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Gryphon Gold Corporation Borealis Mining Company Canadian NI 43-101 Preliminary Assessment of the Mineral Resources of the Borealis Gold Project Located in Mineral County, Nevada, USA September 2, 2008 Prepared

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Title: Gryphon Gold Corporation Borealis Mining Company Canadian NI 43-101 Preliminary Assessment of the Mineral Resources of the Borealis Gold Project Located in Mineral County, Nevada, USA September 2, 2008 Prepared
Date: 10/7/2008
Industry: Gold and Silver     Sector: Basic Materials

Gryphon Gold Corporation Borealis Mining Company Canadian NI 43-101 Preliminary Assessment of the Mineral Resources of the Borealis Gold Project Located in Mineral County, Nevada, USA September 2, 2008 Prepared, Parties: gryphon gold corp , borealis mining company , gryphon gold corporation , telesto nevada  inc
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Gryphon Gold Corporation
Borealis Mining Company
Canadian NI 43-101
Preliminary Assessment of the Mineral
Resources
of the Borealis Gold Project Located in
Mineral County, Nevada, USA

September 2, 2008

Prepared by:

John R. Danio, P.E.
Senior Associate

Telesto Nevada, Inc.

Reno, Nevada

Telephone: 775-853-7776

In association with:

Roger C. Steininger, Ph.D., CPG
Chief Consulting Geologist

Gryphon Gold Corporation

Reno, Nevada

Telephone: 775-742-6333

Steve Wolff
Mining Engineering Consultant

Sugar Land, Texas

Telephone: 281-494-6973

Steven D. Craig, CPG
Vice President - Exploration

Gryphon Gold Corporation

Hawthorne, Nevada

Telephone: 775-945-5300

Jaye T. Pickarts, P.E.
Knight Piésold and Co.

Denver, Colorado

Telephone: 303-629-8788

Kim Drossulis
Senior Mine Engineer

Telesto Nevada, Inc.

Reno, Nevada

Telephone: 775-853-7776


(This page is intentionally left blank)


Gryphon Gold Corporation
Borealis Mining Company
Canadian NI 43-101
Preliminary Assessment of the Mineral Resources
Of the Borealis Gold Project Located in
Mineral County, Nevada, USA

Table of Contents

 

 

1.0 Executive Summary

1

 

1.1 Introduction

1

 

 

1.1.1 Terms of Reference

1

 

 

1.1.2 Principal Contributions to this Preliminary Assessment

2

 

 

1.1.3 Basis of Study

2

 

1.2 Project Description and Location

3

 

 

1.2.1 Land Status and Ownership

4

 

 

1.2.2 Royalty

5

 

1.3 Access, Climate, Local Resources, and Infrastructure

6

 

1.4 Property History

6

 

1.5 Geology and Mineralization

8

 

1.6 History of Exploration Activities

10

 

1.7 Drill Hole Database

12

 

1.8 Sample Preparation, Analysis, and Security

13

 

 

1.8.1 Historical

13

 

 

1.8.2 2004 Program

13

 

 

1.8.3 2005 Through November 2007 Program

15

 

1.9 Data Verification

16

 

1.10 Adjacent Properties

17

 

 

1.11 Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing

18

 

 

1.11.1 Metallurgical Testing

18

 

 

1.11.2 Processing

19

 

1.12 Mineral Resource Estimates

20

i


 

 

 

Table of Contents (Continued)

 

 

 

1.12.1 Mineral Resource Model

20

 

1.13 Other Important Considerations

24

 

 

1.13.1 Permitting

24

 

1.14 Financial Model Results

25

 

1.15 Conclusions and Recommendations

26

2.0 Introduction and Terms of Reference

28

3.0 Reliance on Other Experts

32

4.0 Property Description and Location

34

 

4.1 Location

34

 

4.2 Study Area Boundaries

35

 

4.3 Property Description and Ownership

35

 

 

4.3.1 General Property Description

35

 

 

4.3.2 Ownership, Purchase Agreement, and Mining Lease

36

 

 

4.3.3 Royalty

37

5.0 Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure, and Physiography

38

 

5.1 Access

38

 

5.2 Climate and Physiography

38

 

