EX-99.1 2 a18-9124_1ex99d1.htm EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

GRAPHIC

 

Rock solid resources.

 

Proven advice.TM

 

YAMANA GOLD INC.

 

TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE

EL PEÑÓN MINE, ANTOFAGASTA

REGION (II), CHILE

 

NI 43-101 Report

 

Qualified Persons:

Holger Krutzelmann, P.Eng.

Normand Lecuyer, P.Eng.

Chester M. Moore, P.Eng.

 

March 2, 2018

 

RPA   55 University Ave. Suite 501 | Toronto, ON, Canada M5J 2H7 | T + 1 (416) 947 0907                                 www.rpacan.com

 



 

Report Control Form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Document Title

 

Technical Report on the El Peñón Mine, Antofagasta Region (II), Chile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Client Name & Address

 

Yamana Gold Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royal Bank Plaza, North Tower

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suite 2200

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto, Ontario

 

 

 

 

 

 

M5J 2J3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Document Reference

 

Project # 2931

 

Status & Issue No.

 

FINAL Version

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issue Date

 

March 2, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead Author

 

Holger Krutzelmann
Normand Lecuyer
Chester Moore

 

(Signed)
(Signed)
(Signed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peer Reviewer

 

Deborah McCombe

 

(Signed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project Manager Approval

 

Chester Moore

 

(Signed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project Director Approval

 

Deborah McCombe

 

(Signed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report Distribution

 

Name

 

No. of Copies

 

 

Client

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RPA Filing

 

1 (project box)

 

Roscoe Postle Associates Inc.
55 University Avenue, Suite 501
Toronto, ON M5J 2H7
Canada
Tel: +1 416 947 0907
Fax: +1 416 947 0395
mining@rpacan.com

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

PAGE

1 SUMMARY

1-1

Executive Summary

1-1

Economic Analysis

1-6

Technical Summary

1-6

2 INTRODUCTION

2-1

3 RELIANCE ON OTHER EXPERTS

3-1

4 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION

4-1

Land Tenure

4-1

5 ACCESSIBILITY, CLIMATE, LOCAL RESOURCES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PHYSIOGRAPHY

5-1

6 HISTORY

6-1

7 GEOLOGICAL SETTING AND MINERALIZATION

7-1

Regional Geology

7-1

Local Geology

7-3

8 DEPOSIT TYPES

8-1

9 EXPLORATION

9-1

10 DRILLING

10-1

11 SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES AND SECURITY

11-1

12 DATA VERIFICATION

12-1

13 MINERAL PROCESSING AND METALLURGICAL TESTING

13-1

Metallurgical Testing

13-1

Historical Mill Production

13-7

14 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE

14-1

Mineral Resource Summary

14-1

Resource Database

14-6

Exploratory Data Analysis

14-6

Bulk Density

14-10

Topographic Surfaces

14-10

Geological Interpretation

14-11

Compositing

14-12

Variography

14-13

Block Models

14-15

Interpolation Strategy

14-15

Declustering

14-16

Boundary Definition

14-16

Capping and Outlier Restriction

14-16

 

i



 

Unfolding

14-19

Validation

14-19

Classification

14-25

Cut-off Grade

14-26

Dilution

14-26

Gold Equivalent Factor

14-28

15 MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATE

15-1

Summary

15-1

16 MINING METHODS

16-1

Mine Design, Mining Method

16-1

Geomechanics, Ground Support

16-7

Mine Planning

16-7

Mine Development

16-7

Mine Equipment

16-13

17 RECOVERY METHODS

17-1

18 PROJECT INFRASTRUCTURE

18-1

19 MARKET STUDIES AND CONTRACTS

19-1

Markets

19-1

20 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, PERMITTING, AND SOCIAL OR COMMUNITY IMPACT

20-1

21 CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS

21-1

Capital Costs

21-1

Operating Costs

21-1

22 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

22-1

23 ADJACENT PROPERTIES

23-1

24 OTHER RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION

24-1

25 INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS

25-1

26 RECOMMENDATIONS

26-1

27 REFERENCES

27-1

28 DATE AND SIGNATURE PAGE

28-1

29 CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFIED PERSON

29-1

30 APPENDIX 1

30-1

Land Tenure

30-1

 

LIST OF TABLES

 

 

 

PAGE

Table 1-1

Mineral Resource Estimate — December 31, 2017

1-2

Table 1-2

Mineral Reserve Estimate — December 31, 2017

1-3

 

ii



 

Table 6-1

Historical Production to December 31, 2017

6-2

Table 10-1

Drill Summary

10-1

Table 11-1

CRM Statistics

11-5

Table 11-2

Blank Statistics

11-6

Table 11-3

Sterile Sample Statistics

11-6

Table 13-1

Metallurgical Testwork by Vein

13-3

Table 13-2

Gold Recoveries by Geometallurgical Unit

13-4

Table 13-3

Silver Recoveries by Geometallurgical Unit

13-4

Table 13-4

Average Cyanide Consumption by Geometallurgical Unit

13-5

Table 13-5

Historical Bond Work Index Testwork

13-6

Table 13-6

Average Bond Work Index by Geometallurgical Unit

13-6

Table 13-7

Historical Mill Production

13-7

Table 14-1

Mineral Resource Estimate — December 31, 2017

14-2

Table 14-2

Mineral Resource Estimates by Vein — December 31, 2017

14-3

Table 14-3

Sample Lengths in Veins

14-7

Table 14-4

Bulk Density Assignments by Block Model

14-10

Table 14-5

Typical Experimental Correlogram Parameters

14-13

Table 14-6

Common Block Model Attributes

14-15

Table 14-7

Typical Grade Estimation Search Parameters

14-16

Table 14-8

Yamana Capping Levels by Vein and Domain

14-18

Table 14-9

Composite Versus Block Grades

14-21

Table 14-10

ID3 Versus NN Block Grades

14-22

Table 14-11

Cut-off Grade Parameters

14-26

Table 14-12

SMU Design Parameters

14-27

Table 15-1

Mineral Reserve Estimate — December 31, 2017

15-1

Table 15-2

Mineral Reserve Estimates by Vein— December 31, 2017

15-2

Table 15-3

SMU Drift Parameters

15-7

Table 15-4

Economic Parameters

15-7

Table 15-5

SMU Mining Parameters

15-9

Table 15-6

Drift and Stope Dilution

15-11

Table 15-7

Fl Reconciliation of Long Term and Short Term Plans

15-15

Table 15-8

F2 Reconciliation of Mine Production and Plant

15-15

Table 16-1

Mine Development Achieved

16-8

Table 16-2

Mine Development in LOM

16-8

Table 16-3

Mine Material Moved

16-9

Table 16-4

Life of Mine Plan

16-9

Table 16-5

Equipment List

16-13

Table 17-1

Reagent/Supply Consumptions

17-9

Table 19-1

Summary of Major Contracts

19-1

Table 20-1

Environmental Monitoring

20-2

Table 20-2

Permit Status

20-4

Table 21-1

Sustaining Capital Costs (US$000)

21-1

Table 21-2

Mine Operating Costs December 31, 2017 (YTD)

21-2

Table 21-3

Mine Operating Costs for LOM

21-2

Table 21-4

Manpower List

21-3

 

iii



 

LIST OF FIGURES

 

 

 

PAGE

Figure 4-1

Location Map

4-3

Figure 4-2

Property Map

4-4

Figure 7-1

Paleocene Volcanic Belt

7-2

Figure 7-2A

Local Geology

7-4

Figure 7-2B

Geological Legend

7-5

Figure 7-3

Schematic Plan and Cross Sections

7-7

Figure 9-1

Resource Development

9-2

Figure 9-2

Exploration Targets 2018

9-6

Figure 10-1

Drill Plan

10-2

Figure 10-2

Drill Section, Caseron 505

10-3

Figure 11-1

Pulp Duplicate Control Charts

11-7

Figure 11-2

External Duplicate Control Charts

11-9

Figure 14-1

Sample Lengths in Veins

14-8

Figure 14-2

Sample Statistics

14-9

Figure 14-3

UGGS Wireframe Construction

14-12

Figure 14-4

Typical Correlograms

14-14

Figure 14-5

Example Swath Plots and Histogram (Esmeralda — Au)

14-23

Figure 14-6

Plan View of Blocks, Samples, and Composites (Au g/t, 505)

14-24

Figure 15-1

Mineral Reserves Process

15-6

Figure 15-2

ELOS Dilution Graph

15-12

Figure 15-3

Mined Material

15-16

Figure 16-1

El Peñón Mine Layout

16-2

Figure 16-2

Schematic Bench and Fill Mining

16-4

Figure 16-3

Split Blast Face

16-5

Figure 16-4

Bench and Fill Stope with Down Holes and Uppers

16-6

Figure 16-5

Ventilation Schematic

16-12

Figure 17-1

Process Flowsheet

17-2

Figure 17-2

Tailings Storage Area

17-7

 

LIST OF APPENDIX FIGURES & TABLES

 

 

 

PAGE

Table 30-1

El Peñón Exploitation Claim List

30-2

Table 30-2

PAV Exploitation Claim List

30-11

 

iv



 

1 SUMMARY

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (RPA) was retained by Yamana Gold Inc. (Yamana) to prepare an independent Technical Report on the El Peñón gold-silver deposit, located near Antofagasta in northern Chile. The purpose of this report is to provide Yamana with an independent assessment of the Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources to support public disclosure of information on a material operation. This Technical Report conforms to NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). RPA visited the property from August 7 to 9, 2017.

 

Yamana is a Canadian reporting issuer listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Yamana is involved in the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties in North and South America. Yamana operates a portfolio of mines in Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. The company also holds interests in the Alumbrera mine in Argentina and the Canadian Malartic mine in Canada.

 

In the third quarter of 2007, Yamana acquired and merged with Meridian Gold Inc. (Meridian), a mid-tier gold producer with two mining operations in Chile and development and exploration projects throughout the Americas. The El Peñón Mine, owned by Yamana’s subsidiary Minera Meridian Limitada, was one of Meridian’s gold producers in Chile.

 

The El Peñón Mine currently comprises the following major assets and facilities:

 

·                       The underground mine with production of approximately 3,000 tonnes per day (tpd) from several mineralized structures.

 

·                       The physical plant site including the administrative office complex and associated facilities, the mill and associated facilities such as the laboratories, ore stockpiles, waste dumps, coarse ore storage, workshops, warehouses, and the accommodation complex and associated facilities such as cafeterias and recreation facilities.

 

·                       Facilities providing basic infrastructure to the mine, including electric power, water treatment and supply, and sewage treatment.

 

·                       Underground infrastructure including mine ramps, ventilation raises, maintenance shops, and mobile equipment fleet.

 

·                       Access by highway and gravel roads to Antofagasta via the national road system.

 

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Scott Wilson RPA, a predecessor company to RPA, carried out a previous audit of the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves of the El Peñón deposit with the related Technical Report completed on February 11, 2008. In December 2008, Scott Wilson RPA carried out a subsequent review of the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves at the mine. Subsequent audits and Technical Reports were completed on December 7, 2010 and September 12, 2017.

 

The December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource estimate, exclusive of Mineral Reserves, is listed in Table 1-1.

 

TABLE 1-1 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE — DECEMBER 31, 2017
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained Metal

 

Category

 

(000 t)

 

(g/t Au)

 

(g/t Ag)

 

(000 oz Au)

 

(000 oz Ag)

 

Measured

 

311.7

 

8.56

 

191.0

 

85.8

 

1,914.1

 

Indicated

 

1,115.9

 

6.47

 

224.3

 

232.0

 

8,047.7

 

Total Measured + Indicated

 

1,427.6

 

6.92

 

217.0

 

317.8

 

9,961.8

 

Total Inferred

 

17,500

 

1.7

 

60

 

960

 

33,500

 

 

Notes:

1.              CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Resources.

2.              A cut-off grade of 2.71 g/t AuEq was used for all zones, except for the Pampa Augusta Victoria, Fortuna-Dominador-Chiquilla Chica zones which used 2.82 g/t AuEq, 2.79 g/t AuEq and 2.81 g/t AuEq, respectively. Cut-off grades of 0.50 g/t AuEq and 0.80 g/t AuEq were used for tailings and low grade stocks reporting, respectively.

3.              Mineral Resources were estimated considering long-term gold and silver prices of US$1,600/oz and US$24/oz and gold and silver mill recoveries of 95% and 86.5%, respectively. Gold and silver recoveries of 60% and 30% were used for estimating resources contained in tailings whiles recoveries of 75% and 70% were used for estimating resources contained in low-grade stocks.

4.              While the results are presented undiluted and in-situ, the reported Mineral Resources consider minimum mining widths and expected dilutions (variable by vein) to determine reasonable prospects of economic extraction for each vein.

5.              Bulk densities used vary between 2.36 t/m3 and 2.57 t/m3 for Mineral Resources contained in veins. Bulk densities of 1.60 t/m3 and 1.75 t/m3 were used to estimate Mineral Resources contained in low-grade stocks and tailings respectively.

6.              Mineral Resources are reported exclusive of Mineral Reserves.

7.              Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

8.              Numbers may not add due to rounding.

 

RPA is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, or other relevant factors that could materially affect the Mineral Resource estimate.

 

The December 31, 2017 Mineral Reserve estimate is listed in Table 1-2.

 

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TABLE 1-2 MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATE — DECEMBER 31, 2017
Yamana Gold Inc. — El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

Tonnage

 

Grade

 

Contained Metal

 

Category

 

(000 t)

 

(g/t Au)

 

(g/t Ag)

 

(000 oz Au)

 

(000 oz Ag)

 

Proven

 

1,061.8

 

5.90

 

192.4

 

201.2

 

6,567.4

 

Probable

 

3,331.8

 

5.25

 

158.8

 

562.6

 

17,011.0

 

Total

 

4,393.6

 

5.41

 

166.9

 

763.8

 

23,578.4

 

 

Notes:

1.              CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Reserves.

2.              Mineral Reserves are estimated using processing recoveries from a geometallurgical model, as recoveries are variable by ore type.

3.              A cut-off grade of 3.48 g/t AuEq was used in the Mineral Reserve for most veins except as follows: a cut-off grade of 3.62 g/t AuEq used for the Elizabeth and Victoria veins in the Pampa Augusta Victoria Area (for a US$5.24/t additional transportation cost) and a cut-off of 3.59 g/t AuEq used for the Fortuna, Dominador, and Laguna veins in the Fortuna and Laguna Area (for a US$3.86/t additional transportation cost).

4.              Mineral Reserves are estimated using an average long-term gold price of US$1,250/oz and a silver price of US$18/oz.

5.              A minimum mining width of 0.60 m to 1.0 m was used depending on the vein.

6.              Bulk density varies from 2.36 t/m3 to 2.57 t/m3.

7.              The Selective Mining Units (SMU) include Inferred Mineral Resources and unclassified material (blocks located outside of the underground geological wireframe + grade shell (UGGS)). These materials were treated as dilution for mine planning and Mineral Reserve estimation purposes. Zero gold and silver grades have been assigned to them.

8.              Numbers may not add due to rounding.

 

RPA is not aware of any mining, metallurgical, infrastructure, permitting, or other relevant factors that could materially affect the Mineral Reserve estimate.

 

CONCLUSIONS

 

RPA offers the following conclusions:

 

RISKS

 

·                       The mine has been in production for 18 years and is a mature operation. In RPA’s opinion, there are not any significant risks and uncertainties that could reasonably be expected to affect the reliability or confidence in the exploration information, Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve estimates, or projected economic outcomes.

 

GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

 

·                       The deposits at El Peñón are low to intermediate epithermal gold-silver deposits, hosted in steeply dipping fault-controlled veins following rhyolite dome emplacement. Gold and silver mineralization comprises disseminations of electrum, native gold and silver, acanthite, silver sulphosalts and halides, plus accessory pyrite occurring with quartz, adularia, carbonates, and clay minerals.

 

·                       There are 22 main vein zones and many subsidiary veins in nine vein systems that have supported, support currently, or are planned to support surface and underground mining operations. Vein widths range from decimetre-scale to over 20 m. Individual

 

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mineralized shoots measure from less than one kilometre to four kilometres in strike length, and up to 350 m in the down-dip direction.

 

·                       Sampling and assaying are adequately completed and have been generally carried out using industry standard quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) practices. The sample preparation, analysis, and security procedures at El Peñón are suitable for use in the estimation of Mineral Resources.

 

·                       To avoid sample sharing between spatially close structures, each independent splay or parallel vein is considered an independent estimation domain. Spatially disconnected splay wireframes were flagged as separate estimation domains. In RPA’s opinion, this improved interpretation technique will result in better defined resources than previous estimates.

 

·                       The Mineral Resource estimate is appropriate for the style of mineralization and the resource models are reasonable and acceptable to support the Mineral Resource estimates.

 

·                       For these estimations, Yamana used a stope optimizer to determine potential economic viability of resource blocks. This resulted in a more realistic estimate of resources remaining after reserve estimation.

 

·                       The Measured plus Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated to be 1,427,600 t at 6.92 g/t Au and 217.0 g/t Ag containing 317,800 oz of gold and 9,962,000 oz of silver. Inferred Mineral Resources are estimated at 17,469,000 t at 1.7 g/t Au and 60 g/t Ag containing 960,000 oz of gold and 33,506,000 oz of silver. RPA notes that the resources are reasonable, are in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) definitions, and are disclosed in compliance with NI 43-101.

 

·                       Exploration potential exists to infill resources in the mines, to discover extensions of current deposits, and to discover new deposits in the El Peñón district.

 

MINING AND MINERAL RESERVES

 

·                       In RPA’s opinion, the conversion process of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves is robust and ensures each Selective Mining Unit (SMU) has positive economic value.

 

·                       The Proven plus Probable Mineral Reserves are estimated to be 4,393,600 t at 5.41 g/t Au and 166.9 g/t Ag containing 763,800 oz of gold and 23,578,400 oz of silver. RPA notes that the reserves are reasonable, and are in accordance with CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, dated May 10, 2014.

 

·                       Mineral Reserves include small quantities of open pit and low-grade stockpile material.

 

·                       The amount of additional material mined from Mineral Resources and also from outside of the block model has been reduced over the last several years as a result of improved planning procedures.

 

·                       Reconciliation of the long-term and short-term plans for Mineral Reserves shows that the variances are improving. Yamana is using the SMU approach for mine planning and Mineral Reserve estimation and has improved the block modelling procedures,

 

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which in turn has improved the quality of mine planning and consequently resulted in more accurate overall results. In RPA’s opinion, the reconciliation is within reasonable limits and efforts to track reconciliation should continue on a regular basis.

 

·                       In RPA’s opinion, El Peñón’s forecast mine and plant production targets are attainable and reasonable, and the procedures used to forecast the life of mine (LOM) plan are reasonable. Forecast gold production averages 150,000 oz from 2018 to 2021 and declines to 91,000 oz in 2022. Forecast silver production averages 4,307,000 oz from 2018 to 2021 and declines to 2,639,000 oz in 2022.

 

METALLURGY AND MINERAL PROCESSING

 

·                       The plant operation has been operating well, with tonnages being generally consistent over the last few years, declining in 2017 as result of the rightsizing of the operation in late 2016. Changes in recoveries of both gold and silver have been in line with the changes in head grade, and somewhat higher in 2017 due to reduced throughput.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

 

·                       All required permits for operation have been granted, or applied for, with reasonable expectation of being granted in due course.

 

CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS

 

·                       The total capital expenditures estimated by Yamana for the LOM operations are $194 million in sustaining capital, including mine development (56%), equipment and infrastructure (21%), and reclamation and closure (23%). These costs include mine and plant costs as well as administration capital, but do not include working capital, exploration or any future expansions. RPA is of the opinion that the total estimated capital expenditures for the mine are reasonable based on the calculated Mineral Reserves.

 

·                       A total of 177,000 m of drilling is planned for 2018 to 2020 at a budgeted cost of US$36,000,000. Yamana considers allocating additional discretionary exploration funding based on success.

