders (if such date shall then have been made publicly available and shall have occurred) and as of the date of such notice, (D) a statement as to whether such person would be "independent" of the Company (within the meaning of sections 1.4 and 1.5 of National Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committees of the Canadian Securities Administrators, as such provisions may be amended from time to time) if elected as a director at such meeting and the reasons and basis for such determination and (E) any other information relating to the person that would be required to be disclosed in a dissident's proxy circular in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Act and Applicable Securities Laws; and (ii) as to the Nominating Shareholder giving the notice, (A) any information relating to such Nominating Shareholder that would be required to be made in a dissident's proxy circular in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Act and Applicable Securities Laws, and (B) the class or series and number of shares in the capital of the Company which are controlled or which are owned beneficially or of record by the Nominating Shareholder as of the record date for the Meeting of Shareholders (if such date shall then have been made publicly available and shall have occurred) and as of the date of such notice.
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(e) (e) To be eligible to be a candidate for election as a director of the Company and to be duly nominated, a candidate must be nominated in the manner prescribed in this §14.12 and the candidate for nomination, whether nominated by the board or otherwise, must have previously delivered to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at the principal executive offices of the Company, not less than 5 days prior to the date of the Meeting of Shareholders, a written confirmation of consenting to stand for election. No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Company unless nominated in accordance with the provisions of this §14.12; provided, however, that nothing in this §14.12 shall be deemed to preclude discussion by a shareholder (as distinct from nominating directors) at a meeting of shareholders of any matter in respect of which it would have been entitled to submit a proposal pursuant to the provisions of the Act. The chair of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination was made in accordance with the procedures set forth in the foregoing provisions and, if any proposed nomination is not in compliance with such foregoing provisions, to declare that such defective nomination shall be disregarded.
(f) For purposes of this §14.12:
(i) "Affiliate", when used to indicate a relationship with a person, shall mean a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified person;
(ii) "Applicable Securities Laws" means the Securities Act (British Columbia) and the equivalent legislation in the other provinces and in the territories of Canada, as amended from time to time, the rules, regulations and forms made or promulgated under any such statute and the published national instruments, multilateral instruments, policies, bulletins and notices of the securities commissions and similar regulatory authorities of each of the applicable provinces and territories of Canada;
(iii) "Associate", when used to indicate a relationship with a specified person, shall mean (A) any corporation or trust of which such person owns beneficially, directly or indirectly, voting securities carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all voting securities of such corporation or trust for the time being outstanding, (B) any partner of that person, (C) any trust or estate in which such person has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which such person serves as trustee or in a similar capacity, (D) a spouse of such specified person, (E) any person of either sex with whom such specified person is living in conjugal relationship outside marriage or (F) any relative of such specified person or of a person mentioned in clauses (D) or (E) of this definition if that relative has the same residence as the specified person; (iv) "Derivatives Contract" shall mean a contract between two parties (the "Receiving Party" and the "Counterparty") that is designed to expose the Receiving Party to economic benefits and risks that correspond substantially to the ownership by the Receiving Party of a number of shares in the capital of the Company or securities convertible into such shares specified or referenced in such contract (the number corresponding to such economic benefits and risks, the "Notional Securities"), regardless of whether obligations under such contract are required or permitted to be settled through the delivery of cash, shares in the capital of the Company or securities convertible into such shares or other property, without regard to any short position under the same or any other Derivatives Contract.
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For the avoidance of doubt, interests in broad-based index options, broad-based index futures and broad-based publicly traded market baskets of stocks approved for trading by the appropriate governmental authority shall not be deemed to be Derivatives Contracts;
(v) "Meeting of Shareholders" shall mean such annual shareholders meeting or special shareholders meeting, whether general or not, at which one or more persons are nominated for election to the board by a Nominating Shareholder;
(vi) "owned beneficially" or "owns beneficially" means, in connection with the ownership of shares in the capital of the Company by a person, (A) any such shares as to which such person or any of such person's Affiliates or Associates owns at law or in equity, or has the right to acquire or become the owner at law or in equity, where such right is exercisable immediately or after the passage of time and whether or not on condition or the happening of any contingency or the making of any payment, upon the exercise of any conversion right, exchange right or purchase right attaching to any securities, or pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, pledge or understanding whether or not in writing; (B) any such shares as to which such person or any of such person's Affiliates or Associates has the right to vote, or the right to direct the voting, where such right is exercisable immediately or after the passage of time and whether or not on condition or the happening of any contingency or the making of any payment, pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, pledge or understanding whether or not in writing; (C) any such shares which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by a Counterparty (or any of such Counterparty's Affiliates or Associates) under any Derivatives Contract (without regard to any short or similar position under the same or any other Derivatives Contract) to which such person or any of such person's Affiliates or Associates is a Receiving Party; provided, however that the number of shares that a person owns beneficially pursuant to this clause (C) in connection with a particular Derivatives Contract shall not exceed the number of Notional Securities with respect to such Derivatives Contract; provided, further, that the number of securities owned beneficially by each Counterparty (including their respective Affiliates and Associates) under a Derivatives Contract shall for purposes of this clause be deemed to include all securities that are owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, by any other Counterparty (or any of such other Counterparty's Affiliates or Associates) under any Derivatives Contract to which such first Counterparty (or any of such first Counterparty's Affiliates or Associates) is a Receiving Party and this proviso shall be applied to successive Counterparties as appropriate; and (D) any such shares which are owned beneficially within the meaning of this definition by any other person with whom such person is acting jointly or in concert with respect to the Company or any of its securities; and (vii) "public announcement" shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service in Canada, or in a document publicly filed by the Company or its agents under its profile on the System of Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval at www.sedar.com.
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(g) Notwithstanding any other provision to this §14.12, notice or any delivery given to the Corporate Secretary of the Company pursuant to this §14.12 may only be given by personal delivery, facsimile transmission or by email (provided that the Corporate Secretary of the Company has stipulated an email address for purposes of this notice, at such email address as stipulated from time to time), and shall be deemed to have been given and made only at the time it is served by personal delivery, email (at the address as aforesaid) or sent by facsimile transmission (provided that receipt of confirmation of such transmission has been received) to the Corporate Secretary at the address of the principal executive offices of the Company; provided that if such delivery or electronic communication is made on a day which is a not a business day or later than 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on a day which is a business day, then such delivery or electronic communication shall be deemed to have been made on the subsequent day that is a business day.
(i) Any adjournment or postponement of a Meeting of Shareholders or the announcement thereof shall commence a new time period for the giving of a Nominating Shareholder's notice as described in §14.12(c) or the delivery of a representation and agreement as described in §14.12(e).
Part 15
POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
Powers of Management
15.1 The directors must, subject to the Act and these Articles, manage or supervise the management of the business and affairs of the Company and have the authority to exercise all such powers of the Company as are not, by the Act or by these Articles, required to be exercised by the shareholders of the Company. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, the directors may set the remuneration of the auditor of the Company.
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Appointment of Attorney of Company
15.2 The directors may from time to time, by power of attorney or other instrument, under seal if so required by law, appoint any person to be the attorney of the Company for such purposes, and with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the directors under these Articles and excepting the power to fill vacancies in the board of directors, to remove a director, to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the directors, to appoint or remove officers appointed by the directors and to declare dividends) and for such period, and with such remuneration and subject to such conditions as the directors may think fit. Any such power of attorney may contain such provisions for the protection or convenience of persons dealing with such attorney as the directors think fit. Any such attorney may be authorized by the directors to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions for the time being vested in him or her.
Part 16
INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Obligation to Account for Profits
16.1 A director or senior officer who holds a disclosable interest (as that term is used in the Act) in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter is liable to account to the Company for any profit that accrues to the director or senior officer under or as a result of the contract or transaction only if and to the extent provided in the Act.
Restrictions on Voting by Reason of Interest
16.2 A director who holds a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter is not entitled to vote on any directors' resolution to approve that contract or transaction, unless all the directors have a disclosable interest in that contract or transaction, in which case any or all of those directors may vote on such resolution.
Interested Director Counted in Quorum
16.3 A director who holds a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter and who is present at the meeting of directors at which the contract or transaction is considered for approval may be counted in the quorum at the meeting whether or not the director votes on any or all of the resolutions considered at the meeting.
Disclosure of Conflict of Interest or Property
16.4 A director or senior officer who holds any office or possesses any property, right or interest that could result, directly or indirectly, in the creation of a duty or interest that materially conflicts with that individual's duty or interest as a director or senior officer, must disclose the nature and extent of the conflict as required by the Act.
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Director Holding Other Office in the Company
16.5 A director may hold any office or place of profit with the Company, other than the office of auditor of the Company, in addition to his or her office of director for the period and on the terms (as to remuneration or otherwise) that the directors may determine.
No Disqualification
16.6 No director or intended director is disqualified by his or her office from contracting with the Company either with regard to the holding of any office or place of profit the director holds with the Company or as vendor, purchaser or otherwise, and no contract or transaction entered into by or on behalf of the Company in which a director is in any way interested is liable to be voided for that reason.
Professional Services by Director or Officer
16.7 Subject to the Act, a director or officer, or any person in which a director or officer has an interest, may act in a professional capacity for the Company, except as auditor of the Company, and the director or officer or such person is entitled to remuneration for professional services as if that director or officer were not a director or officer.
Director or Officer in Other Corporations
16.8 A director or officer may be or become a director, officer or employee of, or otherwise interested in, any person in which the Company may be interested as a shareholder or otherwise, and, subject to the Act, the director or officer is not accountable to the Company for any remuneration or other benefits received by him or her as director, officer or employee of, or from his or her interest in, such other person.
Part 17
PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS
Meetings of Directors
17.1 The directors may meet together for the conduct of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate their meetings as they think fit, and meetings of the directors held at regular intervals may be held at the place, at the time and on the notice, if any, as the directors may from time to time determine.
Voting at Meetings
17.2 Questions arising at any meeting of directors are to be decided by a majority of votes and, in the case of an equality of votes, the chair of the meeting does not have a second or casting vote.
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Chair of Meetings
17.3 The following individual is entitled to preside as chair at a meeting of directors:
(a) the chair of the board, if any;
(b) in the absence of the chair of the board, the president, if any, if the president is a director; or
(c) any other director chosen by the directors if:
(i) neither the chair of the board nor the president, if a director, is present at the meeting within 15 minutes after the time set for holding the meeting;
(ii) neither the chair of the board nor the president, if a director, is willing to chair the meeting; or
(iii) the chair of the board and the president, if a director, have advised the secretary, if any, or any other director, that they will not be present at the meeting.
Meetings by Telephone or Other Communications Medium
17.4 A director may participate in a meeting of the directors or of any committee of the directors:
(a) in person; or
(b) by telephone or by other communications medium if all directors participating in the meeting, whether in person or by telephone or other communications medium, are able to communicate with each other.
A director who participates in a meeting in a manner contemplated by this §17.4 is deemed for all purposes of the Act and these Articles to be present at the meeting and to have agreed to participate in that manner.
Calling of Meetings
17.5 A director may, and the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Company, if any, on the request of a director must, call a meeting of the directors at any time.
Notice of Meetings
17.6 Other than for meetings held at regular intervals as determined by the directors pursuant to §17.1, 48 hours' notice or such lesser notice as the Chairman in his discretion determines, acting reasonably, is appropriate in any unusual circumstances of each meeting of the directors, specifying the place, day and time of that meeting must be given to each of the directors by any method set out in §23.1 or orally or by telephone.
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When Notice Not Required
17.7 It is not necessary to give notice of a meeting of the directors to a director if:
(a) the meeting is to be held immediately following a meeting of shareholders at which that director was elected or appointed, or is the meeting of the directors at which that director is appointed; or
(b) the director has waived notice of the meeting.
Meeting Valid Despite Failure to Give Notice
17.8 The accidental omission to give notice of any meeting of directors to, or the non- receipt of any notice by, any director, does not invalidate any proceedings at that meeting.
Waiver of Notice of Meetings
17.9 Any director may send to the Company a document signed by him or her waiving notice of any past, present or future meeting or meetings of the directors and may at any time withdraw that waiver with respect to meetings held after that withdrawal. After sending a waiver with respect to all future meetings and until that waiver is withdrawn, no notice of any meeting of the directors need be given to that director and all meetings of the directors so held are deemed not to be improperly called or constituted by reason of notice not having been given to such director. Attendance of a director or alternate director at a meeting of the directors is a waiver of notice of the meeting unless that director or alternate director attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called.
Quorum
17.10 The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the directors may be set by the directors and, if not so set, is deemed to be a majority of the directors or, if the number of directors is set at one, is deemed to be set at one director, and that director may constitute a meeting.
Validity of Acts Where Appointment Defective
17.11 Subject to the Act, an act of a director or officer is not invalid merely because of an irregularity in the election or appointment or a defect in the qualification of that director or officer.
Consent Resolutions in Writing
17.12 A resolution of the directors or of any committee of the directors may be passed without a meeting:
(a) in all cases, if each of the directors entitled to vote on the resolution consents to it in writing; or (b) in the case of a resolution to approve a contract or transaction in respect of which a director has disclosed that he or she has or may have a disclosable interest, if each of the other directors who have not made such a disclosure consents in writing to the resolution.
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A consent in writing under this §17.12 may be by signed document, fax, email or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages. A consent in writing may be in two or more counterparts which together are deemed to constitute one consent in writing. A resolution of the directors or of any committee of the directors passed in accordance with this §17.12 is effective on the date stated in the consent in writing or on the latest date stated on any counterpart and is deemed to be a proceeding at a meeting of directors or of the committee of the directors and to be as valid and effective as if it had been passed at a meeting of the directors or of the committee of the directors that satisfies all the requirements of the Act and all the requirements of these Articles relating to meetings of the directors or of a committee of the directors.
Part 18
EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES
Appointment and Powers of Executive Committee
18.1 The directors may, by resolution, appoint an executive committee consisting of the director or directors that they consider appropriate, and this committee has, during the intervals between meetings of the board of directors, all of the directors' powers, except:
(a) the power to fill vacancies in the board of directors;
(b) the power to remove a director;
(c) the power to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the directors; and
(d) such other powers, if any, as may be set out in the resolution or any subsequent directors' resolution.
Appointment and Powers of Other Committees
18.2 The directors may, by resolution:
(a) appoint one or more committees (other than the executive committee) consisting of the director or directors that they consider appropriate;
(b) delegate to a committee appointed under §(a) any of the directors' powers, except:
(i) the power to fill vacancies in the board of directors;
(ii) the power to remove a director; (iii) the power to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the directors; and
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(iv) the power to appoint or remove officers appointed by the directors; and
(c) make any delegation referred to in §(b) subject to the conditions set out in the resolution or any subsequent directors' resolution.
Obligations of Committees
18.3 Any committee appointed under §18.1 or §18.2, in the exercise of the powers delegated to it, must:
(a) conform to any rules that may from time to time be imposed on it by the directors; and
(b) report every act or thing done in exercise of those powers at such times as the directors may require.
Powers of Board
18.4 The directors may, at any time, with respect to a committee appointed under §18.1 or §18.2:
(a) revoke or alter the authority given to the committee, or override a decision made by the committee, except as to acts done before such revocation, alteration or overriding;
(b) terminate the appointment of, or change the membership of, the committee; and
(c) fill vacancies in the committee.
Committee Meetings
18.5 Subject to §18.3(a) and unless the directors otherwise provide in the resolution appointing the committee or in any subsequent resolution, with respect to a committee appointed under §18.1 or §18.2:
(a) the committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper;
(b) the committee may elect a chair of its meetings but, if no chair of a meeting is elected, or if at a meeting the chair of the meeting is not present within 15 minutes after the time set for holding the meeting, the directors present who are members of the committee may choose one of their number to chair the meeting;
(c) a majority of the members of the committee constitutes a quorum of the committee; and (d) questions arising at any meeting of the committee are determined by a majority of votes of the members present, and in case of an equality of votes, the chair of the meeting does not have a second or casting vote.
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Part 19
OFFICERS
Directors May Appoint Officers
19.1 The directors may, from time to time, appoint such officers, if any, as the directors determine and the directors may, at any time, terminate any such appointment.
Functions, Duties and Powers of Officers
19.2 The directors may, for each officer:
(a) determine the functions and duties of the officer;
(b) entrust to and confer on the officer any of the powers exercisable by the directors on such terms and conditions and with such restrictions as the directors think fit; and
(c) revoke, withdraw, alter or vary all or any of the functions, duties and powers of the officer.
Qualifications
19.3 No person may be appointed as an officer unless that person is qualified in accordance with the Act. One person may hold more than one position as an officer of the Company. Any person appointed as the chair of the board or as a managing director must be a director. Any other officer need not be a director.
Remuneration and Terms of Appointment
19.4 All appointments of officers are to be made on the terms and conditions and at the remuneration (whether by way of salary, fee, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) that the directors thinks fit and are subject to termination at the pleasure of the directors, and an officer may in addition to such remuneration be entitled to receive, after he or she ceases to hold such office or leaves the employment of the Company, a pension or gratuity.
Part 20
INDEMNIFICATION
Definitions
20.1 In this Part 20:
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(a) "eligible party", in relation to a company, means an individual who:
(i) is or was a director, alternate director or officer of the Company;
(ii) is or was a director, alternate director or officer of another corporation
(A) at a time when the corporation is or was an affiliate of the Company, or
(B) at the request of the Company; or
(iii) at the request of the Company, is or was, or holds or held a position equivalent to that of, a director, alternate director or officer of a partnership, trust, joint venture or other unincorporated entity;
and includes, except in the definition of "eligible proceeding", and §163(1)(c) and (d) and
§165 of the Act, the heirs and personal or other legal representatives of that individual;
(b) "eligible penalty" means a judgment, penalty or fine awarded or imposed in, or an amount paid in settlement of, an eligible proceeding;
(c) "eligible proceeding" means a proceeding in which an eligible party or any of the heirs and personal or other legal representatives of the eligible party, by reason of the eligible party being or having been a director, alternate director or officer of, or holding or having held a position equivalent to that of a director, alternate director or officer of, the Company or an associated corporation
(i) is or may be joined as a party; or
(ii) is or may be liable for or in respect of a judgment, penalty or fine in, or expenses related to, the proceeding;
(d) "expenses" has the meaning set out in the Act and includes costs, charges and expenses, including legal and other fees, but does not include judgments, penalties, fines or amounts paid in settlement of a proceeding; and
(e) "proceeding" includes any legal proceeding or investigative action, whether current, threatened, pending or completed.
Mandatory Indemnification of Eligible Parties
20.2 Subject to the Act, the Company must indemnify each eligible party and the heirs and legal personal representatives of each eligible party against all eligible penalties to which such person is or may be liable, and the Company must, after the final disposition of an eligible proceeding, pay the expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in respect of that proceeding. Each eligible party is deemed to have contracted with the Company on the terms of the indemnity contained in this §20.2.
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Indemnification of Other Persons
20.3 Subject to any restrictions in the Act, the Company may agree to indemnify and may indemnify any person (including an eligible party) against eligible penalties and pay expenses incurred in connection with the performance of services by that person for the Company.
Authority to Advance Expenses
20.4 The Company may advance expenses to an eligible party to the extent permitted by and in accordance with the Act.
Non-Compliance with Act
20.5 Subject to the Act, the failure of an eligible party of the Company to comply with the Act or these Articles or, if applicable, any former Companies Act or former Articles does not, of itself, invalidate any indemnity to which he or she is entitled under this Part 20.
Company May Purchase Insurance
20.6 The Company may purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of any eligible party (or the heirs or legal personal representatives of any eligible party) against any liability incurred by any eligible party.
Part 21
DIVIDENDS
Payment of Dividends Subject to Special Rights
21.1 The provisions of this Part 21 are subject to the rights, if any, of shareholders holding shares with special rights as to dividends.
Declaration of Dividends
21.2 Subject to the Act, the directors may from time to time declare and authorize payment of such dividends as they may deem advisable.
No Notice Required
21.3 The directors need not give notice to any shareholder of any declaration under §21.2.
Record Date
21.4 The directors must set a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend. The record date must not precede the date on which the dividend is to be paid by more than two months.
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Manner of Paying Dividend
21.5 A resolution declaring a dividend may direct payment of the dividend wholly or partly in money or by the distribution of specific assets or of fully paid shares or of bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company or any other corporation, or in any one or more of those ways.
Settlement of Difficulties
21.6 If any difficulty arises in regard to a distribution under §21.5, the directors may settle the difficulty as they deem advisable, and, in particular, may:
(a) set the value for distribution of specific assets;
(b) determine that money in substitution for all or any part of the specific assets to which any shareholders are entitled may be paid to any shareholders on the basis of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of all parties; and
(c) vest any such specific assets in trustees for the persons entitled to the dividend.
When Dividend Payable
21.7 Any dividend may be made payable on such date as is fixed by the directors.
Dividends to be Paid in Accordance with Number of Shares
21.8 All dividends on shares of any class or series of shares must be declared and paid according to the number of such shares held.
Receipt by Joint Shareholders
21.9 If several persons are joint shareholders of any share, any one of them may give an effective receipt for any dividend, bonus or other money payable in respect of the share.
Dividend Bears No Interest
21.10 No dividend bears interest against the Company.
Fractional Dividends
21.11 If a dividend to which a shareholder is entitled includes a fraction of the smallest monetary unit of the currency of the dividend, that fraction may be disregarded in making payment of the dividend and that payment represents full payment of the dividend.
Payment of Dividends
21.12 Any dividend or other distribution payable in money in respect of shares may be paid by cheque, made payable to the order of the person to whom it is sent, and mailed to the registered address of the shareholder, or in the case of joint shareholders, to the registered address of the joint shareholder who is first named on the central securities register, or to the person and to the address the shareholder or joint shareholders may direct in writing. The mailing of such cheque will, to the extent of the sum represented by the cheque (plus the amount of the tax required by law to be deducted), discharge all liability for the dividend unless such cheque is not paid on presentation or the amount of tax so deducted is not paid to the appropriate taxing authority.
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Capitalization of Retained Earnings or Surplus
21.13 Notwithstanding anything contained in these Articles, the directors may from time to time capitalize any retained earnings or surplus of the Company and may from time to time issue, as fully paid, shares or any bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company as a dividend representing the retained earnings or surplus so capitalized or any part thereof.
Part 22
ACCOUNTING RECORDS AND AUDITOR
Recording of Financial Affairs
22.1 The directors must cause adequate accounting records to be kept to record properly the financial affairs and condition of the Company and to comply with the Act.
Inspection of Accounting Records
22.2 Unless the directors determine otherwise, or unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution, no shareholder of the Company is entitled to inspect or obtain a copy of any accounting records of the Company.
Part 23
NOTICES
Method of Giving Notice
23.1 Unless the Act or these Articles provide otherwise, a notice, statement, report or other record required or permitted by the Act or these Articles to be sent by or to a person may be sent by:
(a) mail addressed to the person at the applicable address for that person as follows:
(i) for a record mailed to a shareholder, the shareholder's registered address;
(ii) for a record mailed to a director or officer, the prescribed address for mailing shown for the director or officer in the records kept by the Company or the mailing address provided by the recipient for the sending of that record or records of that class; (iii) in any other case, the mailing address of the intended recipient;
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(b) delivery at the applicable address for that person as follows, addressed to the person:
(i) for a record delivered to a shareholder, the shareholder's registered address;
(ii) for a record delivered to a director or officer, the prescribed address for delivery shown for the director or officer in the records kept by the Company or the delivery address provided by the recipient for the sending of that record or records of that class;
(iii) in any other case, the delivery address of the intended recipient;
(c) sending the record by fax to the fax number provided by the intended recipient for the sending of that record or records of that class;
(d) sending the record by email to the email address provided by the intended recipient for the sending of that record or records of that class;
AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES APPROVED BY ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES ON JUNE 24, 2021 |
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See next page. |
Deemed Receipt of Mailing
23.2 A notice, statement, report or other record that is:
(a) mailed to a person by ordinary mail to the applicable address for that person referred to in §23.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was mailed on the day (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays excepted) following the date of mailing;
(b) faxed to a person to the fax number provided by that person referred to in §23.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was faxed on the day it was faxed; and
(c) emailed to a person to the e-mail address provided by that person referred to in §23.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was e-mailed on the day that it was emailed.
Certificate of Sending
23.3 A certificate signed by the secretary, if any, or other officer of the Company or of any other corporation acting in that capacity on behalf of the Company stating that a notice, statement, report or other record was sent in accordance with §23.1 is conclusive evidence of that fact.
Notice to Joint Shareholders
23.4 A notice, statement, report or other record may be provided by the Company to the joint shareholders of a share by providing such record to the joint shareholder first named in the central securities register in respect of the share.
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AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES APPROVED BY ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES ON JUNE 24, 2021 |
(e) physical delivery to the intended recipient; and
(f) as otherwise permitted by any securities legislation (together with all regulations and rules made and promulgated thereunder and all administrative policy statements, blanket orders, and rulings, notices, and other administrative directions issued by securities commissions or similar authorities appointed thereunder) in any province or territory of Canada or in the federal jurisdiction of the United States or in any state of the United States that is applicable to the Company.
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Notice to Legal Personal Representatives and Trustees
23.5 A notice, statement, report or other record may be provided by the Company to the persons entitled to a share in consequence of the death, bankruptcy or incapacity of a shareholder by:
(a) mailing the record, addressed to them:
(i) by name, by the title of the legal personal representative of the deceased or incapacitated shareholder, by the title of trustee of the bankrupt shareholder or by any similar description; and
(ii) at the address, if any, supplied to the Company for that purpose by the persons claiming to be so entitled; or
(b) if an address referred to in §(a)(ii) has not been supplied to the Company, by giving the notice in a manner in which it might have been given if the death, bankruptcy or incapacity had not occurred.
Undelivered Notices
23.6 If on two consecutive occasions, a notice, statement, report or other record is sent to a shareholder pursuant to §23.1 and on each of those occasions any such record is returned because the shareholder cannot be located, the Company shall not be required to send any further records to the shareholder until the shareholder informs the Company in writing of his or her new address.
Part 24
SEAL
Who May Attest Seal
24.1 Except as provided in §24.2 and §24.3, the Company's seal, if any, must not be impressed on any record except when that impression is attested by the signatures of:
(a) any two directors;
(b) any officer, together with any director;
(c) if the Company only has one director, that director; or
(d) any one or more directors or officers or persons as may be determined by the directors.
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Sealing Copies
24.2 For the purpose of certifying under seal a certificate of incumbency of the directors or officers of the Company or a true copy of any resolution or other document, despite §24.1, the impression of the seal may be attested by the signature of any director or officer or the signature of any other person as may be determined by the directors.
Mechanical Reproduction of Seal
24.3 The directors may authorize the seal to be impressed by third parties on share certificates or bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company as they may determine appropriate from time to time. To enable the seal to be impressed on any share certificates or bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company, whether in definitive or interim form, on which facsimiles of any of the signatures of the directors or officers of the Company are, in accordance with the Act or these Articles, printed or otherwise mechanically reproduced, there may be delivered to the person employed to engrave, lithograph or print such definitive or interim share certificates or bonds, debentures or other securities one or more unmounted dies reproducing the seal and such persons as are authorized under §24.1 to attest the Company's seal may in writing authorize such person to cause the seal to be impressed on such definitive or interim share certificates or bonds, debentures or other securities by the use of such dies. Share certificates or bonds, debentures or other securities to which the seal has been so impressed are for all purposes deemed to be under and to bear the seal impressed on them.
Part 25
SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS ATTACHED TO THE PREFERRED SHARES
25.1 The Preferred shares as a class shall have attached to them the special rights and restrictions specified in this Article.
25.2 The Preferred shares may include one or more series.
25.3 Subject to the Act, the directors may from time to time, by resolution, if none of the Preferred shares of any particular series are issued, alter the Articles of the Company and authorize the alteration of the Notice of Articles of the Company, as the case may be, to do one or more of:
(a) determine the maximum number of shares of that series that the Company is authorized to issue, determine that there is no such maximum number, or alter any such determination;
(b) create an identifying name for the shares of that series, or alter any such identifying name;
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(c) attach special rights or restrictions to the shares of that series, including, but without limiting or restricting the generality of the foregoing, the rate or amount of dividends (whether cumulative, non-cumulative or partially cumulative), the dates and places of payment thereof, the consideration for, and the terms and conditions of, any purchase for cancellation or redemption thereof (including redemption after a fixed term or at a premium), conversion or exchange rights, the terms and conditions of any share purchase plan or sinking fund, restrictions respecting payment of dividends on, or the repayment of capital in respect of, any other shares of the Company and voting rights and restrictions; or alter any such special rights or restrictions; but no such special right or restriction shall contravene the provisions of subclauses 25.4 and 25.5 of this Article.
25.4 The holders of Preferred shares shall be entitled, on the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or on any other distribution of its assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, to receive, before a distribution is made to the holders of Common shares or any other shares of the Company ranking junior to the Preferred shares with respect to repayment of capital on the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or on any other distribution of its assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, the amount paid up with respect to each Preferred share held by them, together with the fixed premium (if any) thereon, all accrued and unpaid cumulative dividends (if any and if preferential) thereon, which for such purpose shall be calculated as if such dividends were accruing on a day-to-day basis up to the date of such distribution, whether or not earned or declared, and all declared and unpaid non-cumulative dividends (if any and if preferential) thereon. After payment to the holders of Preferred shares of the amounts so payable to them, they shall not, as such, be entitled to share in any further distribution of the property or assets of the Company except as specifically provided in the special rights and restrictions attached to any particular series.
25.5 Except for such rights relating to the election of directors on a default in payment of dividends as may be attached to any series of the Preferred shares by the directors, holders of Preferred shares shall not be entitled, as such, to receive notice of, or to attend or vote at, any general meeting of shareholders of the Company.
Full name and signature of Director |
Date of signing |
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October 9, 2020 |
Exhibit 2.1 - Description of Registered Securities
The following is a description of each class of securities of Fury Gold Mines Limited. (the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") that is registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and does not purport to be complete. For a complete description of the terms and provisions of such securities, refer to the Company's articles of incorporation, which are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits 1.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2024. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to these documents.
Description of Capital Structure
The Company's authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares and an unlimited number of preferred shares in the capital of the Company (none of which has been allotted or issued). We currently have only one class of issued and outstanding shares, which have identical rights in all respects and rank equally with one another.
Attributes of Common Shares
Each Common Share entitles the holder to: (i) one vote at all meetings of shareholders (except meetings at which only holders of a specified class of shares are entitled to vote); (ii) receive, subject to the holders of another class of shares, any dividend declared by the Board; and (iii) receive, subject to the rights of the holders of another class of shares, the remaining property of Fury Gold on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Fury Gold, whether voluntary or involuntary, or for the purposes of a reorganization or otherwise or upon any distribution of capital, on a pro-rata basis. No pre-emptive, redemption, sinking fund or conversion rights are attached to the Common Shares.
Authorized Preferred Shares- Nil issued
Preferred Shares are authorized to be issued from time to time in one or more series, and the Board may fix from time to time before such issue the number of Preferred Shares, the designation, rights and privileges attached thereto including any voting rights, dividend rights, redemption, purchase or conversion rights, sinking fund or other provisions. Preferred Shares generally rank in priority over Common Shares and any other shares ranking by their terms junior to the Preferred Shares as to dividends and return of capital upon, liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or any other return of capital or distribution of the assets of the Company.
Incorporation
The Company was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (as currently in effect) (the "Act") on June 9, 2008. Our British Columbia incorporation number is BC0827202.
Objects and Purposes of Our Company
Our Articles do not contain a description of the Company's objects and purposes. We are entitled under the Act to carry on all lawful businesses which can be carried on by a natural person.
Conflicts of Interest and Director Compensation
The directors of the Company manage and supervise the management of the affairs and business of the Company and have authority to exercise all such powers of the Company as are not, under the Act or by our Articles, required to be exercised by the Company's shareholders.
Under our Articles, any director or senior officer who holds any office or possesses any property, right or interest that could result, directly or indirectly, in the creation of a duty or interest that materially conflicts with that individual's duty or interest as a director or senior officer, must disclose the nature and extent of the conflict as required by the Act. Such director or senior officer that has a disclosable interest in a contract shall be liable to account to the Company for any profits that accrue to the director or senior officer under or as a result of the contract or transaction unless disclosure is made thereof and the contract or transaction is approved in accordance with the provisions of the Act. A director is not allowed to vote on any transaction or contract with the Company in which he or she has a disclosable interest unless all directors have a disclosable interest in that transaction or contract, in which case all of these directors may vote on such resolution.
The directors are entitled to the remuneration for acting as directors, if any, as the directors may from time to time determine, or, if the directors so decide, as determined by the shareholders of the Company. If any director performs any professional or other services for the Company that in the opinion of the directors are outside the ordinary duties of a director, or if any director is otherwise specially occupied in or about the Company's business, he or she may be paid remuneration fixed by the directors, or, at the option of that director, fixed by a resolution passed at a meeting of shareholders by a simple majority (an "ordinary resolution"), and such remuneration may be either in addition to, or in substitution for, any other remuneration that he or she may be entitled to receive. A director or senior officer does not hold a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction merely because the contract or transaction relates to the remuneration of the director or senior officer in that person's capacity as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or of an affiliate of the Company.
Pursuant to our Articles, If the Act does not specify the type of resolution and the Articles do not specify another type of resolution, the Company may by directors' resolution or by special resolution, in each case as determined by the directors, alter the Articles.
Borrowing Powers
The Company, if authorized by the directors, may:
(a) borrow money in the manner and amount, on the security, from the sources and on the terms and conditions that they consider appropriate;
(b) issue bonds, debentures and other debt obligations either outright or as security for any liability or obligation of the Company or any other person and at such discounts or premiums and on such other terms as the directors consider appropriate;
(c) guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any obligation of any other person; and
(d) mortgage, charge, whether by way of specific or floating charge, grant a security interest in, or give other security on, the whole or any part of the present and future assets and undertaking of the Company.
The powers conferred under this Borrowing Powers Part shall be deemed to include the powers conferred on a company by Division VII of the Special Corporations Powers Act being chapter P-16 of the Revised Statutes of Quebec, 1988, and every statutory provision that may be substituted therefor or for any provision therein.
Qualifications of Directors
Under our Articles, a director is not required to hold common shares as qualification for his or her office but must be qualified as required by the Act to become, act or continue to act as a director. There are no age limit requirements pertaining to the retirement or non-retirement of directors of the Company.
Procedures to Alter Share Rights
Subject to the Act, the directors may from time to time, by resolution, if none of the Preferred shares of any particular series are issued, alter the Articles of the Company and authorize the alteration of the Notice of Articles of the Company, as the case may be, to do one or more of:
(a) determine the maximum number of shares of that series that the Company is authorized to issue, determine that there is no such maximum number, or alter any such determination;
(b) create an identifying name for the shares of that series, or alter any such identifying name;
(c) attach special rights or restrictions to the shares of that series, including, but without limiting or restricting the generality of the foregoing, the rate or amount of dividends (whether cumulative, non-cumulative or partially cumulative), the dates and places of payment thereof, the consideration for, and the terms and conditions of, any purchase for cancellation or redemption thereof (including redemption after a fixed term or at a premium), conversion or exchange rights, the terms and conditions of any share purchase plan or sinking fund, restrictions respecting payment of dividends on, or the repayment of capital in respect of, any other shares of the Company and voting rights and restrictions; or alter any such special rights or restrictions; but no such special right or restriction shall contravene the provisions of below two subclauses.
(i) The holders of Preferred shares shall be entitled, on the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or on any other distribution of its assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, to receive, before a distribution is made to the holders of Common shares or any other shares of the Company ranking junior to the Preferred shares with respect to repayment of capital on the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or on any other distribution of its assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, the amount paid up with respect to each Preferred share held by them, together with the fixed premium (if any) thereon, all accrued and unpaid cumulative dividends (if any and if preferential) thereon, which for such purpose shall be calculated as if such dividends were accruing on a day-to-day basis up to the date of such distribution, whether or not earned or declared, and all declared and unpaid non-cumulative dividends (if any and if preferential) thereon. After payment to the holders of Preferred shares of the amounts so payable to them, they shall not, as such, be entitled to share in any further distribution of the property or assets of the Company except as specifically provided in the special rights and restrictions attached to any particular series.
(ii) Except for such rights relating to the election of directors on a default in payment of dividends as may be attached to any series of the Preferred shares by the directors, holders of Preferred shares shall not be entitled, as such, to receive notice of, or to attend or vote at, any general meeting of shareholders of the Company.
Meetings
Each director holds office until our next annual general meeting or until his or her office is earlier vacated in accordance with our Articles or with the provisions of the Act. A director appointed or elected to fill a vacancy on the Fury Gold Mines Limited Board also holds office until our next annual general meeting. The Articles provide that our annual meetings of shareholders must be held at least once in each calendar year and not more than 15 months after the last annual general meeting at such time and place as the Austin Gold Board may determine; provided that, in the case of our first annual meeting of shareholders, such meeting must only be held within 18 months after our date of incorporation. The Company's directors may, at any time upon proper notice, call a meeting of our shareholders. Pursuant to the Act, shareholders who hold in the aggregate at least five percent of our issued shares that carry the right to vote at a general meeting may, in accordance with the Act, requisition a general meeting of shareholders for the purposes stated in the requisition. Our Articles state that in addition to those persons who are entitled to vote at a meeting of the shareholders, the only other persons entitled to be present at the meeting are the directors, the president (if any), the secretary (if any), the assistant secretary (if any), any lawyer for the Company, the auditor of the Company and any persons invited to be present at the meeting by the directors. Pursuant to the Act, shareholders, who hold in aggregate five percent of the issued and outstanding shares, may requisition a general meeting for the purpose of transacting any business that may be transacted at a general meeting.
Under our Articles, subject to the special rights and restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series of shares, the quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of shareholders is two persons present or represented by proxy, who in the aggregate, hold at least 25% of the issued shares entitled to be voted at the meeting.
Limitations on Ownership of Securities
Except as provided in the Investment Canada Act (Canada), there are no limitations specific to the rights of non-Canadians to hold or vote our common shares under the laws of Canada or British Columbia or in the Company's charter documents.
Change in Control
There are no provisions in our Articles that would have the effect of preventing a change in the control of the Company, and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition, arrangement or corporate restructuring involving the Company or its subsidiaries.
Ownership Threshold
Our Articles and the Act do not contain any provisions governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
Listing
Our common shares are listed for trading on the NYSE American LLC and Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FURY.
EXHIBIT 4.1
FURY GOLD MINES LIMITED
("CORPORATION")
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
AUTHORIZED BY THE BOARD OF THE CORPORATION ON MAY 18, 2023
APPROVED BY SHAREHOLDERS ON JUNE 29, 2023
AMENDED IN RESPECT OF SECTIONS 2.1 AND 5.3 BY THE BOARD ON FEBRUARY 2, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FURY GOLD MINES LIMITED
(the "CORPORATION")
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Plan is to attract, retain and motivate persons with training, experience and leadership as directors, officers and employees of the Corporation, its subsidiaries and shared service providers staff, in order to advance the long-term interests of the Corporation by providing such persons with the opportunity and incentive, through equity-based compensation, to acquire an ownership interest in the Corporation, and to promote a greater alignment of interests between such persons and shareholders of the Corporation.
2. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
2.1 Definitions. For purposes of the Plan, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:
"Active Employment" or "Actively Employed" means when a Participant is employed by the Corporation or UMS and actively providing services (including part time and occasional) to the Corporation or any subsidiary, or a Participant is on a vacation or a leave of absence approved by the Corporation or any subsidiary or authorized under applicable law. For purposes of this Plan, except as may be required to comply with minimum requirements of applicable employment standards legislation, a Participant is not Actively Employed if his or her employment has been terminated by the Participant's resignation or retirement or by the Corporation ,any subsidiary or UMS, regardless of whether the Participant's employment has been terminated with or without cause, lawfully or unlawfully or with or without notice, and, except as may be required by minimum requirements of applicable employment standards legislation, being Actively Employed does not include any period during, or in respect of, which a Participant is receiving or is entitled to receive payments in lieu of notice (whether by way of lump sum or salary continuance), benefits continuance, severance pay, damages for wrongful dismissal or other termination related payments or benefits, in each case, whether pursuant to statute, contract, common law, civil law or otherwise;
"Appendix" means one of the four appendices attached hereto which are described in section 2.6;
"Administrative Agent" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.4;
"affiliate" means an "affiliated company" determined in accordance with the Securities Act (British Columbia) and also includes those entities that are similarly related, whether or not any of the entities are corporations, companies, partnerships, limited partnerships, trusts, income trusts or investment trusts or any other organized entity issuing securities;
"Award" means (i) any Option, Performance Share Unit, Restricted Share Unit and/or Deferred Share Unit granted under the Plan and reflected in an Award Agreement, and (ii) any SPC that is the subject of an executed SPC Participant Deduction Form;
"Award Agreement" means an Option Award Agreement, a PSU Award Agreement, an RSU Award Agreement and/or a DSU Award Agreement (as applicable) generally in the form of Appendix 3;
"Base Salary" means regular gross hourly wages or base salary (as applicable), or base secondment fee, excluding in each case payments for overtime, shift differentials, incentive compensation, bonuses, commissions and other special payments, fees, allowances or extraordinary compensation;
"Benefits Representative" means the Participant Benefits Coordinator of the Corporation or such other Person, regardless of whether employed by the Corporation, who has been formally, or by operation or practice, designated by the Corporation to assist with the day-to-day administration of the Plan;
"Blackout Period" means an interval of time during which (a) trading in securities of the Corporation is restricted in accordance with the policies of the Corporation; or (b) the Corporation has otherwise determined that one or more Participants may not trade in securities of the Corporation because they may be in possession of undisclosed material information (as defined under applicable securities laws); "Board" means the board of directors of the Corporation or, if established and duly authorized to act, a committee of the board of directors of the Corporation;
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"Business Day" means any day, other than Saturday, Sunday or any statutory holiday in the Province of British Columbia, Canada;
"Canadian Taxpayer" means a Participant liable to pay income taxes in Canada as a result of the receipt of an Award or the settlement thereof or an SPC;
"Change in Control" means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:
(a) a consolidation, merger, amalgamation, arrangement or other reorganization or acquisition involving the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries and another corporation or other entity, as a result of which the holders of Shares prior to the completion of the transaction hold less than 50% of the votes attached to all of the outstanding voting securities of the successor corporation or entity after completion of the transaction;
(b) a resolution is adopted to wind-up, dissolve or liquidate the Corporation;
(c) any person, entity or group of persons or entities acting jointly or in concert (the "Acquiror") acquires, or acquires control (including the power to vote or direct the voting) of, voting securities of the Corporation which, when added to the voting securities owned of record or beneficially by the Acquiror or which the Acquiror has the right to vote or in respect of which the Acquiror has the right to direct the voting, would entitle the Acquiror and/or associates (as defined by securities legislation) and/or affiliates of the Acquiror to cast or direct the casting of 50% or more of the votes attached to all of the Corporation's outstanding voting securities which may be cast to elect directors of the Corporation or the successor corporation (regardless of whether a meeting has been called to elect directors);
(d) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation;
(e) as a result of or in connection with:
(i) the contested election of directors; or
(ii) a transaction referred to in paragraph (a) of this definition of "Change in Control",
the nominees named in the most recent management information circular of the Corporation for election to the board of directors of the Corporation shall not constitute a majority of the Directors; or
(f) the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that a transaction or series of transactions involving the Corporation or any of its affiliates that has occurred or is immanent is a Change in Control, and for purposes of the foregoing, "voting securities" means the Shares and any other shares entitled to vote for the election of directors, and shall include any securities, whether or not issued by the Corporation, which are not shares entitled to vote for the election of directors but which are convertible into or exchangeable for shares which are entitled to vote for the election of directors, including any options or rights to purchase such shares or securities;
"Corporation" means Fury Gold Mines Limited, including its subsidiaries unless the context otherwise clearly requires; "Date of Disability" means the date on which a Participant experiences a Termination Date due to a Disability; "Deferred Annual Amount" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.1(b);
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"Deferred Share Unit" (or "DSU") means a deferred share unit granted in accordance with Section 8.1, the value of which on any particular date shall be equal to the Market Price of one Share, and that represents the right to receive cash and/or Shares equal to the Market Price of one Share on settlement of the Deferred Share Unit;
"Disability" means a medical condition that would qualify a Participant for long-term disability benefits under their applicable benefits plan sponsored or maintained by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation;
"Dividend Equivalents" means the right, if any, granted under Section 15, to receive payments in cash or in Shares, based on dividends declared on Shares;
"DSU Account" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.3;
"DSU Award Agreement" means a written confirmation agreement, in such form(s) as determined by the Corporation from time to time, setting out the terms and conditions relating to a Deferred Share Unit and entered into in accordance with Section 8.2;
"DSU Separation Date" means, with respect to Deferred Share Units granted to a Participant, the date on which the Participant ceases to hold all positions with the Corporation or a corporation related to the Corporation within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) as a result of the Participant's death or retirement from, or loss of, an office or employment for purposes of paragraph 6801(d) of the Regulations under the Income Tax Act (Canada);
"Early Retirement" means, in the case of an employee of the Corporation or any subsidiary, a Participant's resignation from employment with the Corporation or any subsidiary on or after the date that the Participant reaches age sixty (60) and the Participant has at least five (5) years of service in the aggregate with the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries as at the Participant's Termination Date, other than a Retirement;
"Eligible Person" means:
(a) for all Performance Share Units and Restricted Share Units, any director, officer or employee of the Corporation who has not experienced a Termination Date and is eligible to receive Awards or SPCs under the Plan;
(b) for all Options, any director, officer, Service Provider or employee of the Corporation or of UMS who has not experienced a Termination Date and is otherwise eligible to receive Awards under the Plan; and
(c) for all Deferred Share Units, any non-executive director of the Corporation who is eligible to receive Awards under the Plan; and
(d) for all SPCs, a SPC Eligible Person;
"Employer's Contribution" means, in respect of a Participant in an SPC, the amount credited to a Participant's SPC Account each Purchase Period by the Corporation or subsidiary (as applicable), being an amount equal to 25% of the Participant's Contribution for the applicable Purchase Period;
"Grant Date" means the date on which the Award is made to an Eligible Person in accordance with the provisions hereof;
"Holding Period" has the meaning for SPCs ascribed in Section 9.7; "Insider" means an "insider" determined in accordance with the TSX Company Manual in respect of the rules governing Security-Based Compensation Arrangements, as such definition may be amended, supplement or replaced from time to time;
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"Market Purchase" means the purchase of outstanding Shares within the meaning ascribed in Section 9.6(b);
"Market Price", as of a particular date, shall be equal to the volume-weighted average trading price of the Shares for the five (5) trading days immediately preceding such date as reported by the Toronto Stock Exchange, or, if the Shares are not listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, on such other principal stock exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Shares are listed or quoted, as the case may be. If the Shares are not publicly traded or quoted, then the "Market Price" shall be the fair market value of the Shares, as determined by the Board, on the particular date;
"Option" means an option to purchase Shares granted under Section 5.1;
"Option Price" means Market Price as ascribed thereto in Section 5.2(b);
"Participant" means an Eligible Person with outstanding Awards and a SPC Eligible Person with respect of outstanding SPCs, or his or her Personal Representatives or Permitted Assigns, as the context requires;
"Participant's Contribution" means the amount credited to a Participant's SPC Account each Purchase Period out of the Participant's Base Salary, being an amount equal to the Participant's Base Salary multiplied by the Payroll Deduction Rate for that Purchase Period;
"Payroll Deduction Rate" means the percentage of a Participant's Base Salary to be deducted each Purchase Period as the Participant's Contribution, expressed in whole numbers as a percentage that is not less than 1% nor or more than 10% of the Participant's Base Salary;
"Performance Share Unit" (or "PSU")" means a performance share unit granted in accordance with Section 6.1, the value of which on any particular date shall be equal to the Market Price of one Share, and that represents the right to receive cash and/or Shares equal to the Market Price of one Share on settlement of the Performance Share Unit;
"Permitted Assign" means a "permitted assign" as defined in National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus and Registration Exemptions of the Canadian Securities Administrators;
"Person" means any individual, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, syndicate, sole proprietorship, corporation with or without share capital, unincorporated association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other legal personal representative, regulatory body or agency, government or governmental agency, authority or entity however designated or constituted;
"Personal Representative" means:
(a) in the case of a Participant who, for any reason, is incapable of managing its affairs, the Person entitled by law to act on behalf of such Participant; and
(b) in the case of a deceased Participant, the executor or administrator of the deceased duly appointed by a court or public authority having jurisdiction to do so;
"Plan" means this Fury Gold Mines Limited Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time in accordance with its terms;
"PSU Account" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.3;
"Purchase Date" means the fifth Business Day following the applicable Purchase Period or as soon as reasonably possible thereafter; "Purchase Period" means monthly, quarterly or any other regular purchase interval as determined by the Corporation from time to time and communicated to a Participant;
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"PSU Award Agreement" means a written confirmation agreement, in such form(s) as determined by the Corporation from time to time, setting out the terms and conditions relating to a Performance Share Unit and entered into in accordance with Section 6.2;
"PSU Vesting Date" means, with respect to Performance Share Units granted to a Participant, the date determined in accordance with Section 6.4, which date, for Canadian Taxpayers, shall not be later than the date referred to in Section 6.2(b);
"Redemption Date" means, subject to Section 8.5(a), up to three dates elected by the Participant, being the dates on which the Participant delivers a notice of settlement to the Corporation, which shall not be earlier than the applicable DSU Separation Date and which shall not be later than December 15 of the first calendar year that commences after the applicable DSU Separation Date.
"Restricted Share" Unit (or "RSU") means a restricted share unit granted in accordance with Section 7.1, the value of which on any particular date shall be equal to the Market Price of one Share, and that represents the right to receive cash and/or Shares equal to the Market Price of one Share on settlement of the Restricted Share Unit;
"Retirement" means, in the case of an employee of the Corporation or any subsidiary, a Participant's resignation from employment with the Corporation or any subsidiary at any time following the end of the month in which they turn sixty- five (65);
"RSU Account" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 7.3;
"RSU Award Agreement" means a written confirmation agreement, in such form(s) as determined by the Corporation from time to time, setting out the terms and conditions relating to a Restricted Share Unit and entered into in accordance with Section 7.2;
"RSU Vesting Date" means, with respect to Restricted Share Units granted to a Participant, the date determined in accordance with Section 7.4, which date, for Canadian Taxpayers, shall not be later than the date referred to in Section 7.2(b);
"Security-Based Compensation Arrangement" has the meaning ascribed in Section 613(b) of the Toronto Stock Exchange Company Manual, as amended from time to time and shall include:
(a) stock option plans for the benefit of employees, insiders, service providers, or any one of such groups;
(b) individual stock options granted to employees, service providers, or insiders if not granted pursuant to a plan previously approved by the Corporation's security holders;
(c) stock purchase plans where the Corporation provides financial assistance or where the Corporation matches the whole or a portion of the securities being purchased;
(d) PSUs, DSU,s RSUs, stock appreciation rights involving issuances of securities from treasury;
(e) any other compensation or incentive mechanism involving the issuance or potential issuances of securities of the Corporation from treasury; and
(f) security purchases from treasury by an employee, insider, or service provider which is financially assisted by the Corporation by any means whatsoever;
and for avoidance of doubt, includes any such security even if settled in cash.
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"Service Agreement" means any written agreement between a Participant and the Corporation or with UMS, in connection with that Participant's employment, secondment or engagement as a director, officer, consultant or employee or the termination of such employment or engagement, as amended, replaced or restated from time to time;
"Service Provider" means any Person providing valuable services to the Corporation pursuant to a written agreement;
"Shares" mean common shares without par value of the Corporation;
"SPC" means a share purchase commitment for purchase of Shares as agreed between the Participant and the Corporation and as reflected on a SPC Payroll Deduction Form;
"SPC Payroll Deduction Form" means the SPC payroll deduction form in the form of Appendix 2.
"SPC Shares" means Shares purchased on behalf of a Participant pursuant to a SPC;
"SPC Eligible Person" means any of the following individuals:
(a) any director or officer of the Corporation; or
(b) any employee of the Corporation,
provided that the officer or employee has been Actively Employed by the Corporation, any subsidiary for at least three (3) months and has not experienced a Termination Date;
"SPC Account" has the meaning ascribed in Section 9.1;
"subsidiary" a Person is a Subsidiary of another corporation if: (i) it is controlled by (A) that other; or (B) that other and one or more Persons each of which is controlled by that other; or (C) two or more Persons, each of which is controlled by that other; or (ii) it is a Subsidiary of a Person that is that other's Subsidiary;
"Termination Date" means the Participant's last day of Active Employment of office by the Corporation, or any subsidiary or UMS for any reason whatsoever, but in any case (i) regardless of whether the Participant's office or employment is terminated with or without cause, through actions or events constituting constructive dismissal, lawfully or unlawfully, with or without any adequate reasonable notice, or with or without any adequate compensation in lieu of such reasonable notice, and without regard to whether the Participant continues thereafter to receive any compensatory payments or other amounts from the Corporation, any subsidiary or UMS, or in the case of loss of office, failure to be re-appointed, re-nominated or re-elected to such office and (ii) except as may be required by minimum requirements of applicable employment standards legislation, does not include any severance period or notice period to which the Participant might then be entitled or any period of salary continuance or deemed employment or other damages paid or payable to the Participant in respect of his or her termination of employment, and, in the case of both subsections (i) and (ii), whether pursuant to any applicable statute, contract, civil law, the common law or otherwise. Any such severance period or notice period shall not be considered a period of employment for the purposes of a Participant's rights under the Plan;
"Treasury Purchase" means a purchase of previously unissued treasury shares within the meaning ascribed in Section 9.6(b); and
"UMS" means Universal Mineral Services Ltd, the Corporation's shared services provider so long as it is subject to a Shared Services Agreement with the Corporation.
2.2 Headings. The headings of all articles, sections, and paragraphs in the Plan are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of the Plan.
2.3 Context; Construction. Whenever the singular or masculine are used in the Plan, the same shall be construed as being the plural or feminine or neuter or vice versa where the context so requires.
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2.4 Statutes. Any reference to a statute, regulation, rule, instrument, or policy statement shall refer to such statute, regulation, rule, instrument, or policy statement as the same may be amended, replaced or re-enacted from time to time.
2.5 Canadian Funds. Unless otherwise specifically provided, all references to dollar amounts in the Plan are references to Canadian dollars (CAD). Any amounts paid on exercise or in settlement of an Award shall be paid in Canadian dollars.
2.6 Appendices. The following appendices are attached to, forms part of, and shall be deemed to be incorporated in, the Plan:
Appendix |
Title |
Appendix 1 |
Special Provisions Applicable to US Taxpayers |
Appendix 2 |
SPC Participant Deduction Form |
Appendix 3 |
Award Agreement for Stock options, DSU, RSU, PSU |
Appendix 4 |
Form Of Stock Option Exercise Notice |
3. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
3.1 The Plan shall be administered by the Board.
3.2 The Board shall have the power, where consistent with the general purpose and intent of the Plan and subject to the specific provisions of the Plan:
(a) to establish policies and to adopt rules and regulations for carrying out the purposes, provisions and administration of the Plan and to amend or revoke such policies, rules and regulations;
(b) to interpret and construe the Plan and to determine all questions arising out of the Plan and any Award or SPC made pursuant to the Plan, and any such interpretation, construction or determination made by the Board shall be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes;
(c) to determine the time or times when Awards and SPCs will be made, subject to the requirements of applicable securities laws and regulatory requirements;
(d) to recommend to the Board which Eligible Persons should be granted Awards and permitted SPCs, subject to the approval of the Board;
(e) to recommend to the Board the number of Awards and SPCs to be awarded to Eligible Persons, subject to the approval of the Board;
(f) to determine the term of Awards and SPCs and the vesting criteria applicable to Awards (including performance vesting, if applicable);
(g) to determine if Shares which are subject to an Award and SPCs will be subject to any restrictions upon the exercise or vesting of such Award;
(h) to prescribe the form of the instruments relating to the grant, exercise and other terms of Awards including the form or forms of Option Award Agreements, PSU Award Agreements, RSU Award Agreements, DSU Award Agreements and SPC Participant Deduction Forms and all ancillary documents and instruments related to the Plan and Awards; and
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(i) subject to Section 14, to make all other determinations under, and such interpretations of, and to take all such other steps and actions in connection with the proper administration of the Plan as it, in its sole discretion, may deem necessary or advisable.
The Board's guidelines, rules, regulation, interpretations and determinations shall be conclusive and binding upon the Corporation and all other Persons.
3.3 Delegation. The Board may delegate to any committee of the Board, such of the Board's duties and powers relating to the Plan as the Board may see fit, subject to applicable law.
3.4 Use of Administrative Agent. The Board may in its sole discretion appoint from time to time one or more entities to act as administrative agent to administer Awards granted under the Plan and to act as trustee to hold and administer the Plan and the assets that may be held in respect of Awards and SPCs granted under the Plan, the whole in accordance with the terms and conditions determined by the Board in its sole discretion (the "Administrative Agent").
3.5 Limitation of Liability and Indemnification. No member of the Board or a committee of the Board will be liable for any action or determination taken or made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Awards and SPCs granted thereunder and each such member shall be entitled to indemnification by the Corporation with respect to any such action or determination in the manner provided for by the Board or a committee of the Board.
4. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION LIMITS
4.1 Shares Subject to Awards and SPCs. Subject to adjustment under the provisions of Section 11, the aggregate number of Shares to be reserved and set aside for issue upon the exercise or redemption and settlement for all Awards and SPCs awarded or made under this Plan, together with all other Security-Based Compensation Arrangements of the Corporation (other than any securities issued pursuant to Section 613(c) (Employment Inducements) of the Toronto Stock Exchange Company Manual) including those equity-based securities settled for cash (notwithstanding this is not a stock exchange requirement), shall not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares outstanding (on a non-diluted basis) at the time of the granting of the Award or SPC; and provided that the aggregate number of Shares to be reserved and set aside for redemption and settlement for all Deferred Share Units, Restricted Share Units and Performance Share Units granted under this Plan, and all SPCs entered into, shall not exceed 2% in aggregate for each of such type of Award or SPC. For the purposes of calculating the number of Shares that are the subject to the SPC aggregate 2% limit and 30,000 individual limit, the aggregate number of Shares subject to such SPCs shall be the estimated quarterly based on SPCs entered into and in effect, reduced for Shares issued or acquired to satisfy the SPC obligations in that quarter and increased for new SPCs entered into in that quarter.
4.2 Shares Available for Future Grants. Any Shares subject to an Award or SPC which for any reason expires without having been exercised, settled or purchased, or which is forfeited or terminated, shall again be available for future Awards under the Plan.
4.3 Insider Participation Limits. The Plan, when combined with all of the Corporation's other previously established Security-Based Compensation Arrangements, shall not result at any time in:
(a) a number of Shares issued to Insiders within a one-year period exceeding 5% of the issued and outstanding Shares; and
(b) a number of Shares issuable to Insiders at any time exceeding 5% of the issued and outstanding Shares.
4.4 Outside Director Limit. The Plan, when combined with all of the Corporation's other previously established Security-Based Compensation Arrangements, shall not result at any time in (i) a number of Shares issuable to all non- executive directors of the Corporation exceeding 1% of the issued and outstanding Shares at such time, or (ii) a number of Shares issuable to any one non-executive director pursuant to Awards granted within a one-year period exceeding an Award value of $150,000 per such non-executive director; of which the Award value of any Options will not exceed $100,000 and provided that Deferred Share Units granted in lieu of director fees payable on account of a director's service as a member of the Board shall be excluded for purposes of the above-noted limits.
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4.5 No Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued upon the exercise or settlement of any equity based security.
5. OPTIONS
5.1 Grant. Options may be granted to Eligible Persons (including, for greater certainty, executive and non-executive directors of the Corporation) at such time or times as shall be determined by the Board by resolution. The Grant Date of an Option for purposes of the Plan will be the date on which the Option is awarded by the Board, or such later date determined by the Board, subject to applicable securities laws and regulatory requirements.
5.2 Terms and Conditions of Options. Options shall be evidenced by an Option Award Agreement, which shall specify such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as the Board shall determine, including:
(a) the number of Shares to which the Options to be awarded to the Participant pertain;
(b) the exercise price per Share subject to each Option (the "Option Price"), which shall in no event be lower than the Market Price on the Grant Date;
(c) the Option's scheduled expiry date, which shall not exceed five (5) years from the Grant Date (provided that if no specific determination as to the scheduled expiry date is made by the Board, the scheduled expiry date shall be five (5) years from the Grant Date); and
(d) such other terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as the Board shall determine, including customary representations, warranties and covenants with respect to securities law matters.
For greater certainty, each Option Award Agreement may contain terms and conditions in addition to those set forth in the Plan.
5.3 Vesting. Subject to Section 13, unless otherwise determined by the Board in accordance with the provisions hereof, or unless otherwise specified in the Participant's Service Agreement or Option Award Agreement, each Option shall vest as to one-quarter (25%) of the number of Shares granted by such Option on the date of grant and thereafter one-eighth (12.5%) each quarter after the Grant Date of such Option (and in no circumstances shall Options vest at a rate that is faster).
5.4 Exercise of Option. Options may be exercised only to the extent vested. Options may be exercised by the Participant by delivering to the Corporation a notice of exercise, in the form(s) as determined by the Corporation from time to time, or through the Administrative Agent if permitted by the Corporation, in each case, specifying the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised. Payment of the Option Price may be made by one or more of the following methods (or any combination thereof):
(a) in cash, by certified cheque made payable to the Corporation, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, or other instrument acceptable to the Board; or
(b) if permitted by the Board, by a "cashless exercise" arrangement (with a full deduction from the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan), whereby the Participant shall elect to receive either: (i) an amount in cash per Option equal to the cash proceeds realized upon the sale of the Shares by a securities dealer in the capital markets, less the applicable Option Price and any withholding taxes due as a result of the exercise of the Option; or (ii) the net number of Shares remaining after the sale of such number of Shares by a securities dealer in the capital markets as required to realize cash proceeds equal to the applicable Option Price and any withholding taxes due as a result of the exercise of the Option; provided that the transfer cost incurred to sell the Shares will be deducted from the net proceeds payable to the Participant;
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provided that, in either case, the Participant shall pay to the Corporation amounts necessary to satisfy applicable federal and provincial withholding tax and, if applicable, Canada Pension Plan and other statutory deduction requirements pursuant to Section 16.4 or shall otherwise make arrangements satisfactory to the Corporation for such requirements.
No certificates for Shares so purchased will be issued to the Participant until the Participant and the Corporation have each completed all steps required by law to be taken in connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares. The delivery of certificates representing the Shares to be purchased pursuant to the exercise of an Option will be contingent upon receipt from the Participant by the Corporation or the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Corporation, as applicable, of the full purchase price for such Shares and the fulfillment of any other requirements contained in the Option Award Agreement or applicable provisions of laws.
5.5 Termination of Option Due to Termination of Office or Employment or Engagement. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, or unless otherwise provided in the Participant's Service Agreement or Option Award Agreement, if a Participant's office or employment or engagement terminates in any of the following circumstances, subject to Section 13, Options shall be treated in the manner set forth below. In the event that a Participant's Options terminate and are forfeited or expire as set forth below, no amount shall be payable to the Participant in respect thereof as compensation, damages or otherwise (including on account of severance, payment in lieu of notice or damages for wrongful dismissal), except as required to satisfy the Participant's minimum entitlements under applicable employment standards legislation. The Plan may take away or limit a Participant's common law or civil law rights, as applicable, to the Participant's Options and any common law or civil law rights, as applicable, to damages as compensation for the loss, or continued vesting, of the Participant's Options during any reasonable notice period.
Reason for Termination |
Vesting |
Expiry of Option |
Death |
Unvested Options automatically vest as of the date of death. |
Vested Options expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date of the Option and one (1) year following the date of death. |
Disability |
Unvested Options as of the Date of Disability continue to vest in accordance with the terms of the Option |
Vested Options expire on the scheduled expiry date of the Option. |
Retirement and Early Retirement |
Unvested Options continue to vest in accordance with the terms of the Option, subject to compliance with any applicable non-compete and/or non- solicit provisions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant's resignation constitutes an Early Retirement and the Participant commences employment (whether full- time, part-time or otherwise) with any Person or on his or her own behalf at any time on or following the Termination Date without having received prior written consent from the Corporation with respect to such employment, all unvested Options automatically terminate and shall be forfeited immediately on the applicable commencement date. |
Vested Options expire on the scheduled expiry date of the Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant's resignation constitutes an Early Retirement and the Participant commences employment (whether full- time, part-time or otherwise) with any Person or on his or her own behalf at any time on or following the Termination Date without having received prior written consent from the Corporation with respect to such employment, all Vested Options expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date of the Option and three (3) months following the applicable commencement date. |
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Reason for Termination |
Vesting |
Expiry of Option |
Resignation or loss of office or termination of employment |
Unvested Options as of the Termination Date automatically terminate and shall be forfeited on the Termination Date. |
Vested Options expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date of the Option and three (3) months following the Termination Date. |
Termination without Cause - No Change in Control Involved |
Unvested Options automatically terminate and shall be forfeited on the Termination Date. |
Vested Options expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date of the Option and three (3) months following the Termination Date. |
Termination for Cause |
Options, whether vested or unvested as of the Termination Date, automatically terminate and shall be forfeited on the Termination Date. |
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6. PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS
6.1 Grant. Performance Share Units may be granted to Eligible Persons at such time or times as shall be determined by the Board by resolution. The Grant Date of a Performance Share Unit for purposes of the Plan will be the date on which the Performance Share Unit is awarded by the Board, or such later date determined by the Board, subject to applicable securities laws and regulatory requirements.
6.2 Terms and Conditions of Performance Share Units. Performance Share Units shall be evidenced by a PSU Award Agreement, which shall specify such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as the Board shall determine, including:
(a) the number of Performance Share Units to be awarded to the Participant;
(b) the performance cycle applicable to each Performance Share Unit, which shall be the period of time between the Grant Date and the date on which the performance criteria specified in Section 6.2(c) must be satisfied before the Performance Share Unit is fully vested and may be settled by the Participant, before being subject to forfeiture or termination, which period of time, for Canadian Taxpayers, shall in no case end later than November 30 of the calendar year which is three (3) years after the calendar year in which the Grant Date occurs;
(a) the performance criteria, which may include criteria based on the Participant's personal performance and/or the performance of the Corporation and/or its subsidiaries, that shall be used to determine the vesting of the Performance Share Units;
(b) whether and to what extent Dividend Equivalents will be credited to a Participant's PSU Account in accordance with Section 15; and
(c) such other terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as the Board shall determine, including customary representations, warranties and covenants with respect to securities law matters.
For greater certainty, each PSU Award Agreement may contain terms and conditions in addition to those set forth in the Plan and, if applicable, the Appendix. No Shares will be issued on the Grant Date and the Corporation shall not be required to set aside a fund for the payment of any such Awards.
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6.3 PSU Accounts. A separate notional account shall be maintained for each Participant with respect to Performance Share Units granted to such Participant (a "PSU Account") in accordance with Section 16.3. Performance Share Units awarded to the Participant from time to time pursuant to Section 6.1 shall be credited to the Participant's PSU Account and shall vest in accordance with Section 6.4. On the vesting of the Performance Share Units pursuant to Section 6.4 and the corresponding issuance of cash and/or Shares to the Participant pursuant to Section 6.5, or on the forfeiture or termination of the Performance Share Units pursuant to the terms of the Award, the Performance Share Units credited to the Participant's PSU Account will be cancelled.
6.4 Vesting. Subject to Section 13, unless otherwise determined by the Board in accordance with the provisions hereof, or unless otherwise specified in the Participant's Service Agreement or PSU Award Agreement, each Performance Share Unit shall vest as at the date that is the end of the performance cycle (which shall be the "PSU Vesting Date"), subject to any performance criteria having been satisfied.
6.5 Settlement.
(a) Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable PSU Award Agreement, the vested Performance Share Units shall be settled by the Corporation within thirty (30) days after the applicable PSU Vesting Date. On settlement, the Corporation shall, for each vested Performance Share Unit being settled, deliver to the Participant a cash payment equal to the Market Price of one Share as of the PSU Vesting Date, one Share, or any combination of cash and Shares equal to the Market Price of one Share as of the PSU Vesting Date, in the sole discretion of the Board, subject to the Appendix (if applicable). No certificates for Shares issued in settlement will be issued to the Participant until the Participant and the Corporation have each completed all steps required by law to be taken in connection with the issuance of the Shares, including receipt from the Participant of payment or provision for all withholding taxes due as a result of the settlement of the Performance Share Units. The delivery of certificates representing the Shares to be issued in settlement of Performance Share Units will be contingent upon the fulfillment of any requirements contained in the PSU Award Agreement or applicable provisions of laws.
(b) For greater certainty, for Canadian Taxpayers, in no event shall such settlement be later than December 31 of the calendar year which is three (3) years after the calendar year in which the Grant Date occurs.
6.6 Termination of Performance Share Unit Due to Termination of Office, Employment or Engagement. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, or unless otherwise provided in the Participant's Service Agreement or PSU Award Agreement, if a Participant's employment or engagement terminates in any of the following circumstances, Performance Share Units shall be treated in the manner set forth below. In the event that a Participant's Performance Share Units terminate and/or are forfeited as set forth below, no amount shall be payable to the Participant in respect thereof as compensation, damages or otherwise (including on account of severance, payment in lieu of notice or damages for wrongful dismissal), except as required to satisfy the Participant's minimum entitlements under applicable employment standards legislation. The Plan may take away or limit a Participant's common law or civil law rights, as applicable, to the Participant's Performance Share Units and any common law or civil law rights, as applicable, to damages as compensation for the loss, or continued vesting, of the Participant's Performance Share Units during any reasonable notice period.
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Reason for Termination |
Treatment of Performance Share Units |
Death |
Outstanding Performance Share Units that were vested on or before the date of death shall be settled in accordance with Section 6.5 as of the date of death. Outstanding Performance Share Units that were not vested on or before the date of death shall vest and be settled in accordance with Section 6.5 as of the date of death, prorated to reflect the actual period between the commencement of the performance cycle and the date of death, based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period(s) up to the date of death. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining Performance Share Units shall in all respects terminate as of the date of death. |
Retirement and Early Retirement |
Outstanding Performance Share Units that vested on or before the Termination Date shall be settled in accordance with Section 6.5 as of Termination Date. Outstanding Performance Share Units that were not vested on or before the Termination Date shall continue to vest and be settled in accordance with Section 6.5 in accordance their terms, based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period(s) and subject to compliance with any applicable non-compete and/or non-solicit provisions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant's resignation constitutes an Early Retirement and the Participant commences employment (whether full-time, part- time or otherwise) with any Person or on his or her own behalf at any time on or following the Termination Date without having received prior written consent from the Corporation with respect to such employment, all unvested Performance Share Units automatically terminate and shall be forfeited immediately on the applicable commencement date. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining Performance Share Units shall in all respects terminate as of the expiry date of the applicable performance period. |
Disability |
Outstanding Performance Share Units that were vested on or before the Date of Disability shall be settled in accordance with Section 6.5 as of the Date of Disability. Outstanding Performance Share Units that were not vested on or before the Date of Disability shall vest and be settled in accordance with Section 6.5 as of the Date of Disability, prorated to reflect the actual period between the commencement of the performance cycle and the Date of Disability, based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period(s) up to the Date of Disability. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining Performance Share Units shall in all respects terminate as of the Date of Disability. |
Resignation or loss of office |
Outstanding Performance Share Units that were vested on or before the Termination Date shall be settled in accordance with Section 6.5 as of the Termination Date and any outstanding unvested Performance Share Units on the Termination Date shall automatically terminate and be forfeited on the Termination Date. |
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Reason for Termination |
Treatment of Performance Share Units |
Termination without Cause - No Change in Control Involved |
Outstanding Performance Share Units that were vested on or before the Termination Date shall be settled in accordance with Section 6.5 as of the Termination Date. Outstanding Performance Share Units that would have vested on the next vesting date following the Termination Date, prorated to reflect the actual period between the commencement of the performance cycle and the Termination Date, based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period(s) up to the Termination Date, shall be settled in accordance with Section 6.5 as of such vesting date. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining Performance Share Units shall in all respects terminate as of the Termination Date. |
Termination of the Participant for Cause |
Outstanding Performance Share Units (whether vested or unvested) shall automatically terminate and be forfeited on the Termination Date. |
7. RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS
7.1 Grant. Restricted Share Units may be granted to Eligible Persons at such time or times as shall be determined by the Board by resolution. The Grant Date of a Restricted Share Unit for purposes of the Plan will be the date on which the Restricted Share Unit is awarded by the Board, or such later date determined by the Board, subject to applicable securities laws and regulatory requirements.
7.2 Terms and Conditions of Restricted Share Units. Restricted Share Units shall be evidenced by an RSU Award Agreement, which shall specify such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as the Board shall determine, including:
(a) the number of Restricted Share Units to be awarded to the Participant;
(b) the period of time between the Grant Date and the date on which the Restricted Share Unit is fully vested and may be settled by the Participant, before being subject to forfeiture or termination, which period of time, for Canadian Taxpayers, shall in no case be later than November 30 of the calendar year which is three (3) years after the calendar year in which the Grant Date occurs;
(c) whether and to what extent Dividend Equivalents will be credited to a Participant's RSU Account in accordance with Section 15; and
(d) such other terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as the Board shall determine, including customary representations, warranties and covenants with respect to securities law matters.
For greater certainty, each RSU Award Agreement may contain terms and conditions in addition to those set forth in the Plan and, if applicable, the Appendix. No Shares will be issued on the Grant Date and the Corporation shall not be required to set aside a fund for the payment of any such Awards.
7.3 RSU Accounts. A separate notional account shall be maintained for each Participant with respect to Restricted Share Units granted to such Participant (an "RSU Account") in accordance with Section 16.3. Restricted Share Units awarded to the Participant from time to time pursuant to Section 7.1 shall be credited to the Participant's RSU Account and shall vest in accordance with Section 7.4. On the vesting of the Restricted Share Units pursuant to Section 7.4 and the corresponding issuance of cash and/or Shares to the Participant pursuant to Section 7.5, or on the forfeiture or termination of the Restricted Share Units pursuant to the terms of the Award, the Restricted Share Units credited to the Participant's RSU Account will be cancelled.
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7.4 Vesting. Subject to Section 13, unless otherwise determined by the Board in accordance with the provisions hereof, or unless otherwise specified in the Participant's Service Agreement or RSU Award Agreement, each Restricted Share Unit shall vest when all applicable restrictions shall have lapsed (which shall be the "RSU Vesting Date"). Unless otherwise determined by the Board in accordance with the provisions hereof, or unless otherwise specified in the Participant's Service Agreement or RSU Award Agreement, each Restricted Share Unit shall vest no later than November 30th following the third anniversary of the Grant Date.
7.5 Settlement.
(a) Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable RSU Award Agreement, the vested Restricted Share Units shall be settled by the Corporation within thirty (30) days after the applicable RSU Vesting Date. On settlement, the Corporation shall, for each vested Restricted Share Unit being settled, deliver to the Participant a cash payment equal to the Market Price of one Share as of the RSU Vesting Date, one Share, or any combination of cash and Shares equal to the Market Price of one Share as of the RSU Vesting Date, in the sole discretion of the Board, subject to the Appendix (if applicable). No certificates for Shares issued in settlement will be issued to the Participant until the Participant and the Corporation have each completed all steps required by law to be taken in connection with the issuance of the Shares, including receipt from the Participant of payment or provision for all withholding taxes due as a result of the settlement of the Restricted Share Units. The delivery of certificates representing the Shares to be issued in settlement of Restricted Share Units will be contingent upon the fulfillment of any requirements contained in the RSU Award Agreement or applicable provisions of laws.
(b) For greater certainty, for Canadian Taxpayers, in no event shall such settlement be later than December 31 of the calendar year which is three (3) years after the calendar year in which the Grant Date occurs.
7.6 Termination of Restricted Share Unit Due to Termination of Employment or Engagement. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, or unless otherwise provided in the Participant's Service Agreement or RSU Award Agreement, if a Participant's employment or engagement terminates in any of the following circumstances, Restricted Share Units shall be treated in the manner set forth below. In the event that a Participant's Restricted Share Units terminate and/or are forfeited as set forth below, no amount shall be payable to the Participant in respect thereof as compensation, damages or otherwise (including on account of severance, payment in lieu of notice or damages for wrongful dismissal), except as required to satisfy the Participant's minimum entitlements under applicable employment standards legislation. The Plan may take away or limit a Participant's common or civil law rights, as applicable, to the Participant's Restricted Share Units and any common or civil law rights, as applicable, to damages as compensation for the loss, or continued vesting, of the Participant's Restricted Share Units during any reasonable notice period.
Reason for Termination |
Treatment of Restricted Share Units |
Death |
Outstanding Restricted Share Units that were vested on or before the date of death shall be settled in accordance with Section 7.5 as of the date of death. Outstanding Restricted Share Units that were not vested on or before the date of death shall vest and be settled in accordance with Section 7.5 as of the date of death, prorated to reflect the actual period between the Grant Date and the date of death. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining Restricted Share Units shall in all respects terminate as of the date of death. |
Retirement and Early Retirement |
Outstanding Restricted Share Units that were vested on or before the Termination Date shall be settled in accordance with Section 7.5 as of the Termination Date. Outstanding Restricted Share Units that were not vested on or before the Termination Date shall continue to vest and be settled in accordance with Section 7.5, subject to compliance with any applicable non-compete and/or non-solicit provisions, in accordance with their terms. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant's resignation constitutes an Early Retirement and the Participant commences employment (whether full-time, part-time or otherwise) with any Person or on his or her own behalf at any time on or following the Termination Date without having received prior written consent from the Corporation with respect to such employment, all unvested Restricted Share Units automatically terminate and shall be forfeited immediately on the applicable commencement date. |
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Reason for Termination |
Treatment of Restricted Share Units |
Disability |
Outstanding Restricted Share Units that were vested on or before the Date of Disability shall be settled in accordance with Section 7.5. Outstanding Restricted Share Units with a Grant Date after March 22, 2016 that were not vested on or before the Date of Disability shall vest and be settled in accordance with Section 7.5 as of the Date of Disability, prorated to reflect the actual period between the Grant Date and the Date of Disability. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining Restricted Share Units shall in all respects terminate as of the Date of Disability. |
Resignation or Loss of Office |
Outstanding Restricted Share Units that were vested on or before the Termination Date shall be settled in accordance with Section 7.5 as of the Termination Date and any outstanding unvested Restricted Share Units on the Termination Date shall automatically terminate and be forfeited on the Termination Date. |
Termination without Cause -No Change in Control Involved |
Outstanding Restricted Share Units that were vested on or before the Termination Date shall be settled in accordance with Section 7.5 as of the Termination Date. Outstanding unvested Restricted Share Units that would have vested on the next vesting date following the Termination Date, shall vest and be settled in accordance with Section 7.5 as of such vesting date, prorated to reflect the actual period between the Grant Date and the Termination Date. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining unvested Restricted Share Units shall in all respects terminate and be forfeited as of the Termination Date. |
Termination of the Participant for Cause |
Outstanding Restricted Share Units (whether vested or unvested) shall automatically terminate and be forfeited on the Termination Date. |
8. DEFERRED SHARE UNITS
8.1 Grant.
(a) Discretionary Deferred Share Units. Deferred Share Units may be granted to Eligible Persons at such time or times as shall be determined by the Board by resolution. The Grant Date of a Deferred Share Unit for purposes of the Plan will be the date on which the Deferred Share Unit is awarded by the Board, or such later date determined by the Board, subject to applicable securities laws and regulatory requirements.
(b) Mandatory or Elective Deferred Share Units. In addition to the foregoing, on fixed dates established by the Board and subject to such terms and conditions and other procedures as the Board shall determine, the Board may require a non-executive director of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation to defer, or may permit such Person to elect to defer, receipt of all or a portion of his or her annual directors' retainer, committee chairperson retainer and committee members retainer, payable on account of his or her services as a member of the Board (which amount shall not include Board or committee meeting fees or special remuneration for ad hoc services rendered to the Board) (the "Deferred Annual Amount"), and receive in lieu thereof an Award of Deferred Share Units equal to the greatest whole number which may be obtained by dividing (i) the amount of the Deferred Annual Amount, by (ii) the Market Price of one Share as of the date on which the Deferred Annual Amount would otherwise have been paid. For elective Deferred Share Units, the form of election shall be in such form(s) as determined by the Corporation from time to time.
