Nevada Copper Provides Pumpkin Hollow Operations Update - Seite 2

Life of Mine Infrastructure

In addition to the completion and commissioning of the Geho dewatering system and the second phase of the ore handling system, other LOM infrastructure improvements include the drilling of a new fuel delivery hole, drilling of a second paste hole that will provide life-of-mine paste delivery for EN Zone stopes and improvements to the water infiltration system on surface to handle excess surge capacity. A scope of work is being issued to potential contractors for the final phase of the ore handling system, which includes installation and commissioning of the crushing system.

Financing Matters

Considering the unexpected challenges described above, the Company has generated lower sales through the ramp-up process than previously anticipated, negatively impacting financing requirements. As previously disclosed, the Company has fully drawn US$25 million of debt pursuant to a deferred funding agreement with its two largest shareholders, Pala Investments Limited (“Pala”) and Mercuria Holdings (Singapore) Pte Ltd. Pala has since been providing sole funding for the Company’s operating needs in the form of debt on similar terms to the Company’s October 2022 credit facility with Pala, except such debt is unsecured and not guaranteed by the Company’s subsidiaries and the interest rate on the debt is SOFR + 10% and it matures in December 2024.

The Company requires additional financing in order to complete the ramp-up of the Underground Mine. While Pala has continued to support the Company, it is under no obligation to do so. The Company is also in discussions with other third parties. There is no assurance that additional financing will be obtained in a sufficient amount, or at all. In the absence of securing sufficient funding from Pala or other third parties, the Company will not be able to continue carrying on business.

Exploration Opportunities

As previously reported, the Company completed its 2023 drill program with a total of 11 holes (3,305 feet) drilled on the Copper Ridge target and 9 holes (1,653 feet) on the Dimples target. Preliminary assays continue to be received and analyzed by the Company and indicate that mineralization and alteration found at surface has been intersected in the drill holes. Further updates will be made once the final assays and QA/QC samples are expected to be received in the first quarter of 2024.