 

·                       Operating costs are forecast to average US$147 per tonne over the LOM. RPA is of the opinion that the total estimated operating costs for the mine are reasonable.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

 

RPA offers the following recommendations:

 

GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

 

·                       Yamana geologists have prepared a strategic drill program to infill resources, complete local exploration near the mines, and to continue district exploration. The amount of drilling proposed is based on the past success rate of adding resources at El Peñón. A total of 177,000 m of drilling is planned for 2018 to 2020 at a budgeted cost of US$36,000,000. Yamana considers allocating additional discretionary exploration funding based on results. Considering the ongoing exploration successes at El Peñón

 

1-5



 

over the years, RPA concurs with this proposed exploration program and recommends that it be carried out as defined.

 

MINING AND MINERAL RESERVES

 

·                       While the drifts are quite close to the planned design, the stopes were 11% larger than planned in 2017, resulting in higher than designed dilution rates. The equivalent of overbreak/slough (ELOS) design of 0.25 m should be monitored going forward to assess whether adjustment of the ELOS is warranted.

 

·                       The extraction rate for stopes is set at 100% for the majority (86%) of the stopes, resulting in an average extraction rate of near 98%. Mine staff apply an extraction factor, which averages approximately 95% during the mine planning process, however this should be reflected in the Mineral Reserves statement.

 

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

 

This section is not required as Yamana is a producing issuer, the property is currently in production, and there is no material expansion of current production.

 

RPA completed an after-tax cash flow projection generated from the LOM production schedule and capital and operating cost estimates to confirm the positive economics of the stated Mineral Reserves in this report. The cash flow was prepared using the stated Mineral Reserves, metal prices, and cut-off grades.

 

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

 

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION

 

The El Peñón Mine is located in north central Chile, at latitude 24°40’ S and longitude 69°50’ W, approximately 165 km southeast of Antofagasta. The site is in the Atacama Desert, approximately midway between the Pacific coast and the border with Argentina. There is little to no vegetation or wildlife in the area around the mine.

 

LAND TENURE

 

The El Peñón property consists of 436 individual mining exploitation claims owned by Meridian, a subsidiary of Yamana. The claims comprise an area of 90,087 ha covering the El Peñón Mine, the Fortuna area, the Laguna area, the Pampa Augusta Victoria (PAV) area, and surrounding exploration lands.

 

1-6



 

EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE

 

Surface infrastructure at El Peñón comprises a physical plant site, including administrative office complex and associated facilities, accommodation complex, open pit and underground mines, the mill and associated facilities such as the laboratories, ore stockpiles, waste dumps, coarse ore storage, backup power plant, workshops, warehouses, and dry facilities.

 

Underground infrastructure includes portals, access ramps, ventilation raises, maintenance shops, and mobile equipment fleet.

 

HISTORY

 

The discovery of El Peñón was the result of successful grassroots exploration carried out by Meridian geologists through the early 1990s. Regional exploration focusing on Early to Mid-Eocene volcanic belts in northern Chile led to the acquisition of the El Peñón property in 1993. Trenching carried out that year, followed by a 13-hole drilling program, discovered significant Au-Ag mineralization. In 1994, the first hole of a follow-up program intersected 100 m grading 10.9 g/t Au and 123.4 g/t Ag in what eventually became the Quebrada Orito deposit.

 

In July 1998, Meridian made the decision to place the property in production, and construction on a 2,000 tpd mine and mill facility commenced later that same year. Production began in September 1999, ramping up to full capacity by January 2000 and has continued to the present day.

 

Since September 1999, the operation has run continually, treating both open pit and underground ore. As of December 31, 2017, the mine has produced approximately 18,053,234 tonnes of ore grading 8.94 g/t Au and 234.99 g/t Ag.

 

GEOLOGY AND MINERALIZATION

 

The El Peñón Mine is located in the Central Depression of the Atacama Desert. The region is underlain by Late Cretaceous to Early Eocene magmatic arc rocks, known as the Paleocene belt.

 

The mineralization at El Peñón is hosted by near-horizontal to gently dipping Eocene to Paleocene basaltic to rhyolitic volcanic rocks. The stratigraphic sequence consists of a lower sequence of volcanic breccia and andesitic to basaltic flows, overlain by rhyolitic to dacitic

 

1-7



 

pyroclastic rocks, dacitic to andesitic flows, and volcanic breccia. Rhyolitic intrusives, domes, and associated flows are intercalated with earlier volcanic units.

 

The distribution of Cretaceous and Eocene volcanic rocks is controlled by graben structures bounded by north-northeast trending faults. These are steeply dipping regional-scale structures with displacements in the order of hundreds of metres. The principal direction for late dikes and many of the highest grade mineralized faults is parallel to the bounding faults. Mineralized faults dip steeply eastward on the east side of the property and westward on the west side, in a fashion implying a horst/graben extensional structure.

 

The deposits at El Peñón are epithermal gold-silver deposits, hosted in steeply dipping fault-controlled veins. Gold and silver mineralization comprises disseminations of electrum, native gold and silver, acanthite, silver sulphosalts and halides, plus accessory pyrite occurring with quartz, adularia, carbonates, and clay minerals.

 

EXPLORATION

 

Exploration work completed to date has defined 22 main mineralized zones and subsidiary veins, within ten geological trends.

 

Exploration has been successful in expanding the footprint of mineralization at site through programs of geologic mapping, geochemistry, geophysics, and abundant surface and underground drilling within a northeast trend starting, at the El Peñón area, with Quebrada Orito in the southwest and ending with Angosta in the northeast. Exploration has also been successful at the Fortuna and PAV areas located to the southwest and to the north of El Peñón, respectively. Geophysical anomalies and positive drill intersections remain to be followed up in all areas.

 

MINERAL RESOURCES

 

RPA has reviewed the Mineral Resource estimates of the El Peñón Mine, as estimated by Yamana as of December 31, 2017. RPA carried out a number of checks to verify the various procedures and numerical calculations used in the Yamana estimates. This included detailed tracing of the methodology of estimating tonnage and grade of resource blocks. With few exceptions, RPA found that values and compilations of gold grades were accurately recorded and calculated as provided in block models. For these estimations, Yamana introduced the

 

1-8



 

use of a stope optimizer to determine potential economic viability of resource blocks. This resulted in a lower overall tonnage but a more realistic estimate of resources remaining after reserve estimation.

 

As part of this audit, RPA carried out an independent estimate of seven veins (Al Este, Caseron 505, Cerro Martillo, Dorada, Esmeralda, Magenta, and Providencia) to allow for better comparison of the Yamana estimates with the RPA estimates, based on the underground drill hole data and wireframes provided. It is RPA’s opinion that the Yamana estimates and the RPA check estimates show acceptable agreement.

 

The December 31, 2017 El Peñón total Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources, exclusive of Mineral Reserves, estimated by Yamana included 1.43 million tonnes at an average grade of approximately 6.9 g/t Au and 217 g/t Ag. This equates to approximately 317,800 ounces of gold and 9.96 million ounces of silver. The deposits were also estimated to contain approximately 17.5 million tonnes of Inferred Mineral Resources at an average grade of approximately 1.7 g/t Au and 60 g/t Ag, which equates to approximately 960,000 ounces of gold, and 33.5 million ounces of silver. In RPA’s opinion, these resource estimates are prepared in accordance with CIM definitions and are disclosed in compliance with NI 43-101.

 

MINERAL RESERVES

 

Mineral Reserves at the El Peñón Mine are estimated using Vulcan software including the MineModeller UG/OP, GeoModeller, Stope Optimizer, and Gantt Scheduler. The process includes mine designs and parameters. Selective Mining Units (SMU) are designed for each vein using metal prices, recoveries and operating costs to determine an economic value of each SMU. SMUs with negative values are excluded from further consideration, except for drift SMUs that are above the marginal cut-off grade.

 

The economic value of each potential mining outline is calculated using forecast long-term prices of $1,250/oz Au and $18/oz Ag, using diluted tonnes and grades. Net block values are weighted against forecast costs and metallurgical recoveries for each potential mining outline. These combined economic revenue and cost models are part of the SMU models.

 

As of December 31, 2017, Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves totalled approximately 4.394 million tonnes grading 5.41 g/t Au and 166.9 g/t Ag and contained 763,800 ounces of gold and 23.6 million ounces of silver.

 

1-9


 


 

MINING METHOD

 

The mining method utilized at El Peñón is the Bench and Fill Method, which is a narrow vein longhole stoping method followed by a combination of consolidated and unconsolidated backfill to provide the required support for continued mining. Development of the overcut, or drill drift, and the undercut, or mucking drift, is completed at the required dimensions of four metres in width to permit operating clearances for both the longhole drill rigs and the load-haul-dump (LHD) equipment. These drifts are advanced using a “split-blast” method whereby the vein material is mined first and then the remainder of the drift waste material is slashed out and mucked. This waste material is later used for unconsolidated backfill.

 

Stoping dimensions are 7.5 m or 15 m in strike length and from 6 m to 16 m in height and widths vary from one metre to six metres. Production holes are drilled with the longhole drill then loaded, blasted, and mucked with six cubic yard scooptrams, dumped into 30 tonne trucks and hauled to the surface stockpile. Waste backfill or cemented rockfill is placed as required.

 

Underground mine infrastructure includes the required ramps, cross-cuts for access and various lateral development, as well as excavations for power stations, mine sumps, refuge stations, maintenance shops, and other facilities. Ventilation raises are driven as required to provide the air requirement to meet mine regulations for the mine workers and operating underground equipment. Other installations include a shotcrete plant, backfill plant, and communications system. The total mine system extends for approximately ten kilometres on strike and covers a vertical extent of approximately 500 m, from the highest portal collar elevation to the lowest mine workings.

 

MINERAL PROCESSING

 

The process plant and associated facilities process run-of-mine (ROM) ore that is delivered to the primary crusher, using the main processes listed below:

 

·                  Crushing

 

·                  Grinding and pre-leaching thickening

 

·                  Leaching

 

·                  Counter-current decantation concentrate solution recovery

 

·                  Clarification, zinc precipitation and precipitate filtering

 

·                  Refining

 

·                  Tailings filtering

 

·                  Tailings disposal

 

1-10



 

The El Peñón processing plant has a nominal production capacity of approximately 1.533 million tpa of stockpiled and mined ore. Mill production peaked in 2010 at 1.522 million tpa. From 2010 to 2016 yearly mill production remained generally constant ranging from 1.4 million tpa to 1.5 million tpa. In 2017, throughput dropped to 1.04 million tonnes to match the new defined mine plan.

 

The metallurgical recovery of gold has slightly increased during the last four years, from 93.31% to 95.13%. Metallurgical recoveries of silver have remained consistent in the last three years and increased considerably since the 2011-2013 period, during which a higher processing rate from reduced high sulphide material from the Bonanza and Al Este veins, negatively affected silver recoveries. Metallurgical recoveries of gold and silver increased slightly during 2017 due to lower throughput and higher residence times.

 

MARKET STUDIES

 

The principal commodities produced at El Peñón are gold and silver in the form of doré bars, which are freely traded, at prices that are widely known, so that prospects for sale of any production are virtually assured.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL, PERMITTING AND SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

 

The El Peñón Mine is located approximately 165 km to the southeast of Antofagasta. There are no populated areas or centres located close to the mine. The area has a desert climate, characterized by extreme aridity, absence of humidity and very low rainfall. Other characteristics of the area are:

 

·                  Soil of very limited usefulness (class VIII).

 

·                  Total absence of any form of plant life.

 

·                  Extremely scarce wildlife, with only eight species recognized in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

 

·                  No permanent water courses at surface.

 

·                  Existence of fossil water, with low recharge potential below a water table at approximately 1,600 m above sea level (MASL).

 

RPA understands that El Peñón is operating within environmental compliance with no outstanding environmental citations. Environmental monitoring is ongoing at the operations and will continue over the LOM. Key monitoring that is currently being carried out includes water, air, noise, soil, impact on wildlife, and heritage and management.

 

1-11



 

The El Peñón project entered the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA), through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which was approved by Exempt Resolution No. 043 in 1998. El Peñón has a number of operating permits in place. The Regulatory Organizations that have issued these operating permits are as follows:

 

·                  Comision de Monumentos Nacionales (CMN)

 

·                  Ministerio Agricultura (MAGR)

 

·                  Comision Regional de Medio Ambiente (COREMA)

 

·                  Superintendencia de Electricidad y Combustibles (SEC)

 

·                  Servicio National de Geologia y Mineria (SERNAGEOMIN)

 

·                  Servicio de Salud de Antofagasta (SSA)

 

·                  Direccion General Aguas (DGA)

 

·                  Ministerio de Defensa Nacional (MDN)

 

·                  Ilustre Municipalidad Antofagasta (IMA)

 

Yamana’s social and community activities in the El Peñón district include the following:

 

·                  Excellent community and stakeholder relations

 

·                  Open door policy

 

·                  Support of medical services in Taltal

 

·                  High school and college scholarships

 

·                  Donations in infrastructure and services

 

·                  Partnerships with local groups to provide economic development

 

The current closure cost estimate is US$45.4 million, which includes $24.7 million for direct costs, $4.9 million for administration of the closure, $0.9 million for monitoring and control, $7.6 million for a 25% contingency, and $7.3 million for Chilean Sales Tax.

 

CAPITAL AND OPERATING COST ESTIMATES

 

The total capital expenditures estimated by Yamana for the LOM operations (2018 to 2023) are $194 million. These costs include mine, plant and administration capital but do not include working capital or future expansions. Exploration drilling is budgeted at $36 million (3 years).

 

Operating costs are forecast to average $147/t milled including $104/t milled for the mining, $27/t for processing and $16/t milled for general and administration costs.

 

1-12



 

2 INTRODUCTION

 

Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (RPA) was retained by Yamana Gold Inc. (Yamana) to prepare an independent Technical Report on the El Peñón gold-silver deposit, located near Antofagasta in northern Chile. The purpose of this report is to provide Yamana with an independent assessment of the Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources to support public disclosure of information on a material operation. This Technical Report conforms to NI 43-101-Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI-43-101).

 

Yamana is a Canadian reporting issuer listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Yamana is involved in the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties in North and South America. Yamana operates a portfolio of mines in Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. The company also holds interests in the Alumbrera mine in Argentina and the Canadian Malartic mine in Canada.

 

In the third quarter of 2007, Yamana acquired and merged with Meridian Gold Inc. (Meridian), a mid-tier gold producer with two mining operations in Chile and development and exploration projects throughout the Americas. The El Peñón Mine, owned by Yamana’s subsidiary Minera Meridian Limitada, was one of Meridian’s gold producers in Chile.

 

The El Peñón Mine currently comprises the following major assets and facilities:

 

·                  The underground and open pit mines with forecasted production of approximately 3,000 tpd from several mineralized structures.

 

·                  The physical plant site including the administrative office complex and associated facilities, the open pit and underground mine workings and associated facilities, the mill and associated facilities such as the laboratories, ore stockpiles, waste dumps, coarse ore storage, workshops, warehouses, and the accommodation complex and associated facilities such as cafeterias and recreation facilities.

 

·                  Facilities providing basic infrastructure to the mine, including electric power, water treatment and supply, and sewage treatment.

 

·                  Underground infrastructure including mine ramps, ventilation raises, maintenance shops, and mobile equipment fleet.

 

·                  Access by highway and gravel roads to Antofagasta via the national road system.

 

2-1



 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

Site visits were carried out by Normand Lecuyer, P. Eng., RPA Principal Mining Engineer, and Chester Moore, P.Eng., RPA Principal Geologist, on August 7 to 9, 2017.

 

Discussions were held with the following personnel from Yamana:

 

·                  Mr. Greg Walker, Director, Mineral Resource Estimation, Yamana Gold Inc.

 

·                  Mr. Esteban Chacon, Technical Manager, Yamana Gold Inc.

 

·                  Mr. Marcos Valencia, Regional Director, Production Geology, Technical Services, Yamana Gold Inc.

 

·                  Mr. Jaime Sepúlveda, General Manager, Yamana Gold El Peñón

 

·                  Mr. Jorge Camacho, Manager Technical Services, Yamana Gold El Peñón

 

·                  Mr. Cristian Perez, Senior Resource Estimation Engineer, Yamana Gold El Peñón

 

·                  Mr. Juan Fuentes, Geology and Exploration Superintendent, Yamana Gold El Peñón

 

·                  Mr. Javier Ordenes, Senior Geologist, Yamana Gold El Peñón

 

·                  Mr. Sergio Castro, Superintendent Planning and Development, Yamana Gold El Peñón

 

·                  Mr. Hugo Jorquera, QA/QC Manager, Yamana Gold El Peñón

 

·                  Mr. Rodrigo Gutierrez, Plant Superintendent, Yamana Gold El Peñón

 

·                  Mr. Alex Milos, Senior Metallurgist, Yamana Gold El Peñón

 

·                  Ms. Angeli Flores, Chief of Environment Department, Yamana Gold El Peñón

 

·                  Ms. Jaqueline Francois, Regional Tax Manager, Yamana Gold Inc.

 

·                  Mr. José Naddaf: HSEC Coordinator and Community Leader, Yamana Gold El Peñón

 

Mr. Krutzelmann, P. Eng, RPA Associate Principal Metallurgical Engineer, Mr. Lecuyer, and Mr. Moore are Qualified Persons (QP) for this report. The QPs’ responsibilities are listed in Section 29 of this Technical Report.

 

The documentation reviewed, and other sources of information, are listed at the end of this report in Section 27 References.

 

2-2



 

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

 

Units of measurement used in this report conform to the metric system. All currency in this report is US dollars (US$) unless otherwise noted.

 

a

annum

kWh

kilowatt-hour

A

ampere

L

Litre

bbl

barrels

Lb

Pound

btu

British thermal units

L/s

litres per second

°C

degree Celsius

M

Metre

C$

Canadian dollars

M

mega (million); molar

cal

calorie

m2

square metre

cfm

cubic feet per minute

m3

cubic metre

cm

centimetre

μ

Micron

cm2

square centimetre

MASL

metres above sea level

d

day

μg

Microgram

dia

diameter

m3/h

cubic metres per hour

dmt

dry metric tonne

Mi

Mile

dwt

dead-weight ton

Min

Minute

°F

degree Fahrenheit

μm

Micrometre

ft

foot

Mm

Millimetre

ft2

square foot

Mph

miles per hour

ft3

cubic foot

MVA

megavolt-amperes

ft/s

feet per second

MW

Megawatt

g

gram

MWh

megawatt-hour

G

giga (billion)

Oz

Troy ounce (31.1035g)

Gal

Imperial gallon

oz/st, opt

ounces per short ton

g/L

grams per litre

Ppb

parts per billion

Gpm

Imperial gallons per minute

Ppm

parts per million

g/t

grams per tonne

Psia

pounds per square inch absolute

gr/ft3

grains per cubic foot

Psig

pounds per square inch gauge

gr/m3

grains per cubic metre

RL

relative elevation

ha

hectare

S

Second

hp

horsepower

St

short ton

hr

hour

Stpa

short tons per year

Hz

hertz

Stpd

short tons per day

in.

inch

T

metric tonne

in2

square inch

Tpa

metric tonnes per year

J

joule

Tpd

metric tonnes per day

k

kilo (thousand)

US$

United States dollar

kcal

kilocalorie

USg

United States gallon

kg

kilogram

USgpm

US gallons per minute

km

kilometre

V

Volt

km2

square kilometre

W

Watt

km/h

kilometres per hour

Wmt

wet metric tonne

kPa

kilopascal

wt%

weight percent

kVA

kilovolt-amperes

yd3

cubic yard

kW

kilowatt

Yr

Year

 

2-3



 

3 RELIANCE ON OTHER EXPERTS

 

This report has been prepared by RPA for Yamana. The information, conclusions, opinions, and estimates contained herein are based on:

 

·                  Information available to RPA at the time of preparation of this report,

 

·                  Assumptions, conditions, and qualifications as set forth in this report, and

 

·                  Data, reports, and other information supplied by Yamana and other third party sources.

 

For the purpose of this report, RPA has relied on ownership information provided by Yamana. RPA received property information and a detailed concession listing from Yamana’s office in Santiago, Chile. As well, RPA received a formal legal opinion from Nuñez Muñoz Y Cia. Ltda. Abogados, dated October 2015 confirming Yamana’s ownership of mining exploitation concessions, surface rights, and water rights at El Peñón. RPA has not researched property title or mineral rights for the El Peñón operation and expresses no opinion as to the ownership status of the property.

 

RPA has relied on Yamana for guidance on applicable taxes, royalties, and other government levies or interests, applicable to revenue or income from the El Peñón operation.