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8.2 Terms and Conditions of Deferred Share Units. Deferred Share Units shall be evidenced by a DSU Award Agreement, which shall specify such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as the Board shall determine, including:
(a) the number of Deferred Share Units to be awarded to the Participant;
(b) for Deferred Share Units awarded under Section 8.1(a):
(i) the period of time between the Grant Date and the date on which the Deferred Share Unit is fully vested and may be settled by the Participant, before being subject to forfeiture or termination, subject to Section 8.5(b) for Canadian Taxpayers;
(ii) any performance criteria, which may include criteria based on the Participant's personal performance and/or the financial performance of the Corporation and/or its subsidiaries, that may be used to determine the vesting of the Deferred Share Units (if applicable); and
(iii) such other terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as the Board shall determine, including customary representations, warranties and covenants with respect to securities law matters;
(c) in the case of Deferred Share Units awarded to a Canadian Taxpayer, such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the requirements of paragraph 6801(d) of the Regulations under the Income Tax Act (Canada); and
(d) in the case of Deferred Share Units awarded to a US Taxpayer, such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the requirements of US Code Section 409A (as defined in the Appendix).
For greater certainty, each DSU Award Agreement may contain terms and conditions in addition to those set forth in the Plan and, if applicable, the Appendix. No Shares will be issued on the Grant Date and the Corporation shall not be required to set aside a fund for the payment of any such Awards.
8.3 DSU Accounts. A separate notional account shall be maintained for each Participant with respect to Deferred Share Units granted to such Participant (a "DSU Account") in accordance with Section 16.3. Deferred Share Units awarded to the Participant from time to time pursuant to Section 8.1 shall be credited to the Participant's DSU Account and shall vest in accordance with Section 8.4. On the vesting of the Deferred Share Units pursuant to Section 8.4 and the corresponding issuance of cash and/or Shares to the Participant pursuant to Section 8.5, or on the forfeiture and termination of the Deferred Share Units pursuant to the terms of the Award, the Deferred Share Units credited to the Participant's DSU Account will be cancelled.
8.4 Vesting. Subject to Section 13, unless otherwise determined by the Board in accordance with the provisions hereof, or unless otherwise specified in the Participant's Service Agreement or DSU Award Agreement:
(a) each Deferred Share Unit awarded under Section 8.1(a) shall vest in accordance with the DSU Award Agreement; and
(b) each Deferred Share Unit awarded under Section 8.1(b) shall immediately vest at the time it is credited to the Participant's DSU Account.
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8.5 Settlement.
(a) The Deferred Share Units may be settled by delivery by the Participant to the Corporation of a notice of settlement, substantially in the form(s) as determined by the Corporation from time to time, acknowledged by the Corporation. The notice of settlement must be delivered to the Corporation by no later than December 15 of the first calendar year following the calendar year in which the DSU Separation Date occurs. In the event that a Participant fails to deliver a proper notice of settlement to the Corporation by December 14 of the first calendar year following the calendar year in which the DSU Separation Date occurs in respect of any outstanding Deferred Share Units, all such Deferred Share Units shall automatically be settled on December 15 of the first calendar year following the calendar year in which the DSU Separation Date occurs, which date shall be deemed to be the Redemption Date for such Deferred Share Units. On settlement, the Corporation shall, for each such vested Deferred Share Unit, deliver to the Participant a cash payment equal to the Market Price of one Share as of the Redemption Date, one Share, or any combination of cash and Shares equal to the Market Price of one Share as of the Redemption Date, in accordance with the applicable notice of settlement. No certificates for Shares issued in settlement will be issued to the Participant until the Participant and the Corporation have each completed all steps required by law to be taken in connection with the issuance of the Shares, including receipt from the Participant of payment or provision for all withholding taxes due as a result of the settlement of the Deferred Share Units. On cash settlement, the Corporation shall withhold from any payment otherwise payable to such Participant any amounts required by any taxing authority to be withheld for taxes of any kind. The delivery of certificates representing the Shares to be issued in settlement of Deferred Share Units or any cash settlements will be contingent upon the fulfillment of any requirements contained in the DSU Award Agreement or applicable provisions of laws.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, all settlements of Deferred Share Units granted to a Participant who is a Canadian Taxpayer shall take place (i) after the DSU Separation Date; and (ii) by December 31 of the first calendar year that commences after such DSU Separation Date.
8.6 Termination of Deferred Share Unit Due to Termination of Engagement. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, or unless otherwise provided in the Participant's Service Agreement or DSU Award Agreement, if a Participant's engagement terminates in any of the following circumstances, Deferred Share Units shall be treated in the manner set forth below:
Reason for Termination |
Treatment of Deferred Share Units |
Death Resignation Termination without Cause - No Change in Control Involved |
Outstanding Deferred Share Units that were vested on or before the DSU Separation Date, as applicable, shall be settled in accordance with Section 8.5. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining unvested Deferred Share Units shall automatically terminate and be forfeited on the DSU Separation Date. |
Termination of the Participant for Cause or Loss of Office |
Outstanding Deferred Share Units (whether vested or unvested) shall automatically terminate and be forfeited on the DSU Separation Date. |
9. SHARE PURCHASE COMMITMENTS ("SPCs")
9.1 Eligibility. Any Eligible Person as of the first day of a Purchase Period may become a Participant in an SPC upon enrolment in accordance with Section 9.2. The Board shall estimate the number of SPCs which any eligible Participant may purchase which shall be within the individual and aggregate limits herein prescribed. Such estimate shall be updated each quarter as SPCs are converted to Shares. Each Eligible Person who ceases to be a Participant and who later becomes a Participant shall be treated as a new Participant for eligibility purposes under the SPC. The Corporation shall maintain an account for each Participant containing all the information required by section 9.5 and Appendix 2 (the "SPC Account").
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9.2 Enrolment. To enroll in a SPC, an Eligible Person shall execute and deliver to the Benefits Representative a payroll deduction authorization form, substantially in the form of Appendix 2 - Payroll Deduction Authorization Form or such other form(s) as prescribed by the Corporation or the Benefits Representative from time to time. Such authorization must specify the Participant's Payroll Deduction Rate selected by the Eligible Person and such other information as is required by the Benefits Representative. Upon receipt by the Benefits Representative, the payroll deduction authorization form shall authorize the Corporation or subsidiary (as applicable) to deduct from the Participant's Base Salary and credit to the Participant's SPC Account the Participant's Contribution authorized by such form.
9.3 Participant's Contributions.
(a) Participant's Contributions by Payroll Deductions. Beginning on the first day of the payroll period in the Purchase Period that next commences after the Participant has delivered his or her payroll deduction authorization form in accordance with Section 9.2, the Corporation or subsidiary (as applicable) shall deduct the Participant's Payroll Deduction Rate from each payment of the Participant's Base Salary and shall credit such amount to the Participant's SPC Account. The Corporation shall have no obligation to pay interest on the Participant's Contributions or to hold such amounts in a trust or in any segregated account.
(b) No Other Participant's Contributions Permitted. A Participant may not make any separate cash payment other than the Participant's Contributions into the Participant's SPC Account.
(c) Continuing Effect of Payroll Deduction Authorization. The deduction and crediting of a Participant's Contributions for a Participant will start on the first day of the payroll period in the Purchase Period that next commences after the Participant has delivered his or her payroll deduction authorization form in accordance with Section 9.2, and shall continue until the first day of the payroll period in the Purchase Period that next commences after the date on which the Participant (i) elects to increase, decrease, suspend, terminate or resume such deductions and credits pursuant to Section (d), or (ii) ceases to qualify as an Eligible Person, and, in each case, subject to Section 9.9.
(d) Changes in Participant's Contributions. A Participant may increase, decrease, suspend, terminate or resume his or her Participant's Contributions under the SPC by giving written notice to the Benefits Representative at such time and in such form as the Corporation or Benefits Representative may prescribe from time to time. Such increase, decrease, suspension, termination or resumption will be effective as of the first day of the payroll period in the Purchase Period that next follows receipt by the Benefits Representative of the Participant's written notice or such other later date as is administratively practicable. A Participant shall be entitled to increase, decrease, suspend, terminate or resume his or her Participant's Contributions no more than two times per calendar year, or three times per calendar year for employees returning from a leave of absence.
(e) Blackout Periods. Notwithstanding any other provision of the SPC, if a Blackout Period is in effect, an Eligible Person subject to the Blackout Period may not enroll in the SPC until after the end of the Blackout Period, and (ii) a Participant subject to the Blackout Period may not increase, decrease, suspend, terminate or resume his or her Participant's Contributions until after the end of the Blackout Period.
9.4 Employer's Contributions. Each Employer's Contribution shall be credited to each Participant's SPC Account at the same time as the Participant's Contribution to which the Employer's Contribution relates.
9.5 SPC Accounts. Each SPC Accounts shall be a separate account shall be maintained for each Participant with respect to the Participant's Contributions, the Employer's Contributions and SPC Shares being purchased by the Participant. SPC Shares awarded to the Participant from time to time pursuant to Section 9 shall be credited to the Participant's SPC Account and are required to be held by the Participant in that account in accordance with Section 9.7. On the forfeiture or termination of the SPC Shares pursuant to the terms of the SPC, the SPC Shares credited to the Participant's SPC Account will be cancelled and, subject to minimum requirements of applicable employment standards legislation, no amount shall be payable to the Participant in respect thereof as compensation, damages or otherwise, including on account of severance, payment in lieu of notice or damages for wrongful dismissal. Interest shall not accrue on cash held in the SPC Account. SPC Accounts may be maintained at banks or registered securities dealers in the Corporation's name in trust for each Participant.
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9.6 Purchase of SPC Shares.
(a) Purchase of SPC Shares on Purchase Date. On the Purchase Date, the Administrator shall aggregate the Participant's Contributions, Employer's Contributions and Dividend Equivalents awarded in respect of SPC Shares held in each Participant's SPC Account and shall use such amounts to acquire SPC Shares for such Participant by way of a Treasury Purchase or a Market Purchase in accordance with this Section 9.6, provided that, in no event shall the number of SPC Shares acquired by any one Participant in any calendar year exceed thirty thousand (30,000) (or such other maximum number of SPC Shares as determined from time to time by the Corporation).
(b) Source of SPC Shares. SPC Shares acquired by the Administrator under the SPC will, at the sole option of the Corporation, either be Shares issued from the treasury of the Corporation (a "Treasury Purchase") or Shares acquired on the open market through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange or the NYSE American Stock Exchange (in each instance, a "Market Purchase").
(c) Price of Market Purchase Shares. The price of Shares acquired through a Market Purchase will be 100% of the average purchase price of the Shares purchased by the Administrator on behalf of the Participants through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange or the NYSE American Stock Exchange, as applicable, on the date that such Shares were acquired by the Administrator pursuant to a Market Purchase. Neither the Corporation nor the Benefits Representative will exercise any direct or indirect control over the price paid for Shares acquired under the SPC. The Administrator will control the time, amount and manner of the purchases of any Shares acquired through a Market Purchase.
(d) Price of Treasury Purchase Shares. The price of Shares acquired through a Treasury Purchase will be a price per Share equal to 100% of the Market Price on the date such Shares are issued.
(e) Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be awarded under the SPC. All fractions will be rounded up to the nearest whole Share.
(f) Direct Registration System. Participants' SPC Shares shall be registered with the transfer agent's direct registration system, without having a physical security certificate issued as evidence of ownership.
(g) Fees and Commissions. The Corporation shall be responsible for all fees and commissions in relation to a purchase of SPC Shares pursuant to the SPC.
9.7 Holding Period. SPC Shares purchased with Employer's Contributions, including Shares acquired on account of Dividend Equivalents awarded in respect of such Shares, may be sold or withdrawn from the Participant's SPC Account following a six (6) month period commencing on the date such Shares are acquired (the "Holding Period"). For greater certainty, SPC Shares purchased with Participant's Contributions, including Shares acquired on account of Dividend Equivalents awarded in respect of such Shares, may be sold or withdrawn from the Participant's SPC Account on the date such Shares are acquired in accordance with the terms of the SPC. Unless otherwise determined by the Board in accordance with the provisions hereof, or unless otherwise specified in the Participant's Service Agreement, SPC Shares acquired under the SPC and Shares acquired on account of Dividend Equivalents awarded in respect of such SPC Shares, shall vest immediately.
9.8 Sales and Withdrawals. Sales and Withdrawals of SPC Shares from SPC Account.
(a) Shares. Subject to compliance with applicable laws, any restrictions as may be prescribed by the Board and communicated to the Participant at least concurrently with execution of Appendix 2, and the Holding Period, Participants are entitled to sell or withdraw some or all SPC Shares held in their SPC Account twice per calendar year (and entirely to the extent paid for, immediately before a Change in Control).
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(b) Sale/Withdrawal Requests. SPC Shares may be sold or withdrawn by the Participant by delivering to the Administrator a notice of sale or withdrawal, in the form and in the manner required by the Administrator from time to time, specifying the number of SPC Shares with respect to which the notice of sale or withdrawal is being delivered. Such SPC Shares will be sold on the Toronto Stock Exchange and/or NYSE American Stock Exchange, as determined by the Administrator, as soon as is administratively practical after receipt of the request. The sale price for such SPC Shares shall be more-or-less the prevailing market price of the Shares at the time of such sale.
(c) Administrative Fees and Commissions. Participants shall be responsible for all fees and commissions in relation to the sale or withdrawal of their SPC Shares, whether the sale or withdrawal was carried out by the Participant or by the Corporation or the Administrator upon the Participant's request.
9.9 Termination of Employment or Office. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, or unless otherwise provided in the Participant's Service Agreement, if a Participant's employment terminates in any of the following circumstances, then notwithstanding the Holding Period in Section 9.7, SPC Shares and any accumulated cash in the Participant's SPC Account shall be treated in the manner set forth below:
Reason for Termination |
Treatment of SPC Shares |
Death |
The Participant's Personal Representative may elect to withdraw or sell all the SPC Shares credited to the Participant's SPC Account as of the date of death, by making an election in the form and in the manner prescribed by the Administrator from time to time. In the event that no such written notice of election is received by the Administrator within 30 days of the Participant's date of death, the Participant's Personal Representative (or such other designated person) will automatically be deemed to have elected to sell the balance of SPC Shares in accordance with Section 9.8(b) as of the 31st day following the date of death. Thereafter, any accumulated cash credited to the Participant's SPC Account as of the date of death will be delivered to, or on behalf of, the Participant as soon as administratively practicable |
Termination for any reason other than death, including a Termination for Cause, Termination without Cause, Retirement, Resignation or Loss of Office |
The Participant may elect to withdraw or sell all the SPC Shares credited to the Participant's SPC Account as of the Termination Date, by making an election in the form and in the manner prescribed by the Administrator from time to time. In the event that no such written notice of election is received by the Administrator within 30 days of the Termination Date, the Participant will automatically be deemed to have elected to sell the balance of the SPC Shares in accordance with Section 9.8(b) as of the 31st day following the Termination Date. Thereafter, any accumulated cash credited to the Participant's SPC Account as of the Termination Date will be delivered to, or on behalf of, the Participant as soon as administratively practicable. |
10. NON-ASSIGNABILITY AND NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF AWARDS AND SPCs
Each Award and SPC is personal to the Participant and may not be assigned, transferred, charged, pledged or otherwise alienated, other than to a Participant's limited Permitted Assigns or Personal Representatives.
11. ADJUSTMENTS
11.1 The number and kind of securities to which an Award or SPC pertains and, with respect to Options, the Option Price, shall be adjusted in the event of a reorganization, recapitalization, stock split or redivision, reduction, combination or consolidation, stock dividend, combination of shares, merger, consolidation, rights offering or any other change in the corporate structure or shares of the Corporation, in such manner, if any, and at such time, as the Board, in its sole discretion, may determine to be equitable in the circumstances. Failure of the Board to provide for an adjustment shall be conclusive evidence that the Board has determined that it is equitable to make no adjustment in the circumstances. If an adjustment results in a fractional share, the fraction shall be disregarded and no amount shall be payable to the Participant in respect thereof as compensation, damages or otherwise.
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11.2 If at any time the Corporation grants to its shareholders the right to subscribe for and purchase pro rata additional securities of any other corporation or entity, there shall be no adjustments made to the Shares or other securities subject to an Award in consequence thereof and the Awards shall remain unaffected. Shares credited to a SPC Account shall be entitled to participate in the subscription right notwithstanding they have not been withdrawn from the SPC Account.
11.3 The adjustments provided for in this Section 11 shall be cumulative.
11.4 On the happening of each and every of the foregoing events, the applicable provisions of the Plan shall be deemed to be amended accordingly and the Board shall take all necessary action so as to make all necessary adjustments in the number and kind of securities subject to any outstanding Award (and the Plan) and, with respect to Options, the Option Price.
12. PRIORITY OF AGREEMENTS
12.1 Priority of Agreements. In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the provisions of a Participant's Award Agreement and the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall prevail with respect to such Participant. In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the provisions of (i) the Plan and/or a Participant's Award Agreement, and (ii) a Participant's Service Agreement, the provisions of the Participant's Service Agreement shall prevail with respect to such Participant unless the terms of the Participant's Service Agreement would either (i) cause a violation of US Code Section 409A in respect of a US Taxpayer (as defined in the Appendix) or (ii) cause the Plan to be a "salary deferral arrangement" as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) in respect of a Participant that is a Canadian Taxpayer, in which case the terms of the Plan shall prevail.
12.2 Vesting and Termination Provisions in Service Agreements. In the event that a Participant's Service Agreement contains provisions respecting the vesting of the dates upon which any or all outstanding Awards shall be exercisable or settled, without regard to whether such Awards have otherwise vested in accordance with their terms, or provisions respecting the expiry, forfeiture and termination of such Awards, the vesting or expiry, forfeiture and termination of such Awards, as applicable, shall be governed by the terms and conditions of the Participant's Service Agreement with respect to such Participant.
13. CHANGE IN CONTROL - TREATMENT OF AWARDS AND SPCs
13.1 Change in Control. Unless otherwise provided in the Participant's Service Agreement or Award Agreement, if a Change in Control shall have occurred and at least one of the two additional circumstances described below occurs, then there shall be immediate vesting of each outstanding Award (with outstanding Performance Share Units vesting based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period(s) up to the effective date of the Change in Control), which may be exercised and settled, in whole or in part, even if such Award is not otherwise exercisable or vested by its terms:
(a) upon a Change in Control, if the surviving corporation (or any affiliate thereof) or the potential successor (or any affiliate thereto) fails to continue or assume the obligations with respect to each Award or fails to provide for the conversion or replacement of each Award with an equivalent award that satisfies the criteria set forth in Section 13.1(b)(i) or Section 13.1(b)(ii); or
(b) in the event that the Awards were continued, assumed, converted or replaced as contemplated in Section 13.1(b)(i), during the two-year period following the effective date of a Change in Control, the Participant is terminated by the Corporation without cause or the Participant resigns for good reason in accordance with the terms of the Participant's Service Agreement, and for purposes of Section 13.1:
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(i) the obligations with respect to each Participant shall be considered to have been continued or assumed by the surviving corporation (or any affiliate thereto) or the potential successor (or any affiliate thereto), if each of the following conditions are met, which determination shall be made solely in the discretionary judgment of the Board, which determination may be made in advance of the effective date of a particular Change in Control and shall be final and binding:
(A) the Shares remain publicly held and widely traded on an established stock exchange; and
(B) the terms of the Plan and each Award are not materially adversely altered or impaired without the consent of the Participant;
(ii) the obligations with respect to each Award shall be considered to have been converted or replaced with an equivalent award by the surviving corporation (or any affiliate thereto) or the potential successor (or any affiliate thereto), if each of the following conditions is met, which determination shall be made solely in the discretionary judgment of the Board, which determination may be made in advance of the effective date of a particular Change in Control and shall be final and binding:
(A) to the extent applicable, each Award is converted or replaced with a replacement award in a manner that qualifies under subsection 7(1.4) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) in the case of a Participant that is a Canadian Taxpayer or that complies with US Code Section 409A in the case of a Participant that is a US Taxpayer on all or any portion of the benefit arising in connection with the grant, exercise and/or other disposition of such Award;
(B) the converted or replaced award preserves the existing value of each underlying Award being replaced, contains provisions for scheduled vesting and treatment on termination of employment (including with respect to termination for cause) that are no less favourable to the Participant than the underlying Award being replaced, and all other terms of the converted award or replacement award (but other than the security and number of shares represented by the continued award or replacement award) are substantially similar to the underlying Award being converted or replaced; and
(C) the security represented by the converted or replaced Award is of a class that is publicly held and widely traded on an established stock exchange.
(iii) each SPC will be deemed to have terminated and any Shares credited to the Participant in the SPC Account shall be forthwith released to the Participant on the earlier of the time immediately before the Change of Control, if the Change of Control, was foreseeable, and immediately after if it was not. The six month hold period obligation pertaining to such Shares shall be deemed waived by the Corporation.
13.2 Change in Control. Notwithstanding Section 13.1, in the event of a Change in Control, the Board shall have the right, but not the obligation, and without the consent of any Participant, to permit each Participant, within a specified period of time prior to the completion of the Change in Control as determined by the Board, to exercise all of the Participant's outstanding Options (to the extent vested and exercisable, including in accordance with the Award Agreement) and to settle all of the Participant's outstanding Performance Share Units, Restricted Share Units and Deferred Share Units (to the extent vested, including in accordance with the Award Agreement) but, in each case, subject to and conditional upon the completion of the Change in Control.
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13.3 Termination of Awards on Change in Control. Subject to and conditional upon completion of the Change in Control event, the Plan and all outstanding Awards, vested and unvested, shall be deemed to be terminated, without further act or formality, except to the extent required under Sections 13.1 and 17.2, if applicable.
13.4 Further Assurances on Change in Control. The Participant shall execute such documents and instruments and take such other actions, including exercise or settlement of Awards vesting pursuant to Section 13.2 or the Award Agreement, as may be required consistent with the foregoing; provided, however, that the exercise or settlement of Awards vesting pursuant to Section 13.2 or the Award Agreement shall be subject to the completion of the Change in Control event.
13.5 Awards Need Not be Treated Identically. In taking any of the actions contemplated by this Section 13, the Board shall not be obligated to treat all Awards held by any Participant, or all Awards in general, identically.
13.6 Canadian Taxpayer. In the case of a Deferred Share Unit held by a Participant that is a Canadian Taxpayer, and subject to any further limitations provided in any Award Agreement, (i) no settlement shall be made to the Participant under this Section 13 prior to the Participant's DSU Separation Date; and (ii) all settlements to such Participant under this Section 13 shall be made by December 31 of the first calendar year that commences after such DSU Separation Date.
13.7 US Taxpayer. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any termination and/or accelerated vesting, exercise, payment or settlement of any Award held by a Participant that is a US Taxpayer (as defined in the Appendix) in connection with a Change in Control shall be made in accordance with, and to the extent permitted by, US Code Section 409A (as defined in the Appendix), to the extent applicable.
14. AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF PLAN AND AWARDS
14.1 Discretion to Amend SPCs and Awards. The Board may amend this Plan and any Awards or SPCs made pursuant to it at any time, provided, however, that no such amendment may materially and adversely affect any Award or SPC previously granted to a Participant without the consent of the Participant, except to the extent required by applicable law (including Toronto Stock Exchange requirements). Any amendment under this Section shall be subject to Toronto Stock Exchange approval where required by its policies. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Board may make the following types of amendments to this Plan or any Awards without obtaining approval of the shareholders of the Corporation:
(a) amendments of a "housekeeping" or administrative nature, including any amendment for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, typographical or like error or omission in this Plan or to correct or supplement any provision of this Plan that conflicts with any other provision of this Plan;
(b) amendments necessary to comply with the provisions of applicable law or the rules, regulations and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange, as they are amended from time to time;
(c) amendments necessary for Awards or SPCs to qualify for favourable treatment under applicable tax laws;
(d) amendments to the definition of Eligible Person or vesting provisions of this Plan or any Award;
(e) amendments of the dates on which participants may become eligible to participate in a SPC, the minimum and maximum permitted payroll deduction rate, the term of a participant's contributions and right to cancel the SPC, the rights of SPC holders of Shares, the rights to sell or withdraw Shares, including any holding period; and
(f) amendments necessary to suspend or terminate this Plan.
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14.2 Amendments Requiring Shareholder Approval. Notwithstanding Section 14.1, amendments to the Plan or Awards to:
(a) with respect to Options, reduce the Option Price, or cancel and reissue any Options so as to in effect reduce the Option Price;
(b) extend (i) the term of an Option beyond its original expiry date, or (ii) the date on which a Performance Share Unit, Restricted Share Unit or Deferred Share Unit will be forfeited or terminated in accordance with its terms, other than in accordance with Section 17.3;
(c) increase the fixed maximum percentage of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan beyond 10% or an increase in category of DSU,PSU,DSU or SPC beyond 2% of the issued and outstanding Shares at the time of grant;
(d) remove or to exceed the insider participation limits set out in Section 4.3 or the non-executive director limit set out in Section 4.4;
(e) revise Section 9 to permit Awards granted under the Plan to be transferable or assignable other than for estate settlement purposes;
(f) any change to the Corporation's contribution to an SPC or increase in the number of shares allowed to be purchased by a Participant within a 12 month period ;
(g) any change in the definition of Market Price; or
(h) delete or reduce the range of amendments which require approval by the shareholders of the Corporation under this Section 14.2,
shall not be made without obtaining approval of the shareholders of the Corporation in accordance with the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange.
14.3 Amendment, Suspension or Discontinuance. No amendment, suspension or discontinuance of the Plan or of any Award may contravene the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange or any securities commission or other regulatory body to which the Plan or the Corporation is now or may hereafter be subject. Termination of the Plan shall not affect the ability of the Board to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
14.4 Tax Provisions. Notwithstanding the foregoing:
(a) no amendment to the Plan shall cause the Plan or Performance Share Units, Restricted Share Units or Deferred Share Units or SPC granted to a Canadian Taxpayer hereunder to be made without the consent of such Canadian Taxpayer if the result of such amendment would be to cause the Performance Share Units, Restricted Share Units or Deferred Share Units to be a "salary deferral arrangement" under the Income Tax Act (Canada); and
(b) no amendment to the Plan shall cause the Plan with respect to Deferred Share Units granted to a Canadian Taxpayer hereunder to cease to meet the conditions of paragraph 6801(d) of the Regulations under the Income Tax Act (Canada) without the consent of such Canadian Taxpayer.
15. DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS
The Board may determine whether and to what extent it is equitable that Dividend Equivalents should be credited to a Participant's PSU Account, RSU Account, DSU Account and SPC Account with respect to Awards of Performance Share Units, Restricted Share Units or Deferred Share Units. Dividend Equivalents to be credited to a Participant's PSU Account, RSU Account or DSU Account and if deemed equitable shall be credited as follows:
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(a) any cash dividends or distributions credited to the Participant's PSU Account, RSU Account or DSU Account or SPC Account shall be deemed to have been invested in additional Performance Share Units, Restricted Share Units, Deferred Share Units, or SPCs as applicable, on the payment date established for the related dividend or distribution in an amount equal to the greatest whole number which may be obtained by dividing (i) the value of such dividend or distribution on the payment date by (ii) the Market Price of one Share on such payment date, and such additional Performance Share Units, Restricted Share Unit or Deferred Share Unit, or SPC as applicable, shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as are applicable in respect of the Performance Share Unit, Restricted Share Unit , Deferred Share Unit, or SPC as applicable, with respect to which such dividends or distributions were payable; and
(b) if any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares or other securities, such Shares and other securities shall be subject to the same vesting, performance and other restrictions as apply to the Performance Share Units, Restricted Share Units, Deferred Share Unit, or SPC as applicable, with respect to which they were paid.
No Dividend Equivalent will be credited to or paid on Awards of Performance Share Units, Restricted Share Units, Deferred Share Units or SPCs that have expired or that have been forfeited or terminated. For avoidance of doubt, all Dividend Equivalents shall be fully credited to a Participant's SPC Account.
16. MISCELLANEOUS
16.1 No Rights as a Shareholder. Nothing contained in the Plan nor in any Award or SPC granted hereunder shall be deemed to give any Person any interest or title in or to any Shares or any rights as a shareholder of the Corporation or any other legal or equitable right against the Corporation whatsoever with respect to Shares issuable pursuant to an Award until such Person becomes the holder of record of Shares.
16.2 No Entitlement to Employment or Office. Nothing contained in the Plan shall confer upon any Participant any right with respect to employment or continued employment or the right to continue to serve as a director or interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or any subsidiary to terminate such employment or directorship at any time and for any reason. The Participant's rights, if any, to continue to serve as an officer, employee, or otherwise of the Corporation or any subsidiary, shall not be enlarged or otherwise affected by his or her designation as a Participant under the Plan. Nothing in the Plan may be construed to provide any Participant with any rights whatsoever to compensation or damages in lieu of notice or continued participation in, or entitlements under, the Plan as a consequence of a Participant's termination of employment (regardless of the reason for the termination and the party causing the termination, including a termination without cause). Participation in the Plan by an Eligible Person is voluntary. The amount of any compensation deemed to be received by a Participant as a result of participating in the Plan will not constitute compensation with respect to which any other employee benefits of that Participant are determined including, without limitation, benefits under any bonus, pension, profit-sharing, termination, severance or salary continuance plan, except as otherwise specifically determined by the Corporation in writing.
16.3 Record Keeping. The Corporation shall main appropriate registers in which shall be recorded all pertinent information with respect to the granting, amendment, exercise, vesting, expiry, forfeiture and termination of Awards and SPCs. Such registers shall include, as appropriate:
(a) the name and address of each Participant;
(b) the number of Awards credited to each Participant's account;
(c) any and all adjustments made to Awards recorded in each Participant's account;
(d) in the case of SPCs, the Participant's SPC Account details including the number of Plan Shares credited, the Participant's Contributions and Employer's Contributions, and
(e) such other information which the Corporation considers appropriate to record in such registers.
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16.4 Income Taxes. As a condition of and prior to participation in the Plan, an Eligible Person shall authorize the Corporation in written form to withhold from any payment otherwise payable to such Eligible Person any amounts required by any taxing authority to be withheld for taxes of any kind, source deductions or other amounts as a consequence of such participation in the Plan, the issuance of any Shares pursuant to the Plan or the settlement in cash and/or Shares of any Awards under the Plan. In addition, as a condition for the exercise of an Option, the Corporation may require a Participant to deliver to the Corporation all or a portion of the taxes, source deductions or other amounts required to be withheld or remitted by the Corporation under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any applicable Canadian provincial taxation statute as a result of the exercise of the Option.
16.5 No Representation or Warranty. The Corporation makes no representation or warranty as to the future market value of any Shares issued pursuant to the Plan.
16.6 Direction to Transfer Agents. Upon receipt of a certificate of an authorized officer of the Corporation directing the issue of Shares issuable under the Plan, the transfer agent of the Corporation is authorized and directed to issue and countersign share certificates for the Shares subject to the applicable Award or SPC in the name of such Participant or as may be directed in writing by the Participant.
17. TERM, EXPIRY, FORFEITURE, TERMINATION AND BLACKOUT PERIODS
17.1 Term of Award. Subject to Section 17.3, in no circumstances shall the term of an Award exceed five (5) years from the Grant Date.
17.2 Expiry, Forfeiture and Termination of Awards. If for any reason an Award expires without having been exercised or is forfeited or terminated, and subject to any extension thereof in accordance with the Plan, such Award shall forthwith expire and be forfeited and shall terminate and be of no further force or effect and no amount shall be payable to the applicable Participant in respect thereof as compensation, damages or otherwise.
17.3 Blackout Periods. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, except as provided in Section 2.2 of the Appendix, if the expiry date or vesting date of an Award, other than a Performance Share Unit, Restricted Share Unit or Deferred Share Unit awarded to a Canadian Taxpayer, as applicable, is (i) during a Blackout Period, or (ii) within ten (10) trading days following the end of a Blackout Period, the expiry date or vesting date, as applicable, will be automatically extended for a period of ten (10) trading days following the end of the Blackout Period. In the case of a Performance Share Unit, Restricted Share Unit or Deferred Share Unit awarded to a Canadian Taxpayer or US Taxpayer (as defined in the Appendix), any settlement that is effected during a Blackout Period in order to comply with Section 14.4 in the case of a Canadian Taxpayer or the Appendix in the case of a US Taxpayer shall (subject to the requirements of applicable law) be settled in cash, notwithstanding any other provision hereof.
17.4 Three Year Term of Plan. In order to continue past the third anniversary of its adoption by shareholders of the Corporation, this Plan must be again approved by Shareholders of the Company by such third anniversary or such more frequent approval as may be required by the Toronto Stock Exchange Corporate Finance Manual.
18. GOVERNING LAW & COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
The Plan shall be construed in accordance with and be governed by the laws of British Columbia and shall be deemed to have been made therein. If any provision of the Plan or an Award or SPC contravenes any law or any order, policy, by-law, rule or regulation of any regulatory body or stock exchange having jurisdiction or authority over the securities of the Corporation or the Plan, then such provision may in the sole discretion of the Board be amended to the extent considered necessary or desirable to bring such provision into compliance therewith. The Corporation is not obligated to issue any Shares or other securities, make any payments or take any other action if, in the opinion of the Board, in its sole discretion, such action would constitute a violation by a Participant, the Corporation or any of its affiliates of any provision of any applicable statutory or regulatory enactment of any government or government agency.
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19. REGULATORY APPROVAL
The Plan shall be subject to the approval of the TSX and where applicable, any relevant regulatory authority whose approval is required. Any Awards granted prior to such approval and acceptance shall be conditional upon such approval and acceptance being given and no such Awards or SPCs may be exercised or shall vest unless such approval and acceptance is given.
20. EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN
The Plan has an effective date of May 18, 2023. Awards granted prior to the approval by shareholders of the Corporation are subject of this Plan are subject to shareholders' approval.
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Appendix 1 - Special Provisions Applicable to US Taxpayers
This Appendix sets forth special provisions of the Plan that apply to US Taxpayers (as defined below) and forms part of the Plan. All capitalized terms, to the extent not otherwise defined herein, shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan.
1. DEFINITIONS
1.1 For the purposes of this Appendix:
"Company Affiliate" means any person, firm or entity with whom the Corporation would be considered a single employer under Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the US Code;
"Disability" of a US Taxpayer with respect to an Incentive Stock Option means "permanent and total disability" as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the US Code;
"Disqualifying Disposition" means any disposition of Shares acquired upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option where such disposition occurs on or before the later of (i) the second anniversary of the Grant Date and (ii) the first anniversary of the exercise of such Incentive Stock Option (or the first anniversary of the date of vesting of such Shares, if initially subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture and no timely and effective election under Section 83(b) of the US Code is made with respect thereto).
"Fair Market Price" shall be equal to the volume-weighted average trading price of the Shares for the five (5) trading days immediately preceding the Grant Date as reported by the Toronto Stock Exchange, or, if the Shares are not listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, on such other principal stock exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Shares are listed or quoted, as the case may be, and in each case the "Grant Date" shall be not earlier than the sixth (6th) trading day immediately following the date the Board resolves to grant the Option. If the Shares are not publicly traded or quoted, then the "Fair Market Price" shall be the fair market value of the Shares as of the Grant Date, as determined by the Board acting in good faith and consistent with the principles of Sections 409A, 422 and/or 424 of the Code, as applicable;
"Incentive Stock Option" means any Option designated and qualified as an "incentive stock option" as defined in Section 422 of the US Code;
"Non-Qualified Stock Option" means any Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option;
"Separation From Service" shall mean, with respect to a US Taxpayer, that his or her employment with the Corporation and any entity that is to be treated as a single employer with the Corporation for purposes of United States Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) terminates such that it is a separation from service within the meaning of United States Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h);
"Specified Employee" means a US Taxpayer who meets the definition of "specified employee," as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the US Code;
"subsidiary corporation" means "subsidiary corporation" as defined in Section 424(f) of the US Code;
"Ten Percent Owner" means a US Taxpayer who, at the time an Award is granted, owns or is deemed to own (by reason of the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of the US Code) shares possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation or any parent or subsidiary corporation, within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the US Code;
"Termination of Employment" and terms of like import shall mean, with respect to a US Taxpayer, a termination of his or her service with the Corporation and any Company Affiliate, whether as an employee or otherwise, which constitutes a "separation from service" within the meaning of and for purposes of United States Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h); "US Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any applicable United States Treasury Regulations and other regulatory guidance thereunder;
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"US Code Section 409A" means Section 409A of the US Code and the regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder;
"US Code Section 409A Award" means an Award that is "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of US Code Section 409A; and
"US Taxpayer" means a Participant who is a citizen or resident of the United States for purposes of the US Code, or whose Awards under the Plan are subject, or would be subject, to taxation under the US Code; provided that a Participant shall be treated as a US Taxpayer solely with respect to those affected Awards
"US Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the rules and regulations thereunder; "US Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, and the rules and regulations thereunder; and
2. INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS
2.1 Incentive Stock Options and Non-Qualified Stock Options. Options granted under the Plan may be either Incentive Stock Options or Non-Qualified Stock Options. Notwithstanding Sections 3.2 and 5.1 of the Plan or any other provision of the Plan arguably to the contrary, Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to an Eligible Person who is an employee of the Corporation or a subsidiary corporation (and not of any other affiliate of the Corporation). To the extent that any Option (or portion thereof) does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, such Option (or portion thereof) shall be deemed a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
2.2 Term of Option. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan arguably to the contrary:
(a) in no circumstances shall the term of an Option exceed five (5) years from the Grant Date or be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the Grant Date; and
(b) in no circumstances shall the term of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Owner exceed five (5) years from the Grant Date or be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the Grant Date.
2.3 Termination of Option Due to Termination of Employment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary: (i) in the event of the Eligible Person's termination of employment due to death or Disability, the Incentive Stock Option shall expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date and one (1) year following the Termination Date, and (ii) in the event of the Eligible Person's termination of employment for any reason other than (A) Disability, (B) for cause, or (C) due to death, the Incentive Stock Option shall expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date and three (3) months following the Termination Date.
2.4 Plan Limit on Incentive Stock Options. Subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan and Sections 422 and 424 of the US Code, the aggregate number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan and which may be made subject to Incentive Stock Options shall not exceed 3,000,000 (inclusive of any Incentive Stock Options issued pursuant to the 2017 Stock Option Plan).
2.5 Annual Limit on Incentive Stock Options. To the extent required for "incentive stock option" treatment under Section 422(d) of the US Code, the aggregate Fair Market Price (determined as of the Grant Date) of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan and any other plan of the Corporation and its parent and subsidiary corporations that become exercisable or vest for the first time by a US Taxpayer during any calendar year shall not exceed US$100,000 or such other limit as may be in effect from time to time under Section 422 of the US Code. To the extent that any Option (or portion thereof) exceeds this limit, such Option (or portion thereof) shall constitute a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
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2.6 Notice of Disqualifying Disposition. By accepting an Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan, the Participant agrees to notify the Corporation in writing promptly after the Participant makes a Disqualifying Disposition of any Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Incentive Stock Option, such notification to include the date and terms of the Disqualifying Disposition and such other information as the Corporation may reasonably require.
3. OPTIONS
3.1 Option Price. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option that is granted to a Ten Percent Owner, the Option Price of such Incentive Stock Option shall not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Price per Share determined as of the Grant Date. For all other US Taxpayers, the Option Price of an Incentive Stock Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Price per Share determined as of the Grant Date. The Option Price of a Non-Qualified Stock Option for all US Taxpayers shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Price per Share as determined as of the Grant Date.
3.2 Method of Exercise of Options. Section 5.4(b) of the Plan shall not be available if the Option being exercised is an Incentive Stock Option.
3.3 Option Award Agreement. The Option Award Agreement for US Taxpayers shall specify whether the Option subject to such Option Award Agreement is an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Qualified Stock Option. If no such specification is made, the Option will be a Non-Qualified Stock Option. None of the Board, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their respective employees or representatives shall be liable to any Participant or to any other Person if it is determined that an Option does not qualify for any intended tax treatment.
3.4 Service Recipient Stock. A Non-Qualified Stock Option may be granted to a US Taxpayer only if, with respect to such US Taxpayer, the Corporation is an "eligible issuer of service recipient stock" within the meaning of US Code Section 409A.
4. PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS AND RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS
4.1 Settlement of Performance Share Units for US Taxpayers. Notwithstanding the timing of settlement described in Sections 6.5 and 6.6 of the Plan, but subject to Section 7.4 of this Appendix, for US Taxpayers, settlements of vested Performance Share Units (and any vested Dividend Equivalents) credited to a US Taxpayer's PSU Account shall in all events take place within 30 days after the earlier of (i) the PSU Vesting Date specified in the PSU Award Agreement and (ii) the date of the US Taxpayer's death, in any case, without regard to receipt of the notice of settlement of Performance Share Units from the US Taxpayer.
4.2 Settlement of Restricted Share Units for US Taxpayers. Notwithstanding the timing of settlement described in Sections 7.5 and 7.6 of the Plan, but subject to Section 7.4 of this Appendix, for US Taxpayers, settlements of vested Restricted Share Units (and any vested Dividend Equivalents) credited to a US Taxpayer's RSU Account shall in all events take place within 30 days after the earlier of (i) the RSU Vesting Date specified in the RSU Award Agreement and (ii) the date of the US Taxpayer's death, in any case, without regard to receipt of the notice of settlement of Restricted Share Units from the US Taxpayer.
5. DEFERRED SHARE UNITS
5.1 Elections for US Taxpayers. Section 8.1(b) of the Plan shall be applied in a manner consistent with United States Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(a). Except as otherwise permitted under such regulation, a US Taxpayer's election to defer a Deferred Annual Amount must be made by the end of the calendar year prior to the calendar year in which services giving rise to the right to payment of such Deferred Annual Amount are to be performed. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, during a US Taxpayer's first calendar year of eligibility in the Plan (as described in United States Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(a)(7)) such US Taxpayer may, within 30 days after becoming eligible to participate in the Plan, elect to receive an Award of Deferred Share Units for such calendar year but solely with respect to compensation to be paid for services to be performed after the date such election is made.
5.2 Distribution Date for Settlement of DSUs Held By US Taxpayers. Notwithstanding the timing of settlement described in Sections 8.5 or 8.6 of the Plan, but subject to Section 7.4 of this Appendix, for US Taxpayers, settlements of vested Deferred Share Units credited to a US Taxpayer's DSU Account shall in all events take place within 30 days after the date of the US Taxpayer's Separation From Service without regard to receipt of the notice of settlement of Deferred Share Units from the US Taxpayer, unless a different fixed settlement date was specified in the applicable DSU Award Agreement at the time of grant of the Deferred Share Units (the "distribution date"). Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan arguably to the contrary (including Sections 11.2 and 13 of the Plan), any acceleration of the vesting of Deferred Share Units held by US Taxpayers will not result in the acceleration of the distribution date for such Deferred Share Units unless permitted under US Code Section 409A.
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5.3 Special Limitation Applicable to Eligible Persons Who Are Both a Canadian Taxpayer and a US Taxpayer. If the Deferred Share Units of a US Taxpayer are subject to tax under the income tax laws of Canada and also are subject to tax under the income tax laws of the United States, the following special rules regarding forfeiture will apply. For greater clarity, these forfeiture provisions are intended to avoid adverse tax consequences under US Code Section 409A and/or under paragraph 6801(d) of the Regulations under the Income Tax Act (Canada), that may result because of the different requirements as to the time of settlement of Deferred Share Units (and thus the time of taxation) with respect to a US Taxpayer's Separation From Service (under US tax law) and his or her DSU Separation Date (under Canadian tax law). The intended consequence of this Section 5.3 of the Appendix is that payments or issuance of Shares to US Taxpayers in respect of Deferred Share Units will only occur if such US Taxpayer experiences both a Separation From Service and a DSU Separation Date. If a US Taxpayer does not experience both a Separation From Service and a DSU Separation Date, including but not limited to the circumstances listed below, such Deferred Share Units shall be immediately and irrevocably forfeited:
(a) a US Taxpayer experiences a Separation From Service as a result of a permanent decrease in the level of services such US Taxpayer provides to the Corporation or a related entity that is considered the same service recipient under US Code Section 409A to less than 20% of his or her past service, but such US Taxpayer continues to provide some level of service to the Corporation or a corporation related thereto within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada); or
(b) a US Taxpayer experiences a Separation From Service as a result of ceasing to be a member of the Board, but such person continues providing services as an employee of the Corporation or a corporation related thereto within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada); or
(c) a US Taxpayer, for any reason, experiences a DSU Separation Date but continues to provide services as an independent contractor such that he or she has not experienced a Separation From Service.
6. SETTLEMENT OF SPC ACCOUNTS
6.1 Termination of Employment. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, including, without limitation, Sections 9.8 and 9.9, if a US Taxpayer's employment terminates and if, pursuant to Section 5.8, settlement of part or all of such US Taxpayer's SPC Account is deferred subject to satisfaction of any applicable Holding Period, such SPC Account will in all events be settled, and any cash or Shares credited to such SPC Account will in all events be distributed, by the next settlement date specified in Section 9.8 or, if earlier, by March 15 of the year immediately following the year in which such cash and/or Shares are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for purposes of US Code Section 409A.
6.2 US Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan arguably to the contrary, all amounts of cash and all Shares attributable to the Employer's Contribution(s) on behalf of a US Taxpayer shall be paid, distributed or otherwise made available to him or her by March 15 of the year immediately following the year in which such amounts and/or Shares are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for purposes of US Code Section 409A. It is intended that a US Taxpayer's interest under the Plan qualify as a short-term deferral that is exempt from US Code Section 409A. The provisions of the Plan and this Appendix shall be construed and administered accordingly.
7. TAXES
7.1 Payment of Taxes. Each US Taxpayer is solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on or for the account of such US Taxpayer in connection with the Plan or any other plan maintained by the Corporation (including any taxes and penalties under US Code Section 409A), and neither the Corporation nor any subsidiary or affiliate of the Corporation shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold such US Taxpayer (or any other Person) harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties.
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7.2 Tax Withholding. A US Taxpayer shall be required to pay to the Corporation or any applicable subsidiary or affiliate thereof, and the Corporation and any such subsidiary or affiliate shall have the right and is hereby authorized to withhold, from any cash or other compensation payable under the Plan, or from any other compensation or amounts owing to the US Taxpayer, the amount of any required withholding taxes in respect of amounts paid under the Plan and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Corporation to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding taxes.
8. MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 Non-Assignability. Notwithstanding Section 10 of the Plan, no Incentive Stock Option or SPC shall be transferable by the Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and all Incentive Stock Options shall be exercisable, and each SPC executory, only during the Participant's lifetime, only by the Participant, or in the case of Stock Options, by the Participant's legal representative or guardian in the event of the Participant's Disability. Section 9 of the Plan shall apply to US Taxpayers with respect to Non-Qualified Stock Options, Performance Share Units, Deferred Share Units and Restricted Share Units to the extent permissible under applicable US securities and other laws and regulatory requirements.
8.2 Amendments. In addition to the provisions of Section 14 of the Plan, to the extent determined by the Board to be necessary or desirable to ensure that Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan are qualified under Section 422 of the US Code, Plan amendments as they relate to or affect US Taxpayers shall be subject to approval by the Corporation's shareholders entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders to the extent such amendments require shareholder approval under Section 422 of the US Code. Without limiting the foregoing, an amendment to increase the aggregate number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan and which may be made subject to Incentive Stock Options as set forth in Section 2.4 of this Appendix must be approved by the Corporation's shareholders within 12 months of adoption of such amendment. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13 of the Plan, no amendment in respect of an Award to a US Taxpayer shall be made without the consent of such US Taxpayer if the result of such amendment would be to cause the Award to violate the requirements of US Code Section 409A or lose the qualification as an "incentive stock option" under Section 422 of the US Code, as applicable. . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 11 of the Plan, no amendment in respect of a US Taxpayer's SPC Account or the distribution or other settlement of such Account shall be effective as to such US Taxpayer without his or her consent if the result of such amendment would be to cause the US Taxpayer's interest in the Plan to violate the requirements of US Code Section 409A
8.3 Duration of Plan for Incentive Stock Options. The Plan is dated for reference May 18, 2023 (the "Adoption Date") and is scheduled to be considered by Shareholders in June 29, 2023 (the "Approval Date"). No Incentive Stock Options may be granted to US Taxpayers under this Plan after the tenth anniversary of the Adoption Date.
8.4 US Code Section 409A. Each Award granted under the Plan is intended to comply with US Code Section 409A or an exemption therefrom, and the Plan, the Appendix and all Award Agreements shall be construed and interpreted consistent with such intent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any Award is determined to constitute a US Code Section 409A Award, such Award will be subject to such additional rules and requirements as specified by the Board from time to time in order to comply with US Code Section 409A. If any provision of the Plan, the Appendix or any Award Agreement contravenes US Code Section 409A or could cause a US Taxpayer to incur any tax, interest or penalties under US Code Section 409A, the Board may, in its sole discretion and without the affected US Taxpayer's consent, modify such provision to: (i) comply with, or avoid being subject to, US Code Section 409A, or to avoid incurring taxes, interest and penalties under US Code Section 409A; and/or (ii) maintain, to the maximum extent practicable, the original intent and economic benefit to the affected US Taxpayer of the applicable provision without materially increasing the cost to the Corporation or contravening US Code Section 409A. However, the Corporation shall have no obligation to modify the Plan, the Appendix or any Award and does not guarantee that Awards will not be subject to taxes, interest and penalties under US Code Section 409A.
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In the case of a US Code Section 409A Award, all payments to be made upon (or on a timeline determined by reference to) a US Taxpayer's Termination Date shall only be made upon such US Taxpayer's Separation From Service, and "termination," "termination of employment" and like terms will be construed accordingly. If a US Taxpayer is a Specified Employee on the date of his or her Separation From Service, then, to the extent necessary to avoid any interest, penalties and/or additional tax imposed pursuant to US Code Section 409A, any amounts payable in respect of a US Code Section 409A Award held by such US Taxpayer that are otherwise required to be made as a result of his or her Separation From Service shall be delayed for the first six (6) months following such Separation From Service and shall instead be paid in a single lump sum within 30 days following the end of such six-month period; provided, that if such US Taxpayer dies during such six-month period, then any payments so delayed shall be paid to such US Taxpayer's estate within 30 days following such US Taxpayer's death; provided, further, that any remaining amounts in respect of the US Code Section 409A Award that are due beyond the six-month period following such US Taxpayer's Separation From Service shall be paid without delay and at the times such payments are otherwise scheduled to be made. Each payment payable in respect of an Award shall be treated as a separate payment in a series of payments within the meaning of, and for purposes of, US Code Section 409A.
The acceleration or delay of the time or schedule of any vesting, exercise, settlement or payment of any Award that is subject to (or would make such Award subject to) US Code Section 409A, whether or not in connection with a Change in Control, is prohibited except as permitted under US Code Section 409A.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Corporation nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates shall have any liability to any Participant or to any other Person if the Plan, the Appendix or any Award Agreement (or any payment or benefit provided with respect to any Award) that is intended to be exempt from or compliant with US Code Section 409A is not so exempt or compliant.
8.5 Priority. Except as specifically provided in this Appendix, the provisions of the Plan and the Participant's Award Agreement shall govern. For Participants who are US Taxpayers, in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the provisions of (i) the Plan and/or a Participant's Award Agreement, and (ii) this Appendix, the terms of this Appendix shall prevail.
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Appendix 2 - SPC Payroll Deduction Authorization Form
(This general form is a guideline may be modified as required)
PERSONAL INFORMATION |
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Last Name |
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First Name |
Middle Name(s) |
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Phone |
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Street Address |
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Cell |
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City |
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Fax |
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State/Province |
Zip/Postal Code |
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SIN# or SSN# |
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Email Address |
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Employee # |
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Date of Employment |
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Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy) |
/ / |
Annual Base Salary (specify currency) |
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Work Site Office |
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CONTRIBUTION INFORMATION |
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Enter Annual Percentage of Annual Base Salary Deductions (%) |
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Percentage Revision #1 (if requested) |
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Employee Initials |
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Percentage Revision #2 (if requested) |
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Employee Initials |
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AUTHORIZATION |
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By signing below, I understand that there are risks associated with the purchase of the Shares and that the securities laws of Canada and the United States may impose certain restrictions on the resale of Shares. I hereby acknowledge that I have been advised by the Corporation to consult with my own legal, financial and tax advisors with respect to the enrolment in the Plan and the entitlement to receive Shares under the Plan and any disposition of shares received under the Plan. I further acknowledge that I am responsible for obtaining such legal, financial and tax advice as I consider appropriate, and I am not relying on the Corporation, or counsel to the Corporation in this regard. Furthermore, I authorize that the above-noted percentage of my annual base salary be deducted by the Corporation, from each pay period, until such time that I request otherwise or am no longer an eligible Participant in the SPC. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE 25% EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION PORTION IS TAXABLE TO ME AND WILL BE REPORTED AS INCOME. |
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Date (mm/dd/yyyy) |
/ / |
Employee Signature |
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Appendix 3- Form of Option, DSU,PSU, RSU Awards Agreement
FURY GOLD MINES LIMITED (the "CORPORATION")- AWARD AGREEMENT
This Award Agreement is entered into between the Corporation and the undersigned person ("Undersigned") in respect of the award by the Corporation of one or more of a Stock Option, RSU, or DSU. This Agreement is subject to the terms of the Long-term Incentive Plan (LTIP) adopted by the Corporation on May 18, 2023 which is subject to ratification by the Corporation's Shareholders.
Summary
1. Undersigned (Award Recipient): Person Who Has Signed this Agreement Below
2. Date of Grant:_______________________
3. Number of: _________________________________Share Options
________________________________ DSUs
________________________________ RSUs
________________________________ PSUs
4. Option Exercise Price: ______per Option Share
5. Option Expiry Date:_________________________
6. Option Vesting: Options vest as to 12 ½% of the Option on the same day of the month every 3 months following the Date of Grant or such other vesting as shall be specified by the Corporation in writing and delivered concurrently herewith. DSU,RSU and PSU shall vest in accordance with their granting terms.
Terms of DSUs, RSUs and PSUs are detailed in the attached schedule A hereto.[Detail grants terms]
To exercise a Stock Option, specifying the number of Optioned Shares it has been instructed to exercise wish to acquire, and deliver a certified cheque, wire transfer or a bank draft payable to the Corporation for the aggregate Exercise Price plus applicable withholding taxes by delivering an executed Appendix 4.
A certificate for the Optioned Shares will be issued by the Corporations transfer agent directly into the name of the undersigned shall direct as soon as practicable thereafter.If the exercise is within the first four months from the Date of Grant, will bear a minimum four month non-transferability legend from the Date of Grant.
Collection of Personal Information. The Undersigned acknowledges and consents to the fact that the Corporation is collecting the Undersigned's personal information for the purpose of filing this Option Agreement. The Undersigned further acknowledges and consents to the fact that the Corporation may be required by the applicable Securities Laws to provide the TSX, NYSE or other regulatory or taxation authorities with any personal information provided by the Undersigned.
By signing this Award Agreement, the Undersigned acknowledges that the Undersigned has read and understands the Plan and agrees to its terms and conditions.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Option Commitment intending it to be effective as of the Date of Grant notwithstanding its later date of execution.
Undersigned ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Address (if other than the address on the records of the Corporation or UMS) |
FURY GOLD MINES LIMITED Per: ___________________________________ |
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Appendix 4 -Form of Exercise Notice of Option
FURY GOLDMINES LIMITED (the "CORPORATION")
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN -OPTION EXERCISE FORM
Part 1: Participant Identification
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Name of Participant Award Recipient |
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Title or Job Description |
Address (if other than per Corporation's records) |
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Office Phone Number |
Social Insurance Number |
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Home Phone Number |
Part 2: Exercise of Share Purchase Option
I hereby exercise the Share Purchase Options to the extent of ________________Shares (in whole or in part), granted to me by Award Agreement dated _____________________________ pursuant to the Long-term Incentive Plan", as it may be amended from time to time (the "Plan") first adopted June 29, 2023.
Purchase Price: CAD$________________(the above number of options @ $____ plus CAD$________________ withholding amount (25% additional to the Purchase Price). The sum of the purchase price and withholding amount is the Total Purchase Price.
Choose one:
□ I hereby tender the Total Purchase Price wire, certified cheque, bank draft or money order payable to or to the order of the Corporation.
□ I hereby authorize the Corporation to arrange the sale of such number of the Optioned Shares on my behalf as is necessary to pay the Total Purchase Price and to remit to me the difference in cash.
The arranged sale of the Shares option is only available if the Award Agreement predates this exercise form by at least four months. The arranged sale will though the facilities of the TSX. No guarantee of minimum sale proceeds is provided to the Undersigned by the Corporation.
I have read and agree to abide by all the terms of the Plan I will comply, to the satisfaction of Corporation with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or securities regulatory authority having jurisdiction over Corporation.
Participant Optionholder Signature
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Dated |
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Signed |
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Signature of Witness |
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[Name Print] |
EXHIBIT 4.2
SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT
Made Effective as of April 1, 2022
Between
UNIVERSAL MINERAL SERVICES LTD.
("UMS")
And
THOSE CORPORATIONS THAT HAVE EXECUTED SCHEDULE "A" HERETO
(each a "Client")
Table of Contents
SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made effective April 1, 2022
BETWEEN:
Universal Mineral Services Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia having a registered office at Suite 1630, 1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2K3
(herein "UMS")
PARTY OF THE FIRST PART
AND:
THOSE MINING COMPANIES WHICH HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON SCHEDULE "A" HERETO
(each herein "Client" and collectively "Clients")
COLLECTIVELY THE PARTIES OF THE SECOND PART
AND WHEREAS the Clients are active in the acquisition, exploration and development of natural resource properties and require the use of shared office premises, as well as certain executive, corporate and project administrative and technical support services (collectively "Services") on a minimum regular and increased, as-needed, basis from time-to-time;
WHEREAS the Clients collectively own UMS and intend that Services be provided on a transparent, effective and full-cost recovery basis notwithstanding these arrangements are entered into on a non-arms-length basis;
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
PART 1
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Where used in this Agreement the following capitalized terms have the ascribed meanings:
(a) "Annual Budget" means a written budget of operating and capital Costs to be prepared by UMS management for the ensuing calendar year to be presented to the UMS Board and Client Boards before December 15 and adopted by the UMS Board with or without changes no later than January 15 of the following calendar year (except for the 2022 Annual Budget which shall be done as soon as practicable after execution hereof). The Annual Budget shall reflect Part 3 and Part 4 hereof; (b) "Board" means the board of (or sole) director(s) of UMS or the board of directors of a Client as the context requires as such Board as it is from time to time legally elected or appointed;
(c) "Cash Deposit" means an amount of cash determined in accordance with Part 4 which each Client will provide to UMS on execution hereof (if not already provided) to secure up to approximately three months of its anticipated monthly Fees;
(d) "Charges" means the Cost of third party charges and invoices applicable to individual Client activities which are not part of the shared costs and activities, plus a reasonable administrative Fee if additional Services are required to negotiate, implement, monitor, account for or otherwise control the Charges;
(e) "Costs" means costs, expenses and outlays of every kind or nature, paid or incurred and including, without double counting, amortization and depreciation of Costs incurred to acquire depreciable equipment, leasehold improvements and other assets.
(f) "Fees" means the amount invoiced by UMS to each Client monthly for Fixed Cost Fees and Variable Cost Fees;
(g) "Fixed Costs"- means the Costs and expenses for shared premises, equipment and the portion of Secondment Fees which are more or less fixed and/or predictable and which shall be estimated for each Client in the Annual Budget separately for seconded personnel, premises, equipment and miscellaneous costs;
(h) "Fixed Cost Fees" means the Fees that are Invoiced monthly to each Client based on its monthly share of Fixed Costs in the Annual Budget subject to quarterly review;
(i) "Invoice" means a detailed monthly request for payment of Fees and Charges by UMS to each Client which is to be signed by UMS and which is due on delivery;
(j) "Secondment Agreement(s)" means the written agreement of secondment, substantially in the form attached hereto as Schedule B, to be executed by each of UMS, the relevant Client and the seconded individual at the commencement of the secondment;
(k) "Secondment Fees" means the portion of Fees which relate to each Secondment and shall be estimated as to the Fixed Cost portion and Variable Cost portion in the Annual Budget;
(l) "UMS Share" means a redeemable, retractable, voting share in the authorized capital of UMS 100% of which are to be owned by the Clients; (m) "Variable Costs" means the Costs which are more or less variable and not easily predictable and which shall be estimated as a range for each Client in the Annual Budget separately for personnel, premises, equipment and miscellaneous costs;
(n) "Variable Cost Fees" means the Fees that are Invoiced monthly to each Client based on time records and other indicia of actual usage by each Client;
PART 2
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY UMS
2.1 During the term of this Agreement UMS shall provide each Client (including its affiliates) with Services of the following kinds on a non-exclusive basis, and each Client will commit to engage UMS to provide such Services in accordance with the Annual Budget:
(a) more or less shared, equal availability to use UMS's business premises to be located at Suite 1630, 1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2K3 Vancouver, British Columbia, with generally equal access to the reception area, the boardroom, recorded interview room, and occasional use of individual personnel offices as may be available and agreed to from time to time (provided that the Costs related to any office area that is dedicated to a single Client shall be a reasonably allocated pro rata Cost to that Client only);
(b) reception area access, office maintenance and cleaning;
(c) geological, technical, accounting, disclosure, SEDAR and EDGAR filing and other administrative Services both on a regular and on an as-needed basis;
(d) use of office equipment including telephone systems, photocopying, telecopier and computers, and other equipment;
(e) use of geological equipment when utilized by UMS geological staff in performing the Services;
(f) corporate and project communication and outreach;
(g) other Services as the parties may from time to time agree.
2.2 UMS will offer the Services of qualified individuals who are willing and able to fulfill some the required management roles of a Client through the Secondment Agreements. For avoidance of doubt, each Client however is free at anytime to appoint alternative (non-UMS affiliated) management without breaching this Agreement however no adjustment to the Fixed Cost Fees (as contemplated by Part 3) will result from appointing alternative management or advisory personnel for the remainder of the period which is longer of the minimum notice period under Part 9 and the completion date of that year's Annual Budget.
2.3 Administrative Services to each Client may include all or any of the following Services as each Client and UMS shall agree form time to time: bookkeeping, financial statement preparation and MD&A drafting Services in connection with quarterly filings, material change reports and other disclosure filings on SEDAR and EDGAR. Accounting Services shall be overseen by one or more experienced, credentialed accountants as UMS may have on staff or retain.
2.4 Technical Services will include advice from one or more credentialed professional geologists or other qualified persons as UMS may have on staff or retain.
2.5 Legal Services will include assistance with negotiations, agreement reviews and disclosure matters from one or more credentialed professional lawyers who are members in good standing of the Law Society of British Columbia it being agreed however that each Pubco will continue to retain one or more outside law firm for formal opinions, litigation, mergers and acquisitions and other major transactions;
2.6 Each Client shall remain responsible for approving all disclosures, whether technical, financial or other. While UMS may provide advice to a Client it does not hereby assume any responsibility or liability for the disclosures made by the Client except for any proven loss resulting due from any gross negligence or wilful misconduct of UMS which is either admitted by it or determined by a Court of competent jurisdiction.
2.7 Nothing herein restricts a Client from retaining its own personnel to perform any function and UMS will negotiate in good faith to tailor its Services in manner that dovetails with each Client's use of its own personnel.
2.8 UMS will not concurrently herewith provide to the public any tax, legal, or engineering advice or Services or any other Services which requires UMS' membership or registration in a professional society or governmental or any securities commission or other regulatory authority licence or registration. Individual staff members or contractors to UMS may provide professional services where they are qualified to do so and UMS will invoice for such services.
PART 3
FEES AND CHARGES
3.1 Each Client shall pay a monthly Invoice for Fees and Charges related to Services provided by UMS and third parties retained through UMS. Charges shall be as incurred by UMS on behalf of a Client in accordance with a written or verbal request or the prevailing Annual Budget. Fees and Charges shall be invoiced by UMS on a monthly basis with reasonable detail of the basis of the Fees and Charges.
3.2 Fixed Cost Fees and Variable Cost Fees and the three-month Cash Deposit will be based on the Annual Budget. The Annual Budget will allocate the Fixed Cost Fees amongst the Clients and shall thereupon become legal obligations of each Client for the remainder of that Annual Budget or the notice period under Part 9 and Part 10. The Annual Budget will also establish an estimated range of Variable Cost Fees expected to be used by each Client for the ensuing calendar year. The parties acknowledge that Variable Cost Fees are inherently uncertain and may be subject to adjustment and re-estimation in the course of a calendar year and shall be invoiced on a time record or method which fairly reflects a Client's actual usage.
3.3 Fees will be set to reflect a full-cost-recovery basis of the UMS personnel involved in providing the Services and reasonable UMS overhead costs including fees of its management and director(s). Applicable employment benefits and other overheads shall be included and may include a reasonable portion for stand-by costs of employing such personnel. Charges for formally seconded personnel shall be allocated to the Clients based on the compensation required by their Executive Employment Agreements with UMS.
3.4 Charges will be the actual amount of third party charge ("Charges")for a Client plus a reasonable administrative charge if UMS administrative costs are not already covered by the time spent. The monthly Charges will be described in reasonable detail in the invoice, including, where applicable, prepaid amounts, credits and deposits. Each Client shall be promptly furnished with further support for Charges on reasonable request made of UMS.
3.5 Monthly Client invoices will be timely issued (recognizing Client reporting obligations) and shall reflect arrears costs for the previous month including for each Client, the sum of such Client's share of Fixed Costs based on the Annual Budget, the allocated Variable Costs and third party Charges for that Client in the preceding month.
3.6 UMS may elect not prepay Charges and recover them in in arrears but may require the Client to advance the amount of any third party Charges which the Client requests be incurred.
3.7 The Annual Budget will include for each Client an estimate of its anticipated share of annual Fixed Costs by month, an estimate of secondment and other personnel time allocations which may include both Fixed Cost and Variable Cost portions, and an expected range of other Variable Costs. These Fixed Cost and Variable Cost amounts will be reviewed quarterly and adjusted based on actual experience including the actual time records of the previous quarter and personnel time requirement estimates for the current quarter. It is understood this process is intended to be an annual budgeting process reviewed quarterly. Annual Budget Costs will reflect:
(a) The Costs of personnel required to meet anticipated business activity levels of each Client with a reasonable additional level of personnel to allow for increased activity surges and reasonable redundancy;
(b) the extent to which a Client may retain personnel and other service providers or has premises separate from the UMS premises;
(c) the complexity of a Client's operations, funding availability and plans for activity;
(d) time needed to deal with investor or regulatory requests for information;
(e) such other factors as UMS may agree with each Client for the ensuing quarter, provided that other Clients are advised of and do not object to the financial arrangements to deal with such other identified factors.
3.8 Fixed Cost Fees may be changed during the year on notice by UMS in the event UMS' Fixed Costs materially change and it is not the intention of the parties that the Annual Budget represents a legal or enforceable commitment by UMS to deliver Services within the estimated budgeted amounts. Variable Cost Fees will vary based on anticipated and actual usage of Services either in excess of historical experience or in the event a greater or lesser number of other Clients are using Services resulting in increased costs or economies of scale. Fees will also vary based on the number of Clients which are parties hereto and accordingly may increase or decrease for that reason alone.
3.9 Fees for personnel Services shall be tracked on a per hour or per diem basis for each activity for each Client using an open-book time recording system open to each Client.
3.10 Each Client agrees to promptly pay UMS invoices and to promptly advance funds against written cash calls for Charges, particularly larger dollar items and exploration work programs. UMS will advise what is required by UMS to pay for or secure third party services, to secure equipment, contractors, deposits and the like or else may have the Client make arrangement directly with third parties. Each Client agrees to guarantee all third party obligations which UMS assumes into as agent on behalf of such Client at its direction or with its knowledge or consent.
PART 4
CASH DEPOSITS FOR COMMITTED AND ANTICIPATED SERVICES
4.1 Each Client shall after execution hereof and upon receiving an Invoice pay to UMS a cash deposit ("Deposit") calculated as up to three months Fixed Fees and up to three months of estimated Variable Fees (net of any unused deposit which such Client has already paid to UMS for Services before the date hereof). UMS shall retain the Cash Deposit with its general working capital. Cash Deposit amounts will be retained and the unused portion returned only upon termination hereof.
4.2 The Cash Deposit requirement may change following quarterly budget reviews and upon Clients joining and leaving the group. The parties intend that UMS shall never be obliged to borrow from any third parties, or become insolvent. UMS will give each Client reasonable notice of any change in its costs or requirements (in addition to inviting the Client to have its director or other representative at the quarterly review and Annual Budget discussions). A new Client will be invoiced for a Cash Deposit upon executing a counterpart of this Agreement. Upon termination of this Agreement with a Client, and in accordance with Part 9, the balance of the deposit after deduction of outstanding Fees, Charges or the share of Lease liability under Part 10, shall be refunded to the Client within 30 days of termination.
4.3 If UMS is requested to assist in the implementation of a Client's exploration or other work program and is required to make third party payments as part of its Services, UMS and the relevant Client shall negotiate an additional Cash Deposit amount reflective of the additional costs, risks and obligations UMS is expected to incur or assume in providing such Services or arranging Charges. UMS does not assume responsibility for the performance by any third party retained at the request of a Client.
4.4 The parties acknowledge that the Cash Deposit may include an amount for leasehold improvements.
PART 5
UMS GRANTS OF OPTIONS TO PURCHASE CLIENT SHARES
5.1 Each Client agrees that it will adopt an incentive option plan ("Plan") which conforms with stock exchange requirements. Each Client will grant to UMS in connection with its Seconded and non-seconded personnel, a reasonable number of shares in its Plan including for any directors, employees and staff of UMS based on the general amount of time and contribution of such staff member to the Client (and recognizing that some personnel may already hold options based on direct relationships or Secondments with the Client). The intention of the parties is that the Clients shall grant options to UMS which it will use to incentivize and compensate UMS personnel in order to help reduce the cash costs of Services to the Clients.
5.2 Each UMS employee or contractor must qualify as "service provider" to the relevant Client as contemplated by regulatory policy. Each service provider will on request of a Client execute a written acknowledgment as a service provider which may describe such service provider's duties and acknowledge his/her obligations of good faith performance of Services, confidentiality about a Client's non-public information and non-competition with each Client. The allocation of options to UMS for the benefit of its staff is understood to constitute an important portion of a service provider's income from UMS. Service providers who handle non-public information may be deemed by a Client to be in a special relationship with each Client and be obligated to file insider reports as a "reporting insider" of that Client. As required by applicable regulatory rules, management and directors of UMS will also be deemed to be reporting insiders of each Client. UMS and each Client will in consultation with such persons determine if they are obligated to file insider reports.
5.3 Secondment Agreement provisions may include other specific provisions related to stock options granted to UMS for the benefit of a seconded individual. UMS shall grant options to its employees on an "umbrella basis", meaning on a non-arms-length basis, substantially back-to- back mirror image grants of the options granted to UMS by the Clients which may contain specifically negotiated terms and conditions related to individual Secondees and general grants for UMS employees contemplated by section 5.4.
5.4 UMS and the Clients shall also negotiate the grant of share purchase options to UMS that may form a general incentive pool of options to reward UMS staff members whose contributions to the Clients s may be indirect. This pool will be established so that all UMS personnel will enjoy some share in the success of each Client in order to recognize that each UMS staff member contributes to the overall success of the arrangements contemplated hereby. UMS shall retain sole control over any options granted pursuant to this paragraph in regards to allocating participation and being solely entitled to determine the timing of exercise and distribution of benefits.
PART 6
ADDITIONAL RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF UMS
6.1 UMS agrees to carry out its advisory, administrative and operating activities hereunder in a competent and workmanlike manner for each Client, in good faith with a view to the best interests of each Client. UMS will avoid any situations which could lead to or cause a conflict of interest with, or between Clients. UMS will immediately report to each Client affected, any circumstances that it believes has created or could give rise to a conflict of interest between itself and any Client or between any Clients.
6.2 UMS shall take reasonable precautions to ensure that only authorized personnel of UMS and each Client are provided with confidential information respecting the business affairs, exploration results and properties of that Client. UMS shall limit access to information respecting exploration developments to its own staff on a need-to-know basis and shall ensure that its personnel acknowledge the need to protect confidentiality of information respecting each Client which is developed by or comes into the possession of UMS. UMS shall generally maintain confidentiality of each Client's affairs and shall take reasonable precautions to protect the integrity and security of information developed for each Client.
6.3 UMS shall not be in the business of seeking mineral project opportunities for its own account. UMS shall not compete with a Client for resource property interests and will not acquire any interest in any property of a Client or one reasonably related to an existing property or prospect or one which can reasonably be said to be derived from any property of such Client either for itself or for another Client.
6.4 Mineral property prospects and opportunities which come to the attention of UMS personnel shall be communicated to the Client(s) which UMS believes in good faith are or may be entitled to the prospect or opportunity. In the case where the opportunity was received by UMS as a result of the provision of any Services by UMS to that Client(s) it shall prima facie be considered that Client's opportunity. Each Client acknowledges that UMS is expected to be regularly exposed to resource property opportunities in the ordinary course and may receive resource property prospects and opportunities as a consequence of the Services that it provides and therefore agrees that any dispute between Clients about the best claim to ownership of a prospect or opportunity shall not involve UMS except to provide evidence or testimony if UMS has disclaimed any interest in the prospect or opportunity.
6.5 Each Client also acknowledges that UMS may receive unsolicited proposals and opportunities from sources wholly unrelated to any Client and the Services provided hereunder and that those opportunities are acknowledged by each Client to be the sole property of UMS which may transfer them to any Client or third party as the UMS Board determines in its sole discretion unless after 10 days email notice to the Client's, the Clients otherwise determine by unanimous agreement.
6.6 UMS shall be responsible to pay the premises lease costs and the costs of all office equipment as well as the salaries and benefits of all UMS personnel providing the Services. UMS shall not though its provision of Services or actions encumber any property or asset owned by a Client.
6.7 UMS shall maintain premises and a reasonable level of general business liability insurance commensurate with its operations.
6.8 UMS shall conduct its business and perform the Services in compliance with all applicable laws and good industry practices.
6.9 UMS shall annually provide to each Client Board-approved copies of financial statements for UMS along with reasonable information about variances for that calendar year's Annual Budget.
6.10 All Clients hereby further severally agree that UMS will be indemnified by them for all Costs UMS incurs in implementing an Annual Budget (inclusive of overruns) and for all Costs incurred by UMS in good faith in connection with urgent, circumstances not unanticipated in the Annual Budget process. Each Client will bear its share of such additional Costs equitably based on its approximate share of Fixed Costs and Variable Costs at the time the unanticipated Cost arose. For avoidance of doubt, this obligation to indemnify does not apply to any claim, suit or damages award against UMS occasioned by UMS gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
PART 7
OWNERSHIP OF UMS
7.1 UMS shall be owned by the Clients, with each Client entitled to own one UMS Share or such number of UMS Shares as the Clients may otherwise unanimously agree.
7.2 Each Client will subscribe for one UMS Share for a price of $1,000 upon execution hereof. Clients executing a counterpart hereof in future will concurrently subscribe for one UMS Share at that time.
7.3 Upon termination of this Agreement between UMS and a Client for any reason, such Client shall retract its common share back to UMS for $1,000 within 10 days failing which UMS may redeem it for $1.
7.4 Each Client agrees to vote its UMS Shares and take any other actions necessary to keep elected a UMS Board consisting of a minimum of one legally qualified director and up to a Board comprised of one representative of each Client which wishes to have a person appointed to the UMS Board. A Client is not obligated to have a Board nominee and such right is non-assignable to another Client or any other person. A Client which does not have a nominee on the Board is entitled to have one appointed at any time on request and each Client shall execute a shareholders' consent resolution to effect this right.
7.5 In the event the Clients are unable to unanimously agree on a matter, they hereby agree that they shall, in lieu of a vote using shareholdings in UMS, settle the matter outside of director and shareholder resolutions through vote on the dispute matter using the basis of their respective shares of Costs using the current year's Annual Budget (rounded to the nearest $10,000) as the basis for determining voting entitlement. The directors of UMS shall implement any such decision the results of which process shall be deemed a unanimous vote of UMS shareholders.
7.6 The UMS Board will appoint a Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (who may be the same person) of UMS who shall work together with the Clients and their appointed Board representative (if any) to coordinate the delivery of the Services hereunder and to perform such planning, monitoring and reporting functions as are customary to those titles and roles.
PART 8
OTHER RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF EACH PUBCO
8.1 Each Client shall be entitled and expected to participate in the development of each Annual Budget. A Budget shall be deemed adopted as such when it is either approved by the UMS Board, or approved by all the Clients under a unanimous shareholders consent resolution.
8.2 Any authorized representative of each Client, including its auditors and attorneys, shall at all reasonable times have full access to all of the records or information of UMS pertaining to the affairs of that Client (only) and reasonable access to the financial records of UMS that relate to Invoices.
8.3 UMS shall indemnify and save harmless each Board member and each Client from any claim, suit or demand which may arise by virtue of any improper act or gross negligence of UMS arising as a consequence of the performance by UMS of this Agreement.
8.4 UMS shall seek to obtain and maintain customary directors' and officers' insurance for its directors and officers, the cost of which is intended to be as far as possible Fixed Cost. UMS shall endeavour to obtain umbrella liability insurance including for losses occasioned by negligent delivery of Services. If such insurance is not obtainable, the Clients shall be advised accordingly.
PART 9 TERMINATION
9.1 UMS may terminate this Agreement on 60 days notice with respect to any Client for "good cause", unless all other Clients unanimously otherwise agree. Good cause means a persistent failure to pay Invoices, persistent breaches of a Client's other obligations hereunder or the occurrence or acknowledgement of, or reasonably perceived or suspected occurrence of, behaviour of a Client (including its principals) that could bring the remaining Clients into disrepute. UMS will provide notices of breaches hereof to the defaulting Client with a copy to each other Client. In the event of termination by UMS, any amounts owed (including amounts not yet invoiced) shall remain due and payable by the former Client upon receipt of an invoice.
9.2 Each Client's obligations hereunder may be terminated by such Client without good cause on written notice given for a period of time which is the longer of 180 days and the remainder of that Annual Budget, and without derogating for the Client's obligation to remain liable for its share of the Vancouver premises lease under Part 10. In lieu of notice, payment of an amount equal to such remaining lease period may be paid to UMS. From the date of notice to the date of termination, UMS shall not enter into any new arrangements with third parties on behalf of a terminating Client (unless already legally committed to do so) without such Client's prior written consent.
9.3 Each Client's obligations hereunder may be terminated by such Client with good cause on shorter, reasonable written notice in the circumstances, in the event of good cause provided that UMS has been given a reasonable opportunity to remedy any failure to perform its obligations hereunder. Good cause includes any dishonest or willful misconduct by UMS personnel (the remedy for which is termination of such personnel and recompense for any loss), any persistent failure of UMS to timely deliver Services in a professional manner, or any persistent failure to reasonably accurately budget or bill for them.
9.4 UMS shall inform each Client of the receipt of each termination notice and if within 30 days of the notice of termination by a Client each other Client elects to terminate this Agreement, then UMS will prepare a wind-up plan and each Client will be responsible for its share of the total UMS wind-up expenses being all UMS' liabilities, commitments and obligations. The applicable share of aggregate wind-up costs and obligations shall be pro rata to the average amount invoiced to each Client over the preceding three months (Third party Charges shall be solely payable by the Client on whose behalf they were incurred).
9.5 UMS may only agree to add another party as a new Clients with majority consent of the other Clients. UMS shall notify each Client at least 5 days before it proposes to sign a counterpart hereof with a new Client and shall provide a copy of such counterpart agreement to each existing Client along with a copy of the Cash Deposit invoice.
9.6 The confidentiality and non-competition provisions of this Agreement which are applicable to UMS and each Client and its director nominee shall survive any termination of this Agreement and continue in full force and effect for two years thereafter.
9.7 Upon termination hereof in respect of any Client, such Client shall cease to use the UMS premises, phone number, etc. and shall make arrangements for the orderly transition of administrative and accounting responsibilities by advice letter to UMS. UMS shall turn over all business, technical, and like records pertaining to the affairs and properties of such terminating Client as may be in the possession of UMS although UMS may retain copies for its own records where reasonably required.
