RESPEC Mining & Energy Quarterly Newsletter: February 2022

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RESPEC Mining & Energy Quarterly Newsletter February 2022

in our element: metals edition

Table of contents A MESSAGE FROM RESPEC

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NEWSROOM

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» Providing Confidence in Mining

» Uniting Mining and Transportation Solutions

» Going for the Gold

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GROWTH AND PEOPLE » RESPEC’s Reno Office

PRESENTATIONS

» Neil and Cami Prenn to Receive High Honors at SME Annual Conference

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» Join Our Technical Sessions at the SME Conference

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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February 2022 RESPEC M&E Newsletter

A message from RESPEC

Welcome to another edition of RESPEC’s quarterly newsletter, which will focus on our Metals market sector. This edition highlights some of our unique service offerings, software solutions, history of our Reno office (formerly Mine Development Associates), and a special recognition of the contributions to the industry by MDA’s original founders. Let’s start with some exciting news related to MDA, our Reno office.

MDA, a Division of RESPEC, is comprised of the M&E employees in the Reno Office. Coming September 2022, MDA will complete its transition from a Division to fully RESPEC. The Reno Office will continue providing the same high-quality work and detail-oriented solutions combined with solutions from other RESPEC employees who offer many services in more places. Be sure to read the article in the following pages talking about MDA’s achievements and expanded services, thanks to being united with all RESPEC’s markets.

We have also realized some of the potential first recognized through our acquisition of PDC Engineers (now RESPEC) in combining our existing services within the metals market with the additional capabilities in the transportation and infrastructure markets. This has allowed RESPEC to partner with metals market clients on projects that require access roads, enabling infrastructure, surface water management, electrical power generation and distribution, and offer those solutions under the RESPEC banner. This is another step along the path to RESPEC becoming a fullservice provider for our clients in the mining industry.

Exploration and drilling programs have become more complex and sophisticated with reems of data residing in multiple locations and multiple formats making data management and data integrity even more paramount in light of existing and newly adopted regulations related to resource and reserve statements. GeoSequel was developed by RESPEC to provide a data management system that guarantees a single, accurate, noncorrupted version of the true data that your project needs.

We hope that you enjoy reading through this newsletter and learning a bit more about RESPEC and our service offerings to the Metals market.

Patrick Wieck Metals Market Sector Deputy Director

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February 2022 RESPEC M&E Newsletter

NEWSROOM

providing confidence in mining Managing Data Generated in Exploration, Mining, and Reclamation With GeoSequel

Resource and reserve estimation is about providing confidence that a given deposit has significant mineable minerals. Whether that confidence is for your corporation, your investors, or regulators, the product must be built on a rock-solid data framework. GeoSequel® was developed by RESPEC for managing drillholes, drillhole samples, geochemical samples, blastholes, and monitoring wells—all of the data generated in exploration, mining, and reclamation. The GeoSequel® system moves you away from easily corrupted spreadsheets and singleuser databases that provide little security for the foundation of geologic modeling, domaining, block modeling, and Resource and Reserve estimates. Providing a data management system that guarantees a single, accurate, noncorrupted version of the true data that your project is based on is what GeoSequel® strives to deliver.

allows you to: » Standardize geological and geotechnical logging, even when not connected to the main database » Ensure an unbroken chain of custody for samples and results » Maintain a single source of truth for samples and results » Facilitate and automate quality assurance and quality control » Interface with in-house laboratories, especially for grade control » Facilitate reconciliation by tracking process stream samples » Automate environmental reporting » Adapt data management for any type of metal, industrial mineral, or aggregate deposit » Facilitate knowledge transfer.

With the disciplined and rigorously enforced logic of the GeoSequel® design, various interactive workflows are set up to easily guide you through the primary tasks.

Data preparation for loading into a sample management system can be time-consuming and tedious; however, to ensure that the analyses are the single source of truth, procedures must be followed. GeoSequel® has several modules to expedite this process.

GeoSequel® Tools GeoSequel® Tools is your first step to facilitating certificate importation directly from the laboratory and loading historical data. A preload check of certified analyses is available. Tools can quickly parse and tabulate the sample details (e.g., numbers, standards, and duplicates) that have not been loaded into GeoSequel®—saving time and effort in data preparation!

GeoSequel® can store multiple formats for certificates for every laboratory used, including internal laboratories. The import formats have the ability to automatically parse the data into the structured format used by GeoSequel®.