 

Except for the purposes legislated under provincial securities laws, any use of this report by any third party is at that party’s sole risk.

 

3-1



 

4 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION

 

The El Peñón Mine is located in north central Chile, at latitude 24°40’ S and longitude 69°50’ W, approximately 165 km southeast of Antofagasta (Figure 4-1). The site is in the Atacama Desert, approximately midway between the Pacific coast and the border with Argentina. The property map and location of the mineralized zones are shown in Figure 4-2. The mine workings, process plant, waste and tailings storage areas are all located close to the mineralized zones within the property boundaries.

 

The mine operates on a year round basis.

 

LAND TENURE

 

The El Peñón property consists of 436 individual mining exploitation claims owned by Minera Meridian Limitada, a subsidiary of Yamana. The claims comprise an area of 90,087 ha covering the El Peñón Mine, the Fortuna area, the Laguna area, the Pampa Augusta Victoria (PAV) area, and surrounding exploration lands (Tables 30-1 and 30-2 in Appendix 1). The boundaries of the mining exploitation concessions are legally surveyed and covered by an additional layer of claims for increased legal protection.

 

Minera Meridian Limitada enjoys tax and royalty stability due to article 11 of Decree Law DL 600 Foreign Investment Statute until 2018. At the present time, the mine is subject to a 5% royalty payment calculated over the annual taxable income in accordance with Law 20.026/2005.

 

In addition, a 2% Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty is payable to Maverix Metals Inc. as agreed as part of the purchase of the Nado claims covering the Fortuna area. A 2% NSR is also payable to Soquimich Comercial SA for claims Providencia 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and claims Dominador 1, 2, 4. These claims are also located in the Fortuna area. No further mining activities are planned in the areas covered by these claims.

 

RPA is not aware of any environmental liabilities on the property. Yamana has all required permits to conduct work on the property. RPA is not aware of any other significant factors and risks that may affect access, title, or the right or ability to perform the work on the property.

 

4-1



 

El Peñón has been operating since 1999 and has sufficient surface rights for mining and processing operations. As well, El Peñón has sufficient water, power, and labour supplies and sufficient areas for tailings and waste disposal.

 

Government regulations require that a full closure plan be submitted when mine life is less than five years. The original closure plan was completed in 2005, updated in 2009, and again in 2014. Subsequent revisions were submitted in 2015 and 2016 and Yamana is awaiting government comments.

 

4-2



 

 

4-3



 

 

4-4



 

5 ACCESSIBILITY, CLIMATE, LOCAL RESOURCES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PHYSIOGRAPHY

 

The “Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography” are described in Pearson and Rennie (2008) and Collins, Moore and Scott (2010). Information from both reports is reproduced below.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

 

The El Peñón Mine is accessed by a paved road approximately 165 km southeast of Antofagasta. Travel time from Antofagasta is approximately 2.5 hours. Antofagasta is the principal source of supplies for the mine. It is a port city with a population of 380,000 and daily air service to Santiago.

 

CLIMATE

 

The climate in the Atacama is renowned as among the most arid in the world with a mean annual precipitation in most areas of virtually zero. Temperatures in the area close to the mine can range from -5°C to +30°C. Climate does not represent a problem for mining operations which can be carried out during the whole year.

 

LOCAL RESOURCES

 

There are no significant population centers or infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of the El Peñón Mine. The city of Antofagasta is the main source of supply for the mine. It is a port city with a population of approximately 380,000 inhabitants which hosts a variety of commercial establishments, hotels, restaurants, retailers, service suppliers, high schools, and universities as well as hospitals and health clinics. The city also hosts a large number of manufacturers and suppliers who serve the mining industry.

 

Skilled personnel can be easily sourced from Antofagasta or other cities of the region and country, where mining is the main economic activity.

 

5-1



 

INFRASTRUCTURE

 

Currently, the major assets and facilities associated with the mining operations are:

 

·                       The underground and open pit mines with production of approximately 3,000 tpd from several mineralized structures.

 

·                       The plant site including administrative offices complex and associated facilities, the open pits, which are currently not in production, and underground mine workings, and associated facilities, the mill and associated facilities such as laboratories, stockpiles, waste dumps, coarse ore storage, workshops, warehouses and dry facilities.

 

·                       Camp site to house workers.

 

·                       Facilities providing basic infrastructure to the mine, including: access roads, electric power distribution system, water treatment and supply and sewage treatment.

 

·                       Underground infrastructure including portals, access ramps, ventilation raises, maintenance shops and mobile fleet equipment.

 

·                       Access by highway and gravel roads to the surrounding area including the national road infrastructure.

 

·                       Power is supplied to the mine site via the national power grid. Auxiliary or backup power from generators is also available with a current 10 MW of power capacity on site.

 

PHYSIOGRAPHY

 

The mine is located in the Atacama Desert region of Chile at an elevation of approximately 1,800 MASL. Relief in the area is modest, with widely dispersed hills and peaks separated by broad open valleys. There is little to no vegetation or wildlife in the area around the mine, and the principal land use is mining.

 

5-2



 

6 HISTORY

 

The “History” of El Peñón has been described in Pearson and Rennie (2008) and Collins, Moore and Scott (2010). Information from both reports is reproduced below.

 

The discovery of El Peñón was the result of successful grassroots exploration carried out by Meridian geologists through the early 1990s. Regional exploration focusing on Early to Mid-Eocene volcanic belts in northern Chile led to the acquisition of the El Peñón property in 1993. Trenching carried out that year, followed by a 13-hole drilling program, discovered significant gold-silver mineralization. The next year, the first hole of a follow-up program intersected 100 m grading 10.9 g/t Au and 123.4 g/t Ag in what eventually became the Quebrada Orito deposit.

 

In July 1998, Meridian made the decision to place the property in production, and construction on a 2,000 tpd mine and mill facility commenced later that same year. Production began in September 1999, ramping up to full capacity by January 2000 and has continued to the present day.

 

PAST PRODUCTION

 

Since September 1999, the operation has run continually at design and increased capacity, treating both open pit and underground ore. As of December 31, 2017, the mine has produced approximately 18,053,200 tonnes of ore grading 8.94 g/t Au and 234.99 g/t Ag, as shown in Table 6-1.

 

6-1



 

TABLE 6-1 HISTORICAL PRODUCTION TO DECEMBER 31, 2017
Yamana Gold Inc. – El
Peñón
Property

 

Year

 

Tonnes

 

Au Grade (g/t)

 

Ag Grade (g/t)

 

1999

 

369,290

 

13.96

 

215.08

 

2000

 

640,045

 

14.71

 

215.43

 

2001

 

707,199

 

18.92

 

300.08

 

2002

 

582,478

 

17.89

 

270.94

 

2003

 

542,616

 

16.40

 

247.50

 

2004

 

568,170

 

13.90

 

222.04

 

2005

 

734,372

 

12.35

 

236.69

 

2006

 

861,224

 

8.71

 

230.00

 

2007

 

968,159

 

8.17

 

291.45

 

2008

 

1,044,176

 

6.91

 

298.70

 

2009

 

1,391,486

 

5.82

 

289.22

 

2010

 

1,413,459

 

6.23

 

264.72

 

2011

 

1,149,472

 

8.19

 

276.07

 

2012

 

1,192,495

 

7.38

 

220.47

 

2013

 

1,219,542

 

9.19

 

213.82

 

2014

 

1,252,689

 

7.51

 

192.07

 

2015

 

1,072,009

 

6.02

 

179.98

 

2016

 

1,303,154

 

5.50

 

171.07

 

2017

 

1,041,199

 

5.05

 

148.33

 

Total

 

18,053,234

 

8.94

 

234.99

 

 

6-2



 

7 GEOLOGICAL SETTING AND MINERALIZATION

 

The “Geological Setting and Mineralization” of El Peñón has been stated in Pearson and Rennie (2008) and Collins, Moore and Scott (2010). Information from both reports is reproduced below.

 

REGIONAL GEOLOGY

 

The El Peñón Mine is located in the Central Depression of the Atacama Desert. The region is underlain by Late Cretaceous to Early Eocene magmatic arc rocks, known as the Paleocene belt (Figure 7-1). Rocks in the region consist of basaltic to rhyolitic lavas and tuffs, subvolcanic porphyritic intrusions, and granitoid stocks, which extend from southern Peru to central Chile. This belt is host to many epithermal deposits and subvolcanic porphyry systems.

 

Late Cretaceous volcanic rocks comprise calc-alkaline magmatic arc rocks deposited in narrow fault-bound extensional basins (84 Ma to 65 Ma). The margins of the basins are intruded by dioritic to monzonitic plutons. Compressive tectonism from 65 Ma to 62 Ma resulted in the inversion of the Late Cretaceous basins, uplift and erosion of Late Cretaceous plutonic rocks to the west of the basin, and syntectonic magmatism along the basin-bounding faults. Volcanic rocks continued to accumulate through the rest of the Cretaceous in new northeast-trending trans-tensional basins partially controlled by reactivation of basin-bounding faults.

 

Volcanism continued to the middle Eocene. Subvolcanic domes and sills were emplaced and the mineralization at El Peñón occurred. Eocene volcanic rocks consist of rhyolitic dome complexes and mafic andesites and basalts.

 

7-1



 

 

7-2



 

Deformation occurred in the mid- to late Eocene with uplift of the Precordillera triggering copper porphyry emplacement to the east. Low angle offset of the El Peñón vein system occurred during this period.

 

LOCAL GEOLOGY

 

The main district geological units are described as follows:

 

·                                Aeropuerto Formation (Lower Cretaceous)

 

Fluvial sandstones, breccias with coarse sediments, conglomerates, and volcaniclastic breccias

 

·                                Quebrada Mala Formation (Upper Cretaceous)

 

Fluvial and lacustrine sands and silts, andesitic to basaltic lavas and breccias, rhyolitic to dacitic ignimbrites

 

·                                Augusta Victoria Formation (Upper Cretaceous)

 

Sanidine-biotite rhyolite ignimbrites, fluvial sandstones, and trachytic lavas

 

·                                Paleocene to Eocene volcanic and subvolcanic units

 

Dacite lavas or domes, andesite flows rhyodacitic ignimbrites, volcanoclastic breccias, intercalated fluvial sediments, late rhyolite, dacite domes, feeders and hypabyssal intrusions

 

·                                Cretaceous to Eocene intrusives

 

·                                Diorite and monzonite stocks

 

Figure 7-2A illustrates the local geology and the geological legend is shown in Figure 7-2B.

 

7-3



 

 

7-4



 

GRAPHIC

 

7-5



 

PROPERTY GEOLOGY

 

Surface exposures at El Peñón are rare, and much of the mapping for the area is based on float. The property is underlain by mostly Late Cretaceous to Early Eocene pyroclastic flows, lavas, volcaniclastic breccias and tuffs of basalt to rhyolite composition. Several thin Early Cretaceous rhyolite tuff and dacite to andesite flow layers occur in the northern part of the property. These rocks are intruded by Late Cretaceous diorite and monzodiorite stocks and dacite domes.

 

The mineralization at El Peñón is hosted by near-horizontal to gently dipping Eocene to Paleocene basaltic to rhyolitic volcanic rocks. The stratigraphic sequence consists of a lower sequence of volcanic breccia and andesitic to basaltic flows, overlain by rhyolitic to dacitic pyroclastic rocks, dacitic to andesitic flows, and volcanic breccia. Rhyolitic intrusives, domes, and associated flows are intercalated with earlier volcanic units.

 

STRUCTURE

 

The distribution of Cretaceous and Eocene volcanic rocks is controlled by graben structures bounded by north-northeast-trending faults. These are steeply dipping regional-scale structures with displacements in the order of hundreds of metres. The principal direction for late dikes and many of the highest grade mineralized faults is parallel to the bounding faults. Mineralized faults dip steeply eastward on the east side of the property and westward on the west side, in a fashion implying a horst/graben extensional structure (Figure 7-3). Most of the mining takes place along north-trending veins (dipping 75° to 85° W or 55° to 80° E). A relatively minor amount of production has also taken place along northeast-striking structures (N45°-50°E/65°W). Flat-lying faults (N40°-50°E/20°SE) displace the veins in places.

 

7-6



 

 

7-7



 

MINERALIZATION

 

The El Peñón deposit comprises many individual tabular, steeply dipping zones or shoots that are amenable to mining by both underground and surface methods. Vein widths range from decimetre-scale to over 20 m. Individual mineralized shoots measure from less than one kilometre to four kilometres in strike length, and up to 350 m in the down-dip direction. Gold grades range up to hundreds of grams per tonne but are more typically less than 30 g/t. Silver grades are in the order of hundreds to thousands of grams per tonne.

 

There are 22 main vein zones and many subsidiary veins in nine vein systems that have previously supported, support currently, or are planned to support surface and underground mining operations. The veins strike predominantly north-south and dip steeply to the east and west. North-northeast to northeast-striking fault zones are also host to mineralized zones, however, the relative proportion of the overall deposit is small. The principal mineralized veins are Abundancia/Paloma, Angosta, Al Este, Bonanza, Borde Oeste, Cerro Martillo/Dorada, Dominador, El Valle/Discovery Wash, Esmeralda/Esperanza, Fortuna, Laguna, Martillo Flats, PAV, Pampa Campamento, Playa, Providencia, Quebrada Colorada, Quebrada Orito, Sorpresa, Ventura, Veta North-West and Vista Norte.

 

Gold and silver mineralization consists of disseminated electrum, acanthite, native gold, native silver, silver sulphosalts, and silver halides occurring in a gangue of predominantly quartz, adularia, carbonate, and clay. Electrum is the most common form of precious metals in the deposit and occurs as micron- to millimetre-size subrounded and irregular grains. Two phases of electrum are present: a primary phase, which contains approximately 55% Au to 65% Au, and a secondary phase, which has resulted from supergene processes that have remobilized silver, and which typically consists of over 95% Au.

 

Sulphide minerals are relatively rare (except at the northeast area of the El Peñón Block). This may be due to oxidation, or to an initial low overall abundance such as would occur in a low sulphidation environment. Fe- and Mn-oxyhydroxides are common with only trace occurrences of relict sulphides. In order of abundance, trace amounts of pyrite, galena, sphalerite, chalcocite and covellite can be present. Gangue minerals comprise fracture and breccia-filling and replacement quartz, adularia, carbonates and clay minerals. Vein textures often display crustiform textures, although the highest grade Au-Ag mineralization is reported to be associated with massive banded quartz-adularia. Gangue minerals occur as open space filling as well as replacements of primary host rock mineral phases.

 

7-8



 

Age dating of adularia from the veins at El Peñón suggests that mineralization took place at around 52 Ma to 53 Ma (Early Eocene). Two mineralization and alteration events have been defined from fluid inclusion studies. The principal mineralization event resulted from circulation of neutral, reduced fluids. It resulted in replacement of host-rock phenocrysts and groundmass by quartz, adularia, albite, carbonate, clays, calcite and chlorite, as well as quartz-adularia flooding and breccia-filling in the vicinity of the veins. Another, more widespread, alteration process was derived from acidic, oxidized hydrothermal solutions. This event resulted in the formation of lithocaps of quartz-alunite alteration and quartz-alunite breccia-filling, with minor copper and silver, and little or no gold.

 

7-9



 

8 DEPOSIT TYPES

 

The “Deposit Types” of El Peñón has been stated in Pearson and Rennie (2008) and Collins, Moore and Scott (2010). Information from both reports is reproduced below.

 

The deposits at El Peñón are low to intermediate epithermal gold-silver deposits, hosted in steeply dipping fault-controlled veins following rhyolite dome emplacement. Gold and silver mineralization comprises disseminations of electrum, native gold and silver, acanthite, silver sulphosalts and halides, plus accessory pyrite occurring with quartz, adularia, carbonates, and clay minerals. These minerals were deposited from boiling of low salinity fluids circulating in a hydrothermal system driven by the Eocene to Paleocene magmatism. Late stage oxidation has occurred to a depth of 400 m below surface.

 

8-1



 

9 EXPLORATION

 

Regional exploration carried out by Meridian, focusing on Early to Mid-Eocene volcanic belts in northern Chile led to the acquisition of the El Peñón property in 1993. Trenching carried out that year, followed by a 13-hole drilling program, discovered significant gold-silver mineralization. The next year, the first hole of a follow-up program intersected 100 m grading 10.9 g/t Au and 123.4 g/t Ag in what eventually became the Quebrada Orito deposit.

 

Exploration has been successful in expanding the footprint of mineralization at site through programs of geologic mapping, geochemistry, geophysics, and abundant surface and underground drilling within the northeast trend, starting at the El Peñón area, with Quebrada Orito in the southwest and ending with Angosta in the northeast. Exploration has also been successful at the Fortuna and PAV areas located to the southwest and to the north of El Peñón, respectively. Geophysical anomalies and positive drill intersections remain to be followed up in all areas.

 

Exploration work completed to date has defined 22 main mineralized zones and subsidiary veins, within ten geological trends. The main trends are illustrated in Figure 9-1.

 

9-1



 

 

9-2



 

GRIDS AND SURVEYS

 

All surveying has been completed using the PSAD 1956 19S coordinate system.

 

PETROLOGY, MINERALOGY AND RESEARCH STUDIES

 

A number of geologic, petrographic and mineralogical studies have been done during the exploration and operation stages of the project. The main research studies done at El Peñón between 1999 and 2017 are as follows:

 

·                       Pérez, M. (1999): Alteración Hidrotermal en el Depósito Epitermal de Au-Ag El Peñón, II Región Antofagasta. Memoria para optar al título de Geólogo. Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile, 109 p.

 

·                       Robbins, C.H. (2000): Geology of El Peñón gold-silver Deposit, northern Chile: The Great Basin and beyond, geological Society of Nevada, Symposium, Reno 2000, Proceedings, pp. 249-264.

 

·                       Warren, I.; Zuluaga, J.; Robbins, C.H.; Wulftange, W. & Simmons, S. (2004): Geology and Geochemistry of Epithermal Au-Ag Mineralization in the El Peñón District, Northern Chile. Society of Economic Geologists, Special Publication 11, pp. 113-139.

 

·                       Zuluaga, J.I. (2004): Geología y Mineralización del Distrito El Peñón, Segunda Región de Antofagasta, Chile. Tesis de Magíster en Geología Económica, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile, 150 p.

 

·                       Warren, I. (2005): Geology, Geochemistry and Ore of the El Peñón Epithermal Au-Ag Deposit, Northern Chile: Characteristics of a bonanza-grade deposit and techniques for exploration. PhD Thesis — Geology, University of Auckland.

 

·                       Cornejo, P.; Mpodozis, C.; Rivera, O. & Matthews, S.J. (2006): Carta Exploradora, Regiones de Antofagasta y Atacama. Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN), Santiago, Chile, Carta Geológica de Chile, Serie Geológica Básica, 1:100.000.

 

·                       Donoso, F. (2012): Caracterización Mineralógica de las vetas Bonanza-Aleste y sus implicancias geometalúrgicas, Mina El Peñón, Región de Antofagasta, Memoria para optar al título de Geólogo, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile.

 

·                       Órdenes, J. (2014): Influencia de la Mineralogía de la veta Bonanza en el Procesos Hidrometalúrgico de Lixiviación de Au y Ag, Yacimiento El Peñón, Chile. Tesis para optar al grado de Magíster en Geometalurgia. Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile, 168 p.

 

GEOPHYSICS

 

The geophysical studies completed by different geophysical survey companies in the El Peñón district from 2001 to 2017 are as follows:

 

·                       (2001) Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) Surveys.

 

9-3



 

·                       (2002) Controlled Source Audio-frequency Magnetotelluric (CSAMT).

 

·                       (2003) Gravity survey at the El Peñón area.

 

·                       (2004) Very Low Frequency Electromagnetics.

 

·                       (2005) Aeromagnetic and Radiometric Survey for the El Peñón and Amancaya areas.

 

·                       (2007) Gravity survey.

 

·                       (2010) Controlled Source Audi-frequency Magnetotelluric (CSAMT).

 

·                       (2010) Review of the geophysical surveys of the El Peñón Mine and surrounding projects.

 

·                       (2011) Controlled Source Audio-frequency Magnetotelluric (CSAMT) performed in the PAV area.