9.8 Upon termination of this agreement in respect of one or more Clients absent a concurrent replacement Client, the remaining Clients and UMS shall review the current Annual Budget and in good faith negotiate to adjust the estimated Fixed Cost and Variable Cost amounts to reflect the departure of the Client(s). Similarly, on one or more new Clients committing to obtain Services, Fixed Costs and Variable Cost estimates and allocations shall be adjusted.
PART 10
CERTAIN PREMISES LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Redacted for personal or competitive information reasons or due to confidentiality obligations. | 10.1 Notwithstanding this Agreement may be terminated by a Client prior to the expiry of UMS's current 10 year office lease in 2031 ("Lease"), each Client acknowledges it remains conditionally obliged to pay its share of the Lease rental and estimated operating charges until its expiry. Based on premises size of some 7,700 sq. feet and combined rental and (current) operating costs aggregating some ., the Lease obligation over the term is expected to be approximately million. Subject to sections 10.2 and 10.3, each Client signing this Agreement agrees (subject to 9.4) to remain liable for its estimated remaining share of the initial term of the Lease after termination hereof. Effective the date hereof the Deposit amount will be increased s additional 478 sq. ft. of space added to the Lease in 2021. |
10.2 On termination hereof in respect of any Client, such Client shall immediately pay over to UMS its share of the estimated remaining liability amount of the Lease. By way of illustration, if a Client which has been allocated Fixed Costs of 20% of Fixed Costs in the Annual Budget for the yeaJ it te1minates this Agreement and which termination occurs after three years from the date hereof, it shall be liable to pay UMS an amount calculated as 20% x 70% x - million, subject to any recove1y under 10.3. | Redacted for personal or competitive information reasons or due to confidentiality obligations. |
10.3 In the event that within six months of a Client making the payment required by section 10.2, either UMS and a new Client execute a counterpart of this Agreement, or some other sub tenancy is atTanged by UMS to occupy part of the premises, the Client which made the payment under section 10.2 shaU be entitled to a prutial refund of its payment to UMS calculated as % of the amount of the Lease liability that the new Client has agreed to assume by becoming party to a counterpait hereof. In the event of a sub-tenancy arrangement being arranged by UMS, the fo1mer Client shall be entitled to % of the rental payments or deposit payments made by the sub-tenant as they are received by UMS for the te1m of the sub-tenancy to a maximum of the-. 10.4 To the extent that an office in the Vancouver premises is provided to the CEO of a Client, that office shall be considered to be for the exclusive use of that Client and access to the office shall be restricted to persons authorized by the Client and UMS shall have no sepru·ate right to access it or grant access to it. |
Redacted for personal or competitive information reasons or due to confidentiality obligations. |
PART 11
MISCELLANEOUS
11.1 This Agreement is not assignable by the paities without the prior consent of all the patties and any purported assignment thereof is void.
11.2 UMS may only add a new Client with the consent of a majority of the cmTent Clients. Each new Client shaU execute a counterpa1t and provide cash Deposit reflective of its estimated shai·e of Fixed Costs and Variable Costs for the remaiinder of that Annual Budget. To the extent that addition new Client reduces the Costs for the other Pubcos for the remainder of a Budget Yea1·, the Annual Budget will be adjusted at the next quaiterly review.
11.3 This Agrnement shall be binding upon and enme to the benefit of the pai·ties hereto and their respective successors and pen:nitted assigns.
11.4 This agreement supersedes and replaces the Amended and Restated Technical & Administrative Services Agreement made April 1, 2021 between the Clients and UMS.
11.5 This Agreement shall be construed in accordatice with the laws of the province of British Columbia and the patties agree to attom to such jurisdiction in the event of a dispute hereunder.
11.6 Notices shall be considered effectively given hereunder when emailed by a Client to UMS or by UMS to a Client to the CEO or CFO of that Client as per the execution pages hereof. Any email notice must specify it is fmmal notice under this agreement and shall request acknowledgement of receipt. If the email is not timely acknowledged, the notifying paity shall personally deliver a paper copy to an officer or director of the recipient paity.
11.7 In the event that, and at the time that, counsel to a Client advises that this agreement requires any stock exchange approval or acceptance, or public disclosure and filing, such Client shall use its best efforts to secure such stock exchange acceptance and is authorized to file a copy of this agreement on any required securities administrators' disclosure site such as SEDAR.com or SEC.gov. Before such public filing, the parties shall agree such redactions as are reasonably required to protect the privacy of the information related to the other parties hereto.
11.8 In the event of a dispute amongst all or any of the parties, hereto which cannot be resolved by discussion amongst their senior executives, such dispute shall be referred by the relevant parties to binding arbitration under the Commercial Arbitration Act (BC). A single arbitrator shall be selected and final-offer arbitration shall be used. Each involved party shall submit a single proposal for resolution of the dispute and the arbitrator shall have the sole power of choosing one of the proffered solutions without amendment (unless all parties agree). The arbitrator may hear the parties, witnesses and experts and provide informal suggestions before the submission of proffered solutions. The parties intend that proffered solutions will be submitted within 10 days of initiation of the arbitration and one must be selected by the arbitrator within the following 10 days. The parties shall propose an allocation of costs of the arbitration will be included as part their proffered solutions and the arbitration shall be in Vancouver.
11.9 The intention of the parties is that the Services be provided as close to UMS's actual cost as is legally permitted. Any cash income taxes in connection with profitability shall be shared by the Clients as a Variable Cost.
11.10 Counsel to UMS prepared this Agreement; each Client must obtain independent legal advice in connection herewith.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed and intend that it be made effective as of April 1, 2022 notwithstanding its later date of execution by any party.
Execution Pages Follow
UNIVERSAL MINERAL SERVICES LTD. | ||
Per: | "Stacy Rowa" | |
Name: Stacy Rowa Chief Financial Officer Authorized Signatory Email:stacy.rowa@umsmining.com |
Each Client has executed this Agreement by Signing the Attached Signature Page
SCHEDULE A- PUBCO EXECUTION PAGE
Client Agreement Execution Page
Client Name | Execution Signature and Date | Notices to: | Redacted for personal or competitive information reasons or due to confidentiality obligations. |
Torq Resources Inc |
Signature Date April 1, 2022 |
||
Tier One Silver Inc |
Signature Date April 1, 2022 |
||
Sombrero Resources Inc. |
Signature Date April 1, 2022 |
||
Fury Gold Mines Limited |
Signature Date April 1, 2022 |
This Schedule A may be executed in counterpart and and deemed amended when there is deletion or addition of a Client.
SCHEDULE B- FORM OF SECONDMENT AGREEMENT
SECONDMENT AGREEMENT
This Secondment Agreement is made effective as of [■] (the "Effective Date") notwithstanding any later date of execution by any party and is made amongst Universal Mineral Services Ltd. ("UMS") and ■ ("Client") and [UMS Executive name] (the "Executive")
BACKGROUND:
A. The Client is a related party shareholder of UMS and both companies are parties to a non- arm's length shared services agreement ("Shared Services Agreement") under which UMS provides the services of full and part-time geological, financial, administrative, human resources, environmental, legal and executive personnel to the Client on a secondment basis ("Secondment(s)");
B. The "Executive Employment Agreement" between UMS and the Executive, to which the form of this Secondment agreement is attached, contemplates that UMS may second the Executive to one or more of its Clients and that the Executive will by virtue of such secondment(s) perform certain agreed services ("Services") for the Client as described on Appendix 1 hereto and he/she will also assume the corporate title referenced on Appendix 1 and the legal duties and liabilities related thereto ("Title and Duties");
C. The Executive will look to UMS for payment of all compensation related to the performance of the Services including any awards of any cash bonus or share purchase options to be granted by the Client to UMS for the benefit of the Executive provided that the Executive will be directly entitled following a Change of Control ("CoC") of the Client initiated during the Secondment to a "CoC Secondment Termination Fee" and certain other entitlements described on Appendix 2 to the Secondment Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, the Executive, the Client, and UMS (collectively the "Parties") hereby agree as follows:
PART 1- TERM
1.1 The Secondment shall be deemed to have commenced on the Effective Date and shall continue indefinitely until the earlier of the date that (i) UMS and the Client shall agree; (ii) the date that is at least 10 days after the date the Executive elects to terminate his/her Executive Employment Agreement with UMS and (iii) the date the Executive elects to exercise his/her special termination right after a Change of Control initiated during the term hereof as described on Appendix 2.
1.2 The Executive acknowledges that any prior agreement between the Client and Executive is terminated as of the date hereof and Executive releases the Client from any claims under any prior agreement except for (i) any share purchase options previously granted by Client and for which any remaining vesting shall be deemed to continue and be fulfilled under this Secondment from the later of the date of the Executive's original hire by the Client and the grant of such options and (ii) any bonus consideration under section 2.15.
PART 2- SECONDMENTS GENERALLY
2.1 Secondments shall be in accordance with this Secondment Agreement. This Secondment Agreement also incorporates certain provisions of the Executive Employment Agreement that are referenced below.
2.2 The Executive shall at all times be and remain an employee of UMS and shall not look to Client for any compensation for Services however the Executive is entitled to direct payment from Client of a CoC Secondment Termination Fee calculated in accordance with Schedule B in consideration for Executive's assumption of Title and Duties. The Client shall in good faith grant options to UMS in connection with and reflective of the services of the Executive reasonably commensurate with the seniority of his/her Title and Duties in the Client and contribution to the success of the Client. UMS shall grant back-to-back mirror options to the Executive for any options granted to UMS in connection with this secondment.
2.3 The Executive shall be entitled to an indemnity agreement and D&O insurance coverage in connection with his/her assumption of Title and Duties.
2.4 Executive shall perform Services for the Client as described in Appendix "1" and such other responsibilities not inconsistent with Appendix "1" as are determined by the Client's Board from time to time and (i) communicated to the Executive and UMS in writing and (ii) not objected to by UMS, acting reasonably.
2.5 UMS may object to changes in the Services where in its view represents an unreasonable additional burden, requires additional credentials or represents services which it believes the Executive does not have experience to properly provide.
2.6 The Client acknowledges that the Secondment contemplated herein is part of a shared services arrangement with other like junior mining issuers the flexibility of which is intended to benefit the Client and reduce its overall administrative costs while adding redundancy and resilience for all the participants. Therefore, the parties intend that this Secondment Agreement to be interpreted to provide some flexibility to the Executive and UMS in connection with timing of delivery of Services to allow the Executive to assist other clients of UMS in the case of unanticipated work surges, staff illness and other exigent circumstances in addition to quality assurance procedures.
2.7 Subject to section 2.6, the Executive's hours of work for Services shall be governed by the Client's requirements and its policies and procedures as related to contractors as are in effect from time to time. The number of hours of Services per week shall insofar as possible be determined by the Client and the Executive and reported by them to UMS for purposes of monthly invoicing.
2.8 The Executive shall be accountable to and take direction from the Client's Board or the person designated by the Board;
2.9 Client will review the Executive's performance at least annually and shall provide UMS and the Executive with a summary of the performance evaluation(s). Client may request with written reasons that UMS discipline the Executive in accordance with Client's published or communicated policies, procedures, and regulations, as may be applicable to other service providers.
2.10 The Executive shall be responsible to perform Services diligently and to the best of his/her ability in accordance with best industry practices. The Executive hereby confirms that he or she validly holds any credentials represented in any resume' or biographical information provided to UMS and/or Client and will maintain such credentials and/or professional society membership in good standing throughout the Term. The Executive hereby confirms that all other information provided in any resume' or biographical information provided to UMS and/or Client was and is remains correct and will promptly advise UMS and Client if any information therein becomes materially and adversely untrue (e.g. loss of credentials).
2.11 UMS shall pay all compensation amounts due to Executive net of applicable withholdings and shall pay all required employer contributions related to the salary. Client shall pay any CoC Secondment Termination Fee entitlement net of withholdings. Any exercise of share options shall require payment by the Executive to UMS of the required income tax prepayment amount. Any bonus entitlement shall be paid by Client to UMS as an invoiced services fee without withholdings and shall be paid by UMS to executive net of applicable withholdings.
2.12 The Client shall allow the Executive to take such leaves as are in accordance with UMS policies related to its own employees. Leave may be paid or unpaid; where "paid," means that, the Client's monthly secondment fees payable to UMS are adjusted by such leave in accordance with the Shared Services Agreement. The Client shall provide UMS with a record of all leaves taken by the Executive.
2.13 It is the intention of the Parties that this Secondment Agreement is not an employment, or master/servant agreement as between Client and the Executive. While the Executive is expected to fulfill the Services requirements, the Executive is an independent contractor to Client expected to apply his/her skills, experience, education and discretion in the manner of fulfilling the Services requirements.
2.14 The Executive shall be reimbursed by the Client or UMS, as they may agree, for all reasonable travel, relocation and other out-of-pocket expenses actually and properly incurred by the Executive from time to time in connection with the performance of the Services (the "Expenses"). UMS may also request that Client advance the amount for Expenses directly to the Executive either in advance of an anticipated expense or as reimbursement. For all such Expenses, the Executive shall furnish copies of all invoices, vouchers, or statements in respect of Expenses which the Executive properly incurred.
2.15 The Executive hereby acknowledges the termination of his/her former agreement with the Client effective upon execution of this Agreement. The Executive further acknowledges that no amounts remain due to the Executive from the Client under his/her former executive services or employment agreement with the Client except for rights in any previously granted unexpired stock options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Client and UMS hereby represent to the Executive that they will, in good faith, conduct the customary annual discretionary bonus discussion for Executive's calendar 2021 performance with any such bonus that may be awarded to be paid by UMS and reimbursed by the Client.
2.16 The Client hereby unconditionally guarantees to the Executive for a one year period from the date that this Agreement is first entered into (excluding any renewals), the due performance by UMS of all obligations owed to the Executive, which guarantee is capped in any event at the amount that would have been due to the Executive under the Executive's former employment agreement with the Client over the same period.
PART 3
CONFIDENTIALITY, NON-COMPETITION, ETC.
3.1 The Client is entitled to protection of its Confidential Information, one-year protection from competition within the Area of Interest and protection for solicitation of its personnel, as well rights to the Executive's Work Product all as provided for in Articles 8 and 9 of the Executive Employment Agreement to which this Secondment Agreement is appended as a Schedule. These collectively the "Continuing Protections"
3.2 Client is hereby acknowledged to be a third party beneficiary under the Continuing Protections sections of the Executive Employment Agreement in addition to any rights to confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and assignment of proprietary rights the Client has under the Shared Services Agreement.
PART 4. TERMINATION
4.1 This Secondment Agreement may be terminated by:
(a) either Client or UMS upon giving the required written notice period to the other under the Shared Services Agreement to be followed by immediate notice to the Executive from UMS;
(b) the Executive by giving written notice period to UMS under their Executive Employment Agreement followed immediately by notice from UMS to the Client; or
(c) the Executive by giving notice of special termination right for Good Reason after a Change of Control under Appendix 2.
4.2 Upon termination hereof the Client shall be entitled to the Continuing Protections which the Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees to.
4.3 Upon termination hereof, the Executive shall remain entitled (absent a termination by the Client or UMS due to "Just Cause"):
(a) Client share option rights granted by UMS;
(b) continuing coverage under the D&O insurance and indemnity agreement for any event that occurred prior to the termination; and
(c) entitlement to be paid the CoC Secondment Termination Fee per Appendix 2.
PART 5 ADDRESSES FOR NOTICES
5.1 Any notice required under this Agreement, unless otherwise stipulated in this Agreement, shall be given to the other parties in writing and may be provided via in-person delivery, registered mail or by email or facsimile transmission, addressed as follows:
Name of Party |
Name of Party |
Name of Party |
Address |
Address |
Address |
Vancouver, BC |
Vancouver, BC |
Vancouver, BC |
Email: |
Email: |
Email: |
Attention: |
Attention: |
Attention: |
The addresses for notice of any party may be changed by notice in writing to the other Parties as described above. Any notice personally served or sent by facsimile or email transmission shall be deemed received when sent or transmitted, respectively, if delivery or transmission is during normal business hours on a business day in Vancouver, or if not on a business day, on the following business day.
PART 6 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
6.1 The parties hereby incorporate into this Secondment Agreement the General and miscellaneous provision of Article 10 of the Executive Employment Agreement, with any necessary changes deemed to apply (i.e. mutatis mutandis).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF UMS, the Client and the Executive have executed this Agreement as of the dates set forth below.
BY UMS Universal Mineral Services Ltd. |
BY CLIENT [insert full name] |
||
Per: | Per: | ||
Title | Title | ||
Date Signed | Date Signed | ||
BY Executive | Witness | ||
Per: | Per: | ||
Print Name | Print name | ||
Date Signed | Date Signed |
Appendix "1" to Secondment Agreement
SERVICES, TITLE AND DUTIES - CFO[to be modified for each Secondment]
1. TITLE AND DUTIES
TITLE: The Executive will assume the corporate title and office of the Client's | Redacted for personal or competitive information reasons or due to confidentiality obligations. |
DUTIES: |
Duties of directors and officers
Section142 (1)A director or officer of a company, when exercising the powers and performing the functions of a director or officer of the company, as the case may be, must (a)act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company, (b)exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent individual would exercise in comparable circumstances, (c)act in accordance with this Act and the regulations, and (d)subject to paragraphs (a) to (c), act in accordance with the memorandum and articles of the company. (2)This section is in addition to, and not in derogation of, any enactment or rule of law or equity relating to the duties or liabilities of directors and officers of a company. (3)No provision in a contract, the memorandum or the articles relieves a director or officer from (a) the duty to act in accordance with this Act and the regulations, or (b) liability that by virtue of any enactment or rule of law or equity would otherwise attach to that director or officer in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust of which the director or officer may be guilty in relation to the company.
The CFO shall also comply with the duties and obligations of a "reporting insider" and "insider" as contemplated by the Securities Act (British Columbia) and the policies made by Canadian securities regulators in relation to it.
2. SERVICES
Redacted for personal or competitive information reasons or due to confidentiality obligations. |
Redacted for personal or competitive information reasons or due to confidentiality obligations. | ||
|
Redacted for personal or competitive information reasons or due to confidentiality obligations. |
|
Appendix "2" to Secondments Agreement
CoC Secondment Termination Fee and Related Matters
1) Definitions:
a) "CoC" or Change in Control": For all purposes of this Agreement, "Change in Control" means in relation to the Client:
i) the acquisitions, directly or indirectly, by any person or group of persons acting in concert, as such terms are defined in the Securities Act, British Columbia, of common shares of the Client which, when added to all other common shares of the Client at the time held directly or indirectly by such person or persons acting in concert, totals for the first time more than 50% of the outstanding common shares of the Client; or
ii) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any person or group of persons acting in concert, as such terms are defined in the Securities Act, British Columbia, of common shares of the Client which, when added to all other common shares of the Client at the time held directly or indirectly by such person or persons acting in concert, totals for the first time 30% of the outstanding common shares of the Client followed, within twelve months of such event, by the removal, by extraordinary resolution of the shareholders of the Client, of more than 51% of the then incumbent directors of the Client, or the election of a majority of directors to the Client's Board who were not nominees of the Client's incumbent Board at the time immediately preceding such election; or
iii) consummation of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Client, or the consummation of a reorganization, merger or other transaction which has substantially the same effect; or
iv) any plan of arrangement, reorganization, merger or other transaction which has substantially the same effect as (i) to (iii) above.
b) "Good Reason": As used herein, "Good Reason" means the occurrence of one of the following events within 12 months of a CoC which is initiated during a Secondment and completes within six months of the termination of the Secondment:
i) the termination for convenience by the Client of the Shared Services Agreement;
ii) a change by the Client of the Executive's Title;
iii) a direction by the Client to UMS or the Executive to add any substantial new Duties materially inconsistent with the Executive's positions, duties, responsibilities and status with the Client immediately prior to such change in assigned duties;
iv) a direction by the Client to UMS or the executive to effect a material change in or reduction to the Executive's position, duties, responsibilities or status with the Client compared to those that existed immediately prior to such change or reduction or any other like change as would constitute constructive dismissal of the Executive at law if the Executive were an employee of the Client; v) a direction by the Client to UMS or the Executive to materially reduce the average monthly Services required from the Executive by the Client;
vi) a direction by the Client to UMS or the Executive to change in the principal place of work of the Executive to a location more than 50 kilometers from Vancouver (unless the Executive's agreement with UMS otherwise provides);
vii) any material and persistent breach by the Client of any provision of the UMS Services Agreement or this Agreement; or
viii) the good faith determination by the Executive and UMS that, as a result of a Change of Control or any action or event thereafter, the Executive's status or responsibilities within the Client have been diminished or Executive is being prevented from carrying out his/her Duties and responsibilities as they existed immediately prior to the Change of Control provided that the Client has received written particulars of any of the foregoing and has had a reasonable opportunity an opportunity to cure the circumstances giving rise to the determination.
c) "initiated" in connection with a CoC means the Client has initiated discussions with a potential acquirer, announced it has commenced a strategic review of options or retained an investment banker, dealer or advisor to initiate a sales process for control or a majority of its assets,
d) "Just Cause" means any act, omission, behaviour, conduct or circumstance of the Executive that (i) constitutes an act that would entitle the Client to terminate the Shared Services Agreement or (ii) would constitute just cause for dismissal of the Executive at law if the Executive were an employee of the Client.
2) Compensation for Duties and Title
In consideration of the Executive assuming the Title and fulfilling the Duties, the Client will in good faith exercise its discretion commensurate with the Executive's contribution to the Client's success, to grant to UMS for the benefit of the Executive share purchase options subject to its option plan, and will directly pay any CoC Secondment Termination Fee in the event it becomes due as herein provided.
3) Option and Bonus Entitlements and Forfeiture in Certain Events
Upon termination of the Secondment of the Executive upon the death or permanent disability of the Executive (where disability means a period of greater than 6 months), the Executive, or his/her heirs in the event of his/her death or disability, then UMS, for the benefit of the Executive or his/her estate, will be entitled to exercise share options which were vested at the time of death or disability for a period of twelve months thereafter. UMS will be entitled to any bonus for the Executive's services rendered before the effective date of termination calculated pro rata up to and including the effective date of death or termination. In the event of termination without Just Cause, the applicable period shall be ninety days, subject to section 6).
In the event of termination of the Secondment for Just Cause, all options granted to UMS for the benefit of the terminated secondment of that Executive, and any accrued bonus entitlements for that Executive are forfeit.
4) Termination of Secondment for Good Reason After Change in Control
The Executive shall have a special right to terminate his/her Secondment under this section for Good Reason at any time within twelve (12) months after a Change in Control which is initiated during the term of the Secondment and completes within six months of the termination of the Secondment. A notice of Secondment termination by the Executive under this section must be in writing, must cite this section and must provide one (1) month's notice of such termination.
5) Termination of Secondment Without Just Cause or For Good Reason
In the event that within 12 (twelve) months of a Change of Control which is initiated during this Secondment:
a) the Executive terminates the Secondment for Good Reason under 4); or
b) the Client effectively terminates this Secondment without Just Cause (including by a general termination of the Shared Services Agreement other than for breach by UMS);
the Client shall, immediately before the effective date of termination, pay the Executive a Change of Control Termination Fee calculated as a lump sum amount equal, calculated until end of 2023, to the highest of (i) two times the Executive's base salary paid by the Client in 2021 (ii) the total of last twenty-four (24) months billings by UMS for the Executive's Secondment, excluding any bonuses, as evidenced by the monthly billing information and (iii) twenty-four (24) months of the pro rata Base Salary allocated to the Client in the Annual Budget under the Shared Services Agreement. For a CoC initiated after 2023, only (ii) and (iii) shall be used and where twenty-four (24) months have not elapsed, all the months shall be averaged, and the CoC Secondment Termination Fee shall be twenty-four (24) times that average one-month figure. The Executive agrees to accept such fee in full satisfaction of any and all claims the Executive has or may have against UMS and the Client in respect of fulfilling the Duties to the Client under this Secondment Agreement except in respect of share options which have been granted as of termination of the Secondment which shall be subject to 6) and the bonus for the year of termination as set forth below.
In addition to the Change of Control Termination Fee, the Client shall pay the Executive through UMS, a bonus for the year of termination prorated to the date of termination based on the terms of any incentive plans.
6) Vesting and Exercise of Share Options on Termination of Secondment
Upon termination of this Secondment a) other than for Just Cause, and so long as the Executive is employed by UMS, any share options granted by that Client before termination of the Secondment will continue to vest based on their original vesting schedule; or
b) resulting from termination under the Executive Employment Agreement other than for Just Cause, Section 7.13 of the Executive Employment Agreement shall govern; or
c) within twelve months of a Change of Control for Good Reason pursuant to 4), then subject to the terms of the Executive Employment Agreement in respect of any notice of termination that may be given to or by the Secondee in connection with that agreement, any vested and unvested share options granted to the Executive by UMS that remain outstanding will be deemed cancelled 90 days after the termination of the Executive's Secondment provided that any share options that vest within the first 60 of such 90 days will continue to be exercisable by the Executive for a period of 90 days from their scheduled vesting date.
7) Timing of CoC
In the event a Change of Control has been initiated but not completed before the termination of the Secondment, the vesting of all granted options shall be accelerated (whether or not the Secondment is still in effect at the time) to the time immediately prior to the Change of Control completing. A Change of Control initiated before termination of a Secondment shall not extend the fixed expiry date of any option granted by UMS (except as permitted by black-out extensions under the relevant Client option plan) but does extend the usual 90-day post- secondment termination cancellation allowing any unexpired unvested options granted by UMS to vest immediately prior to the completion of the Change of Control transaction to allow the Executive to participate in the Change of Control transaction in respect of any shares he/she may acquire under such options.
8) Regulatory Approval or Cash Payment in Lieu
UMS and, if applicable, the Client will take all reasonable steps required, including obtaining required regulatory or shareholder approvals to give effect to the foregoing, or, in the event that such required approvals cannot be obtained, UMS will make a cash payment to compensate the Executive for any inability to comply with the obligations of 7) due to want of regulatory approval.
Exhibit 8.1 - List of Subsidiaries of Fury Gold Mines Limited
The subsidiaries (with a beneficial interest of 100%) of the Company as at December 31, 2023 were as follows:
Subsidiary | Place of incorporation |
Functional currency |
Eastmain Mines Inc. ("Eastmain Mines") (a) | Canada | CAD |
Eastmain Resources Inc. ("Eastmain") | ON, Canada | CAD |
Fury Gold USA Limited ("Fury Gold USA") (b) | Delaware, U.S.A. | USD |
North Country Gold Corp. ("North Country") | BC, Canada | CAD |
(a) The entity is incorporated federally in Canada.
(b) Fury Gold USA provided certain administrative services with respect to employee benefits for US resident personnel.
EXHIBIT 11.1
FURY GOLD MINES LIMITED
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
1. PURPOSE OF THIS CODE
1.1 This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics ("Code") is intended to document the principles of conduct and ethics to be followed by employees, contractors, officers and directors of Fury Gold Mines Limited (the "Company"). Its purpose is to:
(a) promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
(b) promote avoidance of conflicts of interest, including disclosure to an appropriate person of any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to such a conflict;
(c) promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that Company files with, or submits to, the securities regulators and in other public communications made by Company;
(d) promote compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;
(e) promote the prompt internal reporting to an appropriate person of violations of this Code;
(f) promote accountability for adherence to this Code;
(g) provide guidance to employees, contractors, officers and directors to help them recognize and deal with ethical issues;
(h) provide mechanisms to report unethical conduct; and
(i) help foster the Company's culture of honesty and accountability.
1.2 The Company expects all its employees, contractors, officers and directors to comply at all times with the principles in this Code. Violations of this Code are grounds for disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination of employment and possible legal prosecution. For the purpose of this Code, the Company's Chief Risk Officer shall be its Chief Financial Officer.
2. RESPONSIBILITY
2.1 This Code outlines a framework of guiding principles. As with any statement of policy, the exercise of judgment is required in determining the applicability of this Code to each individual situation.
2.2 It is the responsibility of every Company employee, contractor, officer and director to read and understand the Code. Individuals must comply with the Code in both letter and spirit. Ignorance of the Code will not excuse individuals from its requirements.
3. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW
3.1 Each employee, contractor, officer and director must at all times comply fully with applicable laws and avoid any situation that could be perceived as improper, unethical or indicate a casual attitude towards compliance with the law.
3.2 No employee, contractor, officer or director shall commit or condone an illegal act or instruct another employee to do so.
3.3 Employees, contractors, officers and directors are expected to be sufficiently familiar with any legislation that applies to their circumstances and shall recognize potential liabilities, seeking advice where appropriate.
3.4 When in doubt, employees, contractors, officers and directors are expected to seek clarification from their immediate supervisor or the Chief Risk Officer.
3.5 Where it is not possible for the employee, contractor officer or director to address a particular concern in consultation with his/her immediate supervisor or the Chief Risk Officer, they may seek clarification from the Audit Committee Chairperson. An email may be sent via confidential e-mail to the Audit Committee Chairperson at auditcommchair@furygoldmines.com.
4. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
4.1 Employees, contractors, officers and directors shall avoid situations where their personal interest could conflict with, or appear to conflict with, the interests of the Company and its shareholders.
4.2 Conflicts of interest arise where an individual's position or responsibilities with the Company present an opportunity for personal gain apart from the normal rewards of employment, to the detriment of the Company. They also arise where an individual's personal interests are inconsistent with those of the Company and create conflicting loyalties. Such conflicting loyalties can cause an individual to give preference to personal interests in situations where corporate responsibilities should come first. Employees, contractors, officers and directors, shall perform the responsibilities of their positions on the basis of what is in the best interests of the Company and free from the influence of personal considerations and relationships.
4.3 If a potential conflict of interest arises and the individual involved is an employee of the Company, the individual involved must immediately notify their immediate supervisor and the Company's Chief Risk Officer, or the Audit Committee Chairperson as defined in the Audit Committee Charter, in writing and no further action may be taken unless authorized in writing by the individual's immediate supervisor and by the Company's Chief Risk Officer, or the Audit Committee Chairperson. If such individual is an officer or director of the Company, a Board member of the Company as appointed from time to time (the "Lead Independent Director/Chair") as well as the Company's Chief Risk Officer must be immediately notified in writing and no further action may be taken until authorized in writing by the Lead Independent Director and by the Company's Chief Risk Officer.
4.4 The requirement of freedom from conflict of interest applies with equal force to the spouse, children and other close relatives of each employee, contractor, officer and director. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, officers and directors of the Company with respect to all of the affairs of the Company.
4.5 While it is not possible to detail every situation where conflicts of interest may arise, the following policies cover the areas that have the greatest potential for conflict:
(a) Speculation in Company Securities and Use of Inside Information
Numerous laws, both federal and provincial, regulate transactions in corporate securities and the securities industry. Violation of these laws may lead to civil and criminal actions against the individual and the company involved. All employees, contractors, officers and directors will take all steps to be in compliance with such laws and in order to do so will adhere to the Disclosure, Confidentiality and Insider Trading Policy.
(b) Personal Financial Interest
Employees, contractors, officers and directors, should avoid any outside financial interests which might influence their corporate decisions or actions. An employee of the Company whose corporate duties bring them into business dealings with a business in which they or a member of their family has a financial interest or to which they or a member of their family has an indebtedness, or a business employing a relative or close friend, must immediately notify his or her immediate supervisor and the Company's Chief Risk Officer in writing, and a transaction may not be completed unless properly authorized in writing by both the employee's immediate supervisor and the Company's Chief Risk Officer, after full disclosure of the relationship in writing. An officer or director of the Company whose corporate duties bring them into business dealings with a business in which they or a member of their family has a financial interest or to which they or a member of their family has an indebtedness, or a business employing a relative or close friend, must immediately notify the Lead Independent Director of the Company as well as the Company's Chief Risk Officer and a transaction may not be completed unless properly authorized in writing by both the Lead Independent Director and the Company's Chief Risk Officer, after full disclosure of the relationship in writing.
An employee, officer or director may not perform work or services for an organization doing or seeking to do business with the Company without appropriate prior written approval of such individual's immediate supervisor and the Company's Chief Risk Officer in the case of an employee, and of the Lead Independent Director and the Company's Chief Risk Officer, in the case of an officer or director of the Company. An employee, officer or director may not be a director, officer, partner or consultant of an organization (other than an organization in which the Company holds an interest or in which the Company has the right to nominate a director, officer, partner or consultant) doing or seeking to do business with the Company, nor may they permit their name to be used in any way indicating a business connection with such an organization, without appropriate prior written approval of their immediate supervisor and the Chief Risk Officer in the case of an employee, and of the Lead Independent Director and the Company's Chief Risk Officer in the case of an officer or director of the Company.
An employee shall not accept for themselves, or for the benefit of any relative or friend, any payments, loans, services, favours involving more than ordinary social amenity, or gifts of more than nominal value from any organization doing or seeking to do business with the Company, except in accordance with this Code and within normal business practices.
(c) Outside Activities
Employees and officers of the Company should avoid outside activities which would impair the effective performance of their responsibilities to the Company, either because of demands on their time, or because the outside commitments can be contrary to their obligations to the Company.
(d) Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets
All employees, contractors, officers and directors have an obligation to protect the Company's assets, including opportunity, information and the Company's name, and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Company's profitability. All of the Company's assets must be used only for legitimate business purposes and not for personal use.
(e) Corporate Opportunities
Officers and directors will not (a) take for themselves personally, opportunities that are discovered through the use of corporate property, information or position; (b) use corporate property, information, or position for personal gain; or (c) compete with the Company, in a manner which conflicts with fiduciary and other duties under the Canada Business Corporations Act and other applicable law. Officers and directors owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises.
Employees will not (a) take for themselves personally opportunities that are discovered through the use of corporate property, information or position; (b) use corporate property, information, or position for personal gain; or (c) compete with the Company, without appropriate prior written approval of such individual's immediate supervisor and the Company's Chief Risk Officer.
5. FAIR DEALING
5.1 Directors, management and employees should endeavour to deal fairly with the Company's clients, service providers, suppliers, and employees. No director should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any unfair dealing practice.
6. COMPETITIVE PRACTICES
6.1 Management of the Company firmly believes that fair competition is fundamental to continuation of the free enterprise system. The Company complies with and supports laws of all countries which prohibit restraints of trade, unfair practices, or abuse of economic power.
6.2 The Company will not enter into arrangements which unlawfully restrict its ability to compete with other businesses, or the ability of any other business organization to compete freely with the Company. Company policy also prohibits employees, officers and directors from entering into, or even discussing, any unlawful arrangement or understanding.
6.3 These principles of fair competition are basic to all the Company's operations. They are integral parts of the following sections that cover the Company's dealings with suppliers and public officials.
7. DEALING WITH SUPPLIERS
7.1 The Company is a valuable customer for many suppliers of goods, services and facilities. People who want to do business, or to continue to do business, with the Company must understand that all purchases by the Company will be made exclusively on the basis of price, quality, service and suitability to the Company's needs.
7.2 "Kickbacks" and Rebates.
7.2.1 Purchases of goods and services by the Company must not lead to employees, contractors, officers or directors, or their families, receiving any type of personal kickbacks or rebates. Employees, contractors, officers or directors, or their families, must not accept any form of "under-the-table" payment.
7.3 Receipt of Gifts and Entertainment.
7.3.1 Even when gifts and entertainment are exchanged out of the purest motives of personal friendship, they can be misunderstood. They can appear to be attempts to bribe the Company's employees, officers or directors into directing business of the Company to a particular supplier. To avoid both the reality and the appearance of improper relations with suppliers or potential suppliers, the following standards will apply to the receipt of gifts and entertainment by employees, officers and directors of the Company:
(a) Gifts
(i) Employees, officers and directors are prohibited from soliciting gifts, gratuities, or any other personal benefit or favor of any kind from suppliers or potential suppliers. Gifts include not only merchandise and products but also personal services and tickets to sports or other events. The Company acknowledges however that as part of normal good business relationships, suppliers may offer tickets to sports and other events, meals and other forms of normal client development gifts or services. Employees, officers and directors are prohibited from accepting gifts of money.
(ii) Employees, officers and directors may accept unsolicited non-monetary gifts provided:
(A) they are items of nominal intrinsic value;
(B) they are appropriate and customary client development gifts for the industry, and they may not reasonably be considered extravagant for such employee, officer or director; or
(C) they are advertising and promotional materials, clearly marked with the company or brand names.
(iii) Any gift falling outside of the above guidelines must be reported to the Company's Chief Risk Officer to determine whether it can be accepted.
(iv) In the transaction of some international business, it is lawful and customary for business leaders in some countries to give unsolicited gifts to employees, officers or directors of the Company. These gifts can be of more than nominal value. Moreover, under the circumstances, returning the gifts or payment for them may constitute an affront to the giver. In such cases, the gift must be reported to the Company's Chief Risk Officer who may permit the retaining of the gifts.
(v) In all other instances where gifts cannot be returned or may adversely affect the Company's continuing business relationships, the Company's Chief Risk Officer must be notified. The Company's Chief Risk Officer can require employees, officers and directors to transfer ownership of such gifts to the Company.
(b) Entertainment
(i) Employees, officers and directors shall not encourage or solicit entertainment from any individual or company with whom the Company does business. Entertainment includes, but is not limited to, activities such as dining, attending sporting or other special events, and travel.
(ii) From time to time employees, officers and directors may accept unsolicited entertainment, but only under the following conditions:
(A) the entertainment occurs infrequently;
(B) it arises out of the ordinary course of business;
(C) it involves reasonable expenditures (the amounts involved should be ones employees, officers and directors are accustomed to normally spending for their own business or personal entertainment); and
(D) the entertainment takes place in settings that also are reasonable, appropriate, and fitting to employees, officers and directors, their hosts, and their business at hand.
8. DEALING WITH PUBLIC OFFICIALS
8.1 Domestic and foreign laws and regulations require the Company to be in contact with public officials on a wide variety of matters. Employees, officers and directors who regularly make these contacts have special responsibilities for upholding the Company's good name.
8.2 No employee shall make any form of payment, direct or indirect, to any public official as inducement to procuring or keeping business or having a law or regulation enacted, defeated, or violated.
8.3 When not prohibited by law, employees, officers and directors are allowed to give to public officials gifts where the presentation and acceptance of gifts is an established custom and a normal business practice. All such gifts shall be of reasonable value and the presentation approved in advance by the Company's Chief Risk Officer. Moreover, such gifts must be presented in a manner that clearly identifies the Company and the occasion that warrants the presentation.
8.4 On special ceremonial occasions, senior officers of the Company may publicly give gifts of more than nominal value to public institutions and public bodies, these gifts must be approved in advance by the Company's Chief Risk Officer. Such gifts can commemorate special events or milestones in the Company's history.
8.5 From time to time employees, officers and directors may entertain public officials, but only under the following conditions:
(a) it is legal and permitted by the entity represented by the official;
(b) the entertainment is not solicited by the public official;
(c) the entertainment occurs infrequently;
(d) it arises out of the ordinary course of business;
(e) it does not involve lavish expenditures, considering the circumstances; and
(f) the settings and types of entertainment are reasonable, appropriate and fitting to the Company's employees, officers or directors, their guests, and the business at hand.
9. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS
(a) Canada
(i) Employees, contractors, officers and directors who participate in political activities must make every effort to ensure that they do not leave the impression that they speak or act for the Company.
(ii) The Company encourages its employees, officers and directors to participate in political activities in their own time and at their sole expense. No corporate action, direct or indirect, will be allowed that infringes on the right of any employee individually to decide whether, to whom, and in what amount, they will make personal political contributions. The same is true of volunteer political donations of personal service time, so long as it does not interfere with the working status of employees, officers or directors.
(b) Outside Canada
(i) No employees, officers and directors are permitted to use the Company's funds, facilities, or other assets, to support either directly or indirectly any political candidates or political parties, without advance authorization in writing from the Company's Chief Risk Officer. The policy of the Company is that officers, directors and employees should not participate in political activities in countries of which they are not nationals. However, such persons, of course, are free to participate in political activities in countries of which they are nationals in their own time and at their own expense.
10. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
10.1 The Company supports the principle that every individual must be accorded an equal opportunity to participate in the free enterprise system and to develop their ability to achieve their full potential within that system.
10.2 There shall be no discrimination against any employee, contractor or applicant because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical handicap (unless demands of the position are prohibitive). All employees, contractors, officers and directors will be treated with equality during their employment without regard to their race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical handicap, in all matters, including employment, upgrading, promotion, transfer, layoff, termination, rates of pay, selection for training and recruitment. The Company will maintain a work environment free of discriminatory practice of any kind.
10.3 No employee, contractor, officer or director shall have any authority to engage in any action or course of conduct or to condone any action or course of conduct by any other person which shall in any manner, directly or indirectly, discriminate or result in discrimination in the course of employment, termination of employment, or any related matter where such discrimination is, directly or indirectly, based upon race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical handicap.
11. HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
11.1 It is the Company's policy to pay due regard to the health and safety of its employees, contractors, officers and directors and others and to the state of the environment. There are federal, provincial, state and local workplace safety and environmental laws which through various governmental agencies regulate both physical safety of employees, contractors, officers and directors and their exposure to conditions in the workplace. Should an employee, contractor, officer or director be faced with an environmental health issue or have a concern about workplace safety, they should contact the Technical, Safety & Risk Management Committee immediately. Any violations of laws or regulations governing workplace safety and the environment must be reported as soon as practicable, and it is the observer's responsibility to do so.
11.2 Many countries and their regional and local governments now have complex legislation to protect the health and safety of employees, or the general public, and to prevent pollution and protect the environment. These laws often provide penalties both for the companies involved and executive personnel in case of violation. The Technical, Safety & Risk Management Committee should always be consulted when necessary to understand or comply with such laws.
12. WORK ENVIRONMENT
12.1 The Company is committed to ensuring and promoting a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, free from violent threats, behaviour and actions and of harassment by another employee, contractor or visitor. Employees, officers and directors must treat each other with professional courtesy, dignity and respect at all times. Employees, contractors, officers and directors must read and abide by the provided Company Anti-Harassment Policy.
13. INTEGRITY OF RECORDS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
13.1 As a public company, it is of critical importance that the Company's filings with the appropriate regulatory authorities be accurate and timely. Depending on their position with the Company, an employee, contractor, officer or director may be called upon to provide necessary information to ensure that the Company's public reports are complete, fair and understandable. The Company expects employees, contractors, officers and directors to take this responsibility very seriously and to provide prompt accurate answers to inquiries related to the Company's public disclosure requirements.
13.2 The integrity of the Company's record keeping systems will be respected at all times. Employees, contractors, officers and directors are forbidden to use, authorize, or condone the use of "off-the-books" bookkeeping, secret accounts, unrecorded bank accounts, "slush" funds, falsified books, or any other devices that could be utilized to distort records or reports of the Company's true operating results and financial condition or could otherwise result in the improper recordation of funds or transactions.
14. USE OF AGENTS AND NON-EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
14.1 Agents or other non-employees cannot be used to circumvent the law. Employees, contractors, officers and directors will not retain agents or other representatives to engage in practices that run contrary to this Code.
15. INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
15.1 Corporate employees, contractors, officers and directors operating outside of Canada have a special responsibility to know and obey the laws and regulations of countries where they act for the Company. Customs vary throughout the world, but all employees, contractors, officers and directors must diligently uphold the integrity of the Company in other nations.
16. CONFIDENTIALITY
16.1 Employees, contractors, officers and directors will comply with the Disclosure, Confidentiality and Insider Trading Policy of the Company (the "Policy"). Employees, contractors, officers and directors should review and become thoroughly familiar with the Policy and are encouraged to review the Policy throughout the year.
17. STANDARDS OF COMPLIANCE
(a) Initial Distribution
(i) Current employees, contractors, officers and directors designated to receive the Code will receive their copies immediately after publication.
(ii) Future employees, contractors, officers and directors designated to receive the Code will receive their copies at the time they are hired.
(b) Initial Verification
(i) Upon receiving their copy of this Code, current and future employees, contractors, officers and directors will:
(ii) Become thoroughly familiar with this Code.
(iii) Resolve any doubts or questions about the Code with their supervisors or the Chief Risk Officer.
(iv) Inform their supervisors and the Chief Risk Officer, or the Audit Committee Chairperson, of any existing holdings or activities that might be, or appear to be, at variance with this Code.
(v) Prepare written disclosures of such information, if requested, by supervisors or the Chief Risk Officer.
(vi) Take steps to correct existing situations and bring holdings and activities into full compliance with this Code.
(c) Maintaining Compliance
(i) Employees, contractors, officers and directors have the responsibility to maintain their understanding of this Code.
(ii) Supervisors have the responsibility to maintain an awareness on the part of their employees of the importance of their adhering to this Code and for reporting deviations to management.
(iii) As requested by the Board of Directors or senior management, employees, contractors, officers and directors will be asked to re-verify their understanding of this Code and their compliance with this Code from time to time.
(iv) Employees, contractors, officers and directors must inform their supervisors or the Chief Risk Officer of any changes in their holdings or activities that might be, or appear to be in non-compliance with this Code.
(v) Employees, contractors, officers and directors must prepare written disclosure of such information, if requested.
(vi) Employees, contractors, officers and directors must take steps to correct any such changes, if necessary, to bring holdings and activities into full compliance with this Code. Such steps will be approved in writing and will be based on the written disclosures submitted by employees, contractors, officers and directors.
(d) Audits of Compliance
(i) Regular audits of the Company will include procedures to test compliance with this Code.
18. VIOLATIONS OF STANDARDS
18.1 Employees, contractors, officers and directors must immediately report any violations of this Code. Failure to do so can have serious consequences for the employees, contractors, officers or directors and the Company.
18.2 Reports of violations should be made by employees and contractors to their immediate supervisor and to the Company's Chief Risk Officer, or the Audit Committee Chairperson, and by officers and directors to the Lead Independent Director and/or Chair of the Board and to the Company's Chief Risk Officer.
18.3 After a violation is investigated, appropriate action will be taken. Management has the right to determine the appropriate disciplinary action for a violation up to and including termination of employment. All proposed disciplinary action is subject to review by senior management.
18.4 Employees, contractors, officers and directors should be aware that in addition to any disciplinary action taken by the Company, violations of some of this Code may require restitution and may lead to civil or criminal action against individual employees, contractors, officers and directors and any company involved.
18.5 Supervisors have the responsibility of taking remedial steps to correct any operating procedures that may contribute to violations of this Code.
18.6 Retaliation in any form against an individual who reports a violation of this Code or who assists in the investigation of a reported violation, is itself a serious violation of this policy. Acts of retaliation should be reported immediately to their supervisor and the Chief Risk Officer, or the Audit Committee Chairperson.
19. AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
19.1 The Company will periodically review this Code. This Code may be amended, modified or waived by the Board of Directors and waivers may also be granted by the Audit Committee, provided that any waivers granted to directors or executive officers of the Company by the Audit Committee must also be approved by the Board. Employees, contractors, officers and directors will be fully informed of any material revisions to the Code.
20. COMMITMENT
20.1 To demonstrate its determination and commitment, the Company asks each employee and contractor to review the Code periodically throughout the year and discuss with management any circumstances that may have arisen that could be an actual or potential violation of these ethical standards of conduct.
20.2 Directors and officers are required to acknowledge they have read this Code annually. Employees and contractors are required to sign the Code when they are engaged or when the Code is introduced.
20.3 The director/officer/employee understands the policies and procedures relating to the ECOLOGO® UL2723 / UL2724 certification program and commits to ensure that they are respected and applied.
SCHEDULE "A"
Certification -Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of Fury Gold Mines Limited
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The undersigned hereby certifies that they have read and understand the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, a copy of which is attached hereto, and agree to promote and comply with the principles, procedures, and terms and conditions set forth therein. |
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EXHIBIT 11.2
FURY GOLD MINES LIMITED
INSIDER TRADING POLICY
1. INTRODUCTION
Fury Gold Mines Limited (the "Company") encourages all employees, officers and directors to become shareholders of the Company on a long-term investment basis. These individuals will from time to time become aware of corporate developments or plans or other information that may affect the value of the Company's securities before these developments, plans and/or information are made public. Trading securities of the Company while in possession of such information before it is generally disclosed (known as "insider trading"), or disclosing such information to third parties before it is generally disclosed (known as "tipping"), is against the law and may expose an individual to criminal prosecution or civil lawsuits. Such action will also result in a lack of confidence in the market for the Company's securities, harming both the Company and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Company has established this Insider Trading Policy (the "Policy") to assist its employees, consultants, service providers, officers and directors in complying with the prohibitions against insider trading and tipping.
The Company is a publicly traded company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") and the NYSE American LLC (the "NYSE American", and together with the TSX, the "Exchanges"). As such, trades in the Company's securities are subject to Canadian and U.S. securities laws, rules and regulations, as well as the rules and regulations of the Exchanges (collectively, "Securities Laws").
The procedures and restrictions set forth in this Policy are only a general framework to assist Company Personnel, as defined below, in ensuring that any purchase or sale of securities occurs without actual or perceived violation of applicable Securities Laws. Company Personnel have the ultimate responsibility for complying with applicable Securities Laws and should obtain additional guidance, including independent legal advice, as may be appropriate for their own circumstances.
The Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") will designate one or more individuals from time to time as insider trading policy administrators (the "Insider Policy Administrator") for the purpose of administering this Policy. At the date hereof, the designated Insider Trading Policy Administrators are the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. This Policy has been reviewed and approved by the Company's Board of Directors and may be reviewed and updated periodically by the Disclosure Committee and the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee. Any amendments to this Policy shall be subject to approval by the Company's Board of Directors.
2. APPLICATION
2.1 Persons that are Subject to this Policy
The following persons are required to observe and comply with this Policy:
(a) all directors, officers and employees of the Company or its subsidiaries;
(b) any other person retained by or engaged in business of professional activity with or on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (such as a consultant, independent contractor, adviser or other service provider);
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(c) any family member, spouse or other person living in the household or a dependent child of any of the individuals referred to in Sections 2.1(a) and (b) above; and
(d) partnerships, trusts, corporations, R.R.S.P.'s, T.F.S.A.'s and similar entities over which any of the above-mentioned individuals exercise control or direction.
For the purposes of this Policy, the persons listed above are collectively referred to as "Company Personnel". Sections 2.1(c) and (d) should be carefully reviewed by Company Personnel; those sections have the effect of making various family members or holding companies or trusts of the persons referred to in Sections 2.1(a) and (b) subject to the Policy.
2.2 Trades that are Subject to this Policy
Under this Policy, all references to trading in securities of the Company include: (a) any sale or purchase of securities of the Company, including the exercise of stock options granted under the Company's stock option plan and the acquisition of shares or any other securities pursuant to any Company benefit plan or arrangement, and (b) any derivatives-based or other transaction or arrangement that would be required to be reported by insiders in accordance with applicable laws or regulations relating to derivatives or equity monetization transactions (including Multilateral Instrument 55-103 - Insider Reporting for Certain Derivative Transactions (Equity Monetization ("MI 55-103")).
3. INSIDE INFORMATION
"Inside Information" means:
• a change in the business, operations or capital of the Company that would reasonably be expected to have a significant effect on the market price or value of the securities of the Company (which includes any decision to implement such a change by the Company's Board of Directors or by senior management who believe that confirmation of the decision by the Company's Board of Directors is probable);
• a fact that significantly affects, or would reasonably be expected to have a significant effect on, the market price or value of the securities of the Company; and
• any information which is not generally available to the public if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable shareholder would consider it important in making an investment decision or the reasonable investor would view the information as having significantly altered the 'total mix' of information available.
In each case, information which has not been generally disclosed. Examples of information that may constitute Inside Information are set out in Schedule "A" attached hereto. It is the responsibility of any Company Personnel contemplating a trade in securities of the Company to determine prior to such trade whether he or she is aware of any information that constitutes Inside Information. If in doubt, the individual should consult with an Insider Trading Policy Administrator. In addition, Section 6.2 of this Policy requires that certain Personnel pre-clear trades in securities of the Company.
4. PROHIBITION AGAINST TRADING ON INSIDE INFORMATION
Company Personnel must not purchase, sell or otherwise trade securities of the Company with the knowledge of Inside Information until:
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(a) Two full trading days after the disclosure to the public of the Inside Information, whether by way of press release or a filing made with securities regulatory authorities; or
(b) the Inside Information ceases to be material (e.g. a potential transaction that was the subject of the information is abandoned, and either Company Personnel are so advised by the Insider Trading Policy Administrators or such abandonment has been generally disclosed).
In addition, Company Personnel must not make any trades in securities of the Company during the black-out periods described in Section 6 of this Policy.
5. PROHIBITION AGAINST SPECULATING, SHORT-SELLING, PUTS AND CALLS
Certain types of trades in securities of the Company, by Company Personnel can raise particular concerns about potential breaches of applicable securities law or that the interests of the persons making the trade are not aligned with those of the Company. Company Personnel are therefore prohibited at any time from, directly or indirectly, undertaking any of the following activities:
(a) speculating in securities of the Company, which may include buying with the intention of quickly reselling such securities, or selling securities of the Company with the intention of quickly buying such securities (other than in connection with the acquisition and sale of shares issued under the Company's stock option plan or any other Company benefit plan or arrangement);
(b) buying the Company's securities on margin;
(c) short selling a security of the Company or any other arrangement that results in a gain only if the value of the Company's securities declines in the future;
(d) selling a "call option" giving the holder an option to purchase securities of the Company; and
(e) buying a "put option" giving the holder an option to sell securities of the Company.
6. RESTRICTIONS ON TRADING OF COMPANY SECURITIES
6.1 Black-out Periods and Notice
Black-out periods may be prescribed from time to time by the Disclosure Committee and or the Board at any time at which it is determined there may be undisclosed Inside Information concerning the Company that makes it inappropriate for Company Personnel to be trading. In such circumstances, the Insider Trading Policy Administrators will issue a notice instructing these individuals not to trade in securities of the Company until further notice. This notice will contain a reminder that the fact that there is a restriction on trading may itself constitute Inside Information or information that may lead to rumours and must be kept confidential. If persons that are subject to this policy are ever in any doubt as to whether or not they are able to trade, they should confer with the Insider Trading Policy Administrator prior to trading.
The Insider Trading Policy Administrator or an authorized representative of the Company as designated by the Chief Executive Officer from time to time will keep a record of the individuals who are subject to the conditions of the black-out.
Protocol for Dealing in the Company's Securities
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In order to enhance compliance with insider trading legislation, the Company has made the following provision for black-out periods during which Company Personnel are prohibited from trading.
Unscheduled developments include but are not limited to Insider Information such as significant corporate acquisitions, divestitures, contract negotiations, material new information regarding Company's resources, reserves and activity, asset write downs or transactions that will generally result in a material change in the affairs of the Company.
6.2.1 The black-out period begins as soon as management is aware of a development that has been confirmed and continues until material information has been publicly disseminated, terminating after four hours for release of exploration results and after one day for material transactions or other material corporate information after the disclosure to the public of the Inside Information, whether by way of press release or a filing made with securities regulatory authorities; which minimum period is subject to increase at the discretion of the board of directors from time to time.
6.2 Exemptions
Individuals subject to a black-out period who wish to trade securities of the Company may apply to an Insider Trading Policy Administrator for approval to trade securities of the Company during the black-out period. Any such request should describe the nature of and reasons for the proposed trade. The Insider Trading Policy Administrator will consider such requests and inform the requisitioning individual whether or not the proposed trade may be made. The requisitioning individual may not make any such trade until he or she has received the specific approval from an Insider Trading Policy Administrator.
7. PROHIBITION AGAINST TIPPING
Company Personnel are prohibited from communicating Inside Information to any person outside the Company, unless: (a) disclosure is in the necessary course of the Company's business provided that the person receiving such information first enters into a confidentiality agreement in favour of the Company (which should contain, among other things, an acknowledgement by the recipient of the requirements of applicable securities laws relating to such recipient trading securities with knowledge of a material fact or material change in respect of the Company that has not been generally disclosed and to such recipient disclosing information to another person or company such material fact or material change) and the disclosure is made pursuant to the proper performance by such Company Personnel of his or her duties on behalf of the Company; (b) disclosure is compelled by judicial process; and or (c) disclosure is expressly authorized by the Disclosure Committee.
Subject to the above, Inside Information is to be kept strictly confidential by all Company Personnel until after it has been generally disclosed plus four hours for release of exploration results and one day for material transactions or other material corporate information after the disclosure to the public of the Inside Information, whether by way of press release or a filing made with securities regulatory authorities. Discussing Inside Information within the hearing of, or leaving it exposed to, any person who has no need to know is to be avoided at all times. Company Personnel with knowledge of Inside Information shall not encourage any other person or company to trade in the securities of the Company, regardless of whether the Inside Information is specifically communicated to such person or company.
If any Company Personnel has any doubt with respect to whether any information is Inside Information or whether disclosure of Inside Information is in the necessary course of business, the individual is required to contact an Insider Trading Policy Administrator.
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8. SECURITIES OF OTHER COMPANIES
In the course of the Company's business, Company Personnel may obtain information about another publicly traded company that has not been generally disclosed and or is under discussion with the Company. Securities laws generally prohibit such Company Personnel from trading in securities of that other company while in possession of such information or communicating such information to another person. The restrictions set out in this Policy apply to all Company Personnel with respect to both trading in the securities of another company while in possession of such information, and communicating such information.
9. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The directors, certain officers and certain other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are "Reporting Insiders" under applicable securities laws. Reporting Insiders are required to file reports with Canadian provincial securities regulators, pursuant to the electronic filing system known as SEDI, of any direct or indirect beneficial ownership of, or control or direction over, securities of the Company and of any change in such ownership, control or direction. In addition, Reporting Insiders must also include in their reports any monetization, non-recourse loan or similar arrangement, trade or transaction that changes the Reporting Insider's economic exposure to or interest in securities of the Company and which may not necessarily involve a sale, whether or not required under applicable law.
It is the responsibility of each Insider (and not the Company) to comply with these reporting requirements. The Company will assist any Insider in their preparation and filing of insider reports upon request.
Some officers of the Company or its subsidiaries may be eligible to be exempted by applicable securities law from the requirements to file insider reports.
A person that is uncertain as to whether he or she is a Reporting Insider or whether he or she may be eligible to be exempted from these requirements should contact an Insider Trading Policy Administrator. Reporting Insiders who are exempted from these requirements remain subject to all of the other provisions of applicable securities law and this Policy.
10. PENALTIES AND CIVIL LIABILITY
The applicable securities laws that impose insider trading and tipping prohibitions also impose substantial penalties and civil liability for any breach of those prohibitions. Where a company is found to have committed an offence, the directors, officers and supervisory Company Personnel of the company may be subject to the same or additional penalties.
11. ENFORCEMENT
All directors, officers, employees, consultants and certain service providers, as determined by the Insider Trading Policy Administrator of the Company and its subsidiaries will be provided with a copy of this Policy, and shall execute the certification set out in Schedule "B" regarding acknowledgement of and compliance with the procedures and restrictions set forth in this Policy. It is a condition of their appointment, employment or engagement that each of these persons at all times abide by the standards, requirements and procedures set out in this Policy unless a written authorization to proceed otherwise is received from an Insider Trading Policy Administrator. Any such person who violates this Policy may face disciplinary action up to and including termination of his or her employment or appointment with or engagement by the Company without notice. The violation of this Policy may also violate certain securities laws. If it appears that a director, officer, employee, consultant or certain service provider may have violated such securities laws, the Company reserves the right to refer the matter to the appropriate regulatory authorities, which could lead to penalties, fines or imprisonment.
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Should you have any questions or wish information concerning the above, please contact an Insider Trading Policy Administrator.
SCHEDULE "A"
Common Examples of Inside Information |
The following examples are not exhaustive. |
☐ Proposed changes in capital structure including stock splits and stock dividends |
☐ Proposed or pending financings |
☐ Material increases or decreases in the amount of outstanding securities or indebtedness |
☐ Proposed changes in corporate structure including amalgamations and reorganizations |
☐ Proposed acquisitions of other companies including take-over bids or mergers |
☐ Material acquisitions or dispositions of assets |
☐ Material changes or developments in products or contracts which would materially affect earnings upwards or downwards |
☐ Material changes in the business of the Company |
☐ Changes in senior management or control of the Company |
☐ Bankruptcy or receivership |
☐ Changes in the Company's auditors |
☐ the financial condition and results of operations of the Company |
☐ indicated changes in revenues or earnings upwards or downwards of more than recent average size |
☐ material legal proceedings |
☐ defaults in material obligations |
☐ the results of the submission of matters to a vote of securityholders |
☐ transactions with directors, officers or principal securityholders |
☐ the granting of options or payment of other compensation to directors or officers |
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SCHEDULE "B"
Certification - Insider Trading Policy of Fury Gold Mines Limited |
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The undersigned hereby certifies that he/she has read and understands the Company's Insider Trading Policy, a copy of which is attached hereto, and agrees to comply with the procedures and restrictions set forth therein. |
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EXHIBIT 12.1
CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY RULE 13a-14(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
I Forrester Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Fury Gold Mines Limited, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Fury Gold Mines Limited (the "Issuer");
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The Issuer's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Issuer and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Issuer's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Issuer's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Issuer's internal control over financial reporting.
5. The Issuer's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Issuer's auditor and the audit committee of the Issuer's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Issuer's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Issuer's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 6, 2024
/s/ "Forrester A. Clark" | |
Forrester A. Clark | |
Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 12.2
CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY RULE 13a-14(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
I Phil van Staden, Chief Financial Officer of Fury Gold Mines Limited, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Fury Gold Mines Limited (the "Issuer");
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The Issuer's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Issuer and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Issuer's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Issuer's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Issuer's internal control over financial reporting.
5. The Issuer's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Issuer's auditor and the audit committee of the Issuer's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Issuer's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Issuer's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 6, 2024
/s/ "Phil van Staden" | |
Phil van Staden | |
Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT 13.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. §1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Fury Gold Mines Limited (the "Company") on Form 20-F for the period ended December 31, 2023 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Forrester Clark, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in this Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: May 6, 2024
/s/ "Forrester A. Clark" | |
Forrester A. Clark | |
Chief Executive Officer |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Fury Gold Mines Limited and will be retained by Fury Gold Mines Limited and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
EXHIBIT 13.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. §1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Fury Gold Mines Limited (the "Company") on Form 20-F for the period ended December 31, 2023 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Phil van Staden, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in this Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: May 6, 2024
/s/ "Phil van Staden" | |
Phil van Staden | |
Chief Financial Officer |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Fury Gold Mines Limited and will be retained by Fury Gold Mines Limited and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
EXHIBIT 15.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement 333-272658 on Form F-10 of our report dated April 2, 2024, relating to the financial statements of Fury Gold Mines Limited appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023.
/s/ Deloitte LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
May 6, 2024
EXHIBIT 15.2
S-K 1300 TECHNICAL REPORT SUMMARY ON THE EAU CLAIRE
PROJECT
QUEBEC, CANADA
Prepared for Fury Gold Mines Ltd.
Qualified Persons:
David Frappier-Rivard, P. Geo.
Exploration Manager, Fury Gold Mines Limited
Effective as of: December 31, 2023
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Contents
1 Executive Summary | 6 |
1.1 Overview | 6 |
1.2 Conclusions | 9 |
1.3 Recommendations | 10 |
2 Introduction and Terms of Reference | 12 |
2.1 Sources of Information | 12 |
2.2 Personal Inspection | 12 |
3 Property Description | 12 |
3.1 Location | 12 |
3.2 Project Ownership | 13 |
3.3 Mineral Tenure | 13 |
3.4 Royalties and Encumbrances | 13 |
3.5 Permitting | 13 |
3.6 First Nations Rights | 14 |
4 Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography | 16 |
4.1 Accessibility | 16 |
4.2 Climate | 16 |
4.3 Local resources & Infrastructure | 16 |
4.4 Physiography | 16 |
4.5 Conclusions | 17 |
5 History | 17 |
5.1 Pre 2002 Exploration | 17 |
5.2 2002 - 2019 Eastmain Resources Exploration | 19 |
5.3 Previous Resource Estimates | 19 |
5.3.1 Discussion on Previous Resource Estimates | 20 |
5.4 Historical Drilling | 20 |
5.5 Past Production | 20 |
6 Geological Setting and Mineralization | 20 |
6.1 Geology | 20 |
6.1 Structure | 23 |
6.2 Mineralization | 25 |
6.3 Alteration | 25 |
6.4 Deposit Types | 26 |
7 Exploration | 29 |
7.1 Percival Biogeochemical Sampling | 29 |
7.2 Geophysical Surveys | 31 |
7.2.1 2020 Gradient Array Induced Polarization Survey | 31 |
7.2.1.1 Methodology | 31 |
7.2.2 2022 DCIP Survey | 32 |
7.2.2.1 Methodology | 32 |
7.3 Drilling | 34 |
7.3.1 2002 - 2013 Drilling | 34 |
7.3.2 2015 Drilling | 34 |
7.3.3 2016-2017 Drill Program | 35 |
7.3.4 2018 - 2019 Drill Program | 38 |
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
7.3.5 Discussion on Drilling Completed Prior to 2020 | 38 |
7.3.6 Fury Gold Mines Drilling 2020-2023 | 38 |
7.3.7 Eau Claire Drilling | 39 |
7.3.8 Percival Drilling | 41 |
7.3.9 Methodology | 43 |
8 Sample Preparation, Analyses, and Security | 46 |
8.1 Diamond Drilling | 46 |
8.1.1 QC Sampling | 48 |
8.2 Summary | 48 |
9 Data Verification | 49 |
9.1 Database Verification | 49 |
9.2 2020 through 2022 Quality Assurance and Quality Control | 49 |
9.2.1 Certified Reference Material | 49 |
9.3 Conclusions | 50 |
10 Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing | 51 |
10.1 2001 COREM Metallurgical Testing | 51 |
10.2 2010 SGS Minerals Metallurgical Testing | 51 |
10.3 2017 SGS Minerals Metallurgical Testing | 52 |
10.4 Conclusions | 56 |
11 Mineral Resource Estimate | 56 |
11.1 Summary | 57 |
11.2 Drill Hole Database | 57 |
11.3 Mineral Resource Modelling and Wireframes | 58 |
11.4 Composites | 60 |
11.5 Grade Capping | 62 |
11.6 Specific Gravity | 62 |
11.7 Block Model Parameters | 63 |
11.8 Grade Interpolation | 63 |
11.9 Mineral Resource Classification Parameters | 64 |
11.10 Reasonable Prospects of Eventual Economic Extraction | 66 |
11.11 Mineral Resource Statement | 67 |
11.11.1 Cut-Off Grade Sensitivity | 71 |
11.11.2 Sensitivity to Metal Price | 73 |
12 Mineral Reserve Estimates | 73 |
13 Mining Methods | 73 |
14 Processing and Recovery Methods | 74 |
15 Infrastructure | 74 |
16 Market Studies | 74 |
17 Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Plans, Negotiations, or Agreements with Local Individuals or Groups | 74 |
18 Capital and Operating Costs | 74 |
19 Economic Analysis | 74 |
20 Adjacent Properties | 74 |
21 Other Relevant Data and Information | 74 |
22 Interpretation and Conclusions | 74 |
23 Recommendations | 77 |
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
24 References | 79 |
25 Reliance on Information Provided by the Registrant | 80 |
26 DATE AND SIGNATURE PAGE | 81 |
Tables
Table 1: Eau Claire Gold Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate Effective as of December 31, 2023 | 8 |
Table 2: Recommended Work Programs for 2024 and beyond | 11 |
Table 3: Summary of Drilling Completed by Fury | 39 |
Table 4 Eau Claire area significant intercepts | 39 |
Table 5 Percival area significant intercepts | 42 |
Table 6: Fury Internal CRMs for Diamond Drilling | 50 |
Table 7: Eau Claire Deposit Drill Hole and Channel Database Summary | 57 |
Table 8: Eau Claire Deposit Zone and Domain Summary | 60 |
Table 9: Statistics of drill core and channel samples within the resource domains. | 61 |
Table 10: 1.0m Composite Summary | 62 |
Table 11: Block Model Geometry | 63 |
Table 12: Whittle™ Pit Optimization Parameters and Parameters used for In-pit and Underground Cut-off Grade Calculation | 67 |
Table 13: Eau Claire Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate as of December 31, 2023 | 68 |
Table 14: Mineral Resource as of December 31, 2023 | 68 |
Table 15: Comparison of Block Model Volumes to Wireframe Volumes | 70 |
Table 16: Comparison of Average Composite to Block Model Grades | 70 |
Table 17: 2024 and beyond Recommended Work Programs | 78 |
Figures | |
Figure 1: Property Location and Claims | 15 |
Figure 2: Eau Claire Deposit Stratigraphy | 21 |
Figure 3. Regional Geology | 24 |
Figure 4: Percival Biogeochemical Sampling | 30 |
Figure 5: Gradient Array DCIP defined structural intersections to the north of the Snake Lake mineralized structure as well the convergence of the Eau Claire and South Tonalite structures. | 32 |
Figure 6: 2022 Percival DCIP IP Survey area depicting the identified resistivity anomalies in relation to the biogeochemical anomalies. | 33 |
Figure 7: Fury Diamond Drilling Methodology Flow Sheet | 45 |
Figure 8: Diamond Drilling Sample Preparation and Analysis Flow Sheet - ALS | 47 |
Figure 9: Oblique view looking NW depicting all drilling and channel sampling utilized in the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimation. | 59 |
Figure 10: Oblique view looking north of the Eau Claire Deposit Block Model Grades | 69 |
Figure 11: Oblique view looking north of the Eau Claire Deposit Block Model Resource Categories | 69 |
Figure 12: Comparison of ID3 and NN methodologies | 71 |
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Appendices
Appendix 1 - Eau Claire Claims List |
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
1 Executive Summary
1.1 Overview
Fury is a Vancouver based Canadian public company involved in mineral exploration and development. Fury is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American Stock Exchange.
This Technical Report Summary (TRS) conforms to United States Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Modernized Property Disclosure Requirements for Mining Registrants as described in Subpart 229.1300 of Regulation S-K, Disclosure by Registrants Engaged in Mining Operations (S-K 1300) and Item 601 (b)(96) Technical Report Summary. The purpose of this TRS is to support the disclosure of the Eau Claire Property Mineral estimates with an effective date of December 31, 2023.
The Eau Claire Project (The Project), 100% held by Fury, comprises 446 claims, totaling 23,284 hectares(ha). Located in 1:50,000 scale NTS map sheets 33B04 and 33B05, approximately 320 km northwest of the town of Chibougamau and 800 km north of Montreal. The property is accessible, year-round, by the Route du Nord and is located 100 km north of Nemaska, serviced by commercial flights twice per week. The centre of the property is located at approximately 75.78 degrees longitude west and 52.22 degrees latitude north.
The Project is north of the 52nd parallel (52ºN) and as such is subject to the provisions of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (1975), and the Paix des Braves Agreement (2002). The Project falls within the Eeyou Istchee Territory of the Eastmain Cree First Nation, including trap line VC36 held by Dr. Ted Moses as the Cree Tallyman, and on Category III lands, as established under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
The Project is located in the La Grande volcanic subprovince (2800 to 2738 Ma), east the Opinaca metasedimentary subprovince (2703 to 2674 Ma) and lies within the Eastmain Greenstone Belt (2752 to 2696 Ma). The Eau Claire gold deposit and the Percival prospect occur within a few kilometres of the Cannard Deformation Zone, a crustal scale structural break and is hosted in the Natel Formation (2739 to 2720 Ma), which is made up of komatiites, komatiitic basalt, massive to pillowed basaltic and andesitic flows of tholeiitic affinity (magnesian tholeiites and iron tholeiites), with interbedded sequences of mudstone, wacke and iron formation.
The majority of the gold mineralization identified to date at Eau Claire occurs as stacked late quartz tourmaline veining (VQTL) within interbedded mafic volcanics and volcaniclastic sequences proximal to regional D2 shear zones. Gold mineralization also occurs within altered host rock without veining occurring as centimetre to several metre wide tourmaline-actinolite ± biotite ± calcite replacement zones around vein selvages. A third style of gold mineralization recently identified in silicified breccias and quartz veins hosted in sediments and volcanic rocks proximal to iron formation on the eastern side of the Project. Eau Claire hosts over 12 showings, the most advanced being the Eau Claire deposit and the Percival prospect.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Since acquiring the Project in October 2020, Fury has initiated systematic exploration programs consisting of geological mapping, biogeochemical sampling, reinterpretation of historical geophysical data, ground based geophysical studies and diamond drilling. Drilling has focussed on exploring for extensions to the known gold mineralization at the Eau Claire deposit, as well as at the Snake Lake and Percival prospects. Large step out drilling in 2022 increased the mineralized footprint of the Eau Claire deposit by over 450m to the west. At Percival Fury intercepted 13.5 metres (m) of 8.05 g/t gold (Au) outlining a 500x100x300m zone of gold mineralization. At this time the 2020-2023 drilling is still ongoing and is not considered in the current Mineral Resources estimate.
The 2023 Mineral Resource estimate is summarized in Table 1. Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the definitions for Mineral Resources in S-K 1300, which are consistent with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves dated May 10, 2014 (CIM (2014) definitions).
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Table 1: Eau Claire Gold Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate Effective as of December 31, 2023
|
Open Pit (surface to 150 m) |
Underground (150 m - 860 m) |
||||
Category |
Tonnes |
(g/t |
Contained |
Tonnes |
(g/t |
Contained |
Measured |
574,000 |
6.66 |
123,000 |
332,000 |
6.56 |
70,000 |
Indicated |
636,000 |
5.13 |
105,000 |
2,752,000 |
6.27 |
555,000 |
Measured & Indicated |
1,210,000 |
5.86 |
228,000 |
3,084,000 |
6.3 |
625,000 |
Inferred |
43,000 |
5.06 |
7,000 |
2,339,000 |
6.56 |
493,000 |
Notes:
1.The classification of the current Mineral Resource Estimate into Measured, Indicated and Inferred has been completed in accordance with the definitions for mineral resources in S-K 1300, which are consistent with current 2014 CIM Definition Standards - For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.
2. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.
3 All Resources are presented undiluted and in situ, constrained by 3D wireframe models (the constraining volumes), and are considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
4. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that most of the Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
5. Open pit Mineral Resources are reported at a base case cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au within a conceptual pit shell and underground Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 2.5 g/t Au outside the conceptual pit shell. Cut-off grades are based on a gold price of US$1,250 per ounce, a foreign exchange rate of US$0.80 and a gold recovery of 95%.
6. The results from pit optimization are used solely for the purpose of testing the "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction" by an open pit and do not represent an attempt to estimate mineral reserves. There are no mineral reserves on the Property. The results are used as a guide to assist in the preparation of a Mineral Resource statement and to select an appropriate resource reporting cut-off grade.
7.. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Inferred Mineral Resource will be upgraded to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource as a result of continued exploration. There is no other relevant data or information available that is necessary to make the technical report understandable and not misleading.
The author is of the view that there are no environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, or other relevant factors applicable to the Project that could be seen as precluding mineral production once normal compliance with the many environmental and other governmental requirements are met. Accordingly, none of the foregoing factors are such that they could be said to materially adversely affect the 2023 Mineral Resource estimate.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
1.2 Conclusions
Drilling to 2018 at the Eau Claire deposit has outlined mineralization with three-dimensional continuity, and size and grades that can potentially be extracted economically. Project geologists have a good understanding of the regional, local, and deposit geology and controls on mineralization. The geological models are reasonable and plausible interpretations of the drill results.
There has been no new drilling in the immediate area of those resources last calculated in 2018, and the relationship between the long-term average metal price and operating cost assumptions have been taken into account by Mr Dupéré arriving at his 2023 mineral resource estimate.
Mineral Resources for the Eau Claire deposit were estimated assuming combined open pit and underground mining methods. At cut-off grades of 0.5 g/t Au for open pit and 2.5 g/t Au for underground, Measured Mineral Resources are estimated to total 0.9 Mt at an average grade of 6.63 g/t Au containing 193,000 ounces gold. At the same cut-off grades, Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated to total 3.39 Mt at an average grade of 6.06 g/t Au containing 660,000 ounces gold. At the same cut-off grades, Inferred Mineral Resources are estimated to total 2.38 Mt at an average grade of 6.53 g/t Au containing 500,000 ounces gold. The open pit resources were constrained by a preliminary pit shell generated in Whittle software from surface to 150m below surface. Underground resources are reported at the high cut-off grade outside of the pit shell from 150 to 860m below surface.
The limited metallurgical testwork conducted so far suggests that the gold can be recovered by conventional means, such as a combination of gravity followed by cyanide leaching of the concentrate. Additional metallurgical testwork will be warranted if further exploration increases the size of the resource.
In 2018, significant gold mineralization was identified at the Percival prospect located 14 kilometres (km) to the east of the Eau Claire deposit. The Eau Claire deposit, the Percival prospect and various other mineral occurrences, displayed on Figure 3, are all located within the Eau Claire Property, also referred to as the Eau Claire Project. Gold mineralization at Percival has been defined within a 500x100x300m footprint within folded sulphidized and silicified breccias and quartz veining in an interbedded volcanic and sedimentary sequence. Fury recognized that the high-grade core of the Percival mineralization, represented by historical drill intercepts of 9.0m of 6.26 g/t gold, 8.5m of 7.13 g/t gold, and 2.0m of 8.47 g/t gold was parallel and slightly offset to magnetic stratigraphic units that define a steep westerly plunging fold hinge. Targeting of the fold hinge geometry has significantly expanded the Percival mineralized footprint with intercepts of up to 13.5m of 8.05 g/t Au, including 3m of 25.8 g/t Au. Exploration historically has focussed on Quartz-tourmaline veins (VQTL) within mafic volcanic sequences at Eau Claire, the recent identification of the Percival mineralization indicates there is good potential to discover additional mineralization and to add to the resource base within the Project.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
1.3 Recommendations
Future exploration efforts should continue to focus on the Eau Claire deposit and Percival prospect styles of mineralization identified to date as it has been shown these can host significant gold grades over width. The recommended Phase 1 work program consists of a regional portion focussed on refining known gold occurrences within the Project and attempting to define new prospects in areas with favourable geological and structural settings. In addition to the regional program, a drill program, focussed on the Eau Claire deposit, designed to tie-in the mineralization identified 450m west of the current resource with the aim of updating the current mineral resource should be completed. Additional drilling would focus on the Percival prospect and other nearby geochemical anomalies to determine the continuity and scale of gold mineralization.
The Phase 1 program is anticipated to include collection of 15,000 infill till and biogeochemical samples and 30,000 m of Diamond drilling, 20,000m at the Eau Claire deposit and 10,000m at Percival. The Phase 1 program is estimated to cost approximately $13.5 million (Table 2).
The Phase 2 exploration program will continue to be drill intensive. An additional 20,000 - 30,000m of diamond drilling should be completed at the Eau Claire deposit to explore the down dip potential of the limb mineralization as well as tying in the newly identified mineralization at the Gap zone and to the east of the defined resource with the ongoing goal of continuing to update the Mineral Resource Estimate. An additional 20,000m of drilling should be allocated to regional targets defined from the Phase 1 program. The Phase 2 program is estimated to cost between $18 and $22.5 million (Table 2).
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Table 2: Recommended Work Programs for 2024 and beyond
Phase 1 |
||
Type |
Details |
Cost |
Labour |
Staff Wages, Technical and Support Contractors |
1,750,000 |
Assaying |
Sampling and Analytical |
750,000 |
Drilling |
Diamond Drilling (30,000m at $175/m) |
5,250,000 |
Till Sampling |
Detailed sampling program |
1,500,000 |
Land Management |
Consultants. Assessment Filing, Claim maintenance |
750,000 |
Community Relations |
Community Tours, Outreach |
75,000 |
Information Technology |
Remote site communications and IT |
35,000 |
Safety |
Equipment, Training and Supplies |
75,000 |
Expediting |
Expediting |
150,000 |
Camp Costs |
Equipment, Maintenance, Food, Supplies |
250,000 |
Freight and Transportation |
Freight, Travel, Helicopter |
450,000 |
Fuel |
|
1,200,000 |
General and Administration |
100,000 |
|
Sub-total |
|
12,335,000 |
Contingency (10%) |
1,233,500 |
|
Total |
|
13,568,500 |
|
|
|
Phase 2 |
||
Type |
Details |
Cost |
Labour |
Staff Wages, Technical and Support Contractors |
2,250,000 |
Drilling |
Diamond Drilling (40,000 - 50,000m) |
7,875,000 |
Assaying |
Sampling and Analytical |
1,000,000 |
Community Relations |
Community Tours, Outreach |
100,000 |
Information Technology |
Remote site communications and IT |
100,000 |
Safety |
Equipment, Training and Supplies |
125,000 |
Expediting |
Expediting |
250,000 |
Camp Costs |
Equipment, Maintenance, Food, Supplies |
750,000 |
Freight and Transportation |
Fright, Travel, Helicopter |
1,950,000 |
Fuel |
|
3,000,000 |
General and Administration |
500,000 |
|
Sub-total |
|
17,900,000 |
Contingency (10%) |
1,790,000 |
|
Total |
|
19,690,000 |
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
2 Introduction and Terms of Reference
This Technical Summary Report on the Eau Claire Project (the Project), located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory of Northern Quebec, Canada is authored by David Frappier-Rivard, Exploration Manager at Fury. The purpose of this report is to document the current Mineral Resource estimate of the Eau Claire deposit and to outline the work completed by Fury on the Project. Fury is a Vancouver-based exploration company formed in June 2008 which is engaged in acquiring, exploring, and evaluating natural resource properties in Canada. It is a reporting issuer in British Columbia whose common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: FURY) and the NYSE-American (NYSE: FURY).
