Updated Marigold Life of MINE Plan Confirms Near-Term Production Growth and Robust Economics
News Release 18-09
SSR Mining Inc. PHONE +1 604.689.3846 Suite 800 - 1055 Dunsmuir Street
www.ssrmining.com TOLL FREE +1 888.338.0046 PO Box 49088
Vancouver, BC, Canada V7X 1G4
June 18, 2018
UPDATED MARIGOLD LIFE OF MINE PLAN CONFIRMS NEAR-TERM PRODUCTION
GROWTH AND ROBUST ECONOMICS
VANCOUVER, B.C. – SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ: SSRM) (TSX: SSRM) (“SSR Mining”) is
pleased to report results of an updated life of mine plan for the Marigold mine in Nevada, U.S.,
evaluating a sustained mining rate from the additional haul trucks added in 2016 and 2018 as well
as year-end 2017 Mineral Reserves, for over ten years of mining to 2028.
Paul Benson, President and CEO said, “This life of mine plan builds on our exploration success
and Operational Excellence track record at Marigold. Annual gold production is forecast to exceed
265,000 ounces in 2021 and 2022, a more than 30% increase over 2017. The new reserve
supports mining for over ten years and gold production for fifteen years, with significant resources
and exploration potential existing beyond the currently defined reserves.
Marigold opened in 1989 with an initial estimated eight-year mine life and next year celebrates its
30th year of continuous operation. We continue to invest in exploration at the site and expect to
continue to increase reserves and resources.”
Marigold Life of Mine Plan Highlights
(All references to “dollars” or “$” are to U.S. dollars and all technical data are presented with an eff ective date of
December 31, 2017 unless otherwise noted.)
Robust economics: After-tax net present value of $552 million based on a $1,300 per ounce
gold price, a 5% discount rate and the 2017 year-end Mineral Reserves.
Large gold reserve base in Nevada: Mineral Reserves of 3. 2 million ounces of gold for over
ten years of mining to 2028 and gold production through to 2032.
Near-term production growth: Average annual production for the period 2019 to 2020 increases
to 218,000 ounces of gold, in-line with the 5-Year Outlook announced in 2016.
Increased production scale: Average annual production is 236,000 ounces of gold in the first
six years, with peak gold production of more than 265,000 ounces of gold in 2021 and 2022.
Competitive life of mine cost position: Life of mine cash costs of $730 per payable ounce of
gold and all-in sustaining costs of $966 per payable ounce of gold.
Low capital intensity: Capital expenditures of $284 million or $120 per ounce of gold over the
life of mine.
Potential for further mine life extension: Incremental Indicated Mineral Resources of 2.5 million
ounces of gold provides potential to extend mine life or increase annual production.
SSR Mining Inc.
PAGE 2
Marigold Project Overview
The Marigold mine is located in southeastern Humboldt County, in the northern foothills of the
Battle Mountain Range of Nevada, U.S. The mine is situated approximately five kilometers south-
southwest of the town of Valmy, Nevada via a public road emanating from Interstate Highway 80
approximately 325 kilometers east of Reno . The Marigold mine currently encompasse s
approximately 10,570 hectares. We hold a 100% interest in the Marigold mine through our wholly-
owned subsidiary, Marigold Mining Company. The mine has been in continuous production since
1989.
Mineral Resources Estimate
The Mineral Resources estimate is based on all available data for the Marigold mine as at
December 31, 2017.
Table 1: Marigold Mine Mineral Resources Estimate (as at December 31, 2017)
Category
Tonnes Gold Grade Gold Contained
(Mt) (g/t) Moz
Indicated
Marigold 370.2 0.46 5.47
Marigold Leach Pad Inventory -- -- 0.19
Inferred
Marigold 49.7 0.41 0.63
Notes:
Mineral Resources estimate was prepared in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”)
Definition Standards on Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources (the “CIM Standards”) adopted by the CIM Council on May 10,
2014 and National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") under the supervision of James
Carver, SME Registered Member (#509390), our Chief Geologist at the Marigold mine, and Karthik Rathnam, MAusIMM (CP),
our Chief Engineer at the Marigold mine, each a qualified person.
Mineral Resources estimate is reported below the as -mined surface as at December 31, 2017 and is inclusive of Mineral
Reserves.
Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Due to the uncertainty that may
be attached to Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed 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.
Mineral Resources estimate is reported based on an optimized pit shell at a cut-off grade of 0.065 g/t payable gold (gold assay
factored for recovery, royalty and net proceeds per mineral resource block), with a gold price assumption of $1,400 per ounce of
gold.
Gold values have been estimated using ordinary kriging for in situ material and Inverse Distance cubed for stockpile material.