 

·                       (2014) Aeromagnetic and gravity data.

 

·                       (2014) Ground magnetics for PAV.

 

·                       (2016) Controlled Source Audio-frequency Magnetotelluric (CSAMT) for the southern and central areas of El Peñón.

 

GEOCHEMISTRY

 

·                  (2001) El Peñón soil geochemistry by Minera Meridian Limitada, Luis González.

 

·                  (2002) Trace elements distribution by Minera Meridian Limitada, Luis González.

 

·                  (2002) El Peñón soil geochemistry by Minera Meridian Limitada, Claudio Lucero.

 

·                  (2004) El Peñón surface geochemistry by Minera Meridian Limitada, Guido Rojas.

 

·                       (2004) El Peñón surface geochemistry by Minera Meridian Limitada, José Iván Zuluaga.

 

·                       (2005) El Peñón surface geochemistry sampling carried out by Ian Warren, University of Auckland.

 

·                       (2007) Geology, geochemistry and genesis of the El Peñón epithermal Au-Ag Deposit: Characteristics of a bonanza-grade deposit and techniques for exploration, Ian Warren, University of Auckland.

 

·                       (2013) Surface geochemistry and ICP data base analysis, internal report by Chuck Robins, independent consultant.

 

·                       (2016) Surface geochemistry and ICP data base analysis by Brian Townley (PhD), Universidad de Chile.

 

TRENCHING

 

The construction of trenches at El Peñón has been carried out according to geological criteria, in order to generate future exploration targets. Throughout the history of El Peñón, several

 

9-4



 

trenches have been sampled to obtain geological information to justify subsequent drilling campaigns.

 

The main areas where trenching has been done are Quebrada Orito and Quebrada Colorada (in the early stages of the project) and recently El Valle, PAV, Laguna, and Fortuna.

 

2018 TO 2020 EXPLORATION PROGRAM

 

Exploration drilling for the next three years is divided into three categories: Infill, Local, and District. Infill drilling is designed to replace production by upgrading and extending known resources with a combined reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling methodology (ratio of approximately 70% RC and 30% diamond drilling). Local exploration drilling is targeted at upgrading of Inferred Resources and transformation of geological potential zones to Inferred Resources. District exploration is meant to test extension of known areas of mineralization to discover new primary structures.

 

The amount of drilling proposed is based on the past success rate of adding resources at El Peñón. Infill targets in 2018 include Bonanza, Dorada, El Valle, Laguna, Providencia, Quebrada Colorada and Quebrada Orito. Local targets proposed for 2018 include Borde Oeste, Fortuna Este, and PAV. District targets proposed for 2018 include Angosta, Augusta Victoria Oeste, Chiquilla Chica, Cucaracha, Lagarto, Laguna-Fortuna, and Poligrama (Figure 9-2).

 

A total of 177,000 m of drilling is planned for 2018 to 2020 at a budgeted cost of US$36,000,000. Yamana considers allocating additional discretionary exploration funding based on results. Considering the ongoing successes at El Peñón, RPA concurs with this proposed exploration program and recommends that it be carried out as defined.

 

9-5



 

 

9-6



 

10 DRILLING

 

Systematic testing of the gold-bearing zones was started by Meridian in 1993 and continues to the present. To the end of December 2017, approximately 2,998,519 m of drilling has been completed at El Peñón in the Fortuna, El Peñón, and PAV blocks (Table 10-1). This includes 112,115 m completed in 2017 (29,240 m exploration and 82,875 m infill drilling), with intersections at Aleste SS, Dorada FW West, El Valle W, Esmeralda NE, Martillo Centro Sur, Paloma, Pampa Campamento, Ventura, and Victoria. Figures 10-1 and 10-2 illustrate a drill plan and drill section, respectively.

 

TABLE 10-1 DRILL SUMMARY
Yamana Gold Inc. – El Peñón Mine

 

Year

 

Exploration (m)

 

Infill (m)

 

Total (m)

 

1993

 

2,507

 

0

 

2,507

 

1994

 

16,606

 

0

 

16,606

 

1995

 

51,451

 

0

 

51,451

 

1996

 

48,370

 

0

 

48,370

 

1997

 

85,248

 

0

 

85,248

 

1998

 

73,941

 

0

 

73,941

 

1999

 

58,561

 

48,325

 

106,886

 

2000

 

49,388

 

134,994

 

184,382

 

2001

 

101,440

 

80,905

 

182,345

 

2002

 

84,753

 

56,573

 

141,326

 

2003

 

87,581

 

39,072

 

126,653

 

2004

 

99,674

 

58,498

 

158,172

 

2005

 

107,443

 

52,851

 

160,294

 

2006

 

72,526

 

107,887

 

180,413

 

2007

 

113,507

 

70,534

 

184,041

 

2008

 

66,917

 

65,911

 

132,828

 

2009

 

93,690

 

22,592

 

116,282

 

2010

 

69,470

 

77,724

 

147,194

 

2011

 

78,746

 

49,919

 

128,665

 

2012

 

65,401

 

57,937

 

123,338

 

2013

 

70,323

 

26,440

 

96,763

 

2014

 

68,582

 

57,262

 

125,844

 

2015

 

40,950

 

105,807

 

146,757

 

2016

 

95,701

 

70,397

 

166,098

 

2017

 

29,240

 

82,875

 

112,115

 

TOTAL

 

1,732,016

 

1,266,503

 

2,998,519

 

 

10-1



 

 

10-2



 

 

10-3



 

Yamana continually conducts exploration work in order to develop drill targets to replace reserves. Drilling is carried out on a nominal 60 m x 60 m pattern, with infill holes drilled on a 30 m x 30 m pattern. Preliminary Mineral Resource estimates are made using the drill information. Later, the estimates are refined using chip sample assays collected from the underground development. Underground definition drilling is completed on a 30 m x 30 m spacing where required and short test holes are drilled from underground to locate veins and parallel structures and to assist mining and grade control.

 

Surface drilling is mostly RC, with at least one diamond drill hole per 30 m section. Often, holes are collared with RC equipment until the hole is almost in the zone, and then changed over to diamond core. Some are cored for the entire length. Core size is HQ (63.5 mm core diameter), sometimes reduced to NQ (47.6 mm core diameter). RC holes are drilled with 146 mm diameter equipment, which produces a hole approximately 152 mm in diameter.

 

The procedures used during drilling programs are as follows:

 

·                       The collar locations of all drill holes are surveyed and marked by El Peñón crews.

 

·                       A multi-shot instrument is used to provide control information on the directional deviation (both azimuth and inclination) of each hole drilled from underground. A gyro survey instrument is used to provide control information on the directional deviation of each hole drilled from surface.

 

·                       Lithologic logging is done on drill core and RC chips and geotechnical observations are made by company geologists and technicians. All information is recorded on digital tablets using commercial software and depicts all downhole data including assay values. This includes recording the following items as appropriate for the drilling method:

 

·                       Drill type

·                       Collar coordinates

·                       Core diameter

·                       Downhole inclination

·                       Percent core recovery record

·                       Rock Quality Designation (RQD) measurements

·                       Lithologic contacts

·                       Descriptive geology

·                       Core angles

·                       Intensity of various alteration types

·                       Structural features, such as foliation, fracture and brecciated zones

·                       Recording of mineralization, e.g., quartz type, sulphide content

·                       Maintaining a photographic record of the core with a digital camera

 

10-4



 

Drill core recoveries are generally good (>95%) but are moderately lower at the Quebrada Orito and El Valle veins (>85%). The lower core recovery in those veins, however, does not have significant impact on the quality of the samples.

 

Collars of surface drill holes are preserved by a PVC casing. A wooden stake with metal plates, on which the code, azimuth, dip and other relevant information of the drill hole(s) is recorded, is placed close to each collar.

 

RPA is of the opinion that the logging and recording procedures are comparable to industry standards.

 

The drill contractor used on the mine property during 2016 and 2017 is AK Drilling International.

 

10-5



 

11 SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES AND SECURITY

 

SAMPLING

 

Samples are collected by surface and underground drilling and by panel sampling of mine headings. Surface drilling is typically carried out to trace the structures and estimate Mineral Resources. Mine sampling comprises both definition diamond drilling as well as sampling of development headings for grade control. The exploration samples consist of RC cuttings and half-core splits of diamond drill core. The mine samples are drift face panel samples and whole drill core.

 

Exploration RC samples are taken at two-metre intervals outside and one-metre intervals inside a mineralized zone. The drillers take two samples from every interval splitting the cuttings with a riffle-type sampler. Samples are placed in plastic bags and transported to the sample preparation facility. One sample is kept for reference and the other is prepared for analysis. Specimens are also collected in chip trays for logging.

 

Surface drill core and RC chips are delivered to the logging and sampling facility located near the mill/office complex. Core and RC chips are logged and marked for sampling by the geologist. Sampling technicians photograph the intact core, split the core samples and RC chip samples, place them in plastic bags, and deliver them to the sample preparation facility.

 

Mine drill hole samples are collected in the same fashion as exploration holes, except that they are delivered to the mine site laboratory.

 

Each underground drift face is mapped and sampled by the grade technicians. Samples comprise chips taken from panels measuring approximately one metre high and a maximum of one metre wide. Minimum sample widths are 30 cm in the vein and 50 cm in the waste. Boundaries to the sampled areas are placed at vein contacts and major structures. The sample sizes are constrained to between five kilograms and nine kilograms.

 

The geological technicians measure the distance and direction from the nearest survey station to the sampled interval. The samples for each face are rendered as linear strings of samples in a fashion similar to drill holes (pseudo-drill holes). The “collar” of the drill hole is the left-

 

11-1



 

hand end of the sample string. The “azimuth” is approximated as the direction parallel to the drift face. Sample lengths are projected to the face onto a linear trace of the pseudo-drill hole to account for irregularities or curvature of the face.

 

In RPA’s opinion, the sampling protocols match industry standards and are appropriate for the style of mineralization at El Peñón. Other than minor intermixing of RC material during drilling, there are no sample quality or recovery problems that could materially impact the reliability of the sampling process.

 

SAMPLE PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS

 

El Peñón uses Geo Assay Group (Geo Assay), located in Antofagasta, as the primary laboratory and Intertek Minerals (Intertek) located in Copiapó, as secondary laboratory for all assaying of the surface and underground exploration and infill drilling. Both laboratories are independent of Yamana. Pulp samples are sent for analysis in sealed batches by truck/air. The internal laboratory at El Peñón handles all production samples from the mine, and samples taken at the plant. The internal laboratory results are checked and validated with Geo Assay and Intertek (ISO/IEC 17025).

 

Sample security is considered adequate since all samples are collected and prepared in secure sites and transported by Yamana personnel and/or selected contractors.

 

Geo Assay, Intertek, and the mine laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025-2005 for doré analysis) use the same preparation protocol, which is summarized below:

 

·                  Samples are received and dried two hours at 105°C.

 

·                  Jaw crushing to -6 mm (1/4”).

 

·                  Boyd crushing and screening; recycling until 80% -2 mm (10#).

 

·                  Rotary splitting to 1,000 g.

 

·                  LM2 pulverization to 95% -140#.

 

·                  Manually split with small scoop to 250 g.

 

Samples submitted to external laboratories are assayed by fire assay with atomic absorption finish. If gold or silver grades are higher than 5 g/t or 250 g/t respectively, assaying is repeated with a gravity finish. If RC duplicates show large differences, a screen fire assay is made.

 

11-2



 

At the internal laboratory, standard fire assaying with a gravity finish is used. The charge for fire assaying is 50 g. Silver is parted using nitric acid.

 

RPA is of the opinion that the sample preparation, sample security, and assay procedures used for the drill samples are in keeping with industry standards.

 

QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

 

Quality assurance (QA) consists of evidence to demonstrate that the assay data has precision and accuracy within generally accepted limits for the sampling and analytical method(s) used in order to have confidence in a resource estimate. Quality control (QC) consists of procedures used to ensure that an adequate level of quality is maintained in the process of collecting, preparing, and assaying the exploration drilling samples. Generally, QA/QC programs are designed to prevent or detect contamination and allow assaying (analytical), precision (repeatability), and accuracy to be quantified. In addition, a QA/QC program can disclose the overall sampling-assaying variability of the sampling method itself.

 

QA/QC PROTOCOLS

 

Yamana has designed and implemented a QA/QC program with action items, including re-assaying of entire batches, in the event that blank or Certified Reference Material (CRM) samples returned assay values outside predefined limits of acceptability.

 

EXPLORATION AND INFILL DRILLING

 

Exploration samples are controlled by the quality control department, who supervises the traceability of the samples. The controlled stages are:

 

·                  Sampling

 

·                  Sample shipments, sample preparation and chemical analyses carried out at the external laboratories

 

·                  Results validation:

 

·                  Reception of results

·                  Verification of controls

·                  Information entry to the Fusion Database System

·                  Final approval and report which is sent to the geology department

 

Sampling procedures are controlled by inspection at the drills. Control samples for preparation and analysis are inserted by geologists with a frequency which is defined by geological criteria, based on mapping results. The following controls are currently used:

 

11-3



 

·                  Gold and silver CRMs to control accuracy.

 

·                  Sterile (barren rock) samples to control contamination at the sample preparation stage.

 

·                  Blank samples to control contamination at the analysis stage.

 

·                  Field, preparation and pulp duplicates, which are inserted every 40 samples to control precision.

 

·                  Additionally, 5% of the pulps with grades greater than one gram per tonne gold equivalent (AuEq) are checked by the secondary laboratory.

 

MINE FACE SAMPLES

 

Underground channel samples taken at faces are put in plastic bags and sent to the internal laboratory of the mine. Generally, a standard, a blank sample, and a sterile (barren rock) sample are inserted for one sampled face per day (under normal operating conditions 20 to 24 faces are sampled daily). The use of field duplicates for underground face samples has been discontinued. The insertion of these controls is supervised by the production geology department.

 

MINE LABORATORY

 

The laboratory of the mine carries out an internal QA/QC program. The samples are ordered at the reception desk in sequence. During this procedure, a check is done to compare and verify if the sample tickets correspond to the report attached with the sampling date and other relevant data to ensure the traceability. The sample codes are read to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) prior to continuing to the preparation stage. The internal controls insertion frequency is programed in the LIMS in order to insert the following controls:

 

·                  Granulometric checks (10#) for 5% of the samples.

 

·                  Granulometric checks (140#) for 5% of the samples.

 

·                  A sterile quartz (2 in. to 3 in. in size) sample is inserted every 20 samples in order to control contamination at the preparation stage.

 

·                  A preparation duplicate is inserted every 20 samples.

 

·                  An analysis duplicate is carried out every ten samples.

 

·                  CRMs are used to validate internal accuracy control.

 

11-4



 

Fifty pulps per month are sent to Geo Assay and Intertek for additional external checks. As well, the internal laboratory is constantly reviewed by the Yamana corporate QA/QC department through the control of the quality control results and round robins with other Yamana laboratories.

 

RPA has examined the QA/QC results for 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 for the various sample streams at El Peñón. In 2014 and 2015, samples were analyzed at Acme Analytical Laboratories Ltd. (Acme) (ISO 17025:2005) with secondary samples submitted to SGS Laboratories (ISO 9001: 2008). In 2016, samples were analysed at Geo Assay with secondary samples submitted to SGS Laboratories (ISO 9001: 2008). Secondary samples were shipped to Intertek in 2017.

 

CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALS

 

All the CRMs were made with El Peñón materials and prepared in qualified commercial laboratories or were purchased in packages from CDN Resource Laboratories (CDN).

 

In RPA’s opinion, the results of the CRM analyses (Table 11-1) show acceptable performance and analytical control.

 

TABLE 11-1 CRM STATISTICS
Yamana Gold Inc. — El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

 

 

CRMs

 

2-3 SD

 

>3SD

 

Year

 

Metal

 

Inserted

 

N

 

%

 

N

 

%

 

2014

 

Gold

 

1,934

 

136

 

7.0

 

37

 

1.9

 

 

 

Silver

 

1,934

 

83

 

4.6

 

30

 

1.6

 

2015

 

Gold

 

1,641

 

76

 

4.6

 

30

 

1.8

 

 

 

Silver

 

1,652

 

127

 

7.7

 

42

 

2.5

 

2016

 

Gold

 

1,485

 

47

 

3.2

 

17

 

1.1

 

 

 

Silver

 

1,485

 

39

 

2.6

 

34

 

2.3

 

2017

 

Gold

 

823

 

19

 

2.3

 

12

 

1.5

 

 

 

Silver

 

823

 

21

 

2.6

 

19

 

2.3

 

 

BLANKS

 

In RPA’s opinion, the results of the blank pulp analyses (Table 11-2) show acceptable performance and analytical control.

 

11-5



 

TABLE 11-2 BLANK STATISTICS
Yamana Gold Inc. — El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

 

 

Blanks

 

Out of Range

 

Year

 

Metal

 

Inserted

 

N

 

%

 

2014

 

Gold

 

941

 

4

 

0.4

 

 

 

Silver

 

941

 

0

 

0

 

2015

 

Gold

 

813

 

12

 

1.5

 

 

 

Silver

 

814

 

2

 

0.2

 

2016

 

Gold

 

888

 

2

 

0.2

 

 

 

Silver

 

888

 

0

 

0

 

2017

 

Gold

 

617

 

3

 

0.5

 

 

 

Silver

 

1,500

 

0

 

0

 

 

STERILE SAMPLES

 

In RPA’s opinion, the results of the sterile sample analyses, including unmineralized core and coarse quartz (Table 11-3) show acceptable performance and sample preparation control.

 

TABLE 11-3 STERILE SAMPLE STATISTICS
Yamana Gold Inc. — El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

 

 

Steriles

 

Out of Range

 

Year

 

Metal

 

Inserted

 

N

 

%

 

2014

 

Gold

 

169

 

12

 

7.1

 

 

 

Silver

 

169

 

3

 

1.8

 

2015

 

Gold

 

113

 

12

 

10.6

 

 

 

Silver

 

113

 

4

 

3.5

 

2016

 

Gold

 

81

 

3

 

3.7

 

 

 

Silver

 

81

 

1

 

1.2

 

2017

 

Gold

 

57

 

3

 

5.3

 

 

 

Silver

 

57

 

0

 

0

 

 

 

PULP DUPLICATES

 

Plots of pulp duplicate results (Figure 11-1) at the primary laboratory were examined and found to show excellent correspondence.

 

11-6



 

FIGURE 11-1 PULP DUPLICATE CONTROL CHARTS

 

 

11-7



 

EXTERNAL DUPLICATES

 

Plots of external duplicate results (Figure 11-2) between the primary and the secondary laboratories were examined and found to show acceptable correspondence.

 

In RPA’s opinion, the QA/QC program as designed and implemented by Yamana is adequate and the assay results within the database are suitable for use in a Mineral Resource estimate.

 

11-8



 

FIGURE 11-2 EXTERNAL DUPLICATE CONTROL CHARTS

 

 

11-9



 

12 DATA VERIFICATION

 

Part of the resource database and several drill log files were reviewed by RPA for accuracy of assay transcription from the assay certificates. No significant errors were noted. As well, RPA reviewed the results obtained in the QA/QC check assay programs. Compilation of assay QA/QC results is carried out on a continuous basis by a staff geologist in the Exploration Department. The data are collected and plotted on graphs to look for problem areas, and monthly and annual reports are generated. General performance is monitored, including the number of samples collected, the number and type of QA/QC samples, equipment availability, assay return times, etc. The reports also describe the progress and results of special research projects, such as heterogeneity studies, that may be underway at the time. Any problem areas with regard to assay verification are flagged and recommendations for appropriate action are implemented.

 

In RPA’s opinion, the collection, security, and analysis of assay QA/QC data at El Peñón is quite thorough and meets or exceeds standard industry practice.

 

Drill logs are verified at the point prior to entry into the database by the Geology Department. RPA is of the opinion that data entry and verification procedures of production data at El Peñón are in keeping with industry standards.

 

Based on RPA’s review of the database and primary records, plus discussions with the Yamana personnel, RPA is of the opinion that data collection and entry, and database verification procedures for El Peñón comply with industry standards and are adequate for the purposes of Mineral Resource estimation.

 

Since El Peñón is an operating mine producing significant amounts of gold and silver, RPA did not collect or analyze any independent samples.