5.3 Existing Site Conditions, Infrastructure, and Available Services

38

6.0 History

42

 

6.1 History of the District

42

 

6.2 Past Production

44

 

6.3 Borealis Property Development Background

44

 

6.4 Previous Mineral Resource Estimates

46

7.0 Geologic Setting

50

 

7.1 Introduction

50

 

7.2 Regional Geology

50

 

7.3 Local Geology

52

 

7.4 Miocene and Younger Rocks

53

 

7.5 Structure

55

8.0 Deposit Types

57

 

8.1 Hydrothermal Gold Deposits

57

 

8.2 Graben Breccias

59

ii


 

 

 

Table of Contents (Continued)

 

 

8.3 Gold in Alluvium

60

9.0 Mineralization

61

 

9.1 Introduction

61

 

9.2 Oxidized Gold Mineralization

61

 

9.3 Gold-Sulfide Mineralization

62

10.0 Exploration

65

 

10.1 Introduction

65

 

10.2 Historical Exploration

65

 

 

10.2.1 Borealis Extension Deposit

66

 

 

10.2.2 Graben Deposit

66

 

 

10.2.3 North Graben Prospect

67

 

 

10.2.4 Sunset Wash Prospect

67

 

 

10.2.5 Boundary Ridge/Bullion Ridge Prospect

68

 

 

10.2.6 Central Pediment (Lucky Boy) Prospect

68

 

10.3 Activities Planned to Expand Mineralized Zones and Explore Prospects

69

 

 

10.3.1 Area Geophysical Surveys

69

 

 

10.3.2 Applied Reflectance Spectroscopy and Geochemical Analyses

71

 

 

10.3.3 Freedom Flats Section

72

 

 

10.3.4 Central Graben Section

73

 

 

10.3.5 Conclusions and Recommendations

73

11.0 Drilling

76

 

11.1 Gryphon Gold Drilling

76

 

11.2 Historical Drill Hole Database

76

12.0 Sampling Method and Approach

78

 

12.1 General

78

 

 

12.1.1 Freedom Flats Example

79

 

12.2 Sampling of Existing Heaps and Dumps – Spring 2004

80

 

12.3 Drill Hole Database for Mineral Resource Model

80

13.0 Sample Preparation, Analysis, and Security

82

 

13.1 Previous Mining Operations and Exploration

82

 

 

13.1.1 Analysis and Quality Control

82

 

 

13.1.2 Security

83

iii


 

 

 

Table of Contents (Continued)

 

 

13.2 Heap and Dump Drilling and Sampling Program - Spring 2004

83

 

 

13.2.1 Sampling, Analysis, and Quality Control - Heap and Dump Drilling

83

 

 

13.2.2 Security

86

 

13.3 2005 Through Late-2007 Reverse Circulation Drilling

86

 

 

13.3.1 2005-2007 Analytical Program

87

 

 

13.3.2 Outside Lab Check

88

 

 

13.3.3 Change of Labs

88

 

13.4 QC/QA Conclusions

88

14.0 Data Verification

89

 

14.1 Historical Drill Hole Data

89

 

14.2 Semi-Quantitative Check Sampling

89

 

14.3 Data Base Verification

90

15.0 Adjacent Properties

91

16.0 Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing

93

 

16.1 Introduction

93

 

16.2 Metallurgical History

93

 

16.3 Previous Metallurgical Investigation

94

 

16.4 Current Metallurgical Investigation

95

 

 

16.4.1 Sample Description

95

 

 

16.4.2 Bottle Roll Tests

96

 

 

16.4.3 Column Test work

96

 

16.5 Reagent Consumption

98

 

16.6 Summary of Results

98

 

16.7 Bulk Density and Tonnage Factor

100

 

16.8 Heap Leach Processing Alternatives

102

 

 

16.8.1 Heap Leach Plus Gravity

102

 

 

16.8.2 Heap Leach Plus Gravity (Screen out the Low Grade)

103

17.0 Mineral Resource Estimate

104

 

17.1 Introduction

104

 

17.2 Optimization Analysis

104

 

17.3 Existing Heaps, ROM COG

105

 

17.4 Mineral Resources

105

iv


 

 

 

Table of Contents (Continued)

 

 

17.5 Pit Design Parameters

106

 