On October 9, 2020, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding shares of Eastmain Resources Inc. ("Eastmain") in accordance with the terms and conditions of the arrangement agreement dated August 10, 2020 (the "Arrangement Agreement"). In accordance with the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, the Company changed its name to "Fury Gold Mines Limited" pursuant to a certificate of change of name dated October 8, 2020.
The Project represents a strategic land position covering prospective lithologies and structures for gold deposits. The Project hosts the Eau Claire deposit, which is at the resource definition stage, as well as a large land position which merits additional exploration.
2.1 Sources of Information
The Eau Claire Project has been the subject of several prior NI43-101 Technical Reports. The most recent prepared by David Frappier-Rivard of Fury and Maxime Dupéré, Geologist with SGS Geological Services entitled "Technical Report on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada" dated August 30th, 2023.
The documentation reviewed by the Authors, and other sources of information, are listed in Section 24 of this report.
2.2 Personal Inspection
Mr. Frappier-Rivard has been involved in all exploration programs on the Project since 2020 and was last on site from May to August 2023.
3 Property Description
3.1 Location
The Project is located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory of Northern Quebec, approximately 320 km northwest of the town of Chibougamau and 800 km north of Montreal. The property is accessible, year-round, by the Route du Nord and is located 100 km north of Nemaska, serviced by commercial flights twice per week.
The approximate centre of the Project is located at Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) co-ordinates 5,786,800m N and 453,000m E (NAD 83, Zone 18N). The approximate UTM co-ordinates for the centre of the currently defined Eau Claire deposit are 5,785,100m N and 444,600m E. The Project is located within National Topographic System (NTS) 1:50,000 scale map-areas; 33B04 and 33B05.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
3.2 Project Ownership
The Project consists of 446 map designated claims covering 23,284.5 ha, (Figure 1, Appendix 1) 100% owned by Eastmain Resources Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fury. Appendix 1 lists all the claims along with the relevant tenure information including their designation number, registration and expiry dates, area, assessment work credits and work requirements for renewal. The boundaries of the claims have not been legally surveyed. The mineral rights exclude surface rights, which belong to the Quebec government.
3.3 Mineral Tenure
Under the Quebec Mining Act, claims or cells are map staked. The map-designated coordinates of the cells are the legal limits of said claims, the physical limits can be verified by consulting the Government of Quebec's Ministère de Ressources Naturelles et des Forets (MERN) GESTIM website.
In Quebec, available mining lands are defined as geo-referenced polygons which can be applied for by holders of Quebec prospecting licenses through an online portal. The person identifies the claim ('clicking') and pays the required fee online. In the case of mining claims that are expiring or to be cancelled, these lands are made available for acquisition at a designated future date and time, allowing for all interested parties to become aware when these lands are available. In the case of open lands or re-opened lands, the first person to complete the transaction receives the mineral tenure. Funds to for transactions with MERN such as claim acquisition and renewal may be deposited in advance in a dedicated account with the Ministry.
Under the current Quebec Mining Act claims are required to be renewed every two years for a fee of $170. Work requirements are based on the number of hectares in each claim and increase each 2-year term to a maximum reached at the 7th term (14th year). Work requirements also vary on whether the claim is located north or south of the 52nd parallel. The Eau Claire Project claims require expenditures equivalent to $978,765.00 every two years to remain in good standing, currently there is over $70 million in excess expenditures registered on the Property (Appendix 1).
3.4 Royalties and Encumbrances
There are no Royalties applicable to the Eau Claire Project claims.
3.5 Permitting
A forest intervention permit is required for any logging activity, Including clearing for roads, camps, and drill pads. Documentation for such a permit must be submitted by a forest engineer to the Chibougamau or Amos forest management unit, part of the MERN. In accordance with the Paix des Braves protocols, a representative from the MERN will contact the Cree Tallyman who owns the trap line where logging is needed; the Tallyman then has 45 days to provide his approval. A small logging royalty, stumpage fee, is deemed payable to the Ministry.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
A "special intervention permit" is required to conduct drilling. This permit is very similar to and replaces the forest intervention permit. Road construction necessitating any earthmoving requires authorization from the MERN. This request is made concomitantly with the forest intervention permit request and may take a few months to be approved.
Installation of a temporary or permanent camp requires a permit to be issued by the Municipalité de la Baie-James, from Matagami. Installation must comply with municipal regulations as well as the Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change (Ministère de l'Environnement et Lutte contre les changements climatiques - MELCC), especially concerning wastewater management.
No specific permit is required to conduct geophysics, line cutting, or other activities not requiring significant logging.
Based on personal visits and given that the Project is exploration stage, Mr. Frappier-Rivard is of the view that other than camp site rehabilitation there are no material environmental liabilities associated with the Project. Fury has all required permits to conduct the proposed work on the Project. Mr. Frappier-Rivard is not aware of any other significant factors and risks that may affect access, title, or the right or ability to perform the proposed work program on the Project.
3.6 First Nations Rights
The Project is located north of the 52nd parallel (52ºN) and as such is subject to the provisions of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (1975), and the Paix des Braves Agreement (2002). The Project falls within the Eeyou Istchee Territory of the Eastmain Cree First Nation, including trap lines held by Dr. Ted Moses (tallyman).
The Eau Claire project is located on Category III lands, as established under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Category III lands are administered by the province of Quebec and they do not have any substantial restrictions on mineral exploration. A notice of work must be forwarded to the Eastmain Community and the tallyman prior to initiating exploration activities. The Project is located within the traditional territories of the Cree Nation of Eastmain. The entire Project lies on trapline VC-37, currently assigned to Dr. Ted Moses.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Figure 1: Property Location and Claims
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
4 Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
4.1 Accessibility
The Project is located 350 kilometres north of the town of Chibougamau and borders the northern shore of the EM-1 Hydro Quebec reservoir in the James Bay region (NTS Map sheet 33B04 and 33B05). The exploration camp is located 2.5 kilometres east of the Eau Claire deposit at 52.22 degrees north and 75.79 degrees west.
The property is accessible, year-round, by the Route du Nord and is located 100 km north of Nemaska, serviced by commercial flights twice per week. The Route du Nord from the town of Chibougamau is a 350- kilometre long all-season gravel road extending from the town of Chibougamau to the Cree village of Nemaska (and onto Hydro Québec's installation at EM-1). Beyond EM-1, road access to the project involves crossing the Eastmain Reservoir and the EM-1 spillway via an all-season road installed by Hydro Québec.
4.2 Climate
The climate is typical of northern Quebec and is characterized by temperate to subarctic conditions. The average summer temperatures vary from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day and 5 to 15 degrees Celsius at night (June to September). Winter temperatures range from -35 to -10 degrees Celsius. Winter season can start in late October and can continue until May. Precipitation varies during the year reaching an average of 2 metres annually and is characterized by snow cover in the winter months and moderate rainfall in the summer months. Exploration activities can be carried out year-round.
4.3 Local resources & Infrastructure
Fury, through its Eastmain subsidiary, maintains forty-person camp to support exploration activities at the Eau Claire project. The closest infrastructures to the Eau Claire deposit include a number of hydroelectric complexes and associated infrastructure, including the EM-1 hydroelectric complex. The EM-1 complex is located within 15 kilometres of the Eau Claire gold deposit. Hydro Québec has established a 600-person camp at EM-1 that includes fuel and medical services. More major necessities such as skilled labour and specialized equipment are sourced from Val-d'Or or Chibougamau. Many services are now available through numerous Cree owned businesses and partnerships in Mistissini, Eastmain and Nemaska.
4.4 Physiography
The property is located within the Canadian Shield and is characterized by many lakes, swamps, rivers, and low-lying terrain. The project is located in the boreal forest where forest fires are common. Vegetation is typical of taiga, including areas dominated by sparse black spruce, birch, and poplar forests, in addition to large areas of peat bog devoid of trees.
Overburden is typically 3 to 4 metres thick, with the exception of isolated areas where overburden thickness can reach 20 m. Numerous glacial eskers often reaching tens of kilometres in length can be seen of satellite images.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Rock outcrops are sparse due to the abundance of quaternary deposits and swamps. The topography of the area is subdued and characterized dominantly by lowlands, with few hills that attain elevations up to 330 metres above sea level. The area is drained by the Eastmain River, which now drains the Eastmain Reservoir located near the southern margin of the property.
4.5 Conclusions
The Eau Claire Project is a remote greenfields site with limited existing roads, no power or water. Development of the project will require:
In the opinion Mr. Frappier-Rivard, the Eau Claire Project site offers, subject to customary environmental and other regulatory compliance, adequate surface rights and land suitable for the construction of a processing plant, tailings facility, waste rock dumps, and mining camp. The project site has several suitable sources of water pending the necessary approvals.
5 History
The following is taken from Armitage and Hafez (2017) and describes work completed in the general vicinity of the Project prior to 2017. Work completed after 2017 is summarized from previously submitted assessment reports.
5.1 Pre 2002 Exploration
Exploration on the Project dates back to the early 1970s when SEREM Quebec Inc. (SEREM) and Société de Développement de la Baie-James (SDBJ) completed airborne electromagnetic surveys and limited core drilling in search for volcanogenic massive base metal sulphide deposits (SRK, 2015).
In 1984, Westmin and Eastmain initiated a comprehensive gold and base metal exploration program that covered the former Eastmain Greenstone Belt. From 1984 through 1989, Westmin and Eastmain completed a multi-staged exploration program which included airborne geophysical surveys, line cutting, geochemical rock and soil surveys, ground geophysical surveys, prospecting, geological mapping, and core drilling.
A property-wide airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey contracted by Westmin formed the basis of a comprehensive exploration program that led to the discovery of the Eau Claire gold deposit in 1987. The joint venture conducted a systematic soil sampling program over all known electromagnetic anomalies on the property. Flagged and cut grids were completed on isolated electromagnetic anomalies along with prospecting, geological mapping, and rock sampling. A large gold-in-soil geochemical anomaly was detected in the south-western portion of the property proximal to the outcropping gold-bearing quartz- tourmaline vein, currently identified as the B Vein in the 450 West zone.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Sampling and mapping were conducted on local area cut grids focussing on short strike-length airborne geophysical conductors. Westmin collected 1,036 rock samples that were assayed for gold only. The rock sample data ranges from less than 5 parts per billion to 22.2 g/t Au.
Soil surveys were completed over small, localized grids using a grub hoe to sample the soil's B-horizon. Samples were assayed for gold only.
Westmin completed a total of 54 core boreholes (5,922 metres) from 1987 to 1989, which resulted in the discovery of several gold-bearing quartz-tourmaline veins. The presence of these veins (including veins currently known as VEIN B, C, D, F and G) demonstrated continuity in three dimensions within the upper portion of the Eau Claire gold deposit.
The property was dormant from 1990 to 1995.
From 1996 through 2001, SOQUEM managed the exploration activities on the Clearwater property, which included ground geophysical surveys, line cutting, prospecting, geological mapping, trenching and core drilling. A comprehensive soil sampling program covered the entire property on a 100 by 500 metre grid. In 1996, SOQUEM commissioned Sigma Geophysics Inc. (Sigma) to complete ground magnetic and induced polarization (IP) surveys over four grid areas. The surveys were completed over the Rosemary, Eau Claire, Aupapiskach, and Natel areas. In total, Sigma completed 168.5 line kilometres of ground magnetic survey and 130.9 line kilometres of IP surveys. The magnetic data were collected on 100 metre line and 12.5 metre station spacing using an EDA Omniplus instrument.
Magnetic, resistivity, and chargeability data were presented on 1:5,000 scale map sheets for each grid area. The Eau Claire Deposit was not detected from the geophysical surveys.
Between 1996 and 2001, SOQUEM collected 556 rock samples for analysis. The principal area of interest defined by the SOQUEM rock sampling was the surface expression of the 450 West Zone. SOQUEM also found gold-bearing quartz-tourmaline veins 2 kilometres east of Eau Claire at the Snake Lake prospect.
In 1999, a backhoe was brought to the property to expedite surface trenching. Extensive surface trenching in 1999 exposed multiple high-grade, quartz-tourmaline veins (currently known as VEIN P, JQ, R, and S) at the 450 West zone. Surface stripping demonstrated lateral continuity of these veins for up to 200 metres and variable thicknesses, from less than 0.5 metres to 3.2 metres. Systematic channel sampling across these veins at 5- to 10-metre intervals yielded gold intercepts ranging from less than 1.0 to 406.5 g/t Au. SOQUEM completed 95 core boreholes (19,639 metres) on the property between 1996 and 2001.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
5.2 2002 - 2019 Eastmain Resources Exploration
Eastmain completed campaign style ground exploration programs from 2002 through to 2013. Little ground work aside from drilling was completed post 2013. The ground work completed by Eastmain included outcrop and trench mapping, soil sampling, ground and airborne geophysical surveying and trenching.
Soil sampling across the Project identified a number of anomalous targets. Several of these targets; Rosemary, Spider, Boomerang, Snake Lake and Clovis are located along the Cannard Deformation Zone within the Eau Claire deposit trend. On the eastern side of the property the Natel, Knight and Serendipity prospects were identified early on. The Percival prospect was not identified until 2018 through prospecting. Percival does not have a gold in soil anomaly associated with the near surface gold mineralization from the historical Eastmain work.
Airborne geophysical surveys were completed in 2005 (VTEM and magnetics with 100m line spacing), 2012 (Magnetics with 25 - 50m line spacing) across the entire property. A VTEM and magnetics grid targeting the Knight - Serendipity trend which includes Percival was completed in 2019. The airborne geophysical data was utilised to refine the structural and geologic models for the entire property.
In 2012 an airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and aerial photography survey was flown over the entire Project. Digital elevation models and high resolution orthophoto imagery was provided. The LiDAR survey identified several new structural and stratigraphic features while also providing confirmation of the structural interpretations based off of the airborne geophysical data.
The combined LiDAR and magnetics interpretation showed the main stratigraphic units within the Project area are controlled by east-west oriented D2 structures.
5.3 Previous Resource Estimates
In 2002, SOQUEM reported an Indicated mineral resource of 258,678 ounces of gold contained within 972,900 tonnes grading 8.27 g/t Au (9.62 g/t Au uncut), and an Inferred resource of 60,233 ounces of gold contained within 508,665 tonnes grading 3.68 g/t Au (3.79 g/t Au uncut).
In 2015 SRK completed a Mineral Resource Estimate reporting a combined open pit and underground resource of 0.97 Mt grading 7.29 g/t Au for 227koz Au in the Measured Category, 6.26Mt grading 3.60 g/t Au for 724koz Au in the Indicated category and 5.07Mt grading 3.88 g/t Au for 633koz Au in the inferred category. Open pit mineral resources were reported at a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t gold and underground mineral resources were reported at a cut-off grade of 2.5 g/t gold. The cut-off grades consider a gold price of US$1,300 per ounce of gold and a gold recovery of 95%.
In 2018 an Updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Eau Claire Gold Deposit, Clearwater Property, Quebec, Canada" dated July 3rd, 2018, and with an effective date of February 4th, 2018, was prepared by Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, Antoine Yassa, P.Geo., Andrew Bradfield, P.Eng. of P&E Mining Consultants Inc. and Allan Armitage, Ph.D., P. Geo of SGS Canada Inc. The mineral resources in that report are the same as the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate herein
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
5.3.1 Discussion on Previous Resource Estimates
The historical Mineral Resource Estimates summarized above are superseded by the 2023 Mineral Resources Estimate. Additional drilling, interpretation and modeling has been completed subsequent to the historical resource estimates. The historical resource estimates summarized above show a linear progression through time as more data and information was added at the Eau Claire Deposit and in the opinion of Mr. Frappier-Rivard were reasonable with the information available at the time the resource estimates were completed. The only current mineral resource estimate for the Eau Claire Project is Mr Frappier-Rivards's 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate discussed in Section 11 of this report.
5.4 Historical Drilling
Drilling completed prior to 2020 supports the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate and is described in Section 7 of this report. Drilling since 2020 was conducted outside the resource area and does not impact the estimate.
5.5 Past Production
There has been no previous production from the Project.
6 Geological Setting and Mineralization
6.1 Geology
The Eau Claire project is contained within the La Grande volcano-plutonic Subprovince (2,752 to 2,696 Ma) of the Superior Province approximately 30 kilometres south of the contact with the metasedimentary Opinaca Subprovince (2700 to 2648 Ma). Portions of the La Grande Subprovince were formerly referred to as the Eastmain Greenstone Belt. Depending on the literature, the Eastmain Greenstone Belt has retained its title as a distinct greenstone belt lying within the La Grande Subprovince.
The La Grande Subprovince consists of four volcanic cycles erupted between 2,752 and 2,705 Ma (Kauputauch, Natel, Anatacau-Pivert, and Komo-Kasak formations). The supracrustal rocks of the region are intruded by syn-volcanic (2747 to 2710 Ma) and post- or late-tectonic (2,697 to 2,618 Ma) tonalite- trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) suites.
The Eastmain Greenstone Belt consists of a 5- to 10-kilometre wide by 150-kilometre long succession of Archean bimodal volcanic rocks (Figures 2 and 3). The volcanic sequence includes lowermost mafic volcanic rocks overlain by felsic pyroclastic to volcaniclastic rocks, intercalated facies of iron formation, shaly and graphitic sedimentary units.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Figure 2: Eau Claire Deposit Stratigraphy
Metamorphic grade varies on a regional scale within the La Grande Subprovince from greenschist to amphibolite facies.
Geological studies completed throughout the region show evidence of multiple deformation events, including:
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Eau Claire is underlain by a bimodal volcanic sequence of mafic volcanic flows, felsic volcaniclastic rocks, sulphide iron formation, and graphitic metasedimentary rocks, intruded by a variety of felsic sub-volcanic plutons and dikes. The volcano-sedimentary sequence has been folded into an east-west-trending, west-plunging anticline, located at the western end of the Clearwater property.
The Eau Claire deposit straddles the contact on the south limb of an anticline between lowermost felsic volcaniclastic rocks overlain by mafic volcanic flows. Gold-bearing quartz-tourmaline veins from the Eau Claire deposit crosscut the volcanic/sedimentary rock contact and in turn are crosscut by late northeast- trending mafic dikes. The contact between volcanic and sedimentary rocks is a marker horizon that forms a broad open fold along the north limb and a tight fold closure immediately west of the deposit, as well as an east-west trending south limb that has been traced for several kilometres. Iron formation occurs along the southern limb of the antiform east of Eau Claire and is locally isoclinally folded.
The Eau Claire deposit is principally contained within a thick sequence of massive and pillowed mafic volcanic flows and felsic volcaniclastic rocks intruded by multiple phases of tonalite and felsic (quartz- feldspar) porphyry stocks, sills, and dikes (Figure 2).
A crescent-shape felsic porphyry dike swarm referred to as the Campbell Porphyry bounds the hanging wall (south) contact of the Eau Claire gold deposit. The overall shape of the Eau Claire gold deposit follows the contour of the felsic porphyry dike swarm. A second felsic porphyry dike swarm intruded the western end of the Eau Claire deposit coincident with the F2 fold nose.
The footwall rocks at the deposit consist of a thick sequence of east-west-trending, south-dipping volcaniclastic, ash to lapilli tuff and sedimentary rocks including greywacke, siltstone, mudstone, and conglomerate and felsic quartz-feldspar porphyry dykes. These rocks predominate throughout the central portion of the property and are locally intercalated with mini-cycles of mafic volcanic rock and amphibolite (mafic metavolcanic) alternating with felsic volcaniclastic rocks.
Gold mineralization at the Eau Claire gold deposit is generally located within approximately EW trending structurally-controlled, high-grade en-echelon quartz-tourmaline veins and adjacent altered wall rocks, as well as variable width ESE trending sheared and foliated alteration zones. The alteration zones are parallel to the overall foliation and are thus believed to represent an altered stratigraphic unit. The vein systems are predominantly hosted within a thick sequence of massive and locally pillowed mafic volcanic flows, interbedded with narrow intervals of volcaniclastic meta-sedimentary rocks. Both gold bearing vein sets may occur with as narrow intervals with tourmaline and develop into thick quartz-tourmaline veins with zoned tourmaline+/-actinolite+/-biotite+/-carbonate alteration halos which can measure up to several metres in thickness.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
6.1 Structure
Due to the complex structural geology of the Eau Claire project complete property and deposit-scale structural studies were completed by SRK in 2012 and 2014. Field-based studies reported evidence of four deformation episodes at the Clearwater property:
A geological interpretation of aeromagnetic data over the Project revealed the following additional structural information:
Kilometre-scale fold interference patterns occur on the Project
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Figure 3. Regional Geology
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
6.2 Mineralization
The Eau Claire deposit is a structurally-controlled gold deposit. Mineralization occurs primarily in a series of sheeted en-echelon quartz-tourmaline veins and associated metre scale alteration zones. Carbonate within the veins is associated with gold mineralization. The overall trend of the mineralized veins is controlled by a structural corridor sub-parallel to the D2 Cannard Deformation Zone. Individual veins are up to 1 metre thick and extent for at least 100 metres along strike.
Veins are composed of quartz and tourmaline; the ratio between quartz with accessory calcite to tourmaline can vary from 100 percent quartz to 100 percent tourmaline. The quartz-tourmaline veins are massive, banded and/or brecciated. Pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and rare molybdenite generally constitute less than 1.5 percent of the composition of these veins but can be upwards of 20% locally. Commonly, brecciated veins contain angular blocks of tourmaline, ranging in size from less than one to more than 25 centimetres in size. Fragments are cemented by a quartz-carbonate matrix. Breccia textures locally form a "piano key" pattern with angular tourmaline blocks aligned perpendicular to the vein walls. This texture is due to protracted deformation that affected already formed veins and generated new veins (tension gash veins developed on pre-existing laminated veins). The piano-key breccia has been observed throughout the deposit at all scales in tourmaline veins of less than 1 centimetre to more than 1 metre thick. A "ladder vein" texture has also been observed in outcrop at the 450 West Zone consisting of massive tourmaline layers with quartz-carbonate "ladders" aligned perpendicular to the vein walls.
Gold occurs as isolated grains or as clusters of fine-grained particles. Irregular to sub-angular shaped gold grains range in size from less than 10 micrometres to 1 millimetre. In rare instances, grains up to 1 centimetre in size have been observed. Locally, veins contain micrometre-size clusters of visible gold particles. Tellurobismuthite (Bi2Te3) occurs throughout the deposit. Gold and tellurides occur within micro fractures in quartz, interstitial to granular tourmaline grains, at the contact between massive aphanitic tourmaline and quartz bands, and along tourmaline laminations.
Gold mineralization also occurs within altered host rock without veining occurring as centimetre to several metre wide tourmaline-actinolite ± biotite ± calcite replacement zones around vein selvages.
The two major vein areas discovered to date in the resource area (the 450 West and 850 West zones) form a crescent-shaped mineralized, surface projected footprint 1.8 kilometres long by more than 100 metres wide, which has been traced to date to a vertical depth of 900 metres. Veins within the 450 West zone typically strike 85 degrees and dip 50 to 65 degrees to the south. Veins within the 850 West zone typically strike 60 degrees and dip subvertically.
6.3 Alteration
Alteration zones associated with gold mineralization are often wider and volumetrically more extensive than the veins (SRK, 2015). The alteration halo ranges from 1 centimetre to several metres wide. Composition and mineralogy of the alteration zones bordering the veins varies according to the bulk composition of the host lithology. Where the veins are hosted by felsic to intermediate volcanic rocks or felsic porphyry, the alteration occurs as silicified and tourmaline-rich replacement zones, and as massive bands along the foliation. Veins hosted within the mafic volcanic rocks are characterized by a symmetrically zoned alteration pattern with an internal actinolite-tourmaline dominant mineral assemblage, and an external biotite- carbonate dominant assemblage. These alteration zones range from centimetre to several metres in thickness.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Both actinolite and tourmaline occur as non-foliated radiating prismatic and or fibrous aggregates and/or bands of acicular euhedral crystals. Biotite-carbonate assemblages occur more often as foliated, fine-grained aggregates. Actinolite-tourmaline alteration enveloping veins may be gradational with the quartz- tourmaline veins and contain gold. It is common to observe significant amounts of gold within tourmaline and/or actinolite and/or biotite altered rock with little or no visible vein material. Wide intervals of biotite-carbonate rock often form an external alteration zone to the sheeted quartz-tourmaline veins within mafic volcanic host lithologies. Both actinolite-tourmaline and biotite-carbonate alteration assemblages represent the strike and dip continuation of the quartz-tourmaline vein system where structural attenuation may have boudinaged the veins.
6.4 Deposit Types
Gold mineralization at Eau Claire is structurally controlled and exhibits similar geological, structural and metallogenic characteristics to Archean Greenstone-hosted quartz-carbonate vein (lode) deposits. These deposits are also known as mesothermal, orogenic, lode gold, shear-zone-related quartz- carbonate or gold-only deposits (Dubé and Gosselin, 2007).
The following description of Greenstone-hosted quartz-carbonate vein deposits is extracted from Dubé and Gosselin (2007).
Greenstone-hosted quartz-carbonate vein deposits are structurally controlled, complex epigenetic deposits that are hosted in deformed and metamorphosed terranes. They consist of simple to complex networks of gold-bearing, laminated quartz-carbonate fault-fill veins in moderately to steeply dipping, compressional brittle-ductile shear zones and faults, with locally associated extensional veins and hydrothermal breccias. They are dominantly hosted by mafic metamorphic rocks of greenschist to locally lower amphibolite facies and formed at intermediate depths (5-10 km). Greenstone-hosted quartz-carbonate vein deposits are typically associated with iron-carbonate alteration. The relative timing of mineralization is syn- to late- deformation and typically post-peak greenschist-facies or syn-peak amphibolite facies metamorphism.
Gold is mainly confined to the quartz-carbonate vein networks but may also be present in significant amounts within iron-rich sulphidized wall rock. Greenstone-hosted quartz-carbonate vein deposits are distributed along major compressional to transpressional crustal-scale fault zones in deformed greenstone terranes of all ages, but are more abundant and significant, in terms of total gold content, in Archean terranes. However, a significant number of world-class deposits (>100 t Au) are also found in Proterozoic and Paleozoic terranes.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
The main gangue minerals in greenstone-hosted quartz-carbonate vein deposits are quartz and carbonate (calcite, dolomite, ankerite, and siderite), with variable amounts of white micas, chlorite, tourmaline, and sometimes scheelite. The sulphide minerals typically constitute less than 5 to 10% of the volume of the orebodies. The main ore minerals are native gold with, in decreasing amounts, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite and occur without any significant vertical mineral zoning. Arsenopyrite commonly represents the main sulphide in amphibolite-facies rocks and in deposits hosted by clastic sediments. Trace amounts of molybdenite and tellurides are also present in some deposits.
This type of gold deposit is characterized by moderately to steeply dipping, laminated fault-fill quartz- carbonate veins in brittle-ductile shear zones and faults, with or without fringing shallow-dipping extensional veins and breccias. Quartz vein textures vary according to the nature of the host structure (extensional vs. compressional). Extensional veins typically display quartz and carbonate fibres at a high angle to the vein walls and with multiple stages of mineral growth, whereas the laminated veins are composed of massive, fine-grained quartz. When present in laminated veins, fibres are subparallel to the vein walls.
Individual vein thickness varies from a few centimetres up to 5 metres, and their length varies from 10 up to 1000 m. The vertical extent of the orebodies is commonly greater than 1 km and reaches 2.5 km in a few cases.
The gold-bearing shear zones and faults associated with this deposit type are mainly compressional and they commonly display a complex geometry with anastomosing and/or conjugate arrays. The laminated quartz-carbonate veins typically infill the central part of, and are subparallel to slightly oblique to, the host structures. The shallow-dipping extensional veins are either confined within shear zones, in which case they are relatively small and sigmoidal in shape, or they extend outside the shear zone and are planar and laterally much more extensive.
Stockworks and hydrothermal breccias may represent the main mineralization styles when developed in competent units such as the granophyric facies of differentiated gabbroic sills, especially when developed at shallower crustal levels. Ore-grade mineralization also occurs as disseminated sulphides in altered (carbonatized) rocks along vein selvages. Due to the complexity of the geological and structural setting and the influence of strength anisotropy and competency contrasts, the geometry of vein networks varies from simple (e.g. Silidor deposit), to fairly complex with multiple orientations of anastomosing and/or conjugate sets of veins, breccias, stockworks, and associated structures. Layer anisotropy induced by stiff differentiated gabbroic sills within a matrix of softer rocks, or, alternatively, by the presence of soft mafic dykes within a highly competent felsic intrusive host, could control the orientation and slip directions in shear zones developed within the sills; consequently, it may have a major impact on the distribution and geometry of the associated quartz-carbonate vein network. As a consequence, the geometry of the veins in settings with large competence contrasts will be strongly controlled by the orientation of the hosting bodies and less by external stress. The anisotropy of the stiff layer and its orientation may induce an internal strain different from the regional one and may strongly influence the success of predicting the geometry of the gold-bearing vein network being targeted in an exploration program.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
The veins in greenstone-hosted quartz-carbonate vein deposits are hosted by a wide variety of host rock types; mafic and ultramafic volcanic rocks and competent iron-rich differentiated tholeiitic gabbroic sills and granitoid intrusions are common hosts. However, there are commonly district-specific lithological associations acting as chemical and/or structural traps for the mineralizing fluids as illustrated by tholeiitic basalts and flow contacts within the Tisdale Assemblage in Timmins. A large number of deposits in the Archean Yilgarn craton are hosted by gabbroic ("dolerite") sills and dykes as illustrated by the Golden Mile dolerite sill in Kalgoorlie, whereas in the Superior Province, many deposits are associated with porphyry stocks and dykes. Some deposits are also hosted by and/or along the margins of intrusive complexes (e.g. Perron-Beaufort/North Pascalis deposit hosted by the Bourlamaque batholith in Val d'Or. Other deposits are hosted by clastic sedimentary rocks (e.g. Pamour, Timmins).
The metallic geochemical signature of greenstone-hosted quartz-carbonate vein orebodies is Au, Ag, As, W, B, Sb, Te, and Mo, typically with background or only slightly anomalous concentrations of base metals (Cu, Pb, and Zn). The Au/Ag ratio typically varies from 5 to 10. Contrary to epithermal deposits, there is no vertical metal zoning. Palladium may be locally present.
At a district scale, greenstone-hosted quartz-carbonate vein deposits are associated with large-scale carbonate alteration commonly distributed along major fault zones and associated subsidiary structures. At a deposit scale, the nature, distribution, and intensity of the wall-rock alteration is controlled mainly by the composition and competence of the host rocks and their metamorphic grade.
Typically, the proximal alteration haloes are zoned and characterized - in rocks at greenschist facies - by iron-carbonatization and sericitization, with sulphidation of the immediate vein selvages (mainly pyrite, less commonly arsenopyrite).
Altered rocks show enrichments in CO2, K2O, and S, and leaching of Na2O. Further away from the vein, the alteration is characterized by various amounts of chlorite and calcite, and locally magnetite. The dimensions of the alteration haloes vary with the composition of the host rocks and may envelope entire deposits hosted by mafic and ultramafic rocks. Pervasive chromium- or vanadium-rich green micas (fuchsite and roscoelite) and ankerite with zones of quartzcarbonate stockworks are common in sheared ultramafic rocks. Common hydrothermal alteration assemblages that are associated with gold mineralization in amphibolite-facies rocks include biotite, amphibole, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and arsenopyrite, and, at higher grades, biotite/phlogopite, diopside, garnet, pyrrhotite and/or arsenopyrite, with variable proportions of feldspar, calcite, and clinozoisite. The variations in alteration styles have been interpreted as a direct reflection of the depth of formation of the deposits.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
The alteration mineralogy of the deposits hosted by amphibolite-facies rocks, in particular the presence of diopside, biotite, K-feldspar, garnet, staurolite, andalusite, and actinolite, suggests that they share analogies with gold skarns, especially when they (1) are hosted by sedimentary or mafic volcanic rocks, (2) contain a calc-silicate alteration assemblage related to gold mineralization with an Au-As-Bi-Te metallic signature, and (3) are associated with granodiorite-diorite intrusions.
Canadian examples of deposits hosted in amphibolite-facies rocks include the replacement-style Madsen deposit in Red Lake and the quartz-tourmaline vein and replacement-style Eau Claire deposit in the James Bay area.
7 Exploration
From 2020 to 2023, Fury Gold has completed systematic disciplined exploration programs with the goals of advancing known prospects through to the drill stage and identifying new prospects. The Company deployed biogeochemical sampling techniques to image the Percival mineralization, completed ground geophysical surveys at the Eau Claire Deposit Trend and along the Percival trend. Additionally, Fury compiled all historic exploration data into a single accessible database, reprocessed and reinterpreted the historical property scale geophysics data. The work completed by Fury to date has resulted in a refined targeting process and identification of areas and targets overlooked by previous explorers. The Company to continue its exploration with the testing of regional targets like Percival, Serendipity and Agua Clara and with a view to seeking to expand the Eau Claire deposit area with the current 2020-2023 drilling at the Hinge.
7.1 Percival Biogeochemical Sampling
The Percival prospect did not provide a gold response from the historical soil sampling data that covered the mineralization, leading the Company to conduct various orientation geochemical surveys over the zone in an attempt to obtain a direct high contrast gold response from the mineralized bedrock overlain by shallow tills. The 2020 orientation survey was able to successfully detect the gold mineralization at Percival through biogeochemistry sampling.
Subsequent to the results of the orientation study at Percival the Company completed a biogeochemical survey covering 6.5km of prospective stratigraphy along the Percival trend. The survey identified 15 discrete gold anomalies with associated pathfinder elements (+/- As, Pb, Zn) (Figure 4). Two of these anomalies were previously known prospects, Percival and Carodoc, the remaining 13 anomalies are new occurrences of gold and associated pathfinder mineralization.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Through the combined interpretation of the magnetics data and results from the biogeochemical survey a NNW trending structural corridor was recognized. This structural trend is parallel to the regional fold hinge axis that links the Percival and Serendipity prospects. Gold mineralization appears to be concentrated along these newly identified structures where they intersect folded mafic volcanic stratigraphy along the east west limb of the regional fold proximal to the Cannard deformation zone.
Figure 4: Percival Biogeochemical Sampling
7.1.1 Biogeochemical Methodology
Biogeochemical samples were collected approximately every 50 m, over 100 m spaced traverse lines. The sampling grids were oriented perpendicular to the trend of the prospective lithologies. Approximately 200 g of black spruce twigs was collected at each sample site by hand. Samples were collected preferentially from healthy trees approximately of the same age and height. Samples were placed in a numbered cloth sample bag, with a sample tag placed inside the bag. The bags were tied shut. Sample data was recorded in field data loggers. At camp, samples were organized and hung to dry prior to shipping to ALS in Vancouver for gold and multi-element analysis.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
7.2 Geophysical Surveys
7.2.1 2020 Gradient Array Induced Polarization Survey
During late 2020 the Company completed a gradient array direct current induced polarization (DCIP) survey over the Eau Claire deposit trend. The gradient array DCIP survey data was collected over four survey blocks using 12.5m receiver dipole spacing. A total of 12.86km2 was covered with the survey. This survey method was selected to assist in discriminating low sulphide/low conductivity targets such as the Eau Claire deposit Quartz-Tourmaline vein and High-Grade Schist systems. The gradient array DCIP survey identified a series of related primary and secondary shear zones controlling gold mineralization at the Eau Claire deposit (Figure 5).
7.2.1.1 Methodology
Including overlapping regions, the total survey consists of 116.5 line-km of data covering a 7.0 km long and 1.5 km wide grid of 100 m spaced lines. This survey design uses fixed A-B current electrodes outside the survey area, with a gap of distance L. The M-N potential electrodes are displaced in lines parallel to the alignment formed by A and B. The Mi Ni spacing is equal to l. The gap between M and N depends on the desired resolution. The L/l ratio is typically between 40 and 120. In the case of this survey, L is 3000 m, and l is 12.5 m, so the L/l ratio is 240.
The distance between current electrodes for each block is as follows: Block A, 2933 m; Block B, 2929m; Block C, 2937 m; Block D and D', 3005 m; Block E, 2977 m. The MN separation was 12.5 m. Block A covered 2.38 km2; Block B covered 1.94 km2; Block C covered 2.03 km2; Block D covered 1.98 km2; Block E covered 2.39 km2; Block BC covered 1.46 km2; and Block D' covered 0.68 km2, for a total of 12.86 km2.
For quality control and leveling purposes, several repeat readings were measured, and a complete block, Block B, was resurveyed during the second phase of the program.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Figure 5: Gradient Array DCIP defined structural intersections to the north of the Snake Lake mineralized structure as well the convergence of the Eau Claire and South Tonalite structures.
7.2.2 2022 DCIP Survey
A 29 line-km Induced Polarization ground geophysical survey along the Percival trend was completed in 2022. The survey targeted the strongly silicified core of the Percival mineralization and was able to identify a number of strong resistive anomalies that coincide with previously identified biogeochemical anomalies (Figure 6).
7.2.2.1 Methodology
The IP survey was achieved on 3 distinct locations of the main grid that was implemented for this campaign. Overall, 18 N/S irregularly spaced profiles ranging in length between 0.975 and 2.025 km were read by IP. These lines were implemented over a distance of 6.5 km from the same base line (LB 0+00) oriented E/W, the latter being used by snowmobile to travel within the survey area.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
The chaining was done every 25 m and wooden pickets were used. On each of these pickets, the line and station numbers were indicated with a marker every 25 m and an aluminum tag every 100 m. The location for some of the pickets along the baseline and tie lines was determined with a Garmin non-differential hand-held GPS receiver. This information was ultimately used to geo-reference the IP database to the UTM18N_NAD83 coordinate system.
The IP survey was carried out by using the pole-dipole electrode array with a nominal ''a'' spacing of 37.5 m and a separation factor (n) ranging from 1 to 20.
Figure 6: 2022 Percival DCIP IP Survey area depicting the identified resistivity anomalies in relation to the biogeochemical anomalies.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
7.3 Drilling
Drilling throughout the Eau Claire Project has taken place intermittently from 1972 through to the current 2023 campaign. A total of 389,911.7 m of drilling has been completed in 1,176 diamond drill holes across the entire Project area.
7.3.1 2002 - 2013 Drilling
Between 2002 and 2013 Eastmain completed 177,713m of diamond core drilling in 534 drill holes. The drilling was completed within an area measuring approximately 2,200 metres east-west and 900 metres north-south has. The drilling pattern was designed to intersect the gold-tellurium mineralization. The majority of boreholes were drilled with a dip between 45 and 60 degrees, and an azimuth of 355 degrees.
The 2007 and 2009 drill campaign focussed on tightly spaced, 12.5m infill drilling at the 450 West Zone.
2010 drilling successfully confirmed the lateral continuity of the 850 West Zone underneath surface quartz-tourmaline veining identified in surface trenching. Regional drilling at Boomerang and Snake Lake was also completed in 2010. Broad zones of ,1 g/t Au were intersected from the 2010 regional program.
Drilling in 2011 through to 2013 focussed on the 450 West Zone and proximal strike extensions.
7.3.2 2015 Drilling
Eastmain completed 29 drill holes (ER15-553 to -581) totalling 12,898 metres at Eau Claire in 2015. The drilling was focused on expanding Measured & Indicated Open Pit and Ramp Accessible Underground gold resources, within the upper portion (top third) of the Eau Claire Deposit.
Assay data from holes 553 to 573 confirms 45 gold-bearing intercepts ranging from 0.50 to 25.6 grams gold per tonne (g/t) over widths ranging from 2.0 to 11.5 metres (see Eastmain news release dated December 22, 2015 posted on SEDAR). Nineteen assay intervals exceeded cut-off grade for underground resources (2.5 g/t Au) at Eau Claire, with an average grade of 8.78 grams gold per tonne over an average width of 2.78 metres.
2015 drilling confirmed the continuation of gold mineralization laterally to the east Measured and Indicated gold resources identified in the SRK Report at Eau Claire. Several half-metre-wide high-grade vein intersections from ten of the drill holes reported herein contain very-fine-grade visible gold and range in grade from 24.5 to 98.8 g/t.
Infill core sampling of previous drill holes was also completed. Infill sampling confirmed a high-grade interval from hole ER08-131, which assayed 6.65 g/t Au over 5.0 metres, from within the JQ Vein at a depth of 66.0 metres. When combined with assay results from the adjacent P Vein, the intersection provides a composite interval grading 6.75 g/t Au across 13.8 metres, lying within the 450 West Zone. A total of 1,438 infill core samples were taken during the 2015 exploration program. Infill sampling of near-surface intervals within potential open-pit areas may contribute to current mineral resources.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
7.3.3 2016-2017 Drill Program
The 2016 through 2017 drilling program was designed to improve upon the resource classification of the 2015 SRK Mineral Resource Estimation as well as testing the Snake Lake prospect to the east of the Eau Claire deposit. A total of 90,448.9m was drilled in 236 drill holes. Of the total 2016-2017 drilling, 82,180m in 206 drill holes targeted the Eau Claire deposit, the remaining 30 holes tested the Snake Lake prospect.
Significant drill intercepts of the 2016-2017 drilling campaign are summarized below:
• ER16-583 10.2 g/t Au over 1.0m
• ER16-584 79.7 g/t Au over 0.5m and
11.5 g/t Au over 13.5m, incl. 21.3 g/t Au over 5m
• ER16-606 43.1 g/t Au over 2.0m
incl. 96.8 g/t Au over 1.0m
• ER16-602 35.3 g/t Au over 0.7m
• ER16-608 67.7 g/t Au over 2.4m and
6.17 g/t Au over 5.3m
• ER16-617 15.8 g/t Au over 3.5m
incl. 66.6 g/t Au over 0.7m
• ER16-620 6.74 g/t Au over 6.6m
incl. 31.3 g/t over 1.0m
• ER16-621 20.2 g/t Au over 1.5m,
incl. 49.1 g/t Au over 0.5m
• ER16-632 5.79 g/t Au over 4.1m,
incl. 11.9 g/t Au over 1.6m
• ER16-645 14.6 g/t Au over 1.7 m,
incl. 12.4 g/t Au over 1.0m
• ER16-648 29.3 g/t Au over 1.0m.
• ER16-658 5.6 g/t Au over 11.3 m,
incl. 11.9 g/t Au over 2.3m and
incl. 7.82 g/t Au over 3.9m
• ER16-666 8.95 g/t Au over 4.6m,
incl. 20.4 g/t Au over 1.8m
• ER17-674 8.31 g/t Au over 13.3m,
incl. 11.4 g/t Au over 8.8m;
4.28 g/t Au over 2.3m
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
11.4 g/t Au over 2.5m,
incl. 45.5 g/t Au over 0.5m
• ER17-681 3.02 g/t Au over 11.0m,
incl. 4.48 g/t Au over 6.0m
• ER17-686 4.89 g/t Au over 4.5m and
3.50 g/t Au over 2.0m
• ER17-689 47.4 g/t Au over 1.5m
• ER16-695 14.1 g/t Au over 6.2m
incl. 73.1 g/t Au over 1.0m
• ER17-696 26.8 g/t Au over 2.5m,
incl. 54.9 g/t Au over 1.0 m, 19.5 g/t Au over 1.3m
• ER17-697 43.7 g/t Au over 2.0m,
incl. 73.4 g/t Au over 1.0m
• ER17-700 4.80 g/t Au over 4.0m and
6.29 g/t Au over 0.5m
• ER17-703 9.77 g/t Au over 3.5m,
7.78 g/t Au over 2.9m, and
70.7 g/t Au over 0.6m
• ER17-705 16.2 g/t Au over 1.6m
• ER17-706 6.54 g/t Au over 9.0m,
incl. 16.7 g/t Au over 2.5m, incl. 66.6 g/t Au over 0.5m
• ER17-708 20.0 g/t Au over 2.1m, and
63.4 g/t Au over 0.5m
• ER17-711 9.98 g/t Au over 5.0m,
incl. 33.7 g/t Au over 1.0m,
11.9 g/t Au over 1.0m
• ER17-712 4.37 g/t Au over 5.0m, and
10.1 g/t Au over 1.0m
• ER17-713 20.7 g/t Au over 2.2m, and
46.4 g/t Au over 0.7m
• ER17-717 37.7 g/t Au over 0.9m,
32.8 g/t Au over 0.5m, and
3.44 g/t Au over 4.3m
• ER17-718 30.6 g/t Au over 4.9m,
incl. 254 g/t Au over 0.5m,
• ER17-720 10.2 g/t Au over 8.5m,
incl. 24.3 g/t Au over 2.0m
• ER17-723 42.3 g/t Au over 3.7 m,
incl. 206 g/t Au over 0.5m
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
• ER17-723 51.8 g/t Au over 0.5m
• ER17-725 63.4 g/t Au over 0.5m,
31.6 g/t Au over 0.7m
• ER17-727 34.5 g/t Au over 1.5m,
incl. 50.0 g/t Au over 0.5m
• ER17-729 6.10 g/t Au over 3.5 m,
incl. 10.8 g/t Au over 1.5m
• ER17-730 48.8 g/t Au over 0.5 m
• ER17-734 5.66 g/t Au over 6.8m,
incl. 17.9 g/t Au over 1.0m
• ER17-744 5.36 g/t Au over 5.4m,
incl. 13.3 g/t Au over 1.9m
• ER17-757 21.8 g/t Au over 1.1m,
incl. 37.4 g/t Au over 0.6m.
• ER17-774 30.8 g/t Au over 4.1 m (intersected a HGS Vein)
The continuity of the High-Grades schists ("HGS") was also drill tested by drilling down-strike of the structure over 143m, intersecting multiple major intercepts:
• ER17-776 6.25 g/t Au over 4.5m, incl. 9.36 g/t Au over 1.5m
15.3 g/t Au over 6.0m, incl. 41.6 g/t Au over 2.0m
3.98 g/t Au over 8.3m, incl. 8.70 g/t Au over 2.5m
7.09 g/t Au over 35.8m, incl. 9.23 g/t Au over 13.7m
incl. 12.8 g/t Au over 4.5m.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
7.3.4 2018 - 2019 Drill Program
The 2018 and 2019 drilling programs were mostly focus on the newly discovered Percival Prospect. A total of 16,468.6m was drilled in 53 drill holes. Of the total 2018-2019 drilling, 13,182.6m in 47 drill holes targeted the Percival Prospect. The remaining drilling were collared in the Serendipity area (3 DDH) and the Eau Claire deposit (3 DDH). The best results were from Hole ER18-822, ER18-823 ER19-832 returned broad intercepts of respectively 78.5m of 1.456 g/t Au, including 8.2m of 4.45 g/t Au, 87.0m of 2.35 g/t Au, including 31.5m of 3.13 g/t Au and 52.75m of 1.8 g/t Au, including 22.0m of 3.21 g/t Au. ER18-829 with 34.1m of 2.05 g/t Au, including 4.5m of 11.95 g/t Au, ER19-839 with 12.0m of 3.04 g/t Au, including 7.0m of 4.66 g/t Au, ER19-845 with 7.0m of 3.13 g/t Au, including 2.0m of 8.47 g/t Au, ER19-852 with 22.85m of 1.18 g/t Au, including 14.85m of 2.05 g/t Au
7.3.5 Discussion on Drilling Completed Prior to 2020
It is the opinion of Mr. Frappier-Rivard that the diamond drilling conducted prior to 2020 at the Eau Claire Project meets or exceeds current industry best practices. Mr. Frappier-Rivard is unaware of any drilling or recovery issues that may impact upon the accuracy and reliability of the results. Mr. Frappier-Rivard was part of the geological team at the Project seasonally from 2012 through to 2016. In the opinion of Mr. Frappier-Rivard the results generated from the pre 2020 drill programs are suitable for use in a Mineral Resource Estimation.
7.3.6 Fury Gold Mines Drilling 2020-2023
From 2020 through to 2023, Fury completed a total of 110 diamond drill holes for approximately 71,771.3 m on the Project. The drill program consisted of i) an extension phase focused on extensions to the known vein corridors along strike from the current resource ("Extension Program"); ii) an exploration phase designed to test targets along the 4.5km long deposit trend ("Exploration Program") and iii) an exploration phase of drilling designed to test targets at the Percival prospect 14km east of the Eau Claire Deposit. Large stepout drilling in 2022 increased the mineralized footprint of the Eau Claire deposit by over 450m to the west. At Percival Fury intercepted 13.5 metres (m) of 8.05 g/t gold (Au) outlining a 500x100x300m zone of gold mineralization. Though the 2020 through 2023 drilling has expanded the footprint of the Eau Claire mineralization the drilling has been completed outside of the Eau Claire resource area and as such are not included into the current Mineral Resource estimate.
The 2023 drilling campaign focused on the Hinge Target, which is located west of the deposit, adjacent to the 850 W zone, and the at Percival prospect area. Results from the 2023 Hinge drilling expanded the Hinge Target gold mineralization 50m up-dip and 75m to the west respectively, over 450m from the defined Eau Claire Resource as well as intercepting high grade shallow mineralization on the eastern edge of the Hinge target.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Table 3: Summary of Drilling Completed by Fury
Target |
Type |
Core size |
Number of |
Metres drilled |
Years |
Deposit Extension stepouts |
DDH |
NQ and HQ |
27 |
12,721.8 |
2020-2022 |
Western Hinge |
DDH |
NQ and HQ |
33 |
21,307.1 |
2021-2023 |
Gap |
DDH |
HQ |
3 |
2,020.0 |
2022 |
Western Limb |
DDH |
HQ |
7 |
7,498.5 |
2021 |
North Limb |
DDH |
HQ |
3 |
1,615.5 |
2022 |
Down plunge East Extension |
DDH |
NQ |
9 |
9,186.0 |
2020-2021 |
Snake Lake |
DDH |
NQ and HQ |
10 |
5,922.1 |
2021 |
Percival |
DDH |
NQ |
18 |
11,497.8 |
2022 and 2023 |
|
|
Total: |
110 |
71771.3 |
|
7.3.7 Eau Claire Drilling
The Extension Program at the Eau Claire deposit is designed to target strike extensions of the known vein corridors to the west and southeast of the current mineral resource. To date, Fury Gold has drilled twenty one holes targeting the southeast extension of the Eau Claire Resource with intercepts including: 23.27 g/t Au over 7.09m, 11.56 g/t Au over 6.04m, 59.3 g/t Au over 0.96m and 4.89 g/t Au over 2.94m. Results from the four holes completed in the second quarter of 2022 were released on August 3, 2022 including 4.43 g/t Au over 1.43m and 4.60 g/t Au over 1.25m. Two additional holes were completed in October 2022 with results released on January 23, 2023 including 3.91 g/t Au over 2.50m.
The exploration drilling program along the Eau Claire deposit trend continues to demonstrate the potential to significantly expand the Eau Claire deposit to the west. The focus has been on the Western Hinge, and Gap Zone as well as along the north limb of the anticline. All exploration targets within the Deposit Trend have the potential to significantly expand the Eau Claire mineralized footprint. To date the footprint of gold mineralization has been increased by over 455m or 25% at the Hinge Target alone and remains open to further expansion to the West.
Table 4 Eau Claire area significant intercepts
hole ID |
from |
to |
Au |
true |
Including |
20EC-002 |
399.9 |
403.7 |
4.89 |
2.94 |
2.47 m at 5.4 g/t (399.9-403.1 m) |
20EC-003 |
377.5 |
384 |
4.45 |
5.43 |
2.51 m at 8.9 g/t (381-384 m) |
20EC-003 |
391 |
393 |
8.84 |
1.68 |
|
20EC-004 |
451 |
457 |
3.06 |
5.1 |
3.4 m at 3.5 g/t (451-455 m) |
20EC-005 |
312 |
319 |
11.56 |
6.04 |
3.45 m at 18.5 g/t (313-317 m) |
21EC-013 |
597 |
600 |
8.87 |
2.88 |
|
21EC-013 |
612 |
613 |
59.3 |
0.96 |
|
21EC-022 | 319 | 327.5 | 23.27 | 7.09 |
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
21EC-025 |
362.5 |
364 |
9.37 |
1.33 |
|
21EC-026 |
663 |
668 |
2.71 |
4.96 |
1.49 m at 6 g/t (663-664.5 m) |
21EC-026 |
720 |
721.5 |
7.3 |
1.49 |
|
21EC-026 |
747.5 |
751 |
3.21 |
3.49 |
|
21EC-028 |
586 |
591 |
2.6 |
4.97 |
|
21EC-028 |
637 |
638.5 |
7.77 |
1.49 |
|
21EC-030 |
379.5 |
381 |
14.27 |
1.29 |
|
21EC-032 |
9.5 |
11 |
8.5 |
1.5 |
|
21EC-032 |
608.5 |
609.5 |
12.81 |
1 |
0.5 m at 22.4 g/t (609-609.5 m) |
21EC-041 |
237.5 |
240.5 |
3.38 |
3 |
|
21EC-041 |
314 |
317 |
9.36 |
3 |
|
22EC-047 |
393 |
401 |
1.81 |
8 |
|
22EC-048 |
445 |
448.5 |
4.79 |
3.5 |
1 m at 11.9 g/t (445-446 m) |
22EC-048 |
468 |
469 |
14.19 |
1 |
0.5 m at 27.2 g/t (468.5-469 m) |
22EC-048 |
522 |
525.5 |
5.86 |
3.5 |
|
22EC-048 |
536 |
541.5 |
2.5 |
5.5 |
1 m at 9.84 g/t (537.5-538.5 m) |
22EC-048 |
663 |
664 |
20.6 |
1 |
|
22EC-048 |
671 |
674 |
3.36 |
3 |
|
22EC-048 |
681 |
684.5 |
3.73 |
3.5 |
|
22EC-048 |
692 |
709.5 |
1.29 |
17.5 |
|
22EC-055 |
651 |
655 |
5.75 |
4 |
2 m at 9.03 g/t (651.0-653.0 m) |
22EC-058 |
352.5 |
353.5 |
45 |
1 |
|
22EC-059 |
181.5 |
183 |
22.77 |
1.5 |
|
22EC-059 |
380 |
381.5 |
15.3 |
1.5 |
|
23EC-062 |
451 |
452 |
10.35 |
1 |
|
493 |
507 |
2.37 |
14 |
Including 5m at 3.6 g/t (499-504m) |
|
23EC-062 |
622 |
628 |
2.77 |
6 |
Including 1m at 7.61 g/t (622-623m) |
23EC-063 |
684.5 |
691 |
2.66 |
6.5 |
Including 1.5m at 5.49 g/t (688-689.5m) |
23EC-063 |
708 |
719 |
1.23 |
11 |
|
23EC-065 |
663.5 |
666 |
5.90 |
2.5 |
Including 1m at 13.95 g/t (665-666m) |
23EC-065 |
674.5 |
678 |
5.73 |
3.5 |
Including 1m at 18.5 g/t (677-678m) |
694 |
698.5 |
4.65 |
4.5 |
Including 2.5m at 7.43 g/t (696-698.5m) |
|
724 |
729.5 |
1.94 |
5.5 |
|
|
350 |
351 |
19.55 |
1 |
|
|
702.5 |
706 |
3.82 |
3.5 |
Including 1.5m at 6.05 g/t (704.5-706m) |
|
23EC-068 |
387 |
392 |
2.62 |
5 |
Including 1.5m at 4.83 g/t (389.5-391m) |
23EC-068 |
435 |
442.5 |
2.56 |
7.5 |
Including 1.5m at 4.83 g/t (441-442.5m) |
23EC-069 |
643.5 |
646.5 |
3.34 |
3 |
|
23EC-069 |
650 |
655.5 |
4.52 |
5.5 |
Including 4m at 5.71 g/t (650-654m) |
23EC-070 |
480.5 |
484 |
3.51 |
3.5 |
Including 1.0m at 8.04 g/t (481.5-482.5m) |
23EC-073 |
214.5 |
218.5 |
3.83 |
4 |
Including 1.0m at 11.6 g/t (217.5-218.5m) |
23EC-073 | 248.5 | 250 | 8.30 | 1.5 | meets sub-interval criteria as well |
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
23EC-074 |
486 |
486.5 |
65.30 |
0.5 |
meets sub-interval criteria as well |
23EC-074 |
522 |
523 |
14.25 |
1 |
meets sub-interval criteria as well |
23EC-075 |
419 |
422 |
3.83 |
3 |
Including 1.0m at 8.94 g/t (421-422m) |
23EC-075 |
478 |
483 |
2.37 |
5 |
|
23EC-075 |
487.5 |
494 |
3.41 |
6.5 |
|
23EC-075 |
592.5 |
596 |
5.00 |
3.5 |
Including 1.0m at 15.15 g/t (592.5-593.5m) |
23EC-076 |
295.5 |
300 |
2.84 |
4.5 |
|
23EC-077 |
290 |
293.5 |
31.77 |
3.5 |
meets sub-interval criteria as well |
23EC-078 |
371.5 |
375 |
5.49 |
3.5 |
meets sub-interval criteria as well |
23EC-078 |
697 |
706.5 |
1.88 |
9.5 |
Including 1.5m at 6.31 g/t (703.5-705.0m) |
23EC-079 |
271 |
279.5 |
3.35 |
8.5 |
Including 3.0m at 5.7 g/t (275-278m) |
23EC-079 |
321 |
328.5 |
2.24 |
7.5 |
|
23EC-082 |
182.5 |
186 |
17.62 |
3.5 |
Including 2.0m at 29.8 g/t (182.5-184.5m) |
23EC-082 |
366.5 |
367 |
22.20 |
0.5 |
meets sub-interval criteria as well |
Main intervals - Au grade*thickness no less than 2g/t*m with grade is no less than 1g/t, maximum consecutive dilution 2m |
|||||
Including intervals - Au grade*thickness no less than 7g/t*m with grade is no less than 3.5g/t, maximum consecutive dilution 2m |
|||||
True thickness calculation based on dip of 55° and dip azimuth of 191.5° |
|||||
True thickness calculation based on dip of 43° and dip azimuth of 180° |
|||||
Downhole thickness was used due to the unknown zone orientations |
7.3.8 Percival Drilling
The Company completed 11,497.8m in 18 diamond drill holes in 2022 and 2023 at Percival. Five holes targeted the parallel hinge 500m to the east of Percival proper. All holes intercepted silicified sulphide rich breccias, however only narrow low grade gold values were returned. The remainder of the drilling tested extensions of the historical gold mineralization at Percival proper. The results from the Percival proper drilling program confirm that the high-grade core of the Percival mineralization plunges steeply to the west and remains open in all directions. Highlights included an 85m step out from historical high-grade mineralization which intercepted 13.5m of 8.05 g/t Au, (including 3.00m of 25.8 g/t Au) in drill hole 22KP-008 and a 150m step out which intercepted 7.5m of 4.38 g/t Au, (including 3m of 8.7 g/t Au, and 3m of 5.5 g/t Au) in drill hole 22KP-005. As well as 279 g/t Au over 1.5m along the eastern edge of the defined mineralization. With the recent drilling the gold mineralization at Percival Main is represented by a 500 m by 100 m footprint with high-grade gold being defined to 300 m below surface hosted within folded sulphidized, silicified, and brecciated sediments.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Table 5 Percival area significant intercepts
Hole ID |
From |
To (m) |
Au |
Length |
22KP-001 |
236 |
240.5 |
0.49 |
4.5 |
22KP-001 |
347 |
356 |
0.25 |
9 |
22KP-004 |
331.5 |
339 |
1.23 |
7.5 |
22KP-004 |
351 |
360 |
0.32 |
9 |
22KP-004 |
367.5 |
370.5 |
0.78 |
3 |
22KP-004 |
378 |
408 |
0.71 |
30 |
22KP-004 |
429 |
430.5 |
2.86 |
1.5 |
22KP-004 |
439.5 |
444 |
1.49 |
4.5 |
22KP-004 |
537 |
543 |
0.39 |
6 |
22KP-005 |
358.5 |
390 |
1.39 |
31.5 |
22KP-005 |
408 |
412.5 |
0.92 |
4.5 |
22KP-005 |
447 |
457.5 |
0.63 |
10.5 |
22KP-005 |
468 |
472.5 |
3.88 |
4.5 |
22KP-006 |
223.5 |
231 |
1.51 |
7.5 |
22KP-006 |
247.5 |
250.5 |
1.34 |
3 |
22KP-006 |
267 |
270 |
0.78 |
3 |
22KP-006 |
328.5 |
343.5 |
1.81 |
15 |
22KP-007 |
61.5 |
66 |
1.76 |
4.5 |
22KP-008 |
193.5 |
210 |
0.45 |
16.5 |
22KP-008 |
234 |
261 |
4.34 |
27 |
22KP-008 |
277.5 |
282 |
0.50 |
4.5 |
22KP-008 |
379.5 |
394.5 |
1.16 |
15 |
22KP-008 |
465 |
468 |
0.83 |
3 |
23KP-009 |
221 |
243.5 |
0.52 |
22.5 |
23KP-010 |
268.5 |
288 |
0.66 |
19.5 |
23KP-010 |
432 |
442 |
0.31 |
10 |
23KP-010 |
472.5 |
483 |
0.32 |
10.5 |
23KP-011 |
399 |
406 |
1.00 |
7 |
23KP-011 |
624 |
676.5 |
0.34 |
52.5 |
23KP-011 |
691 |
701.5 |
0.40 |
10.5 |
23KP-012 |
310 |
358.5 |
0.86 |
48.5 |
23KP-012 |
373.5 |
390 |
1.42 |
16.5 |
23KP-012 |
441 |
455 |
1.09 |
14 |
23KP-012 |
591 |
600 |
0.43 |
9 |
23KP-012 |
660 |
666 |
0.54 |
6 |
23KP-013 |
529.5 |
544 |
1.05 |
14.5 |
23KP-013 |
677.5 |
678.5 |
4.78 |
1 |
23KP-013 |
687 |
717 |
0.30 |
30 |
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Hole ID |
From |
To |
Au |
Length |
23KP-014 | 378 | 396 | 0.50 | 18 |
23KP-014 |
549 |
566.5 |
0.29 |
17.5 |
23KP-014 |
639 |
643.5 |
0.33 |
4.5 |
23KP-015 |
344 |
348.5 |
93.09 |
4.5 |
23KP-015 |
412.5 |
432.5 |
1.20 |
20 |
23KP-015 |
449 |
456.5 |
0.64 |
7.5 |
23KP-015 |
497 |
507 |
1.88 |
10 |
23KP-015 |
564 |
567 |
0.99 |
3 |
23KP-016 |
412.5 |
433.5 |
0.27 |
21 |
23KP-016 |
451 |
464.5 |
0.49 |
13.5 |
23KP-016 |
482.5 |
497.5 |
0.88 |
15 |
23KP-016 |
504 |
532.5 |
0.42 |
28.5 |
23KP-017 |
469.5 |
472.5 |
0.77 |
3 |
Intervals - Au grade*thickness no less than 0.25g/t*m with grade is no less than 0.25g/t, maximum consecutive dilution 6m |
||||
Downhole thickness was used due to the unknown zone orientations |
7.3.9 Methodology
Diamond drilling was contracted to Youdin Rouillier Drilling Inc from Amos (Rouillier), Qc. Rouiller used helicopter portable VersaDrill at Percival and VersaDrill on skid around the Eau Claire deposit. Rouiller partnered with RJLL Dlilling Inc, who used a helicopter portable DrillCo drill at Persival and a conventional mobile drill HTM 2500 around the Eau Claire deposit. The conventional drills produced NQ size (47.6 mm diameter) and/or HQ size (63.5 mm diameter) core, while the helicopter supported rigs produced NQ size core. The conventional drills were moved between drill sites with a D6R dozer, while the helicopter supported drills were moved and supported by Astar 350 B3 helicopters provided by Panorama helicopters from Alma, Qc (2022) or a Bell 407 provided by HTS Héli-Transport from Trois-Rivières, Qc.
The locations of drill hole pads were initially marked using a handheld GPS instrument and the azimuth of the holes was established by compass. Once the pad was built and the drill moved onto it, an Azimuth Aligner instrument manufactured by Minnovare Pty. Ltd., or an APS manufactured by Reflex was used to establish the azimuth. An inclinometer was used to establish the dip.
The attitude of the hole with depth was determined using a DeviShot instrument manufactured by Devico AS or a Sprint-IQ instrument manufactured by Reflex in single shot mode with readings taken by the drillers. The initial reading was taken at a depth 15 m with subsequent readings taken nominally at 15 m intervals. An OGQ registered geologist checked the core before making the decision to terminate the holes. Upon completion of the hole, the casings were left in place and covered with a casing cap, marked with the casing's coordinated. Subsequently all hole locations were surveyed with differential GPS.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Drill core was placed sequentially in wooden core boxes at the drill by the drillers and sealed with top covers and ties before transport. The core boxes were transported by ATV and/or Pickup trucks on a twice daily basis for the conventional drill and one time a day for the helicopter supported drill. The core was transported to the camp where depth markers and box numbers were checked and the core was carefully reconstructed in a secure core facility. The core was logged geotechnically on a 3 m run by run basis including, core recovery, RQD. Magnetic susceptibility and XRF measurements were taken every metres.
The core was descriptively logged and marked for sampling by an OGQ registered geologist or geologist in-training, paying particular attention to lithology, structure, alteration, veining/brecciation, and sulphide mineralization.
Logging and sampling information was entered into MX Deposit cloud-based core logging application by MINALYTIX INC. which allowed for the integration of the data into the project database.
The core was photographed both wet and dry after logging but prior to sampling.
Figure 7 depicts the flow sheet for Fury's Diamond drilling methodology.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Figure 7: Fury Diamond Drilling Methodology Flow Sheet
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
8 Sample Preparation, Analyses, and Security
8.1 Diamond Drilling
Core recovery is generally very good to excellent, allowing for representative samples to be taken and accurate analyses to be performed. Half-core samples, 0.5 metre to 1.5 metre long, were taken where the rock was mineralized and/or altered. In the case of the Snake Lake and Percival holes, the core was sampled along the entire length of each hole.
Individual core samples were placed in rice bags which were sealed using uniquely numbered zip ties. Completed sample shipments for the Extension Program in 2020 and early 2021 and all 2022 drilling were sent to ALS Lab in Val d'Or, QC (ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015 accredited facility) for preparation and analysis. Preparation included crushing core samples to 90% < 2mm and pulverizing 1000g of the crushed material to better than 85% < 75 microns. All samples are assayed using 50 g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (Au-AA24) and multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (ME-MS61). In 2020-2021, where Au-AA24 results are greater than 5 ppm Au the assay are repeated with 50 g nominal weight fire assay with gravimetric finish (Au-GRA22), the 5 ppm threshold was change for 10 ppm in 2022. QA/QC programs using internal and lab standard and blank samples, field and lab duplicates and re-assay indicate good overall accuracy and precision.
Sample shipments from the exploration program in 2021 were sent to Actlabs in Val d'Or, QC for preparation and then to Actlabs in Thunder Bay, ON for analysis. All samples are assayed using 50 g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (1A2B-50) and multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (1F2). Where 1A2B-50 results were greater than 5 ppm Au the assay were repeated with 50 g nominal weight fire assay with gravimetric finish (1A3-50). QA/QC programs using internal standard samples, field and lab duplicates and blanks indicate good.
Analytical samples for the Extension Program from March 2021 through to October 2021 were sent to Bureau Veritas (BV) lab in Timmins, ON (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited facility) for preparation and analysis. Preparation included crashing core sample to 90% < 2mm and pulverizing 1000g of crushed material to better than 85% < 75 microns. All samples are assayed using 50 g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (BV code FA450) and multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (BV code MA200). Where FA450 results are greater than 5 ppm Au the assay is repeated with 50 g nominal weight fire assay with gravimetric finish (FA550-Au). QA/QC programs using internal and lab standard and blank samples, field and lab duplicates and re-assay indicate good overall accuracy and precision.
Figure 8 depicts the Sample preparation and analyses undertaken by Fury for Diamond drill samples.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Fury Gold Mines - Eau Claire Project
2020-2021 Diamond Drilling Sample Preparation and Analysis Flow Sheet
Figure 8: Diamond Drilling Sample Preparation and Analysis Flow Sheet - ALS
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
8.1.1 QC Sampling
QC protocols were established in 2002 and carried through with minor refinements through the current drilling program.
Quality Control (QC) samples are introduced into the sample stream at a rate of 5% for both blank samples and CRM samples. Field duplicates in the form of quarter sawn core samples, are introduced into the sample stream at a rate of 1 in 50 samples.
8.2 Summary
In the opinion of Mr. Frappier-Rivard the logging, sampling, assaying, and chain of custody protocols practiced through the history of the Project meet or exceed industry standards. The drill programs have been configured and carried out in a manner that is appropriate for the geometry of the deposit. Drill holes are oriented perpendicular to strike and aimed to intersect the zones at an angle generally greater than 45°. As such, the samples should be representative of the deposit as it is presently known, and suitable for use in Mineral Resource estimation.
Mr. Frappier-Rivard reviewed the QC reports and files, as well as the laboratory procedures undertaken and conclude that the QC program for the Project is sufficient to support a Mineral Resource estimate. QC sample failures were dealt with on a case by case basis and were documented with commentary in the Dispatch Returns table within the database.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
9 Data Verification
9.1 Database Verification
Comprehensive data verification was performed by SRK (2015) and Allan Armitage, Ph. D., P.Geo. and Sabry Hafez, Ph. D., P.Eng, with SGS Canada Inc, as part of the 2017 Mineral Resource Estimate as outlined in supporting NI43-101 reports (Armitage and Hafez, 2017). These included checks against original data sources, standard database checks such as from/to errors and basic visual checks for discrepancies with respect to topography and drillhole deviations.
Mr. Frappier-Rivard has been personally involved in the integration and merging of the historical drill data into the current database. This work included relogging of historical holes to provide consistency of logging codes across all generations of drilling, as well as spot checks of drill core versus drill logs to verify the geologic model. During this process sample intervals were verified. Lastly, the assay database was compared to original assay certificates. No errors were found within the geologic or assay databases.
9.2 2020 through 2022 Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Fury's internal QA/QC procedures include the insertion of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), field blanks and duplicates representing a minimum of 10% of samples assayed. When visible gold was observed additional CRMs and blanks were inserted immediately following the suspected high-grade to test lab contamination.
Blank material had a failure rate of 1.15% where results above the detection limit were returned. Any analytical batch with a failed blank was rerun by the analytical laboratory at Fury's request.
Analytical results for duplicate samples were reviewed and compared for any extreme outliers. Given the highly variable nature of gold mineralization duplicate analyses were used qualitatively to determine the degree of variance within the particular prospect being drilled.
9.2.1 Certified Reference Material
Internal Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) were inserted into the sample stream at a rate of 3%. The tolerance limits for accuracy were considered to be two standard deviations above or below the expected value. CRMs returning values outside of the defined tolerance limits were marked as failed and Fury requested the analytical laboratory to re-assay the analytical batch that contained the failed standard. Table 5 summarizes the CRMs utilized during Fury's drilling programs.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Table 6: Fury Internal CRMs for Diamond Drilling
Laboratory |
Analytical Code |
CRM |
Expected |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Total |
|||||
Total |
Failed |
Total |
Failed |
Total |
Failed |
Total |
Failed |
Failure % |
||||
ALS |
AA24 |
Blank Coarse |
|
43 |
0 |
204 |
2 |
247 |
1 |
494 |
3 |
0.61% |
Blank Pulp |
|
57 |
1 |
226 |
1 |
263 |
1 |
546 |
3 |
0.55% |
||
OREAS 231 |
0.542 |
|
|
100 |
2 |
137 |
5 |
237 |
7 |
2.95% |
||
OREAS 202 |
0.752 |
3 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
|
|
9 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
OREAS 219 |
0.76 |
21 |
0 |
55 |
0 |
|
|
76 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
OREAS 222 |
1.223 |
21 |
0 |
25 |
0 |
|
|
46 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
OREAS 223 |
1.78 |
|
|
79 |
2 |
|
|
79 |
2 |
2.53% |
||
OREAS 223 |
1.78 |
|
|
|
|
16 |
0 |
16 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
OREAS 236 |
1.85 |
|
|
2 |
0 |
109 |
3 |
111 |
3 |
2.70% |
||
OREAS 215 |
3.54 |
20 |
0 |
19 |
0 |
|
|
39 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
OREAS 239 |
3.55 |
|
|
64 |
2 |
87 |
3 |
151 |
5 |
3.31% |
||
OREAS 226 |
5.45 |
12 |
1 |
45 |
1 |
8 |
0 |
65 |
2 |
3.08% |
||
OREAS 240 |
5.51 |
|
|
19 |
1 |
104 |
1 |
123 |
2 |
1.63% |
||
OREAS 216b |
6.66 |
|
|
25 |
1 |
|
|
25 |
1 |
4.00% |
||
OREAS 241 |
6.91 |
|
|
1 |
0 |
39 |
1 |
40 |
1 |
2.50% |
||
OREAS 242 |
8.67 |
|
|
6 |
0 |
34 |
1 |
40 |
1 |
2.50% |
||
GRA22 |
OREAS 226 |
5.45 |
7 |
0 |
11 |
0 |
|
|
18 |
0 |
0.00% |
|
OREAS 229b |
11.95 |
7 |
1 |
12 |
0 |
|
|
19 |
1 |
5.26% |
||
OREAS 243 |
12.39 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
ACT |
AA50 |
Blank Coarse |
|
23 |
0 |
25 |
1 |
|
|
48 |
1 |
2.08% |
Blank Pulp |
|
31 |
0 |
22 |
0 |
|
|
53 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
OREAS 202 |
0.752 |
|
|
18 |
0 |
|
|
18 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
OREAS 219 |
0.76 |
24 |
0 |
95 |
1 |
|
|
119 |
1 |
0.84% |
||
OREAS 222 |
1.223 |
23 |
0 |
14 |
1 |
|
|
37 |
1 |
2.70% |
||
OREAS 223 |
1.78 |
|
|
57 |
1 |
|
|
57 |
1 |
1.75% |
||
OREAS 215 |
3.54 |
3 |
0 |
41 |
1 |
|
|
44 |
1 |
2.27% |
||
OREAS 226 |
5.45 |
2 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
|
|
17 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
OREAS 210 |
5.49 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
100.00% |
||
OREAS 216b |
6.66 |
|
|
3 |
0 |
|
|
3 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
GR50 |
OREAS 226 |
5.45 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
|
|
8 |
0 |
0.00% |
|
OREAS 216b |
6.66 |
|
|
3 |
0 |
|
|
3 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
OREAS 229b |
11.95 |
|
|
7 |
1 |
|
|
7 |
1 |
14.29% |
||
BV |
FA450 |
Blank Coarse |
|
|
|
147 |
4 |
|
|
147 |
4 |
2.72% |
Blank Pulp |
|
|
|
182 |
6 |
|
|
182 |
6 |
3.30% |
||
OREAS 231 |
0.542 |
|
|
28 |
4 |
|
|
28 |
4 |
14.29% |
||
OREAS 219 |
0.76 |
|
|
60 |
2 |
|
|
60 |
2 |
3.33% |
||
OREAS 223 |
1.78 |
|
|
101 |
2 |
|
|
101 |
2 |
1.98% |
||
OREAS 215 |
3.54 |
|
|
45 |
3 |
|
|
45 |
3 |
6.67% |
||
OREAS 239 |
3.55 |
|
|
31 |
2 |
|
|
31 |
2 |
6.45% |
||
OREAS 226 |
5.45 |
|
|
22 |
0 |
|
|
22 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
OREAS 216b |
6.66 |
|
|
6 |
0 |
|
|
6 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
FA550 |
OREAS 226 |
5.45 |
|
|
2 |
0 |
|
|
2 |
0 |
0.00% |
|
OREAS 216b |
6.66 |
|
|
8 |
0 |
|
|
8 |
0 |
0.00% |
||
OREAS 229b |
11.95 |
|
|
12 |
1 |
|
|
12 |
1 |
8.33% |
9.3 Conclusions
It is the opinion of Mr. Frappier-Rivard that the data verification and QA/QC procedures being implemented by Fury meet or in most cases exceed industry best practices. The Eau Claire Project has seen consistent implementation of these practices from early in the Project's history.
Since acquiring the Project, Fury has implemented strict scrutiny of the QA/QC results and has dealt with any notable issues directly with the analytical laboratory in a timely fashion.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
The geological and assay databases are well maintained and the current protocols in place should ensure the database remains reasonably error free. The database in its present form is suitable for use in a Mineral Resource Estimation.
10 Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
Metallurgical testing was previously completed on Eau Claire mineralization by COREM in 2001 and by SGS in 2010 and 2017.
10.1 2001 COREM Metallurgical Testing
Four 25-kilogram composite samples were taken separately from the P, JQ, R, and V16 veins and sent to COREM for metallurgical testing. This sampling provided preliminary information on density, grinding characteristics, grade, gold fineness, and gravimetric- and total gold recovery. The average specific gravity values of the stock samples varied between 2.87 and 2.99.
COREM completed a series of crushing, milling and flotation tests. A suite of accessory elements was found to be associated with the gold, which included silver, tellurium, bismuth and molybdenum. Results indicated that on average 63 to 79 percent (%) of the gold in the samples could be extracted by gravity circuit and that 95.7% to 98.6% of the gold could be recovered by conventional cyanide extraction methods. The studies also indicated that most gold grains were extremely fine thereby necessitating a finer mill-grind for full recoveries.
10.2 2010 SGS Minerals Metallurgical Testing
In 2010 SGS Mineral Services (Lakefield Research) evaluated the ore characteristics through mineralogy, chemical analyses and comminution testing. A secondary goal of the testwork was to explore several processing avenues for the purpose of establishing a preliminary gold recovery flowsheet. The deportment and recovery of tellurium was also monitored in the program.
Four vein composites representing the P, JQ, R, and S veins and one master composite (an equally weighted blend of the four vein composites) were subjected to ore characterization, metallurgical and environmental testing. These composites were prepared from assay reject material in freezer storage at SGS (Lakefield) from analytical work completed in 2008.
The SGS test work completed on the master and vein composite samples indicated the following:
Mineralization Characterization
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Metallurgical Testing:
Environmental:
10.3 2017 SGS Minerals Metallurgical Testing
In 2017 SGS Mineral Services (Lakefield Research) completed additional metallurgical test work. The test program was completed on a single metallurgical composite comprising both ore and waste-rock (mining dilution) representative of the Eau Claire Deposit (SGS, 2017). Ore characterization testing including broad spectrum chemical analysis, baseline acid mine drainage testing, comminution (ball mill grindability) testing, mineralogy, bulk mineralogy by QEM-RMS (QEMSCAN) rapid mineral scan), and chemical head analysis. Metallurgical testing included gravity separation and investigation of flotation and cyanide leaching. A waste rock sample was subjected to baseline acid mine drainage testing. The following is a summary of the conclusions and recommendations of SGS (2017) as presented in the executive summary. The summary by SGS includes comparisons to the 2010 test work.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
The testwork encompassed:
2017 test material returned gold grades of 6.56 g/t, 0.08 g/t, and 4.98 g/t, were reported for the Ore, HW- FW, and Master Composite, respectively, in the 2017 program. Silver reported as <2 g/t in all samples.
Sulphide sulphur grades were 0.99%, 0.28%, and 0.84% in the Ore, HW-FW, and Master Composite, respectively.
Gold grades in the 2010 testwork were 18.6 g/t in the Master Composite and 11.1 g/t, 14.0 g/t, 10.9 g/t, and
37.7 g/t in the JQ, P, R, and S Vein Composites, respectively. Silver grades averaged approximately 5 g/t in the Vein and Master Composites. Sulphide sulphur grade ranged from approximately 0.5% in Vein S to approximately 0.9% in Vein R.