 

12-1



 

13 MINERAL PROCESSING AND METALLURGICAL TESTING

 

The following is taken from Chacón and Pérez (2017).

 

The low to intermediate sulphidation epithermal gold-silver mineralization mined initially at El Peñón consisted mainly of electrum, native gold, native silver, silver halides, Fe and Mn oxide minerals, plus minor acanthite, chalcopyrite, and galena. However, in veins discovered recently, a radical change has been observed in the mineralogy of silver and base metals. This change was a result of a new oxidation-reduction (redox) regime at El Peñón, from veins predominantly consisting of oxides in the southwest area to veins mainly consisting of sulphides in the northeast. In the northeast area, silver mineralization consists mainly of silver sulphosalts and silver sulphides, which cause a decrease in the silver recovery. In the primary zone, two types of mineralization can be identified depending on the occurrence of base metal sulphides that accompany the gold and silver mineralization. These mineralization types are defined as high sulphide mineralization and low sulphide mineralization. In the oxidized zone, two types of materials are observed, oxidized material with low clay content and oxidized material with high clay content.

 

METALLURGICAL TESTING

 

The metallurgical testing results presented in this report were obtained from drill hole samples and chip samples obtained from mining faces. These samples were considered representative of the various types and styles of mineralization and the mineral deposit. The results of this testwork provided the basis for the development of a straightforward flowsheet for ore treatment and also to support flowsheet changes.

 

Metallurgical testing carried out at El Peñón has included the following tests:

 

·                  Bond Work Index tests.

 

·                  Grain size gold and silver distributions.

 

·                  Leaching studies to address reagents, pulp density, pH, cyanide and lime consumption and residence time.

 

·                  Sedimentation and filtration tests.

 

13-1



 

·                  Mineralogical studies.

 

·                  Automated mineralogy.

 

Process and mineralogical testing studies that have been carried out are summarized below:

 

·                  Laboratorio Metalurgia El Peñón (2009): Informe Final Muestra Veta Al Este, Minera Meridian Limitada, Antofagasta, Chile.

 

·                  Laboratorio Metalurgia El Peñón (2009): Informe Final Muestra Veta Bonanza, Minera Meridian Limitada, Antofagasta, Chile.

 

·                  Laboratorio Metalurgia El Peñón (2009): Informe Final Muestra Veta Fortuna, Minera Meridian Limitada, Antofagasta, Chile.

 

·                  Laboratorio Metalurgia El Peñón (2009): Informe Muestras Interior Mina Veta Dorada, Minera Meridian Limitada, Antofagasta, Chile.

 

·                  Pérez, C. (2011): Análisis Microscópico Mineralógico sobre Muestras de Relaves de Cianuración por Agitación El Peñón. Laboratorio de Minerales de Cabeza C-2013, Guarachi Ingenieros Limitada, Santiago, Chile.

 

·                  Pérez, C. (2011): Análisis Microscópico Mineralógico sobre Muestras de Minerales de Cabeza. Laboratorio de Minerales de Cabeza C-2013, Guarachi Ingenieros Limitada, Santiago, Chile.

 

·                  Laboratorio ASMIN Industrial (2013-2015): Evaluación Metalúrgica de Muestras de Mineral Provenientes de Mina El Peñón — Etapas 1 — 10.

 

·                  Laboratorio ASMIN Industrial (2016-2017): Evaluación Metalúrgica de Muestras de Mineral Provenientes de Mina El Peñón — Etapas 11 — 16.

 

·                  Órdenes, J. & Bastias, M. (2013): “Modelamiento Geometalúrgico 2013 — Corto Plazo”, Informe Interno, Minera Meridian Limitada, El Peñón, Chile.

 

·                  Menzies, A. (2013): QEMSCANTM Minesite Analysis of Samples from El Peñón, Chile, Universidad Católica de Norte, Antofagasta, Chile.

 

·                  Menzies, A. (2013): QEMSCANTM Minesite Analysis of Samples — Mn Mapping Sample UIN0001 from El Peñón, Chile, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile.

 

A summary of the number of metallurgical tests that have been done by vein is provided in Table 13-1.

 

13-2



 

TABLE 13-1 METALLURGICAL TESTWORK BY VEIN

Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

Oxide Low Clay

 

Geometallurgical Unit

 

Low

 

 

 

High

 

Super High

 

Grand

 

Vein

 

Grade

 

Special

 

Grade

 

Grade

 

Total

 

Carmin

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

Caserón 505

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

Caserón 506

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

Discovery Wash

 

4

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

Dominador

 

38

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

51

 

Dorada SW

 

8

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

El Valle

 

16

 

3

 

1

 

2

 

22

 

Pampa Camp.

 

30

 

25

 

7

 

5

 

67

 

Providencia

 

85

 

29

 

2

 

 

 

116

 

Púrpura

 

9

 

1

 

2

 

1

 

13

 

Sorpresa

 

16

 

13

 

2

 

4

 

35

 

Caserón 504

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

3

 

Grand Total

 

210

 

89

 

14

 

14

 

327

 

 

 

 

Oxide High Clay

 

Geometallurgical Unit

 

Low

 

 

 

High

 

Super High

 

Grand

 

Vein

 

Grade

 

Special

 

Grade

 

Grade

 

Total

 

Elizabeth

 

31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31

 

Victoria

 

45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

45

 

Grand Total

 

76

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

76

 

 

 

 

Reduced High Sulphide

 

Geometallurgical Unit

 

Low

 

 

 

High

 

Super High

 

Grand

 

Vein

 

Grade

 

Special

 

Grade

 

Grade

 

Total

 

Aleste

 

32

 

64

 

6

 

8

 

110

 

Bonanza

 

66

 

120

 

43

 

28

 

257

 

Borde Oeste

 

12

 

3

 

 

 

1

 

16

 

Dorada SW

 

 

 

7

 

1

 

 

 

8

 

Providencia

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

Ventura

 

17

 

7

 

4

 

1

 

29

 

Grand Total

 

127

 

203

 

54

 

38

 

422

 

 

 

 

Reduced Low Sulphide

 

Geometallurgical Unit

 

Low

 

 

 

High

 

Super High

 

Grand

 

Vein

 

Grade

 

Special

 

Grade

 

Grade

 

Total

 

Dorada SW

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

Providencia

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

Grand Total

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

 

13-3



 

CYANIDE TESTWORK

 

Cyanidation testwork was carried out on the identified geometallurgical units to determine approximate recoveries of gold and silver. A summary of statistical analyses of the gold and silver recoveries is shown in Tables 13-2 and 13-3.

 

TABLE 13-2 GOLD RECOVERIES BY GEOMETALLURGICAL UNIT
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

Oxide Low Clay

 

 

Oxide High

 

 

Reduced High Sulphide

 

 

Reduced Low

 

 

 

 

Au

 

Low

 

 

 

High

 

 

Clay

 

 

Low

 

 

 

High

 

 

Sulphide

 

 

 

 

Recovery

 

Grade

 

Special

 

Grade

 

 

Low Grade

 

 

Grade

 

Special

 

Grade

 

 

Low Grade

 

 

Marginal

 

Average

 

93.76

 

95.39

 

99.32

 

 

81.16

 

 

88.93

 

90.31

 

83.61

 

 

87.73

 

 

85.39

 

Median

 

95.6

 

97.27

 

98.99

 

 

87.30

 

 

91.38

 

94.50

 

92.70

 

 

91.50

 

 

89.00

 

Maximum

 

99.47

 

99.20

 

99.77

 

 

95.57

 

 

99.30

 

99.20

 

99.41

 

 

94.60

 

 

98.20

 

Minimum

 

79.67

 

82.80

 

92.50

 

 

59.20

 

 

73.00

 

69.00

 

49.60

 

 

83.20

 

 

76.50

 

Standard Deviation

 

4.56

 

3.71

 

1.65

 

 

10.10

 

 

5.93

 

5.51

 

11.15

 

 

3.89

 

 

6.24

 

No. Samples

 

190

 

82

 

24

 

 

67

 

 

124

 

179

 

79

 

 

9

 

 

57

 

 

TABLE 13-3 SILVER RECOVERIES BY GEOMETALLURGICAL UNIT
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

Oxide Low Clay

 

 

Oxide High

 

 

Reduced High Sulphide

 

 

Reduced Low

 

 

 

 

Ag

 

Low

 

 

 

High

 

 

Clay

 

 

Low

 

 

 

High

 

 

Sulphide

 

 

 

 

Recovery

 

Grade

 

Special

 

Grade

 

 

Low Grade

 

 

Grade

 

Special

 

Grade

 

 

Low Grade

 

 

Marginal

 

Average

 

89.64

 

90.71

 

93.50

 

 

84.35

 

 

77.77

 

69.09

 

54.06

 

 

91.33

 

 

72.19

 

Median

 

89.72

 

90.86

 

92.52

 

 

91.00

 

 

82.56

 

74.02

 

59.81

 

 

92.60

 

 

80.30

 

Maximum

 

99.6

 

98.77

 

99.61

 

 

97.90

 

 

97.80

 

98.30

 

96.20

 

 

96.20

 

 

93.10

 

Minimum

 

68.42

 

78.30

 

80.37

 

 

69.47

 

 

54.20

 

38.80

 

17.98

 

 

86.20

 

 

60.71

 

Standard Deviation

 

7.65

 

5.61

 

5.88

 

 

7.80

 

 

10.87

 

15.85

 

23.74

 

 

3.52

 

 

10.37

 

No. Samples

 

187

 

80

 

26

 

 

61

 

 

119

 

178

 

81

 

 

9

 

 

57

 

 

CYANIDE CONSUMPTION TESTS

 

A total of 891 cyanide consumption tests have been completed for different veins in the deposit. The goal has been to determine which zones of the deposit show high or low cyanide consumptions and the influence of some mineralogical species on this parameter, especially silver-bearing and antimony-bearing sulphosalts. Silver sulphosalts are known to have low solubility in cyanide solutions, which subsequently results in low silver recoveries. In contrast, silver sulphides and copper sulphides (e.g., chalcocite, digenite, and covellite) are highly soluble in cyanide solutions, thus increasing cyanide consumption. Furthermore, rhodochrosite (manganese-rich carbonate) is also highly soluble and oxidizes the cyanide to

 

13-4



 

a cyanate ion, which has no leaching potential. However, unlike copper, cyanate is not recovered. Therefore, the presence of these three groups of minerals, namely silver sulphosalts, rhodochrosite, and especially copper sulphides, is critical in determining cyanide consumption, and controlling the process performance of the various types of minerals in the processing plant.

 

Cyanide consumption averages by geometallurgical unit are shown in Table 13-4.

 

TABLE 13-4 AVERAGE CYANIDE CONSUMPTION BY GEOMETALLURGICAL UNIT
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

Cyanide

 

Oxide Low Clay

 

 

Oxide High

 

 

Reduced High Sulphide

 

 

Reduced Low

 

 

 

 

Consumption

 

Low

 

 

 

High

 

 

Clay

 

 

Low

 

 

 

High

 

 

Sulphide

 

 

 

 

(kg/tonne)

 

Grade

 

Special

 

Grade

 

 

Low Grade

 

 

Grade

 

Special

 

Grade

 

 

Low Grade

 

 

Marginal

 

Average

 

2.73

 

3.39

 

4.10

 

 

3.95

 

 

4.71

 

4.63

 

5.26

 

 

4.02

 

 

3.43

 

Median

 

2.31

 

2.32

 

3.23

 

 

3.84

 

 

4.90

 

4.72

 

5.25

 

 

3.85

 

 

3.09

 

Maximum

 

11.14

 

11.14

 

11.14

 

 

8.86

 

 

10.92

 

11.12

 

9.61

 

 

7.01

 

 

8.70

 

Minimum

 

0.05

 

0.31

 

0.26

 

 

1.12

 

 

0.75

 

1.05

 

1.12

 

 

0.75

 

 

1.37

 

Standard Deviation

 

1.83

 

2.78

 

2.92

 

 

1.54

 

 

1.85

 

1.86

 

1.94

 

 

1.88

 

 

1.75

 

No. Samples

 

204

 

89

 

28

 

 

54

 

 

126

 

199

 

90

 

 

11

 

 

56

 

 

BOND WORK INDEX TESTWORK

 

The Bond Work Index test is used to estimate the net energy requirements of the secondary milling circuit, where the mill operates in a closed circuit with a classifier (cut mesh). The tests consisted of simulating a closed-loop operation with 250% circulating load using a 12 in. diameter and 12 in. length laboratory mill.

 

The historical results of this test are summarized in Table 13-5.

 

13-5



 

TABLE 13-5 HISTORICAL BOND WORK INDEX TESTWORK
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Index

Year

 

Number

 

Identification

 

kWh/ton

 

kWh/tonne

2004

 

1

 

Baja Ley Martillo

 

A

 

17.76

 

19.57

 

2

 

Baja Ley Q.C.

 

B

 

13.46

 

14.83

 

3

 

Baja Ley Q.O.Q.C.

 

C

 

17.74

 

19.55

 

4

 

Fortuna

 

D

 

15.83

 

17.44

 

5

 

ESP>

 

E

 

20.52

 

22.61

 

6

 

Inter

 

F

 

20.32

 

22.39

 

7

 

Combined Sample

 

Compósito

 

17.94

 

19.77

2009

 

1

 

Aleste Baja Ley

 

CP0095542

 

19.64

 

21.65

 

2

 

Aleste Especial

 

CP0095543

 

19.88

 

21.91

 

3

 

Fortuna Baja Ley

 

CP0095544

 

15.69

 

17.29

 

4

 

Fortuna Especial

 

CP0095545

 

14.47

 

15.95

 

5

 

Peñón Baja Ley

 

CP0095546

 

18.37

 

20.24

 

6

 

Peñón Especial

 

CP0095547

 

17.78

 

19.60

 

7

 

Bonanza Especial

 

CP0095548

 

16.68

 

18.38

 

8

 

Bonanza Especial

 

CP0095549

 

16.45

 

18.13

2011

 

1

 

PAV

 

COMP 1

 

17.73

 

18.27

2015

 

1

 

Laguna

 

Compósito

 

15.17

 

16.72

 

2

 

Ventura

 

Compósito

 

17.81

 

19.63

2015

 

1

 

San Cristóbal

 

CP0268051

 

15.03

 

16.57

 

2

 

San Cristóbal

 

CP0268055

 

17.84

 

19.66

 

3

 

San Cristóbal

 

CP0268056

 

15.18

 

16.73

 

4

 

Chiquilla Chica

 

C001502017

 

18.20

 

20.06

 

The average Work Index values by geometallurgical unit are summarized in Table 13-6.

 

TABLE 13-6 AVERAGE BOND WORK INDEX BY GEOMETALLURGICAL UNIT
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

Geometallurgical Unit

 

Work Index (kWh/tonne)

Oxide Low Clay

 

19.83

Oxide High Clay

 

17.06

Reduced Low Sulphide

 

Reduced High Sulphide

 

19.94

 

13-6



 

HISTORICAL MILL PRODUCTION

 

A summary of the historical mill productions is shown in Table 13-7. Mill production peaked in 2010 at 1.522 million tpa. From 2010 to 2016 yearly mill production remained generally constant ranging from 1.4 million tpa to 1.5 million tpa. In 2017, throughput dropped to 1.04 million tonnes.

 

The metallurgical recovery of gold has slightly increased during the last four years, from 93.31% to 95.13%. Metallurgical recoveries of silver have remained consistent in the last three years and increased considerably since the 2011-2013 period, during which a higher processing rate from high sulphide reduced material from the Bonanza and Al Este veins, negatively affected silver recoveries. Metallurgical recoveries of gold and silver increased slightly during 2017 due to lower throughput and higher residence times.

 

TABLE 13-7 HISTORICAL MILL PRODUCTION
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

Tonnage

 

 

Head Grade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tonnes/

 

Tonnes/

 

 

Au

 

Ag

 

 

Recovery (%)

 

 

Production (oz)

Year

 

Annual

 

Day

 

Hour

 

 

(ppm)

 

(ppm)

 

 

Au

 

Ag

 

 

Au

 

Ag

2000

 

739,450

 

2,202

 

93

 

 

13.18

 

194.40

 

 

93.64

 

89.05

 

 

282,718

 

4,018,397

2001

 

715,413

 

1,960

 

95

 

 

14.87

 

234.44

 

 

94.46

 

89.04

 

 

318,012

 

4,751,758

2002

 

688,876

 

1,887

 

95

 

 

15.33

 

249.47

 

 

95.32

 

90.75

 

 

328,061

 

5,077,188

2003

 

703,775

 

1,928

 

85

 

 

14.62

 

204.54

 

 

96.61

 

92.44

 

 

320,998

 

4,283,436

2004

 

837,111

 

2,287

 

100

 

 

11.96

 

192.69

 

 

96.46

 

92.19

 

 

314,080

 

4,812,152

2005

 

880,229

 

2,412

 

106

 

 

11.13

 

211.13

 

 

96.42

 

92.81

 

 

303,508

 

5,537,589

2006

 

935,105

 

2,562

 

114

 

 

8.10

 

234.58

 

 

95.48

 

92.82

 

 

230,145

 

6,428,905

2007

 

998,252

 

2,736

 

122

 

 

7.64

 

274.57

 

 

94.19

 

91.78

 

 

234,598

 

8,186,718

2008

 

1,124,567

 

3,073

 

142

 

 

6.73

 

305.38

 

 

92.03

 

89.16

 

 

224,990

 

9,864,275

2009

 

1,271,596

 

3,484

 

156

 

 

5.79

 

276.32

 

 

91.23

 

86.89

 

 

215,846

 

9,820,474

2010

 

1,522,366

 

4,171

 

189

 

 

5.74

 

228.47

 

 

91.13

 

84.07

 

 

256,530

 

9,427,207

2011

 

1,452,090

 

3,978

 

178

 

 

7.05

 

215.87

 

 

93.04

 

83.95

 

 

306,184

 

8,470,112

2012

 

1,415,292

 

3,878

 

173

 

 

7.47

 

199.21

 

 

93.42

 

79.97

 

 

317,508

 

7,249,430

2013

 

1,422,055

 

3,896

 

173

 

 

7.94

 

187.16

 

 

93.02

 

75.58

 

 

338,231

 

6,464,623

2014

 

1,475,857

 

4,043

 

184

 

 

6.36

 

211.96

 

 

93.31

 

83.88

 

 

282,617

 

8,475,133

2015

 

1,418,132

 

3,885

 

180

 

 

5.32

 

194.02

 

 

93.63

 

86.90

 

 

227,228

 

7,692,811

2016

 

1,421,243

 

3,894

 

175

 

 

5.11

 

153.91

 

 

94.30

 

85.65

 

 

220,209

 

6,020,758

2017

 

1,041,199

 

2,853

 

119

 

 

5.05

 

148.33

 

 

95.13

 

86.40

 

 

160,510

 

4,282,339

 

13-7



 

14 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE

 

MINERAL RESOURCE SUMMARY

 

For this report, RPA has reviewed the Mineral Resource estimate of the El Peñón Mine, as prepared by Yamana as of December 31, 2017. RPA carried out a number of checks to verify the various procedures and numerical calculations used in the Yamana estimates. This included detailed tracing of the methodology of estimating tonnage and grade of resource and reserve blocks. With few exceptions, RPA found that values and compilations of gold and silver grades were accurately recorded and calculated as provided by Yamana.

 

As part of this audit, RPA carried out an independent estimate of seven veins (Al Este, Caseron 505, Cerro Martillo, Dorada, Esmeralda, Magenta, and Providencia) to allow for better comparison of the Yamana estimates with the RPA estimates, based on the underground data and wireframes provided.

 

In RPA’s opinion, the Mineral Resource estimates are reasonable and acceptable for subsequent Mineral Reserve work.

 

The Mineral Resource estimation was completed using Maptek’s Vulcan software, sometimes coupled with unfolding algorithms from UFO software version 1.0 (software developed by the ALGES laboratory of the University of Chile in collaboration with Yamana) where deemed appropriate to the vein morphology. Wireframes for geology and mineralization were constructed in Vulcan based on geology sections, assay results, lithological information, and structural data. Assays were composited to one metre lengths, then interpolated using capping and a high yield restriction for anomalously high grades. Grade was interpolated into a sub-blocked model with minimum block size of 0.5 m by 0.5 m by 0.5 m with a parent block size of 20 m by 20 m by 20 m. Blocks were interpolated with grade using Inverse Distance Cubed (ID3) and checked using Nearest Neighbour (NN) methods. Block estimates were validated using industry standard validation techniques. Classification of blocks was based on distance based criteria.