17.6 General Statement

107

 

 

17.6.1 Independent Review

107

 

17.7 Mineral Resource Model

108

 

 

17.7.1 Resource Block Model Size and Location

108

 

 

17.7.2 Drill Hole Data

110

 

 

17.7.3 Compositing

117

 

 

17.7.4 Topographic Data and Models

117

 

 

17.7.5 Geologic Model for the Thickness of the QAL and TCV Formations

118

 

 

17.7.6 Model of the Depth of Oxidation and Partial Oxidation

120

 

 

17.7.7 Grade Zone Models and Basic Statistics

120

 

 

17.7.8 Variograms

126

 

 

17.7.9 Grade Estimation and Mineral Resource Classification

127

 

 

17.7.10 Comparison of Mineral Resource Estimates to Previous Production

134

 

 

17.7.11 Summary of Model Results

134

 

17.8 Mineable Resources

141

 

17.9 Mineral Resources from Existing Heaps and Stockpiles

144

 

17.10 Mine Plan

148

18.0 Other Relevant Data and Information

149

 

18.1 Permitting

149

 

18.2 Permit Summary

149

 

18.3 Background and Status of Permits

151

 

 

18.3.1 Approved Plan of Operations

151

 

 

18.3.2 Water Pollution Control Permit (WPCP)

152

 

 

18.3.3 Reclamation Permit

153

 

 

18.3.4 Closure Plans

154

 

 

18.3.5 Air Quality Permit

154

 

 

18.3.6 Storm Water Permit

155

 

 

18.3.7 Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC)

155

 

 

18.3.8 Emergency Release, Response, and Contingency Plan (ERRCP)

155

 

 

18.3.9 Threatened and Endangered Species Act

156

 

 

18.3.10 Historical Preservation Act

156

v


 

 

 

Table of Contents (Continued)

 

 

 

18.3.11 Water Rights

157

 

18.4 Other Minor Permits and Authorizations

157

 

18.5 Other Information

159

19.0 Interpretation and Conclusions

160

 

19.1 Geology

160

 

19.2 Geophysics

160

 

19.3 Gold Deposits

160

 

19.4 Mineral Resources

161

 

19.5 Mining

161

 

19.6 District Exploration

161

20.0 Recommendations

164

21.0 References

165

22.0 Certificate of Author

169

23A Additional Requirements for Development Properties

179

 

23A.1 Mining Operations

179

 

23.2A Contract Mining

181

 

 

23A.2.1 Maintenance and Fuel Storage Facilities

181

 

 

23A.2.2 Explosive Storage

181

 

 

23A.2.3 Mine Personnel

181

 

 

23A.2.4 Blasting Design

181

 

 

23A.2.5 Grade Control Procedures

182

 

 

23A.2.6 Stockpiles and Waste Dumps

183

 

 

23A.2.7 Ore Dilution

183

 

23A.3 Organization

183

 

 

23A.3.1 General Management

184

 

 

23A.3.2 Finance and Accounting

184

 

 

23A.3.3 Human Resources

184

 

 

23A.3.4 Purchasing and Materials Management

184

 

 

23A.3.5 Public Relations

184

 

 

23A.3.6 Environmental and Permitting

184

 

 

23A.3.7 Health and Safety

185

 

 

23A.3.8 Corporate Support

185

vi


 

 

 

Table of Contents (Continued)

 

 

 

23A.3.9 Emergencies

185

 

 

23A.3.10 Compensation Plan Structure

185

 

 

23A.3.11 Training

185

23B Recoverability

186

 

23B.1 Introduction

186

 

23B.2 Site Layout Considerations

187

 

23B.3 Process Description

187

 

 

23B.3.1 Design Criteria

187

 

 

23B.3.2 Crushing, Screening, and Agglomeration

188

 

 

23B.3.3 Heap Leaching

188

 

 

23B.3.4 ADR Process Plant

188

 

 

23B.3.5 Reagents

189

 

 

23B.3.6 Utilities

189

 

23B.4 Plant Operation and Instrumentation

190

 

23B.5 Plant Services

190

 

 

23B.5.1 Mobile Equipment

190

 

 

23B.5.2 Building

190

 

 