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February 2022 RESPEC M&E Newsletter

GeoSequel® Logger GeoSequel® Logger manages the active phase of drilling and sampling and can be used when connected to the main database or, more importantly, in detached mode. For those that work in a remote core shack or out at the rig, Logger provides full functionality for logging formations, lithologies, structure, and geotechnical details. Alteration, mineralization, and weathering can also be logged into separate interval sets. You can generate samples; insert duplicates, blanks, and standards; select analyses or analysis groups; and renumber before the samples and transmittals are sent to the laboratory.

Barcoding is available throughout the application.

GeoSequel® Link When your data collection and management task phases are complete, GeoSequel® Link facilitates output to formats that can be handled by mine-planning applications such as GEOVIA Surpac™, Vulcan, MineSight, Datamine, and Leapfrog. A view is configured in GeoSequel® and the data are extracted automatically.

Conversions and calculations are performed spontaneously, and table names and attributes are translated to follow the naming conventions of the mineplanning program. Output can be to Microsoft Access, Excel, CSV, or Google Sheets files; DXF; or a singleproperty GeoSequel® database.

The final outputs provided by GeoSequel® are the first steps to a high-confidence Resource and Reserve estimate. The knowledge that your imported data are standardized, core and chip sample logging is verified, the chain of custody is unbroken, and quality assurance/quality control is vetted allows for geologic and domain interpretation, statistical analysis, and block model estimation with the utmost confidence in data. The inherent value of clean, verifiable, well organized data adds value to your project, eases the task of producing data and reporting for regulators, and goes hand in hand with every step of the exploration and mining process.

GeoSequel® can save you money and time and protect your investment.

Intrigued? Let us give you an overview or webcast demo.

For detailed information, please contact RESPEC’s Andy TenBrink, GeoSequel Sales and Service, Andrew.TenBrink@respec.com

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February 2022 RESPEC M&E Newsletter

NEWSROOM

going for the gold Feasibility Study for Gold Standard Ventures South Railroad Project Gold Standard Ventures initially contracted our Mining and Energy (M&E) business unit to complete a preliminary economic assessment of the South Railroad Project in 2019.

Based on the positive results of the assessment, RESPEC has continued to work on the project team, producing a prefeasibility study in 2020. This is currently being updated to a feasibility study that will be published in the first quarter of 2022. RESPEC has completed the resource and mining portions of the studies.

The South Railroad Project is envisioned as a medium-sized truck-and-shovel operation on the Dark Star and Pinion deposits. The Reno team completed the resource block model as well as the mine design and production scheduling using MineSight and GEOVIA software. The mine design team used Whittle to determine the extents of the pit, then used this data to develop the final pit designs and phasing.

The corresponding pits and dumps were then brought into MineSched to develop the production schedule.

High-angle view of the South Railroad project.

The designs, production schedules, and mining costs were developed to a feasibility level of study to state reserves of the project, which are documented in the final NI 43-101 report.

For detailed information, please contact RESPEC’s Jordan Anderson, Senior Staff Engineer, Jordan.Anderson@respec.com

Designed haul routes for scheduling optimization.

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February 2022 RESPEC M&E Newsletter

NEWSROOM

uniting Mining and Transportation Solutions

Mine Development, Access Roads, and Support Infrastructure With One Integrated Team

The Mining & Energy (M&E) and Infrastructure (INF) business units recently teamed together to support a gold mining client in Alaska. We provided engineering trade-off studies, risk management workshops, and a scoping study. Now we are wrapping up the feasibility study ahead of planned construction, to begin later this year, and are moving toward supporting this client through construction by providing detailed engineering, construction management, and other construction support services.

The project required a diverse team that could provide engineering and design services to support mine development, access roads, support infrastructure, surface water management, mine camp, and cost estimation along with risk analysis and management. To accomplish this, the client needed a strong infrastructure group supported by our M&E business unit professionals to provide the design solutions, beginning with the trade-off studies and continuing through the feasibility study. RESPEC’s combined INF and M&E team met their need.

RESPEC’s team included staff from six offices, three business units (our DTS business unit provided expert software support capabilities), and many engineering and design skillsets. When RESPEC was awarded this project, the client said INF with the integration of our M&E team was one of the key differentiators during the selection process. RESPEC was awarded the project due to our ability to bring expertise in infrastructure design combined with mine design and construction.

Through the course of the project, the RESPEC team identified several design alternatives. The project team, comprised of the client’s project management team and RESPEC’s design team, vetted the alternatives through the trade-off study process. Then, RESPEC coordinated and facilitated collaborative risk management workshops, attended by project stakeholders and the design team to identify major project risks, assess their likely impact to the project, qualify mitigating controls, and action those controls to reduce the overall project risk.