 

RPA notes that the Mineral Resources listed in Tables 14-1 and 14-2 are reasonable, acceptable for Mineral Reserve estimation, and are in accordance with the Mineral Resource

 

14-1



 

and Mineral Reserve Classification as recommended by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Committee on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.

 

The Mineral Resource estimates for the El Peñón property as of December 31, 2017 are summarized in Table 14-1.

 

TABLE 14-1 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE DECEMBER 31, 2017
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

Tonnes

 

Grade

 

Contained Metal

 

Category

 

(000 t)

 

(g/t Au)

 

(g/t Ag)

 

(000 oz Au)

 

(000 oz Ag)

 

Measured

 

311.7

 

8.56

 

191.0

 

85.8

 

1,914.1

 

Indicated

 

1,115.9

 

6.47

 

224.3

 

232.0

 

8,047.7

 

Total Measured + Indicated

 

1,427.6

 

6.92

 

217.0

 

317.8

 

9,961.8

 

Total Inferred

 

17,500

 

1.7

 

60

 

960

 

33,500

 

 

Notes:

1.                   CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Resources.

2.                   A cut-off grade of 2.71 g/t AuEq was used for all zones, except for the Pampa Augusta Victoria, Fortuna-Dominador-Chiquilla Chica zones which used 2.82 g/t AuEq, 2.79 g/t AuEq and 2.81 g/t AuEq, respectively. Cut-off grades of 0.50 g/t AuEq and 0.80 g/t AuEq were used for tailings and low grade stocks reporting, respectively.

3.                   Mineral Resources were estimated considering long-term gold and silver prices of US$1,600/oz and US$24/oz and gold and silver mill recoveries of 95% and 86.5%, respectively. Gold and silver recoveries of 60% and 30% were used for estimating resources contained in tailings while recoveries of 75% and 70% were used for estimating resources contained in low-grade stocks.

4.                   While the results are presented undiluted and in-situ, the reported Mineral Resources consider minimum mining widths and expected dilutions (variable by vein) to determine reasonable prospects of economic extraction for each vein.

5.                   Bulk densities used vary between 2.36 t/m3 and 2.57 t/m3 for Mineral Resources contained in veins. Bulk densities of 1.60 t/m3 and 1.75 t/m3 were used to estimate Mineral Resources contained in low-grade stocks and tailings respectively.

6.                   Mineral Resources are reported exclusive of Mineral Reserves.

7.                   Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

8.                   Numbers may not add due to rounding.

 

RPA is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, or other relevant factors that could materially affect the Mineral Resource estimate.

 

The tonnage and grade of the reported Inferred Mineral Resources are uncertain in nature. There is insufficient information to define these Mineral Resources as Measured or Indicated. It is reasonably expected that part of the Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration and economic evaluation.

 

A breakdown of the Mineral Resources by vein is listed in Table 14-2.

 

14-2



 

TABLE 14-2 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATES BY VEIN — DECEMBER 31, 2017
Yamana Gold Inc. - El
Peñón Mine

 

Measured

 

 

 

 

 

Grade

 

Contained Metal

 

Vein

 

Tonnage (t)

 

Au (g/t)

 

Ag (g/t)

 

Au (oz)

 

Ag (oz)

 

Abundancia

 

1,670

 

11.3

 

189.0

 

610

 

10,250

 

Al Este

 

17,670

 

23.1

 

941.9

 

13,150

 

535,000

 

Angelina

 

3,160

 

11.2

 

36.5

 

1,140

 

3,710

 

Angosta

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bermellón

 

30

 

32.8

 

740.6

 

30

 

740

 

Bermuda

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonanza

 

13,100

 

13.6

 

144.1

 

5,740

 

60,710

 

Borde Oeste

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caracoles

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carmín Escarlata

 

8,800

 

15.4

 

179.3

 

4,340

 

50,730

 

Caserón 505

 

41,120

 

6.49

 

81.2

 

8,580

 

107,300

 

Caserón 506

 

14,800

 

5.66

 

81.2

 

2,690

 

38,620

 

Cerro Martillo

 

40,780

 

4.82

 

157.1

 

6,320

 

205,990

 

Cerro Martillo Central Sur

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chiquilla Chica

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diablada

 

11,160

 

10.2

 

34.2

 

3,650

 

12,290

 

Discovery Wash

 

1,050

 

2.73

 

93.7

 

92

 

3,170

 

Dominador

 

1,830

 

5.31

 

227.5

 

310

 

13,420

 

Dorada

 

6,470

 

5.69

 

333.7

 

1,180

 

69,420

 

Dorada SW

 

770

 

4.51

 

392.5

 

110

 

9,720

 

El Valle

 

11,850

 

4.66

 

112.9

 

1,780

 

43,020

 

Elizabeth

 

390

 

4.69

 

1,100

 

60

 

13,700

 

Esmeralda

 

 

 

 

 

 

Esperanza

 

160

 

22.7

 

1,255

 

120

 

6,370

 

Fortuna

 

5,200

 

8.60

 

399.8

 

1,440

 

66,860

 

Fortuna Este

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Paloma

 

40

 

3.85

 

307.7

 

 

350

 

Laguna

 

70

 

19.7

 

105.8

 

40

 

230

 

Magenta

 

10,020

 

10.1

 

191.0

 

3,240

 

61,570

 

Martillo Flats

 

4,990

 

6.45

 

412.4

 

1,030

 

66,200

 

Orito Norte

 

48,120

 

9.58

 

43.0

 

14,830

 

66,470

 

Orito Sur

 

31,310

 

5.54

 

90.6

 

5,580

 

91,190

 

Orito West

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pampa Campamento

 

3,460

 

8.51

 

252.0

 

950

 

28,070

 

Pampa Providencia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Playa

 

640

 

10.5

 

157.8

 

210

 

3,230

 

Providencia

 

10,120

 

4.31

 

265.1

 

1,400

 

86,260

 

Púrpura

 

210

 

10.8

 

133.5

 

70

 

880

 

Rieles

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorpresa

 

2,490

 

8.25

 

257.3

 

660

 

20,600

 

Ventura

 

 

 

 

 

 

Veta NW

 

1,270

 

8.19

 

505.3

 

330

 

20,610

 

Victoria

 

6,810

 

10.7

 

313.1

 

2,340

 

68,510

 

Vista Norte

 

6,270

 

10.3

 

121.2

 

2,080

 

24,450

 

Total Measured

 

311,700

 

8.56

 

191.0

 

85,760

 

1,914,100

 

 

14-3



 

Indicated

 

 

 

 

 

Grade

 

Contained Metal

 

Vein

 

Tonnage (t)

 

Au (g/t)

 

Ag (g/t)

 

Ag (oz)

 

Au (oz)

 

Abundancia

 

7,040

 

8.54

 

530.3

 

1,930

 

119,990

 

Al Este

 

53,490

 

8.49

 

342.6

 

14,600

 

589,170

 

Angelina

 

11,870

 

9.31

 

53.1

 

3,550

 

20,290

 

Angosta

 

21,600

 

9.56

 

108.9

 

6,640

 

75,610

 

Bermellón

 

4,780

 

9.61

 

419.0

 

1,480

 

64,360

 

Bermuda

 

8,480

 

7.29

 

172.0

 

1,990

 

46,930

 

Bonanza

 

44,100

 

10.1

 

145.8

 

14,330

 

206,800

 

Borde Oeste

 

10,830

 

11.5

 

454.9

 

3,990

 

158,380

 

Caracoles

 

1,100

 

2.83

 

354.3

 

100

 

12,500

 

Carmín Escarlata

 

12,930

 

13.8

 

137.5

 

5,719

 

57,180

 

Caserón 505

 

26,470

 

8.32

 

87.3

 

7,080

 

74,270

 

Caserón 506

 

36,700

 

5.08

 

44.0

 

5,990

 

51,900

 

Cerro Martillo

 

93,200

 

5.47

 

182.5

 

16,400

 

546,800

 

Cerro Martillo Central Sur

 

8,340

 

8.24

 

141.8

 

2,200

 

38,000

 

Chiquilla Chica

 

45,800

 

0.49

 

372.4

 

720

 

548,900

 

Diablada

 

17,570

 

9.41

 

35.4

 

5,320

 

19,980

 

Discovery Wash

 

43,880

 

4.58

 

129.6

 

6,460

 

182,770

 

Dominador

 

21,160

 

4.23

 

308.7

 

2,880

 

209,990

 

Dorada

 

50,120

 

5.12

 

322.3

 

8,250

 

519,330

 

Dorada SW

 

24,880

 

6.52

 

405.6

 

5,220

 

324,440

 

El Valle

 

50,480

 

4.89

 

83.0

 

7,940

 

134,720

 

Elizabeth

 

5,250

 

5.07

 

391.9

 

860

 

66,130

 

Esmeralda

 

17,470

 

8.11

 

261.6

 

4,550

 

146,940

 

Esperanza

 

1,470

 

10.1

 

148.4

 

480

 

7,000

 

Fortuna

 

55,600

 

4.43

 

302.8

 

7,910

 

541,190

 

Fortuna Este

 

6,180

 

4.23

 

550.1

 

840

 

109,320

 

La Paloma

 

22,430

 

4.96

 

77.9

 

3,580

 

56,210

 

Laguna

 

19,400

 

7.03

 

48.8

 

4,390

 

30,440

 

Magenta

 

15,740

 

9.18

 

121.2

 

4,650

 

61,320

 

Martillo Flats

 

48,950

 

7.98

 

414.1

 

12,560

 

651,760

 

Orito Norte

 

24,790

 

10.05

 

63.3

 

8,010

 

50,430

 

Orito Sur

 

54,610

 

6.04

 

174.0

 

10,600

 

305,510

 

Orito West

 

6,060

 

4.80

 

49.4

 

940

 

9,640

 

Pampa Campamento

 

18,960

 

8.49

 

271.9

 

5,170

 

165,740

 

Pampa Providencia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Playa

 

5,340

 

5.72

 

154.3

 

980

 

26,470

 

Providencia

 

78,320

 

6.17

 

249.0

 

15,530

 

627,030

 

Púrpura

 

13,030

 

6.58

 

258.3

 

2,760

 

108,250

 

Rieles

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorpresa

 

9,620

 

5.96

 

259.4

 

1,840

 

80,210

 

Ventura

 

20,290

 

8.79

 

532.7

 

5,740

 

347,560

 

Veta NW

 

30,980

 

5.88

 

270.3

 

5,860

 

269,230

 

Victoria

 

46,590

 

4.12

 

225.9

 

6,180

 

338,340

 

Vista Norte

 

20,020

 

9.03

 

72.4

 

5,820

 

46,620

 

Total Indicated

 

1,115,940

 

6.47

 

224.3

 

232,010

 

8,047,660

 

TOTAL Measured + Indicated

 

1,427,640

 

6.92

 

217.0

 

317,770

 

9,961,770

 

 

14-4



 

Inferred

 

 

 

 

 

Grade

 

Contained Metal

 

Vein

 

Tonnage (t)

 

Au (g/t)

 

Ag (g/t)

 

Ag (oz)

 

Au (oz)

 

Abundancia

 

19,700

 

9.5

 

480

 

6,000

 

304,600

 

Al Este

 

290,200

 

9.5

 

330

 

88,700

 

3,082,900

 

Angelina

 

2,300

 

16

 

74

 

1,200

 

5,500

 

Angosta

 

50,200

 

5.8

 

198

 

9,400

 

318,800

 

Bermellón

 

31,200

 

6.2

 

240

 

6,200

 

240,800

 

Bermuda

 

32,900

 

6.7

 

166

 

7,100

 

176,100

 

Bonanza

 

47,600

 

8.4

 

153

 

12,900

 

234,600

 

Borde Oeste

 

80,100

 

15

 

471

 

38,500

 

1,211,500

 

Caracoles

 

7,900

 

5.2

 

873

 

1,300

 

221,700

 

Carmín Escarlata

 

23,900

 

18.2

 

121.5

 

14,017

 

93,300

 

Caserón 505

 

32,900

 

14.3

 

177

 

15,200

 

187,000

 

Caserón 506

 

7,800

 

7.6

 

65

 

1,900

 

16,400

 

Cerro Martillo

 

73,900

 

5.7

 

178

 

13,400

 

423,800

 

Cerro Martillo Central Sur

 

94,300

 

9.3

 

379

 

28,000

 

1,148,900

 

Chiquilla Chica

 

191,600

 

0.4

 

410

 

2,700

 

2,524,300

 

Diablada

 

18,900

 

14

 

48

 

8,600

 

29,300

 

Discovery Wash

 

29,800

 

5.3

 

56

 

5,000

 

56,000

 

Dominador

 

34,700

 

4.1

 

181

 

4,600

 

202,300

 

Dorada

 

79,000

 

9.3

 

661

 

23,600

 

1,680,000

 

Dorada SW

 

11,900

 

8.2

 

476

 

3,100

 

181,300

 

El Valle

 

149,100

 

7.1

 

139

 

33,900

 

665,600

 

Elizabeth

 

22,400

 

1.6

 

737

 

1,100

 

530,900

 

Esmeralda

 

122,800

 

8.8

 

396

 

34,600

 

1,561,100

 

Esperanza

 

27,300

 

21

 

464

 

18,700

 

407,000

 

Fortuna

 

45,900

 

5.6

 

442

 

8,300

 

652,000

 

Fortuna Este

 

49,700

 

9.4

 

620

 

15,000

 

991,300

 

La Paloma

 

24,100

 

7.4

 

97

 

5,800

 

75,400

 

Laguna

 

28,400

 

14.8

 

116

 

13,500

 

106,400

 

Magenta

 

14,000

 

8.8

 

317

 

4,000

 

143,000

 

Martillo Flats

 

94,010

 

7.8

 

386

 

23,600

 

1,165,300

 

Orito Norte

 

3,600

 

7.5

 

42

 

900

 

4,800

 

Orito Sur

 

7,500

 

7.3

 

136

 

1,800

 

33,000

 

Orito West

 

164,000

 

8.2

 

108

 

43,300

 

570,100

 

Pampa Campamento

 

118,100

 

7.4

 

244

 

28,100

 

925,300

 

Pampa Providencia

 

38,400

 

17

 

507

 

20,800

 

625,700

 

Playa

 

12,400

 

11

 

268

 

4,600

 

106,500

 

Providencia

 

133,200

 

8.0

 

227

 

34,400

 

971,700

 

Púrpura

 

17,700

 

9.4

 

461

 

5,400

 

262,000

 

Rieles

 

300

 

9.2

 

8.2

 

100

 

100

 

Sorpresa

 

32,400

 

7.1

 

174

 

7,400

 

181,500

 

Ventura

 

73,100

 

7.8

 

493

 

18,400

 

1,158,300

 

Veta NW

 

68,900

 

13.7

 

223

 

30,300

 

493,300

 

Victoria

 

61,500

 

5.6

 

104

 

11,100

 

204,800

 

Vista Norte

 

24,700

 

12

 

111

 

9,900

 

88,300

 

Tailings

 

13,766,600

 

0.6

 

19

 

244,800

 

8,380,500

 

Low Grade Stocks

 

1,207,900

 

1.3

 

22

 

49,100

 

862,800

 

TOTAL Inferred

 

17,468,947

 

1.71

 

59.7

 

960,102

 

33,506,028

 

 

14-5



 

Notes:

1.                   CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Resources.

2.                   A cut-off grade of 2.71 g/t AuEq was used for all zones, except for the Pampa Augusta Victoria, Fortuna-Dominador-Chiquilla Chica zones which used 2.82 g/t AuEq, 2.79 g/t AuEq and 2.81 g/t AuEq, respectively. Cut-off grades of 0.50 g/t AuEq and 0.80 g/t AuEq were used for tailings and low grade stocks reporting, respectively.

3.                   Mineral Resources were estimated considering long-term gold and silver prices of US$1,600/oz and US$24/oz and gold and silver mill recoveries of 95% and 86.5%, respectively. Gold and silver recoveries of 60% and 30% were used for estimating resources contained in tailings whiles recoveries of 75% and 70% were used for estimating resources contained in low-grade stocks.

4.                   While the results are presented undiluted and in-situ, the reported Mineral Resources consider minimum mining widths and expected dilutions (variable by vein) to determine reasonable prospects of economic extraction for each vein.

5.                   Bulk densities used vary between 2.36 t/m3 and 2.57 t/m3 for Mineral Resources contained in veins. Bulk densities of 1.60 t/m3 and 1.75 t/m3 were used to estimate Mineral Resources contained in low-grade stocks and tailings respectively.

6.                   Mineral Resources are reported exclusive of Mineral Reserves.

7.                   Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

8.                   Numbers may not add due to rounding.

 

RESOURCE DATABASE

 

RPA received data from Yamana in Vulcan software. Data were amalgamated, parsed as required, and imported by RPA into Maptek Vulcan version 10.1.4 for review.

 

Chip samples are taken across the face of each development round at approximately 3 m intervals. Yamana’s face sample database contains more than 50,000 face samples taken since the mine’s construction, and is validated by a QA/QC program.

 

The resource database comprises four drill databases, seven channel sample databases, and three surface sample databases. It contains drilling information and analytical results up to December 10, 2017. Information received after this date was not used in the Mineral Resource estimate.

 

Section 12, Data Verification, describes the resource database verification steps carried out by RPA and Yamana. RPA is of the opinion that the drill hole database is valid and suitable to estimate Mineral Resources for the El Peñón property.

 

EXPLORATORY DATA ANALYSIS

 

For grade estimation, unsampled data were replaced with zero grades to prevent overestimation. RPA observed occasional cases where block grades passed through unsampled chips without decreasing to zero grade. RPA recommends that Yamana double

 

14-6



 

check the estimation process to ensure that these zero grades are being assigned. RPA compiled all drill data, flagged them by all underground geological wireframe + grade shell (UGGS) vein solids, and found that less than 0.41% of all samples in veins contained null values. It is unlikely that the Mineral Resource estimate could be significantly affected by these few zero grades.

 

The drill hole database comprises a total of 13,685 drill holes and 90,277 channels (face samples) with 370,546 surveys amounting to 3,151,800 m of drilling. The Mineral Resource database contains the following numbers of samples:

 

·         All samples in veins: 190,374

·         Unsampled intervals in veins (gold): 770

·         Unsampled intervals in veins (silver): 775

 

Almost all samples were taken between 25 cm and 1.75 m (Figure 14-1), however, most sample lengths generally ranged from 15 cm to 1.5 m. Length statistics by sample type (Table 14-3) indicate that drill and channel populations show the same mean length.

 

TABLE 14-3 SAMPLE LENGTHS IN VEINS
Yamana Gold Inc. — El
Peñón Mine

 

Sample Type

 

Count

 

Min

 

Max

 

Mean

 

CV

 

Drilling

 

34,860

 

0.01

 

8.70

 

0.76

 

0.64

 

Channel

 

154,690

 

0.05

 

4.60

 

0.76

 

0.43

 

All

 

189,550

 

0.01

 

8.70

 

0.76

 

0.48

 

 

14-7



 

FIGURE 14-1 SAMPLE LENGTHS IN VEINS

 

 

Yamana compiled statistics for sample populations inside veins in each zone. Examples for Esmeralda, Magenta and the Caseron 505 vein are shown in Figure 14-2. RPA compiled the Vulcan sample databases and cross checked the results against Yamana’s figures and found them acceptable.

 

14-8



 

FIGURE 14-2 SAMPLE STATISTICS

 

 

14-9



 

BULK DENSITY

 

Bulk densities were measured for core samples and underground rock samples using a water immersion method. For El Peñón, 80 samples were examined in September 2011 at the University of Antifogasta, and a further 588 density samples were examined between March 2013 and July 2014 at Antirion, with seven percent of the samples cross-checked at Laboratorio Geoanalítica in Antofagasta. Yamana calculated average bulk densities for each zone and assigned single density values for both ore and waste to each block model. Densities assigned are shown in Table 14-4. RPA is of the opinion that the density measurement results show that block density assignments are reasonable for the Mineral Resource estimation.