23B.5.3 Assay/Metallurgical Laboratories

190

 

23B.6 Process Personnel

191

 

 

23B.6.1 Salaried Staff

191

 

 

23B.6.2 Hourly Staff

191

 

23B.7 Heap Leach Pad and Pond Design

191

 

 

23B.7.1 Introduction

191

 

 

23B.7.2 Heap Leach Pad Grading Plan

191

 

 

23B.7.3 Heap Leach Pad Liner System

191

 

 

23B.7.4 Process Component Monitoring System

193

 

 

23B.7.5 Loading Plan

194

 

 

23B.7.6 Recycle/Storm Water Pond LCRS

194

 

 

23B.7.7 Water Balance

195

 

 

23B.7.8 Monitoring Wells

196

 

23B.8 Infrastructure

197

 

 

23B.8.1 Site Access

197

vii


 

 

 

 

Table of Contents (Continued)

 

 

 

23B.8.2 Site Improvements

197

 

 

23B.8.3 Office, ADR Change House and Office, Assay Laboratory

197

 

 

23B.8.4 Water Supply Distribution

198

 

 

23B.8.5 Power Distribution

198

 

 

23B.8.6 Process Area

198

 

 

23B.8.7 Crushing Area

198

 

 

 

23B.8.7.1 Water Well Location

199

 

 

 

23B.8.7.2 Control System Architeture

199

 

 

 

23B.8.7.3 Crushing Plant

199

 

 

 

23B.8.7.4 The ADR Facility

199

 

 

 

23B.8.7.5 Motor Control Stations

199

 

 

 

23B.8.7.6 Plant Instrumentation

200

 

 

23B.8.8 Haul Roads

200

 

 

23B.8.9 Perimeter Roads

200

 

 

23B.8.10 Fire Protection

200

 

 

23B.8.11 Fencing and Access

200

 

 

23B.8.12 Propane

200

 

 

23B.8.13 Site Radios

201

 

 

23B.8.14 Site Phones

201

23C Markets

202

23D Contracts

203

23E Reclamation and Closure

204

 

23E.1 Introduction

204

 

23E.2 Surface Reclamation and Revegetation Plan

204

 

 

23E.2.1 Soils and Soil Availability for Reclamation

204

 

 

23E.2.2 Surface Reclamation

204

 

 

23E.2.3 Revegetation

205

 

 

23E.2.4 Heap Leach Pads

205

 

 

23E.2.5 Storage Ponds and ADR Plant

206

 

 

23E.2.6 Open Pits

206

 

 

23E.2.7 Waste Rock Facilities

206

 

 

23E.2.8 Roads and Drainages

207

viii


 

 

 

Table of Contents (Continued)

 

 

 

23E.2.9 Exploration Activities

208

 

 

23E.2.10 Buildings and Infrastructure

208

 

23E.3 Monitoring and Reporting

209

 

23E.4 Reclamation Schedule and Cost

209

 

23E.5 Reclamation and Closure Risk

210

23F Taxes and Royalties

211

 

23F.1 Production Royalty

211

 

23F.2 Nevada Net Proceeds Tax

212

 

23F.3 Mineral County Sales Tax

212

 

23F.4 Nevada and Federal Income Tax

212

23G1 Capital Cost Estimate

213

 

23G1.1 Introduction

213

 

23G1.2 Basis of Estimate

213

 

 

23G1.2.1 Cost Areas

214

 

 

23G1.2.2 Indirect Costs

215

 

23G1.3 Contingency

215

 

23G1.4 Summary

215

 

23G1.5 Owners Cost

216

 

23G1.6 Exclusions, Clarification, and Qualifications

217

 

 

23G1.6.1 Exclusions

217

 

 

23G1.6.2 Clarifications and Qualifications

217

23G2 Operating Cost Estimate

218

 

23G2.1 Introduction

218

 

 

23G2.1.1 Mining

218

 

23G2.2 Crushing, Agglomeration, and Heap Stacking

220

 

23G2.3 Processing

221

 

 

23G2.3.1 Labor

221

 

23G2.4 Reagents

221

 

23G2.5 Consumables

222

 

23G2.6 Processing Cost Summary

222

 

23G2.7 General and Administrative (G & A)

223

 

