“We are extremely proud to achieve this key milestone, ahead of schedule and under budget,” CEO N. Eric Fier said. “I commend all who have been involved in the project to date and thank our stakeholders, including local communities, for their continued support. Completing construction marks a significant derisking step as we move toward becoming a highgrade precious metal producer.”

Processing plant commissioning is now under way with the plant expected to reach commercial production in the fourth quarter of 2022. Given the extensive amount of underground development completed to date, there is a significant amount of stockpiled ore on surface to allow for a more measured ramp-up of underground mining over the first few years of production and increased operational flexibility. The feasibility study outlined a plan in which the process plant will not be fed exclusively from underground mined material until 2025.