 

TABLE 14-4 BULK DENSITY ASSIGNMENTS BY BLOCK MODEL
Yamana Gold Inc. - El
Peñón Mine

 

Block Model

 

Density
(g/cm3)

 

505 506

 

2.36

 

Abundancia

 

2.40

 

Al Este

 

2.57

 

Angosta

 

2.40

 

Bermellón

 

2.43

 

Bermuda

 

2.43

 

Bonanza

 

2.57

 

Borde Oeste

 

2.40

 

Carmin Escarlata

 

2.43

 

Cerro Martillo

 

2.40

 

Cerro Martillo Central Sur

 

2.40

 

Discovery

 

2.43

 

Dorada

 

2.40

 

Dorada SW

 

2.40

 

El Valle

 

2.43

 

Esmeralda Esperanza

 

2.40

 

Fortuna

 

2.40

 

Magenta

 

2.43

 

Martillo Flats

 

2.40

 

Orito West

 

2.44

 

Orito Norte

 

2.44

 

Orito Sur

 

2.36

 

Paloma

 

2.40

 

Pampa Campamento

 

2.43

 

Pampa Providencia

 

2.43

 

PAV

 

2.50

 

Playa

 

2.36

 

Providencia

 

2.40

 

Purpura

 

2.43

 

Rieles

 

2.40

 

Sorpresa

 

2.43

 

Ventura

 

2.57

 

Vista Norte

 

2.44

 

VNW

 

2.40

 

 

TOPOGRAPHIC SURFACES

 

Where appropriate, topographic information was provided as Maptek Vulcan surfaces. Topographic surfaces were not included for many of the zones as they were located in underground workings and were supported by underground drilling and channel sampling.

 

14-10



 

GEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION

 

Mineralized UGGS wireframes define the Mineral Resource estimation domains at El Peñón. The UGGS wireframes were constructed in Vulcan as two types of wireframes supported by drill hole and channel sample information, respectively (Figure 14-3). Both types of wireframes are defined by grade shells, extended in the dip and strike directions of veins, and include samples logged as massive quartz vein (MQV), hydrothermal breccia (HYB) or stockwork (STW), even if the samples are below cut-off.

 

To avoid sample sharing between spatially close structures, each independent splay or parallel vein is considered an independent estimation domain. Spatially disconnected splay wireframes were flagged as separate estimation domains. In RPA’s opinion, this improved interpretation technique will result in fewer tonnes of resources than previous estimates.

 

With respect to the wireframes used to support the Mineral Resource estimate, RPA offers the following conclusions:

 

·                  The wireframes have been constructed to an acceptable standard with consideration for the style of mineralization, lithology, alteration, structural controls, and interpretation by the on-site geologists.

 

·                  RPA is of the opinion that the wireframes are suitable to support Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation.

 

14-11



 

FIGURE 14-3 UGGS WIREFRAME CONSTRUCTION

 

 

COMPOSITING

 

Sample coding was carried out for drill hole and channel samples. Due to the width of the mineable shapes of drifts (split blasting) and benches, and the original sample support, it was decided to composite the data with a regular one metre run length split at grade shell boundaries. Composite length corresponds to double the block dimensions inside the veins. Unsampled core intervals were set to zero grade prior to compositing. Composites shorter than 0.10 m were discarded from Mineral Resource estimation. Coordinates, a UGGS code, and a splay code were assigned to each composite according to centroid positions. Yamana also generated full width composites for comparison and validation purposes.

 

In RPA’s opinion, the composite length is appropriate given the dominant sampling length and is suitable to support Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation.

 

14-12



 

VARIOGRAPHY

 

Variography used at El Peñón for Mineral Resource estimation is based Octal Ingeniería y Desarrollo and Magri Consultores Limitada (2015).

 

Correlograms were generated for every vein, since they are more stable than traditional semi-variograms in the presence of outliers. Experimental correlograms were calculated in the strike, dip, and pole directions of each vein using combined drill hole and channel data by UGGS, considering data from all the splays of the UGGS as part of a single population. Nugget values were obtained from down hole variograms. Typical experimental correlogram calculation parameters are shown in Table 14-5. Examples of typical correlograms are shown in Figure 14-4.

 

TABLE 14-5 TYPICAL EXPERIMENTAL CORRELOGRAM PARAMETERS
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

Color

 

Direction

 

Az.
Tolerance

 

Azimuth
Band

 

Dip
Tolerance

 

Dip Band

 

Lag

 

Lag
Tolerance

Red

 

Dip

 

22.5°

 

15 m

 

22.5°

 

30 m

 

Drift level spacing

 

1/2 Lag

Green

 

Strike

 

22.5°

 

30 m

 

22.5°

 

1/2 Drift level spacing

 

Channel sample spacing along strike

 

1/2 Lag

Blue

 

Pole

 

22.5°

 

10 m

 

22.5°

 

1/2 Drift level spacing

 

1 m

 

1/2 Lag

 

RPA reviewed the variography methodology and performed its own analysis for Dorada and Providencia. Overall, RPA is of the opinion that the variograms are reasonable.

 

14-13



 

FIGURE 14-4 TYPICAL CORRELOGRAMS
Caseron 505 - Au

 

 

Caseron 505 - Ag

 

 

Esmeralda - Au

 

 

Esmeralda - Ag

 

 

14-14



 

BLOCK MODELS

 

Yamana constructed 34 independent block models for each of the veins at El Peñón using common parent and sub-block sizes of 20 m by 20 m by 20 m and 0.5 m by 0.5 m by 0.5 m respectively. RPA is of the opinion that the sub-block size is sufficiently small to model the vein boundaries. Using a 0.25 m by 0.25 m by 0.25 m minimum block size would increase resolution on vein boundaries at the cost of a much larger net block model size. A description of the main block model attributes is given in Table 14-6. There are additional flag and distance variables based on individual metals not shown.

 

TABLE 14-6 COMMON BLOCK MODEL ATTRIBUTES
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

Variable

 

Format

 

Description

Density

 

Float (Real * 4)

 

Bulk Density assigned per model.

Shellug

 

Integer (Integer * 4)

 

Area defined by shell solids (ore & waste)

au1

 

Float (Real * 4)

 

Au (g/t) variable 1

ag1

 

Float (Real * 4)

 

Ag (g/t) variable 1

aueq1

 

Float (Real * 4)

 

AuEq (US$/t) variable 1

nsamp1

 

Integer (Integer * 4)

 

number of composites in estimate

avdist1

 

Float (Real * 4)

 

average distance of composites in estimate

estvarau1

 

Float (Real * 4)

 

estimation block variance au1

estvarag1

 

Float (Real * 4)

 

estimation block variance ag1

krigpass1

 

Integer (Integer * 4)

 

kriging pass

nholes1

 

Integer (Integer * 4)

 

Number of Holes in block estimate

Categ

 

Integer (Integer * 4)

 

1=measured 2=indicated 3=inferred

aunn1

 

Float (Real * 4)

 

Au (g/t) nearest neighbor

agnn1

 

Float (Real * 4)

 

Ag (g/t) nearest neighbor

 

INTERPOLATION STRATEGY

 

Grades were interpolated into blocks using ID3, taking into account anisotropic distances for weight calculations. Search ellipsoids were rotated to orient the first axis along the strike direction of the vein, the second axis along the dip direction and the third axis along the pole direction. Anisotropic distance factors were generally set equal to 80% to 100%, the range of the correlogram models. A summary of typical grade estimation search parameters is shown in Table 14-7.

 

14-15



 

TABLE 14-7 TYPICAL GRADE ESTIMATION SEARCH PARAMETERS
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

Pass

 

Area

 

Data
Used

 

Search
Radii

 

Min.
Composites

 

Max.
Composites

 

Max.
Composites/DH

1

 

Channel

 

CH.

 

5x20x5

 

6

 

8

 

2

2

 

Channel

 

CH.

 

15x30x10

 

4

 

8

 

2

3

 

Channel

 

CH.

 

30x30x15

 

1

 

8

 

1

1

 

Drill hole

 

CH. + DH.

 

15x15x5

 

4

 

8

 

2

2

 

Drill hole

 

DH.

 

35x35x10

 

3

 

8

 

2

3

 

Drill hole

 

DH.

 

60x60x15

 

1

 

8

 

1

 

RPA checked several search ellipses in non-rotated subdomains and found them to be in accord with the strike and dip of the vein at the location of the subdomain.

 

DECLUSTERING

 

To avoid the effect of high grade clustering on the results of the basic statistics calculations, a cell declustering technique was used. A 30 m x 30 m x 1 m cell size was used in order to mimic the drilling grid used to define Indicated resources.

 

BOUNDARY DEFINITION

 

Yamana generated contact-plots of gold and silver grades of composites located inside and outside the UGGS solids to define the type of boundary to be used for grade estimation (hard, firm, or soft boundaries). Yamana determined that all veins showed characteristically abrupt changes in grade, and as a result, used hard boundaries for grade interpolation.

 

RPA concurs with this assessment. Drill and channel samples in plan and section view show ubiquitous sudden changes from very high grade to very low grade outside the vein structure.

 

CAPPING AND OUTLIER RESTRICTION

 

Both grade capping and high-yield restriction (HYR) were used to control the influence of high grade samples in the block model.

 

14-16



 

CAPPING

 

Yamana performed capping analysis using a combination of methods. For channel samples, capping values were defined, based on historical criteria, at the 96th to 97th percentile of the cumulative distribution (including declustered weighting). Drill hole data was capped using decile analysis (e.g., Parrish Method) to define capping values. Drill data capping results were generally close to the 99th percentile of the cumulative grade distribution. Yamana capped by sample type as per above, per vein and sometimes for individual subdomains within vein domains. A summary of Yamana capping by zone is shown in Table 14-8.

 

RPA reviewed the capping methodology and performed its own capping exercises on the Caserόn 505, Caserόn 506, Dorada, Aleste, and Providencia zones, as well as performing a visual validation of the block models in plan and section view. The capping values which RPA chose for each vein in each zone were similar to the values chosen by Yamana. RPA is of the opinion that Yamana’s methodology is thorough and sound and that the overall capping levels are appropriate for the deposit.

 

14-17



 

TABLE 14-8 YAMANA CAPPING LEVELS BY VEIN AND DOMAIN
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

 

 

Drill Holes

 

Capping Levels
Chips

 

RIP

 

Vein

 

Domain

 

g/t Au

 

g/t Ag

 

g/t Au

 

g/t Ag

 

g/t Au

 

g/t Ag

 

Caserón 505

 

5

 

101

 

2,585.07

 

50.25

 

596

 

28.12

 

409.26

 

Caserón 506

 

6

 

50.00

 

515.50

 

45.07

 

467.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abundancia

 

72

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

74

 

60.00

 

800.00

 

200.00

 

1,750.00

 

 

 

 

 

18

 

100.00

 

2,202.00

 

215.00

 

4,510.00

 

 

 

Aleste

 

19

 

50.00

 

6,000.00

 

156.00

 

5,051.00

 

 

 

 

 

20

 

75.00

 

3,000.00

 

160.00

 

7,900.00

 

 

 

 

 

21

 

30.00

 

1,569.00

 

 

 

 

 

Angosta

 

35

 

30.00

 

500.00

 

 

 

 

 

Bermellón

 

14

 

30.00

 

800.00

 

150.00

 

3,320.00

 

 

 

Bermuda

 

44

 

25.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caracoles

 

30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fortuna Norte

 

22

 

26.50

 

2,000.00

 

105.00

 

6,200.00

 

 

 

Fortuna Sur

 

11

 

35.00

 

3,500.00

 

55.00

 

3,675.00

 

 

 

Fortuna Este

 

21

 

20.00

 

1,400.00

 

 

 

 

 

Dominador

 

23

 

45.00

 

1,540.00

 

35.00

 

920.00

 

 

 

Laguna

 

33

 

40.00

 

400.00

 

51.00

 

480.00

 

 

 

Bonanza

 

11

 

150.00

 

1,100.00

 

171.00

 

2,000.00

 

 

 

 

 

71

 

70.00

 

2,000.00

 

 

 

 

 

Borde Oeste

 

73

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carmin Escarlata

 

11

 

90.00

 

900.00

 

158.00

 

2,055.00

 

 

 

 

 

50

 

27.00

 

1,460.00

 

40.00

 

1,410.00

 

34.26

 

1,103.00

 

Cerro Martillo

 

51

 

25.00

 

500.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52

 

30.00

 

1,000.00

 

 

 

 

 

Cerro Martillo CS

 

53

 

50.00

 

1,500.00

 

 

 

 

 

Discovery Wash

 

4

 

30.00

 

1,000.00

 

22.00

 

630.00

 

 

 

 

 

50

 

46.00

 

2,000.00

 

47.00

 

3,060.00

 

 

 

Dorada

 

51

 

40.00

 

2,492.00

 

47.00

 

3,202.00

 

 

 

 

 

52

 

21.00

 

2,000.00

 

50.81

 

2,459.76

 

 

 

 

 

53

 

86.00

 

5,430.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50

 

46.80

 

3,000.00

 

28.27

 

2,276.47

 

 

 

Dorada SW

 

51

 

30.00

 

1,725.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52

 

26.50

 

2,010.00

 

 

 

 

 

El Valle

 

40

 

50.00

 

1,000.00

 

25.00

 

950.00

 

 

 

Esmeralda

 

13

 

38.00

 

1,554.00

 

183.00

 

5,775.00

 

 

 

Esperanza

 

14

 

90.00

 

1,660.00

 

 

 

 

 

Magenta

 

3

 

100.00

 

1,230.00

 

118.00

 

2,275.00

 

 

 

 

 

16

 

56.15

 

4,883.00

 

45.00

 

2,770.00

 

 

 

Martillo Flats

 

17

 

20.00

 

700.00

 

64.00

 

4,662.37

 

 

 

 

 

18

 

30.00

 

2,037.00

 

60.00

 

3,922.00

 

 

 

Orito Norte

 

8

 

90.00

 

445.00

 

55.00

 

302.00

 

131.00

 

1,453.00

 

Angelina

 

9

 

100.00

 

470.00

 

93.00

 

420.00

 

192.00

 

540.00

 

Diablada

 

10

 

60.00

 

300.00

 

101.50

 

435.00

 

 

 

Orito Sur

 

7

 

28.50

 

790.00

 

44.15

 

797.80

 

 

 

Orito Oeste

 

69

 

35.00

 

1,500.00

 

 

 

 

 

La Paloma

 

35

 

77.20

 

815.83

 

161.59

 

2,077.96

 

 

 

Pampa Campamento

 

70

 

60.00

 

1,620.00

 

57.00

 

1,200.00

 

 

 

Pampa Providencia

 

66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria

 

32

 

45.00

 

1,500.00

 

117.10

 

2,573.00

 

110.50

 

11,000.00

 

Elizabeth

 

8

 

20.00

 

2,500.00

 

78.00

 

10,930.00

 

 

 

Playa

 

12

 

 

1,000.00

 

81.00

 

2,360.00

 

 

 

 

 

60

 

53.30

 

2,071.00

 

32.88

 

2,002.02

 

 

 

Providencia

 

61

 

42.10

 

1,121.00

 

14.54

 

1,382.81

 

 

 

 

 

62

 

39.3

 

1,448.00

 

38.06

 

2,936.75

 

 

 

Purpura

 

15

 

60.00

 

3,500.00

 

60.00

 

1,203.35

 

 

 

Sorpresa

 

80

 

50.00

 

1,500.00

 

47.15

 

1,715.00

 

 

 

Ventura

 

77

 

152.00

 

4,172.00

 

150.00

 

8,925.00

 

 

 

Vista Norte

 

20

 

65.00

 

600.00

 

95.45

 

1,101.48

 

 

 

 

 

63

 

60.00

 

2,000.00

 

23.17

 

966.52

 

 

 

VNW

 

64

 

20.00

 

1,100.00

 

29.46

 

2,838.00

 

 

 

 

 

65

 

20.00

 

800.00

 

41.00

 

2,800.00

 

 

 

Stockpile - Escarlata

 

1

 

6.00

 

120.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

14-18



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capping Levels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drill Holes

 

Chips

 

RIP

 

Vein

 

Domain

 

g/t Au

 

g/t Ag

 

g/t Au

 

g/t Ag

 

g/t Au

 

g/t Ag

 

Stockpile – Orito

 

1

 

5.00

 

45.00

 

 

 

 

 

Tailings

 

1

 

1.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HIGH YIELD RESTRICTION

 

HYR is an interpolation technique where the spatial influence of isolated high grades are limited above a certain threshold. Generally, continuous areas of persistent high grade are sub-domained and estimated separately rather than using HYR in those areas.

 

Yamana used HYR for every domain in every zone, setting the threshold values equal to the capping threshold and limiting the influence to 5.0 m by 2.5 m by 2.5 m strike, dip, and width respectively.

 

RPA reviewed the influence of high grades in the model by visually checking the composite grades and block grades in section and plan view, and found the results acceptable.

 

UNFOLDING

 

In order to improve the reproduction of the preferential grade continuities, composites and blocks located inside the main splays (generally splays with channel data) were unfolded, through the use of the UFO software version 1.0. Grade estimation was carried out independently for each estimation domain considering vein hanging walls as the reference plane for unfolding.

 

RPA is of the opinion that the interpolation strategy is thorough and reasonable.

 

VALIDATION

 

YAMANA VALIDATION

 

Block models were validated by means of Global Bias checks (between estimated means and declustered composite means), swath-plots against NN estimates, and graphic analyses of the results. RPA considers these industry standard validation techniques to be adequate for the purpose of Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimation and disclosure.

 

14-19



 

RPA VALIDATION

 

RPA performed validation on seven of the 34 block models, which represent approximately more than 40% of the resource estimate. The seven zones and stockpiles were:

 

·                  Caserόn 505 and 506

 

·                  Aleste

 

·                  Cerro Martillo

 

·                  Dorada

 

·                  Esmerelda

 

·                  Magenta

 

·                  Providencia

 

·                  Stockpile and Tailings – Escarlata, Orito and Tailings

 

In addition to reviewing Yamana’s validation, RPA performed the following validation steps:

 

·                  Comparison between composite and block grades (Table 14-9) and between ID3 and NN block grades (Table 14-10).

 

·                  Swath plots of composites versus blocks and NN versus ID3 interpolations (e.g., Figure 14-5). Samples are red, blocks are blue, and NN blocks are silver.

 

·                  Visual inspection of the block model and composites provided (e.g., Figure 14-6).

 

RPA replaced unsampled data and values lower than detection limits with zero grades and performed validation of composites and block model via its own Global Bias checks, swath plots, and visual checks at regular intervals in section and plan view to observe the relationships between block estimates, composite grades, and original sample grades. RPA concludes that grade estimation was generally reasonable and that block grades were closely associated with sample grades. There were intermittent locations where block grades appeared to be smoothed through high or low grade samples, but the overall grade estimation appeared conservative. Block grade means sometimes decreased up to 12% from capped composite grades. This appears to be attributable to the HYR applied during grade estimation.