23G2.8 Operating Cost Summary

223

ix


 

 

 

Table of Contents (Continued)

 

23G3 Project Execution

227

 

23G3.1 Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management

227

 

23G3.2 Procurement Plan

227

 

 

23G3.2.1 Purchasing

227

 

 

23G3.2.2 Expediting

228

 

 

23G3.2.3 Inspections

228

 

 

23G3.2.4 Traffic and Logistics

228

 

23G3.3 Engineering

228

 

 

23G3.3.1 Electrical, Control Systems, and Instrumentation

229

 

 

23G3.3.2 Structural Design

229

 

23G3.4 Project Schedule

230

 

23G3.5Construction Labor Force

230

 

23G3.6 Start-up and Commissioning

231

23H Economic Analysis

232

 

23H.1 Introduction

232

 

23H.2 Production Schedule and Assumptions

232

 

23H.3 Sales and Revenue

232

 

23H.4 Cash Flow Projections

232

 

 

23H.4.1 Capital Costs

233

 

 

23H.4.2 Sustaining Capital

233

 

 

23H.4.3 Owner's Costs

233

 

 

23H.4.4 Working Capital

233

 

 

23H.4.5 Operating Costs

234

 

23H.5 Depreciation, Taxes, and Royalties

234

 

23H.6 Sensitivities

234

x


 

List of Tables

 

 

 

Table

Title

 

 

 

 

1.1

Estimated Gold Recovery

19

 

 

 

1.2

Borealis Mineral Resource Estimate – March 2008, Summary of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource – Combined Oxide and Mixed

22

 

 

 

1.3

Borealis Mineral Resource Estimate – September 2008, Summary of Inferred Mineralization – Combined Oxide and Mixed Material

23

 

 

 

1.4

Borealis Project March 2006 Mineral Resource Estimate, Summary of Indicated Resource in Heaps

23

 

 

 

1.5

Borealis Project March 2006 Mineral Resource Estimate, Summary of Inferred Resource in Heaps and Dumps

24

 

 

 

6.1

Reported Past Borealis Production, 1981-1990

44

 

 

 

6.2

Comparison of Historical Post-Mining Resource Estimates

48

 

 

 

13.1

Analytical Results of Bulk Sample from Road Cut Midway Between Top and Bottom of Heap 2

85

 

 

 

13.2

Summary of Analytical Results from Bulk Standard Used in Quality Control Program, Accepted Value 0.019 opt Au

85

 

 

 

13.3

Summary of Assay Analyses for the Same Sample by American Assay Laboratories and ALS Chemex

85

 

 

 

13.4

Comparison of Heap 1 Assay Results with Previous Sampling Program

86

 

 

 

14.1

Results of Selective Check Sampling at Borealis

90

 

 

 

16.1

Summary Metallurgical Results, Scoping Bottle Roll Tests Borealis Composites – Phase 1

95

 

 

 

16.2

Gold and Silver Recoveries

99

 

 

 

16.3

Alteration and Grade for Bulk Density Samples

101

 

 

 

16.4

Bulk Densities for Resource Estimation

102

 

 

 

17.1

Mine COG Parameters

105

 

 

 

17.2

Existing Heaps, ROM COG

105

xi


 

List of Tables (Continued)

 

 

 

Table

Title

 

 

 

 

17.3

Mineable Resources by Ore Type at $775 per ounce Gold

25

 

 

 

17.3

Mineable Resources by Ore Type at $775 per ounce Gold

106

 

 

 

17.4

Pit Design Parameters

106

 

 

 

17.5

Block Model Dimensions and Location Parameters (Main Area)

108

 

 

 

17.6

Block Model Dimensions and Location Parameters (West and East Areas)

110

 

 

 

17.7

Summary of Drill Hole Sample Statistics for Drill Holes Intersecting the Mineralized Zones

112

 

 

 

17.8

Geologic Formation Model..