Domain-based outlier restriction on gold values ranging between 1.37 g/t and 8.57 g/t has been used for the Mineral Resources
estimate.
Densities for different lithological units have been calculated based on detailed test work carried out by SSR Mining and
corresponds to historical mine production.
Mineral Resources estimate includes all mineralized material that has the potential for economic recovery of gold from an open
pit supply to a run-of-mine heap leach operation.
The Marigold drillhole database, including collar survey, assay, lithology, oxidation and densities, used for the Mineral Resources
estimate has been verified by James N. Carver, SME Registered Member, and Karthik Rathnam, MAusIMM (CP), by conducting
detailed verification checks, including quality assurance/quality control of location, geological, density and assay data.
The cost, recovery and design parameters considered by optimization calculations for the Mineral Resources estimate are
considered appropriate based on the current mine production.
Indicated Mineral Resources estimate that forms a portion of the Probable Mineral Reserves is regarded as appropriate for
medium- to long-term production open pit planning and mine scheduling on a quarterly basis.
There are no known legal, political or environmental risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Mine ral
Resources estimate.
Although Measured Resources, Indicated Resources and Inferred Resources are Mineral Resources confidence classification
categories defined by CIM and are recognized and required to be disclosed by NI 43 -101, the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”) does not recognize them. Please see “Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors”.
Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units. Contained gold ounces are reported as millions of troy ounces (Moz), and
“g/t” represents grams per tonne.
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding.
SSR Mining Inc.
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Mineral Reserves Estimate
The Mineral Reserves estimate is based on all available data for the Marigold mine as at
December 31, 2017.
Table 2: Marigold Mine Mineral Reserves Estimate (as at December 31, 2017)
Category
Tonnes Gold Grade Gold Contained
(Mt) (g/t) Moz
Probable Mineral Reserves
Marigold 205.1 0.46 3.00
Marigold Leach Pad Inventory -- -- 0.19
Notes:
Mineral Reserves estimate was prepared in accordance with the CIM Standards and NI 43-101 under the supervision of Thomas
Rice, SME Registered Member (#2693800), our Technical Services Manager at the Marigold mine, a qualified person. Trevor J.
Yeomans, ACSM, P. Eng, our Director, Metallurgy, is the qualified person who provided metallurgical parameters that were
incorporated in the Mineral Reserves estimate.
Mineral Reserves estimate is reported below the as-mined surface as at December 31, 2017.
Mineral Reserves estimate is contained within pit designs generated using Indicated Mineral Resources only a nd a gold price
assumption of $1,250 per ounce.
Mineral Reserves estimate is reported at a cut-off grade of 0.065 g/t payable gold.
Mineral Reserves estimate is reported within a pit design that uses geotechnical parameters proven from actual performance
and reviewed by Call & Nicholas, Inc., Geotechnical Consultants. The design is created using a geometry guideline from a
Lerchs-Grossman algorithm.
No mining dilution is applied to the grade of the Mineral Reserves. Dilution intrinsic to the Mineral Reserves estimate is considered
sufficient to represent the mining selectivity considered.
Mining costs are based on historical values and budgeted costs with an incremental haulage component based on estimated
haul cycle times and pit depths. Processing and Gene ral & Administrative costs are estimated based on historical values and
budgeted costs.
Average LOM strip ratio is 3.2:1 waste to ore.
Metallurgical recovery is calculated using a formula derived through historical information and laboratory test work. The formula
is cyanide soluble gold grade divided by total gold grade multiplied by 0.92.
There are no known legal, political or environmental risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Mine ral
Reserves estimate.
Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units. Contained gold ounces are reported as millions of troy ounces (Moz), and
“g/t” represents grams per tonne.
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding.
Mining and Processing
Marigold uses a standard open pit mining method with a current mining rate of approximately
200,000 tonnes per day , expected to increase beginning 2019 to an annual average of over
225,000 tonnes per day through 2028. The property undertakes conventional drilling and blasting
activities to liberate ore and waste. Mining is conducted on 50-foot (15.2 meter) benches for pre-
stripping waste and 25-foot (7.6 meter) benches for ore. Loading operations take place with three
loading shovels. In February 2018, we approved the purchase of four additional 300 tonne class
haul trucks for expected service in the thi rd quarter of 2018, which will expand our truck fleet to
25-300 tonne class haul trucks.
The Marigold processing plant and facilities operate using standard industry run-of-mine heap
leaching, carbon adsorption, carbon desorption and electro -winning circuits to produce a final
precious metal product in the form of doré. All processing of ore, which is oxide in nature, is
completed via run-of-mine heap leach pads, and is a cost effective method to recover gold. Waste
is hauled to locations near mining pits to minimize haulage costs. Ore is delivered to the leach
pads and stacked in 40-foot (12.2 meter) lifts. In 2018, we expect to complete the construction of
an additional leach pad and pumping upgrades, in-line with previous guidance.