RESPEC delivered the scoping study to the client in the second quarter of 2021 and will be concluding the feasibility study in the second quarter of 2022, ahead of advanced construction.

For additional information on RESPEC’s services and capabilities in the infrastructure and mining markets, please contact Keith Hanneman (INF) or Patrick Wieck (M&E).

For detailed information, please contact RESPEC’s Patrick Wieck, Metals Market Sector Deputy Director Patrick.Wieck@respec.com or Keith Hanneman Transportation Market Sector Lead Keith.Hanneman@respec.com

learn more about our facilities and transportation capabilities

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February 2022 RESPEC M&E Newsletter

GROWTH & PEOPLE

respec’s reno office

Knowledge Beyond Scratching the Surface

surface-level, they end up fully immersed – and mines get feasibility studies as well as pre-production and production efforts that guarantee them long-term success.

“The methodology that goes into each step results in resource estimates that are always still just that: estimates,” says Andy TenBrink, Senior Project Geologist. However, every estimate the Reno Office completes is data-driven through audits, sectional or solids analyses, mineral domaining, and other similar tasks. “We put the time and effort in to look at things section by section and evaluate a huge volume of information.”

The Reno Office has been – and is – driven to make sure estimates are precise and accurate. Those detailed assessments help them make good decisions.

RESPEC’s Reno Office, formerly Mine Development Associates, Inc. (MDA), has established and maintains a solid presence in Nevada, across the Western United States, and with clients worldwide. You may already know their names – the company and its individuals. You may have sought out their expertise. Neither would be surprising.

Since 1987, the Reno Office has established itself as a go-to for advising on mining projects. They often work with junior exploration companies focused on developing and operating metals mines in western United States, Central America, and South America. Now, RESPEC, the Reno Office, and you benefit from our union.

This westernmost office, excluding Alaska, has geologists and engineers who specialize in precious metals, industrial minerals, and aggregates.

The geologists start with surface mapping, which leads to data reviews, section-based analyses of geology, high-level modeling of mineral domains, block models, and rigorous statistical validation. Then they pass everything to the engineering group who help us dig deeper by evaluating and defining material types as well as running cash flow analyses and pit optimizations. Next comes pit designs, fleet optimization, and scheduling, which rounds out the final product. So while the Reno Office starts

In 2018, the Reno Office decided they wanted to do more and reach further – but how? Do what they do best. Scratch the surface: consider options. Dig deep: evaluate outcomes. Proceed: supplement knowledge with a plan.

RESPEC and MDA collided. We knew their impact and realized the value we would both gain uniting. While many firms are, rightfully, drawn to the Reno Office because of their expertise and services in the metals industry, those aspects were just two reasons we pursued the acquisition.

Our cultures aligned. We both mentored and promoted staff. They had grown steadily over time and provided integrated solutions, combining data analysis and software development with engineering. The benefits of having more services, support, and locations were evident.

The Reno Office’s desire to enhance their legacy led them to accept RESPEC’s acquisition offer in 2019. Since then, RESPEC and the Reno Office have integrated cultures, solutions, and clients. We’ve called in services from employee-owners across locations. Acquisitions may never be easy, but our progress has been steady. Time after time, our successes have reaffirmed that we all made the right call to join together.

Andy notes the Reno Office still nurtures a culture that mirrors RESPEC overall. “When we hire, we ask candidates to come in for the whole day and meet everyone,” says Andy. “We want to see how people fit. We know we can sleuth out hard workers – we just need to be sure they want to be part of our family.”

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February 2022 RESPEC M&E Newsletter

The Reno Office relies on a trusted decision-making model. Analyze available options, predict long-term value, and decide what to do. They use that strategy to make an offer, recommend a mine, or be acquired. Clearly, it works.

The connections that the Reno Office has created keep them committed to one another, clients, and solutions – plus RESPEC. Neil and Cami Prenn built their presence from the ground up, fostering trust and loyalty and passing on their legacy to the Reno Office’s current leaders: Tom Dyer, Cindy Walker, Andy TenBrink, Mike Lindholm, Kiersten Briggs, and Don Avery. They carry the torch lit by their founders. Each one has worked in the Reno Office for more than 10 years and intends to stay until they retire, so you can count on having many years left with them. Existing clients will continue receiving the same highquality work and detail-oriented solutions from trusted people.