119

 

 

 

17.9

Geologic Oxidation State Model

120

 

 

 

17.10

Summary of Basic Gold Grade Composite Statistics by Deposit (Inside Grade Zones)

121

 

 

 

17.11

Gold Grade Variogram Summary

126

 

 

 

17.12

First Pass (Measured) Search and Weighing Parameters for Inverse Distance Estimation

128

 

 

 

17.13

Second Pass (Indicated) Search and Weighing Parameters for Inverse Distance Estimation

129

 

 

 

17.14

Third Pass (Inferred) Search and Weighing Parameters for Inverse Distance Estimation

130

 

 

 

17.15

Comparison of Mined-Out Portions of Resource Model to Reported Production

134

 

 

 

17.16

Borealis Mineral Resource Estimate - March 2008 Summary of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource - Combined Oxides and Sulfides

135

 

 

 

17.17

Borealis Mineral Resource Estimate - March 2008 Summary of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource - Oxide Material

136

 

 

 

17.18

Borealis Mineral Resource Estimate - March 2008 Summary of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource - Partially Oxidized Material.

137

xii


 

List of Tables (Continued)

 

 

 

Table

Title

 

 

 

 

17.19

Borealis Mineral Resource Estimate - March 2008 Summary of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource - Sulfide Material

138

 

 

 

17.20

Borealis Mineral Resource Estimate - March 2008 Summary of Inferred Mineral Resource - Combined Oxides and Sulfides.

139

 

 

 

17.21

Borealis Mineral Resource Estimate - March 2008 Summary of Inferred Mineral Resource - Oxide Material

139

 

 

 

17.22

Borealis Mineral Resource Estimate - March 2008 Summary of Inferred Mineral Resource - Partially Oxidized Material

140

 

 

 

17.23

Borealis Mineral Resource Estimate – March 2008 Summary of Inferred Mineral Resource – Sulfide Material

140

 

 

 

17.24

West Model Measured, Indicated, and Inferred

141

 

 

 

17.25

South Model Measured, Indicated, and Inferred

142

 

 

 

17.26

East Model Measured, Indicated, and Inferred

143

 

 

 

17.27

North Model Measured, Indicated, and Inferred

144

 

 

 

17.28

Heap Name Correlation Chart

145

 

 

 

17.29

Production Volumes Versus Measured Heap Volumes

146

 

 

 

17.30

Reconciliation Waste Volumes Versus Measured Dump Volumes

146

 

 

 

17.31

Borealis Project March 2006 Mineral Resource Estimate Summary of Indicated Resource in Heaps

147

 

 

 

17.32

Borealis Project March 2006 Mineral Resource Estimate Summary of Inferred Resource in Heaps and Dumps

147

 

 

 

18.1

Other Minor Permits and Authorizations

158

 

 

 

23A.1

Mine Schedule

180

 

 

 

23B.1

Heap Leach Pad Design Criteria (By Knight Piésold)

192

 

 

 

23B.2

Recycle and Storm Water Pond Design Criteria (By Knight Piésold)

195

xiii


 

List of Tables (Continued)

 

 

 

Table

Title

 

 

 

 

23B.3

Heap Leach Pad Water Balance Input Parameters (By Knight Piésold)

196

 

 

 

23G1.1

Capital Cost Summary

216

 

 

 

23G2.1

Anticipated Contract Mining Equipment

219

 

 

 

23G2.2

Labor Requirements, Mining

220

 

 

 

23G2.3

Labor Requirements, Heap Leach and ADR Plant

221

 

 

 

23G2.4

Process Reagents, Heap Leach and ADR Plant

222

 

 

 

23G2.5

Process Consumables, Heap Leach and ADR Plant

222

 

 

 

23G2.6

Processing Summary, Heap Leach and ADR Plant

223

 

 

 

23G2.7

Annual G&A Cost Summary

223

 

List of Drawings

 

Figure

Title

 

 

23A.1

South Model, Borealis Project

 

 

23A.2

West Model, Borealis Project

 

 

23A.3

East Model Pits 1-4, Borealis Project

 

 

23A.4

North Model, Borealis Project

xiv


 

List of Figures

 

 

 

Figure

Title

 

 

 

 

1.1

Location Map of the Borealis Project

3

 

 

 

1.2

Local Geology of the Borealis District and Project Area

9

 

 

 

1.3

1989 Borealis District Aeromagnetic Survey Map

11

 

 

 

1.4

Selected Resistivity Anomaly Trends of the Borealis District

11

 

 

 

1.5

Adjacent Properties

18

 