SSR Mining Inc.
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Based on the growth of Mineral Reserves since 2014 and updated operating assumptions
encompassing the additional haul trucks purchased in 2016 and 2018 , the Marigold mine is
expected to produce in excess of 235,000 ounces of gold per year on average over the first six
years in the updated life of mine plan. Peak production exceeds 265,000 ounces of gold in both
2021 and 2022. Certain estimated operating, production and cost statistics are detailed in Tables
3, 4 and 5.
Table 3: Operating and Production Statistics
Units
2018-2023
Annual
Average
2018-2027
Annual
Average
Total
Total Material Mined Mt 82 82 863
Waste Removed Mt 58 62 657
Ore Stacked Mt 23 20 205
Strip Ratio waste:ore 2.48 - 3.21
Operating Life years - - 15
Gold Grade to Leach Pad g/t 0.42 - 0.46
Gold Recovery % 75.1% - 74.6%
Gold Production oz 236,073 211,394 2,373,651
Notes: Annual averages exclude the partial year of mining in 2028.
Table 4: Operating Statistics Per Annum
Year
Ore Mined Waste Removed Strip Ratio Gold Grade Gold Recovery
(Mt) (Mt) (waste:ore) (g/t) (%)
2018 28.6 41.7 1.5 0.33 72.4%
2019 21.9 56.3 2.6 0.39 74.0%
2020 20.6 67.0 3.3 0.42 75.3%
2021 23.6 58.1 2.5 0.52 76.0%
2022 21.7 63.1 2.9 0.53 76.8%
2023 24.2 63.3 2.6 0.36 74.7%
2024 11.7 71.3 6.1 0.40 74.0%
2025 7.4 85.0 11.5 0.89 77.0%
2026 18.0 46.6 2.6 0.53 71.9%
2027 20.5 69.4 3.4 0.41 71.9%
2028 6.7 35.5 5.3 0.68 77.3%
Total 205.1 657.5 3.2 0.46 74.6%
Note: Figures may not total exactly due to rounding.
SSR Mining Inc.
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Table 5: Production and Cost Statistics Per Annum
Year
Recoverable Gold
Stacked
on Leach Pads
Gold
Produced
Cash
Costs
All-In Sustaining
Costs
(oz) (oz) ($/payable ounce of
gold sold)
($/payable ounce of
gold sold)
2018 222,987 196,052 $726 $936
2019 205,947 210,424 $847 $1,062
2020 207,767 225,307 $744 $1,125
2021 300,024 266,101 $603 $940
2022 281,831 266,102 $623 $796
2023 209,683 252,455 $712 $844
2024 112,050 146,198 $924 $1,305
2025 161,894 145,487 $674 $1,426
2026 221,105 201,614 $679 $807
2027 195,903 204,198 $771 $835
2028 113,748 136,637 $712 $787
2029 - 61,966 $823 $839
2030 - 20,370 $920 $956
2031 - 20,370 $1,013 $1,046
2032 - 20,370 $1,193 $1,219
Total 2,232,938 2,373,651 $730 $966
Notes: Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Cash costs and all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”) per payable ounce of gold sold
are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures”.
Capital Costs Summary
Capital expenditures over the life of mine are estimated to be $284 million and are consistent with
historical operating and maintenance practices. These capital expenditures , which include the
addition of the four 300 tonne class haul trucks, are detailed in Table 6.
Table 6: Summary of Capital Expenditures ($M)
Capital Expenditures Value
Mining Equipment $105
Capitalized Equipment Maintenance $130
Processing $37
Administration & Permitting $12
Total Capital Expenditures $284
Note: Figures may not total exactly due to rounding.
In addition to the capital expenditures outlined above, capitalized stripping during active mining is
estimated to be $277 million.
SSR Mining Inc.
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Operating Costs Summary
Cash costs and AISC per payable ounce of gold sold are non-GAAP financial measures. Please
see “Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures”.
Total estimated operating costs for the Marigold mine are presented in Table 7. These costs were
developed based on actual operating experience and adjusted to consider future o perating
conditions.
Table 7: Summary of Operating Costs
Operating Costs Units Value
Mining
$/t mined $1.50
$/t processed $6.32
Processing $/t processed $1.22
General and Administrative $/t processed $0.67
Total $/t processed $8.20
Note: Figures may not total exactly due to rounding.