Acid mine drainage testing in the 2017 program (acid-base accounting {ABA} and net acid generation {NAG}), indicated that the ARD (waste rock) Composite may be net acid generating and that the Master Composite process tailing is likely not an acid generator. The results were not absolute in either case. The tests completed on the Vein Composites in 2010 indicated very low potential for acid generation, however, based on the visuals presented above and selectivity in the 2010 material, these samples should not be considered representative of the entire resource.
The 2017 Bond ball mill work index of the Master Composite of 11.2 kWh/t (metric), fell into the moderately soft category of hardness in terms of ball mill grindability. The Vein Composites tested in 2010 ranged from 10.2-11.1 kWh/t, putting all material tested at the 33rd percentile of hardness or lower, according to an SGS database of similar tests.
Mineralogical data generated for the Ore and HW-FW Composites compared well with the similar studies completed in 2010 on the Vein Composites. In most cases, pyrrhotite was identified as the primary sulphide, with accompanying lesser amounts of pyrite and much less chalcopyrite. The Ore Composite contained approximately 1.5% pyrrhotite and approximately half as much pyrite, while the HW-FW Composite had approximately equal masses of pyrrhotite and pyrite, at 0.22% and 0.28%, respectively.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
An FL Smidth (Knelson) gravity recoverable gold (GRG) test indicated a reasonably high GRG value for the Master Composite at 39%. Batch gravity separation testing on the composite yielded 24% gold recovery. Batch gravity separation testing in the 2010 program gave generally higher gold recoveries, ranging from 37% (R Vein) to approximately 74% (S Vein). The 2010 Master Composite yielded an average gold recovery of 37.6%. The likely reasons for the better performance of the vein samples in the 2010 testwork are their much higher gold grades and their greater proportion of coarse gold as indicated in the comparative screened metallic sieve oversize (about 18.5% in the 2010 testwork and approximately 4% in the 2017 Master Composite). Further gravity separation testing is recommended to generate data which may be used in a circuit modelling exercise as well as a preliminary design exercise.
All flotation and cyanidation testwork was conducted on gravity separation tailing.
Rougher flotation testing in the 2017 program indicated a significant issue with slimes generation in grinding, leading to fouling of the rougher concentrates. The slimes, which had the visual appearance of talc, are thought to be related to the amphibole content of the material. It should be noted that, while the amphibole content of the 2010 material was similar, the slimes issue was not observed. Master Composite mass pulls were significantly higher in the 2017 program (approximately 18-25% at P80's in the 94-107 μm range) than in the 2010 testwork (approximately 5-10% at P80's in the 81-121 μm range). The Vein Composites (2010) yielded approximately 11% or less mass pull in all cases. The addition of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) reduced mass pull to a more reasonable 7.5-9.5%. Reagent schemes in the two programs were otherwise the same.
A primary grind P80 of approximately 100-110 μm was selected as optimal for flotation in the 2010 program. Overall (gravity + flotation) gold recoveries of approximately 93% or higher were typically achieved with the 2010 Master Composite when ground to that size range. Vein Composite gold recoveries were similar. In the 2017 program, however, the new Master Composite yielded overall gravity plus flotation gold recoveries of only approximately 80-85%, at the same grind same size range. Grinding to P80 = 58 μm or finer was required to achieve overall gold recoveries of >90%.
Cleaner flotation tests in the 2017 program yielded excellent final concentrate gold grades (approximately 120 g/t) and mass rejection. Final mass recovery, in three cleaning stages, was in the 2.1-2.4% range. In tests without rougher concentrate regrinding prior to cleaning, gold recoveries to the third cleaner concentrate were approximately 78% (overall gravity + cleaner flotation), and these improved to approximately 83% with regrinding. In similar tests completed in 2010, gravity + cleaner flotation gold recoveries, at similar mass pulls were in the 88-91% range, albeit from much higher grade feed material.
Given the comparatively disappointing flotation performance observed in the 2017 program versus the 2010 work, and considering the relatively high value of the ore, attention was refocused on whole ore cyanide leaching of Master Composite gravity separation tailing.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
In tests completed at primary grind P80 sizes ranging from of 95 to 49 μm, applying conditions as in the 2010 testwork, gold extractions of 92-95% (gravity + cyanidation) were achieved in 48 hours. There appeared to be no clear correlation between P80 and gold extraction. All subsequent testwork was conducted at the approximately 48 μm P80 grind size.
Additional tests evaluating preparation, lead nitrate addition, higher cyanide dosage (0.75 g/L versus 0.5 g/L NaCN), and high free lime (2 g/L CaO) concentration were completed. Increasing cyanide concentration had a positive effect on final gold extraction. Preparation with lead nitrate had a positive effect on leach kinetics, with leaching being essentially complete sometime between 8 and 24 hours. In tests without preparation and lead nitrate, leaching appeared to continue beyond 24 hours. Increasing cyanide concentration, from 0.5 to 0.75 g/L NaCN, following preparation with lead nitrate, resulted in the maximum gold extraction (96-97%) being achieved, in only 8 hours of leaching. Tests completed with preparation and lead nitrate resulted in significant reductions in cyanide consumption, from approximately 1.3 - 0.2 kg/t (NaCN per tonne of leach feed basis). A similar effect was noted in the 2010 testwork, with even lower consumptions being noted (0.10 - 0.14 kg/t).
Leach kinetics were dramatically reduced in the high CaO tests using the baseline 0.5 g/L NaCN concentration (i.e. 87% leach extraction after 24 hours). Increasing the cyanide concentration to 0.75 g/L NaCN, following preparation with lead nitrate, in a test with high CaO, resulted in leach kinetics and a final gold extraction similar to the tests with high cyanide and preparation with lead nitrate. The high CaO protocol appeared to offer no benefit. This procedure was tested because the Clearwater material is known to contain tellurium mineralisation and high solution CaO has been shown to enhance gold leaching from telluride minerals in some cases. The evidence suggests that the gold in the Clearwater ore is probably not materially associated with tellurium minerals. It should be noted that tellurium assayed at 8 g/t in the 2017 Master Composite and, owing to limitations in the analytical method or matrix interference from the material, at <50 g/t in the 2010 samples.
Overall gold recovery by gravity separation + gravity tailing cyanidation yielded results in the 2017 program that compared very well to parallel testwork completed in 2010. Gold recovery from the 2010 Master Composite (at a 14.8 g/t Au head grade) was 95.7% with a final tailing grade of 0.66 g/t Au. In 2017 overall gold recovery from a head grade of 4.85 g/t Au was approximately 96%, with a final tailing grade of approximately 0.20 g/t Au.
Despite the head analyses that indicated <0.05% graphitic carbon (C(g)) in the samples, it was noted that gold extraction appeared to decrease somewhat as leach retention times were extended. Literature on the subject describes other potential preg-robbing constituents, including certain clay species and sulphide surfaces. The observed effect was not detected in all tests and so cannot be absolutely verified. It is recommended that the preg-robbing potential of the Clearwater material be evaluated.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
10.4 Conclusions
Work performed in the SGS 2017 study was performed essentially on a single master sample. The sample included appropriate vein and mining dilution from the hanging wall and footwall. This sample was well documented and traceable.
The 2017 metallurgical testing indicated that gravity concentration with cyanide leaching outperformed production of a gold bearing flotation concentrate. The reported gold recoveries of 95 percent are supported by testing performed. The process was very simple with a primary grind size and reagent consumption levels that are typical for this style of deposit.
The limited metallurgical testwork conducted to date suggests that a high proportion of the gold can be recovered by conventional means and the Eau Claire material is relatively free-milling. Additional metallurgical testwork is recommended particularly to optimize leach parameters and investigate variability of the mineralization with respect to comminution requirements.
11 Mineral Resource Estimate
Maxime Dupéré, Geologist at SGS Geological Services completed a review of the current MRE at Fury's Eau Claire Project as part of the August 30, 2023 Technical Report (Frappier-Rivard and Dupéré, 2023). The below is a direct excerpt from the current NI43-101 Technical Report.
A Mineral Resource Estimate was first disclosed in a 2015 Technical Report (SRK, 2015) and updated in 2017 (Armitage and Hafez, 2017). The 2017 updated Mineral Resource Estimate was subsequently updated for use in a 2018 preliminary economic assessment (2018 PEA) study (Puritch et. al. 2018). No updated economic study was conducted on the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate and the 2018 PEA is no longer current and should not be relied upon. No further drilling has been carried out within the defined Mineral Resource and the resource wireframes and subsequent block model remain unchanged from 2018. All the holes from the 2020-2023 ongoing drilling program were exclude from the Mineral Resource Estimate due to drill hole spacing and distance from the defined resource blocks. After careful review of the work supporting 2018 P&E report, Mr. Dupéré has estimated mineral resources at the Eau Claire Project which are herein the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate.
Mr. Frappier-Rivard has been involved in the exploration programs at EauClaire intermittently since the early 2000's and has reviewed and audited the resource models and resulting Mineral Resource Estimate included within the August 30, 2023 NI43-101 compliant technical Report and has concluded they meet the requirements set out in SK-1300 and as such takes responsibility for the resource statement.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
11.1 Summary
Completion of the mineral resource involved the assessment of a drill hole database, updated three-dimensional (3D) mineral resource models, and available written reports. The effective date of the mineral resource estimate is December 31, 2023.
Inverse Distance Cubed ("ID3") restricted to mineralized domains was used to Interpolate gold grades (g/t Au) into a block model. Measured, Indicated and Inferred mineral resources are reported in the table 8. The mineral resource estimate takes into consideration that the Eau Claire Deposit will be mined by both open pit and underground mining methods.
11.2 Drill Hole Database
In order to complete an updated mineral resource estimate for the Eau Claire Deposit, a database comprising a series of comma delimited spreadsheets containing drill hole and channel information was provided by Eastmain. The database included hole and channel location information (NAD83 / UTM Zone 18U), survey data, assay data, lithology data and specific gravity data. The data was then imported into GEOVIA GEMS version 6.8.1 software ("GEMS") for statistical analysis, block modeling and resource estimation. After an initial evaluation of the database, a number of drill holes and channels were removed that were located outside the Eau Claire Deposit area. As a result, the current database does not include all drill holes and channels completed on the Project.
A summary of the drill hole and channel database is presented in Table 6. The database comprises data for 886 surface drill holes and 426 channels. The database totals 190,118 drill core assay samples and 2,254 channel assay samples.
In addition to the digital database, three-dimensional (3D), grade controlled wireframe models representing the vein structures, in DXF format, as well as a digital elevation model and a 3D model of the overburden cover were provided. All models were clipped to a digital elevation model.
Table 7: Eau Claire Deposit Drill Hole and Channel Database Summary
Drilling Period |
Company |
# of Surface Drill Holes |
Metres of Surface Drilling |
# of Channels |
Metres of Channel Sampling |
1976 |
SEREM/SDBJ |
4 |
367 |
|
|
1984-1989 |
Westmin/ Eastmain |
53 |
5,919 |
|
|
1996 - 2001 |
SOQUEM |
80 |
17,689 |
196 |
284 |
2001 - 2013 |
Eastmain |
519 |
171,928 |
230 |
1,061 |
2015 |
Eastmain |
29 |
12,898 |
|
|
2016 |
Eastmain |
70 |
22,601 |
|
|
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
2017 |
Eastmain |
119 |
42,651 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
886 |
288,938 |
426 |
1,345 |
11.3 Mineral Resource Modelling and Wireframes
Supporting the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate, are a total of 199 3D grade controlled wireframe models, representing separate vein structures and vein clusters(Figure 8 to Figure 10). The 3D grade controlled models were built by visually interpreting mineralized intercepts from cross sections using gold values. Polygons of mineral intersections (snapped to drill holes) were made on each cross section and these were wireframed together to create continuous resource wireframe models in GEOVIA Surpac™ version 6.2 software. The wireframes were imported into GEMS.
The polygons of mineral intersections were constructed on 25 m spaced sections (looking west) with a 12.5 m sectional influence. The sections were created perpendicular to the general strike of the mineralization. The grade control models were drawn using an approximate 1.0 g/t cut-off grade based on assay samples and a minimum mining width of approximately 2.0 metres. For those intersections that did not meet the minimum mining width requirement, the solid outline was drawn to take in waste from either side of intersections. The models were extended 12.5 to 25 metres beyond the last known intersection along strike and 25 - 50 metres up and down dip. The suite of 199 vein structures in the Eau Claire Deposit area extends for approximately 1,500 metres along strike and to depths of up to 850 metres in the eastern end of the deposit area.
As with the previous mineral resource estimates, modelling of the Eau Claire Deposit was subdivided into two zones: the 450 West and 850 West zones. In the 450 West zone, modelling defined four orientations of primary quartz-tourmaline veins; a well-defined east-west high grade vein system (450HGV), dipping moderately to the south; a series of northwest-southeast trending, moderately southwest-dipping veins (450NW) and; schist-hosted veins (HGS), and a series of west-northwest-trending, moderately south- southwest dipping veins.
Vein modelling in the 850 West zone defined two primary vein systems: a distinct steep northeast-southwest primary vein set (850HG) that crosscuts an older shallow-to-moderately dipping northwest-southeast trending vein set (850SHLW).
In addition to the primary vein systems discussed above, a secondary set of domains referred to as 450EXTRA and 850EXTRA are defined as zones of intermittent veining and alteration, where drilling density is insufficient to model individual veins with confidence. Similar to the primary veins, the secondary veins were modelled using an approximate 1.0 g/t cut-off grade based on assay samples and a minimum mining width of approximately 2.0 metres. Where intersections did not meet the minimum mining width requirement, the wire frame solid outline was drawn to take in waste from either side of intersections.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Figure 9: Oblique view looking NW depicting all drilling and channel sampling utilized in the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimation.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Table 8: Eau Claire Deposit Zone and Domain Summary
Vein Zone |
High Grade Gold Vein Structure |
Vein Domain |
Rock Code |
# of Vein Models |
Domain Volume |
Domain Tonnage |
450 West Zone |
450 E-W High Grade Veins |
450HGV |
95 |
137 |
2,990,569 |
8,732,461 |
|
450 NW High Grade Schist Veins |
450HGS |
110 |
4 |
409,949 |
1,197,051 |
|
450 NW High Grade Veins |
450NW |
130 |
3 |
62,923 |
183,735 |
|
450 WNW High Grade Veins |
450WNW |
120 |
6 |
438,886 |
1,281,547 |
|
450 EW Secondary Intermittent Veins |
450EXTRA |
91 |
1 |
341,169 |
996,213 |
850 West Zone |
850 NE High Grade Veins |
850HG |
140 |
44 |
557,365 |
1,627,506 |
|
850 Shallow West Veins |
850SHLW |
150 |
3 |
118,042 |
344,683 |
|
850 NE Secondary Intermittent Veins |
850EXTRA |
96 |
1 |
104,246 |
304,398 |
|
|
Total: |
|
199 |
5,023,149 |
14,667,595 |
11.4 Composites
The assay sample database for the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate totalled 190,118 assays representing 159,828 m of core and 2,254 assays representing 1,316 m of channel sampling. Of these assays, 11,356 assays from 698 drill holes and 276 channels occur within the mineral domains. A statistical analysis of the drill core and channel assay data from within the mineralized domains is presented in (Table 8). Average width of the drill core sample intervals is 0.61, within a range of 0.10 metres to 1.60 metres; the average width of the channel assay samples is 0.57, within a range of 0.22 to 2.00 metres. Of the total assay population approximately 98% are 1.00 metres or less with approximately 24% of the samples from 0.55 to 1.00 metres in length. To minimize the dilution and over smoothing due to compositing, a composite length of 1.00 metres was chosen as an appropriate composite length for the resource estimation.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Higher grade assays are typically shorter in length (< 1.0 m). For this reason, it was decided to composite the assay data prior to carrying out the capping analysis.
One metre composites for gold were generated starting from the collar of each hole. Un-assayed intervals were given a value of 0.001 g/t Au. Composites were then constrained to the mineral domains. The constrained composites were extracted to point files for statistical analysis and capping studies. The constrained composites were grouped based on the vein domain (rock code) of the constraining wireframe model.
A total of 7,085 composite sample points occur within the resource wireframe models (Table 9). These values were used to interpolate grade into resource blocks.
Table 9: Statistics of drill core and channel samples within the resource domains.
Variable |
Drill Core |
Channels |
Total # Assay Samples |
10,426 |
930 |
Average Sample Length |
0.61 m |
0.57 m |
Minimum and Maximum Length |
0.0 to 1.6 m |
0.0 to 2.0 m |
Total Sample Length |
6,320 m |
526 m |
Minimum Grade |
0.00 g/t |
0.00 g/t |
Maximum Grade |
2,540 g/t |
407 g/t |
Mean |
4.56 g/t |
12.4 g/t |
Median |
0.76 g/t |
2.42 g/t |
Variance |
816 |
1,086 |
Standard Deviation |
28.6 g/t |
32.9 g/t |
Coefficient of variation |
6.26 |
2.65 |
97.5 Percentile |
32.6 g/t |
83.2 g/t |
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Table 10: 1.0m Composite Summary
Variable |
Gold |
Total # of Composites |
6,933 |
Average Composite Length |
1.00 m |
Minimum value |
0.00 g/t |
Maximum value |
1,270 g/t |
Mean |
4.69 g/t |
Median |
1.14 g/t |
Variance |
402 |
Standard Deviation |
20.0 g/t |
Coefficient of variation |
4.27 |
97.5 Percentile |
29.6 g/t |
11.5 Grade Capping
A statistical analysis of the composite database within the Eau Claire Deposit 3D wireframe models (the "resource" population) was conducted to investigate the presence of high-grade outliers which can have a disproportionately large influence on the average grade of a mineral deposit. High grade outliers in the composite data were investigated using statistical data, histogram plots, and cumulative probability plots of the 1.0 m composite data. The statistical analysis was conducted by vein domain and was completed using GEMS software.
After review it was determined that capping of high grade composites to limit their influence during the grade estimation is necessary. A total of 35 composite samples were capped. The capped gold composites were used for grade interpolation into the Eau Claire Deposit block model.
11.6 Specific Gravity
A total of 646 SG determinations by pycnometry were utilized in the Mineral Resource Estimate. The 646 SG measurements ranged from 2.56 to 3.24 and averaged 2.92. The average grade of the 646 samples in the database is 6.15 g/t Au, ranging from 0.00 to 120 g/t (capped). Despite the high grade of a number of the samples, there appears to be little correlation of density value and gold grade.
The data was subdivided into samples from within the revised 450 zone vein domains and samples from outside the revised vein domains. Of the 646 samples, 364 samples are from with the 450 zone vein domains. The average SG of these samples is 2.91 with a range of 2.56 to 3.21; the average grade of these samples is 9.1 g/t Au (4 samples capped to 120 g/t Au). A total of 282 samples are from outside the vein domains and average 2.93 with a range of 2.63 to 3.24.For this Mineral Resource Estimate update an SG of 2.92 was used.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
11.7 Block Model Parameters
The Eau Claire Deposit wireframes were used to constrain composite values chosen for interpolation, and the mineral blocks reported in the estimate of the mineral resource. A block model within NAD83 / UTM Zone 18U (Table 10) space (no rotation) (Figure 14-8) with block dimensions of 5 x 5 x 5 metres in the x (east), y (north) and z (level) directions was placed over the grade shells with only that portion of each block inside the shell recorded (as a percentage of the block) as part of the mineral resource estimate (% Block Model). The block size was selected based on borehole spacing, composite assay length, the geometry of the vein structures, and the selected starting mining method (Open Pit). At the scale of the Eau Claire Deposit this provides a reasonable block size for discerning grade distribution, while still being large enough not to mislead when looking at higher cut-off grade distribution within the model. The model was intersected with an overburden model and surface topography to exclude blocks, or portions of blocks, that extend above the bedrock surface.
Table 11: Block Model Geometry
Model Name |
UH Deposit |
||
X (North) |
Y (East) |
Z (Level) |
|
Origin (NAD83 / UTM Zone 17U) |
443650 |
5784650 |
340 |
Extent |
325 |
210 |
180 |
Block Size |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Rotation (counter clockwise) |
0° |
11.8 Grade Interpolation
A 3D semi-variography analysis of mineralized points by vein domain was completed for several of the larger vein structures including the 450HGV and 850HG vein structures using GEMS. The analysis did not determine search ellipses of sufficient quality to be used for geostatistical grade estimation (Ordinary Kriging). A search ellipse for each of the vein domains was interpreted based on drill hole (Data) spacing, and orientation and size of the resource wireframe models. The search ellipse axes are generally oriented to reflect the observed preferential long axis (geological trend) of the vein structures and the observed trend of the mineralization down dip.
Grades for Au (g/t) were interpolated into blocks by the Inverse Distance Cubed (ID3) method. Three passes were used to interpolate grade into all of the blocks in the grade shells (Table 14-8). For Pass 1 the search ellipse size (in metres) for all vein domains was set at 20 x 20 x 5 in the X, Y, Z direction; for Pass 2 the search ellipse size for each domain was set at 45 x 45 x 15; for Pass 3 the search ellipse size was set at 100 x 100 x 20. Blocks were classified as Measured if they were populated with grade during Pass 1 and Indicated if they were populated with grade during Pass 2 of the interpolation procedure. The Pass 3 search ellipse size was set to assure all remaining blocks within the wireframe were assigned a grade. These blocks were classified as Inferred.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Grades were interpolated into blocks using a minimum of 6 and maximum of 10 composites to generate block grades during Pass 1 and Pass 2 (maximum of 3 sample composites per drill hole), and a minimum of 3 and maximum of 10 composites to generate block grades during pass 3.
11.9 Mineral Resource Classification Parameters
The Mineral Resource Estimate presented in this technical report has been prepared in accordance with S-K 1300 and reflects generally respect industry standard practices as recently established by the CIM in the Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (2019). The current MRE for the Project is prepared and disclosed in compliance with all current disclosure requirements for mineral resources set out in S-K 1300. The classification of the current MREs into Measured, Indicated and Inferred has been prepared in accordance with the definitions of Mineral Resources under S-K 1300, which are consistent with current 2014 CIM Definition Standards - For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, including the critical requirement that all mineral resources "have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction".
Mineral Resources are sub-divided, in order of increasing geological confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured categories. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource. An Indicated Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than an Inferred Mineral Resource but has a lower level of confidence than a Measured Mineral Resource.
A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth's crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
Interpretation of the word 'eventual' in this context may vary depending on the commodity or mineral involved. For example, for some coal, iron, potash deposits and other bulk minerals or commodities, it may be reasonable to envisage 'eventual economic extraction' as covering time periods in excess of 50 years. However, for many gold deposits, application of the concept would normally be restricted to perhaps 10 to 15 years, and frequently to much shorter periods of time.
The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling.
Measured Mineral Resource
A Measured Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of Modifying Factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Geological evidence is derived from detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to confirm geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.
A Measured Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than that applying to either an Indicated Mineral Resource or an Inferred Mineral Resource. It may be converted to a Proven Mineral Reserve or to a Probable Mineral Reserve.
Mineralization or other natural material of economic interest may be classified as a Measured Mineral Resource by the Qualified Person when the nature, quality, quantity and distribution of data are such that the tonnage and grade or quality of the mineralization can be estimated to within close limits and that variation from the estimate would not significantly affect potential economic viability of the deposit. This category requires a high level of confidence in, and understanding of, the geology and controls of the mineral deposit.
Indicated Mineral Resource
An Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.
Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.
An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource and may only be converted to a Probable Mineral Reserve.
Mineralization may be classified as an Indicated Mineral Resource by the Qualified Person when the nature, quality, quantity and distribution of data are such as to allow confident interpretation of the geological framework and to reasonably assume the continuity of mineralization. The Qualified Person must recognize the importance of the Indicated Mineral Resource category to the advancement of the feasibility of the project. An Indicated Mineral Resource estimate is of sufficient quality to support a Pre-Feasibility Study which can serve as the basis for major development decisions.
Inferred Mineral Resource
An Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
An Inferred Mineral Resource is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate sampling techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. Inferred Mineral Resources must not be included in the economic analysis, production schedules, or estimated mine life in publicly disclosed Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility Studies, or in the Life of Mine plans and cash flow models of developed mines.
There may be circumstances, where appropriate sampling, testing, and other measurements are sufficient to demonstrate data integrity, geological and grade/quality continuity of a Measured or Indicated Mineral Resource, however, quality assurance and quality control, or other information may not meet all industry norms for the disclosure of an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource. Under these circumstances, it may be reasonable for the Qualified Person to report an Inferred Mineral Resource if the Qualified Person has taken steps to verify the information meets the requirements of an Inferred Mineral Resource.
11.10 Reasonable Prospects of Eventual Economic Extraction
The general requirement that all mineral resources have "have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction " implies that the quantity and grade estimates meet certain economic thresholds and that the mineral resources are reported at an appropriate cut-off grade taking into account extraction scenarios and processing recoveries. In order to meet this requirement, Dupéré considers that the Eau Claire Deposit mineralization is amenable for open pit and underground extraction.
In order to determine the quantities of material offering "reasonable prospects for economic extraction" by an open pit, Whittle™ pit optimization software 4.7.1 and reasonable mining assumptions to evaluate the proportions of the block model (Measured, Indicated and Inferred blocks) that could be "reasonably expected" to be mined from an open pit were used. The pit optimization was completed by SGS. The pit optimization parameters used are summarized in Table 11. The pit optimization parameters used are summarized in Table 13. A conservative and balanced approach was applied when optimizing the open pit and underground scenario. A Whittle pit shell at a revenue factor of 0.5 was selected as the ultimate pit shell for the purposes of this mineral resource estimate. The corresponding strip ratio is 11.9:1 and the average open pit depth is approximately 150 m.
The reader is cautioned that the results from the pit optimization are used solely for the purpose of testing the "reasonable prospects for economic extraction" by an open pit and do not represent an attempt to estimate mineral reserves. There are no mineral reserves on the Property. The results are used as a guide to assist in the preparation of a Mineral Resource statement and to select an appropriate resource reporting cut-off grade. A selected base case cut-off grade of 0.50 g/t Au is used to determine the in-pit MRE.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
In order to determine the quantities of material offering "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction" by underground mining methods, reasonable mining assumptions to evaluate the proportions of the block model (Measured, Indicated and Inferred blocks) that could be "reasonably expected" to be mined from underground are used. The underground parameters used, are summarized in Table 13. Based on these parameters, underground mineral resources are reported at a base case cut-off grade of 2.5 g/t Au. Underground mineral resources are estimated from the bottom of the pit considered in this MRE. The underground mineral resource grade blocks are quantified above the base case cut-off grade of 2.5 g/t Au, below the constraining pit shell and within the 3D constraining mineralized wireframes (the constraining volumes).
11.11 Mineral Resource Statement
The updated mineral resource estimate for the Eau Claire Deposit is presented in Table 14 and includes an open pit and an underground mineral resource (Figure 9 and Figure 10).
Table 12: Whittle™ Pit Optimization Parameters and Parameters used for In-pit and Underground Cut-off Grade Calculation
Parameter |
Value |
Unit |
Gold Price |
1,250.00 |
US$ |
Exchange Rate |
0.80 |
US$ |
Mining Cost - In Pit |
2.80 |
US$ |
Mining Cost - Underground |
65.00 |
US$ |
Processing Cost |
16.00 |
US$ |
General and Administrative |
4.00 |
US$ |
Overall Pit Slope |
50 |
Degrees |
Gold Recovery |
95 |
Percent (%) |
Mining loss / Dilution (open pit) |
5 / 5 |
Percent (%) / Percent (%) |
Mining loss / Dilution (open pit) |
10 / 10 |
Percent (%) / Percent (%) |
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Table 13: Eau Claire Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate as of December 31, 2023
Category |
Tonnes |
Grade (g/t Au) |
Contained Au (oz) |
Measured |
906,000 |
6.63 |
193,000 |
Indicated |
3,388,000 |
6.06 |
660,000 |
Measured & Indicated |
4,294,000 |
6.18 |
853,000 |
Inferred |
2,382,000 |
6.53 |
500,000 |
Table 14: Mineral Resource as of December 31, 2023
|
Open Pit (surface to 150 m) |
Underground (150 m - 860 m) |
||||
Category |
Tonnes |
(g/t |
Contained |
Tonnes |
(g/t |
Contained |
Measured |
574,000 |
6.66 |
123,000 |
332,000 |
6.56 |
70,000 |
Indicated |
636,000 |
5.13 |
105,000 |
2,752,000 |
6.27 |
555,000 |
Measured & Indicated |
1,210,000 |
5.86 |
228,000 |
3,084,000 |
6.3 |
625,000 |
Inferred |
43,000 |
5.06 |
7,000 |
2,339,000 |
6.56 |
493,000 |
Notes:
1. The classification of the current Mineral Resource Estimate into Measured, Indicated and Inferred has been completed in accordance with the definitions for mineral resources in S-K 1300, which are consistent with current 2014 CIM Definition Standards - For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.
2. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.
3. All Resources are presented undiluted and in situ, constrained by 3D wireframe models (the constraining volumes), and are considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
4. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that most of the Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
5. Open pit Mineral Resources are reported at a base case cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au within a conceptual pit shell and underground Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 2.5 g/t Au outside the conceptual pit shell. Cut-off grades are based on a gold price of US$1,250 per ounce, a foreign exchange rate of US$0.80 and a gold recovery of 95%.
6. The results from pit optimization are used solely for the purpose of testing the "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction" by an open pit and do not represent an attempt to estimate mineral reserves. There are no mineral reserves on the Property. The results are used as a guide to assist in the preparation of a Mineral Resource statement and to select an appropriate resource reporting cut-off grade.
7. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Inferred Mineral Resource will be upgraded to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource as a result of continued exploration. There is no other relevant data or information available that is necessary to make the technical report understandable and not misleading.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Figure 10: Oblique view looking north of the Eau Claire Deposit Block Model Grades
Figure 11: Oblique view looking north of the Eau Claire Deposit Block Model Resource Categories
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
The total volume of the Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate blocks in the Mineral Resource model, at a 0.0 g/t Au cut-off grade value compared well to the total volume of the vein structures with the total volume of the block model being 0.61% lower than the total volume of the vein structures (Table 14). Visual checks of block gold grades against the composite data on vertical section showed good correlation between block grades and drill intersections.
A comparison of the average gold composite grade with the average gold grade of all the Au blocks in the block model, at a 0.0 g/t Au cut-off grade was completed and is presented in Table 15. The block model average Au grade is approximately 18% lower than the average capped composite grade likely as a result of smoothing during grade interpolation.
For comparison purposes, additional grade models were generated using the inverse distance squared weighting ("ID2") and nearest neighbour ("NN") interpolation methods. The results of these models are compared to the ID3 models at various cut-off grades in a series of grade/tonnage graphs shown in Figure 11. In general the ID2 and ID3 models show similar results and both are more conservative and smoother than the NN model. For models well-constrained by wireframes and well-sampled (close spacing of data), ID2 should yield very similar results to other interpolation methods such as ID3 or Ordinary Kriging.
Table 15: Comparison of Block Model Volumes to Wireframe Volumes
Deposit |
Total Domain Volume |
Block Model Volume |
Difference % |
Eau Claire Deposit |
14,667,596 |
14,577,781 |
0.61% |
Table 16: Comparison of Average Composite to Block Model Grades
Deposit |
Variable |
Total |
AU (g/t) |
Eau Claire Deposit |
Composites |
6,933 |
4.69 |
|
Composites Capped |
6,933 |
4.25 |
|
Blocks |
151,187 |
3.50 |
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Figure 12: Comparison of ID3 and NN methodologies
11.11.1 Cut-Off Grade Sensitivity
The Eau Claire Deposit mineral resource has been estimated at a range of cut-off grades presented in Table 16 to demonstrate the sensitivity of the resource to cut-off grades. The current mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au within a conceptual pit shell and underground mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 2.5 g/t Au outside the conceptual pit shell.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Table 16: Sensitivity table of the resource to cut-off grades
Open Pit(1) |
|||||||||
|
Measured |
Indicated |
Inferred |
||||||
Cut-off Au g/t |
Tonnes |
Au (g/t) |
Contained |
Tonnes |
Au (g/t) |
Contained |
Tonnes |
Au (g/t) |
Contained |
0.2 |
599,000 |
6.39 |
123,000 |
673,000 |
4.85 |
105,000 |
45,000 |
4.84 |
7,000 |
0.3 |
592,000 |
6.46 |
123,000 |
668,000 |
4.89 |
105,000 |
44,000 |
4.95 |
7,000 |
0.4 |
584,000 |
6.55 |
123,000 |
655,000 |
4.99 |
105,000 |
43,000 |
5.06 |
7,000 |
0.5 |
574,000 |
6.66 |
123,000 |
636,000 |
5.13 |
105,000 |
43,000 |
5.06 |
7,000 |
0.6 |
562,000 |
6.81 |
123,000 |
622,000 |
5.25 |
105,000 |
42,000 |
5.18 |
7,000 |
0.7 |
551,000 |
6.94 |
123,000 |
607,000 |
5.33 |
104,000 |
41,000 |
4.55 |
6,000 |
1.0 |
516,000 |
7.35 |
122,000 |
567,000 |
5.65 |
103,000 |
38,000 |
4.91 |
6,000 |
Underground(1) |
|||||||||
|
Measured |
Indicated |
Inferred |
||||||
Cut-off Au |
Tonnes |
Au (g/t) |
Contained |
Tonnes |
Au (g/t) |
Contained |
Tonnes |
Au (g/t) |
Contained |
1.0 |
557,000 |
4.52 |
81,000 |
5,301,000 |
4.04 |
689,000 |
3,860,000 |
4.62 |
573,000 |
1.5 |
456,000 |
5.25 |
77,000 |
4,171,000 |
4.80 |
644,000 |
3,112,000 |
5.42 |
542,000 |
2.0 |
388,000 |
5.93 |
74,000 |
3,357,000 |
5.55 |
599,000 |
2,693,000 |
5.99 |
519,000 |
2.5 |
332,000 |
6.56 |
70,000 |
2,752,000 |
6.27 |
555,000 |
2,339,000 |
6.56 |
493,000 |
3.0 |
283,000 |
7.25 |
66,000 |
2,285,000 |
7.00 |
514,000 |
1,861,000 |
7.54 |
451,000 |
4.0 |
204,000 |
8.54 |
56,000 |
1,617,000 |
8.44 |
439,000 |
1,483,000 |
8.58 |
409,000 |
5.0 |
157,000 |
9.90 |
50,000 |
1,227,000 |
9.73 |
384,000 |
1,181,000 |
9.66 |
367,000 |
(1) Open pit mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au within a conceptual pit shell and underground mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 2.5 g/t Au outside the conceptual pit shell. Values in this table reported above and below the cut-off grades should not be misconstrued with a Mineral Resource Statement. The values are only presented to show the sensitivity of the block model estimates to the selection of cut-off grade. All values are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate and numbers may not add due to rounding
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
11.11.2 Sensitivity to Metal Price
A price sensitivity analysis was prepared using a downside scenario gold price of US$1,150/oz as well as an upside scenario at US$1,350/oz. Whittle™ pit optimization was completed using the same optimization parameters as for the Mineral Resource Estimate except for changing the gold price. The results of the sensitivity analysis are presented in Table 17. Table 17 demonstrate that the Deposit in-pit Mineral Resource Estimate is sensitive to a ±US$100 change in gold price.
Table 17: In-Pit Resource Sensitivity to Gold Price at a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off
Gold Price US$/oz |
Tonnes |
Gold(1) |
|
Grade (g/t) |
Ozs |
||
Measured |
|||
$1,150 |
527,000 |
6.89 |
117,000 |
$1,250 |
574,000 |
6.66 |
123,000 |
$1,350 |
600,000 |
6.55 |
126,000 |
Indicated |
|||
$1,150 |
352,000 |
5.29 |
60,000 |
$1,250 |
636,000 |
5.13 |
105,000 |
$1,350 |
838,000 |
5.11 |
138,000 |
Inferred |
|||
$1,150 |
17,000 |
6.37 |
4,000 |
$1,250 |
43,000 |
5.06 |
7,000 |
$1,350 |
56,000 |
4.28 |
8,000 |
12 Mineral Reserve Estimates
Due to the early stage of the Project there are no mineral reserve estimates.
13 Mining Methods
Due to the early stage of the Project no studies regarding mining methodology have been completed.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
14 Processing and Recovery Methods
Due to the early stage of the Project no studies regarding recovery methods have been completed.
15 Infrastructure
Due to the early stage of the Project no studies regarding the required infrastructure for future development have been completed.
16 Market Studies
Due to the early stage of the Project no Market studies have been completed.
17 Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Plans, Negotiations, or Agreements with Local Individuals or Groups
Due to the early stage of the Project this section is not applicable.
18 Capital and Operating Costs
Due to the early stage of the Project this section is not applicable.
19 Economic Analysis
Due to the early stage of the Project this section is not applicable.
20 Adjacent Properties
None of the adjacent claims are known to host mineralized zones comparable to the Eau Claire deposit. No reliance was placed on any information from adjacent properties in the estimation and preparation of the resources reported in this technical report. Adjacent properties are therefore not deemed material to this report.
21 Other Relevant Data and Information
Mr. Frappier-Rivard is not aware of any additional data or information available for disclosure.
22 Interpretation and Conclusions
The Project is located in the La Grande volcanic subprovince (2800 to 2738 Ma), east the Opinaca metasedimentary subprovince (2703 to 2674 Ma) and lies within the Eastmain Greenstone Belt (2752 to 2696 Ma). The Eau Claire gold deposit and the Percival Prospect occur within a few kilometres of the Cannard Deformation Zone, a crustal scale structural break and is hosted in the Natel Formation (2739 to 2720 Ma), which is made up of komatiites, komatiitic basalt, massive to pillowed basaltic and andesitic flows of tholeiitic affinity (magnesian tholeiites and iron tholeiites), with interbedded sequences of mudstone, wacke and iron formation.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
The majority of the gold mineralization identified to date at Eau Claire occurs as stacked late quartz tourmaline veining (VQTL) within interbedded mafic volcanics and volcaniclastic sequences proximal to regional D2 shear zones. Gold mineralization also occurs within altered host rock without veining occurring as centimetre to several metre wide tourmaline-actinolite ± biotite ± calcite replacement zones around vein selvages. A third style of gold mineralization recently identified in silicified breccias and quartz veins hosted in sediments and volcanic rocks proximal to iron formation on the eastern side of the Project. Eau Claire hosts over 12 showings, the most advanced being the Eau Claire deposit and the Percival prospect.
Since acquiring the Project, Fury has initiated systematic exploration programs consisting of geological mapping, biogeochemical sampling, reinterpretation of historical geophysical data, ground based geophysical studies and diamond drilling. Drilling has focussed on exploring for extensions to the known gold mineralization at the Eau Claire deposit, and the Snake Lake and Percival prospects. Large stepout drilling in 2022 increased the mineralized footprint of the Eau Claire deposit by over 450m to the west. At Percival Fury intercepted 13.5 metres (m) of 8.05 g/t gold (Au) outlining a 500x100x300m zone of gold mineralization.
Drilling at the Eau Claire deposit has identified gold mineralization with suitable continuity, grade and size to be potentially economically extracted.
The 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate (2023 MRE) follows the 2019 CIM Best Practice Guidelines for mineral resource estimation. The wireframe grade shell models represent the drilled mineralization and are suitable for use in block model estimations. The Eau Claire deposit meets the criteria of reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction in the combined open pit and underground portions of the MRE.
The 2023 Eau Claire Mineral Resource Estimation is representative of the known mineralization. No additional drilling or work has been carried out within the defined resource area. From 2020 through to 2022, Fury completed a total of 79 diamond drill holes for approximately 52,960 m on the Project. The drill program consisted of i) an extension phase focused on extensions to the known vein corridors along strike from the current resource ("Extension Program"); ii) an exploration phase designed to test targets along the 4.5km long deposit trend ("Exploration Program") and iii) an exploration phase of drilling designed to test targets at the Percival prospect 14km east of the Eau Claire Deposit. Large stepout drilling in 2022 increased the mineralized footprint of the Eau Claire deposit by over 450m to the west. The drilling completed by Fury to date is considered to be too far from previous drilling to be considered material.
The Mineral Resources at the Eau Claire Deposit are estimated to be approximately 0.9 Mt of Measured Mineral Resources grading 6.63 g/t Au containing 193,000 ounces gold, Indicated Mineral Resources of 3.39 Mt grading 6.06 g/t Au containing 660,000 ounces gold and 2.38 Mt of inferred Mineral Resources at an average grade of 6.53 g/t Au containing 500,000 ounces gold.
The preliminary metallurgical work completed to date indicates that gold can be recovered using conventional methods utilizing combined gravity followed by a cyanide leach.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
In 2019, significant gold mineralization was identified at the Percival prospect located 14 kilometres (km) to the east of the Eau Claire deposit. Gold mineralization at Percival has been defined within a 500x100x300m footprint within folded sulphidized and silicified breccias and quartz veining in an interbedded volcanic and sedimentary sequence. Fury recognized that the high-grade core of the Percival mineralization, represented by historical drill intercepts of 9.0m of 6.26 g/t gold, 8.5m of 7.13 g/t gold, and 2.0m of 8.47 g/t gold was parallel and slightly offset to magnetic stratigraphic units that define a steep westerly plunging fold hinge. Targeting of the fold hinge geometry has significantly expanded the Percival mineralized footprint with intercepts of up to 13.5m of 8.05 g/t Au, including 3m of 25.8 g/t Au. Exploration historically has focussed on VQTL within mafic volcanic sequences at Eau Claire, the recent identification of the Percival mineralization indicates there is good potential to discover additional mineralization and to add to the resource base within the Project.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
23 Recommendations
Future exploration efforts should continue to focus on the Eau Claire deposit and Percival prospect styles of mineralization identified to date as it has been shown these can host significant gold grades over width. The recommended Phase 1 work program consists of a regional portion focussed on refining known gold occurrences within the Project and attempting to define new prospects in areas with favourable geological and structural settings. In addition to the regional program, a drill program, focussed on the Eau Claire deposit, designed to tie-in the mineralization identified 450m west of the current resource with the aim of updating the current mineral resource should be completed. Additional drilling would focus on the Percival prospect and other nearby geochemical anomalies to determine the continuity and scale of gold mineralization.
The Phase 1 program is anticipated to include collection of 15,000 infill till and biogeochemical samples and 30,000 m of Diamond drilling, 20,000m at the Eau Claire deposit and 10,000m at Percival. The Phase 1 program is estimated to cost approximately $13.5 million (Table 18). The estimated costs of the recommended work program are derived from Mr. Frappier-Rivard's extensive knowledge of working in Northern Quebec gained over the past 20 years with upward adjustment for the current supply and labour markets.
The Phase 2 exploration program will continue to be drill intensive. An additional 20,000 - 30,000m of diamond drilling should be completed at the Eau Claire deposit to explore the down dip potential of the limb mineralization as well as tying in the newly identified mineralization at the Gap zone and to the east of the defined resource with the ongoing goal of continuing to update the Mineral Resource Estimate. An additional 20,000m of drilling should be allocated to regional targets defined from the Phase 1 program. The Phase 2 program is estimated to cost between $18 and $22.5 million (Table 18). The estimated costs of the recommended work program are derived from Mr. Frappier-Rivard's extensive knowledge of working in Northern Quebec gained over the past 20 years with upward adjustment for the current supply and labour markets.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
Table 17: 2024 and beyond Recommended Work Programs
Phase 1 |
||
Type |
Details |
Cost |
Labour |
Staff Wages, Technical and Support Contractors |
1,750,000 |
Assaying |
Sampling and Analytical |
750,000 |
Drilling |
Diamond Drilling (30,000m at $175/m) |
5,250,000 |
Till Sampling |
Detailed sampling program |
1,500,000 |
Land Management |
Consultants. Assessment Filing, Claim maintenance |
750,000 |
Community Relations |
Community Tours, Outreach |
75,000 |
Information Technology |
Remote site communications and IT |
35,000 |
Safety |
Equipment, Training and Supplies |
75,000 |
Expediting |
Expediting |
150,000 |
Camp Costs |
Equipment, Maintenance, Food, Supplies |
250,000 |
Freight and Transportation |
Freight, Travel, Helicopter |
450,000 |
Fuel |
|
1,200,000 |
General and Administration |
100,000 |
|
Sub-total |
|
12,335,000 |
Contingency (10%) |
1,233,500 |
|
Total |
|
13,568,500 |
|
|
|
Phase 2 |
||
Type |
Details |
Cost |
Labour |
Staff Wages, Technical and Support Contractors |
2,250,000 |
Drilling |
Diamond Drilling (40,000 - 50,000m) |
7,875,000 |
Assaying |
Sampling and Analytical |
1,000,000 |
Community Relations |
Community Tours, Outreach |
100,000 |
Information Technology |
Remote site communications and IT |
100,000 |
Safety |
Equipment, Training and Supplies |
125,000 |
Expediting |
Expediting |
250,000 |
Camp Costs |
Equipment, Maintenance, Food, Supplies |
750,000 |
Freight and Transportation |
Fright, Travel, Helicopter |
1,950,000 |
Fuel |
|
3,000,000 |
General and Administration |
500,000 |
|
Sub-total |
|
17,900,000 |
Contingency (10%) |
1,790,000 |
|
Total |
|
19,690,000 |
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
24 References
Armitage, A.E., and Hafez, S.A., 2017, Technical Report on the Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Eau Claire Gold Deposit, Clearwater Project, Québec, Canada dated October 25, 2017 for Eastmain Resources Inc., 156 p.
Dubé, B. and Gosselin, P. 2007. Greenstone-hosted quartz-carbonate vein deposits. In Goodfellow, W.D., ed. Mineral Deposits of Canada: A Synthesis of Major Deposit-Types, District Metallogeny, the Evolution of Geological Provinces, and Exploration Methods. Geological Association of Canada, Mineral Deposits Division, Special Publication No. 5, pp.49-73.
Frappier-Rivard, D., Dupéré, M., 2023, Technical Report on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada dated August 30, 2023 for Fury Gold Mines Ltd.
Puritch, E., Yassa, A., Bradfield, A. and Armitage, A., 2018, Technical Report, Updated Mineral Resource and Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Eau Claire Gold Deposit, Clearwater Property, Quebec, Canada dated July 3rd, 2018 for Eastmain Resources Inc., 298 p.
SGS Mineral Services, 2010. An Investigation of The Recovery of Gold and Tellurium from Clearwater Project Samples, prepared for Eastmain Resources Inc. Project 12228-001 - Final Report October 4, 2010, 102 p.
SGS Mineral Services, 2017. An Investigation into Gold Recovery from Clearwater Project Samples, prepared for Eastmain Resources Inc. Project 15524-001 - Final Report September 27, 2017, 133 p.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., 2017. Technical Report for the Eau Claire Gold Deposit, Clearwater Project, Quebec, Report Prepared for Eastmain Resources Inc. June 11, 2015, 143 p.
25 Reliance on Information Provided by the Registrant
Mr. Frappier-Rivard as a full time employee of the Registrant, Fury, does not claim reliance on any other party with respect to the information provided or the opinions expressed herein, having reviewed, and found satisfactory such corporate and other documentation as deemed necessary to assume responsibility for such information and opinions as are expressed herein.
Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada |
26 DATE AND SIGNATURE PAGE
This report entitled "S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Eau Claire Project, Quebec, Canada" with an effective date of December 31, 2023 was prepared and signed by:
/s/ David Frappier-Rivard
Signed: _________________________________
David Frappier-Rivard, P. Geo.
Exploration Manager, Fury Gold Mines Limited
Appendix 1 - Eau Claire Claims List
EXHIBIT 15.3
S-K 1300TECHNICAL REPORT SUMMARY ON THE COMMITTEE BAY
PROJECT, NUNAVUT TERRITORY, CANADA
Prepared By Fury Gold Mines Ltd.
Qualified Persons:
Bryan Atkinson, P. Geo.
Senior VP Exploration, Fury Gold Mines Limited
Effective as of: December 31, 2023
Issue Date: March 13, 2024
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Contents
1 Executive Summary | 6 |
1.1 Overview | 6 |
1.2 Conclusions | 8 |
1.3 Recommendations | 9 |
2 Introduction | 11 |
2.1 Sources of Information | 11 |
2.2 Personal Inspection | 11 |
3 Property Description | 11 |
3.1 Location | 11 |
3.2 Project Ownership | 12 |
3.3 Mineral Tenure | 12 |
3.4 Royalties and Encumbrances | 13 |
3.5 Permitting | 13 |
4 Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography | 16 |
4.1 Accessibility | 16 |
4.2 Climate | 16 |
4.3 Local Resources & Infrastructure | 16 |
4.4 Physiography | 16 |
4.5 Conclusions | 17 |
5 History | 17 |
5.1 The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) Studies | 17 |
5.2 Base Metal Focused Exploration (Prior to 1992) | 18 |
5.3 Gold Focused Exploration (Post 1992) | 19 |
5.4 Previous Resource Estimates | 20 |
5.4.1 2004 MRE | 21 |
5.4.2 2008 MRE | 21 |
5.4.3 2009 MRE | 21 |
5.4.4 2012 MRE | 21 |
5.4.5 2013 MRE | 22 |
5.4.6 2017 MRE | 22 |
5.4.7 Discussion on Previous Resource Estimates | 22 |
5.5 Historical Drilling | 22 |
5.6 Past Production | 22 |
6 Geological Setting, Mineralization and Deposit | 23 |
6.1 Geology | 23 |
6.2 Structure | 24 |
6.3 Mineralization | 26 |
6.4 Deposit Types | 26 |
7 Exploration | 28 |
7.1 Till Sampling | 28 |
7.1.1 Methodology | 28 |
7.2 Mapping and Rock Sampling | 29 |
7.2.1 Methodology | 29 |
7.3 Geophysical Surveys | 32 |
7.3.1 2016 Airborne Survey | 32 |
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
7.3.2 2016 and 2017 Ground Magnetics Surveys | 32 |
7.3.3 2015 Induced Polarization Ground Geophysical Survey | 32 |
7.3.4 2019 Induced Polarization Ground Geophysical Survey | 32 |
7.3.4.1 Methodology | 32 |
7.3.4.2 Results | 33 |
7.4 Aerial Drone Surveying | 33 |
7.5 AI Techniques | 34 |
7.6 Drilling | 36 |
7.7 Historical Drilling | 40 |
7.8 1997 Drilling | 40 |
7.9 2003-2008 | 40 |
7.9.1 2003 Drilling | 40 |
7.9.2 2004 Drilling | 41 |
7.9.3 2005 Drilling | 41 |
7.9.4 2006 Drilling | 41 |
7.9.5 2007 Drilling | 41 |
7.9.6 2008 Drilling | 41 |
7.10 2010-2011 | 42 |
7.10.1 2010 Drilling | 42 |
7.10.2 2011 Drilling | 43 |
7.11 2012 Drilling | 43 |
7.12 Discussion on Drilling Completed Prior to 2015 | 45 |
7.13 Drilling Completed by Fury | 45 |
7.13.1 RAB Drilling | 46 |
7.13.1.1 RAB Drilling Methodology | 46 |
7.13.2 Diamond Drilling | 49 |
7.13.2.1 Methodology | 50 |
8 Sample Preparation, Analyses, and Security | 52 |
8.1 Detailed Till Samples | 52 |
8.2 Rock Samples | 52 |
8.3 RAB Drilling | 53 |
8.4 Diamond Drilling | 53 |
8.4.1 QC Sampling | 58 |
8.5 Summary | 58 |
9 Data Verification | 58 |
9.1 Database Verification | 58 |
9.2 2015 through 2021 Quality Assurance and Quality Control | 59 |
9.2.1 Certified Reference Material | 59 |
9.3 Conclusions | 60 |
10 Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing | 60 |
10.1 2003 | 60 |
10.2 2008 | 61 |
10.3 2009 | 62 |
10.3.1 Mineralogy | 62 |
10.3.2 Comminution | 62 |
10.3.3 Gravity Recovery | 62 |
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
10.3.4 Flotation | 62 |
10.3.5 Gravity-Flotation Batch Testing | 63 |
10.3.6 Gravity-Flotation Locked-Cycle Testing | 63 |
10.3.7 Flotation Batch Testing | 63 |
10.3.8 Leaching | 63 |
10.3.8.1 Concentrate Cyanide Leaching | 63 |
10.3.8.2 Whole Ore Leaching | 63 |
10.4 Conclusions | 64 |
11 Mineral Resource Estimate | 65 |
11.1 Summary of the 2013 and 2017 MRE | 66 |
11.2 APEX Validation of the 2017 MRE | 67 |
11.3 Cutoff Grades | 74 |
11.4 Mineral Resource Reporting | 74 |
11.4.1 Open Pit Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction | 75 |
11.4.2 Underground Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction | 75 |
11.4.3 Classification Definitions | 79 |
11.4.4 Committee Bay Gold Project Mineral Resource Statements | 79 |
11.5 Risks and Uncertainties | 81 |
12 Mineral Reserve Estimates | 81 |
13 Mining Methods | 81 |
14 Processing and Recovery Methods | 81 |
15 Infrastructure | 82 |
16 Market Studies | 82 |
17 Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Plans, Negotiations, or Agreements with Local Individuals or Groups | 82 |
18 Capital and Operating Costs | 82 |
19 Economic Analysis | 82 |
20 Adjacent Properties | 82 |
21 Other Relevant Data and Information | 82 |
22 Interpretation and Conclusions | 83 |
23 Recommendations | 84 |
24 References | 87 |
25 Reliance on Information Provided by the Registrant | 88 |
Tables
Table 1: NCGC Permits and Licences | 6 |
Table 2: Three Bluffs Mineral Resource Effective as of December 31, 2023 | 7 |
Table 3: Recommended Work Programs for 2024 and beyond | 10 |
Table 4: Drilling by Year and Type | 36 |
Table 5: Select pre 2015 Drilling Highlights | 44 |
Table 6: Summary of Drilling Completed by Fury | 45 |
Table 7: Fury Internal CRMs for Diamond Drilling | 59 |
Table 8: Fury Internal CRMs for RAB Drilling | 60 |
Table 9: 2008 Gold Recovery Results | 62 |
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Table 10: Gold Variogram Parameters. | 72 |
Table 11: Composite Gold (ppm) Statistics for (Note: statistics consider declustering weights, capping, and exclude orphans) | 73 |
Table 12: Parameters Used for Open Pit Resource Estimate (Ross, 2017). | 75 |
Table 13: Summary of Current Committee Bay Gold Project Mineral Resources. | 80 |
Table 14: Phase 1 Recommended Work Program | 85 |
Table 15: Phase 2 Recommended Work Program | 86 |
Figures | |
Figure 1: Property Location and Claims | 15 |
Figure 2: Composite Stratigraphic Column of the Prince Albert Group in the Committee Bay Area. | 23 |
Figure 3. Regional Geology | 25 |
Figure 4: Surficial Geology | 31 |
Figure 5: 2019 IP Survey Cross Section with Interpretation. Line SH-09 | 33 |
Figure 6: AI Derived Targets. | 35 |
Figure 7: Drilling by Type | 39 |
Figure 8: 2015 - 2021 Drilling Completed by Fury | 47 |
Figure 9: Fury RAB Drilling Methodology Flow Sheet | 48 |
Figure 10: 2021 Three Bluffs Drilling | 49 |
Figure 11: Fury Diamond Drilling Methodology Flow Sheet | 51 |
Figure 12: RAB Drilling Sample Preparation and Analysis Flow Sheet | 56 |
Figure 13: Diamond Drilling Sample Preparation and Analysis Flow Sheet | 57 |
Figure 14: Interval lengths of raw assays within the OP and UG domains. | 68 |
Figure 15: Lengths of missing sample intervals within the OP and UG domains. | 69 |
Figure 16: Lengths of calculated composites within the OP and UG domains. | 70 |
Figure 17: The probability plots used to evaluate potential outliers and capping levels. | 71 |
Figure 18: Gold Variograms | 72 |
Figure 19: Cumulative distribution functions of the final capped and declustered composites, excluding orphans. | 73 |
Figure 20: View of the Committee Bay Deposit Illustrating Grade Continuity of Resource Blocks Above Cutoff (≥ 4.0 g/t Au) and Potential Mineable Shapes. | 76 |
Figure 21: View of the Committee Bay Deposit Illustrating Grade Continuity of Resource Blocks Above Cutoff (≥ 4.0 g/t Au) and Potential Mineable Shapes. | 77 |
Figure 22: View of the Committee Bay Deposit Illustrating Grade Continuity of Resource Blocks Above Cutoff (>4.0 g/t Au) and Potential Mineable Shapes. | 78 |
Appendices
Appendix 1 - Committee Bay Claims and Leases | AT END |
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
1 Executive Summary
1.1 Overview
Fury is a Vancouver based Canadian public company involved in mineral exploration and development. Fury is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American Stock Exchange.
This Technical Report Summary (TRS) conforms to United States Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Modernized Property Disclosure Requirements for Mining Registrants as described in Subpart 229.1300 of Regulation S-K, Disclosure by Registrants Engaged in Mining Operations (S-K 1300) and Item 601 (b)(96) Technical Report Summary. The purpose of this TRS is to support the disclosure of the Committee Bay Property mineral resource estimates with an effective date of December 31, 2023.
The Committee Bay Project (CBP), 100% held by Fury, comprises 156 claims and 57 crown leases, totalling 254,623.05 hectares (ha). located in 1:250,000 scale NTS map sheets 56J, 56K, 59O and 56P, approximately 430 km northwest of the town of Rankin Inlet. Annual holding costs for the Project amount to $156,998.03. The Project is accessible only by air.
The CBP is made up of mineral claims and leases located on Crown Land and surface and sub-surface Inuit Owned Lands (IOLs) which are subject to the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA). See Table 1 for NCGC permits and licences for advanced exploration activities on the CBP.
Organization |
Description |
Permit/Licence # |
Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) |
Project Reference Number |
07EN021 |
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) |
Land Use Permit (Bullion camp) |
N2021C0002 |
Land Use Permit (Hayes camp) |
N2021C0001 |
|
Kitikmeot Inuit Association |
Land Use Licence for IOL (Ingot/Crater camps) |
KTL314C003 |
Nunavut Water Board (NWB) |
Water Licence |
2BE-CRA2025 |
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) |
Commercial Leases |
Lease 056J/11-1-2 |
Lease 056J/12-1-2 |
Table 1: NCGC Permits and Licences
The CBP is underlain by Archean and Proterozoic rocks extensively covered by Quaternary glacial drift in the northern part of the Churchill Structural Province (Heywood and Schau, 1978). The focus of gold exploration in the area has been the granite-greenstone terrane of the Archean Prince Albert group (PAg).
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
The Committee Bay area comprises three distinct Archean-aged subdomains including the PAg, Northern Migmatite subdomains and the Walker Lake intrusive complex. The PAg subdomain contains abundant supracrustal rocks of the lower and middle Prince Albert group. The lower PAg comprises basalts, komatiites and 2732 Ma rhyolite while the middle PAg consists of a sequence of iron formation, psammite, semipelite and <2722 Ma quartzite. The middle PAg is overlain by a 2711 Ma dacite while both the lower and middle PAg were cut by 2718 Ma synvolcanic intrusions and post-volcanic intrusions aged 2610 to 2585 Ma.
The majority of the gold mineralization identified to date within the Committee Bay Greenstone Belt (CBGB) is hosted in silicate, oxide, and/or sulphide facies iron formation. Gold mineralization has also been identified in shear hosted quartz veins in sediments and volcanic rocks throughout the belt. The CBGB hosts over 40 showings, the most advanced being the Three Bluffs deposit.
Since acquiring the Project in 2015, Fury has initiated a comprehensive exploration programs consisting of geological mapping, till sampling, aerial drone imagery, a combined airborne magnetic gradiometer and electromagnetic survey, and rotary air blast (RAB) and diamond drilling. In 2021 Fury intercepted 10m of 13.93 g/t Au within a crenulated meta-sediment 120m outside of the defined Three Bluffs resource.
The 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate is summarized in Table 2. Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the definitions for Mineral Resources in S-K 1300, which are consistent with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves dated May 10, 2014 (CIM (2014) definitions).
Table 2: Three Bluffs Mineral Resource Effective as of December 31, 2023
Classification | Mining Scenario |
Au Cutoff (g/t) |
Tonnes (000 t) |
Average Gold (g/t) |
Contained Au (troy ounces) |
Indicated | OP | 3.0 | 1,761.9 | 7.72 | 437,467 |
UG | 4.0 | 313 | 8.57 | 86,368 | |
Total | 2,075 | 7.85 | 523,835 | ||
Inferred | OP | 3.0 | 592.4 | 7.57 | 144,126 |
UG | 4.0 | 2342 | 7.65 | 576,238 | |
Total | 2,934 | 7.63 | 720,364 |
Notes:
1. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability, although, as per S-K 1300 requirements, which are consistent with CIM requirements, the Mineral Resources reported above have been determined to have demonstrated reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
2. The Mineral Resources were estimated in accordance with the definitions for mineral resources in S-K 1300, which are consistent with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions (2014) and Best Practices Guidelines (2019) prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by the CIM Council.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
3. The Mineral Resources Committee Bay Gold Project was initially reported in Ross (2017) - QP David A. Ross, M.Sc., P.Geo, effective date of May 31, 2017.
4. The resources reported above are reviewed in detail within this Report and are accepted as current by the Qualified Person, Mr. Bryan Atkinson, P. Geo, Senior Vice-President, Exploration of the Company.
5. The Cutoff grades were determined using average block grade values within the estimation domains and an Au price of US$1,200/oz, and Process Recovery of 93%, Open Pit mining costs of C$10.00/t, Underground mining costs of C$70.00/t, Process and G&A costs of approximately C$75/t and an exchange rate of 1.25 US$/C$.
6. A bulk density values value of 3.15 t/m3 was assigned based on available SG measurements.
7. Differences may occur in totals due to rounding.
The 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate (2023 MRE) has been prepared in accordance with the definitions for mineral resources in S-K 1300, which are consistent with the 2019 CIM Best Practice Guidelines for mineral resource estimation. The wireframe gradeshell models represent the drilled mineralization and are suitable for use in block model estimations. The Three Bluffs deposit meets the criteria of reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction in the combined open pit and underground portions of the MRE. Relatively high cut-off grades of 3.0 g/t Au for the open pit and 4.0 g/t for the underground resource were selected for reporting the Three Bluffs MRE due to the modelled mineralization showing reasonable continuity at higher grades. The remote nature of the Three Bluffs deposit lends itself to economic extraction through a low tonnage high grade scenario as assumed by the current MRE.
The author is of the view that there are no environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, or other relevant factors applicable to the Project that could be seen as precluding mineral production once compliance with the many environmental and other governmental requirements are met. Accordingly none of the foregoing are such that they could be said to materially adversely affect the 2023 Mineral Resource estimate.
1.2 Conclusions
Drilling at Three Bluffs has outlined mineralization with three-dimensional continuity, and size and grades that can potentially be extracted economically. Project geologists have a good understanding of the regional, local, and deposit geology and controls on mineralization. The geological models are reasonable and plausible interpretations of the drill results.
There has been no new drilling in the immediate area of the resources which were last calculated in 2013 and restated in 2017, and the long-term average metal price and operating cost assumptions used herein are appropriate.
Mineral Resources for the Three Bluffs deposit were estimated assuming combined open pit and underground mining methods. At cut-off grades of 3.0 g/t Au for open pit and 4.0 g/t Au for underground, Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated to total 2.07 Mt at an average grade of 7.85 g/t Au containing 524,000 ounces gold. At the same cut-off grades, Inferred Mineral Resources are estimated to total 2.93 Mt at an average grade of 7.64 g/t Au containing 720,000 ounces gold. The open pit resources were constrained by a preliminary pit shell generated in Whittle software. Underground resources are reported at the high cut-off grade outside of the pit shell.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
The limited metallurgical testwork conducted so far suggests that the gold can be recovered by conventional means, such as a combination of gravity and flotation followed by cyanide leaching of the concentrate. Additional metallurgical testwork will be warranted if further exploration increases the size of the resource.
In 2021, significant gold mineralization associated with crenulated metasediments within a regional shear zone running sub-parallel to the iron formation host of the Three Bluffs deposit was identified. Shear zone hosted gold mineralization represents a style of gold mineralization that has been historically under explored within the Project. Exploration historically has focussed on magnetic iron formation stratigraphy up ice of gold in till or gold bearing boulder occurrences. Across the Committee Bay supracrustal belt there are several significant gold in till anomalies that have yet to be explained and do not appear to be sourced from nearby iron formation units. There is good potential to discover additional mineralization and to add to the resource base within the Project.
1.3 Recommendations
Future exploration efforts should focus on shear zones in proximity to regional gold in till anomalies as it has been shown these can host significant gold grades over width. The recommended Phase 1 work program consists of a regional portion focussed on under explored shear zone hosted gold as well as a drill program focussed on the Three Bluffs deposit to determine the continuity of the shear zone hosted mineralization immediately adjacent to the resource. The Phase 1 program will consist of a desktop analysis of the known gold in till anomalies to identify those not linked to iron formation. The field portion of Phase 1 will consist of boulder mapping, and infill till sampling to identify the highest probability targets to be drill tested along shear zones with known regional gold anomalies.
The Phase 1 program is anticipated to include collection of 15,000 infill detailed till samples and 7,500 m of Diamond drilling along the shear zone sub-parallel to the Three Bluffs deposit. The Phase 1 program is estimated to cost approximately $5 million (Table 2).
A Phase 2 exploration program will be drill intensive. An additional 10,000 - 15,000m of diamond drilling should be completed at the Three Bluffs deposit to explore the down dip potential of the limb mineralization as well as tying in the newly identified shear zone hosted mineralization with the ultimate goal of updating the Mineral Resource Estimate. An additional 10,000m of drilling should be allocated to regional targets defined from the Phase 1 program. The Phase 2 program is estimated to cost between $15 and $20 million (Table 3).
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Table 3: Recommended Work Programs for 2024 and beyond
Phase 1 |
||
Type |
Details |
Cost Estimate (C$) |
Labour |
Staff Wages, Technical and Support Contractors |
350,000 |
Assaying |
Sampling and Analytical |
150,000 |
Drilling |
Three Bluffs Diamond Drilling (7,500 meters at $220/m) |
1,650,000 |
Till Sampling |
Detailed sampling program |
120,000 |
Land Management |
Consultants. Assessment Filing, Lease Payments |
250,000 |
Community Relations |
Community Tours, Outreach |
30,000 |
Information Technology |
Remote site communications and IT |
35,000 |
Safety |
Equipment, Training and Supplies |
15,000 |
Expediting |
Expediting (Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, Churchill) |
150,000 |
Camp Costs |
Equipment, Maintenance, Food, Supplies |
250,000 |
Freight and Transportation |
Freight, Travel, Helicopter, Fixed Wing |
450,000 |
Fuel |
|
1,000,000 |
General and Administration |
100,000 |
|
Sub-total |
|
4,550,000 |
Contingency (10%) |
455,000 |
|
Total |
|
5,005,000 |
Phase 2 |
||
Type |
Details |
Cost Estimate (C$) |
Labour |
Staff Wages, Technical and Support Contractors |
1,750,000 |
Drilling |
20,000 - 25,000 m Diamond Drilling at Three Bluffs and regional |
6,500,000 |
Assaying |
Sampling and Analytical |
750,000 |
Community Relations |
Community Tours, Outreach |
50,000 |
Information Technology |
Remote site communications and IT |
150,000 |
Safety |
Equipment, Training and Supplies |
75,000 |
Expediting |
Expediting (Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, Churchill) |
550,000 |
Camp Costs |
Equipment, Maintenance, Food, Supplies |
1,250,000 |
Freight and Transportation |
Freight, Travel, Helicopter, Fixed Wing |
1,950,000 |
Fuel |
|
2,750,000 |
General and Administration |
400,000 |
|
Sub-total |
|
16,175,000 |
Contingency (10%) |
1,617,500 |
|
Total |
|
17,792,500 |
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
2 Introduction
This Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project (the Project), located in Kitikmeot Region, northeastern Nunavut Territory, Canada is authored by Bryan Atkinson, SVP Exploration at Fury. The purpose of this summary report is to document the current Mineral Resource estimate of the Three Bluffs deposit and to outline the work completed by Fury on the Project. The Report is prepared for Fury Gold Mine Ltd. (Fury) a Vancouver-based exploration company formed in June 2008. Fury is engaged in acquiring, exploring, and evaluating natural resource properties in Canada. It is a reporting issuer in British Columbia whose common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: FURY) and the NYSE-American (NYSE: FURY). Fury is under the jurisdiction of the British Columbia Securities Commission.
Since 2015 the Company has pursued a comprehensive exploration program consisting of geological mapping and sampling, till sampling, high resolution drone imagery, ground and airborne geophysical surveying as well as both rotary air blast and diamond drilling.
The Project represents a strategic land position covering prospective lithologies and structures for gold deposits. The Project hosts the Three Bluffs deposit, which is at the resource definition stage, as well as a large land position, which merits additional exploration.
2.1 Sources of Information
The Committee Bay Project has been the subject of several NI 43-101 Technical Reports. The most recent prepared by Bryan Atkinson of Fury and Andrew Turner, P.Geol., of APEX Geoscience Ltd. entitled "Technical Report on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada" dated September 11, 2023 with an effective date of July 22, 2023.
The Project and work documentation reviewed in the preparation of this Report, and other sources of information, are listed in Section 24.
2.2 Personal Inspection
Mr. Atkinson has been involved in all exploration programs on the Project since 2015 and was last on site from July through to August 2021 when the project was last active. As Senior VP Exploration and in earlier roles with Fury or its predecessors, Mr Atkinson has been intermittently involved with the Committee Bay project since 2003.
3 Property Description
3.1 Location
The Project consists of 156 claims and 57 crown leases covering 254,623.05 ha, (Figure 1, Appendix 1) located in eastern part of the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut, approximately 430 km northwest of the town of Rankin Inlet. The Project is only accessible by air. Fixed-wing and helicopter charters may be arranged from Baker Lake or Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
The claims are aligned over a distance of approximately 280 km in a northeast-southwest direction. The approximate centre of the Project is located at Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) co-ordinates 7,400,000m N and 570,000m E (NAD 83, Zone 15N). The approximate UTM co-ordinates for the centre of the currently defined Three Bluffs deposit are 7,393,600m N and 568,000m E. The Project is located within National Topographic System (NTS) 1:250,000 scale map-areas; 56J (Walker Lake), 56K (Laughland Lake).
3.2 Project Ownership
On March 20, 2015, Fury entered into a definitive joint venture agreement with North Country Gold Corp. (NCG) whereby it could earn a 51% interest in the Project but later acquired all the NCG shares that it did not already own in exchange for 13.8 million shares of Auryn valued at approximately $20.4 million resulting in NCG becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fury.
The Project consists of seven non-contiguous blocks totaling 154 claims and 57 crown leases totaling approximately 254,623.05 ha (Figure 1). Appendix 1 lists all of the claims and leases along with the relevant tenure information including their designation number, registration and expiry dates, area, assessment work credits and work requirements for renewal.
Under the current Nunavut Mining Regulations claims are valid for thirty years. Annual work requirements are based on the number of map units included in each claim and increase from $45 per unit in year one to $270 per unit in years 21 through 30. The Project claims currently cover 12,271 map units.
Lease payments of $2.50/ha, totalling $146,724.24 annually, are required to maintain the 57 Project leases in good standing.
Several claims have the full 30 years worth of assessment expenditure work filed and no longer require additional expenditures for their maintenance. All crown leases were legally surveyed and registered by Ollerhead and Associates of Yellowknife, NWT with the Mining Recorder's and Surveyor General's offices in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Crown leases and mineral claims are shown in Figure 1.
3.3 Mineral Tenure
Crown Lands in Nunavut are managed pursuant to the Territorial Lands Act and its related Regulations, including the Nunavut Mining Regulations. Sub-surface lands include hard-rock minerals, precious gems, and coal. The rights to these materials are administered through the Nunavut Mining Regulations and the Territorial Coal Regulations. There is a distinction between sub-surface minerals and surface mineral substances that have specific purposes such as carving stone and building materials. These special use surface minerals are administered through the Territorial Quarry Regulations. The Nunavut Mining Recorder's office is responsible for sub-surface rights administration of Crown Land. The Mining Recorder's office is responsible for administering the Nunavut Mining Regulations which entered into force on March 31, 2014 and last amended on January 30th, 2021.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
The Project is in part, situated on Inuit Owned Lands (IOL) wherein the Inuit control surface rights but not subsurface or mineral rights. There are no annual fees for the IOL and no claims in the Three Bluffs area are located on IOL.
3.4 Royalties and Encumbrances
Several claims comprising the Project are subject to royalties. Terracon Geotechnique Ltd. (Terracon) and a group formerly of Apex Geoscience Ltd. (Apex) each hold a 0.5% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the property and the area of interest referenced Appendix 1 (denoted CBJV AOI). Effective May 30, 2011, Apex transferred 51% of its 0.5% NSR to a private party, Oar-Rock Geoscience Ltd., and the remaining 49% interest to two companies: 677081 Alberta Ltd. and 678119 Alberta Ltd.
Maverix Metals Inc. holds a 1% gross override diamond royalty on the area denoted in Appendix 1 (GFJV AOI).
Bruce Goad holds a 1.5% NSR on the following claims (Appendix 1):
• Wren 1 to 5 claims, inclusive (claim tag F60231 to F60235, inclusive)
• Pick 2 and 3 claims (claim tags F54798 and F54760)
• West claim (claim tag F60212)
The Goad NSR royalty can be bought down for $2 million for each 0.5% NSR.
Gold production from the Three Bluffs deposit would only trigger the royalty due under the CBJV AOI.
3.5 Permitting
Land use permits are required to conduct exploration on both IOL and Crown owned lands. The IOL parcels in the Committee Bay area are administered by the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA). Land use permits for non-Inuit owned lands (Federal lands) are obtained from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. A water permit from the Nunavut Water Board, for any and all uses of water, including camp and drilling, is also required in order to conduct exploration work in Nunavut. The permitted camp and work sites are subject to inspection by the administrators of various permits as well as representatives of the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission.
The following is a list of permits and licences acquired and maintained in good standing by Fury:
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Commercial Leases: 056J/11-1-2, 056J/12-1-2
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Land Use Permits: N2021C0002 (Bullion Camp), N2021C0001 (Hayes Camp)
• Kitikmeot Inuit Association Land Use Permit: KTL314C003 (Ingot and Crater Camps)
• Nunavut Impact Review Board Project Reference Number: 07EN021
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
• Nunavut Water Board Licence: 2BE-CRA2025
Based on personal visits and given that the Project is exploration stage, the author is of the view that other than camp site rehabilitation there are no material environmental liabilities associated with the Project. Fury has all required permits to conduct the proposed work on the Project. The author is of the view there are no factors, subject to customary compliance with governmental regulatory permitting that would impede or impair access, title, or the right or ability to perform the proposed work program on the Project.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 1: Property Location and Claims
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
4 Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
4.1 Accessibility
The Project is only accessible by air, best serviced from Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet or Yellowknife. All camp sites within the Project include unprepared esker airstrips accessible by Twin Otter or Turbine Otter fixed-wing aircraft on oversized tires from June through September. Parts of the Hayes River area (and south) are accessible to float-equipped fixed-wing aircraft by late June, however, Sandspit Lake at the Hayes Camp is not normally free of ice until mid to late July and there are very few float equipped aircraft based in the eastern arctic. During the winter and early spring months (December through May), landings may be achieved either on flat esker tops where snow does not accumulate or on frozen lakes by fixed-wing aircraft equipped with ski or wheel-ski landing gear. Fixed-wing and helicopter charters may be arranged either from Baker Lake or Rankin Inlet, located approximately 330 km and 430 km, respectively, southeast of the Hayes Camp, or from Yellowknife, located approximately 1000 km west southwest of Hayes Camp.
4.2 Climate
The climate in the Project area is typical of the eastern arctic/sub-arctic, being cold in the winter (-20 to -45◦C) and mild in the summer (+5 to +15◦C). Precipitation is low throughout the year, but drifting snow in the winter can result in considerable localized accumulations, particularly on the sides of hills. Fog is often a problem near the coast and at higher elevations particularly during the late spring to early summer and the fall months. Snow covers most of the Committee Bay region until early June and most large lakes are icebound until about mid-July.
4.3 Local Resources & Infrastructure
Fury through its NCGC subsidiary, maintains four camps to support seasonal exploration campaigns in various portions of the Project, namely Hayes Camp (100 person capacity), Bullion Camp (20 to 40 person capacity) Ingot Camp (currently not in use) and Crater Camp (20 to 40 person capacity). The Project also benefits from a 914 m, graded, esker airstrip at Hayes Camp, a permitted, seasonally prepared 1,580 m winter ice airstrip, which is constructed on the adjacent Sandspit Lake, and 320 m tundra airstrip at Bullion Camp. A drill water system is maintained at the Three Bluffs site.
4.4 Physiography
The Laughland Lake - Ellice Hills area lies within the Wager Plateau, which is an elevated region within the Precambrian Canadian Shield of Nunavut. The area lies well above the tree line and is thus characterized by typical tundra flora and fauna. This area has been modified by continental glaciation, and comprises numerous glacially sculpted hills, which rise above boulder fields, till moraines and sand plains. Elevation ranges from 200 m to about 560 m above sea level. Relief along the belt ranges from relatively flat plains with less than 50 m relief in the Laughland Lake area in the southwest to quite hilly areas with greater than 200 m of relief in the Kinngalugjuaq Mountain and Curtis River areas to the northeast. Glacial erosional and depositional features indicate paleo-ice flow directions to the north-northwest. Drainage is via the Brown, Hayes and Quoich rivers in the southwestern portion of the Committee Bay region, and the Kellett, Atorquait and Curtis Rivers in the northeast.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Rock exposure in the Laughland Lake - Ellice Hills region is generally about 10-20% as either rock outcrop or, more frequently, as felsenmeer. In a few places, rock exposure may reach up to 70%, however there are also extensive areas in which rock exposure is minimal or non-existent. Extensive felsenmeer is developed in most areas of rock exposure, forming large boulder fields that consist mainly of in situ frost-heaved blocks.
4.5 Conclusions
The Committee Bay Project is a remote greenfields site with no existing roads, power or water. Development of the project will require:
In the opinion of the Author, the Committee Bay Project site offers, subject to customary environmental and other regulatory compliance, adequate surface rights and land suitable for the construction of a processing plant, tailings facility, waste rock dumps, and mining camp. The project site has several suitable sources of water pending the necessary approvals.
Winter conditions are expected to prevail from September through to the following June, and this may impair year-round operations if the property were to be placed in production.
5 History
The following describes work completed in the general vicinity of the Project prior to 2015.
5.1 The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) Studies
The GSC initially mapped the Laughland Lake-Ellice Hills area at a scale of 1:506,880 in 1961 and 1967. Detailed re-mapping (1:250,000) and airborne magnetic surveys were completed between 1972 and 1977. A geological re-assessment of the mineral potential of Prince Albert group (PAg) rocks within the then proposed Wager Bay National Park, was performed by the GSC in 1992. Between 1999 and 2002, the GSC, through the Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office, performed a multi-disciplinary study of the Committee Bay Greenstone Belt (CBGB) that included geological (bedrock) mapping (1:100,000 scale), Quaternary surficial mapping, regional till sampling, airborne magnetic surveying, and some rock sampling.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
5.2 Base Metal Focused Exploration (Prior to 1992)
Prior to 1992, historical assessment reports indicate that most exploration in the area was focused on the identification of base metals in PAg rocks after reconnaissance mapping by the GSC identified several serpentinized ultramafic intrusions within what was referred to as the "Precambrian metasedimentary belt".
In 1970, King Resources Company (KRC) performed a base metal exploration program in the Laughland Lake (NTS 56K) and Ellice Hills (NTS 56P) areas. Reconnaissance geological mapping and sampling concentrated on the delineation of ultramafic bodies. Ground geophysical surveys followed the reconnaissance mapping to further delineate the ultramafic zones. The third phase of its exploration consisted of detailed geological mapping, detailed geophysical surveying, trenching, and sampling. From their field work it was concluded that the Project area contained a distinctive linear metasedimentary belt into which ultramafic rocks had been intruded. It was further concluded that the ultramafic rocks contained the nickel content typically seen on other ultramafic orogenic belts worldwide. KRC concluded that the area was favourable for continued nickel exploration.
The Aquitaine Company of Canada (Aquitaine) conducted base metal exploration on its Har claims (NTS 56K), Heb claims (NTS 56J), and the now expired Prospecting Permits 231 to 234 (NTS 56J and 56K) in 1971. Aquitaine completed a 2,556 line-mile airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey over the area. The survey resulted in the identification of 18 conductive zones, 47 isolated anomalies, and several areas with good conductivity parametres coupled with coincident magnetic responders. Further ground geophysical and geological follow-up work over the anomalous zones was recommended.