 

 

2.1

Mineral Deposits and Prospects of the Borealis Property

29

 

 

 

4.1

Location Map of the Borealis Project

34

 

 

 

5.1

Photograph of a Portion of the Borealis District, circa 1991, View to the East with Freedom Flats Pit in the Foreground

39

 

 

 

7.1

Walker Lane Gold and Silver Deposits

51

 

 

 

7.2

Geologic Map of the Borealis Project Area

53

 

 

 

7.3

Volcanostratigraphic Section in the Borealis District

55

 

 

 

9.1

Typical Alteration Patterns of the Borealis District Gold Deposits

63

 

 

 

10.1

1989 Borealis District Aeromagnetic Survey Map

70

 

 

 

10.2

Selected Resistivity Anomaly Trends of a Portion of the Borealis District

71

 

 

 

15.1

Location of Borealis Property and Other Important Nearby Gold Mining Properties in the Walker Lane and Aurora-Borealis Cross Trend

91

 

 

 

16.1

Gold Leach Rate Profiles

98

 

 

 

17.1

Map Showing the North, South, and East Area Model Boundaries with Deposit Areas

109

 

 

 

17.2

Drill Hole Collar Locations in the South Area Model

113

 

 

 

17.3

Drill Hole Collar Locations in the North Area Model

114

 

 

 

17.4

Drill Hole Collar Locations in the East Area Model

115

xv


 

List of Figures (Continued)

 

 

 

Figure

Title

 

 

 

 

17.5

Drill Hole Collar Locations in the West Area Model

116

 

 

 

17.6

Examples of Grade Zones on Cross Sections of the Graben and Freedom Flats Deposits – Section 0+1250 (Sections at 140 o azimuth – looking N. 50 o E.)

122

 

 

 

17.7

Examples of Grade Zones on Cross Sections of the Graben and Freedom Flats Deposits – Section 0+1500 (Sections at 140 o azimuth – looking N. 50 o E.)

122

 

 

 

17.8

Examples of Grade Zones on Cross Sections of the Graben and Freedom Flats Deposits – Section 0+1750 (Sections at 140 o azimuth – looking N. 50 o E)

123

 

 

 

17.9

Au Composites’ Histogram and Cumulative Frequency Plot Within the Graben – High Grade Deposit Grade Zones

124

 

 

 

17.10

Au Composites’ Histogram and Cumulative Frequency Plot Within the Freedom Flats Deposit Grade Zones

125

 

 

 

17.11

Examples of the Relationship Between Drill Hole Spacing / Density and Resource Classifications (Graben-Freedom Flats – 6500 Bench)

131

 

 

 

17.12

Examples of the Relationship Between Drill Hole Spacing / Density and Resource Classifications (Graben-Freedom Flats – 6400 Bench)

132

 

 

 

17.13

Examples of the Relationship Between Drill Hole Spacing / Density and Resource Classifications (Graben-Freedom Flats – 6300 Bench)

133

 

 

 

23B.1

Overall Flow Diagram

186

 

 

 

23B.2

Site Plan

187

 

 

 

23G2.1

Projected Income Statements

224

 

 

 

23G2.2

Projected Balance Sheets

225

 

 

 

23G2.3

Projected Statements of Cash Flow

226

 

 

 

23H.1

Projected Project Return

236

 

 

 

23H.2

Sensitivities

237

xvi


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xvii


 

 

1.0 Executive Summary

1.1 Introduction

This preliminary assessment has been prepared for filing pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators in connection with the potential to develop a gold and silver resource at the Borealis project. Based on the cost estimates detailed in this report, a financial model has been created to demonstrate the economic potential of the project.

The format and content of this report are intended to conform to Form 43-101F1, Technical Report.

This assessment includes a combination of measured, indicated and inferred oxide and mixed mineralized material that occur in and around the Borealis property that are amenable to heap leach processing. Some of the resources used in this assessment are based on speculation that may or may not be realized in practice.

The purpose of this assessment is to provide a conceptual capital and operating cost model for mine development for an operation that includes inferred material. The resource estimates used in this analysis were reported in Technical Report on the Mineral Resources of the Borealis Gold Project Located in Mineral County, Nevada , USA, April 28, 2008. The effective date of this preliminary assessment is 2 September, 2008.