Estimated cash costs and AISC per payable ounce sold over the life of mine are presented in
Table 8.
Table 8: Cash Costs and AISC per Payable Ounce of Gold Sold ($/oz)
Value
Mine Operations (including capitalized stripping) $544
Processing $105
General and Administrative $58
Inventory Adjustment $36
Royalties & Refining (net of silver credits) $104
Capitalized Stripping ($117)
Total Cash Costs $730
Capitalized Stripping $117
Sustaining Capital $110
Reclamation and exploration $9
All-In Sustaining Costs $966
Note: Figures may not total exactly due to rounding.
Financial Analysis
Estimated cash flows, as well as Net Present Value (“NPV”), over the life of mine are presented
in Tables 9 and 10.
SSR Mining Inc.
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Table 9: Key Financial Estimates
Units Value
Net Revenue $M $3,090
Mining Costs (excluding capitalized stripping) $M ($1,018)
Processing Costs $M ($250)
General and Administrative Costs $M ($137)
Royalties and Other $M ($247)
Change in Net Working Capital $M ($14)
Operating Cash Flow $M $1,424
Capitalized Stripping $M ($277)
Capital Expenditures $M ($284)
Reclamation and Severance $M ($48)
Salvage Value $M $8
Pre-Tax Cash Flow $M $823
Tax $M ($81)
Post-tax Cash Flow $M $741
Pre-Tax NPV (5%) $M $611
Post-Tax NPV (5%) $M $552
Note: Figures may not total exactly due to rounding.
Table 10: Key Economic Assumptions
Assumption Units Value
Gold Price $/oz $1,300
Oil Price $/bbl $65
Average NSR Royalty Rate % 7.9%
Sensitivity Analysis
The Marigold mine is most sensitive to the gold price . Estimated NPV sensitivities for key
operating and economic metrics are presented in Table 11.
Table 11: After-Tax Net Present Value Sensitivity Analysis
Units -10% Base Case +10%
Gold Price $/oz $1,170 $1,300 $1,430
NPV (5%) $M $392 $552 $737
Operating Costs $/tonne $7.38 $8.20 $9.02
NPV (5%) $M $664 $552 $437
Capital Expenditures $M $256 $284 $312
NPV (5%) $M $573 $552 $530
Oil Price $/bbl $58.50 $65.00 $71.50
NPV (5%) $M $567 $552 $536
Discount Rate % 0% 5% 10%
NPV $M $741 $552 $426
SSR Mining Inc.
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Opportunities
Several opportunities to improve the economics of the Marigold mine may include:
Ongoing exploration on the leases to increase Mineral Resources and conversion to Mineral
Reserves;
Increasing equipment availabilities through improved maintenance practices;
Evaluation of staggered breaks for mine personnel, leading to increased equipment utilization;
and
Automation aimed at increasing equipment productivity and reducing operating costs.
The majority of this year’s exploration budget is focused on the Red Dot deposit. If the Red Dot
exploration program converts sufficient amounts of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves, a
study to consider the expansion of the Marigold mine will be prepared by the first half of 2019.
Additional exploration following the Red Dot work will focus on delineation of potential new Mineral
Resources and the advancing of known Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves status near
existing deposits such as Terry Zone North, Mackay North and the Valmy property area.
Additional untested targets exist to the north and south of the Red Dot area, which may also be
subject to drilling, as these areas have the potential to expand Mineral Resources or extend the
mine life.
Qualified Persons
Except as otherwise set out herein, the scientific and technical information contained in this news
release pertaining to the Marigold has been reviewed and approved by the following qualified
persons under NI 43-101:
James N. Carver, SME Registered Member, our Chief Geologist at the Marigold mine;
Karthik Rathnam, MAusIMM (CP), our Chief Engineer at the Marigold mine;
Thomas Rice, SME Registered Member, our Technical Services Manager at the Marigold
mine; and
Trevor J. Yeomans, ACSM, P.Eng., our Director, Metallurgy.
The qualified persons have verified the information disclosed herein, including the sampling,
preparation, security and analytical procedures underlying such information, and are not aware
of any significant risks and uncertainties that could b e expected to affect the reliability or
confidence in the information discussed herein.
Technical Report
A NI 43-101 technical report with respect to the updated life of mine plan prepared by SSR Mining
will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release and will be available at that time on
the SSR Mining website.
About SSR Mining
SSR Mining Inc. is a Canadian-based precious metals producer with three operations, including
the Marigold gold mine in Nevada, U.S., the Seabee Gold Operation in S askatchewan, Canada
and the 75% -owned and operated Puna Operations joint venture in Jujuy, Argentina. We also
have two feasibility stage projects and a portfolio of exploration properties in North and South