You will also get RESPEC with the Reno Office now. You’ll build lasting relationships with our other great people offering many services in even more places. Facilities design. Road installation. Water quality. Drone capabilities. Reclamation. Let’s get below the surface, together, and explore what opportunities are in store for us all.

Paul Hartley surveying outside of Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada.

reno Office Quick facts major commodities Precious Metals: Gold, Silver, Copper; Industrial

metals industry served for 35 years

integrated with RESPEC for 3 years

Kiersten Briggs in Nome, Alaska.

RESPEC Office Locations

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February 2022 RESPEC M&E Newsletter

GROWTH & PEOPLE

Neil and cami prenn to receive high honors at sme annual conference Mentors, Pioneers, and Unwavering Figures in the Mining Industry

In 1987, Neil and Cami Prenn started Mine Development Associates (MDA), a consulting company that grew into a world-renowned team working from their Reno Office. In 2019, MDA chose to strengthen themselves by allowing RESPEC to acquire them. Now, the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) is recognizing Neil and Cami with high honors during the SME 2022 MINEXCHANGE Annual Conference & Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Neil Prenn

Charles F. Rand Memorial Gold Medal

Neil and Cami are truly deserving of these honors. They mentored students and up-andcoming mining professionals, often alongside SME. They built a company that endured market cycles and helped pioneer changes in mining that influence how we all work now.

Neil will receive the Charles F. Rand Memorial Gold Medal, which recognizes distinguished achievements in mining administration. Cami will receive the Mining and Exploration Distinguished Service Award. Both honors acknowledge their services and contributions to the mining industry.

SME will bestow these honors on March 2, 2022 at the Mining & Exploration Division Lunch for Cami and the SME/AIME Awards Banquet for Neil. Please keep an eye out for RESPEC’s accompanying press release, which will have more information, and join us in congratulating Neil and Cami!

Join us Cami Prenn Mining & Exploration Distinguished Service Award

as neil and cami accept their awards

Mining & Exploration Division Lunch

SME/AIME Awards Banquet

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 Noon – 1:45 pm

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm

February 2022 10 RESPEC M&E Newsletter

PRESENTATIONS

Join our technical sessions at the sme conference

The Explanation, Application, and Importance of Velocity of Detonation and Monitors in the Blasting Process Presented by Daykin Schnell, Explosives Manager SME Conference & Expo Tuesday March 1, 2022, 11:05 AM, Room 255F

Case Study: Blasting with Air Decks to Maintain Performance While Saving Costs Presented by Daykin Schnell, Explosives Manager SME Conference & Expo Wednesday March 2, 2022, 10:25 AM, Room 255C

Mechanics-Based Pillar Designs for Underground Stone Mines

Modern Methods for Extracting and Analyzing Useful Safety Data

Presented by Jay Nopola, Vice President SME Conference & Expo Wednesday March 2, 2022, 11:05 AM, Room 255B

Presented by Tyler Artz, Instrumentation Specialist SME Conference & Expo TBD

stay tuned for more information on our next webinar Solution Mining: Primary and Secondary Mineral Extraction, Tools, and Techniques

Tuesday, March 29th

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February 2022 RESPEC M&E Newsletter

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

let’s connect (or reconnect) As in-person conferences begin to return more regularly in 2022, we are so looking forward to meeting safely and reconnecting with our business contacts and acquaintances. To accomodate those that are more comfortable meeting virtually, we will continue with virtual participation as well. Whatever the platform, we are thankful for the opportunity to continue serving you and creating solutions that fit your needs.

Thank You

february—june 2022 conference schedule feb 27—mar 3

mar 16—17

mar 17—18

apr 20—22

may 1—4

SME Annual Conference & Expo

North Carolina Aggregates Assoc. Mid-Year Meeting

Williston Basin Conference

Best in the West Drill & Blast Conference

CIM Convention and Expo

Salt Lake City, UT

Regina, SK, Canada

Greensboro, NC

may 3—6

may 20—22

June 6—10

jun 13—15

SMRI Technical Conference

IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference

Elko Mine Expo

IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference

Rapid City, SD

Vancouver, BC

Spearfish, SD

Elko, NV

Las Vegas, NV

Toronto, ON, Canada

visit booth #1902 at the sme annual conference & expo to: » Congratulate Neil & Cami Prenn on their high honors » Demo our GeoSequel software » Watch our void scanning instrumentation in action » Learn what being an integrated solutions partner means to us » Meet RESPEC’s new President, Jason Love » Discuss our presentation topics