Cominco Limited (Cominco) conducted reconnaissance and detailed geological mapping, ground geophysical surveys and sampling in the Hayes River area (NTS 56J) in 1970 and between 1974 and 1976. This work suggested that the Hayes River area was underlain by predominantly granitic and paragneissic rocks with minor metavolcanics and small zones of komatiitic rocks. Cominco concluded that there was a limited potential on its properties for identifying large ultramafic bodies capable of carrying significant amounts of sulphides and did not recommend further work.
After a number of radiometric anomalies were discovered by the Federal Uranium Reconnaissance Program, Urangesellschaft Canada Ltd., in 1979, performed reconnaissance airborne radiometric surveys and follow-up prospecting for uranium within NTS 56K in the Laughland Lake area. These anomalies were found to have been caused by areas of elevated background radioactivity in gneissic and granitic rocks and were not considered significant. No other work was recommended.
During 1986, Wollex Exploration, a division of Comaplex Minerals Corp., performed reconnaissance geological mapping at 1:20,000 and 1:60,000 scales in a portion of the West Laughland Lake area (NTS 56K). A number of north-northwest trending quartz veins were discovered that returned anomalous silver, lead, and zinc values. Other shear zones were found that carried anomalous gold and arsenic. One magnetite sample and 65 rock samples were collected; however, results were not encouraging enough to recommend further work.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
5.3 Gold Focused Exploration (Post 1992)
Between 1992 and 2002, CBR Gold Corp. (CBR), the predecessor company to NCGC performed reconnaissance and detailed exploration for gold within the CBGB region. Work included prospecting, rock grab and rock chip sampling, frost boil sampling, gridding, staking, airborne and ground geophysical surveying, geological mapping, and diamond drilling.
Gold Fields Limited (GFL), through a subsidiary, entered into an option agreement with CBR in 2003 to acquire up to 55% interest, exclusive of diamond rights, in the CBGB properties by spending $7.5 million over four years. The agreement stated that GFL could earn an additional 10% interest by expending another $7.5 million. The diamond rights were subsequently optioned to Indicator Minerals Inc. (Indicator) in 2004.
Exploration in 2003 comprised 1,388.5 line-km of time domain electromagnetic (EM) and magnetic airborne geophysical surveys over 11 targets. Diamond drilling comprised 15 holes (totalling 1,480 m) at the Three Bluffs, Koffy and Inuk prospects, reconnaissance and detailed prospecting (resulting in 530 rock samples collected), and regional geological mapping. The final three holes at Three Bluffs encountered gold mineralization with intersections up to 27.41 g/t Au over 9.44 m.
In 2004, aggressive exploration continued which comprised 6,781 m of diamond drilling, in 47 holes, over five CBGB prospects (Four Hills, Cop, Ledge, Prospector, and Three Bluffs), with the majority of the work being conducted at Three Bluffs (31 holes totalling 5,355 m). Drilling at Three Bluffs aimed to expand upon the gold mineralization found in 2003. The results from the 2004 drilling were used to model the mineralization and produce the Project's maiden Mineral Resource estimate. Other work completed in 2004 included lake water geochemical sampling (519 samples), reconnaissance to detailed prospecting (1,639 rock grab samples collected), and regional mapping.
Having met its initial expenditure threshold to acquire 55% of the Project, GFL elected not to expend the additional funds to acquire the additional 10% interest. In 2005, an agreement was reached that provided CBR the opportunity to return to full ownership by spending $10 million. The 2005 program, funded entirely by CBR, included airborne geophysical surveys, mapping and prospecting, and diamond drilling (2,619 m in seven holes at Three Bluffs and 643 m in three holes at Anuri) that totalled C$8.5 million in expenditures.
In 2006, GFL allowed its option to lapse and returned 100% ownership to CBR. The 2006 exploration program comprised 3,503 m of drilling at Anuri and West Plains in addition to the collection of 579 rock samples and 175 till samples (Blakley and Rennie, 2008).
The 2007 field program consisted of 5,669 m of diamond drilling at Three Bluffs and Inuk along with the collection of 876 rock grab samples and 687 till samples across the CBGB, focussing on areas that had seen limited previous exploration (Turner, 2010). Of the rock samples collected, 28 returned values greater than 1.0 g/t Au and, of these, three were considered to be new prospects. The remaining 25 samples expanded and confirmed the extent of mineralization at Ghost, Muskox, Maro, Shamrock, Betwixt, and Ridge (Turner, 2010).
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
The 2008 program consisted of prospecting, rock and till sampling, and diamond drilling. A total of 2,678 m of diamond drilling was completed along with the collection of 662 grab samples and 1,170 till samples. The rock and till sampling programs were designed to follow up past anomalous results as well as to test previously underexplored sections of the CBGB. Only five of the grab samples returned values greater than 1.0 g/t Au (Turner, 2010).
The 2009 exploration program consisted of rock and till sampling; no drilling was undertaken. A total of 666 rock grab samples and 61 till samples were taken (Turner, 2010). Fieldwork in 2009 concentrated on areas away from known occurrences and, as a result, only two of 666 grab samples returned values greater than 1.0 g/t Au (Turner, 2010).
Exploration activity conducted by NCGC in 2010 comprised additional diamond drilling, the completion of a Titan 24 Induced Polarization (IP) survey over Three Bluffs and along strike to the southwest, and a concurrent field-based prospecting and assessment of the company's regional mineral properties. Drilling was focussed on the Three Bluffs-Antler-Hayes corridor and comprised 54 drill holes for an aggregate of 5,749 m. Quantec Geoscience Ltd. conducted a Titan Direct Current (DC)/IP survey on twelve lines, spaced 420 m apart, over the Three Bluffs area and covered from 4.5 km east of Three Bluffs to the Hayes occurrence. The survey identified conductive bodies that correlated with known gold mineralization locations at Three Bluffs as well as new anomalies located at Antler and Hayes. The survey identified new areas of potential gold mineralization along the mostly untested Walker Lake trend.
The 2011 exploration program comprised 187 drill holes for 28,644 m split between 95 RC holes for 10,148 m and 92 diamond drill holes for 18,496 m. This drilling was largely focused along the Three Bluffs-Antler-Hayes corridor for resource delineation whilst 4 holes were drilled at West Plains.
In March 2012, NCGC completed a 16 hole diamond drill program for 7,005.7 m and a 116 line-km ground magnetic geophysical survey over the area covering the strike extension of the Three Bluffs stratigraphy to the northeast of the main deposit and infilled areas covered by the 2004 geophysical survey. The results indicate linear "magnetic highs" extending from the main linear anomaly of the Walker Lake trend eastward. These magnetic highs were interpreted to represent iron formation stratigraphy.
No work was performed on the Project in 2013 and 2014.
5.4 Previous Resource Estimates
The Historical Resource Estimates discussed below have not been sufficiently reviewed by the author to be deemed current mineral resources. Fury does not treat these historical resource estimates as current. Current Mineral Resource Estimate for the Project is discussed in Section 11 of this report.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
5.4.1 2004 MRE
In 2004, RPA completed a Technical report on the Three Bluffs area which included a Mineral Resource estimate for the Three Bluffs Deposit. The 2004 historical resource estimate used a block model method constrained by wireframe grade-shell models, with Inverse Distance Squared (ID2) weighting. A bulk density of 3.1 t/m3 was used and individual assays were capped at 60 g/t Au prior to compositing. At a cut-off grade of 3 g/t Au, the Inferred Mineral Resources at Three Bluffs were estimated to be 1.9 million tonnes grading 8.0 g/t Au, for 488,000 contained ounces of Au (Rennie and Wallis, 2004).
5.4.2 2008 MRE
In 2008, Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (Scott Wilson RPA), a predecessor company to RPA, updated the Three Bluffs Mineral Resource estimate using a block model method constrained by wireframe grade-shell models, with Inverse Distance Cubed (ID3) weighting. The grade estimation was constrained using wireframe models, which were constructed by Committee Bay personnel using a 2 g/t Au grade cut-off and a nominal minimum width of 1.5m. The database contained records for 84 holes, totaling 13,304 m of drilling. Scott Wilson RPA estimated Indicated Resources totaling 2.45 million tonnes grading 5.94 g/t Au for 468,000 contained ounces of gold and Inferred Resources of 1.34 million tonnes grading 5.34 g/t Au for 230,000 contained ounces of gold (Blakley and Rennie, 2008).
5.4.3 2009 MRE
In 2009, Scott Wilson RPA completed an update to the Three Bluffs mineral resource model using a block model constrained by three-dimensional (3D) wireframes of the principal mineralogical domains. Grade for Au was interpolated into the model using ID3. Scott Wilson RPA estimated Indicated Resources totalling 2.70 million tonnes grading 5.85 g/t Au for 508,000 contained ounces of gold and Inferred Resources of 1.27 million tonnes grading 5.98 g/t Au for 244,000 contained ounces of gold (Scott, Rennie and Lambert, 2010).
5.4.4 2012 MRE
In 2012, RPA prepared an updated Mineral Resource estimate for the Three Bluffs Project using a block model method constrained by wireframe grade-shell models, with ID3 weighting, with an effective date of December, 2011. A gold price of $US1400 per ounce was used in the estimation. Two sets of wireframes and block models were employed: one which contemplated open pit mining and the other underground mining. A lower set of cut-off criteria were used for the open pit, 1.35 g/t Au, versus the underground, 2.50 g/t Au. A pit shell was generated from the open pit model and blocks from the open pit model captured within this shell were considered eligible for reporting as open pit resources. The same pit shell was applied to the underground model, except that blocks were included only if they were outside of the shell. RPA estimated Indicated Resources of 4.30 million tonnes grading 4.90 g/t Au for 678,000 contained ounces of gold and Inferred Resources of 4.53 million tonnes grading 5.69 g/t Au for 829,000 contained ounces of gold (Rennie and McDonough, 2012).
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
5.4.5 2013 MRE
In 2013, RPA updated the 2011 estimate to include the results of an additional 7,005.7 m in 16 holes with an effective date of April 2013. The estimate was carried out using a block model constrained by wireframe grade-shell models. Estimated gold grades were interpolated into the blocks using ID3 weighting. Two sets of wireframes and block models were employed: one which contemplated open pit mining and the other underground mining. A lower set of cut-off criteria were used for the open pit, 1.35 g/t Au, versus the underground, 2.50 g/t Au. A gold price of $US1400 per ounce was used in the estimation. A pit shell was generated from the open pit model and blocks from the open pit model captured within this shell were considered eligible for reporting as open pit resources. The same pit shell was applied to the underground model, except that blocks were included only if they were outside of the shell. RPA estimated Indicated Resources of 4.31 million tonnes grading 4.90 g/t Au for 680,000 contained ounces of gold and Inferred Resources of 5.53 million tonnes grading 5.69 g/t Au for 938,000 contained ounces of gold (McDonough, 2013).
5.4.6 2017 MRE
In 2017 an Updated Mineral Resource Estimate with an effective date of May 31, 2017 was prepared by David Ross of RPA. The mineral resources in that report are the same as the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimation herein.
5.4.7 Discussion on Previous Resource Estimates
The historical Mineral Resource Estimates summarized above are superseded by the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimation. Additional drilling, interpretation and modeling has been completed subsequent to the historical resource estimates. The historical resource estimates summarized above show a linear progression through time as more data and information was added at the Three Bluffs Deposit and in Mr. Atkinson's opinion were reasonable with the information available at the time the resource estimates were completed. The only current mineral resource estimate for the Committee Bay Project is Mr. Atkinson's 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate discussed in Section 11 of this report.
5.5 Historical Drilling
Drilling completed prior to 2015 supports the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate and is described in Section 7 of this report. Drilling since 2015 was conducted outside of the resource area and does not impact the estimate.
5.6 Past Production
There has been no previous production from the Project.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
6 Geological Setting, Mineralization and Deposit
6.1 Geology
The Committee Bay area is underlain by Archean and Proterozoic rocks extensively covered by Quaternary glacial drift in the northern part of the Churchill Structural Province (Heywood and Schau, 1978). The focus of gold exploration in the area has been the granite-greenstone terrane of the Archean Prince Albert group (PAg) (Figure 2). Correlative rocks to the PAg, spanning over 2000 km, have been identified as the Murmac Bay group in Saskatchewan (Hartlaub et al., 2001), the Woodburn Lake group northeast of Baker Lake (host to the Meadowbank deposit; Zaleski et al., 2001) and the Mary River group on Baffin Island (Bethune and Scammell, 1997).
Figure 2: Composite Stratigraphic Column of the Prince Albert Group in the Committee Bay Area.
The Committee Bay area comprises three distinct Archean-aged subdomains including the Prince Albert group and Northern Migmatite subdomains and the Walker Lake intrusive complex (Skulski et al., 2003). The PAg subdomain contains abundant supracrustal rocks of the lower and middle Prince Albert group. The lower PAg comprises basalts, komatiites and 2732 Ma rhyolite while the middle PAg consists of a sequence of iron formation, psammite, semipelite and <2722 Ma quartzite. The middle PAg is overlain by a 2711 Ma dacite while both the lower and middle PAg were cut by 2718 Ma synvolcanic intrusions and post-volcanic intrusions aged 2610 to 2585 Ma (Skulski et al., 2003) (Figures 2 and 3).
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
The Arrowsmith River shear zone separates the Prince Albert group and Northern Migmatite subdomains. The Northern Migmatite subdomain is composed of metsedimentary rocks with lesser mafic and ultramafic rocks from the upper PAg, bracketed to <2691 Ma. These high-grade metamorphic rocks are cut by variably composed 2580 Ma plutonic rocks. Rocks of the Walker Lake intrusive complex are in faulted contact with the Prince Albert group subdomain proximal to the Walker Lake shear zone but are in intrusive contact with the Prince Albert group subdomain elsewhere. The Walker Lake intrusive complex comprises 2610 Ma granodiorite to monzogranite that is cut by late- to post-tectonic 1821 Ma monzogranite (Skulski et al., 2003).
6.2 Structure
Two major fault systems in the central portion of Committee Bay Greenstone Belt cut Prince Albert group rocks. These are: (a) the northeasterly-striking Kellett Fault; and (b) the northwesterly-striking Hayes River Fault. Several other north-, northwest and easterly-striking faults occur within the Laughland Lake - Ellice Hills area (Heywood and Schau, 1978). Geological and geophysical evidence indicates easterly-striking dextral shearing and northeasterly-striking sinistral shearing components exist and cut or deform rocks of the Committee Bay Greenstone Belt. These shear zones may have acted as conduits for gold bearing fluids, as most of the gold occurrences discovered to date appear to be spatially related to the major shear systems and their kinematically related sub-structures. The northeasterly shears, which are generally parallel to the strike of the rock units, may be part of a conjugate shear set that is related to the easterly-striking Walker Lake and Amer Shear Zones, indicating that the principal component of regional pure shear is oriented north-northwesterly in the Committee Bay Greenstone Belt.
Three phases of ductile deformation are recognized in the rocks of the Committee Bay greenstones. The S1 foliation is typically recognized in komatiitic and plutonic rocks, in particular, as a northwest striking fabric parallel to bedding in the komatiites. Axial planar folds from the first deformation phase are locally recognized. The dominant fabric throughout the Committee Bay region is the northeasterly striking S2 foliation which is axial planar to regional F2 folds. This regional foliation is interpreted to represent a composite S2+/-S1 fabric. D3 structures include northeast trending F3 folds and S3 fabrics that overprint D2 fabrics (Skulski et al., 2003).
Metamorphic grade increases northeasterly to a metamorphic culmination near Committee Bay (Schau, 1982). The southwestern part of the Committee Bay region displays metamorphic grades of upper greenschist to upper amphibolite facies, whereas the metamorphic grade of the northeastern part of the region generally ranges from upper amphibolite to granulite facies. Most porphyroblasts seem to be pre- to syn-kinematic relative to the main (S2+/-S1) fabric development (Skulski et al., 2003). Schau (1982) have discovered evidence of a possible retrograde metamorphic event, superimposed upon the initial regional metamorphism.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 3. Regional Geology
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
6.3 Mineralization
The majority of the gold mineralization throughout the CBGB is hosted in silicate, oxide, and/or sulphide facies iron formation. Gold mineralization has also been identified in shear hosted quartz veins in sediments and volcanics throughout the belt (Blakely and Rennie, 2008). The CBGB hosts over 40 known gold occurrences. Most developed is the Three Bluffs deposit discussed in Section 11 of this report.
Pyrite and pyrrhotite are the most common sulphides and occur as fine-grained disseminations or irregular patches along quartz vein margins in iron formations and chlorite-epidote-amphibole alteration zones in mafic to ultramafic rocks, and as semi-massive bands parallel to bedding in both oxide and silicate facies iron formations.
Arsenopyrite occurs locally as disseminations, individual euhedral acicular crystals, semimassive bands, and clots. At Three Bluffs, arsenopyrite occurs in sedimentary units adjacent to mineralized/altered iron formation. At the Raven occurrence, arsenopyrite has a strong association with gold mineralization where it occurs as fine to medium grained euhedral disseminations with tourmaline and quartz.
Chalcopyrite occurs mainly as disseminations associated with pyrite at Anuri and Three Bluffs but has been observed at other locations within the CBGB. Galena was observed south of Kinngalugjuaq Mountain in two localities, one of which was associated with silver mineralization. Sphalerite has been identified in several locations, most notably at the Burro occurrence where coarse black iron-rich sphalerite comprises up to 5% of an auriferous quartz vein.
Elevated gold grades correlate to the presence of arsenopyrite, pyrite, and pyrrhotite bearing iron formation, metasedimentary, and metavolcanic rocks, no consistent positive correlation has been found between the highest-grade gold grades and the overall volume percentages of these sulphide minerals. The most important characteristic common to the majority of the high-grade gold occurrences appears to be the overall degree of silicification.
6.4 Deposit Types
The primary deposit type of interest in the CBGB is gold within silicate, oxide, and sulphide iron formation mainly of orogenic origins.
Iron formation hosted deposits consist mainly of sulphidic replacements of Fe-rich layers in magnetite or silicate banded iron formation (BIF), adjacent to variably developed quartz veins and veinlets. The intensely mineralized central parts of some deposits consist of nearly continuous wallrock replacements, which can obscure their epigenetic character and can lead to ambiguities about the timing of mineralization (Caddy et al., 1991; Kerswill, 1996).
BIF-hosted deposits occur in greenstone belts that are either volcanic-dominated or sediment-dominated, where they are located stratigraphically near regional volcanic-sedimentary transition, as is the case at Homestake and Morro Velho. A few deposits, like Lupin, also occur near the edges of large clastic sedimentary basins, in absence of significant mafic volcanic rocks. Magnetite BIF is the dominant host in greenschist grade rocks, whereas silicate BIF prevails at mid-amphibolite grade or higher (Kerswill, 1996). At the local scale, BIF-hosted deposits are commonly associated with the hinges of folds, anticlines or synclines, and intersections of shear zones and faults. As a consequence, the deposits are commonly stratabound and plunge parallel to their host fold hinge or to the line of intersection of controlling shear zones with the BIF unit. In greenstone belts, many BIF-hosted deposits also contain concentrations of intermediate to felsic porphyry stocks and dykes.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Kerswill (1996) has divided iron formation-hosted gold deposits, based on the dominant style of gold distribution, into two principal varieties; stratiform and non-stratiform (or vein type). Some deposits have characteristics of both varieties.
In the vein-type deposits, gold hosted by iron-formation is restricted to late structures (quartz veins and/or shear zones) and/or iron sulphide-rich zones adjacent to such structures. Ore is confined to discrete, commonly small shoots separated by barren (gold- and sulphide-poor) iron formation, typically of oxide facies. These non-stratiform ores are essentially a variety of the mesothermal quartz-carbonate vein deposits.
Deposits of the stratiform type can be subdivided into those occurring within sediment-dominated settings and those within mixed volcanic-sedimentary settings. In the former, gold is uniformly disseminated in thin, but laterally extensive units of cherty pyrrhotite-rich iron formation that are conformably interlayered with sulphide- and oxide-poor iron formation and pelitic sedimentary rocks in portions of turbidite basins relatively distant from felsic volcanic centers. In the deposits within mixed settings, gold is uniformly disseminated in thin, but laterally extensive units of cherty sulphide iron formation that are associated with carbonate iron formation and black carbonaceous shale relatively close to volcanic centres.
Work carried out by Fury and its predecessors has identified that gold associated with quartz veins occurs in most localities and is present throughout the belt in anomalous concentrations in nearly all lithologies, so there exists the possibility for shear zone-hosted deposits.
Elevated amounts of gold generally exist in arsenopyrite, pyrite, and pyrrhotite bearing iron formations, metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks. Despite gold occurrences across the belt displaying macroscopic differences in geology and mineralogy, one or more of these sulphide minerals, in varying proportions, accompany silicification and chloritization in samples that have high amounts of gold mineralization. The most important common characteristic appears to be silicification.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
7 Exploration
From 2015 to 2021, Fury Gold has completed extensive regional and infill till geochemical campaigns, ground and airborne geophysical surveying as well as aerial drone surveying. The Company has incurred approximately $60M in expenditures exploring the Project and intends to continue its exploration with the continued testing of regional targets and expansion of the Three Bluffs deposit.
7.1 Till Sampling
The till sampling program was designed to develop robust and repeatable gold vectors over targets identified in NCGC's prospectivity analysis. A total of 6,951 regional and 10,769 detailed till samples have been collected by the Company.
The regional till sampling was the first systematic geochemical sampling to cover the entire Project area. Regional till sampling identified 20 priority gold in till anomalies for follow up in addition to highlighting all but two previously know gold occurrences along the CBGB.
Detailed till sample grids were completed over all 20 priority regional anomalies in order to develop robust and repeatable gold vectors.
7.1.1 Methodology
Regional till samples were collected approximately every 500 m, over 1-km spaced traverse lines. This grid size was established from previous industry and government prospecting and till sampling at known deposits and showings. High-resolution till samples were collected approximately every 50 m, over 100 m spaced traverse lines. The sampling grids were oriented perpendicular to predominant local ice flow directions.
For the regional till samples three to four kilograms of till matrix was sampled at each site from surface boils or till pits dug using a short-handled shovel to depths of 10-50 cm below the thin Arctic soils. The matrix material was placed in a heavy duty (8 X 14 inches) plastic bag after removing large pebbles and secured with plastic cable ties. Waterproof, coded tags were placed in the bag and outside secured with the zip-tie.
Another shovel full of till was sieved on site through a 10-mesh screen (4 mm) to remove pebbles for visual identification (i.e. quartz pebbles-sulphides) and a ~1 kg subsample of pebbles was bagged for later examination. Surficial and sample site data from each site were entered in field computers and 2 photos were taken of each site, one of the terrain and one of the sampling site with sample matrix and pebbles displayed.
Detailed till samples were collected approximately every 100 m or 200 m, along 100 m or 200 m spaced traverse lines. The sampling grids were oriented perpendicular to predominant local ice flow directions. 500 g of fine-grained till was collected at each sample site using a shovel. Samples were collected preferentially from frost boils, in the absence of frost boils samples were collected from holes that were dug through the soil. All visible pebbles were removed from the sample before it was placed in a numbered Kraft soil bag, with a sample tag placed inside the bag. The bags were closed with a zip-tie. Sample data was recorded in field data loggers.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
7.2 Mapping and Rock Sampling
The company completed extensive boulder and surficial mapping programs in conjunction with rock sampling to refine drill targets. A total of 19,721 boulder mapping points were recorded along with 737 rock grab samples collected. The boulder mapping and rock sampling notably led to the discovery of a high grade boulder train at Anuri Lakes that's source is as of yet unidentified.
Stea Surficial Geology Services (Stea) was engaged to produce and interpret a surficial geology map over the Property area to aid in exploration planning. Subsequently, Stea interpreted sampling results in the context of glacial dispersal theory and surficial mapping to evaluate the regional and local Au anomaly patterns.
Stea divided the surficial deposits of the CBGB into four exploration-relevant units glaciofluvial (GF, eskers, channels), till blanket, (Tb, drumlins, crag and tails, moraines), till veneer (Tv), and rock areas (R, strike ridges) (Figure 4). The surficial geology was mapped at 1:15,000-1:20,000 scales with unit polygons and landform symbol modifiers. Landforms identified using the drone imagery formed the basis of unit classification, and selective ground truthing occurred as till sampler training was performed. Sites visited during sampler training confirmed the efficacy of unit classification using the drone imagery.
Till covered areas were identified as most suitable for sampling and interpretation because till is considered a "first derivative" of bedrock - essentially crushed and transported local rock. Till veneer (Tv) regions are best as these regions have a simple and shorter transport history and feature abundant outcrop to verify possible lode sources. Glaciofluvial sediments have a more complex depositional history than tills and can essentially mask local bedrock geochemical responses. Ice flow directional indicators were compiled in rose diagrams for each mapping area to better evaluate the major flow events affecting the various regions. Crag and tail hills are perhaps the most common directional landform in the region and are identified by an isolated resistant rock outcrop or area of thin till over rock trailed by a thick, streamlined till "tail" oriented in the direction of ice flow. The CBGB can be divided into three broad regions with differing "predominant" flow patterns.
Predominant flows are defined as the direction of the modal ice flow vector and presumed to reflect the net dispersal directions for mineralized sources. In the southwest portion of the CBGB the predominant flow is northwestward (345°), in the central portion northward (355°) and in the NE portion northeastward (035°).
7.2.1 Methodology
Rock samples were generally selected based on favorable lithology and mineralization. A total of 80 rock samples were collected in 2019 and 2021 (Figures 5 and 6). Samples were collected using a hammer and placed in a poly ore bag with the sample number written on both sides in permanent marker. A sample tag marked with the unique sample number was placed inside each sample bag and sealed with a cable tie. The geological information and location were entered into an ArcGIS based application via Apple iPad devices.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
All the rock sample bags are packaged in double bagged 20" x 40" polywoven rice bags (for added protection), labelled with the laboratory address, shipment number, bag number and shipper details. Prior to sealing the rice bags, a sample submittal form is be placed within the first bag of the sample shipment. The rice bags are sealed with security tags, which are scanned for the corresponding bag.
The boulder mapping program was completed using traverses over prospective areas identified from the high resolution drone imagery.
Boulders were mapped based on lithology, mineralization, sulphide content, and magnetic susceptibility. The geological information and location was entered into an ArcGIS based application via Apple iPad devices. Magnetic susceptibility readings were collected using handheld KT-10 devices. Boulders were selected for sampling based on favorable lithology and mineralization and collected using a hammer. Samples were placed in a poly ore bag with the sample number written on both sides in permanent marker. A sample tag marked with the unique sample number was placed inside each sample bag and sealed with a cable tie. The site position was recorded using Apple iPad devices.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 4: Surficial Geology
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
7.3 Geophysical Surveys
7.3.1 2016 Airborne Survey
A combined airborne magnetic gradiometer and electromagnetic (Resolve) survey was flown between April 12 and June 12, 2016. A total of 6,584.8 line-km were flown including 5,979.3km of traverse lines at 50 m to 200 m line spacing and 605.5 km of tie lines at 500 m to 2,000m line spacing. The survey data was utilized as part of the overall belt wide prospectivity analysis in conjunction with the geochemical sampling and mapping data.
7.3.2 2016 and 2017 Ground Magnetics Surveys
A total of 2,930.71 line-km of ground magnetics surveying along 50m spaced grid lines was completed across nine prospects during the 2016 and 2017 field programs. The magnetics data was utilized for identifying magnetic iron formation stratigraphy as well as for developing a structural model to further direct drilling which in 2017 was following immediately behind the surveying.
7.3.3 2015 Induced Polarization Ground Geophysical Survey
Between July 6th and August 6th, 2015, 11.4 line-km of 2D pole-dipole Direct Current Induced Polarization (DCIP) was collected by Aurora Geosciences. The survey was done over a total of six NW-SE lines, approximately 2 km in length, equally divided into two blocks of 3 survey lines, within claims F95268 and F95270. IRIS/IP-10 receivers and GDD instrumentation transmitters were used to conduct the survey. The data show that the resistivity across lines is well correlated whereas the chargeability information has a more nebulous signature, without any clear correlation between lines.
The resistivity data and subsequent inversions agreed well with known structures across all the lines, and helped map with more confidence the location of several conductive units such as faults, shear zones and various lithologies like banded iron formations (BIFs). The chargeability data was much noisier, and the correlation in the inversions to mapped structures is not clear. The chargeability data was often noisy distorted by the permafrost, especially in conductive areas where the signal strength is low.
7.3.4 2019 Induced Polarization Ground Geophysical Survey
During 2019 24 line-km of Induced Polarization (IP) ground geophysical surveying was completed at the Aiviq prospect targeting linear conductors using a pole-dipole array with 25, 50 and 100 m dipole spacing (Figure 4). The 25 and 50 m data were acquired using 10 measuring dipoles (n = 10) while 6 dipoles (n = 6) were measured for the 100 m survey.
7.3.4.1 Methodology
During 2019 24 line km of Induced Polarization (IP) ground geophysical surveying was completed using a pole-dipole array with 25, 50 and 100 m dipole spacing (Figures 7). The 25 and 50 m data were acquired using 10 measuring dipoles (n = 10) while 6 dipoles (n = 6) were measured for the 100 m survey. Survey lines were established by the geophysical crew under direction from North Country Gold's geological team. The easting, northing and elevation of each station was measured and recorded using a Garmin handheld GPS. The complete logistics report for the 2019 IP survey is included as Appendix 3a.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
7.3.4.2 Results
The data was QA/QC'd and processed by Computational Geosciences Inc. The data were inverted in both 2D pseudo sections and 3D meshes. The IP survey targeted linear conductors at the Aiviq showing. In total 11lines of 50m and 100m dipole data were acquired with an N-spacing of 1:10, including one line (SH-08) of 25m, 50m and 100m dipole data. The 50m and 100m dipole combination was chosen as the preferred survey geometry after comparing various inversion results on SH-08. The 50m and 100m combination proved quicker to acquire compared to 25m dipole data and provided much better depth resolution compared to 25m dipole data without sacrificing too much resolution near the surface. Figure 5 shows line SH-09 with inversions and interpretation.
Figure 5: 2019 IP Survey Cross Section with Interpretation. Line SH-09
7.4 Aerial Drone Surveying
Approximately 4,750 km2 of aerial drone surveying was completed in 2015 and 2016 using hand launched unmanned aerial vehicles. Detailed imagery in the visible spectrum as well as relative digital elevation data was collected at 10cm resolution.
Both visible spectrum imagery and relative digital elevation information were collected at high resolution to aid in the interpretation of surficial geology and in logistical drill planning; imagery resolution of <10 cm per pixel was maintained throughout. A desktop study of the drone imagery included mapping of landforms indicating glacial ice-flow direction (e.g. drumlins, crag-and-tails, etc.) and the classification of surficial geology into 4 exploration relevant units using landforms associated with each unit. Proposed drill collar locations were also reviewed using the imagery to avoid boulder fields or otherwise unsuitable terrain and could be moved as needed while ensuring intersection of the planned drill target.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
The drone imagery was also used to locate gossanous boulder zones for mapping and sampling. A colour filter was applied to the imagery to highlight rusty orange-red-purple material that simplified the identification and recording of gossanous boulders. Gossanous boulder trains delineated as part of this desktop study were the focus of subsequent field mapping and sampling activities.
The survey was conducted using senseFly eBee drones. The eBee drone has a wingspan of 96cm, weighs less than 1kg including battery and camera, and has a nominal flight time of up to 50 minutes. A 20.9 Megapixel Canon G9X camera was mounted in the drone, and images were stored in the JPEG file format. Planned flight paths and georeferencing of images may be based in any known local or global coordinate system, or even using an arbitrary local system, and for this survey were recorded in the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) with a specified accuracy of 1-5m.
Drone imagery was post processed completely within PostFlight Terra 3D software. This software is customized to accept Sensefly eBee images and flight data automatically. Images are imported as geotagged JPEGs and are converted to georeferenced orthomosaic geoTIFFs during processing.
7.5 AI Techniques
In 2019 an artificial intelligence (machine learning) desktop analysis was completed using the extensive existing exploration database for the Project. The AI targeting program was trained using data from the Three Bluffs deposit and was then deployed to look for similar geological, geophysical and geochemical associations within a 1600 km2 area. A total of twelve targets were generated (Figure 6) based on this work and warrant follow-up.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 6: AI Derived Targets.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
7.6 Drilling
Drilling throughout the Committee Bay Project area has taken place intermittently from 1997 through to 2021, in total 130,440.99m of drilling was completed in 754 drill holes through this time period (Table 4 and Figure 7). In 2011 95 reverse circulation (RC) drill holes for a total of 10,148m were completed in the western portion of the Three Bluffs area. From 2015 through 2018 regional exploration drilling was completed using Rotary Air Blast (RAB) drilling. In total 271 RAB holes for 47,194.49m were completed. The balance of meterage, 73,098.5m in 388 drill holes, was completed using diamond drilling (DD) methodologies spanning mineralized prospects across the Project from West Plains in the SW to Inuk in the NE.
Table 4: Drilling by Year and Type
Prospect |
Type |
Number |
Metres |
Year |
Antler |
DD |
2 |
121.36 |
1994 |
Three Bluffs |
DD |
6 |
695.28 |
|
Three Bluffs |
DD |
6 |
781 |
1996 |
Inuk |
DD |
6 |
776.6 |
1997 |
Inuk |
DD |
5 |
537.41 |
2003 |
Koffy |
DD |
3 |
246.28 |
|
Three Bluffs |
DD |
6 |
694.43 |
|
Cop |
DD |
3 |
256.52 |
2004 |
Four Hills |
DD |
7 |
623.73 |
|
Ledge |
DD |
2 |
261.75 |
|
Prospector |
DD |
3 |
292.7 |
|
Three Bluffs |
DD |
31 |
5354.23 |
|
Antler |
DD |
4 |
643.43 |
2005 |
Anuri |
DD |
4 |
692.21 |
|
Raven |
DD |
9 |
1669.16 |
|
Three Bluffs |
DD |
7 |
2618.68 |
|
West Plains |
DD |
5 |
617.95 |
|
Anuri |
DD |
9 |
1462.53 |
2006 |
West Plains |
DD |
14 |
2046.48 |
|
Inuk |
DD |
9 |
1124.55 |
2007 |
Thee Bluffs |
DD |
28 |
4632.23 |
|
Bluff 7 |
DD |
3 |
964 |
2008 |
BRR |
DD |
5 |
1646 |
|
Ledge |
DD |
1 |
159.84 |
|
Three Bluffs |
DD |
7 |
1285.68 |
|
Antler |
DD |
14 |
1735.6 |
2010 |
Hayes |
DD |
3 |
433.39 |
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Prospect |
Type |
Number |
Metres |
Year |
Three Bluffs |
DD |
37 |
3676.91 |
|
Antler |
DD |
31 |
5050.6 |
2011 |
RC |
8 |
949.45 |
||
Hayes |
RC |
26 |
2830.37 |
|
Three Bluffs |
DD |
61 |
13443.35 |
|
RC |
61 |
6368.18 |
||
West Plains |
DD |
4 |
426.11 |
|
Three Bluffs |
DD |
16 |
7005.67 |
2012 |
Four Hills |
RAB |
4 |
345.95 |
2015 |
West Plains |
RAB |
29 |
2734.06 |
|
Antler |
DD |
2 |
891.48 |
2016 |
Anuri |
RAB |
34 |
5701.28 |
|
Muskox |
RAB |
7 |
1257.3 |
|
Three Bluffs |
DD |
4 |
2823.97 |
|
West Plains |
RAB |
19 |
2883.41. |
|
Aarluk |
RAB |
12 |
2337.84 |
2017 |
Aiviq |
RAB |
13 |
2423.18 |
|
Anuri |
RAB |
15 |
3017.55 |
|
Castle Rock |
RAB |
18 |
3485.42 |
|
Four Hills |
RAB |
4 |
726.95 |
|
Inuk |
RAB |
11 |
2124.47 |
|
Kinng Au |
RAB |
2 |
402.34 |
|
Koffy |
RAB |
11 |
2121.43 |
|
Kalulik |
RAB |
19 |
3564.67 |
|
Kinng Mountain |
RAB |
6 |
1207.02 |
|
Mist |
RAB |
4 |
687.33 |
|
Quartzite Ridge |
RAB |
6 |
1181.11 |
|
Tuugaalik |
RAB |
4 |
804.68 |
|
Tulugaq |
RAB |
7 |
1408.19 |
|
Three Bluffs Extension |
RAB |
6 |
1173.49 |
|
West Plains |
RAB |
6 |
1053.09 |
|
Ziggy North |
RAB |
3 |
603.51 |
|
Ziggy South |
RAB |
9 |
1810.53 |
|
Aarluk |
RAB |
7 |
1319.98 |
2018 |
Aiviq |
DD |
16 |
5002.39 |
|
RAB |
7 |
1217.81 |
||
Kalulik |
RAB |
8 |
1601.87 |
|
Kalulik |
DD |
1 |
430.07 |
2019 |
Aiviq |
DD |
4 |
1475.62 |
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Prospect |
Type |
Number |
Metres |
Year |
Shamrock |
DD |
1 |
425.81 |
|
Three Bluffs Extension |
DD |
1 |
377.04 |
|
Raven |
DD |
5 |
1422.1 |
2021 |
Three Bluffs |
DD |
3 |
1157.8 |
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 7: Drilling by Type
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
7.7 Historical Drilling
Logging and sampling protocols for drilling have remained generally consistent throughout all of the Committee Bay Project drilling campaigns. The holes were quick-logged by a geologist. The quick logs included a brief description of lithology, alteration and mineralogy, as well as a description of any significant structural characteristics. The core was photographed and stored pending more detailed logging.
Detailed core logging included description of lithology, mineralization, type and intensity of alteration, vein mineralogy and component percentage, silicification intensity, fracture intensity and structural components such as faults, fractures, contacts, bedding, cleavage (primary and secondary) and veining, measured relative to the core axis. Geotechnical logging includes recovery, rock quality designation (RQD) and, occasionally, specific gravity.
Generally, core recovery was observed to be very good, and in the Qualified Person's opinion there are no drilling, sampling or recovery factors that could materially impact the accuracy and reliability of the results.
7.8 1997 Drilling
In 1997 six diamond drill holes for 776.6m were completed at the Inuk prospect in the far NE extent of the Committee Bay Project. The 1997 drilling was conducted by Connors Drilling Ltd. (Connors) of Kamloops, British Columbia. The standard core size drilled was NQ2 (50.6 mm diameter).
Drill hole 97I003 intercepted 39.04m of 2.71 g/t Au including 11.20 g/t Au over 5.97m.
7.9 2003-2008
From 2003 to 2008, diamond drilling at the Three Bluffs Project was conducted by Connors . The standard core size drilled at Three Bluffs at the time was NQ2 (50.6 mm diameter).
7.9.1 2003 Drilling
In 2003, a total of six holes for 694 m were completed at Three Bluffs and an additional nine holes (786 m) were drilled on other prospects in the NE portion of the Project, including Koffy and Inuk, for a total of 1,480 m. Drill hole collars, including the historic 1994 to 1996 holes, were surveyed using a total station GPS system. Downhole dips were measured at 30 m intervals using a Roto-dip mechanism.
The first three holes at Three Bluffs, tested the down plunge extent of known high-grade gold mineralization that had been identified at surface. The intent of the remaining three drill holes was to test the strike extent of gold mineralization and iron formation to the east of the surface expression of a broad fold flexure approaching a large intrusive body mapped grid east/northeast of the Three Bluffs occurrence. Significant sulphide iron formation and greywacke were intersected in all six holes including 44.6m of 7.99 g/t Au in drill hole 03TB006 and 44.47m of 8.97 g/t Au in drill hole 03TB006 .
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
7.9.2 2004 Drilling
In 2004, the drilling was carried out by Connors in two programs using three different drills. The drilling totaled 5,355 m in 31 holes at Three Bluffs (6,781 m in 47 holes overall). Drill hole collars were located on the ground using differential GPS and downhole surveying was done with EZ-Shot or Maxibor instruments. Oriented core was marked to help interpret the true orientation of the quartz veins and foliations.
7.9.3 2005 Drilling
In 2005, a program of 2,619 m of drilling in seven holes was conducted at the Three Bluffs Project to explore the down-dip potential of the zones. An additional 643 m were drilled at Anuri in three drill holes.
7.9.4 2006 Drilling
There was no diamond drilling conducted at Three Bluffs, while 3,503 m were drilled at Anuri and West Plains in 2006.
7.9.5 2007 Drilling
Drilling in 2007 totaled 5,669 m of which 4,546 m were drilled in 28 holes at Three Bluffs and 1,123 m were completed in nine holes at the Inuk prospect, located approximately 147 km northeast of Three Bluffs. Drilling at Three Bluffs was intended to infill on previous drilling to provide additional confidence on the continuity of the mineralization. Drilling at Inuk was designed to expand the zone of known mineralization.
The 2007 program at Three Bluffs confirmed the continuity of mineralization in the limbs for the anticlinal structure and in the high-grade hinge zone.
Gold mineralization at Inuk occurs as high-grade, sulphide-bearing silicified zones hosted within a low-grade envelop of mineralization contained within a folded iron formation that can be up to 60 m thick in the hinge of the fold. Mineralization in this hinge was confirmed by the 2007 program with an intersection of 13.56 g/t Au over 5.44 m. Another intersection of 11.18 g/t Au over 11.0 m was encountered on the north limb of the Inuk fold structure.
7.9.6 2008 Drilling
Drilling in 2008 was carried out by Refined Energy based in Edmonton, Alberta and focused on the stratigraphy in the west portion of Three Bluffs and on regional anomalies east and northeast of Three Bluffs. Sixteen holes were cored for a total of 2,678 m. Seven holes were drilled at Three Bluffs for an aggregated depth of 1,286 m, including one hole drilled immediately to the north on the Ledge iron formation unit (160 m). An additional eight holes for 1,228m tested along strike of Three Bluffs. These include five "Bluff Regional" holes, drilled along strike to the east, one of which was lost before intersecting its intended target, and three at the BLUFF 7 prospect to the northeast.
Three of the holes at Three Bluffs were intended to test an anomalous gold intersection that was encountered in 2003. The intersection, within altered dacite with quartz veining north of the Three Bluffs iron formation. The drill holes did not encounter gold mineralization within the dacite, however the holes were extended into the iron formation and returned 11.4 g/t Au over 3.2 m. The remaining four holes tested on-strike stratigraphy to the west of Three Bluffs. Significant gold of 13.97 g/t Au over 23.53 m, was intersected 400 m west of the previous drill limit in hole 08TB077. Additional mineralization was intercepted in drill holes 08TB075 (2.46 g/t Au over 15.36 m) and 08TB076 (1.39 g/t Au over 4.22 m). The single drill hole completed at the Ledge prospect did not intercept any significant gold mineralization.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Along strike to the east of Three Bluffs, four geophysical anomalies were tested with five holes. One hole was lost in overburden and the remaining four did not intersect any anomalous mineralization.
Three holes were completed on the BLUFF 7 prospect 13 km to the northeast of Three Bluffs. Drill hole 08BL001, intersected 4.00 g/t Au over 3.60 m in highly altered and mineralized iron formation.
7.10 2010-2011
The 2010 and 2011 diamond drilling programs were conducted by Phoenix Energy Services Corp. of Calgary, Alberta and Bodnar Drilling Ltd. of Ste. Rose du Lac, Manitoba, using a combination of contract equipment and drills owned by NCG. Drilling for these two programs was concentrated west of Three Bluffs in an effort to expand the known mineralization.
Drill holes were located a Trimble R8 GNSS (global navigation satellite system) instrument. Drill casings were removed but anchors were left in the ground. Readings taken of the drill rods were done using a total station electronic transit.
Downhole surveys were taken approximately every 30 m using a Reflex EZ-Shot survey tool with a magnetic susceptible reading taken with each survey. Reflex readings were then corrected for declination and magnetic susceptibility. Final down hole surveys were completed every 3m using a Reflex Maxibor or Icefield Gyro instrument.
7.10.1 2010 Drilling
In 2010, a total of 54 NQ (47.6 mm diameter) holes were completed for 5,749 m. The shallow, structurally thickened portion of the hinge zone of Three Bluffs was tested by 15 holes that intersected variable widths of structurally disturbed silica, and locally sericite altered, sulphidized iron formation with associated gold mineralization.
Another 16 holes were drilled along a 500 m corridor immediately west of the Three Bluffs resource area. This drilling identified gold mineralization associated with either altered, sulphidized iron formation or altered, sulphidized and crenulated greywacke.
Seventeen holes were drilled at Antler as a series of two hole set-ups on 60 m spaced sections. Sixteen of the 17 holes intersected variable widths and of gold mineralization associated with altered iron formation, greywacke, and felsic volcanics.
Four holes, completed as two two-hole fences 120 m apart, were drilled 1.5 km west of Antler (four kilometres west of Three Bluffs) in the Hayes area where a high-grade surface sample had been found. Two of the four holes intersected mineralized iron formation while the other holes intersected localized late-stage pegmatite dykes that crossed the mineralized trend at a shallow angle.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
7.10.2 2011 Drilling
A total of 187 holes were drilled at Three Bluffs for 28,640 m. The drilling comprised 10,148 m in 95 RC holes and 18,496 m in 92 NQ diameter diamond drill holes.
Drilling concentrated on delineating gold mineralization along the main Walker Lake trend from Three Bluffs in the west to Hayes to the east. Drilling was carried out near existing holes that had returned high-grade results, in an effort to expand the resource. Two additional deep holes were drilled to test grade at depth. An additional two diamond drill holes and 55 RC holes were drilled to the north and south of Three Bluffs to test stratigraphic and magnetic anomalies. The data from 33 of the RC drill holes was used in the estimation of Mineral Resources.
A four-hole drill program was carried out on the West Plains prospect late in the 2011 field season totaling 426 m. These holes were drilled to better define stratigraphic controls on the known mineralization.
7.11 2012 Drilling
Sixteen NQ-size diamond drill holes totaling 7.005.7 m were completed on the down-dip projection of the principal zones at Three Bluffs.
Drilling intercepted vertically dipping mineralized bodies at an oblique angle so that true thicknesses averaged approximately 40% less than the downhole intersection lengths.
Select drilling highlights from pre- 2015 are presented in Table 5.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Table 5: Select pre 2015 Drilling Highlights
Prospect |
Hole ID |
From |
To |
Length (m) |
Au (g/t) |
3 Bluffs |
03TB003 |
20 |
69.5 |
49.5 |
2.61 |
3 Bluffs |
03TB004 |
7 |
37 |
30 |
3.85 |
3 Bluffs |
03TB005 |
26.9 |
71.5 |
44.6 |
7.99 |
3 Bluffs |
03TB005 |
98.1 |
104 |
5.9 |
18.85 |
3 Bluffs |
03TB006 |
46.6 |
91.07 |
44.47 |
8.97 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB007 |
39.8 |
109.75 |
69.95 |
3.16 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB009 |
51 |
135.6 |
84.6 |
4.13 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB010 |
13.7 |
82 |
68.3 |
7.35 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB013 |
103.18 |
127.85 |
24.67 |
7.37 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB013 |
192.16 |
236.76 |
44.6 |
2.86 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB017 |
4 |
52.24 |
48.24 |
2.93 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB018 |
19 |
76.5 |
57.5 |
2.55 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB019 |
74.19 |
135.79 |
61.6 |
4.14 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB025 |
84.3 |
98.24 |
13.94 |
8.19 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB026 |
91.31 |
117.6 |
26.29 |
4.93 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB029 |
43 |
79.59 |
36.59 |
2.79 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB032 |
49.07 |
99.63 |
50.56 |
2.08 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB033 |
11.15 |
56.12 |
44.97 |
5.62 |
3 Bluffs |
04TB034 |
8.1 |
63.57 |
55.47 |
1.93 |
3 Bluffs |
05TB038 |
370.46 |
387.88 |
17.42 |
10.35 |
3 Bluffs |
07TB045 |
52.73 |
114.4 |
61.67 |
3.51 |
3 Bluffs |
07TB046 |
53 |
109 |
56 |
3.52 |
3 Bluffs |
07TB048 |
19 |
68 |
49 |
9.58 |
3 Bluffs |
07TB049 |
71.01 |
105.09 |
34.08 |
10.8 |
3 Bluffs |
07TB053A |
84.86 |
123.17 |
38.31 |
2.65 |
3 Bluffs |
07TB054 |
23.42 |
78 |
54.58 |
4.63 |
3 Bluffs |
07TB056 |
86.83 |
121.23 |
34.4 |
3.9 |
3 Bluffs |
08TB077 |
35.97 |
51.5 |
15.53 |
21.22 |
3 Bluffs |
10TB082 |
7 |
66 |
59 |
4.33 |
3 Bluffs |
10TB083 |
11 |
98 |
87 |
1.2 |
3 Bluffs |
10TB087 |
6.78 |
63 |
56.22 |
2.27 |
3 Bluffs |
10TB091 |
53 |
94 |
41 |
2.81 |
3 Bluffs |
10TB092 |
32 |
119 |
87 |
2.69 |
3 Bluffs |
10TB096 |
9 |
59 |
50 |
5.07 |
3 Bluffs |
10TW008 |
118 |
142 |
24 |
4.51 |
3 Bluffs |
11TB104 |
84.83 |
140 |
55.17 |
3.65 |
3 Bluffs |
11TB107B |
186 |
241 |
55 |
3.78 |
3 Bluffs |
11TB122 |
222 |
275 |
53 |
4.82 |
3 Bluffs |
11TB126 |
206 |
270 |
64 |
1.91 |
3 Bluffs |
11TB128 |
261 |
330 |
69 |
3.92 |
3 Bluffs |
11TB129 |
9 |
136.5 |
127.5 |
2.77 |
3 Bluffs |
11TB129 |
143 |
366 |
223 |
1.23 |
3 Bluffs |
11TBC001 |
22.86 |
62.47 |
39.61 |
7.3 |
3 Bluffs |
12TB134 |
536 |
612 |
76 |
2.14 |
3 Bluffs |
12TB137 |
350 |
422.61 |
72.61 |
1.98 |
3 Bluffs |
4T004 |
26.8 |
104.6 |
77.8 |
1.52 |
3 Bluffs W |
11TW015 |
105 |
155 |
50 |
4.77 |
3 Bluffs W |
11TW016 |
134 |
160 |
26 |
6.6 |
Antler |
10AN010 |
69.5 |
89.91 |
20.41 |
7.72 |
Hayes |
10HA004 |
62.3 |
72 |
9.7 |
10.84 |
Inuk |
03I001B |
55.82 |
85.5 |
29.68 |
7.28 |
Inuk |
07IN006 |
60.6 |
86 |
25.4 |
4.94 |
Inuk |
97I003 |
49.34 |
88.38 |
39.04 |
2.71 |
West Plains |
05WP004 |
20.12 |
66.37 |
46.25 |
4.86 |
West Plains |
06WP006 |
103 |
118 |
15 |
7.95 |
West Plains |
11WP021 |
73 |
98.05 |
25.05 |
4.15 |
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
7.12 Discussion on Drilling Completed Prior to 2015
It is the opinion of Mr. Atkinson that the diamond and RC drilling conducted prior to 2015 at the Committee Bay Project meets or exceeds current industry best practices. The author is unaware of any drilling or recovery issues that may impact upon the accuracy and reliability of the results. The author was part of the geological team at the Project seasonally from 2003 through to 2008. In Mr. Atkinson's opinion the results generated from the pre 2015 drill programs are suitable for use in a Mineral Resource Estimation.
7.13 Drilling Completed by Fury
From 2015 to 2021, Fury has completed a total of 52,178.56 m of rotary air blast (RAB) drilling in 284 drill holes as well as 9,003.82 m in 22 diamond drill holes (Table 6 and Figure 8).
Table 6: Summary of Drilling Completed by Fury
Prospect |
Type |
Number of Holes |
Meters |
Years |
Three Bluffs |
DD |
7 |
3269.45 |
2016 and 2021 |
Three Bluffs East |
DD |
1 |
712.32 |
2016 |
Three Bluffs |
RAB |
6 |
1173.49 |
2017 |
DD |
1 |
377.04 |
2019 |
|
Aarluk |
RAB |
19 |
3657.82 |
2017 and 2018 |
Aiviq |
RAB |
26 |
6201.91 |
2018 |
DD |
4 |
1475.62 |
2019 |
|
Antler |
DD |
2 |
891.48 |
2016 |
Anuri |
RAB |
49 |
8718.83 |
2016 and 2017 |
Castle Rock |
RAB |
18 |
3485.42 |
2017 |
Four Hills |
RAB |
8 |
1072.9 |
2015 and 2017 |
Inuk |
RAB |
11 |
2124.47 |
2017 |
Kalulik |
RAB |
21 |
5166.54 |
2017 and 2018 |
DD |
1 |
430 |
2019 |
|
Kinng Au |
RAB |
2 |
402.34 |
2017 |
Kinng Mountain |
RAB |
6 |
1207.02 |
2017 |
Koffy |
RAB |
11 |
2121.43 |
2017 |
Mist |
RAB |
4 |
687.33 |
2017 |
Muskox |
RAB |
7 |
1257.3 |
2016 |
Quartzite Ridge |
RAB |
6 |
1181.11 |
2017 |
Raven |
DD |
5 |
1422.1 |
2021 |
Ridge |
RAB |
13 |
2423.18 |
2017 |
Shamrock |
DD |
1 |
425.81 |
2019 |
Tulugaq |
RAB |
7 |
1408.19 |
2017 |
Tuugaalik |
RAB |
4 |
804.68 |
2017 |
West Plains |
RAB |
54 |
6670.56 |
2015, 2016 and 2017 |
Ziggy North |
RAB |
3 |
603.51 |
2017 |
Ziggy South |
RAB |
9 |
1810.53 |
2017 |
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
7.13.1 RAB Drilling
RAB drilling was utilized as a low impact prospecting tool to quickly and cost effectively test drill targets being generated in real time by the concurrent exploration programs. RAB drilling was limited to 200m in depth. Twenty-one prospects across the entire Project were tested with RAB drilling.
In 2017 the RAB drilling program resulted in the discover of the Aiviq showing (12.2m of 4.7 g/t Au in 17RGR003) as well as significant intersections at Aarluk (4.57m of 2.52 g/t Au), West Plains (9.15m of 3.48 g/t Au in 17WPR055 and 62.48 m of 4.23 g/t Au) and Inuk (25.91m of 1.15 g/t Au in 17INR003).
RAB drilling intersected wide low to moderately anomalous gold at Aarluk, Kalulik, Aiviq and Mist East.
7.13.1.1 RAB Drilling Methodology
RAB holes are planned (location, azimuth, dip, length) by the supervising geologist. The drill hole azimuth is established in the field by aligning the drill rig frame or mast with front and back sight pickets. The dip is checked by the geologist prior to collaring the hole.
Drill cuttings were sampled every 5 feet, corresponding to the length of individual drill rods. A poly bag was attached from the cyclone to the bucket and secured with a bungee cord to create a seal and prevent excessive dust in the work area. Upon completion of a drill rod the driller would stop the drill feed and ensure all sample reached the cyclone and blew the hole clear. The bucket of sample was then poured evenly through the riffles of the splitter and collected into a 12"x20" clear plastic sample bag. The sample bag was barcoded with depth and 3 digits of hole number and zip tied. Sample information was put into Fulcrum data logger. Samples were then submitted to the lab for analysis.
Following the completion of each sample (and duplicate every 10th sample) the bulk sample from the Rubbermaid bin was used to collect a representative sample for the chip tray and XRF analysis. A chip tray sample was collected by inserting the 50 mm sampling spear through the Rubbermaid bin to collect the entire vertical distribution of the sample. This spear sample was then placed in the dry sieve and the fine material removed by shaking the sieve. A representative sub sample was collected from the washed chips and placed in the correct position (corresponding with the drill depth) of the chip tray. A second sample was then collected using the spear. This sample was not sieved and a representative amount was collected in a small zip lock bag for XRF analysis. The sample ID and drilling interval was clearly marked on the bag. XRF analysis, quick and detailed geological logging was performed using the chip trays and representative samples.
Figure 9 depicts the flow sheet for Fury's RAB drilling methodology.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 8: 2015 - 2021 Drilling Completed by Fury
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 9: Fury RAB Drilling Methodology Flow Sheet
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
7.13.2 Diamond Drilling
Diamond drilling was completed by the Company at Committee Bay in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2021. A total of seven prospects were tested in the 38 drill holes. Significant intercepts were returned from Aiviq, 13.5 m of 1.54 g/t gold (including 6 m of 3.3 g/t gold); 4.5 m of 2.93/t Au; 1.5 m of 8.95/t Au and; 10.5 m of 1.22 g/t Au as well as from a 120m stepout from the Three Bluffs resource in 2021, 10.0m of 13.96 g/t Au; 3.0 m of 18.67 g/t Au and; 1.0 m of 23.2 g/t Au in drill hole 21TB152. Broad low-grade mineralization was intercepted at Shamrock in 2019 Diamond Drilling.
The 2019 diamond drilling identified a new gold-bearing hydrothermal system and made significant progress in geophysical targeting. At the Shamrock target drill hole 19SH001 intersected 30 meters of 0.67 g/t gold, including 1.5 m of 5.03 g/t gold in, which is characterized by quartz veining within gabbroic rocks. The Shamrock target is located 2.5 kilometers to the southwest of the Aiviq target where the Company drilled 6 meters of 0.48 g/t gold in drill hole 19RG019. Figures 10, 11 and 12 show the completed drill holes with results and interpretations.
The 2019 program also tested the machine learning platform prior to a more expansive drill program. The technology proved to be a useful tool and with further refinements it could become increasingly helpful in future targeting.
The 2021 diamond drilling program at the Three Bluffs deposit targeted a prominent geophysical conductor 120 m down dip from the currently defined resource. The hole intersected three discrete zones of high-grade gold mineralization over a 30 m drill width, including 10.0 m of 13.93 g/t gold, 3.0 m of 18.67 g/t gold and 1.0 m of 23.2 g/t gold (Figure 10). Importantly, these intercepts are associated with a deformation zone within a meta-sediment unit that was not expected to be encountered in this location. These intercepts likely significantly increase the resource expansion potential in the western region of the deposit.
Figure 10: 2021 Three Bluffs Drilling
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
7.13.2.1 Methodology
Diamond drilling was contracted to Cyr Drilling International Ltd. (Cyr) from Winnipeg, MB. Cyr used helicopter portable A-5 hydraulic drills manufactured by Zinex Mining Corp. to produce NQ2 (50.6 mm diameter) core. The drills were moved between drill sites and supported by Astar 350 B3 helicopters provided by Kitikmeot Helicopters from Yellowknife, NT.
The locations of drill hole pads were initially marked using a handheld GPS instrument and the azimuth of the holes was established by compass. Once the pad was built and the drill moved onto it, an Azimuth Aligner instrument manufactured by Minnovare Pty. Ltd. was used to establish the azimuth. An inclinometer was used to establish the dip.
The attitude of the hole with depth was determined using a DeviShot instrument manufactured by Devico AS in single shot mode with readings taken by the drillers. The initial reading was taken at 6 m past the casing with subsequent readings taken nominally at 50 m intervals. An NCGC geologist checked the core before making the decision to terminate the holes. Upon completion of the hole, the casings were pulled and the location of a hole marked with a picket. Subsequently all hole locations were surveyed with differential GPS.
Drill core was placed sequentially in wooden core boxes at the drill by the drillers and sealed with top covers and ties before transport. The core boxes were transported by helicopter on a twice daily basis to the camp where depth markers and box numbers were checked and the core was carefully reconstructed in a secure core facility. The core was logged geotechnically on a 3 m run by run basis including, core recovery, RQD, and magnetic susceptibility.
The core was descriptively logged and marked for sampling by NCGC geologists paying particular attention to lithology, structure, alteration, veining/brecciation, and sulphide mineralization.
Logging and sampling information was entered into MX Deposit cloud-based core logging application by MINALYTIX INC. which allowed for the integration of the data into the project acQuire database.
The core was photographed both wet and dry after logging but prior to sampling.
Figure 11 depicts the flow sheet for Fury's Diamond drilling methodology.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 11: Fury Diamond Drilling Methodology Flow Sheet
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
8 Sample Preparation, Analyses, and Security
Since acquiring the Project, Fury adopted the Sample Preparation, Analytical and Security protocols established by previous operators.
8.1 Detailed Till Samples
Completed sample shipments were flown out of Hayes camp by fixed wing charter either to Baker Lake or Rankin Inlet where they were forwarded on commercial cargo flights to ALS Laboratory in Vancouver, BC for preparation and analysis. Sample preparation consisted of being weighed, recorded, then screened to 180 µm with both sizes being kept (ALS preparation method Prep-41).
The analysis carried out by ALS Laboratory was a 50 g low level gold and multi-element assay for soils and sediments (ALS analysis method AuME-TL44). This method utilizes aqua regia digestion followed by ICP-MS and can detect 51 elements. This method of analysis is excellent for regolith, where gold anomalies indicating mineralization below surface are well-characterized. Aqua regia dissolves native gold as well as gold bound in sulfide minerals; however, depending on the composition of the soil, gold determined by this method may or may not match recovery from fire assay methods (ALS Global, 2018).
8.2 Rock Samples
Rock samples were sent to ALS Lab in Yellowknife for preparation and then forwarded on to ALS in Vancouver, BC for and analysis. All samples are assayed using 30 g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (Au-ICP21) and multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (ME-MS61). Samples returning > 10 ppm Au or 1000 for Au-ICP21 method a prepared sample is fused with a mixture of lead oxide, sodium carbonate, borax, silica and other reagents as required, inquarted with 6 mg of gold-free silver and then cupelled to yield a precious metal bead. The bead is digested in 0.5 mL dilute nitric acid in the microwave oven. 0.5 mL concentrated hydrochloric acid is then added and the bead is further digested in the microwave at a lower power setting. The digested solution is cooled, diluted to a total volume of 4 mL with de-mineralized water, and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry against matrix-matched standards. Lower detection of 0.001 g/t and upper detection of 10 g/t are achieved using this method. Samples are analyzed via (Au-Gra21) should they return assays greater than 5 g/t Au, where then a prepared sample is fused with a mixture of lead oxide, sodium carbonate, borax, silica and other reagents in order to produce a lead button. The lead button containing the precious metals is cupelled to remove the lead. The remaining gold and silver bead is parted in dilute nitric acid, annealed and weighed as gold. silver, if requested, is then determined by the difference in weights.
For ME-MS61 method, a prepared sample (0.25 g) is digested with perchloric, nitric, hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acids. The residue is topped up with dilute hydrochloric acid and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma- atomic emission spectrometry. Following this analysis, the results are reviewed for high concentrations of bismuth, mercury, molybdenum, silver and tungsten and diluted accordingly. Samples meeting this criterion are then analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Results are corrected for spectral interelement interferences. For silver values greater than 100 ppm, samples are then analyzed using Ag-OG62 where a prepared sample is digested with nitric, perchloric, hydrofluoric, and hydrochloric acids, and then evaporated to incipient dryness. Hydrochloric acid and de-ionized water is added for further digestion, and the sample is heated for an additional allotted time. The sample is cooled to room temperature and transferred to a volumetric flask (100 mL). The resulting solution is diluted to volume with de-ionized water, homogenized and the solution is analyzed by inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectroscopy or by atomic absorption spectrometry.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
8.3 RAB Drilling
RAB recoveries were generally very good to excellent, allowing for representative samples to be taken and accurate analyses performed. Representative splits at five foot intervals were collected over the entire length of each hole.
RAB samples were sent to ALS laboratories in Yellowknife, NWT, Vancouver BC and Thunder Bay ON for preparation with analysis being carried out in Vancouver. Individual samples were analyzed using fire assay of a 30 g sample followed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (Au-AA25) and by a multi-element inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry or mass spectrometry (ICP-AES/ICP-MS) package following a four acid digestion of a one gram sample (ME-MS61).
Figure 12 depicts the Sample preparation and analyses undertaken by Fury for RAB drill samples.
8.4 Diamond Drilling
Core arrives in camp at the end of each drill shift where geological technicians check and correct and downhole distance discrepancies. Technicians record core recovery, fracture density and orientation, magnetic susceptibility, and overall RQD. Geological logging follows, comprising measurement and descriptions of geological units and the collection of semiquantitative data such as the number of visible gold occurrences, volume percent sulphide minerals, volume percent of alteration minerals, volume percent vein quartz, etc. Sample intervals are then designated by the logging geologist focusing on sulphide bearing and/or silicified intervals that are well bracketed by apparently unmineralized rock. Protocols limit sampling intervals between 0.75 m and one metre in length with a minimum length of 0.3 m and a maximum length of 1.5 m so long as geological boundaries were honoured.
Drill core is photographed and core samples are marked for sawing. Sampling intervals, geological boundaries, and a "saw line" are marked by the logging geologist and the core is sawed in half longitudinally by technicians. One half of the core is placed in a sample bag with a uniquely numbered tag and secured with plastic cable ties. Each batch of 20 field samples contain a blank and one of four commercial CRMs. The remaining half core is returned to the core box for reference. The majority of the reference core has been taken to Edmonton, Alberta to allow for year round access. Individual sample bags are placed inside a larger bag which is closed with a security seal for shipment to the laboratory.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Core recovery is generally very good to excellent, allowing for representative samples to be taken and accurate analyses to be performed. Half-core samples, two metres long, were taken along the entire length of each hole.
Assaying procedures are generally similar to those used in all drilling campaigns to date with only minor modifications.
All iron formation intercepted from 1994 through 1996 was logged and split by hand on site. Sample lengths were generally less than 1m with wall rock samples ranging from 0.5 - 1m. These samples were analyzed at Bondar-Clegg in Vancouver using one-assay tonne (1AT) (29.16 g) fire assay fusion (FA) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish on a sub-sample from a 150 mesh pulp. It is not known if any quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols were in place but it is reported that any erratic assay results were re-assayed (Blakley and Rennie, 2008). Bondar-Clegg, an ISO 9002 certified laboratory, was acquired by ALS Laboratory Group (ALS) in 2001.
Analytical samples from 2003 and 2004 were submitted to TSL laboratories (TSL), an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited facility, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Sample shipment receipts were confirmed via fax by TSL. Samples were prepared and a 50 g (increased to 58.32 g in 2004) aliquot was subjected to FA with AA finish. Metallic screen fire assays were conducted for samples containing visible gold, high sulphide content or significant silicification as identified by the logging geologist. Any samples with results exceeding 7.5 g/t Au were re-assayed using a 50 g aliquot and FA with a gravimetric finish. Samples with results exceeding 20 g/t Au were re-assayed using a metallic screen fire assay. A sample of the pulp, created from each sample, was forwarded in 2003 to the Geoanalytical Laboratory of the Saskatchewan Research Council in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where they were subjected to a 30 element ICP analysis using Aqua Regia (partial) digestion. In 2004 the pulp sample was sent to Acme Analytical Laboratories (Acme), an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory for standard 30 element ICP analysis using a three-acid digestion.
During the 2007 and 2008 drill programs, the Easy-mark core orientation system was used. Geotechnical loggers were responsible for reconstructing the orientation of the core and marking the "keel line" using the Easy-mark system. Structural measurements were made, at the discretion of the logging geologist, on the oriented core using the "alpha-beta" method. Magnetic susceptibility was then measured using a kappameter at 0.5 m intervals along the core in iron formation units and one metre intervals along the core in other units.
The 2007 and 2008 protocol for regular (i.e., non-high-grade) core comprised crushing to ~70% passing 10 mesh (1.7 mm) and the storage of the remaining material as a "coarse reject". Approximately 1,000 g of the crushed sample was pulverized to ~95% passing 150 mesh (106 µm). A 2AT aliquot was taken from the pulverized sample (pulp) and analyzed by standard FA with gravimetric finish. As in previous years, the threshold for re-analysis by metallic screen assay was 20 g/t Au or the presence of visible gold (i.e., high grade core samples). The metallic screen fire assay procedure comprised the sieving to completion of the 1,000 g pulp, analysis by FA with gravimetric finish of the entire coarse fraction, duplicate 2AT gravimetric fire assays on the minus fractions, and the averaging of the three results, by weight, to produce the final assay result. A small sub-sample from each pulp pulp sample was sent to Acme Analytical Laboratories (Acme), an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory for standard 30 element ICP analysis using a three-acid digestion.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
From 2010 through to 2021 completed sample shipments were sent to ALS Lab in either Yellowknife, Vancouver of Thunder Bay for preparation and then forwarded on to ALS in Vancouver, BC for and analysis. Once received at the lab the samples are logged into ALS's sample tracking system, dried and fine crushed to better than 90 percent passing 2 mm. The sample is then split using a riffle splitter and a 250 g portion is pulverized to better than 85 percent passing 75 m (ALS Sample Preparation Code Prep-33D). The pulverized samples were forwarded to ALS's analytical facility in Vancouver for analysis. ALS is an accredited laboratory, recognized under accreditation No. 579, and conforms with requirements of CAN-P-1599, CAN-P-4E (ISOMEC 17025-20905)).
In Vancouver, each sample was assayed for gold and analysed for a multi-element suite. Gold was determined by fire assay on a 30 g sample with an Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) finish (ALS Code Au-AA23). Samples assaying greater than 5 g/t Au were re-assayed with a gravimetric finish (ALS Code Au-Grav21). One kilogram of pulverized material from samples assaying greater than 20 g/t Au were re-assayed by screened metallics fire assay (ALS Code Au-SCR21).
A one-gram sample of pulverized material was analysed for a 48-element suite, including silver and copper, by ICP-MS after a four-acid digestion (ALS Code ME-MS61). Samples yielding analyses of silver greater than 100 ppm Ag were re-analyzed by HCl leach with AAS finish after a three-acid digestion (ALS Code Ag-OG62). Thirty grams of material yielding analyses of silver greater than 1,500 ppm Ag were fire assayed with a gravimetric finish (ALS Code Ag-GRA21).
Figure 13 depicts the Sample preparation and analyses undertaken by Fury for Diamond drill samples.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 12: RAB Drilling Sample Preparation and Analysis Flow Sheet
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 13: Diamond Drilling Sample Preparation and Analysis Flow Sheet
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
8.4.1 QC Sampling
QC protocols were established in 2003 and carried through with minor refinements through the 2021 drilling program. CRMs were not introduced into rock grab or till sampling streams.
During the 2003 exploration program field blanks and CRMs representing 10% of the material assayed were inserted into the sample stream. The 2003 CRMs were internally developed with values established through round robin assaying at various laboratories.
In 2004 commercial CRMs were added in addition to the internal standards.
Quality Control (QC) samples were introduced into the sample stream at a rate of 5% for both blank samples and CRM samples. Field duplicates in the form of quarter sawn core samples, were introduced into the sample stream at a rate of 1 in 50 samples.
8.5 Summary
In the opinion of Mr. Atkinson the logging, sampling, assaying, and chain of custody protocols practiced through the history of the Project meet or exceed industry standards. The drill programs have been configured and carried out in a manner that is appropriate for the geometry of the deposit. Drill holes are oriented perpendicular to strike and aimed to intersect the zones at an angle generally greater than 45°. As such, the samples should be representative of the deposit as it is presently known, and suitable for use in Mineral Resource estimation.
Mr. Atkinson has reviewed the QC reports and files, as well as the laboratory procedures undertaken and concludes that the QC program for the Project is sufficient to support a Mineral Resource estimate. QC sample failures were dealt with on a case by case basis and were documented with commentary in the Dispatch Returns table within the database.
9 Data Verification
9.1 Database Verification
Comprehensive data verification was performed by David Ross, P.Geo, with RPA (now part of SLR Consulting Ltd.), as part of the 2017 Mineral Resource Estimate as outlined in supporting NI43-101 reports (Ross, 2017). These included checks against original data sources, standard database checks such as from/to errors and basic visual checks for discrepancies with respect to topography and drillhole deviations.
Mr. Atkinson has been personally involved in the integration and merging of the historical drill data into the current database. This work included relogging of historical holes in order to provide consistency of logging codes across all generations of drilling, as well as spot checks of drill core versus drill logs to verify the geologic model. During this process sample intervals were verified. Lastly, the assay database was compared to original assay certificates. No errors were found within the geologic or assay databases.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
9.2 2015 through 2021 Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Fury's internal QA/QC procedures include the insertion of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), field blanks and duplicates representing a minimum of 10% of samples assayed. When visible gold was observed additional CRMs and blanks were inserted immediately following the suspected high-grade to test lab contamination.
No blank material submitted returned assay values above the gold detection limit of the analytical methodology.
Analytical results for duplicate samples were reviewed and compared for any extreme outliers. Given the highly variable nature of gold mineralization duplicate analyses were used qualitatively in order to determine the degree of variance within the particular prospect being drilled.
9.2.1 Certified Reference Material
Internal Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) were inserted into the sample stream at a rate of 3%. The tolerance limits for accuracy were considered to be two standard deviation above or below the expected value. CRMs returning values outside of the defined tolerance limits were marked as failed and Fury requested the analytical laboratory to reassay the entire analytical batch that contained the failed standard. Tables 5 and 6 summarize the CRMs utilized during Fury's drilling programs.
Table 7: Fury Internal CRMs for Diamond Drilling
Drilling type |
CRM |
Expected |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
Total |
||||||
Total |
Failed |
Total |
Failed |
Total |
Failed |
Total |
Failed |
Total |
Failed |
Failure % |
|||
RAB |
CDN-GS-P3B |
0.409 |
8 |
0 |
|
|
129 |
0 |
40 |
0 |
177 |
0 |
0.00% |
CDN-GS-P4E |
0.493 |
|
|
30 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
30 |
2 |
6.67% |
|
CDN-GS-1P5C |
1.56 |
11 |
0 |
|
|
54 |
1 |
|
|
65 |
1 |
1.54% |
|
CDN-GS-2M |
2.21 |
|
|
34 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
34 |
1 |
2.94% |
|
CDN-GS-2G |
2.26 |
9 |
0 |
|
|
67 |
1 |
10 |
0 |
86 |
1 |
1.16% |
|
CDN-GS-3Q |
3.3 |
|
|
35 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
35 |
4 |
11.43% |
|
CDN-GS-4C |
4.26 |
10 |
0 |
|
|
77 |
1 |
7 |
0 |
94 |
1 |
1.06% |
|
CDN-GS-6A |
5.69 |
8 |
0 |
|
|
167 |
0 |
17 |
1 |
192 |
1 |
0.52% |
|
CDN-GS-6E |
6.06 |
|
|
35 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
36 |
2 |
5.56% |
|
CDN-GS-8B |
7.76 |
10 |
0 |
|
|
138 |
2 |
11 |
1 |
159 |
3 |
1.89% |
|
CDN-GS-8C |
8.59 |
|
|
34 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
34 |
1 |
2.94% |
|
CDN-GS-20B |
20.23 |
|
|
36 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
36 |
1 |
2.78% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Table 8: Fury Internal CRMs for RAB Drilling
2016 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021 | Total | ||||||||||
Drilling type | CRM | Expected Value |
Total | Failed | Total | Failed | Total | Failed | Total | Failed | Total | Failed | Failure % |
|
DD | CDN-GS-P3B (AA) | 0.409 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0.00% | |||||||
CDN-GS-P5H (AA) | 0.497 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 42.86% | ||||||||
CDN-GS-1P5C (AA) | 1.56 | 36 | 0 | 16 | 3 | 17 | 0 | 69 | 3 | 4.35% | ||||
CDN-GS-2G (AA) | 2.26 | 21 | 0 | 21 | 0 | 0.00% | ||||||||
OREAS 60C (AA) | 2.47 | 18 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 0.00% | ||||||||
CDN-GS-3U (AA) | 3.29 | 25 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 43 | 2 | 4.65% | ||||||
CDN-GS-4C (AA) | 4.26 | 18 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 0.00% | ||||||||
CDN-GS-6A (AA) | 5.69 | 21 | 0 | 21 | 0 | 0.00% | ||||||||
CDN-GS-7K (AA) | 7.06 | 11 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0.00% | ||||||||
CDN-GS-8B (AA) | 7.76 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.00% | ||||||||
Blank Coarse (GRA) | 17 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 0.00% | |||||||||
Blank pulp (GRA) | 16 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 0.00% | |||||||||
CDN-GS-P3B (GRA) | 0.409 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 25.00% | ||||||||
CDN-GS-1P5C (GRA) | 1.56 | 36 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 81 | 0 | 0.00% | ||||
CDN-GS-2G (GRA) | 2.26 | 21 | 1 | 21 | 1 | 4.76% | ||||||||
CDN-GS-6A (GRA) | 5.79 | 11 | 1 | 11 | 1 | 9.09% | ||||||||
CDN-GS-8B (GRA) | 7.72 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0.00% |
Drilling Type | Blank | 2016 | Total | |||
Total | Failed | Total | Failed | Failure % |
||
DD | Blank Coarse (AA) | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0.00% |
Blank Pulp (AA) | 11 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0.00% |
Drilling Type |
Blank |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
Total |
||||||
Total |
Failed |
Total |
Failed |
Total |
Failed |
Total |
Failed |
Total |
Failed |
Failure % |
||
RAB |
Blank Coarse |
25 |
1 |
72 |
0 |
222 |
1 |
33 |
0 |
352 |
2 |
0.57% |
Blank Pulp |
24 |
0 |
66 |
0 |
219 |
2 |
30 |
0 |
339 |
2 |
0.59% |
9.3 Conclusions
In Mr. Atkinson's opinion the data verification and QA/QC procedures being implemented by Fury meet or in most cases exceed industry best practices. The Committee Bay Project has seen consistent implementation of these practices from early on in the Project's history.
Since acquiring the Project, Fury has implemented strict scrutiny of the QA/QC results and has dealt with any notable issues directly with the analytical laboratory in a timely fashion.
The geological and assay databases are well maintained and the current protocols in place should ensure the database remains reasonably error free. The database in its present form is suitable for use in a Mineral Resource Estimation.
10 Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
The following summarizes the limited metallurgical testwork undertaken in 2003, 2008 and 2009 on material from the Three Bluffs deposit.
10.1 2003
Dawson Metallurgical Laboratories, Inc. (Dawson) of Salt Lake City, Utah, was commission in 2003 to conduct metallurgical tests on Three Bluffs mineralized material. Twelve drill core samples, eight high-grade and four low-grade, totalling approximately 20 kg were used. The resulting test specimens ranged in grade from 4.5 g/t Au to 5.6 g/t Au and testwork consisted of:
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
The mineralogical study reported the principal sulphide minerals as pyrrhotite with minor pyrite. No reference was made to any deleterious elements in the samples.
The test indicated that 92% gold recovery could be achieved with cyanidation but the presence of pyrrhotite would result in high cyanide consumption.
Mercury amalgamation recovered 63% of the gold (i.e., the free gold). Magnetic separation of the pyrrhotite concentrate from the amalgamation tail recovered an additional 12.5%. The remaining material, when subjected to bulk sulphide flotation, yielded an additional 22% of the gold for a total recovery of 97.5%.
Gravity separation using a Knelson concentrator yielded 62% recovery. Bulk flotation of the gravity tail recovered an additional 28% for a total recovery of 90%.
The grade ranges and sulphide composition of the test samples were representative of the mineralization found at Three Bluffs. These preliminary tests suggest gold at Three Bluffs can be recovered using conventional methods.
10.2 2008
Mineral processing testwork comprising exploratory gravity concentration, cyanide leaching, and froth flotation studies were undertaken by Process Research Associates under the guidance of Scott Wilson RPA. The sample used was a 110 kg composite of drill core samples from the 2007 exploration program with an average estimated grade of 4.3 g/t Au and 7.5%S.
Additional gravity recovery testwork on Three Bluffs mineralization was performed by Knelson Research Technology Centre. An 18 kg sample, taken from a composite of coarse rejects sample material from 2007 drill core samples, was subjected to multi-pass testing utilizing a bench-scale enhanced gravity concentrator. The tests were designed to examine recovery trends for gold and gold-bearing sulphides.
The gold recovery results are summarized in Table 9. Based on the composite sample tested it was expected that Three Bluffs ore could be processed by various standard beneficiation steps to recover approximately 93% of the gold. The metallurgical test results indicated that a combination of gravity and flotation followed by cyanide leaching of the concentrate is likely the most suitable processing option.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Table 9: 2008 Gold Recovery Results
Process |
Mass |
Grade |
Gold |
Gravity Flotation (Locked Cycle) |
18 |
30.5 |
95.8 |
Rougher Flotation Only |
15 |
60.5 |
97.2 |
Gravity Only |
7 |
47.7 |
77.9 |
Cyanide Leaching (72 hours) |
|
|
94.6 |
10.3 2009
Follow-up work in 2009 was undertaken by PRA to look specifically at a flowsheet consisting of gravity recovery followed by cyanidation. These results were reported by PRA on May 6, 2009 and summarized below.