Based on the results of this study, it is evident that the Borealis Gold Project, should the measured, indicated and inferred resources prove to be present and the projected tons and grade and recovery are realized, represents an attractive project that should be pursued with further exploration, metallurgical testing and potential development.

1.1.1 Terms of Reference

Borealis Mining Company (“BMC”) the wholly owned Nevada operating subsidiary of Gryphon Gold Corporation, is considering a resumption of mining and ore processing activities at the Borealis Mine Site. This preliminary assessment includes potential resources and was completed in an attempt to guide the exploration, expansion and development of the property in a manner that includes what is believed to be reasonably achievable resources. The principal operating permits have been granted for the proposed mining operation.

Gold bearing material will be mined from existing and new pit areas and reclaimed from piles of previously processed ore and dump material. The material will be excavated by conventional

1


open pit mining equipment. Ore will be crushed, agglomerated with lime, and stacked on a lined pad where it will be leached to recover contained gold and silver.

The Borealis Mine will produce 232,000 ounces of gold and 695,000 ounces of silver over four primary production years followed by one year of residual operations.

Reclamation of the surface disturbance will be completed contemporaneously with mining operations as described in the Plan of Operations approved by the US Forest Service and the Reclamation permit from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. A bond will be posted with the US Forest Service to insure performance under the approved reclamation plan.

1.1.2 Principal Contributions to this Technical Report

The principal author of this assessment is John R. Danio, P.E., Senior Associate, Telesto-Nevada, a Qualified Person for the purpose of Canadian NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Danio was responsible for the development of capital and operating costs, mine plans and project revenue estimates. Contributing to this report is Dr. Roger C. Steininger, CPG, Consulting Geologist, a Qualified Person for the purpose of Canadian NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr. Roger C. Steininger, CPG was the Chief Consulting Geologist in regard to geology, sampling, exploration, and mineral resource estimates. Mr. Steve Wolff prepared mineral resource estimates, reported in April 28, 2008. Additional input was provided by Knight Piésold and Co. (Knight Piésold) regarding environmental, permitting, and metallurgical issues. Mr. Kim Drossulis of Telesto-Nevada conducted mine planning based on the resource block models prepared by Mr. Wolff.

Mr. Danio visited the property for one day on 5 March, 2008. Dr. Steininger visited the Borealis property numerous times from startup in 2003, through the present. Mr. Jaye Pickarts, P.E., Principal Metallurgical Engineer, Knight Piésold and Co., visited the Borealis property on several occasions during 2004, 2005, and 2006 for the duration of one day in each instance; he observed the district geologic setting and existing site conditions, and Mr. Pickarts reviewed selective reverse circulation drill-sample intercepts of the mineralization for metallurgical purposes only. Mr. Drossulis worked at Borealis as a mine engineer for Tenneco Minerals from 1981 to 1986 and has visited the property for one day on 5 March, 2008.

1.1.3 Basis of Study

The scope of work for this assessment includes capital and operating cost models for the proposed mine resources including measured, indicated and inferred resources. These resources were reported in April 28, 2008 in Gryphon Gold Corporation Borealis Mining Company Canadian NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Mineral Resources of the Borealis Gold Project Located in Mineral County, Nevada, USA.

2


Results from the 2005-07 metallurgical test program (completed by McClelland Metallurgical Laboratories in Reno, Nevada) using material collected from development drilling and surface sampling have been utilized to support assumptions based on approximate production reports of 10 years of historical heap-leaching activities at the mine in the 1980s.

The scope of work in this study includes sufficient engineering and planning to provide for an estimate of capital and operating costs in the accuracy range of +/- 15 percent.

The major units used in this report are those commonly used in the United States: dry short tons of 2,000 pounds (tons), troy ounces per short ton (opt), miles, feet, etc. Where metric units are used, such is noted.

1.2 Project Description and Location

The Borealis Gold Project is located in western Nevada, approximately 16 road miles southwest of the town of Hawthorne in the Walker Lane Mineral Belt and 12 miles northeast of the California border; see Figure 1.1 below. Hawthorne is 133 highway miles southeast of Reno and 314 highway miles northwest of Las Vegas.

 

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