10.3.1 Mineralogy
Petrographic and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the presence of sulphide minerals including mainly pyrrhotite and lesser pyrite. Thin section analysis indicated that some pyrite was contained within pyrrhotite fractures and some magnetite was intergrown in the pyrite which also contained some chalcopyrite and galena inclusions.
10.3.2 Comminution
PRA determined a grind size P80 of 75 μm is considered the most suitable grind. The Bond Ball-Mill Work Index determination indicated a moderately hard ore of 18.7 kWh/tonne.
10.3.3 Gravity Recovery
Gravity testing completed at the Knelson Research and Technology Centre (KRTC) yielded good results on a sample ground to a P80 of 141 μm. The gravity gold recovery from the multi-ass test was 77.9% in 7.0% concentrate mass, with 69.4% of the gold recovered in the initial pass containing 1.4% of the mass. The initial pass Knelson concentrate was 212 g/t Au and concentrating this by pan yielded 40 % of the total gold to a pan concentrate of 4,500 g/t. The calculated gold head grade was 4.3 g/t Au with a corresponding tailings grade of 1.0 g/t Au. The recovery to mass yield curve for gold and sulphur indicated that sulphur was upgraded very little initially but showed moderate upgrading at relatively higher concentrate yield from 4 % to 7 %. This indicated that gold bearing sulphides are not amenable to enhanced gravity separation and that batch concentration and not continuous gravity concentration should be utilized.
10.3.4 Flotation
PRA assembled a single composite sample from the 45 individual samples obtained from three drill holes from the 2007 drilling campaign: 07TB046, 07TB048, and 07TB054. The holes are all located in the central part of the hinge zone. The blended composite assayed: 4.3 g/t Au, <0.5 g/t Ag, 17.2% Fe, and 7.5% S. The composite sample is considered to be reasonably representative of the Life of Mine (LOM) production head grade. The calculated gold head-grades from the various tests showed considerable fluctuation from a low of 2.9 g/t Au to a high of 11.8 g/t Au, with an average calculated head grade of 5.6 g/t Au, 1.1 g/t Ag, and 7.8% S. This variation is likely attributable to the presence of coarser gold particles, indicating a significant nugget effect for Three Bluffs.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
10.3.5 Gravity-Flotation Batch Testing
At a primary grind size P80 of 74 μm, gold was effectively extracted by gravity and flotation, with 96% of the gold recovered. Coarser grinding at a P80 of 103 μm and 135 μm showed that gold recovery was reduced.
10.3.6 Gravity-Flotation Locked-Cycle Testing
In a single Locked-Cycle test, a gravity circuit recovery of 60.5% gold in 0.22% of mass, followed by a cleaner flotation recovery of 35.3% gold in 17.7% of the mass, was obtained. Thus an overall gold recovery of 95.8% in 17.9% of the mass was shown to be possible. The gravity concentrate assayed 1,750 g/t Au, while the flotation concentrate assayed 11.4 g/t. Flotation provided significant sulphide concentration with sulphur recovery at 90.6% to a 35.7% S grade in the cleaned concentrate.
10.3.7 Flotation Batch Testing
Flotation recovery without gravity scalping was reasonably successful. Rougher flotation produced concentrate grades up to 60 g/t Au at 97.2% recovery at a primary grind size P80 of 74 μm. Tailings grades of 0.2 g/t Au were consistently obtained. Flotation testing was carried out using only xanthates and MIBC in roughing and with no pH modification. It is expected that future testing could further optimize the flotation circuit.
10.3.8 Leaching
10.3.8.1 Concentrate Cyanide Leaching
Flotation concentrate was subjected to cyanide leach test work. A total of eight concentrate leach tests were performed. After 120 hours of leaching at starting NaCN concentration levels of 1 g/t, gold extraction was typically >98%. In general, leaching kinetics were slow, although more favorable results were obtained with pre-aeration followed by continuous aeration. The best concentrate leach test provided 81% recovery after 48 hours and 89% recovery after 72 hours. Intensive cyanide leaching of concentrates at cyanide concentration levels in the order of 20 g/t should be investigated in future test work.
10.3.8.2 Whole Ore Leaching
A single whole ore cyanide leach test obtained 79.2% gold extraction after 48 hours and 94.6% after 72 hours. The cyanide consumption rate was high at 2.0 kg/t feed but was considerably lower than that observed in the Dawson work. Dawson obtained 91.8% recovery after 48 hours, but at a NaCN concentration of double that used by PRA.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
The same composite sample from the 2008 test work was ground to a P80 size of 75 μm and subjected to cyanide leaching for 120 hours at a base concentration of 1.0 g/L NaCN. A series of diagnostic tests were conducted to see how varying conditions might impact on gold recovery results. Gravity gold recovery was fairly consistent with recoveries averaging 48.8% in approximately 0.14 of the mass after panning of Knelson concentrates. This falls along the same curve as produced from the KRTC test work. The gold grades of these concentrates are typically 1,300 g/t Au to 2,200 g/t Au. The cyanide leach extraction was significantly improved with aeration, with recoveries of 42% to 43% after 48 hours. The cyanide leach recovery after 72 hours was 47% to 48% in these two tests. The overall gold recovery can be increased to approximately 98.5% with leach times extended to 120 hours.
The lower cyanide concentration had only a minor impact on gold extraction. Finer grinding resulted in higher gravity gold recovery, but overall recovery was not significantly impacted. The cyanide consumption in the two tests with aeration was 1.83 g/t to 2.04 g/t after 48 hours and 2.38 g/t to 2.58 g/t after 72 hours. With lower cyanide concentration, the rates were reduced to 1.63 g/t after 48 hours. Lime consumption ranged from 0.12 kg/t to 0.31 kg/t to maintain a pH between 10 and 10.5.
10.4 Conclusions
The limited metallurgical testwork conducted to date suggests that a high proportion of the gold can be recovered by conventional means and the Three Bluffs material is relatively free-milling. Additional metallurgical testwork is recommended particularly to resolve the high cyanide consumption linked to the high pyrrhotite content.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
11 Mineral Resource Estimate
Andrew J. Turner, B.Sc., P.Geol. Senior Geologist at APEX Geoscience Ltd. completed a review of the current MRE at Fury's Committee Bay Gold Project as part of the September 11, 2023 Technical Report (Atkinson and Turner, 2023). The below is a direct excerpt from the current NI43-101 Technical Report.
Mr. Turner was assisted by and directly supervised the work of Mr. Warren E. Black, M.Sc., P.Geo., a Resource Geologist and Geostatistician with APEX. Mr. Turner has reviewed the historic MRE at the Property and has evaluated and conducted new evaluations of their respective reasonable prospects for future economic extraction (RPEEE). After careful review of the work supporting the 2017 RPA report Mr. Turner has estimated mineral resources at the Three Bluffs deposit which are herein the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate.
Mr. Atkinson has been involved in the exploration programs at Committee Bay intermittently since 2003 and has reviewed and audited the resource models and resulting Mineral Resource Estimate included within the September 11, 2023 NI43-101 compliant technical Report and has concluded they meet the requirements set out in SK-1300 and as such takes responsibility for the resource statement.
There are three (3) previous MRE technical reports for the Committee Bay Gold Project, which are referred to or discussed and summarized in this Technical Report, which comprise:
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
11.1 Summary of the 2013 and 2017 MRE
The following is a summary of the database, estimation domains, geostatistics, and gold estimation strategy described by Rennie and McDonough (2015):
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
The following is a summary of the grade cutoffs established by Ross (2017):
11.2 APEX Validation of the 2017 MRE
Mr. Turner reviewed the drilling database and mineral resource estimate for the Committee Bay Gold Project MRE, as stated in Ross (2017). The following is a summary of those validations.
Drillhole Database
The Drillhole database provided by Fury to APEX comprises 266 drillholes with 7,847 assays within the OP domains, totalling 7,124.58 m. Most sample intervals are less than or equal to 1.5 m in length (Figure 14).
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 14: Interval lengths of raw assays within the OP and UG domains.
A total of 10 intervals in the OP estimation domains and 4 intervals in the UG domains were not sampled, totalling 21.89 m and 18.53 m, respectively, comprising only 0.3% and 0.43% of all drillhole intersections in OP and UG domains (Figure 15). Mr. Turner assumes these unsampled intervals are due to recovery issues; however, if they are selective sampling, their treatment, or lack there of, would not materially affect the MRE.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 15: Lengths of missing sample intervals within the OP and UG domains.
Compositing
Composites with a length of 1.5 m were calculated using the OP domains, and each was flagged according to the domain its centroid lies within. Because the OP domains fully encapsulate the UG domains, composites within the OP domains include all composites used for UG resource estimation. The lengths of the final composites and the percentage of orphans (composites with a length of less than 5 m) are illustrated in Figure 16.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 16: Lengths of calculated composites within the OP and UG domains.
Capping
Mr. Turner used a different capping approach than Ross (2017), preferring to cap composites instead of raw assays. Mr. Turner used probability plots to determine outlier values (Figure 17) and found that high-grade samples in the hinge and south limb domains behaved similarly and could be grouped, leading to a 50 g/t Au cap. Due to insufficient composites or similar behavior in high-grade samples, a cap of 15.5 g/t Au was deemed suitable for the remaining domains.
The impact of the different capping approaches needs to be evaluated in the context of declustering, to be discussed later. That said, the capping levels used by Ross are reasonable, given that Ross capped raw assays and that higher capping levels could be justified by the data illustrated in Figure 17.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 17: The probability plots used to evaluate potential outliers and capping levels.
Variography
Experimental semi-variograms for each domain are calculated along the major, minor, and vertical principal directions of continuity that are defined by three Euler angles. Euler angles describe the orientation of anisotropy as a series of rotations (using a left-hand rule) that are as follows:
1. Angle 1: A rotation about the Z-axis (azimuth) with positive angles being clockwise rotation and negative representing counter-clockwise rotation;
2. Angle 2: A rotation about the X-axis (dip) with positive angles being counter-clockwise rotation and negative representing clockwise rotation; and
3. Angle 3: A rotation about the Y-axis (tilt) with positive angles being clockwise rotation and negative representing counter-clockwise rotation.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
APEX personnel calculated standardized experimental correlograms using composites, without orphans, flagged within the OP domains. APEX's variogram analysis yielded similar ranges to Ross (2017). However, APEX utilized the orientation of the hinge plunge 084/20 to define the major direction of continuity, with the third rotation angle being defined by the dip of the limbs. APEX's variography is detailed in Table 10 and Figure 18.
Figure 18: Gold Variograms
Table 10: Gold Variogram Parameters.
Declustering and Final Composite Statistics
The original methodology used for declustering in Ross (2017) was not explicitly stated. Therefore, APEX independently evaluated declustering and calculated weights for each composite using cell declustering with a cell size of 120 m. When comparing the final capped and declustered summary statistics, minor differences were observed between those calculated by APEX, summarized in Table 11 and Figure 19, and those presented in Ross (2017). The differences are not considered materially significant despite these discrepancies, which are likely due to differences in the capping strategy, declustering technique, and software used to generate the composites.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Table 11: Composite Gold (ppm) Statistics for (Note: statistics consider declustering weights, capping, and exclude orphans)
Figure 19: Cumulative distribution functions of the final capped and declustered composites, excluding orphans.
Estimation Strategy Review
The Ross (2017) MRE utilized the ID3 algorithm with static search orientations tailored to each domain. The three-pass strategy was restrictive regarding the number of composites that could be utilized during estimation, which would help control grade smoothing during estimation. APEX's variography assessment validates that the search ranges utilized are within reason.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
In summary, while the estimation strategy appears adequate, the approach could be further optimized. Incorporating robust variography and kriging methods, along with locally varying anisotropy, could enhance the precision and reliability of future MRE assessments.
Visual Validation
Visually, the block model grades align well with the drill hole assays, capturing local high-low grade zones and varying mineralization orientations.
MRE Table Reproduction
APEX reproduced the OP and UP resources reported by Ross (2017) with a margin of less than 1%, utilizing the block model and open pit shell calculated during the 2015 MRE.
Conclusion
Based on Mr. Turner's validation, the Ross (2017) estimation methodology adequately defines the amount of ore tonnes and contained metal within the deposit; therefore, the differences in approaches explored by APEX would not result in any material change in the reported MRE. After careful review of the work supporting the 2017 RPA report Mr. Turner has estimated mineral resources at the Three Bluffs deposit which are herein the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate.
11.3 Cutoff Grades
The Ross (2017) Three Bluffs MRE was calculated and reported using cutoff grades of 3.0 g/t Au for the open pittable portion of the deposit and 4.0 g/t Au for the underground portion of the deposit. The following economic assumptions were reported:
Parameters |
Unit |
Value |
Gold Price |
US$/oz |
1,500 |
Exchange Rate |
US$/C$ |
0.75 |
Process Recovery |
% |
93 |
Mining Cost |
US$/t mined |
10.00 |
Processing + G&A Cost |
US$/t |
60.00 |
Overall Pit Slope Angles |
degrees |
50 |
11.4 Mineral Resource Reporting
The following section discusses an examination of the RPEEE of the Committee Bay Gold Project MRE and the resource statements. The resource estimates are stated following the S-K 1300 rules for disclosure, which are consistent with the CIM "Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines" dated November 29, 2019, and CIM "Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" dated May 10, 2014.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
11.4.1 Open Pit Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction
To demonstrate that the Committee Bay Gold Project MRE has Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE) in an open pit mining scenario, the MRE block model was subjected to pit optimization by Ross (2017). Pit optimization was completed using the parameters detailed in Table 12.
Table 12: Parameters Used for Open Pit Resource Estimate (Ross, 2017).
Parameters |
Unit |
Value |
Gold Price |
US$/oz |
1,500 |
Exchange Rate |
US$/C$ |
0.75 |
Process Recovery |
% |
93 |
Mining Cost |
US$/t mined |
10.00 |
Processing + G&A Cost |
US$/t |
60.00 |
Overall Pit Slope Angles |
degrees |
50 |
As discussed in section 11.3 above, the economic parameters and assumptions used in the evaluation of the open pittable resource at Three Bluffs are in line with other such recently reported assessments for comparable projects in Nunavut. As a result, APEX (QP Mr. Turner, B.Sc., P.Geol.) considers the parameters presented in Table 12 appropriate to evaluate the reasonable prospect for eventual economic extraction of the open pittbale portion of the Three Bluffs MRE at the Committee Bay Gold Project.
11.4.2 Underground Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction
To demonstrate that the Committee Bay Gold Project MRE has RPEEE in an underground mining scenario, APEX personnel evaluated the UG domain thicknesses and considered the blocks' continuity above the 4 g/t Au underground cutoff to ensure that the reported resources are within minable shapes.
APEX personnel evaluated the block model to examine the continuity of blocks over an assumed 1.5 m minimum mining width. Although some discontinuous blocks were observed, most mineralized blocks above cutoff grade were found to be continuous within potentially mineable stope shapes with minimum thicknesses ≥ 1.5m.
The mining method was assumed to combine shrinkage or long-hole stoping for steeper dipping zones and cut and fill mining for flatter-lying portions of the deposits.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 20: View of the Committee Bay Deposit Illustrating Grade Continuity of Resource Blocks Above Cutoff (≥ 4.0 g/t Au) and Potential Mineable Shapes.
Note: Orientated along A-A' looking 52 degrees Northeast. Black outlines illustrate potential minable shapes.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
3
Figure 21: View of the Committee Bay Deposit Illustrating Grade Continuity of Resource Blocks Above Cutoff (≥ 4.0 g/t Au) and Potential Mineable Shapes.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Figure 22: View of the Committee Bay Deposit Illustrating Grade Continuity of Resource Blocks Above Cutoff (>4.0 g/t Au) and Potential Mineable Shapes.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Mr. Turner, B.Sc., P.Geol. considers the minimum thickness of the UG estimation domains and the continuity of the estimated blocks above the UG cutoff grade of 4.0 g/t Au sufficient to establish potential mineable shapes. Isolated blocks outside of the potential minable shapes outlined in Figures 20 through 22 do not constitute a material change to the reported resources.
11.4.3 Classification Definitions
A measured mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of modifying factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to confirm geological and grade or quality continuity between observation points. A measured mineral resource has a higher level of confidence than that applying to either an indicated mineral resource or an inferred mineral resource. It may be converted to a proven or probable mineral reserve.
An indicated mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of modifying factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity between observation points. An indicated mineral resource has a lower confidence level than a measured mineral resource and may only be converted to a probable mineral reserve.
An inferred mineral resource is part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade, or quality are estimated based on limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An inferred mineral resource has a lower confidence level than an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration.
11.4.4 Committee Bay Gold Project Mineral Resource Statements
The current Committee Bay Gold Project MRE is tabulated below. The resource estimates are stated following the SEC's S-K 1300 rules for disclosure which are consistent with the CIM "Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines" dated November 29, 2019, and CIM "Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" dated May 10, 2014. The effective date of the resource is December 31, 2023.
As discussed above, Mr. Atkinson has completed a review of the Committee Bay Gold Project MRE concerning their specific estimation parameters and assumptions and their (current) reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. As a result of this review, the authors of this Report accept the Committee Bay Gold Project MRE tabulated below as current.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Table 13: Summary of Current Committee Bay Gold Project Mineral Resources.
Classification | Mining Scenario |
Au Cutoff (g/t) |
Tonnes (000 t) |
Average Gold (g/t) |
Contained Au (troy ounces) |
Indicated | OP | 3.0 | 1,761.9 | 7.72 | 437,467 |
UG | 4.0 | 313 | 8.57 | 86,368 | |
Total | 2,075 | 7.85 | 523,835 | ||
Inferred | OP | 3.0 | 592.4 | 7.57 | 144,126 |
UG | 4.0 | 2342 | 7.65 | 576,238 | |
Total | 2,934 | 7.63 | 720,364 |
Notes:
8. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability, although, as per S-K 1300 requirements, which are consistent with CIM requirements, the Mineral Resources reported above have been determined to have demonstrated reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
9. The Mineral Resources were estimated in accordance with the definitions for mineral resources in S-K 1300, which are consistent with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions (2014) and Best Practices Guidelines (2019) prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by the CIM Council.
10. The Mineral Resources Committee Bay Gold Project was initially reported in Ross (2017) - QP David A. Ross, M.Sc., P.Geo, effective date of May 31, 2017.
11. The resources reported above are reviewed in detail within this Report and are accepted as current by the Qualified Person, Mr. Bryan Atkinson, P.Geo, Senior Vice-President, Exploration of the Company.
12. The Cutoff grades were determined using average block grade values within the estimation domains and an Au price of US$1,200/oz, and Process Recovery of 93%, Open Pit mining costs of C$10.00/t, Underground mining costs of C$70.00/t, Process and G&A costs of approximately C$75/t and an exchange rate of 1.25 US$/C$.
13. A bulk density values value of 3.15 t/m3 was assigned based on available SG measurements.
14. Differences may occur in totals due to rounding.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
11.5 Risks and Uncertainties
Metallurgical characterization has not yet been definitively established at any of the deposits on the Committee Bay Gold Project. Further metallurgical test work is recommended to increase the understanding of the mineralization and to better delineate any zones with low (poor) recovery that would help increase confidence in the resources for the Committee Bay Gold Project.
Modelling gold deposits in greenstone belts, such as Committee Bay's project, inherently carries geological risks. Given the complexity related to geological and mineralization continuity, these risks are heightened when dealing with BIF-hosted gold. Generally, broader zones with dense vein networks and structural features conducive to mineralization are easier to map, thus lessening uncertainty. Making sense of sporadic drillhole intercepts from discrete veins or vein zones poses a more significant challenge.
For open-pit resources, like some found at Committee Bay, the risk is lower than underground operations. Less selectivity in mining reduces the overall geological risk. Effective de-risking involves rigorous interpretation.
Modern, multi-orientation drilling supports current interpretations of mineralization domains, which is vital for BIF-hosted gold. However, some areas with sparse drilling could impact these interpretations upon further exploration.
Mr. Turner is unaware of any other significant material risks to the MRE besides the inherent risks to mineral exploration and development in general. The authors of this Report are not aware of any specific environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political or other relevant factors that might materially affect the results of this resource estimate, and there appear to be no apparent impediments to developing the MRE at the Committee Bay Gold Project.
12 Mineral Reserve Estimates
Due to the early stage of the Project there are no mineral reserve estimates.
13 Mining Methods
Due to the early stage of the Project no studies regarding mining methodology have been completed.
14 Processing and Recovery Methods
Due to the early stage of the Project no studies regarding recovery methods have been completed.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
15 Infrastructure
Due to the early stage of the Project no studies regarding the required infrastructure for future development have been completed.
16 Market Studies
Due to the early stage of the Project no Market studies have been completed.
17 Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Plans, Negotiations, or Agreements with Local Individuals or Groups
Due to the early stage of the Project this section is not applicable.
18 Capital and Operating Costs
Due to the early stage of the Project this section is not applicable.
19 Economic Analysis
Due to the early stage of the Project this section is not applicable.
20 Adjacent Properties
None of the adjacent claims are known to host mineralized zones comparable to the Three Bluffs deposit. No reliance was placed on any information from adjacent properties in the estimation and preparation of the resources reported in this technical report. Adjacent properties are therefore not deemed material to this report.
21 Other Relevant Data and Information
Mr. Atkinson is not aware of any additional data or information available for disclosure.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
22 Interpretation and Conclusions
The Project covers the Committee Bay Greenstone Belt which hosts a regionally significant and highly prospective corridor for gold. The CBGB is part of the Archean Prince Albert Group within the Western Churchill geologic Province. The majority of the gold mineralization identified to date within the CBGB is hosted in silicate, oxide, and/or sulphide facies iron formation. Gold mineralization has also been identified in shear hosted quartz veins in sediments and volcanic rocks throughout the belt. The CBGB hosts over 40 showings, the most advanced being the Three Bluffs deposit. Gold mineralization has also recently been identified within deformed meta sedimentary rocks in shear zones sub-parallel to iron formation hosted mineralization.
Drilling at the Three Bluffs deposit has identified gold mineralization with suitable continuity, grade and size to be potentially economically extracted. High-grade mineralization at the deposit is associated with two distinct styles of mineralization; intense sulphidization and silicification of banded iron formation as well as within sericite altered highly sheared meta-sediments. The two styles of mineralization are sub-parallel with the sheared metasediments defining a regional shear zone. The sheared metasediment hosted gold mineralization represents and underexplored style of mineralization within the entire CBGB.
The 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate (2023 MRE) has been prepared in accordance with S-K 1300 standards, which are consistent with the 2019 CIM Best Practice Guidelines for mineral resource estimation. The wireframe grade shell models represent the drilled mineralization and are suitable for use in block model estimations. The Three Bluffs deposit meets the criteria of reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction in the combined open pit and underground portions of the MRE. Relatively high cut-off grades of 3.0 g/t Au for the open pit and 4.0 g/t for the underground resource were selected for reporting the Three Bluffs MRE due to the modelled mineralization showing reasonable continuity at higher grades. The open pit portion of the Mineral Resource is constrained within a conceptual pit shell. The underground portion of the resource is constrained within a 1.0 g/t grade shell wireframe constructed with a minimum 2m width in mind. Both the conceptual pit shell and underground grade shell wireframes represent potentially mineable shapes. The remote nature of the Three Bluffs deposit lends itself to economic extraction through a low tonnage high grade scenario as assumed by the current MRE. By way of comparison, Agnico Eagles Amaruq Nunuvut project is in production and is estimated to contain open pit proven and probable mineral reserves of 1.4 million ounces of gold (12.4 million tonnes grading 3.56 g/t gold) (Website Source: Agnico Eagle Mines Limited - Operations - Operations - Meadowbank Complex)
The current Three Bluffs deposit Mineral Resource Estimate is reported at cut-off grades of 3.0 g/t Au for open pit and 4.0 g/t Au for underground. Combined open pit and underground Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated to total 2.07 Mt at an average grade of 7.85 g/t Au containing 524,000 ounces gold. At the same cut-off grades, the combined open pit and underground Inferred Mineral Resources are estimated to total 2.93 Mt at an average grade of 7.64 g/t Au containing 720,000 ounces gold. The open pit resources were constrained by a preliminary pit shell generated in Whittle software. Underground resources are reported at the high cut-off grade outside of the pit shell.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
The preliminary metallurgical work completed to date indicates that gold can be recovered using conventional methods utilizing combined gravity and flotation followed by a cyanide leach.
There are numerous known gold occurrences along the CBGB all within the current Project area. Several of these occurrences have returned broad anomalous zones of gold mineralization from limited drilling. In addition to the known gold occurrences their remain several regional gold in till and boulder anomalies that have not been linked to a bedrock source. There is potential to discover additional gold mineralization while building on the known occurrences and the Three Bluffs deposit to add to the current resource base on the Project.
23 Recommendations
Based on the results presented in this report, follow up of several of the anomalies (geochemical, geophysical) is warranted. Further work is recommended at the Three Bluffs Deposit aimed at defining the importance of the newly identified gold mineralization hosted in deformed metasediments. Additionally, gold mineralization hosted within metasedimentary rocks has not been a target of previous exploration activities and needs to be looked at from a regional sense. Several unexplained gold in till anomalies could potentially be sourced from metasedimentary lithological units proximal to shear zones. The extensive systematic regional exploration database compiled through work completed by Fury should be revisited as a priority to identify potential areas that were previously overlooked due to the focus being on iron formation hosted gold mineralization. Phase 1 of the recommended work program will include a desktop review of the regional dataset with a focus on mapping out shear zones and highlighting unsourced regional geochemical anomalies. The field component of the Phase 1 program will consist of drilling at the Three Bluffs deposit, detailed till sampling and mapping at the targets identified from the desktop work.
The Phase 1 program will result in the collection of approximately 15,000 detailed till samples as well as 7,500m of diamond drilling at the Three Bluffs deposit following up on the 2021 drilling in an effort to tie it back into the resource as well as continued stepouts along the mineralized metasedimentary unit. The Phase 1 program is estimated to cost approximately $5 million dollars (Table 18). The estimated costs of the recommended work program are derived from the Authors extensive knowledge of working in Nunavut gained over the past 20 years with upward adjustment for the current supply and labour markets.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Table 14: Phase 1 Recommended Work Program
Type |
Details |
Cost |
Labour |
Staff Wages, Technical and Support Contractors |
350,000 |
Assaying |
Sampling and Analytical |
150,000 |
Drilling |
Three Bluffs Diamond Drilling |
1,650,000 |
Till Sampling |
Detailed sampling program |
120,000 |
Land Management |
Consultants. Assessment Filing, Lease Payments |
250,000 |
Community Relations |
Community Tours, Outreach |
30,000 |
Information Technology |
Remote site communications and IT |
35,000 |
Safety |
Equipment, Training and Supplies |
15,000 |
Expediting |
Expediting (Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, Churchill) |
150,000 |
Camp Costs |
Equipment, Maintenance, Food, Supplies |
250,000 |
Freight and Transportation |
Fright, Travel, Helicopter, Fixed Wing |
450,000 |
Fuel |
|
1,000,000 |
General and Administration |
100,000 |
|
Sub-total |
|
4,550,000 |
Contingency (10%) |
455,000 |
|
Total |
|
5,005,000 |
A Phase 2 exploration program will be drill intensive. An additional 10,000 - 15,000m of diamond drilling should be completed at the Three Bluffs deposit to explore the down dip potential of the limb mineralization as well as tying in the newly identified shear zone hosted mineralization with the ultimate goal of updating the Mineral Resource Estimate. An additional 10,000m of drilling should be allocated to regional targets defined from the Phase 1 program. The Phase 2 program is estimated to cost between $15 and $20 million (Table 19). The estimated costs of the recommended work program are derived from the Authors extensive knowledge of working in Nunavut gained over the past 20 years with upward adjustment for the current supply and labour markets.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Table 15: Phase 2 Recommended Work Program
Type |
Details |
Cost |
Labour |
Staff Wages, Technical and Support Contractors |
1,750,000 |
Drilling |
Diamond Drilling at Three Bluffs and regional |
6,500,000 |
Assaying |
Sampling and Analytical |
750,000 |
Community Relations |
Community Tours, Outreach |
50,000 |
Information Technology |
Remote site communications and IT |
150,000 |
Safety |
Equipment, Training and Supplies |
75,000 |
Expediting |
Expediting (Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, Churchill) |
550,000 |
Camp Costs |
Equipment, Maintenance, Food, Supplies |
1,250,000 |
Freight and Transportation |
Fright, Travel, Helicopter, Fixed Wing |
1,950,000 |
Fuel |
|
2,750,000 |
General and Administration |
400,000 |
|
Sub-total |
|
16,175,000 |
Contingency (10%) |
1,617,500 |
|
Total |
|
17,792,500 |
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
24 References
Atkinson, B., and Turner, A. (2023): Technical Report on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada. A technical report prepared by Fury Gold Mines Ltd. and APEX Geoscience Ltd. for Fury Gold Mines Ltd.
Bethune, K, M, and Scammell, R.J.M. (1997): Precambrian geology, Koch Island area, District of Franklin (part of NTS 37C), Northwest Territories. Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 3391, 4 sheets (including marginal notes), 1:50,000 scale.
Bilodeau, D. P., Badiu, R., McMullen, P., & Leetmaa, K. (2018). Technical Report on the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves at Meadowbank Gold Complex including the Amaruq Satellite Mine Development, Nunavut, Canada as of December 31, 2017. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited.
Blakley, I., and Rennie, D., 2008, Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate for the Three Bluffs Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada, Prepared by Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. for Committee Bay Resources Ltd., 98 p.
Hartlaub, R.P., Heaman, L.M., Ashton, K.E. and Chacko, T., 2001: The Murmac Group, Rae Province: record of a giant Archean rift? In 4th International Archean Symposium 2001, Extended Abstracts, K.F. Cassidy, J.M. Dunphy and M.J. van Kranendonk (eds.); Australian Geological Survey Organization - Geoscience Australia, Record 2001/37, pp. 317-318.
Heywood, W.W., and Schau, M., 1978: A Subdivision of the Northern Churchill Structural Province. Geological Survey of Canada, Paper 78-1A, pp. 139-143.
Larouche, J., Caron, D., Connell, L., Laflamme, D., Robichaud, F., Petrucci, F., & Proulx, A. (2015). Updated Technical Report on the Meliadine Gold Project, Nunavut, Canada. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. February 11, 2015
Lawson, G., King, D., Redmond, D., Barron, B., and Raponi, T.R. (2015). NI 43-101 Technical Report On The Hope Bay Property, Nunavut, Canada. Prepared by TMAC Resources. Effective date: March 30, 2020.
Rennie, D.W., and McDonough, B., 2015, Technical Report on the Three Bluffs Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada. A technical report prepared by RPA Inc. for North Country Gold Corp.
Rennie, D. W., and McDonough, B., 2012, Technical Report on the Three Bluffs Projects, Nunavut Territory, Canada. A technical report prepared by RPA Inc. for North Country Gold Corp., 163 p.
Ross, D.A., 2017, Technical Report on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada. A technical report prepared by RPA Inc. for North Country Gold Corp., 161p.
Schau, M. (1982) Metamorphism of the Prince Albert Group, District of Keewatin; Geol. Surv., Canada, Paper 78-10, pp. 203-213.
Skulski, T., Sanborn-Barrie, M., MacHattie, T., Young, M., Carson, C., Berman, R., Brown, J.,Rayner, N., Panagapko, D., Byrne, D., and Deyell, C., 2003: Bedrock geology of the Ellis Hills map area and new constraints on the regional geology of the Committee Bay area, Nunavut; Geological Survey of Canada, Current Research 2003-C22, 11p.
Thibodeau, D., Shannon, J.M., Nussipakynova, D., Klabenes, J., Mostert, M., Farmer, N., Freudigmann, S., Peacock, B., Cook, R., Blackwell, A., Dawson, M., Benjamin, V., Kurylo, J., and Teymouri, S. (2021). National Instrument (NI) 43-101 Technical Report: 2021 Updated Feasibility Study for the Goose Project at the Back River Gold District, Nunavut, Canada. Prepared for Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. Effective date: January 15, 2021.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
Turner, A.J., 2010, Technical Report on 2007-2009 Exploration at the Committee Bay Project, Kitikmeot Region, Nunavut Territory, Canada. A technical report prepared by APEX Geoscience Ltd. for CBR Gold Corp., 182 p.
Zaleski, E., Davis, W.J., and Sandeman, H.A., 2001: Continental extension, mantle magmas and basement cover relationships, in International Archean Symposium 2001, Extended Abstracts, K.F. Cassidy, J.M. Dunphy and M.J. van Kranendonck (eds.): Australian Geological Survey Organization - Geoscience Australia, Record 2001/37, pp. 374-376.
25 Reliance on Information Provided by the Registrant
Mr. Atkinson as a full time employee of the Registrant, Fury, does not claim reliance on any other party with respect to the information provided or the opinions expressed herein, having reviewed, and found satisfactory such corporate and other documentation as deemed necessary to assume responsibility for such information and opinions as are expressed herein.
Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada |
26 DATE AND SIGNATURE PAGE
This report entitled "S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavat, Canada" with an effective date of December 31, 2023 and an issue date of March 13, 2024 was prepared and signed by:
/s/ Bryan Atkinson
Signed: _________________________________
Bryan Atkinson, P. Geo.
Senior Vice-President, Exploration, Fury Gold Mines Limited
Appendix 1 - Committee Bay Claims and Leases
EXHIBIT 15.4
CONSENT OF EXPERT
May 6, 2024
VIA EDGAR
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Re: Fury Gold Mines Limited (the "Company")
Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the "Form 20-F")
I, Bryan Atkinson, P. Geol, Senior Vice-President, Exploration of the Company, in connection with the Form 20-F, hereby consent to:
the public filing by the Company and the use of the technical report titled "S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Committee Bay Project, Nunavut Territory, Canada, with an effective date of December 31, 2023 and an issue date of March 13, 2024 (the "Technical Report Summary") that was prepared in accordance with Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K ("S-K 1300") promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), as an exhibit to and as referenced in the Form 20-F;
consent to the incorporation by reference of the Form 20-F and references to the Technical Report Summary and to my status as "qualified person" in the registration statement on Form F-10 of the Company (333-272658) (the "Form F-10");
the use of and reference to my name, including my status as an expert or "qualified person", as defined in S-K 1300 in connection with the Form 20-F, the Form F-10 and the Technical Report Summary; and
any extracts from or a summary of the Technical Report Summary included or incorporated by reference in the Form 20-F and the Form F-10 and the use of any information derived, summarized, quoted or referenced from the Technical Report Summary included or incorporated by reference in the Form 20-F and the Form F-10.
Yours truly,
/s/Bryan Atkinson
_____________________________
Bryan Atkinson, P.Geol.
Senior Vice-President, Exploration of the Company
EXHIBIT 15.5
CONSENT OF EXPERT
May 6, 2024
VIA EDGAR
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Re: Fury Gold Mines Limited (the "Company")
Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the "Form 20-F")
I, David Frappier-Rivard, P. Geo, Exploration Manager of the Company, in connection with the Form 20-F, hereby consent to:
Yours truly,
/S/ David Frappier-Rivard
__________________________________________
David Frappier-Rivard, P.Geo
Exploration Manager of the Company
EXHIBIT 15.6
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the inclusion in the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 of Fury Gold Mines Limited (the “Company”) of our report dated March 26, 2024, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Dolly Varden Silver Corporation, which appears in this Annual Report. We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form F-10 of Fury Gold Mines Limited (File Nos. 333-272658) of our report referred to above and references to our name in the Annual Report on Form 20-F, which is incorporated by reference in such Form F-10.
/s/ DAVIDSON & COMPANY LLP
Vancouver, Canada |
Chartered Professional Accountants |
|
|
May 6, 2024 |
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EXHIBIT 15.7
FURY GOLD MINES LIMITED
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 29, 2023
AND
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR
May 18, 2023
Suite 1630, 1177 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 2K3
Telephone No.: +1 844-601-0841
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual general meeting (the "Meeting") of the holders ("Shareholders") of common shares ("Common Shares") of Fury Gold Mines Limited ("Fury Gold" or the "Company") will be held virtually at www.agmconnect.com/Fury2023 on June 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. (Toronto time) for the following purposes:
1. to receive and consider the recently filed audited consolidated audited financial statements of the Company for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2022;
2. to elect directors of the Company for the ensuing year;
3. to appoint auditors of the Company for the ensuing year;
4. to consider and if thought fit, adopt a new long-term incentive plan ("LTI Plan") for management and other service providers which provides for equity security-based compensation which, together with any other equity based plan, is, like the current incentive option plan, limited to 10% of the Company's issued common shares, on a rolling basis; and
5. to transact such other business, if any, as may properly come before the Meeting.
The Company's Management Information Circular (the "Information Circular") dated May 18, 2023 accompanies this Notice of Annual General Meeting (the "Notice"). The Information Circular contains further particulars of matters to be considered at the Meeting. The Meeting may also consider any permitted amendment to or variation of any matter identified in this Notice, and may transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. The Annual Financial Statements are available for download from the Company's website and its SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and at www.agmconnect.com/fury2023. Paper copies can be requested by contacting AGM Connect by emailing support@agmconnect.com. Shareholders will require their voter ID and meeting code to be verified. As of the date of this Information Circular, the Company does not anticipate that any other matters will come before the Meeting and the Company would be required to make additional disclosure should it later decide that any material matter needs to be brought before shareholders. This meeting was previously filed as an Annual Special and General Meeting on the Company's SEDAR profile, however this meeting will now proceed as an Annual General Meeting.
Fury Gold is conducting the Meeting online by virtual webcast. Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders must register to attend the Meeting and should review the section "Attending the Meeting" in the Information Circular which section has the instructions on how to register to attend the Meeting online at www.agmconnect.com/fury2023 where they can participate, vote, or submit questions during the Meeting's live webcast.
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Notice-and-Access
The Company has elected to use the notice-and-access model set out in National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations and National Instrument 54-101 - Communications with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer (together "Notice-and-Access Provisions") for delivery of proxy materials relating to this Meeting. The Notice-and-Access Provisions allow the Company to reduce the volume of materials to be physically mailed to Shareholders by posting the Information Circular and any additional annual meeting materials (together, the "Proxy Materials") online on the Company's website. Under Notice-and-Access Provisions, instead of receiving paper copies of this Notice and the Information Circular, registered Shareholders of the Company will receive the form of Notice and Access Notification (the "Notification") and the form of proxy (the "Proxy") relevant for the Meeting. In the case of the Company's non-registered (beneficial) Shareholders, they will receive the Notification and a voting instruction form (the "VIF"). The Proxy/VIF enables Shareholders to vote by proxy. Before voting, Shareholders are reminded to review the Information Circular online by logging onto the website access page via the URL address provided and following the instructions set out below. Shareholders may also choose to receive a printed copy of the Information Circular by following the procedures set out below.
Copies of the Proxy Materials and the Annual Financial Statements and Annual MD&A are posted on the Company's website at https://furygoldmines.com/investors/agmmaterials/ and are filed on SEDAR under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.
If you do not wish to download information, paper copies of the Information Circular and Financial Statements can be obtained on request through the below contact information.
Any Shareholder unable to download a copy from www.sedar.com may request a paper copy of the Information Circular and form of proxy and Financial Statements be mailed to them, at no cost by: contacting the Company at Suite 1630 - 1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2K3 or by calling Tel: +1 844-601-0841. All Shareholders may email Computershare Trust Company at info@computershare.com in order to obtain additional information relating to the Notice-and-Access Provisions or to obtain a paper copy of the Information Circular, up to and including the date of the Meeting, including any adjournment of the Meeting.
To allow adequate time for a Shareholder to receive and review a paper copy of the Information Circular and then to submit their vote by 11:00 a.m. (Toronto Time) on June 27, 2023 (the "Proxy Deadline"), a Shareholder requesting a paper copy of the Information Circular as described above, should ensure such request is received by the Company no later than June 16, 2023. Under Notice-and-Access Provisions, Proxy Materials must be available for viewing from the date of posting and for 1 year following the Meeting. Shareholders may request a paper copy of the Information Circular from the Company at any time during this period. To obtain a paper copy of the Information Circular after the Meeting date, please contact the Company.
The Company will not use a procedure known as 'stratification' in relation to its use of Notice-and-Access. Stratification occurs when a reporting issuer while using Notice-and-Access Provisions also provides a paper copy of the Information Circular to some of its shareholders with the notice package. In relation to the Meeting, all Shareholders will receive only the notice package, which must be mailed to them pursuant to Notice-and-Access Provisions, and which will not include a paper copy of the Information Circular.
The Information Circular contains details of matters to be considered and voted on at the Meeting. Please review the Information Circular before voting.
Virtual Meeting
This year, the Company will be holding the Meeting by live audio webcast only. Shareholders will be able to participate in the Meeting and vote their Common Shares while the virtual Meeting is being held. Shareholders will not be able to attend the meeting in person. The Company hopes that hosting the Meeting using the AGMConnect platform will help enable greater participation by allowing Shareholders from all geographical locations to attend the meeting.
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Shareholders who are unable to attend the Meeting and who wish to ensure that their Common Shares will be voted at the Meeting are asked to complete, date, and sign the form of proxy enclosed with the Notice-and-Access Notification mailed to them, or another suitable form of proxy, and physically or electronically deliver it, for receipt by 11:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on June 27, 2023, in accordance with the instructions set out in the form of proxy and in the Circular.
Non-registered Shareholders who plan to attend the Meeting must follow the instructions set out in the VIF enclosed with the Notice-and-Access Notification mailed to them to ensure that their Common Shares will be voted at the Meeting. If you hold your Common Shares in a brokerage account or through another intermediary, you are a non-registered Shareholder.
Dated at Vancouver, British Columbia, May 18, 2023.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
"Forrester ("Tim") Clark"
Tim Clark
Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Director
INFORMATION CIRCULAR CONTENTS
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Suite 1630, 1177 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 2K3
Telephone No.: +1 844-601-0841
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR
This management information circular (this "Circular") is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the management of Fury Gold Mines Limited (the "Company") for use at the annual general and meeting (the "Meeting") of the holders of common shares ("Common Shares") in the capital of Fury Gold (the "Shareholders") to be held on June 29, 2023, at the time and place and for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting. The information herein as of May 18, 2023 unless otherwise indicated.
In this Information Circular, references to "Fury Gold", "the Company", "we" and "our" refer to Fury Gold Mines Limited. "Common Shares" means common shares without par value in the capital of the Company. "Beneficial Shareholders" means Shareholders who do not hold Common Shares in their own name and "intermediaries" refers to brokers, investment firms, clearing houses and similar entities that hold securities on behalf of Beneficial Shareholders. All dollar amounts presented in this Information Circular are expressed in Canadian dollar amounts, unless otherwise stated that they are in United States dollars ("US$").
GENERAL PROXY INFORMATION
Solicitation of Proxies
The solicitation of proxies will primarily be by mail, subject to the use of Notice-and-Access Provisions (as defined below) in relation to delivery of the Information Circular, but proxies may be solicited personally or by telephone by directors, officers and regular employees of the Company. The Company will bear all costs of this solicitation. We have arranged for intermediaries to forward the meeting materials to beneficial owners of the Common Shares held of record by those intermediaries and we may reimburse the intermediaries for their reasonable fees and disbursements in that regard.
Notice-and-Access
The Company has chosen to deliver the Notice and this management information circular (together, the "Circular") and form of proxy (the "Proxy" and, together with the Circular, the "Proxy Materials") using notice-and-access provisions, which govern the delivery of proxy-related materials to Shareholders utilizing the internet. The notice-and-access provisions are found in section 9.1.1 of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations ("NI 51-102") for delivery to registered Shareholders and in section 2.7.1 of National Instrument 54-101 - Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer ("NI 54-101") for delivery to Beneficial Shareholders (together, the "Notice-and-Access Provisions").
The Notice-and-Access Provisions allow the Company to choose to deliver Proxy Materials to Shareholders by posting them on a non-SEDAR website (https://furygoldmines.com/investors/agmmaterials/), provided that the conditions of NI 51-102 and NI 54-101 are met, rather than by printing and mailing the Circular document together with the Proxy. Notice-and-Access Provisions can be used to deliver materials for both general meetings of shareholders. The Company may still choose to continue to deliver the Circular by mail under standard mailing provisions, and, pursuant to the Notice-and-Access Provisions, Shareholders are entitled to request a paper copy of the Circular document be mailed to them at the Company's expense.
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Use of the Notice-and-Access Provisions reduces paper waste and the Company's printing and mailing costs. Under the Notice-and-Access Provisions, the Company must send a notice confirming internet availability (the "N&A Notification") and a form of proxy (together, the "notice package") to each Shareholder, including registered and Beneficial Shareholders, indicating that the Proxy Materials have been posted on the Company's website and explaining how a Shareholder can access them or how they may obtain a paper copy of the Circular from the Company. The Circular has been posted in full, together with the Notification and the Proxy, on the Company's website at https://furygoldmines.com/investors/agmmaterials/ and under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
This Information Circular contains details of matters to be considered at the Meeting. Please review the Information Circular before voting.
How to Obtain Paper Copies of the Information Circular
Any Shareholder may request a paper copy of the Information Circular be mailed to them, at no cost by: contacting the Company at Suite 1630 - 1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2K3 or by calling Tel: +1 844-601-0841. All Shareholders may call 1-855-839-3715 (toll-free) within North America, or from outside of North America +1-416-222-4202 in order to obtain additional information relating to the Notice-and-Access Provisions or to obtain a paper copy of the Information Circular, up to and including the date of the Meeting, including any adjournment of the Meeting. Shareholders should note the telephone toll-free number will not be available after the Meeting.
To allow adequate time for a Shareholder to receive and review a paper copy of the Information Circular and then to submit their vote by 11:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on June 27, 2023 (the "Proxy Deadline"), a Shareholder requesting a paper copy of the Information Circular as described above, should ensure such request is received by the Company no later than June 16, 2023. Under Notice-and-Access, Proxy Materials must be available for viewing from the date of posting and for one year following the Meeting. Shareholders may request a paper copy of the Information Circular from the Company at any time during this period. To obtain a paper copy of the Information Circular after the Meeting date, please contact the Company.
Pursuant to Notice-and-Access Provisions, the Company has set the record date for the Meeting to be at least 40 days prior to the Meeting in order to ensure there is sufficient time for the Proxy Materials to be posted on the applicable website and for them to be delivered to Shareholders. The form of Notification in the Company's notice package (i) provides basic information about the Meeting and the matters to be voted on; (ii) explains how Shareholders can obtain a paper copy of the Information Circular and the related Annual Financial Statements and Annual MD&A; (iii) explains the Notice-and-Access Provisions process. The notice package which is being mailed to Shareholders by the Company in each case includes the applicable voting document: the Proxy for Registered Shareholders or a voting information form ("VIF") in the case of Beneficial Shareholders.
The Company will not rely upon the use of 'stratification'. Stratification occurs when a reporting issuer using Notice-and-Access Provisions provides a paper copy of the information circular with the notice to be provided to shareholders as described above. Instead, all Shareholders will receive only the notice package, which must be mailed to them under Notice-and-Access Provisions. All Proxy Materials, which have the information Shareholders require to vote in respect of all resolutions to be voted on at the Meeting, will be posted online. Shareholders will not receive a paper copy of the Information Circular from the Company, or from any intermediary, unless a Shareholder specifically requests one.
The Company will pay intermediaries, including Broadridge Financial Solutions ("Broadridge"), to deliver proxy-related materials to NOBOs (as defined below under Beneficial Shareholders) and the Company will not pay for delivery of proxy-related materials to OBOs (as defined below under Beneficial Shareholders).
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RECORD DATE AND QUORUM
The board of directors (the "Board") has fixed May 10, 2023 as the record date (the "Record Date") for the purpose of determining which Shareholders are entitled to receive the Notice of Meeting and vote at the Meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof. No person acquiring Common Shares after that date shall, in respect of such Common Shares, be entitled to receive the Notice of Meeting and vote at the virtual Meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof.
A quorum for the transaction of business at the Meeting is at least two (2) persons who are, or who represent by proxy, two (2) or more Shareholders who, in the aggregate, hold at least 25% of the issued Common Shares entitled to be voted at the Meeting.
VOTE USING THE FOLLOWING METHODS PRIOR TO THE MEETING
IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED PROXY FROM WITH A VOTER ID and MEETING ACCESS CODE FROM AGM CONNECT |
IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A PROXY OR VIF WITH A 16-DIGIT CONTROL NUMBER FROM AN INTERMEDIARY |
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Voting Method | Registered Shareholders (your securities are held in your name in a physical certificate or DRS statement) |
Non-Registered Shareholders (your shares are held with a broker, bank or other intermediary) |
Non-Registered Shareholders (your shares are held with a broker, bank or other intermediary) |
Internet | Login to https://app.agmconnect.com Using the Meeting Access Code and Voter ID provided to you complete the form to Submit Proxy |
Go to www.proxyvote.com Enter the 16- digit control number printed on the VIF and follow the instructions on screen |
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Complete, sign and date the proxy form and email to: voteproxy@agmconnect.com |
N/A | ||
Telephone | Call1-855-839-3715 to register your vote for the Fury Gold Mines AGSM. |
N/A | |
Enter your voting instructions, sign, date and return the form to AGM Connect in the enclosed envelope | Enter your voting instructions, sign, date and return completed VIF in the enclosed postage paid envelope |
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JOIN THE MEETING VIA THE FOLLOWING METHODS
IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED PROXY FROM WITH A VOTER ID and MEETING ACCESS CODE FROM AGM CONNECT |
IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A PROXY OR VIF WITH A 16-DIGIT CONTROL NUMBER FROM AN INTERMEDIARY |
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Registered Shareholders (your securities are held in your name in a physical certificate or DRS statement) |
Non-Registered Shareholders (your shares are held with a broker, bank or other intermediary) |
Non-Registered Shareholders (your shares are held with a broker, bank or other intermediary) |
|
PRIOR TO THE MEETING |
- | Appoint yourself as proxyholder on your proxy and follow the instructions at www.AGMconnect.com/Fury2023 |
Appoint yourself as proxyholder as instructed herein and on the VIF. |
Following the proxy cut-off date, your appointed proxyholder will be provided with an AGM Connect Voter ID and Meeting Access Code | AFTER submitting your proxy appointment, you MUST contact AGM Connect to obtain a Voter ID and Meeting Access Code at Call1-855-839-3715 or email voteproxy@agmconnect.com |
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JOINING THE VIRTUAL MEETING (at least 15 minutes prior to start of the Meeting) |
Register and login at http://app.agmconnect.com Registered Shareholders or validly appointed Proxyholders will need to provide an email address, AGM Connect Voter ID and the Meeting Access Code |
In order to participate and vote at the Meeting, non-registered Shareholders must appoint themselves as a proxyholder. Non-registered Shareholders who have not duly appointed themselves as proxyholder will be able to attend the Meeting as guests but will not be able to participate or vote at the Meeting. See further information on how non-registered Shareholders can vote at the Meeting under the subheading "How to Vote Your Shares - How to Vote If You Are a Non-Registered Shareholder" below.
Shareholders who wish to appoint a proxyholder to represent them at the online meeting must submit their proxy or voting instruction form (as applicable) prior to registering and must then also register their proxyholder. Registering the proxyholder is an additional step a Shareholder must take following the submission of their proxy or voting instruction form. To register a proxyholder, Shareholders MUST visit www.AGMconnect.com/Fury2023 at least 48 hours before the Meeting which is 11:00 a.m. (Toronto Time) on June 27, 2023 and provide AGM Connect with their proxyholder's contact information so that AGM Connect may provide the proxyholder with a username via email. Failure to register a duly appointed proxyholder will result in the proxyholder not receiving a username to participate in the Meeting.
It is important that you are connected to the internet at all times during the meeting in order to vote when balloting commences. In order to participate online, registered Shareholders must have a valid email address, Voter Id and Meeting Code provided by AGM Connect.
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HOW TO VOTE YOUR SHARES
How to Vote if You Are a Registered Shareholder
You are a registered Shareholder if your name appears on a share certificate representing your Common Shares or if you are registered as the holder of your Common Shares in book-entry form. In either case, your name will be shown on the list of Shareholders kept by AGM Connect, the registrar and transfer agent of the Company. If you are not sure whether you are a registered Shareholder, please contact Computershare using the contact information set forth herein.
If you are a registered Shareholder, you will be able to cast an online vote for each Common Share registered in your name. If you are a registered Shareholder and you do not wish or are unable to attend the Meeting, you can appoint someone who will be entitled to attend the Meeting and act as your proxy to vote in accordance with your instructions. Voting by proxy is the easiest way to vote. Voting by proxy means that you are giving the person or people named on your form of proxy (the "Proxyholder") the authority to vote your Common Shares for you at the Meeting or any adjournment there of. If you are a registered Shareholder, you will receive a form of proxy from AGM Connect with this Circular.
Each of the persons named on the enclosed form of proxy is a director or an officer of Fury Gold. If you are a registered Shareholder entitled to vote at the Meeting, you have the right to appoint a Proxyholder other than either of the persons designated on the form of proxy. A registered Shareholder who wishes to appoint a different Proxyholder may do so by crossing out the names pre-printed on the form of proxy and inserting the name and valid email of the proposed Proxyholder in the blank space provided. Registered Shareholders can also appoint a different Proxyholder electronically after logging in to the AGM Connect voting platform and completing the proxy appointment form. Such other Proxyholder need not be a registered Shareholder.
Regardless of who you appoint as your Proxyholder, you can instruct that Proxyholder how you want to vote, or you can let your Proxyholder decide for you. If you do not give any instructions as to how to vote on a particular issue to be decided at the Meeting, your Proxyholder can vote your Common Shares as he or she thinks fit. If you have appointed the persons designated in the form of proxy as your Proxyholder they will, unless you give contrary instructions, vote FOR each of the resolutions set out in the form of proxy provided by management for the Meeting and for each of the nominees named in this Circular for election as directors of Fury Gold. Further details about these matters are set out in this Circular. The enclosed form of proxy gives the persons named on it the authority to use their discretion in voting on amendments or variations to matters identified on the Notice of Meeting. At the time of printing this Circular, the management of Fury Gold is not aware of any other matter to be presented for action at the Meeting other than those specified in the Notice of Meeting. If, however, other matters do properly come before the Meeting, the Proxyholder will vote on them in accordance with his or her best judgment, pursuant to the discretionary authority conferred by the form of proxy with respect to such matters.
How To Change Your Vote/Revoke Your Proxy if You Are a Registered Shareholder
You can revoke your vote by proxy as follows:
◾ attending the virtual Meeting and voting your Common Shares at the Record Date;
◾ submitting your replacement vote online at least 48 hours before the Meeting (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays);
◾ completing a form of proxy that is dated after the form of proxy previously submitted and ensuring AGMConnect receives it before 11:00a.m. (Toronto time) on June 27, 2023; or
◾ in any other manner permitted by law.
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Your proxy will only be revoked if a revocation is received by 11:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on June 27, 2023 or, if the Meeting is adjourned, at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) before the start of the reconvened Meeting or delivered to the person presiding at the Meeting before it commences. Registered Shareholders who revoke their proxy and do not replace it with another that is deposited with AGMConnect or the Company before the deadline may still vote their Common Shares but to do so they must attend the Meeting.
How to Vote if You Are a Non-Registered Shareholder
You are a non-registered Beneficial Shareholder if your broker or another intermediary (a "Nominee") holds your Common Shares for you. If you are a Beneficial Shareholder, the Company will not have any record of your ownership and so the only way that you can vote your Common Shares is by instructing your Nominee. Your Nominee is required to ask for your voting instructions before the Meeting.
In most cases, you will receive a VIF from your Nominee that allows you to provide your voting instructions by telephone, on the internet, or by mail. You should complete the VIF and sign and return it in accordance with the directions on that form. The majority of intermediaries now delegate responsibility for obtaining instructions from Beneficial Shareholders to Broadridge Financial Services, Inc. ("Broadridge"). Broadridge typically mails a scannable VIF to Beneficial Shareholders and asks them to return the VIF to Broadridge. Alternatively, the Beneficial Shareholder may call a toll-free number or go online to www.proxyvote.com to vote. The Company may utilize the Broadridge QuickVoteTM service to assist Beneficial Shareholders with voting their shares.
Beneficial Shareholders cannot use the VIF provided to vote directly at the Meeting. If you would like to attend and vote at the Meeting, it will be necessary for you to appoint yourself as proxyholder of your Common Shares. You can do this by printing your name in the space provided on the voting instruction form and submitting it as directed. You will also need to contact AGMConnect as an additional step through the methods listed above, and provide your required shareholder information. Beneficial Shareholders who have not appointed themselves as proxyholder but who wish to attend the Meeting will only be able to attend as a guest and will not be able to vote.
How to Change Your Vote if You Are a Non-Registered Holder
A non-registered Shareholder may revoke previous voting instructions by contacting his or her Nominee and complying with any applicable requirements imposed by such Nominee. A Nominee may not be able to revoke voting instructions if it receives insufficient notice of revocation.
VOTES NECESSARY TO PASS RESOLUTIONS
Election of Directors
If the number of nominees for election or appointment is equal to the number of vacancies to be filled, all such nominees will be declared elected by acclamation. If, as a result of nominations received in compliance with the Advance Notice Provisions (see "Advance Notice Provisions" below), there are more nominees for election as directors than there are vacancies to fill, those nominees receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected.
Appointment of Auditor
If an auditor is nominated in addition to Management's nominee (Deloitte LLP) the nominee auditor receiving the greatest number of votes will be appointed.
Approval of Long-term Incentive Plan (LTI PLAN)
The approval of the LTI Plan requires a simple majority of the votes cast in respect of the LTI Plan resolution (see details of "Additional Matter to be Acted Upon).
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INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS OR COMPANIES IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
No director or executive officer of the Company, or any person who has held such a position since the beginning of the last completed financial year end of the Company, nor any nominee for election as a director of the Company, nor any associate or affiliate of the foregoing persons, has any substantial or material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted on at the Meeting other than his or her nomination to be elected a director and potential participation in the LTI Plan if the Incentive Plan Resolution is passed.
PROXYHOLDER MATTERS
Completing the Form of Proxy
You can choose to vote your Common Shares "FOR" or to "WITHHOLD" your Common Shares from voting on the following resolutions:
◾ the election of each person nominated as a director of the Company; and
◾ the appointment of the auditor
You can choose to vote your Common Shares "FOR" or to "AGAINST" your Common Shares from voting on the following resolutions:
◾ the approval of the proposed Long-term Incentive Plan (LTI Plan)
Your Common Shares represented by proxy will be voted or withheld from voting in accordance with your instructions on any ballot that may be called, and if you specify a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the Common Shares will be voted accordingly.
If you are an individual, you, or your authorized attorney must sign the form of proxy. If you are a corporation or other legal entity, an authorized officer or attorney must sign the form of proxy. A form of proxy signed by a person acting as attorney or in some other representative capacity (including a representative of a corporate Shareholder) should indicate that person's capacity (following their signature) and should be accompanied by the appropriate instrument evidencing qualification and authority to act (unless such instrument has previously been filed with Fury Gold).
If you need help completing your proxy form, please contact Computershare at 1-866-732-8683 (toll-free in Canada and the United States).
Shareholders who wish to appoint a proxyholder to represent them at the Meeting must submit their form of proxy or voting instruction form (if applicable) and must then register their proxyholder. Registering a proxyholder is an additional step a Shareholder must take following submission of the Shareholder's form of proxy or voting instruction form.
To register a proxyholder, Shareholders MUST visit https://www.computershare.com/FuryGold at least 48 hours before the meeting and provide Computershare with their proxyholder's contact information so that Computershare may provide the proxyholder with a username via email. Failure to register the proxyholder will result in the proxyholder not receiving a username to participate in the Meeting.
How Proxyholders Will Vote
When you sign the proxy form, you authorize Mr. Tim Clark, CEO, or failing him, Mr. Brian Christie, Chair of the Board, or failing him, Dr. Lynsey Sherry, Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") or your specified Proxyholder to vote your Common Shares for you at the Meeting according to your instructions. If you return your form of proxy and do not provide instructions on how you want to vote your Common Shares, the nominees named in the form of proxy intend to vote your Common Shares:
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◾ FOR electing each of the individuals nominated as a director who are listed in this Circular; and
◾ FOR the appointment of Deloitte LLP as auditor.
◾ FOR adoption of a long-term incentive plan LTI Plan as part of the compensation for members of management and other service providers;
Your Proxyholder will also be entitled to vote your Common Shares as he or she sees fit in respect of amendments to matters identified in the Notice of Meeting and on any other item of business that may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof. At the date of this Circular, the directors and management of the Company are not aware that any such amendments or other matters are expected to be submitted to the Meeting.
Shareholders Can Choose any Person or Company as their Proxyholder
You have the right to appoint a person other than the persons designated in the proxy form to represent you at the Meeting. Such right may be exercised by inserting the name of the person or company in the blank space provided in the enclosed form of proxy or by completing another form of proxy. If you do not specify how you want your Common Shares voted, your Proxyholder will vote your Common Shares as he or she sees fit on any matter that may properly come before the Meeting.
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS IN THE UNITED STATES
The solicitation of proxies involves securities of an issuer located in Canada and is being effected in accordance with the corporate laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, and applicable Canadian securities laws. The proxy solicitation rules under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are not applicable to the Company or this solicitation, and this solicitation has been prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements of Canadian securities laws. Shareholders should be aware that disclosure requirements under Canadian securities laws differ from the disclosure requirements under United States securities laws.
The enforcement by Shareholders of civil liabilities under United States federal securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that the Company is incorporated under the BCBCA, as amended, and by the fact that five (5) of its six (6) directors and all of its executive officers, other than Mr. Clark, are residents of Canada or elsewhere outside the United States; and all of the Company's assets and the assets of such persons are located outside the United States. Shareholders may not be able to sue a foreign company or its officers or directors in a foreign court for violations of United States federal securities laws. It may be difficult to compel a foreign company and its officers and directors to subject themselves to a judgment by a United States court.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares. As of the Record Date, there were 145,547,450 Common Shares issued and outstanding, each carrying the right to one (1) vote. There are no Common Shares held in escrow. No group of Shareholders has the right to elect a specified number of directors nor are there cumulative or similar voting rights attached to the Common Shares. The Company is also authorized to issue an unlimited number of preferred shares. There were no preferred shares issued and outstanding as at the Record Date.
To the knowledge of the directors and executive officers of the Company, as of the Record Date, no person or company beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, securities carrying 10% or more of the voting rights attached to the Company's Common Shares.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, together with the report of the auditor thereon, will be presented at the Meeting and have been filed with the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada. Shareholders may review or download the financial statements via the Internet on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Shareholders will elect the directors of the Company at the Meeting to hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Company. The term of office of each of the current directors will end at the conclusion of the Meeting. Unless the director's office is vacated earlier in accordance with the provisions of the BCBCA, each director elected at the Meeting will hold office until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company, or if no director is then elected, until a successor is elected.
Advance Notice Provisions
The Company's Articles include advance notice provisions (the "Advance Notice Provisions") with respect to the election of directors. The Advance Notice Provisions provide shareholders, directors and management of the Company with a clear framework for nominating directors. Among other things, the Advance Notice Provisions fix a deadline by which holders of Common Shares must submit director nominations to the Company prior to any annual or special meeting of shareholders and sets forth the minimum information that a Shareholder must include in such notice to the Company for the notice to be in proper written form.
As of the date hereof, the Company has not received notice of any additional director nomination in compliance with the Advance Notice Provisions of the Company's Articles. If no nominations are received by the Company in compliance with these provisions prior to the Meeting, any nominations which are not nominations by or at the direction of the Board, or an authorized officer of the Company, will be disregarded at the Meeting.
Number of Directors
Pursuant to the Articles of the Company and the BCBCA, the Board has determined that the number of directors on the Board for the ensuing year shall be six (6) directors.
Under the Articles of the Company, the Board will have the authority to increase the number of directors between annual general meetings by up to 1/3 of the directors elected at the Meeting and may appoint additional directors to fill the new positions. Accordingly, the Board may be increased by one person to seven.
Management Director Nominees
The following tables set forth profiles of the six (6) individuals who are nominated by management for election as directors, including the positions and offices with the Company now held by each nominee, the present principal occupation or employment of each nominee, the business experience over the last five (5) years of each nominee, the period during which each nominee has served as a director, and the number of securities of the Company (including Common Shares and incentive options to purchase Common Shares through stock options ("Options") and share purchase warrants ("Warrants"), if applicable) beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by each nominee as at the date of this Circular. The information as to securities beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by each nominee has been furnished by the respective proposed nominees individually.
The Board has determined that five (5) of the six (6) individuals nominated for election as a director at the Meeting are independent. The non-independent member of the Board is Mr. Tim Clark, who is the CEO of the Company. All of the members of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee and the Audit Committee are independent directors. For more information on the Company's independence standards and assessments, see the section of this Circular entitled "Corporate Governance - Composition of the Board". For information on compensation paid to non-management directors, see the section of this Circular entitled "Statement of Executive Compensation - Director Compensation". In addition, a description of the role of the Board is included in the section of this Circular entitled "Corporate Governance - Mandate of the Board of Directors".
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FORRESTER A. CLARK Non-Independent Director Massachusetts, United States Director since: March 16, 2021 Age: 55 |
Mr. Clark has served as CEO since August 18, 2021 and is a director of the Company. Mr. Clark brings 23 years of global capital markets experience with numerous US, European, and Canadian banks, including Barclays Capital, National Bank Financial, Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, and most recently BMO Capital Markets, where he held the role of Managing Director, Institutional Equity Sales. Over the years, he has developed strong working relationships with Tier 1 institutional investors throughout the United States providing corporate strategy, and peer and financial analysis and insights on corporates within the materials, commodities, and mining sectors. Mr. Clark holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Accounting from Vanderbilt University. Mr. Clark serves as an independent director of Dolly Varden Silver Corporation ("Dolly Varden") on behalf of the Company pursuant to an investor rights agreement entered into between the Company and Dolly Varden. | |
Board Committee Membership | ||
None |
Securities of the Company beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly | |
Common Shares (#) |
Options (#) |
575,000 | 1,600,000 |
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BRIAN CHRISTIE Chair of the Board Ontario, Canada Director since: February 22, 2023 Age: 66 |
Mr. Christie currently serves as the independent Chair of the Board of the Company. Mr. Christie served as the Vice President of Investor Relations at Agnico Eagle Mines Limited ("Agnico Eagle") for over 9 years until June 2022, and is currently retained by Agnico Eagle as a Senior Advisor, Investor Relations. During his tenure at Agnico Eagle, the company was consistently recognized as having one of the top Investor Relations programs across all industries in Canada. From 2016 until 2021 he served as an Independent Director (including 2 years as Board Chair and Compensation Committee Chair) of the Denver Gold Group, a Colorado based not-for-profit association owned by its member gold companies who control most of the world's precious metal output and mineral assets. Before joining Agnico Eagle, he worked for over 17 years in the investment industry, primarily as a precious and base metals mining analyst with Desjardins Securities, National Bank Financial, Canaccord Capital and HSBC Securities. Prior to this, Mr. Christie spent 13 years in the mining industry as a geologist for a variety of mining companies, including Homestake, Billiton, Falconbridge Copper and Newmont Mining. Mr. Christie holds a BSc. in Geology (University of Toronto) and an MSc. in Geology (Queen's University) and is a member of the Canadian Investor Relations Institute (CIRI) and the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI). Mr. Christie currently serves as a director of of Wallbridge Mining Company Limited ("Wallbridge"); Past director of Denver Gold Group; VP, Investor Relations at Agnico Eagle. | |
Board Committee Membership | ||
Technical, Safety and Risk Management Committee (Chair) Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee |
Securities of the Company beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly | |
Common Shares (#) |
Options (#) |
10,000 | 196,000 |
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JEFFREY R. MASON Independent Director British Columbia, Canada Director since: February 7, 2019 Age: 66 |
Mr. Mason currently serves as an independent director and is a CPA and holds an ICD designation. Mr. Mason has extensive experience in the exploration, development, construction, and operation of precious and base metals projects in the Americas, Asia and Africa, including 15 years as a Principal, director and CFO for the Hunter Dickinson Inc. group of public companies. Mr. Mason began his career with Deloitte LLP as a CPA, followed by six (6) years at Barrick Gold Company. Overall, Mr. Mason has served as CEO, CFO, Corporate Secretary, Board Chair and Board director for over 20 public companies listed on the TSX, TSXV, NYSE American and NASDAQ. Mr. Mason currently serves as an independent director of Torq Resources Inc ("Torq"), Tier One Silver Inc ("Tier One"), and Coppernico Resources ("Coppernico"). Mr. Mason is also chair of the board and independent director of Wildpack Beverage Inc ("Wildpack"). Previously, Mr. Mason was the Chair of the Board and interim CEO of Great Panther Mining Limited. | |
Board Committee Membership | ||
Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee (Chair) Audit Committee |
Securities of the Company beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly | |
Common Shares (#) |
Options (#) |
716,161 | 596,000 |
STEVE COOK Independent Director British Columbia, Canada Director since: October 28, 2013 Age: 68 |
Mr. Cook currently serves as an independent director of the Company. Mr. Cook is a former tax partner at the law firm of Thorsteinssons LLP, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Mr. Cook received his B.Comm. and LL.B. degrees from the University of British Columbia and was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1982 and the Ontario Bar in 1992. He retired from the Ontario Bar in 2014. Mr. Cook is a specialist in corporate and international tax planning, offshore structures, representation, and civil and criminal tax litigation. Mr. Cook has served on the board of Brett Resources Ltd. prior to it being acquired by Osisko Mining Corp. and Cayden Resources Inc. prior to it being acquired by Agnico. Mr. Cook currently serves as a director of Torq, Tier One, and Coppernico. | |
Board Committee Membership | ||
Audit Committee (Chair) Indigenous and Community Relations Committee |
Securities of the Company beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly | |
Common Shares (#) |
Options/Warrants (#) |
785,278 | 606,000/30,000 |
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MICHAEL HOFFMAN Independent Director Ontario, Canada Director since: October 9, 2020 Age: 64 |
Mr. Hoffman currently serves as an independent director of the Company. Mr. Hoffman is an experienced mining executive with over 30 years of practice including engineering, mine operations, corporate development, projects, and construction. Mr. Hoffman previously served as a director of Trevali Mining from 2011 to 2019 and acted as Chair from late 2017 to early 2019. Mr. Hoffman also has direct northern Canadian mining experience including operations and projects. Mr. Hoffman is a Mining Engineering graduate from Queen's University and is a Professional Engineer in the province of Ontario. He is also a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors. Mr. Hoffman currently serves as a director of Velocity Minerals Ltd. ("Velocity"), director and chair of 1911 Gold Company ("1911 Gold"), director of Silver X Mining ("Silver X"), and director and chair of NiCAN Ltd ("NiCAN"); director of LiCAN Ltd. ("LiCAN") (private); Past director of Eastmain. Mr. Hoffman will not be standing for re-election at Velocity's next AGM. | |
Board Committee Membership | ||
Technical, Safety and Risk Management Committee Audit Committee Indigenous and Community Relations Committee |
Securities of the Company beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly | |
Common Shares (#) |
Options/Warrants (#) |
224,448 | 501,376/66,667 |
ALISON SAGATEH ("SAGA") WILLIAMS Independent Director Ontario, Canada Director since: October 9, 2020 Age: 50 |
Ms. Williams currently serves as an independent director of the Company. Ms. Williams has worked in Indigenous communities in government and corporate roles in the capacity of legal counsel, negotiations and governance, and as a strategic advisor, for over 20 years. Ms. Williams has been on negotiation teams that have successfully settled over $1 billion in agreements and has worked on Indigenous community engagement and negotiations to support national energy and mining projects. Over the last 25 years, she has also held many non-profit board positions. Ms. Williams is Anishinaabe, a member of Curve Lake First Nation, and is currently an elected official for her community. Ms. Williams has extensive experience in compensation analysis both through her involvement in non-profit boards and as an elected official for a First Nation. Ms. Williams teaches at Osgoode Hall Law School as an Adjunct Professor and supports student led negotiations focusing on consultation, Indigenous rights, and reconciliation. Ms. Williams currently serves as a director of NiCAN. | |
Board Committee Membership | ||
Indigenous and Community Relations Committee (Chair) Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee |
Securities of the Company beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly | |
Common Shares (#) |
Options (#) |
37,800 | 446,000 |
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None of the proposed nominees for election as a director of the Company are proposed for election pursuant to any arrangement or understanding between the nominee and any other person, except the directors and senior officers of the Company acting solely in such capacity.
Cease Trade Orders and Bankruptcy
Except as set out below, within the last 10 years before the date of this Circular, to the knowledge of the Company, no proposed nominee for election as a director of the Company was a director or executive officer of any company (including the Company in respect of which this Circular is prepared) or acted in that capacity for a company that was:
(a) subject to a cease trade or similar order or an order denying the relevant company access to any exemptions under securities legislation, for more than 30 consecutive days;
(b) subject to an event that resulted, after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director or executive officer, in the company being the subject of a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under the securities legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days;
(c) within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt; made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement, or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets; or has become bankrupt; made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors; or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the proposed director;
(d) subject to any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or
(e) subject to any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or a regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable securityholder in deciding whether to vote for a proposed director.
Jeffrey R. Mason was a director from March 2015 to February 2017 of the online shoe retailer Shoes.com Technologies Inc., a private British Columbia company placed into receivership in February 2017. Mr. Mason resigned as interim CFO and director of the Shoes Private Companies in February 2017. Mr. Mason was a director of Red Eagle Mining Company, a TSX-listed company, from January 1, 2010, until his resignation on June 22, 2018. Red Eagle became bankrupt within a year of his departure.
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR
It is proposed that Deloitte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, of 939 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6Z 1L3, the current auditor of the Company, be appointed as auditor of the Company to hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of the Shareholders. The audit committee has recommended to the Board, and the Board has approved, the nomination of Deloitte LLP for such appointment. Deloitte LLP has been the auditor of the Company since 2015. The directors are authorized under the Articles of the Company to set the remuneration of the auditor.
Deloitte LLP is independent with respect to the Company within the meaning of the Code of Professional Conduct of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and within the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
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Audit Committee and Relationship with Auditor
Under National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees ("NI 52-110"), the Company is required to including information regarding its Audit Committee in its annual information form ("AIF"). The AIF is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and contains information concerning the Audit Committee, including the text of the Audit Committee Charter. The Charter of the Audit Committee can also be viewed at https://www.furygoldmines.com/corporate/corporate-governance-1/.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
General
The Board is committed to sound corporate governance practices and believes that such practices are in the interests of Shareholders and help to contribute to effective and efficient decision-making.
Mandate of the Board of Directors
The board guidelines are the Board's formal mandate (the "Board Guidelines") and can be accessed on the Company's website at https://www.furygoldmines.com/corporate/corporate-governance-1/ and are attached herein as Schedule A.
The Board Guidelines mandate the Board to:
(a) assume responsibility for the overall stewardship and development of the Company and the monitoring of its business decisions;
(b) identify the principal risks and opportunities of the Company's business and ensure the implementation of appropriate systems to manage these risks;
(c) oversee ethical management and succession planning, including appointing, training, and monitoring of senior management and directors; and
(d) oversee the integrity of the Company's internal financial controls and management information systems.
Board of Directors and Board Committees
The Board is responsible for corporate governance and establishes the overall policies and standards of the Company. The Board meets on a regularly scheduled basis. In addition to these meetings, the directors are kept informed of the Company's operations through reports and analyses by, and discussions with, management.
The governance policies include written charters for each of the Board committees and include a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the "Code of Ethics"), policies dealing with the issuance of news releases, and also disclosure documents. The Company's Code of Ethics provides a framework for undertaking ethical conduct in employment, and pursuant to the Code of Ethics, the Company will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment in the workplace.
Composition of the Board
Regulatory policies require that a listed issuer's board of directors determine the status of each director as independent or not, based on each director's interest in or other relationship with the Company. Such policies recommend that a board of directors be constituted with a majority of directors who qualify as independent directors (as defined below). A board of directors should also examine its size with a view to determining the impact of the number of directors upon its effectiveness and should implement a system enabling an individual director to engage an outside advisor at the expense of the corporation in appropriate circumstances. The Company has policies that allow for retention of independent advisors by members of the Board when they consider it advisable.
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A director is "independent" if he or she does not have, directly or indirectly, a financial, legal, or other relationship with the Company that would interfere with his or her exercise of independent judgment. Generally speaking, a director is independent if he or she is free from any employment, business, or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be expected to, materially interfere with the exercise of the director's independent judgment.
The Board is proposing six (6) nominees for election to the office of director, all of whom are currently Board members and of whom five (5) are considered independent directors. The independent nominees are Mr. Brian Christie, Mr. Jeffrey R. Mason, Mr. Steve Cook, Mr. Michael Hoffman and Ms. Saga Williams. The non-independent member of the Board is Mr. Tim Clark, who is the CEO of the Company. All members of the Audit Committee and the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee are independent directors.
The Board monitors the activities of senior management through regular meetings and discussions amongst the Board members, and between the Board and senior management. The Board is of the view that the communication between senior management, members of the Board, and Shareholders is open and transparent, with meetings of the independent directors being held after each board meeting. In addition, communication among this group occurs on an ongoing basis and as needs arise from regularly scheduled meetings of the Board or otherwise. The Board also encourages independent directors to bring up and discuss any issues or concerns, and the Board is advised of and addresses any such issues or concerns raised thereby. The Board believes that adequate structures and processes are in place to facilitate the functioning of the Board with a sufficient level of independence from the Company's management. The Board is satisfied with the integrity of the Company's internal control and financial management information systems.
Other Directorships
The directors currently serving on boards of other reporting issuers (or equivalent) are set out below:
Name of Director | Name of Reporting Issuer2 | Exchange |
Tim Clark | Dolly Varden | TSXV, OTCQX |
Brian Christie | Wallbridge | TSX, OTCQX |
Jeffrey R. Mason | Torq Wildpack Tier One Coppernico |
TSXV, OTCQX TSXV, OTCQB TSXV, OTCQB Not exchange listed |
Steve Cook | Torq Tier One Coppernico |
TSXV, OTCQX TSXV, OTCQB Not exchange listed |
Michael Hoffman (1) | 1911 Gold Velocity Silver X NiCAN LiCAN |
TSXV, OTCQB TSXV, OTCQB TSXV, OTCQB TSXV Not exchange listed |
Saga Williams | NiCAN | TSXV |
(1) Mr. Hoffman is retiring from Velocity in the near term. (2) See bios above for full names of the above corporations.
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Committees of the Board
The Board has established four committees. These include an audit committee ("Audit Committee"), an Indigenous and community relations committee ("Indigenous and Community Relations Committee"), a nominating, compensation and governance committee ("Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee"), and a joint Board/management technical, safety and risk management committee ("Technical, Safety and Risk Management Committee"). The Technical, Safety and Risk Management Committee is comprised of two (2) directors, Mr. Michael Hoffman and Mr. Brian Christie.
Audit Committee
Composition of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee has the following members: Mr. Steve Cook (Chair), Mr. Jeffrey R. Mason, and Mr. Michael Hoffman.
The function of the Audit Committee is to: (a) meet with the financial officers of Fury Gold and its independent auditor to review matters affecting financial reporting, the system of internal accounting and financial controls and procedures, and the audit procedures and audit plans; (b) appoint the auditor, subject to Shareholder approval; and (c) review and recommend to the Board for approval Fury Gold's financial statements and certain other documents required by regulatory authorities.
All members of the Audit Committee are independent and financially literate within the meaning of such terms in NI 52-110. None of the members of the Audit Committee was, during the most recently completed fiscal year of the Company, an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
The Company refers the reader to its 2022 AIF, dated March 24, 2023, which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile on www.sedar.com for current information concerning the Audit Committee.
Indigenous and Community Relations Committee
Composition of the Indigenous and Community Relations Committee
The Indigenous and Community Relations Committee has the following independent board members: Ms. Saga Williams (Chair), Mr. Steve Cook, and Mr. Michael Hoffman.
The function of the Indigenous and Community Relations Committee is to provide oversight and direction to the Company in relation to the establishment and cultivation of respectful and positive relationships with Indigenous and local communities and to ensure that management adheres to the set-out values and social expectations. The Indigenous and Community Relations Committee supports management to identify partnerships and create mutually beneficial opportunities to advance the Company's objectives around corporate social responsibility. Further, the Indigenous and Community Relations Committee will assess and make recommendations regarding education opportunities, investments, and community initiatives to the Board pertaining to Indigenous and local affairs and investments. All members of the Indigenous and Community Relations Committee are independent.
Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee
Composition of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee
The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee has the following members: Mr. Jeffrey R. Mason (Chair), Mr. Brian Christie, and Ms. Saga Williams.
The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee follows both the mandate of the Charter of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee Charter, both of which are included in the Company's corporate governance material, which is posted on the Company's website at https://www.furygoldmines.com/corporate/corporate-governance-1/.
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All members of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee are independent in accordance with applicable securities laws. None of the members of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee were, during the most recently completed fiscal year of the Company, an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Nominating and Governance Committee Charter
◾ The functions of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee fall under the Nominating and Governance Committee Charter and are to provide a focus on governance that will enhance the Company's performance, to assess and make recommendations regarding the effectiveness of the Board, and to establish and lead the process for identifying, recruiting, appointing, re-appointing, and providing ongoing development for directors.
◾ The Company has formal procedures for assessing the effectiveness of Board committees as well as the Board as a whole. This function is carried out annually under the direction of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee and those assessments are then provided to the Board.
◾ The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee is responsible for developing and recommending to the Board the Company's approach to corporate governance and assists members of the Board in carrying out their duties. The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee also reviews all new and modified rules and policies applicable to governance of listed corporations to ensure that the Company remains in full compliance with such requirements as are applicable.
◾ In exercising its nominating function, the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee evaluates and recommends to the Board the size of the Board and certain persons as nominees for the position of director of the Company.
Compensation Committee Charter
◾ The function of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee under the Compensation Committee Charter is to consider the terms of employment of the CEO, CFO and other executive officers, and to consider the Company's general compensation policy and its policy for granting awards under Fury Gold's long-term incentive plan.
◾ The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee functions include: the annual review of compensation paid to the Company's executive officers and directors, the review of the performance of the Company's executive officers, and the task of making recommendations on compensation to the Board.
◾ The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee also periodically considers the grant of Options. Options have been granted to the executive officers, directors, and certain other service providers taking into account competitive compensation factors and the belief that Options help align the interests of executive officers, directors, and service providers with the interests of Shareholders.
Technical, Safety and Risk Management Committee
Composition of the Technical, Safety and Risk Management Committee
The Technical, Safety and Risk Management Committee has the following members: Mr. Brian Christie (Chair) and Mr. Michael Hoffman.
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The function of the Technical, Safety and Risk Management Committee is to analyze, consider, and develop recommendations to the Board regarding the technical mission and future direction of the Company over the next one (1) to five (5) years, and to develop an ongoing process for the review and revision of these recommendations. The Technical, Safety and Risk Management Committee may also act on behalf of the Board with respect to analyzing any specific technical decisions and make recommendations to the Board.
Director Evaluations
To supplement Board succession planning and its efforts to ensure Board renewal, the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee carries out an annual assessment of the Board members and the various committees in order to assess the overall effectiveness of the Board.
The evaluation process assists the Board in:
◾ assessing its overall performance and measuring the contributions made by the Board as a whole and by each committee;
◾ evaluating the mechanisms in place for the Board and each committee to operate effectively and make decisions in the best interests of the Company;
◾ improving the overall performance of the Board by assisting individual directors to build on his or her strengths;
◾ identifying gaps in skills and educational opportunities for the Board and individual directors in the coming year; and
◾ developing the Board's succession plan and recruitment efforts.
The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee annually reviews the adequacy of the evaluation process and recommends any changes to the Board for approval. Each director completes certain surveys and provides suggestions for improvement regarding the effectiveness of the Board and each committee of the Board of which each director is a member, including their processes and their relationship with management. This assessment process also assists the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee in determining the financial literacy of each director and topics for continuing education.
Director Term Limits
The Company has not adopted term limits or other mechanisms to force Board renewal. Given the normal process of annual elections of individual directors by the Shareholders and the fact that individual directors also undertake annual director assessments, the Board has determined that term limits or a mandatory retirement is not required. Directors who have served on the Board for an extended period of time are in a unique position to provide valuable insight into the operations and future of the Company based on their experience with the Company's history, performance, and objectives. From time to time, Board renewal is facilitated by introducing new director appointments to the Board with fresh perspectives to facilitate a balance between Board refreshment and continuity.
Representation of Women on the Board and Senior Management
The Company adopted a diversity policy on November 14, 2018, and amended it February 18, 2021 (as so amended, the "Diversity Policy"). The Diversity Policy outlines the Company's commitment to diversity, which includes, but is not limited to, business experience, education, geography, age, gender, ethnicity, and Indigenous background. The Diversity Policy provides, among other things, that the Board should appoint a certain number of women directors to the Board to encourage a diversity of experience and backgrounds in Board members. Diversity promotes the inclusion of different perspectives and ideas, mitigates against group think, and ensures that the Company has the opportunity to benefit from all available talent. The Board believes that the promotion of a diverse Board makes prudent business sense and promotes better corporate governance.
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Annually, the Company's Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee conducts a review of the Diversity Policy and reports to the Board on its effectiveness in promoting a diverse board of directors, which includes an appropriate number of women directors. In connection with such review, the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee recommends to the Board any changes that it thinks appropriate. The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing the Company's public disclosure with respect to diversity.
In furtherance of gender diversity, the Company has set a target of doubling to two (2) Board members who are women. Currently, the Board has one (1) Indigenous, female director, Saga Williams, representing 16% of the Board comprised of six (6) Directors, and who was appointed to the board in October 2020.
The Company is currently actively engaged in a search for a second female Board appointee and expects to appoint a female candidate to the Board by the end of fiscal year 2023.
In considering potential candidates for executive appointments, Fury Gold identifies talent available internally and externally, and the core competencies and characteristics that are desired for promotion to higher levels within the organization. The Board does not set specific gender representation targets when identifying and considering candidates for executive positions, although diversity, including, but not limited to, gender, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities, is considered in identifying the group of top talent candidates. On October 15, 2020, the Board appointed Dr. Lynsey Sherry as CFO of the Company, effective November 9, 2020, and who represents 33% of the Company's current executive officers.
Position Descriptions
The Board has adopted written Board guidelines that set out limits to management's responsibilities. In the management of the Company, any responsibility which is not delegated to senior management or to a Board committee remains with the full Board. The Board has also adopted written position descriptions for the Chair of each Board committee, the CEO, and the CFO.
The Company's Chair, Mr. Brian Christie has the authority to call meetings of the independent Directors. He serves as the principal liaison between the executive management team and the independent Directors.
Director Meeting Attendance Record
The following table sets forth the record of attendance of each Board member to the Board and Committee meetings during the year ended December 31, 2022, during the year which they served as directors of the Company:
Director | Board of Directors |
Board Committee | |||
Audit | Indigenous and Community Relations |
Nominating, Compensation and Governance |
Technical, Safety and Risk Management |
||
Current Directors | |||||
Tim Clark | 5/5 | - | - | - | - |
Jeffrey R. Mason (1) | 5/5 | 4/4 | - | 4/4 | - |
Steve Cook (2) | 5/5 | 4/4 | 3/3 | - | 3/3 |
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Director | Board of Directors |
Board Committee | |||
Audit | Indigenous and Community Relations |
Nominating, Compensation and Governance |
Technical, Safety and Risk Management |
||
Michael Hoffman (2) | 5/5 | 4/4 | 3/3 | 4/4 | 3/3 |
Saga Williams | 5/5 | - | 3/3 | 4/4 | - |
Brian Christie (1)(2) | - | - | - | - | - |
Former Director | |||||
Ivan Bebek(3) | 3/3 | - | 1/1 | - | - |
(1) Mr. Christie was appointed to the Board on February 22,2023 and elected Chair on May 15, 2023, replacing Mr Mason.
(2) Effective March 15, 2023, Mr. Christie was appointed to the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee, replacing Mr. Hoffman; Mr Christie was also appointed to the Technical, Safety and Risk Committee, replacing Mr. Cook.
(3) Mr. Bebek retired from the Board on June 29, 2022.
Orientation and Continuing Education
The Board and the Company's senior management conducts orientation programs for new directors as soon as possible after their appointment on election as directors. The orientation programs include presentations by management to familiarize new directors with the Company's projects and strategic plans, its significant financial, accounting, and risk management issues, its compliance programs, its Code of Ethics, its principal officers, its internal and independent auditors, and its outside legal advisors. In addition, the orientation programs include a review of the Company's expectations of its directors in terms of time and effort, a review of the directors' fiduciary duties, and, where applicable, visits to Company headquarters and, to the extent practical, the Company's significant facilities.
To enable each director to better perform his or her duties and to recognize and deal appropriately with issues that arise, the Company will provide the directors with appropriate education programs and/or suggestions to undertake continuing director education, the cost of which will be borne by the Company.
Ethical Business Conduct
The Board has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics (the "Code of Ethics"), a copy of which is available on the Company's website at https://www.furygoldmines.com/corporate/corporate-governance-1/. It is the Board's responsibility to oversee compliance with the Code of Ethics. The Board has implemented an annual procedure whereby directors, officers, and employees of the Company sign off on and certify that they have read and understand the Code of Ethics and that they are unaware of any violation thereof. Any change in or waiver of any provision of the Code of Ethics shall require approval of the applicable Board committee and shall be publicly disclosed in the time period and manner as required by law or regulation.
The Board also believes that the fiduciary duties placed on individual directors by the Company's governing corporate policies and the common law, and the restrictions placed by applicable corporate legislation on an individual directors' participation in decisions of the Board in which the director has an interest, have been sufficient to ensure the Board operates independently of management and in the best interests of the Company.
Nomination of Directors
The Board considers its size each year when it considers the number of directors to recommend to Shareholders for election at the annual general meeting, taking into account the number required to carry out the Board's duties effectively and to maintain a diversity of views and experience. See "Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee" above.
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Assessments
The Board monitors the adequacy of information given to directors, communication between the Board and management, and the strategic direction and processes of the Board and its committees. The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee oversees an annual formal assessment of the Board and its four (4) main committees namely the Audit Committee, the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee, Indigenous and Community Relations Committee, and the Technical, Safety and Risk Management Committee. The Board completed self-assessments of their performance during the most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. The Board members are satisfied with the overall mineral projects and corporate achievements of the Company while acknowledging the unsatisfactory share performance.
Majority Voting Policy
The Board believes that each of its members should carry the confidence and support of its Shareholders. To this end, on April 12, 2017, the Board adopted a majority voting policy for the election of directors (the "Majority Voting Policy"). The Majority Voting Policy provides that if a nominee for election as director receives a greater number of "withheld" votes than "for" votes, that nominee will tender a resignation to the Chair of the Board following the meeting of Shareholders at which the director is elected. The Board will consider the offer of resignation and announce its decision on whether to accept it in a press release within 90 days following the Shareholder meeting.
In its deliberations, the Board will consider all factors it deems relevant including any stated reasons why Shareholders "withheld" votes from the election of that director; the length of service and the qualifications of the director; the director's contributions to the Company; the effect such resignation may have on the Company's ability to comply with any applicable governance rules and policies and the dynamics of the Board; and whether the resignation would be in the best interests of the Company. The Board will be expected to accept the resignation except in situations where extenuating circumstances would warrant the director to continue to serve.
This Majority Voting Policy only applies in circumstances involving an uncontested election of directors, being those where the number of director nominees is the same as the number of directors to be elected to the Board. This Majority Voting Policy is now part of the governance policies on the Company's website at https://www.furygoldmines.com/corporate/corporate-governance-1/.
Corporate Disclosure Policy
Fury Gold adheres to a comprehensive disclosure, confidentiality, and insider trading policy, adopted on June 11, 2018, and amended on January 12, 2021, March 8, 2022 and May 10, 2023 (the "Disclosure Policy"), that governs communication and information management by Company personnel. The Disclosure Policy sets out specific procedures for reviewing and approving the dissemination of company information to the public. The Company has a management disclosure committee that is responsible for the administration of this policy and its compliance with legal statutes, policies, and procedures regarding disclosure of Company information.
The Disclosure Policy includes, but is not limited to, the following basic elements:
◾ Confidentiality: In carrying out the Company's business activities, employees, officers, and directors often learn confidential or proprietary information about the Company, suppliers, or joint venture parties. Confidentiality of such information must be respected except when disclosure is authorized or legally mandated. Confidential or proprietary information includes any non-public information that would be harmful to the Company, useful or helpful to competitors if disclosed, or would provide unfair advantage within the capital markets.
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◾ Securities Law and Insider Trading: Fury Gold complies with all applicable securities laws and regulations to ensure that material non-public information ("Inside Information") is disclosed using proper authority and in accordance with the law. Only those personnel who have a need to know receive Inside Information before it is released to the public. Company insiders must not use Inside Information for personal profit and must not take advantage of Inside Information by trading or providing Inside Information to others to trade in the securities of the Company.
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Named Executive Officers
In this section "Named Executive Officer" or "NEO" means the CEO as at December 31, 2022, the CFO as at December 31, 2022, each individual who served as CEO or CFO of the Company during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and each of the three (3) most highly compensated executive officers, other than the CEO and CFO, who were serving as executive officers at the end of the most recently completed fiscal year and whose total compensation in 2022 exceeded $150,000, and any other individuals for whom disclosure would have been provided except that the individual was not serving as an officer of the Company at the end of the most recently completed fiscal year.
Current Officers
The current officers of the Company are: Mr. Tim Clark, CEO, Dr Lynsey Sherry, CFO, Mr. Bryan Atkinson, Senior Vice President, Exploration ("SVP, Exploration").
Former Officers
Mr. Michael Henrichsen resigned as the Company's Chief Geological Officer ("CGO") on May 15, 2023, and is currently engaged as a geological consultant to the Company. The Company has not determined to either appoint another person to the CGO office or if it will continue to use such title at all. Under the terms of his advisory agreement he remains an eligible service provider to the Company in connection with his participation in the 2017 Option Plan and the proposed LTI Plan, if adopted.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The Board assumes responsibility for reviewing and monitoring the long-range compensation strategy for the senior management of the Company although the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee advises and guides the Board in this role. The Company's Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee receives and reviews independent competitive market information on compensation levels for executives as well as their performance.
The Board assesses the Company's compensation plans and programs for its executive officers to ensure alignment with the Company's business plan and to evaluate the potential risks associated with those plans and programs. The Board has concluded that the compensation policies and practices do not create any risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Board considers the risks associated with executive compensation and corporate incentive plans when designing and reviewing such plans and programs.
Philosophy and Objectives
The Company's senior management compensation program is designed to ensure that the level and form of compensation achieves certain objectives including:
(a) attracting and retaining talented, qualified, and effective executives;
(b) motivating the short-term and long-term performance of these executives; and
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(c) aligning their interests with those of the Company's Shareholders.
In compensating its senior management, the Company employs a combination of base salary, bonus compensation, and equity participation through its Option Plan.
Base Salary
In the Board's view, paying base salaries or fees competitive in the markets in which the Company operates is a first step in attracting and retaining talented, qualified, and effective executives. Competitive salary information on comparable companies within the industry is compiled from a variety of sources including surveys conducted by independent consultants and national and international publications. Comparable companies include, but are not limited to: Falco Resources Ltd; Galway Metals Inc; Integra Resources Corp.; International Tower Hill Mines Ltd.; Amex Exploration Inc.; O3 Mining Inc; Northern Superior Resoures Inc.; Maple Gold Mines Ltd; Cartier Resources Inc.; Bonterra Resources Inc.; Mayfair Gold Corp.; Westhaven Gold Corp.; Signal Gold Inc.; Nighthawk Gold Corp.; and Treasury Metals Inc. The Company's peer group was determined by identifying other mining issuers listed on both the TSX and the NYSE American with comparable market capitalizations and businesses.
Bonus Incentive Compensation
The Company's objective in implementing bonus incentive compensation is to achieve certain strategic objectives and milestones by motivating the short-term and long-term performance of its senior management. The Board will consider executive bonus compensation dependent upon the Company meeting those strategic objectives and milestones and sufficient cash resources being available for the granting of bonuses. The Board approves executive bonus compensation based on recommendations of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee. Amounts recommended by the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee and approval by the Board are entirely at their discretion based on performance assessments.
Equity Participation
The Company believes that encouraging its executives and employees to become Shareholders is the best way of aligning their interests with those of its Shareholders. Equity participation is accomplished through the Company's Option Plan. Options to purchase Common Shares in the Company are granted to executives and employees taking into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, the number and term of Options previously granted, base salary and bonuses, and competitive factors. The number and terms of Option grants are reviewed and recommended by the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee and determined by the sole discretion of the Board.
Given the evolving nature of the Company's business as a mineral exploration company, the Board periodically reviews and as necessary redesigns the overall compensation plan for senior management to continue to address the objectives identified above.
Option-based Awards
The Company's current Option Plan was adopted by the Board and approved by Shareholders on October 5, 2020, and provides incentive to directors, management, employees, and certain other service providers of the Company to acquire an equity interest in the Company. Thus, it encourages the alignment of interests of management with Shareholders and fosters management's continued association with the Company.
The only long-term or equity incentives which the Company uses are Options pursuant to the Option Plan. The Board and/or the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee authorizes the grant of Options to directors, management, employees, and service providers, and Options are generally granted annually, as well as at other times of the year, to individuals who are commencing employment with the Company. Option exercise prices are set in accordance with TSX rules and are based on the five-day volume weighted average price prior to the date of grant. Options are granted taking into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, the number and term of Options previously granted, base salary and bonuses, and competitive factors. Options vest on terms established by and recommended by the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee to the Board. See disclosure under "Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans" for material terms of the Option Plan.
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See the heading "Additional Matter to Acted Upon" for information about the Company's proposal to adopt a new Long-term Incentive Plan (LTI Plan)
General
The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee considered the implications of the risks associated with the Company's compensation policies and practices and concluded that, given the nature of the Company's business and the role of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee in overseeing the Company's executive compensation practices, the compensation policies and practices do not serve to encourage any NEO or individual at a principal business unit or division to take inappropriate or excessive risks, and no risks were identified arising from the Company's compensation policies and practices that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
There is a restriction on NEOs or directors regarding the purchase of financial instruments including prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, or units of exchange funds that are designed to hedge or offset a decrease in market value of equity securities granted as compensation or held, directly or indirectly, by the NEO or director. For the year ended December 31, 2022, no NEO or director, directly or indirectly, employed a strategy to hedge or offset a decrease in market value of the Company's equity securities granted as compensation or held.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative Shareholder return on an investment of $100 in the Common Shares of the Company for the past five (5) years on the TSX and TSXV with a cumulative total Shareholder return on the S&P/TSX Composite Index.
The NEO compensation for the fiscal year 2023 is expected to remain comparable with 2022.
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Summary Compensation Table
The compensation earned by the NEOs during the Company's most recently completed fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, is set out below. There were no long-term incentive plans or pension value payments paid to NEOs during these periods.
It should be noted that the annual incentive plan amounts are typically paid in the year subsequent to the year of evaluation by the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee and as approved by the Board, accordingly the Company reports annual incentive plan payments in the year it was earned by the NEO.
Name and principal position |
Year |
Salary |
Option-based awards (5) |
Non-equity incentive plan compensation |
Total compensation |
($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ||
Current Officers | |||||
Tim Clark, CEO (1) | 2022 | 378,000 | Nil | 290,250 | 668,250 |
2021 | 138,532 | 551,273 | 44,800 | 734,605 | |
2020 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
Lynsey Sherry(2) CFO |
2022 | 250,000 | 143,500 | 87,500 | 481,000 |
2021 | 250,000 | Nil | 87,500 | 337,500 | |
2020 | 35,266 | 261,250 | 10,000 | 306,516 | |
Michael Henrichsen CGO (3) |
2022 | 92,600 | 143,500 | 25,200 | 261,300 |
2021 | 200,000 | Nil | 70,000 | 270,000 | |
2020 | 225,834 | 313,500 | 63,333 | 602,667 | |
Bryan Atkinson(4) SVP, Exploration |
2022 | 208,000 | 123,000 | 75,250 | 406,250 |
2021 | 175,000 | Nil | 61,250 | 236,250 | |
2020 | 37,220 | 156,750 | 20,000 | 213,970 |
(1) Mr. Tim Clark's non-equity incentive plan compensation is payable in US dollars. A foreign exchange rate of 1.35 was used to calculate the CAD equivalent which was included in the table above.
(2) Dr. Sherry was appointed CFO of the Company effective November 9, 2020. Subsequently, Dr Sherry was also appointed Corporate Secretary on September 3, 2021. Dr Sherry resigned as Corporate Secretary, effective March 1, 2023.
(3) Mr. Henrichsen resigned as CGO, effective May 15, 2023, and is currently engaged as a geological advisor to the Company.
(4) Mr. Atkinson has served as SVP, Exploration since March 9, 2022, prior to which Mr. Atkinson was VP, Project Development of the Company since October 9, 2020. Mr. Atkinson was previously employed by a shared service provider described elsewhere herein, Universal Mineral Services Ltd., in a non-executive functional role, the compensation disclosure in the above table includes compensation from the date of hire of Mr. Atkinson by the Company in an executive role.
(5) The values in this column represent the fair value of share options granted on the date of grant. The fair value of the share options granted in 2022 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted assumptions: risk-free interest rate: 2.20%; expected dividend yield: Nil; stock price volatility: 66.6%; and expected life in years: 5.0.
Incentive Plan Awards
Outstanding Share-based Awards and Option-based Awards
No share-based awards have been granted to any of the NEOs of the Company. The following table sets out all option-based awards outstanding as at December 31, 2022, for each NEO:
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Option-based Awards | ||||
Name | Number of securities underlying unexercised Options (#) |
Option exercise price ($) |
Option expiration date (D/M/Y) |
Value of unexercised in- the-money Options(1) ($) |
Current Officers | ||||
Tim Clark | 870,000 | 0.93 | 26-Aug-26 | Nil |
130,000 | 1.53 | 02-Apr-26 | Nil | |
Lynsey Sherry | 157,500 | 1.00 | 22-Apr-27 | Nil |
157,500 | 1.00 | 24-Jan-27 | Nil | |
250,000 | 2.05 | 20-Oct-25 | Nil | |
Michael Henrichsen (a former officer and current advisor) |
157,500 | 1.00 | 22-Apr-27 | Nil |
157,500 | 1.00 | 24-Jan-27 | Nil | |
300,000 | 2.05 | 20-Oct-25 | Nil | |
Bryan Atkinson |
135,000 | 1.00 | 22-Apr-27 | Nil |
135,000 | 1.00 | 24-Jan-27 | Nil | |
150,000 | 2.05 | 20-Oct-25 | Nil |
(1) Based on the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 30, 2022 of $0.58.
Incentive Plan Awards - Value Vested or Earned During the Year
The following table sets out the value vested or earned under incentive plans during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, for each NEO:
Name | Option-based awards - Value vested during the year ($) |
Non-equity incentive plan compensation - Value earned during the year ($) |
Officers | ||
Tim Clark (1) | Nil | 290,250 |
Lynsey Sherry | Nil | 87,500 |
Michael Henrichsen2 | Nil | 25,200 |
Bryan Atkinson | Nil | 75,250 |
(1) Mr Tim Clark's non-equity incentive plan compensation is payable in US dollars. A foreign exchange rate of 1.35 was used to calculate the CAD equivalent which was included in the table above.
(2) Mr Henrichsen was an officer as of December 31, 2022 but has since resigned and serves as an advisor to the Company
See "Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans" for further information on the Company's Share Option Plan.
Pension Plan
The Company has no pension plans for its directors, officers, or employees.
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Termination and Change of Control Benefits
Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Section "Termination and Change of Control Benefits" shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in each of the respective employment agreements noted below.
Each of Tim Clark, Lynsey Sherry, and Bryan Atkinson (each an "Executive") has an Executive Employment Agreement whereby, in the event the Company experiences a change of control, such NEO shall have a special right to resign for good reason at any time within 24 months after a Change in Control as defined in the relevant employment agreement of the Company. An NEO sending notice of resignation under this section must provide one month's notice of such resignation.
In the event the NEO is terminated without just cause or resignation for good reason after change in control, within 24 months after a Change in Control, the Company shall provide the NEO with the following, with all cash compensation payable within five business days of the NEO's last day of employment (the "Termination Date"):
Name | |
Salary and Bonus (less required statutory deductions) |
Annual salary and vacation pay earned to Termination Date; and the aggregate of: i) 2 years of Annual Compensation(1); and (ii) a bonus for the year prorated to Termination Date, with personal or functional performance prorated to the assessed at not less than target. |
Benefits (excluding Disability Insurance) |
Continuation of benefits, at cost of Company until the earlier of 24 months from the Termination Date or the NEO obtaining comparable benefits through other employment |
Disability Insurance |
Amount equal to 24 months of NEO's then prevailing premiums |
Options | Unvested Options vest immediately; exercisable until earlier of normal expiry date or 1 year after Termination Date |
Placement Services | Maximum of $5,000 |
(1) "Annual Compensation" means the sum of: (a) the greater of (i) the base salary of the Executive, paid or payable by the Company, calculated as at the end of the month immediately preceding the month in which insolvency or a Change of Control occurs, and (ii) the annual base salary of the Executive, paid or payable by the Company, calculated as at the end of the month immediately preceding the month in which the Date of Termination occurs; and (b) an amount equal to the greater of: (i) the average of the annual bonus paid to the Executive for the previous three years, if any, or such lesser number of years that the Executive has been employed by the Company and (ii) 100% of the Executive's earned annual performance bonus for the current fiscal year of the Company.
(2) If no such amount for the year in which termination occurs has been established as at the Termination Date, the amount paid as an incentive bonus for the immediately preceding year shall be used.
In the event the triggering event took place on the last business day of the Company's most recently completed fiscal year, the following gross payments would have become payable:
Name | Gross termination and change of control benefit ($) |
Tim Clark | 1,344,000 |
Lynsey Sherry | 680,000 |
Bryan Atkinson | 585,500 |
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Director Compensation
Compensation during the most recently completed fiscal year ended December 31, 2022:
Name(1) |
Fees earned |
Option- based awards (5) |
Non-equity incentive plan compensation |
Other Compensation (4) |
Total |
($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | |
Current Directors | |||||
Jeffrey R. Mason | 54,000 | 123,000 | Nil | Nil | 177,000 |
Steve Cook | 42,000 | 145,800 | Nil | 12,500 | 200,300 |
Michael Hoffman | 45,625 | 72,900 | Nil | Nil | 118,525 |
Saga Williams | 39,000 | 72,900 | Nil | Nil | 111,900 |
Brian Christie (2) | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Former Director | |||||
Ivan Bebek (3) | 39,000 | 182,200 | Nil | Nil | 221,200 |
(1) Mr. Clark is a current director and received compensation in 2022 for his service as an officer of the Company. See "Statement of Executive Compensation".
(2) Mr. Christie was appointed to the Board effective February 22, 2023 and elected Chair on May 15, 2023.
(3) Mr. Bebek retired from the Board, effective June 29, 2022, and consults to the Company. Mr. Bebek did not receive any cash fees in respect of his advisory role for the year ended December 31, 2022.
(4) Mr. Cook received certain fees paid in respect of his additional duties as managing director of Universal Mineral Services Ltd, the shared service provider in which the Company holds a 25% equity interest.
(5) The values in this column represent the fair value of share options granted on the date of grant. The fair value of the share options granted in 2022 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted assumptions: risk-free interest rate: 2.20%; expected dividend yield: Nil; stock price volatility: 66.6%; and expected life in years: 5.0.
Incentive Plan Awards - Value Vested or Earned During the Year
The following table sets out the value vested or earned under incentive plans during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, for each director, excluding a director who serves as an executive officer:
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Name | Option-based awards - Value vested during the year ($) |
Non-equity incentive plan compensation - Value earned during the year ($) |
Current Directors | ||
Jeffrey R. Mason | Nil | Nil |
Steve Cook | Nil | Nil |
Michael Hoffman | Nil | Nil |
Saga Williams | Nil | Nil |
Brian Christie | Nil | Nil |
Former Director | ||
Ivan Bebek (1) | Nil | Nil |
(1) Mr. Bebek retired from the Board, effective June 29, 2022, and consults to the Company. Mr. Bebek did not receive any cash fees in respect of his advisory role for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Outstanding Option-based Awards
The following table sets out all option-based awards outstanding as of December 31, 2022, for each director who was not an executive officer of the Company:
Option-based Awards | ||||
Name | Number of securities underlying unexercised Options (#) |
Option exercise price ($) |
Option expiration date (D/M/Y) |
Value of unexercised in-the- money Options(1) ($) |
Current Directors | ||||
Jeffrey R. Mason | 135,000 | 1.00 | 22-Apr-27 | Nil |
135,000 | 1.00 | 24-Jan-27 | Nil | |
130,000 | 2.05 | 20-Oct-25 | Nil | |
Steve Cook | 160,000 | 1.00 | 22-Apr-27 | Nil |
160,000 | 1.00 | 24-Jan-27 | Nil | |
130,000 | 2.05 | 20-Oct-25 | Nil | |
Michael Hoffman | 80,000 | 1.00 | 22-Apr-27 | Nil |
80,000 | 1.00 | 24-Jan-27 | Nil | |
130,000 | 2.05 | 20-Oct-25 | Nil | |
35,006 | 0.86 | 23-Jan-25 | Nil | |
11,669 | 1.54 | 18-Sep-23 | Nil | |
Saga Williams | 80,000 | 1.00 | 22-Apr-27 | Nil |
80,000 | 1.00 | 24-Jan-27 | Nil | |
130,000 | 2.05 | 20-Oct-25 | Nil | |
Brian Christie (2) | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
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Option-based Awards | ||||
Name | Number of securities underlying unexercised Options (#) |
Option exercise price ($) |
Option expiration date (D/M/Y) |
Value of unexercised in-the- money Options(1) ($) |
Former Director | ||||
Ivan Bebek (3) | 200,000 | 1.00 | 22-Apr-27 | Nil |
200,000 | 1.00 | 24-Jan-27 | Nil | |
300,000 | 2.05 | 20-Oct-25 | Nil | |
135,125 | 1.96 | 09-Apr-24 | Nil |
(1) Based on the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 31, 2022 of $0.58.
(2) Mr. Christie was appointed to the Board effective February 22, 2023.
(3) Mr. Bebek retired from the Board, effective June 29, 2022, and consults to the Company. Mr. Bebek did not receive any cash fees in respect of his advisory role for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Current Equity Compensation Plan
The Company currently has only one equity compensation plan, its 2017 Incentive Option Plan ("2017 Plan"), which is a rolling plan pursuant to which Options totalling a maximum of 10% of the Common Shares issued and outstanding from time to time are available for grant. TSX policies require approval of such rolling stock option plans every three (3) years by the Shareholders and the 2017 Plan was last re-approved on 2020. The Board is requesting that in lieu of extending the 2017 Plan for a further three years, that shareholders consider, and if thought fit, pass a resolution to adopt the new LTI Plan described under the heading "Additional Matter to be Acted Upon".
Options Available under 2017 Plan (Until October 5, 2023 or approval of the LTI Plan)
The 2017 Plan (last approved by shareholders on October 5, 2020) is a rolling plan therefore the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company increases, the number of Options available for granting to eligible Canadian resident optionees ("Canadian Optionees") optionees and US resident optionees ("US Optionees") also increases. As at the date hereof, there are Options outstanding to purchase an aggregate of 10,760,238 Common Shares, (representing approximately 7.4% of the 145,547,450 Common Shares outstanding). There are also Eastmain Replacement Options arising out of the 2020 merger with Eastmain Resources Inc. to purchase an aggregate of 928,019 Common Shares (.06% of issued Common Shares), and which are excluded from the total options available under the 2017 Plan as was expressly disclosed to shareholders in the September 3, 2020 management information circular filed on www.seadr.com on September 8, 2020. .
There are currently a further 3,794,507 Common Shares (2.6% of issued Common Shares) available for grant of Options pursuant to the Option Plan. For purposes of the United States Internal Revenue Code, ("IRC"), US taxpayer optionees will not receive favourable tax treatment for stock options unless the aggregate number of stock options available for grant to US taxpayers is fixed in the relevant plan. Accordingly this number was fixed in the 2017 Plan at 2,000,000 but will be increased to 3,000,000 in the proposed LTI Plan. .As of the date hereof, there were 1,733,445 Options granted to US optionees which are intended to qualify as "incentive stock options" (as defined by IRC, all of which are included in above the total options of 10,760,238). There remain a further 266,555 Common Shares available for grant of Incentive Stock Options to US Optionees within the 2,000,000 maximum available pursuant to the Option Plan. If these options expire unexercised they will be available for grant to eligible persons who are not US taxpayers and if the LTI Plan is adopted, none of the available incentive stock options will be issued.
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The following table sets out equity compensation plan information as at the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022:
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding Options, (percentage of outstanding Common Shares)(1) |
Weighted- average exercise price of outstanding Options ($) |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (percentage of outstanding Common Shares) |
|
Plan Category | (a) | (b) | (c) |
2017 Option Plan (the only Equity compensation plans approved by securityholders | 7,942,581 (6.4%) | 1.41 | 6,004,514 (4.3%) |
Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Eastmain Replacement Options (2) | 937,743 (.06%) | 1.73 | nil |
Total | 8,880,3242,3(7.0%) | 1.44 | 6,004,514 (4.3%) |
Notes:
(1) Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding Options includes 937,743 Eastmain share Options which are excluded from the total reserved options with the TSX.
(2) These options are the remaining legacy options issued as part of the shareholder approved merger consideration to acquire Eastmain Resources Inc.in October, 2020. Of these options, 875,510 will be cancelled in the near term as the optionees are no longer employed by the Company.
(3) As of the date hereof this figure has increased to 10,760,238 or 7.4% of the currently issued Shares.
Equity Burn Rate
The following table sets out the annual burn rate (1) for the Option Plan, which is the Company's only equity compensation plan:
Fiscal year ended December 31 | |||
2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
Option Plan | 2.5% | 1.2%2) | 5.2%(2) |
Note:
(1) The annual burn rate is calculated as the number of securities granted under the arrangement during the applicable fiscal year divided by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares for the applicable fiscal year.
(2) These figures are corrected from previously disclosed burn rates of 0.19 (2021) and 0.73 (2020)
Indebtedness of Directors and Executive Officers
No directors, proposed nominees for election as directors, executive officers or their respective associates or affiliates, or other management of the Company were indebted to the Company as of the most recently completed fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, or as at the date hereof.
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Interest of Informed Persons in Material Transactions
To the knowledge of management of the Company, no informed person of the Company (a director, officer or holder of 10% or more of the Common Shares) or proposed director of the Company, or any associate or affiliate of any informed person or proposed director, had any interest in any transaction since the commencement of the Company's most recently completed fiscal year or in any proposed transaction which has materially affected or would materially affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries except for the proposed adoption of the: LTI Plan (in which they would participate on the same basis as all other eligible service providers).
Management Contracts and Universal Mineral Services Ltd
There are no management functions of the Company which are to any substantial degree performed by a person or company other than the directors or executive officers of the Company. As disclosed in the Company's 2022 Annual information Form filed at www.sedar.com on March 24, 2023, it shares some administrative personnel services under a Shared Services Agreement with Universal Mineral Services Ltd. but these services are in support of the management personnel disclosed herein and not in lieu of them.
The Company owns a 25% share interest in UMS which it acquired for nominal consideration. The remaining 75% of UMS is owned equally by three other junior resource issuers, namely Tier One Silver Inc, Coppernico Metals Inc, and Torq Resources Inc. who share a head office location in Vancouver, BC. Previously, UMS provides geological, financial, and transactional advisory services as well as administrative services to the Company on an ongoing, full cost recovery basis. Management believes that having these services available through UMS, on a shared and as-needed basis, allows the Company to maintain a more efficient and cost-effective corporate overhead structure by hiring fewer full-time employees and engaging outside professional advisory firms less frequently. The agreement has an indefinite term and can be terminated by either party upon providing 180 days' notice although the Company will, in the event of termination of the shared services arrangements, remain liable for its share of the UMS premises lease unless and until a replacement subtenant is found. Under the shared services agreement, the Company's CFO, SVP, Exploration, and CGO terminated their direct employment status with the Company, became employed by UMS and then entered into secondment employment arrangements between the Company and UMS. As indirect service providers to the Company, employees of UMS are eligible for participation in the Company's current option plan and in the option portion (only) of the proposed LTI Plan.
ADDITIONAL MATTER TO BE ACTED UPON
Proposed Long-Term Equity Based Incentive Plan ("LTI Plan")
Background
The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee reviewed the Company's approach to long-term equity incentives and determined that the 2017 Option Plan was too narrowly focussed on one type of incentive only, namely, stock options. The Committee concluded that an equity incentive plan which provided more alternatives for deferred and conditional compensation tied to equity would allow for more effective management of equity-based incentive compensation. As well, the Committee was of the view that providing a 25% contribution towards the purchase of shares by participants in the LTI Plan was in the Company's best interests. Accordingly, the Committee recommended to the Board that the shareholders be requested to consider and if thought fit, adopt the proposed LTI Plan which is described below.
The LTI Plan is limited to equity based compensation which together with all previous and still outstanding awards under the 2017 Plan is limited to 10% of the Company's issued common shares on a rolling basis. As of the date of this Information Circular there are 145,547,450 Common Shares outstanding meaning equity based awards based on the appreciation of an aggregate of 14,554,745 Common Shares would be permitted. Of this figure, 10,760,238 options have been granted under the 2017 Plan (7.4% of issued Common Shares as of the date hereof) which will remain outstanding until they are exercised, or otherwise expire or terminate, leaving 3,794,507 Common Shares (2.6% of issued Common Shares) which would be available for equity based awards under the new LTI Plan, if it is adopted by shareholders.
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At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider and vote ("Incentive Plan Resolution") to adopt the proposed form of LTI Plan, which was authorized by the Board May 18, 2023, concurrently with the approval of this Information Circular. The LTI Plan provides for awards of stock options ("Options"), performance share units ("PSUs"), restricted share units ("RSUs") and deferred share units ("DSUs" and together with PSUs and RSUs, the "Unit Awards"). The LTI Plan also contains additional incentive provisions to create participant share purchase commitments ("SPCs) which allow the Company to contribute up to 25% of the cost buying Shares (either directly form the Company's treasury or from the market through a stock exchange) which Participants commit to purchase by way of regular payroll deductions.
10% Aggregate Limit (of the rolling number of issued Shares) for all Elements of the LTI Plan
The LTI Plan limits the number of Shares reserved for issuance under the LTI Plan, together with all other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company (other than any securities issued pursuant to Section 613(c) of the TSX Company Manual) to 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares (on a non-diluted basis), with a sub-limit share reserve in respect of DSUs, RSUs, PSUs and SPC(s) equal to 2% each of the issued and outstanding Shares outstanding at the time of the granting of the DSUs, RSUs and PSUs and SPC(s) (on a non-diluted basis), and provides for the cessation of entitlement provisions as well as disability and retirement treatment under the plan and including an early retirement benefit, settlement procedures relating to RSUs, PSUs and DSUs, SPCs and qualifies up to 3,000,000 Options and Unit Awards for favourable tax treatment under United States Internal revenue Code ("IRC"). The LTI Plan includes change in control provision to remove the Board's ability to accelerate awards in connection with a change in control in accordance with corporate governance best practices. The below table summarizes the key features of the LTI Plan.
The principal difference between the Company's current 10% rolling option plan and the proposed LTI Plan (also a so-called "evergreen" plan given it is based on the rolling number of issued shares) is that the LTI Plan provides DSUs, PSUs and RSUs which do not require payment by the Participant of a fixed amount at the time of exercise based on the market price of the Shares when the incentive grant was made. The LTI Plan also contains what is often referred to as an "employee share purchase plan" elements which make up the SPCs.
This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the LTI Plan concurrently filed on SEDAR under the Company's profile adjacent.
A. General Description and Terms of Awards
B. Stock Options
C. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Stock Units (PSUs
D. Deferred Share Units (DSUs)
E. Additional Information regarding PSUs, RSUs and DSUs
F. Share Purchase Commitments (SPCs).
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A. General Description and Terms Of Awards |
|
Eligible Participants |
For Options: any director, officer, or employee of the Company or of Universal Mineral Services Ltd., ("UMS") the Company's shared services provider (see "Shared Services provider information p 33). For PSUs and RSUs, SPCs: directors, officers, or employees of the Company. For DSUs: non-executive directors of the Company. For purposes of the LTI plan, "Company" includes all of its subsidiaries. |
Types of Awards |
Awards refers to Options, PSUs, RSUs and DSUs. |
SPCs |
Share purchase commitments (SPCs) for service providers are allowed rather than "awarded" per se as they represent an assumption of financial risk by the participants. The extent to which a Participant agrees to purchase shares and permit a payroll of quarterly fee deduction to fund the purchase will vary by Participant. SPCs will be entered into in the discretion of the Board generally on a first come, first served basis, within the limits overall 2% and 30,000 shares per person limits in the LTI Plan |
10% Limit-whether settled by Shares or Cash |
The aggregate number of Shares (or cash equivalent) to be reserved and set aside for issue or settlement upon the purchase, exercise or settlement for all awards granted under the LTI Plan, together with all other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company (other than any securities issued for new-hire employment inducement pursuant to Section 613(c) of the TSX Company Manual), shall not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares at the time of granting the award (on a non-diluted basis); provided that, the aggregate number of Shares to be reserved and set aside for redemption and settlement in each category DSUs, RSUs PSUs and SPCs shall not exceed (in each such category), 2% of the issued and outstanding Shares outstanding (on a non-diluted basis) at the time of the granting of the DSUs, RSUs, PSUs SPCs (2% of issued Shares is equal to 2,910,949 Shares as of May 18, 2023) . As of the date hereof no Awards or SPCs have been made under the LTI Plan. |
Other LTI Plan Limits |
When combined with all of the Company's other previously established security-based compensation arrangements, the LTI Plan shall not result in: (i) a number of Shares issued to insiders within a one- year period exceeding 5% of the issued and outstanding Shares; (ii) a number of Shares issuable to insiders at any time exceeding 5% of the issued and outstanding Shares; and (iii) a number of Shares; (i) issuable to all non-executive directors of the Company exceeding 1% of the issued and outstanding Shares at such time, or (ii) issuable to any one non-executive director within a one-year period exceeding an award value of $150,000 per such non-executive director; of which the award value of any Options will not exceed $100,000 and provided that DSUs granted in lieu of director fees payable on account of a director's service as a member of the Board shall be excluded for purposes of the above-noted limits. |
Definition of Market Price |
"Market Price" means the volume-weighted average trading price of the Shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the applicable date as reported by the TSX. |
Assignability |
An award may not be assigned, transferred, charged, pledged or otherwise alienated, other than to a participant's limited permitted assigns or personal representatives. |
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Limits on LTI Plan Amending Procedures |
The Board may, without Shareholder approval, amend, suspend, terminate or discontinue the LTI Plan or may amend the terms and conditions of any Awards and SPCs granted thereunder, provided that no amendment may materially and adversely affect any outstanding Award or SPC without the consent of the applicable participant. Amendments that do not require Shareholder approval and that are within the authority of the Board are limited to: (i) amendments of a "housekeeping" nature or administrative in nature, including any amendment for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, typographical or like error or to correct or supplement any provision of the LTI Plan that conflicts with any other provision of the LTI Plan; (ii) an amendment which is necessary to comply with applicable law or the rules, regulations and policies of the TSX; (iii) amendments necessary for awards to qualify for favourable treatment under applicable tax laws; (iv) any amendment to the definition of Eligible Person or to the vesting provisions of the LTI Plan or any Award or SPC; (v) amendments necessary to suspend or terminate the plan (vi) amendments of the dates on which participants may become eligible to participate in the SPC, the minimum and maximum permitted payroll deduction rate, the term of a participant's contributions and right to cancel the SPC, the rights of SPC holders of Shares, the rights to sell or withdraw Shares, including any holding period. Shareholder approval at a duly convened shareholders' meeting shall be required for any of the following amendments which may: i. with respect to granted Options, reduce the Option Price, or cancel and reissue any Options so as to in effect reduce the Option Price; ii. extend (i) the term of an issued Option beyond its original expiry date, or (ii) the date on which a Performance Share Unit, Restricted Share Unit or Deferred Share Unit will be forfeited or terminated in accordance with its terms; iii. increase the fixed maximum percentage of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan beyond 10% in total or effect an increase in any category of DSU,PSU,DSU or SPC beyond 2% of the issued and outstanding Shares at the time of grant; iv. remove or to exceed the insider participation; v. permit Awards granted under the Plan to be transferable or assignable other than for estate settlement purposes; vi. increase the Company's contribution to an SPC or increase in the limit of number of shares allowed to be purchased by a Participant within a 12 month period; vii. change the definition of Market Price; or delete, alter or reduce the foregoing range of amendments which require approval by the shareholders of the Company. |
Limited Financial Assistance |
The Company will only provide financial assistance to participants under the LTI Plan in respect of SPCs which financial assistance will be limited to 25% of the purchase price of the Shares,. |
Dividend Equivalents |
Dividend equivalents (generally distributions made to all holders of common shares) are in the discretion of the Board, credited to a participant's DSU,RSU,PSU or SPC account in a manner the Board deems equitable |
Other |
The LTI Plan further provides that if the expiry date or vesting date of Options is (i) during a blackout period, or (ii) within ten trading days following the end of a blackout period, the expiry date or vesting date, as applicable, will be automatically extended for a period of ten trading days following the end of the blackout period. In the case of Unit Awards, any settlement that is effected during a blackout period shall be in the form of a cash payment. |
Detailed Description of Awards |
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B. Stock Options |
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Stock Option Terms and Exercise Price |
A stock option is treasury security entitling the holder to purchase up to a fixed number of Shares for a fixed period at a fixed price. The number of Shares subject to each Option grant, exercise price, vesting, expiry date and other terms and conditions are determined by the Board. The exercise price shall in no event be lower than the Market Price of the Shares on the grant date. |
||
Term |
No Option shall have a term exceeding five years. |
||
Vesting |
Unless otherwise specified, each Option shall vest as to 25% upon grant and 12.5% after each quarter from the grant date. |
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Exercise of Option |
A participant may exercise vested Options by (i) payment of the exercise price per Share subject to each Option, or if permitted by the Board, (ii) without payment either (A) by receiving an amount in cash per Option equal to the cash proceeds realized upon the sale of the Shares by a securities dealer in the capital markets, less the applicable exercise price and any applicable withholding taxes, or (B) by receiving the net number of Shares remaining after the sale of such number of Shares by a securities dealer in the capital markets as required to realize cash proceeds equal to the applicable exercise price and any applicable withholding taxes. |
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Termination Date |
The participant's last day of office or active employment by the Company or any subsidiary for any reason whatsoever (the "Termination Date"). |
||
Maximum Options to all Eligible person who are US Taxpayers |
3,000,000 (2% of currently issued Common Shares) |
||
Circumstances Causing Cessation of Entitlement |
Death |
Unvested Unvested Options automatically vest as of the date of death. |
Vested Vested Options expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date of the Option and one year following the date of death. |
|
Disability |
Unvested Options continue to vest in accordance with their terms. |
Vested Options expire on the scheduled expiry date of the Option. |
|
Retirement and Early Retirement |
Unvested Options continue to vest in accordance with their terms, subject to compliance with any applicable non-compete and/or non-solicit provisions. |
Vested Options expire on the scheduled expiry date of the Option. |
|
For purposes of the Plan, "Early Retirement" means a participant's resignation from employment on or after the date that the participant reaches age 60 and the participant has at least 5 years of service in the aggregate as at his or her Termination Date, other than a Retirement. |
Early Retirement If a participant retires early and subsequently commences alternative employment without having received prior written consent from the Company, unvested Options automatically terminate on the applicable commencement date. |
Early Retirement If a participant retires early and subsequently commences employment without having received prior written consent from the Company, all vested Options expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date of the Option and three months following the applicable commencement date. |
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|
Resignation or loss of office |
Unvested Options are forfeited. |
Vested Options expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date of the Option and three months following the Termination Date. |
|
Termination without Cause (No Change in Control) |
Unvested Options are forfeited on the Termination Date. |
Vested Options expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiry date of the Option and three months following the Termination Date. |
|
Change in Control |
Unless otherwise provided in the participant's service agreement or award agreement, unvested Options do not vest and become immediately exercisable upon a change in control, unless: (i) the successor fails to continue or assume the obligations under the LTI Plan or fails to provide for a substitute award, or (ii) if the Option is continued, assumed or substituted, the participant is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason in accordance with the terms of the participant's service agreement within two years following the change in control. The Board shall have the right, but not the obligation, to permit each participant to exercise all of the participant's outstanding Options (to the extent vested), subject to completion of the change in control. |
Vested Options expire on the scheduled expiry date of the Option. |
|
Termination for Cause |
Options, whether vested or unvested as of the Termination Date, automatically terminate. |
|
C. RSUs and PSUs |
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RSU and PSU Terms |
RSUs and PSUs are notional securities that entitle the recipient to receive cash or Shares at the end of a vesting period. Vesting of PSUs is contingent upon achieving certain performance criteria, thus ensuring greater alignment with the long-term interests of Shareholders. The terms applicable to RSUs and PSUs under the LTI Plan (including the vesting schedule, performance cycle, performance criteria for vesting and whether dividend equivalents will be credited to a participant's account) are determined by the Board at the time of the grant. |
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Vesting |
Unless otherwise provided, RSUs typically vest on November 30th of the third calendar year following the year in which the RSU was granted. Unless otherwise noted, PSUs shall vest as at the date that is the end of the performance cycle, subject to any performance criteria having been satisfied. |
|
Settlement |
On settlement, the Company shall, for each vested RSU or PSU being settled, deliver to a participant a cash payment equal to the Market Price of one Share as of the vesting date, one Share, or any combination of cash and Shares equal to the Market Price of one Share as of the vesting date, at the discretion of the Board. Notwithstanding that the settlement may be in cash, the number of RSUs and PSUs remain governed by the 10% aggregate limit for all equity based compensation. |
|
D. Deferred Share Units |
||
DSU Terms |
A DSU is a notional security that entitles the recipient to receive cash or Shares upon resignation from the Board. The terms applicable to DSUs under the LTI Plan (including whether dividend equivalents will be credited to a participant's DSU account) are determined by the Board at the time of the grant. Under the LTI Plan, the Board may grant discretionary DSUs and mandatory or elective DSUs that are granted as a component of a non-executive director's annual retainer. Notwithstanding that the settlement may be in cash, the number of DSUs remain governed by the 10% aggregate limit for all equity based compensation.
|
|
Vesting |
Unless otherwise provided, mandatory or elective DSUs vest immediately and the Board determines the vesting schedule for discretionary DSUs at the time of grant. The Company has not in the past and does not currently expect to grant discretionary DSUs in the future subject to vesting. |
|
Settlement |
DSUs may only be settled after the date on which the participant ceases to hold all positions with the Company or a related corporation. At the grant date, the Board shall stipulate whether the DSUs are paid in cash, Shares, or a combination of both, in an amount equal to the Market Price of the notional Shares represented by the DSUs in the participant's DSU account. |
|
E. Other Information About PSUs, RSUs and DSUs |
||
Credit to Account |
As dividends are declared, additional PSUs, RSUs and/or DSUs may be credited to a participant in an amount equal to the greatest whole number which may be obtained by dividing (i) the value of such dividend or distribution on the payment date therefore by (ii) the Market Price of one Share on such date. |
|
Circumstances Causing Cessation of Entitlement |
Death |
Vested Unit Awards will be settled as of the date of death. Unvested Unit Awards (other than DSUs) will vest and be settled as of the date of death, prorated to reflect (i) for RSUs, the actual period between the grant date and date of death, and (ii) for PSUs, the actual period between the commencement of the performance cycle and the date of death, based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period(s) up to the date of death. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining Units Awards will terminate as of the date of death. Unvested DSUs automatically terminate on the date of death. |
|
Disability |
Vested Unit Awards will be settled as of the date of disability. Unvested Unit Awards (other than DSUs) will vest and be settled in accordance with their terms as of the date of disability, and (i) PSUs will be prorated to reflect the actual period between the commencement of the performance cycle and the date of disability, based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period up to the date of disability, and (ii) RSUs will be prorated to reflect the actual period between the grant date and the date of disability. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining Unit Awards (including unvested DSUs) will automatically terminate as of the date of disability. |
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|
Retirement/ Early Retirement |
Vested Unit Awards will be settled as of the Termination Date. Unvested PSUs will continue to vest and be settled in accordance their terms, based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period(s) and subject to compliance with any applicable non- compete and/or non-solicit provisions. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining PSUs will terminate as of the expiry date of the applicable performance period. Unvested RSUs will continue to vest and be settled in accordance with their terms, subject to compliance with any applicable non-compete and/or non-solicit provisions. Unvested DSUs automatically terminate on the Termination Date. Early Retirement If a participant retires early and subsequently commences alternative employment without having received prior written consent from the Company, all unvested PSUs and RSUs will automatically terminate on the applicable commencement date. |
|
Resignation or loss of office |
Vested Unit Awards will be settled in accordance with their terms as of the Termination Date. Unvested Unit Awards automatically terminate on the Termination Date. |
|
Termination without Cause (No Change in Control) |
Vested Unit Awards will be settled in accordance their terms as of the Termination Date. The following summary is in respect of the unvested Unit Awards as at the Termination Date: Outstanding PSUs that would have vested on the next vesting date following the Termination Date are prorated to reflect the actual period between the commencement of the performance cycle and the Termination Date, based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period(s) up to the Termination Date, and will be settled in accordance with their terms as of such vesting date. Subject to the foregoing, any remaining PSUs will terminate as of the Termination Date. Outstanding RSUs that would have vested on the next vesting date following the Termination Date, will vest and be settled in accordance with their terms as of such vesting date, prorated to reflect the actual period between the grant date and Termination Date. Unvested DSUs automatically terminate on the date of termination. |
|
Change in Control |
Unless otherwise provided in the participant's service agreement or award agreement, Unit Awards do not vest and become immediately settleable upon a change in control, unless: (i) the successor fails to continue or assume the obligations under the LTI Plan or fails to provide for a substitute award, or (ii) if the Unit Awards are continued, assumed or substituted, the participant is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason in accordance with the terms of the participant's service agreement within two years following the change in control, and in each case, any outstanding PSUs will vest based on the achievement of the performance criteria for the applicable performance period(s) up to the effective date of the change in control. The Board shall have the right, but not the obligation, to settle all of the participant's outstanding Unit Awards (to the extent vested), subject to completion of the change in control. |
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Termination with Cause | Unit Awards, whether vested or unvested as of the Termination Date, automatically terminate. | |
F. Share Purchase Commitment (SPCs) |
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Eligible Participants |
Any officer or employee of the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, including part time provided that the officer or employee has been actively employed by the Company, or any eligible subsidiary for at least three months. |
|
Maximum Number of Shares in a SPC |
The LTI Plan limits the number of Shares that any one Participant in any calendar year can acquire under a SPC to 30,000 Shares |
|
Aggregate Maximum Number of Shares reserved for SPCs |
The maximum number of Shares committed for treasury issuance or market purchase in all SPCs is limited to 2% of the issued shares (non-diluted basis) based on quarterly estimation procedures |
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Administration |
The SPC will be administered by the board of directors of the Company (the "Board"). The Board can delegate a committee of the Board, such of the Board's duties and powers relating to the SPC as the Board may see fit, subject to applicable law. |
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Contributions |
Participant Contributions |
Participants may elect to contribute between one (1) and ten (10) percent of their base salary towards the purchase of Shares. The Company shall have no obligation to pay interest on participant contributions or to hold such amounts in a trust or in any segregated account. A participant may not make any separate cash payment other than the participant's contributions into the participant's SPC account. A participant shall be entitled to increase, decrease, suspend, terminate or resume his or her participant contributions no more than two times per calendar year, or three times per calendar year for employees returning from a leave of absence. |
|
Employer Contributions |
The Company will match the contribution of the participant in an amount equal to twenty-five (25) percent of the participant's contribution. |
Insider Participation Limits |
The SPC, when combined with all of the Company's other established security-based compensation arrangements, shall not result at any time in: (i) a number of Shares issued to insiders within a one-year period exceeding 5% of the issued and outstanding Shares; and (ii) the number of Shares issuable to insiders at any time exceeding 5% of the issued and outstanding Shares. Additionally, in no event shall the number of Shares acquired by any one participant in any calendar year exceed thirty thousand (30,000), or such other maximum number of Shares as determined from time to time by the Company. |
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Blackout Period |
Notwithstanding any other provision of the plan, if a blackout period is in effect, (i) an eligible participant subject to the blackout period may not enroll in the plan until after the end of the blackout period, and (ii) a participant subject to the blackout period may not increase, decrease, suspend, terminate or resume his or her participant's contributions until after the end of the blackout period. |
|
Shares Subject to the SPC |
The aggregate number of Shares estimated to be committed for treasury issuance or market purchase is a maximum of 2% of the issued and outstanding Shares at any time on a non-diluted basis, (2,910,949 Shares as of May 18, 2023). The aggregate number of Shares issued pursuant to the SPC, together with all other established security-based compensation arrangements of the Company (other than any Shares issued pursuant to Section 613(c) of the TSX Company Manual), shall not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares at the time the Shares are committed (on a non-diluted basis). The Company has not issued any Shares under the SPC. |
|
Financial Assistance |
Other than the Company's 25% contribution, no financial assistance is provided to SPC participants. |
|
Assignability |
Shares acquired under the SPC may not be assigned, transferred, charged, pledged or otherwise alienated, other than to a participant's permitted assigns or personal representatives. |
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Market Price |
"Market Price" means the volume-weighted average trading price of the Shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the applicable date as reported by the TSX. |
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Purchase Price |
Market Purchase Shares |
For all Shares purchased in the market, the purchase price will be 100% of the average purchase price of the Shares purchased by the administrator on behalf of the participants through the facilities of the TSX or the NYSE, as applicable, on the date that such Market Purchase Shares are acquired. The Administrator will control the time, amount and manner of the purchases of any Market Purchase Shares. |
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Treasury Purchase Shares |
For all Shares purchased and issued from treasury, the purchase price will be a price per Share equal to 100% of the Market Price on the date such Shares are issued. |
Vesting & Holding Period |
Shares acquired pursuant to the SPC vest immediately. Shares acquired with employer's contributions are, subject to the cessation of a participant's employment, subject to a 6 month holding period commencing as of the day such Shares are acquired by the participant (the "Holding Period"). |
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Withdrawals |
Subject to compliance with applicable laws, any restrictions as may be prescribed by the Board and the Holding Period, participants are entitled to sell or withdraw some or all Shares held in their SPC account twice per calendar year. The Hold period is waived in the case of a change of control of the Company. Such Shares will be sold on the TSX and/or NYSE as soon as is administratively practical after receipt of the request. The sale price for such Share shall be the prevailing market price of the Shares at the time of such sale. |
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Termination Date |
The participant's last day of office or active employment by the Company or any subsidiary for any reason whatsoever (the "Termination Date"). |
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Termination of Office or Employment |
Death |
The participant's personal representative may elect to withdraw or sell all the Shares credited to the participant's SPC account as of the date of death by making an election in the form and in the manner prescribed by the administrator. In the event that no such written notice of election is received by the administrator within 30 days of the participant's date of death, the participant's personal representative (or such other designated person) will automatically be deemed to have elected to sell the balance of Shares as of the 31st day following date of death. Thereafter, any accumulated cash and Shares credited to the participant's SPC account as of the date of death will be delivered to, or on behalf of, the participant as soon as administratively practicable. |
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Termination for any reason other than death |
The participant may elect to withdraw or sell all the Shares credited to the participant's SPC account as of the Termination Date, by making an election in the form and in the manner prescribed by the administrator. In the event that no such written notice of election is received by the administrator within 30 days of the Termination Date, the participant will automatically be deemed to have elected to sell the balance of the Shares as of the 31st day following the Termination Date. Thereafter, any accumulated cash credited to the participant's SPC account as of the Termination Date will be delivered to, or on behalf of, the participant as soon as administratively practicable. |
Shareholder and Regulatory Approval
The LTI Plan is considered an "evergreen" plan pursuant to the rules of the TSX and consequently, the Company must obtain Shareholder approval of the unallocated awards under the LTI Plan every three years. If Shareholders fail to approve the Incentive Plan Resolution, the Company must forthwith stop granting awards settled in treasury issued Shares under both the 2017 Option Plan or the LTI Plan, unless such awards are granted subject to Shareholder ratification. Notwithstanding the failure of such resolution to pass, all previously allocated awards under the 2017 Option Plan will continue unaffected but no further Options will be available for grant thereunder.
In accordance with the rules of the TSX, all unallocated awards under the LTI Plan and the revisions to the LTI Plan's amendment provision intended to more closely track the TSX amendment provision requirements (as further detailed in the table above - see subsections (iv) and (vii) under "Amending Procedures") must be approved by an ordinary resolution of the Shareholders.
Incentive Plan Resolution
Shareholders will be asked to consider, and if deemed advisable, approve the Incentive Plan Resolution, as articulated below.
The Incentive Plan Resolution must be passed by a simple majority of the votes cast thereon by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting. The full text of the Incentive Plan Resolution is as follows:
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"BE IT RESOLVED AS AN ORDINARY RESOLUTION OF THE SHAREHOLDERS THAT:
1. The form of the LTI Plan adopted by the Board on May 18, 2022 and publicly filed in its entirety at www.sedar.com prior to the date of the Meeting be hereby approved; and
2. The unallocated Options, DSU, RSU and PSU Awards and any SPCs under the LTI Plan be and are hereby approved and authorized and such approval and authorization shall be effective until June 29, 2026, which is the date that is three years from the date of the shareholder meeting at which this approval is being sought; and
3. The Company has the ability to continue granting Options, and DSU, RSU and PSU Awards and enter into SPCs under the LTI Plan until June 29, 2026.
4. That any one of the officers or directors of the Company be and is hereby authorized to perform all such acts and execute and deliver on behalf of the Company all such other documents and agreements which, in his or her opinion, is deemed to be necessary and in the best interest of the Company, in order to give effect to the foregoing resolution."
The Board has determined that the LTI Plan is in the best interests of the Company and unanimously recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the approval of the LTI Plan Resolution. Unless instructed otherwise, the persons named in the accompanying proxy intend to vote FOR the approval of the LTI Plan Resolution.
In the event the Incentive Plan Resolution is passed the directors of the Company will by resolution suspend any further option grants under the 2017 Plan.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Financial information is provided in the audited financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and the related management discussion and analysis, both of which were filed under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com on March 24, 2023. See also the Company's 2022 Annual information Form filed at www.sedar.com on March 24, 2023. A copy of the proposed LTI Plan to be voted upon is filed at www.sedar.com concurrently herewith.
Attached to the Company's 2021 Management Information Circular filed at www.sedar.com on May 28, 2021, were certain Board Guidelines which the Company adopted in February 2021.
A Shareholder may obtain additional information upon request without charge from the Company's Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary at Suite 1630, 1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. British Columbia, Canada, V6E 2K3, telephone: 1-800-863-8655 and is also available via the Internet on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company may require payment of a reasonable charge from any person or company who is not a securityholder of the Company, who requests a copy of any such document.
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NO OTHER MATTERS
The Board is not aware of any other matters which it anticipates will come before the Meeting as of the date of mailing of this Circular.
The contents of this Circular and its distribution to Shareholders have been approved by the Board of the Company.
DATED at Vancouver, British Columbia, May 18, 2023.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
"Tim Clark"
Forrester A. Clark
Chief Executive Officer and Director
EXHIBIT 97.1
FURY GOLD MINES LTD.
POLICY FOR THE RECOVERY OF ERRONEOUSLY AWARDED INCENTIVE-BASED COMPENSATION
(the "Recovery Policy")
As adopted by the Board of Directors effective December 1, 2023
PART 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Purpose
1.1 This Recovery Policy has been adopted by resolution of the Board (as hereinafter defined) in accordance with certain listing standards of the NYSE American stock exchange mandated by Rule 10D-1 (as hereinafter defined), to facilitate reasonably prompt recovery by the Company of the amount of any Incentive-Based Compensation that is deemed to have been erroneously awarded in the event that the Company is required to restate its financial statements due to material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirement under relevant Securities Laws (as hereinafter defined).
Definitions
1.2 In this Recovery Policy, the following terms will have the following meanings:
(a) "Accounting Restatement" means an accounting restatement due to material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the Securities Laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period;
(b) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company;
(c) "Canadian Securities Laws" means all applicable securities laws of each of the provinces of Canada in which the Company is a "reporting issuer", and the respective rules and regulations made and forms prescribed under such laws, together with all applicable published instruments, policy statements, blanket orders, rulings and notices adopted by the securities regulatory authorities in such provinces;
(d) "Company" means Fury Gold Mines Ltd.;
(e) "Compensation Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board;
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(f) "Effective Date" means the effective date of this Recovery Policy, being the 1st day of December 2023; (g) "Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation" means that portion of any Incentive-Based Compensation that has been paid to an Executive Officer and is recoverable under Section 4.1 of this Recovery Policy, as such Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation is determined under this Recovery Policy;
(h) "Exchange Act" means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
(i) "Executive Officer" means any individual deemed to be an "executive officer" of the Company under Rule 10D-1. For the avoidance of doubt, the identification of an executive officer for purposes of this Recovery Policy shall include each executive officer who is or was identified pursuant to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K or Item 6.A of Form 20-F, as applicable, as well as the principal financial officer and principal accounting officer (or, if there is no principal accounting officer, the controller).
(j) "Financial Reporting Measures" means any measures that are determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Company's financial statements, and any measures derived wholly or in part from such measures whether or not the measure is presented within the financial statements or included in a filing with the SEC. For greater certainty, stock price and TSR are included in the definition of Financial Reporting Measures;
(k) "Incentive-Based Compensation" means any compensation that is granted, earned or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure;
(l) "MJDS" means the United States/Canada multi-jurisdictional disclosure system;
(m) "NYSE American" means the NYSE American LLC:
(n) "Received" means, in the context of Incentive-Based Compensation, the actual or deemed receipt in the Company's fiscal period during which the Financial Reporting Measure specified in the Incentive-Based Compensation is attained, even if the payment or grant of the Incentive-Based Compensation occurs after the end of that period;
(o) "Recovery Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4;
(p) "Recovery Policy" means this policy for the recovery of erroneously awarded executive compensation;
(q) "Rule 10D-1" means Rule 10D-1 adopted by the SEC under the Exchange Act;
(r) "SEC" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission;
(s) "SEC Final Release" means the final release no. 34-96159 of the SEC entitled "Listing Standards of Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation" in respect of the adoption of Rule 10D-1 pursuant to the requirements of Section 10D of the Exchange Act;
(t) "Securities Laws" means the Exchange Act and the U.S. Securities Act and, to the extent that the Company has filed any of its financial statements with the SEC under the Exchange Act in reliance on the MJDS, Canadian Securities Laws; (u) "TSR" means total shareholder return; and
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(v) "U.S. Securities Act" means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended;
PART 2
ADMINISTRATION
Administration
2.1 This Recovery Policy will be administered by the Compensation Committee which will be empowered to, with consideration of applicable Securities Laws,
(a) interpret and administer this Recovery Policy;
(b) make determinations as to whether any Incentive-Based Compensation that has been Received by the current and former Executive Officers of the Company constitutes Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation in the event of an Accounting Restatement;
(c) take action to enforce on behalf of the Company any recovery of any Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation pursuant to the provisions of this Recovery Policy, and
(d) make any other determinations that the Compensation Committee deems necessary or desirable to give effect to the objectives of this Recovery Policy, and
(e) periodically review legislative developments that may have an impact on this Recovery Policy, and report to the Board any recommendations.
Interpretations
2.2 This Recovery Policy is intended to be a "Recovery Policy" for the purposes of Section 811 of the NYSE American Company Manual and will be interpreted by the Compensation Committee consistent with the SEC's interpretation of Rule 10D-1, including the guidance of the SEC set forth in the SEC Final Release and any other applicable law, regulation, rule or interpretation of the SEC or NYSE American promulgated or issued in connection therewith. This Recovery Policy is in addition to the requirements of Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that are applicable to the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer.
Compliance
2.3 The Compensation Committee may require that any employment agreement, offer letter, compensation plan, equity award agreement, or any other agreement entered into on or after the Effective Date require an Executive Officer to agree to abide by the terms of this Recovery Policy. Further, the Compensation Committee may required each Executive Officer to acknowledge this Recovery Policy through execution of the form of acknowledgement attached hereto as Appendix A (or such other form as approved from time-to-time by the Compensation Committee).
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PART 3
SCOPE AND INTERPRETATION OF THIS RECOVERY POLICY
Effective Period
3.1 This Recovery Policy will be applied to all Incentive Based Compensation that is Received by an Executive Officer on or after the Effective Date.
Scope of Executive Officers Subject to Recovery Policy
3.2 The Compensation Committee will determine from time-to-time the individuals that are deemed to be subject to the Recovery Policy by virtue of being considered an Executive Officer of the Company under Rule 10D-1.
Scope of Accounting Restatements Subject to Recovery Policy
3.3 The Accounting Restatements that will trigger the obligation to recover Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation will include any restatement of any of the financial statements of the Company filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period. For clarity, Accounting Restatements include for the purposes of this Recovery Policy both:
(a) big "R" restatements, being restatements to correct an error material to previously issued financial statements, and
(b) little "r" restatements, being restatements to correct errors that were not material to those previously issued financial statements, but would result in a material misstatement if (i) the errors were left uncorrected in the current report or (ii) the error correction was recognized in the current period.
Determination of When Incentive-Based Compensation is Received
3.4 Incentive-Based Compensation will be deemed Received in the fiscal period during which the Financial Reporting Measure specified in the Incentive-Based Compensation award was attained, even if the payment or grant occurs after the end of that period.
PART 4
RECOVERY OF ERRONEOUSLY AWARDED INCENTIVE-BASED COMPENSATION
Recovery
4.1 In that event that the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement, the Company will reasonably promptly take action to recover the amount of any Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation that has been Received by each applicable Executive Officer:
(a) after beginning services as an Executive Officer; (b) who served as Executive Officer at any time during the performance period for that Incentive-Based Compensation;
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(c) while the Company has a class of securities listed on NYSE American (or another national securities exchange in the United States or Nasdaq); and
(d) during the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date on which the Company was required to prepare the Accounting Statement, as this three year period is determined under Section 4.4 below.
4.2 Recovery will be required on a "no fault" basis, without regard to whether an Executive Officer engaged in any misconduct or whether the Executive Officer was responsible for the erroneous financial statements that led to the Accounting Restatement.
Trigger for Recovery of Erroneously Award Compensation
4.3 The date on which the Company is deemed to be required to prepare an Accounting Statement for the purposes of determining the Recovery Period under Section 4.1 will be the earlier to occur of:
(a) the date that the Board or a committee of the Board concludes, or reasonably should have concluded that the Company, is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement, or
(b) the date that a court, regulator or other legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare an Accounting Restatement.
Determination of Recovery Period
4.4 The recovery period for the determination of Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation (the "Recovery Period") will determined as the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date that the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement, as that date is determined under Section 4.3. In the event of a change in the financial year of the Company, the Recovery Period will also include any transition period that results from a change in the Company's fiscal year within or immediately following those three completed fiscal years, provided that a transition period between the last day of the Company's previous fiscal year end and the first day of its new fiscal year that comprises a period of nine to 12 months would be deemed a completed fiscal year.
Scope of Incentive Based Compensation Subject to Recovery
4.5 Recovery will be made against each current and former Executive Officer who has Received Incentive-Based Compensation during the three year Recovery Period to the extent that such Incentive-Based Compensation is determined to be Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation. Recovery of Incentive-Based Compensation received while an individual was serving in a non-executive capacity prior to becoming an Executive Officer is not subject to this Recovery Policy and recovery will not be required. An award of incentive-based compensation granted to an individual before the individual becomes an Executive Officer will be subject to this Recovery Policy, so long as the Incentive-Based Compensation was received by the individual at any time during the performance period after beginning service as an Executive Officer.
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Determination of Amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation
4.6 The amount of any Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation to be recovered under Section 4.1 will be determined as follows for each applicable Executive Officer:
(a) the amount of Incentive-Based Compensation that has been Received by the Executive Officer during the Recovery Period to which this Recovery Policy applies, less
(b) the amount of the Incentive-Based Compensation that would have been received in respect of the Recovery Period had the Incentive-Based Compensation been determined based on the restated amount.
4.7 Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation will include any Incentive-Based Compensation that was based on stock price or TSR to the extent that the Incentive-Based Compensation was inaccurate as a result of the Accounting Restatement. For Incentive-Based Compensation based on stock price or TSR, where the amount of Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in the Accounting Restatement:
(a) the amount must be based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Accounting Restatement on the stock price or TSR upon which the Incentive-Based Compensation was received, and
(b) the amount of the Incentive-Based Compensation that would have been received in respect of the Recovery Period had the Incentive-Based Compensation been determined based on the restated amount.
4.8 The Compensation Committee shall promptly notify each Executive Officer with a written notice containing the amount of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation and a demand for repayment or return of such compensation.
4.9 The amount of any Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation will be computed without regard to any taxes paid by the Executive Officer.
4.10 To the extent that the Executive Officer has already reimbursed the Company for any Erroneously Awarded Compensation Received under any duplicative recovery obligations established by the Company or applicable law, it shall be appropriate for any such reimbursed amount to be credited to the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation that is subject to recovery under this Recovery Policy.
4.11 Notwithstanding anything in this Recovery Policy, in no event will the Company be required to award any Executive Officer an additional payment or other compensation if the Accounting Restatement would have resulted in the grant, payment or vesting of Incentive-Based Compensation that is greater than the Incentive-Based Compensation actually received by the affected Executive Officer. The recovery of Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation is not dependent on if or when the restatement is filed.
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PART 5
REPORTING
Reporting of Erroneously Award Compensation
5.1 In the event of an Accounting Restatement pursuant to which the Compensation Committee has considered whether recovery of any Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation is required, the Compensation Committee will prepare a report to management of the Company detailing the information required to be reported by the Company with respect to such Accounting Restatement on the Form 40-F or other form of annual report to be filed by the Company under the Exchange Act for the fiscal year in which the Accounting Restatement occurred and in any other filing required to be made by the Company under Securities Laws.
Documentation
5.2 The Compensation Committee will maintain documentation as to the determination of the amount of any Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation, including any reasonable estimates made during the calculation process, and any efforts undertaken to recover Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation. The Company will provide this information to NYSE American upon its request.
Documentation
5.3 Without limiting the above, the Company will comply will all disclosure, documentation and records requirements relating to this Recovery Policy under Section 10D of the Exchange Act, the NYSE American Company Guide and the filings required to be made by the Company under the Exchange Act.
PART 6
ENFORCEMENT OF RECOVERY
Requirement to Recover
6.1 Upon a determination by the Compensation Committee that the Company is obligated to recover Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation under Section 4.1, the Company will take steps to recover such Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation other than in circumstances where each of (a) and (b) below apply:
(a) one of the following circumstances exists:
(i) the direct expense paid to a third party to assist in enforcing this Recovery Policy would exceed the amount to be recovered, provided that before concluding that it would be impracticable to recover any amount of Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation based on expense of enforcement, the Company has made a reasonable attempt to recover such Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation and documented such reasonable attempt(s) to recover (which documentation will be provided to NYSE American at the request of NYSE American); (ii) recovery would violate British Columbia or Canadian law where that law was adopted prior to November 28, 2022, provided that the Company has obtained an opinion of its Canadian counsel, in a form acceptable to NYSE American, that recovery would result in such a violation, and such opinion is provided to NYSE American; or
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(iii) recovery would likely cause an otherwise tax-qualified retirement plan, under which benefits are broadly available to employees of the registrant, to fail to meet the requirements of 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(13) or 26 U.S.C. 411(a) and regulations thereunder; and
(b) the Compensation Committee, or a majority of the independent directors of the Board, has made a determination that recovery would be impracticable.
Deferred Payment Plans
6.2 The Compensation Committee may consider the establishment of a deferred payment where recovery is required from an Executive Officer and where the deferred payment plan allows the Executive Officer to repay the Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation as soon as possible without unreasonable economic hardship to the Executive Officer, depending on the facts and circumstances; provided that any such deferred payment plan shall be narrowly tailored to the Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation being recovered so as not to constitute a personal loan to the Executive Officer that is prohibited by Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act.
Recovery of Costs
6.3 If an Executive Officer fails to repay all Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation when due, the Company will take all actions reasonable and appropriate to recover the Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation from the Executive Officer, and in that case the Executive Officer will be required to reimburse the Company for all reasonable expenses incurred in recovering the Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation from the Executive Officer.
Other Legal Remedies
6.4 Any right of recovery under this Recovery Policy is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies or rights of recovery that may be available to the Company under applicable law, regulation or rule, or under the terms of any similar policy or agreement in any employment agreement, offer letter, compensation plan, equity award agreement, or similar agreement and any other legal remedies available to the Company.
6.5 This Recovery Policy does not preclude the Company from taking any other action to enforce an Executive Officer's obligations to the Company or limit any other remedies that the Company may have available to it and any other actions that the Company may take, including termination of employment, institution of civil proceedings, or reporting of any misconduct to appropriate government authorities.
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PART 7
PROHIBITION ON INDEMNIFICATION
Prohibition on Indemnification
7.1 The Company shall not be permitted to indemnify or insure any Executive Officer against (i) the loss of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation that is repaid, returned or recovered pursuant to the terms of this Policy, or (ii) any claims relating to the Company's enforcement of its rights under this Recovery Policy. Further, the Company shall not enter into any agreement that exempts any Incentive-based Compensation that is granted, paid or awarded to an Executive Officer from the application of this Recovery Policy or that waives the Company's right to recovery of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation, and this Recovery Policy shall supersede any such agreement (whether entered into before, on or after the Effective Date of this Recovery Policy).
Insurance
7.2 The Company will not purchase or pay or reimburse any Executive Officer for any insurance policy to cover losses incurred by any Executive Officer under this Recovery Policy.
Other Recovery Rights
7.3 This Recovery Policy shall be binding and enforceable against all Executive Officers and, to the extent required by applicable law or guidance from the SEC or NYSE American, their beneficiaries, heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives. The Compensation Committee intends that this Policy will be applied to the fullest extent required by applicable law. Any employment agreement, equity award agreement, compensatory plan or any other agreement or arrangement with an Executive Officer shall be deemed to include, as a condition to the grant of any benefit thereunder, an agreement by the Executive Officer to abide by the terms of this Recovery Policy. Any right of recovery under this Recovery Policy is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies or rights of recovery that may be available to the Company under applicable law, regulation or rule or pursuant to the terms of any policy of the Company or any provision in any employment agreement, equity award agreement, compensatory plan, agreement or other arrangement.
PART 8
AUTHORITY OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Engagement of Professional Advisors
8.1 In addition to any authority provided under its charter, the Compensation Committee will have the authority to engage and retain independent legal counsel, independent accounting advisors and any outside professional advisor that it determines necessary to carry out its duties, at the expense of the Company, without the Board's approval and at any time, and has the authority to determine any such advisor's fees and other retention terms.
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Oversight
8.2 In the event that the Company is required to recover any Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation under this Recovery Policy, such recovery efforts will be undertaken with the supervision of the office of the Vice-President, General Counsel under oversight of the Compensation Committee, provided that Compensation Committee will directly supervise such efforts in the event of that the Vice-President, General Counsel is an Executive Officer who is subject to recovery.
Review
8.3 The Compensation Committee will periodically review legislative developments, regulatory initiatives, and similar matters relating to Canadian Securities Laws and Securities Laws that may have an impact on this Recovery Policy, and report to the Board any recommendations it may have concerning the Recovery Policy.
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Appendix A
ATTESTATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POLICY FOR THE RECOVERY OF ERRONEOUSLY
AWARDED INCENTIVE-BASED COMPENSATION
By my signature below, I acknowledge and agree that:
I have received and read the attached Policy for the Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation (this "Recovery Policy").
I hereby agree to abide by all of the terms of this Recovery Policy both during and after my employment with the Company, including, without limitation, by promptly repaying or returning any Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation to the Company as determined in accordance with this Recovery Policy.
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