 

14-20



 

TABLE 14-9 COMPOSITE VERSUS BLOCK GRADES
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

Zone

 

Element

 

Domain

 

Composite
Count

 

Block Count

 

 

Composite
Min

 

Block
Min

 

 

Composite
Max

 

Block
Max

 

 

Composite
Mean

 

Block
Mean

 

Diff Mean
(%)

 

 

Composite
CV

 

Block
CV

 

505 506

 

Ag (g/t)

 

5

 

10,549

 

4,232,571

 

 

0.00

 

0.25

 

 

2,585.07

 

6,533.35

 

 

143.23

 

133.65

 

-6.69

 

 

1.21

 

1.71

 

505 506

 

Ag (g/t)

 

6

 

5,438

 

2,193,728

 

 

0.10

 

0.10

 

 

515.20

 

798.53

 

 

99.07

 

82.08

 

-17.15

 

 

1.12

 

0.90

 

505 506

 

Au (g/t)

 

5

 

10,550

 

4,232,596

 

 

0.00

 

0.01

 

 

82.00

 

108.84

 

 

10.51

 

10.06

 

-4.26

 

 

1.17

 

0.83

 

505 506

 

Au (g/t)

 

6

 

5,440

 

2,193,747

 

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

 

50.00

 

59.99

 

 

9.00

 

7.32

 

-18.68

 

 

1.14

 

0.84

 

Cerro Martillo

 

Ag (g/t)

 

50

 

13,690

 

7,011,928

 

 

0.00

 

0.25

 

 

7,881.75

 

1,434.14

 

 

290.30

 

254.41

 

-12.36

 

 

1.17

 

0.84

 

Cerro Martillo

 

Ag (g/t)

 

51

 

23

 

192,478

 

 

15.34

 

15.34

 

 

338.68

 

984.70

 

 

129.81

 

136.16

 

4.90

 

 

0.77

 

0.64

 

Cerro Martillo

 

Ag (g/t)

 

52

 

23

 

78,301

 

 

2.40

 

2.40

 

 

334.30

 

334.30

 

 

133.84

 

123.56

 

-7.68

 

 

0.82

 

0.71

 

Cerro Martillo

 

Ag (g/t)

 

500

 

2,130

 

672,664

 

 

0.00

 

0.62

 

 

1,962.06

 

1,103.00

 

 

189.89

 

180.36

 

-5.02

 

 

1.10

 

0.81

 

Cerro Martillo

 

Au (g/t)

 

50

 

13,690

 

7,013,350

 

 

0.00

 

0.01

 

 

270.08

 

38.31

 

 

8.24

 

7.18

 

-12.83

 

 

1.19

 

0.77

 

Cerro Martillo

 

Au (g/t)

 

51

 

23

 

192,478

 

 

0.89

 

0.89

 

 

16.98

 

19.92

 

 

6.14

 

5.80

 

-5.52

 

 

0.70

 

0.75

 

Cerro Martillo

 

Au (g/t)

 

52

 

23

 

78,301

 

 

0.26

 

0.26

 

 

12.18

 

11.89

 

 

3.46

 

3.92

 

13.42

 

 

0.84

 

0.61

 

Cerro Martillo

 

Au (g/t)

 

500

 

2,130

 

672,664

 

 

0.00

 

0.10

 

 

83.34

 

34.26

 

 

5.89

 

5.62

 

-4.55

 

 

1.01

 

0.70

 

Dorada

 

Ag (g/t)

 

50

 

13,265

 

4,581,595

 

 

0.00

 

0.64

 

 

3,027.03

 

3,027.03

 

 

611.44

 

579.63

 

-5.20

 

 

1.18

 

0.85

 

Dorada

 

Ag (g/t)

 

51

 

1,184

 

1,587,335

 

 

0.00

 

0.60

 

 

3,117.42

 

3,116.26

 

 

494.30

 

289.24

 

-41.49

 

 

1.36

 

1.06

 

Dorada

 

Ag (g/t)

 

52

 

397

 

729,820

 

 

0.00

 

2.41

 

 

2,459.76

 

2,459.62

 

 

293.90

 

267.77

 

-8.89

 

 

1.22

 

0.73

 

Dorada

 

Au (g/t)

 

50

 

13,265

 

4,581,595

 

 

0.00

 

0.03

 

 

46.17

 

46.17

 

 

9.26

 

8.72

 

-5.88

 

 

1.20

 

0.83

 

Dorada

 

Au (g/t)

 

51

 

1,184

 

1,587,335

 

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

 

45.92

 

45.90

 

 

7.93

 

5.62

 

-29.12

 

 

1.30

 

0.93

 

Dorada

 

Au (g/t)

 

52

 

397

 

729,997

 

 

0.00

 

0.02

 

 

50.81

 

50.81

 

 

6.00

 

4.93

 

-17.81

 

 

1.29

 

0.72

 

Esmeralda

 

Ag (g/t)

 

13

 

560

 

2,775,846

 

 

0.00

 

0.20

 

 

3,031.98

 

4,994.69

 

 

285.48

 

240.34

 

-15.81

 

 

1.82

 

1.41

 

Esmeralda

 

Ag (g/t)

 

14

 

80

 

541,889

 

 

0.00

 

0.25

 

 

1,949.00

 

3,720.00

 

 

299.68

 

319.42

 

6.59

 

 

1.66

 

1.90

 

Esmeralda

 

Au (g/t)

 

13

 

560

 

2,775,846

 

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

 

66.18

 

89.90

 

 

6.20

 

5.62

 

-9.24

 

 

1.65

 

1.11

 

Esmeralda

 

Au (g/t)

 

14

 

80

 

541,889

 

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

 

87.00

 

87.00

 

 

9.28

 

9.21

 

-0.70

 

 

1.91

 

1.40

 

Magenta

 

Ag (g/t)

 

3

 

9,293

 

3,213,095

 

 

0.00

 

0.25

 

 

2,291.05

 

2,291.05

 

 

472.86

 

331.13

 

-29.97

 

 

1.19

 

1.12

 

Magenta

 

Au (g/t)

 

3

 

9,293

 

3,214,080

 

 

0.00

 

0.01

 

 

148.86

 

148.85

 

 

23.27

 

15.93

 

-31.53

 

 

1.31

 

1.16

 

Providencia

 

Ag (g/t)

 

60

 

14,594

 

5,264,754

 

 

0.00

 

0.25

 

 

2,071.00

 

2,070.98

 

 

405.42

 

352.66

 

-13.01

 

 

1.16

 

0.86

 

Providencia

 

Ag (g/t)

 

61

 

510

 

1,277,202

 

 

0.00

 

0.80

 

 

1,382.81

 

1,382.70

 

 

208.54

 

180.57

 

-13.41

 

 

1.17

 

0.80

 

Providencia

 

Ag (g/t)

 

62

 

574

 

1,325,342

 

 

0.11

 

0.11

 

 

2,936.75

 

2,936.75

 

 

273.13

 

242.99

 

-11.04

 

 

1.16

 

0.75

 

Providencia

 

Au (g/t)

 

60

 

14,594

 

5,264,754

 

 

0.00

 

0.01

 

 

53.30

 

53.30

 

 

6.80

 

6.21

 

-8.63

 

 

1.14

 

0.78

 

Providencia

 

Au (g/t)

 

61

 

510

 

1,277,219

 

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

 

42.10

 

62.10

 

 

4.36

 

4.90

 

12.45

 

 

1.33

 

0.88

 

Providencia

 

Au (g/t)

 

62

 

574

 

1,325,342

 

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

 

39.30

 

39.30

 

 

4.72

 

4.06

 

-13.87

 

 

1.42

 

0.80

 

 

14-21


 


 

TABLE 14-10 ID3 VERSUS NN BLOCK GRADES
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

 

 

Element

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zone

 

Domain

 

(g/t)

 

Block Count

 

NN Min

 

ID3 Min

 

NN Max

 

ID3 Max

 

NN Mean

 

ID3 Mean

 

NN CV

 

ID3 CV

 

Magenta

 

3

 

Ag

 

3,213,095

 

0.21

 

0.25

 

2,291.05

 

2,291.05

 

336.94

 

331.13

 

1.36

 

1.12

 

505_506

 

5

 

Ag

 

4,232,596

 

0.25

 

0.25

 

6,533.35

 

6,533.35

 

134.21

 

133.65

 

1.83

 

1.71

 

505_506

 

6

 

Ag

 

2,193,747

 

0.10

 

0.10

 

800.00

 

798.53

 

83.68

 

82.08

 

1.23

 

0.90

 

Esmeralda

 

13

 

Ag

 

2,775,846

 

0.20

 

0.20

 

5,000.00

 

4,994.69

 

224.08

 

240.34

 

1.76

 

1.41

 

Esmeralda

 

14

 

Ag

 

541,889

 

0.25

 

0.25

 

3,720.00

 

3,720.00

 

315.71

 

319.42

 

2.14

 

1.90

 

Dorada

 

50

 

Ag

 

7,013,323

 

0.25

 

0.64

 

1,434.14

 

3,027.03

 

259.65

 

579.63

 

1.05

 

0.85

 

Dorada

 

51

 

Ag

 

1,587,335

 

0.60

 

0.60

 

3,117.42

 

3,116.26

 

286.46

 

289.24

 

1.32

 

1.06

 

Dorada

 

52

 

Ag

 

729,820

 

2.40

 

2.41

 

2,459.76

 

2,459.62

 

267.76

 

267.77

 

0.88

 

0.73

 

Providencia

 

60

 

Ag

 

5,264,754

 

0.25

 

0.25

 

2,071.00

 

2,070.98

 

354.03

 

352.66

 

1.12

 

0.86

 

Providencia

 

61

 

Ag

 

1,277,202

 

0.80

 

0.80

 

1,382.81

 

1,382.70

 

179.14

 

180.57

 

0.93

 

0.80

 

Providencia

 

62

 

Ag

 

1,325,342

 

0.11

 

0.11

 

2,936.75

 

2,936.75

 

238.36

 

242.99

 

0.92

 

0.75

 

Cerro_Martillo

 

500

 

Ag

 

672,664

 

0.60

 

0.62

 

1,103.00

 

1,103.00

 

179.21

 

180.36

 

1.04

 

0.81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magenta

 

3

 

Au

 

3,214,080

 

0.01

 

0.01

 

148.86

 

148.85

 

16.26

 

15.93

 

1.47

 

1.16

 

505_506

 

5

 

Au

 

4,232,596

 

0.01

 

0.01

 

108.84

 

108.84

 

10.15

 

10.06

 

1.10

 

0.83

 

505_506

 

6

 

Au

 

2,193,747

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

60.00

 

59.99

 

7.31

 

7.32

 

1.14

 

0.84

 

Esmeralda

 

13

 

Au

 

2,775,846

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

90.00

 

89.90

 

5.49

 

5.62

 

1.37

 

1.11

 

Esmeralda

 

14

 

Au

 

541,889

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

87.00

 

87.00

 

8.48

 

9.21

 

1.64

 

1.40

 

Dorada

 

50

 

Au

 

7,013,350

 

0.01

 

0.03

 

38.31

 

46.17

 

7.27

 

8.72

 

1.01

 

0.83

 

Dorada

 

51

 

Au

 

1,587,335

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

45.92

 

45.90

 

5.60

 

5.62

 

1.15

 

0.93

 

Dorada

 

52

 

Au

 

729,997

 

0.02

 

0.02

 

50.81

 

50.81

 

4.92

 

4.93

 

0.89

 

0.72

 

Providencia

 

60

 

Au

 

5,264,754

 

0.01

 

0.01

 

53.30

 

53.30

 

6.26

 

6.21

 

1.06

 

0.78

 

Providencia

 

61

 

Au

 

1,277,219

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

62.10

 

62.10

 

4.87

 

4.90

 

1.11

 

0.88

 

Providencia

 

62

 

Au

 

1,325,342

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

39.30

 

39.30

 

4.02

 

4.06

 

1.07

 

0.80

 

Cerro_Martillo

 

500

 

Au

 

672,664

 

0.10

 

0.10

 

34.26

 

34.26

 

5.65

 

5.62

 

0.91

 

0.70

 

 

14-22



 

 

14-23



 

 

14-24



 

RPA performed advanced reporting in Vulcan software to validate Yamana’s Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates. RPA was able to closely match Yamana’s numbers using the same criteria. RPA’s validation results suggest that the Yamana estimates are reasonable. The block models are suitable to support Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation.

 

CLASSIFICATION

 

Definitions for Mineral Resource categories used in this report are consistent with those defined by CIM (2014) and adopted by NI 43-101. In the CIM classification, a Mineral Resource is defined as “a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction”. Mineral Resources are classified into Measured, Indicated, and Inferred categories. A Mineral Reserve is defined as the “economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource” demonstrated by studies at Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility level as appropriate. Mineral Reserves are classified into Proven and Probable categories.

 

Mineral Resources at El Peñón are reported exclusive of Mineral Reserves. Currently, an in-house built algorithm is used to perform Mineral Resource classification. The algorithm is as follows:

 

·                  Blocks located inside the channel sample area wireframes are classified as Measured Mineral Resources.

 

·                  In order to avoid direct transitions from Measured to Inferred categories, blocks located in the drill hole area wireframes and within a 5 m radius from the channel samples, are classified as Indicated Mineral Resources.

 

·                  If two different drill hole-intercepts are located at a maximum distance of 37.5 m from each other in the dip and strike direction of the vein, then blocks located in an area of 18.75 m x 18.75 m around each intercept are classified as Indicated Mineral Resources.

 

·                  The remainder of the blocks located within the drill hole area wireframe are classified as Inferred Mineral Resources.

 

·                  Blocks located outside the UGGS solid are not classified, and are therefore not considered to be part of the Mineral Resources.

 

14-25



 

RPA reviewed the block model classification and concludes that the overall classification criteria and designation are reasonable and suitable to support Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation. RPA is of the opinion that the definitions for Mineral Resource categories used in this report are consistent with those defined by CIM (2014) and incorporated by reference in NI 43-101.

 

The algorithm method used by Yamana for smoothing classification is acceptable.

 

CUT-OFF GRADE

 

A cut-off grade of 2.71 g/t AuEq was used for all zones except for the Pampa Augusta Victoria, Fortuna-Dominador-Laguna and Chiquilla Chica zones at 2.82 g/t AuEq, 2.79 g/t AuEq, and 2.81 g/t AuEq, respectively. Parameters used to define these cut-off grades are shown in Table 14-11.

 

TABLE 14-11 CUT-OFF GRADE PARAMETERS
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

Parameters

 

Units

 

Value

 

Gold Price

 

US$/oz

 

1,600

 

Silver Price

 

US$/oz

 

24

 

Gold Recovery

 

%

 

95.0

 

Silver Recovery

 

%

 

86.5

 

Mining Cost

 

US$/t

 

87.58

 

Processing Cost

 

US$/t

 

27.38

 

G&A

 

US$/t

 

16.31

 

Selling Cost

 

%

 

1.3

 

Transport Cost (Fortuna)

 

US$/t

 

3.86

 

Transport Cost (Chiquilla Chica)

 

US$/t

 

4.69

 

Transport Cost (PAV)

 

US$/t

 

5.24

 

AuEq Factor

 

 

 

75

 

 

DILUTION

 

The reported Mineral Resources consider minimum mining widths and expected dilutions (variable by vein) to determine reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction.

 

After the mined out material and current Mineral Reserves were subtracted from the block models, a weighted average (2/3 to 1/3) of bench, split-blasting minimum mining widths, and

 

14-26



 

expected dilutions (rounded to the nearest 0.1 m) were used to design the Mineral Resource SMUs. Material lying outside the UGGS is treated as dilution for Mineral Resource estimation and zero gold and silver grades are assigned to this material. Parameters used to design the SMUs are shown in Table 14-12.

 

TABLE 14-12 SMU DESIGN PARAMETERS
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

Minimum

 

Maximum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mining Width

 

Mining Width

 

Height

 

Expected

 

Minimum

 

Vein

 

(m)

 

(m)

 

(m)

 

Dilution (m)

 

Dip (°)

 

Abundancia / La Paloma

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

1.0

 

60

 

Al Este

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.4

 

60

 

Al Este Este

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.4

 

60

 

Angelina

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.6

 

60

 

Angosta

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Bermellón

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Bermuda

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.8

 

60

 

Bonanza

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Borde Oeste

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Caracoles

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Carmín

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Carmín Sur

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Caseron 505

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

0.9

 

60

 

Caseron 506

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

1.0

 

60

 

Cerro Martillo

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

0.8

 

60

 

Cerro Martillo Central Sur

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Diablada

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

0.8

 

60

 

Discovery Wash

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Dominador

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

0.6

 

60

 

Dorada

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

0.6

 

60

 

Dorada SW

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

0.6

 

60

 

El Valle

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

1.0

 

60

 

Elizabeth

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.8

 

60

 

Escarlata

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Esmeralda

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Esperanza

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Fortuna

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.8

 

60

 

Fortuna Este

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Laguna

 

0.6

 

6

 

4

 

0.6

 

 

Magenta

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.8

 

60

 

Magenta Norte

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.8

 

60

 

Martillo Flats

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.6

 

60

 

Orito Norte

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

0.8

 

60

 

Orito Sur

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

1.0

 

60

 

 

14-27



 

Vein

 

Minimum
Mining Width
(m)

 

Maximum
Mining Width
(m)

 

Height
(m)

 

Expected
Dilution (m)

 

Minimum
Dip (°)

 

Orito West

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Pampa Campamento

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.8

 

60

 

Pampa Providencia

 

0.8

 

6

 

12

 

0.6

 

60

 

Playa

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

0.8

 

60

 

Providencia

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

0.6

 

60

 

Púrpura

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.8

 

60

 

Rieles

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Sorpresa

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.6

 

60

 

Ventura

 

0.6

 

6

 

12

 

0.6

 

60

 

Victoria

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

Vista Norte

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

0.8

 

60

 

VNW

 

0.9

 

6

 

12

 

0.7

 

60

 

 

GOLD EQUIVALENT FACTOR

 

Gold and silver prices of US$1,250/oz and US$18.00/oz at 95% and 86.5% recovery, for gold and silver respectively, were used to calculate the gold equivalent factor according to the following equation:

 

 

The gold equivalent factor of 75 was chosen for wireframe modelling and UGGS construction purposes.

 

14-28



 

15 MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATE

 

SUMMARY

 

Mineral Reserves at the El Peñón Mine are estimated using Vulcan software including the MineModeller UG/OP, GeoModeller, Stope Optimizer, and Gantt Scheduler. SMUs are designed for each vein using metal prices, recoveries, and operating costs to determine an economic value of each SMU. SMUs with negative values are excluded from further consideration, except for drift SMUs that are above the marginal cut-off grade.

 

The December 31, 2017 Mineral Reserve estimate is listed in Table 15-1.

 

TABLE 15-1 MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATE DECEMBER 31, 2017
Yamana Gold Inc. — El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

Tonnage

 

Grade

 

Contained Metal

 

Category

 

(000 t)

 

(g/t Au)

 

(g/t Ag)

 

(000 oz Au)

 

(000 oz Ag)

 

Proven

 

1,061.80

 

5.90

 

192.4

 

201.2

 

6,567.4

 

Probable

 

3,331.82

 

5.25

 

158.8

 

562.6

 

17,011.0

 

Total

 

4,393.62

 

5.41

 

166.9

 

763.8

 

23,578.0

 

 

Notes:

1.                   CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Reserves.

2.                   Mineral Reserves are estimated using processing recoveries from a geometallurgical model, as recoveries are variable by ore type.

3.                   A cut-off grade of 3.48 g/t AuEq was used in the Mineral Reserve for most veins except as follows: a cut-off grade of 3.62 g/t AuEq used for the Elizabeth and Victoria veins in the Pampa Augusta Victoria Area (for a US$5.24/t additional transportation cost) and a cut-off of 3.59 g/t AuEq used for the Fortuna, Dominador, and Laguna veins in the Fortuna and Laguna Area (for a US$3.86/t additional transportation cost).

4.                   Mineral Reserves are estimated using an average long-term gold price of US$1,250/oz and a silver price of US$18/oz.

5.                   A minimum mining width of 0.60 m to 1.0 m was used depending on the vein.

6.                   Bulk density varies from 2.36 t/m3 to 2.57 t/m3.

7.                   The SMUs include Inferred Mineral Resources and unclassified material (blocks located outside of the UGGS). These materials were treated as dilution for mine planning and Mineral Reserve estimation purposes. Zero gold and silver grades have been assigned to them.

8.                   Numbers may not add due to rounding.

 

RPA is not aware of any mining, metallurgical, infrastructure, permitting, or other relevant factors that could materially affect the Mineral Reserve estimate.

 

A breakdown of the Mineral Reserves by vein is listed in Table 15-2. The majority of the Mineral Reserves are underground, with small quantities of open pit and low-grade stockpiles included in the totals.

 

15-1



 

TABLE 15-2 MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATES BY VEIN — DECEMBER 31, 2017
Yamana Gold Inc. — El Peñón Mine

 

PROVEN + PROBABLE

 

 

 

 

 

Grade

 

Contained Metal

 

Vein

 

Tonnage (t)

 

Au (g/t)

 

Ag (g/t)

 

Au (oz)

 

Ag (oz)

 

Providencia

 

206,034

 

4.55

 

215.2

 

30,125

 

1,425,508

 

Sorpresa

 

80,668

 

4.40

 

199.5

 

11,422

 

517,310

 

Pampa Campamento

 

106,013

 

4.37

 

155.8

 

14,885

 

530,968

 

Discovery Wash

 

96,835

 

4.68

 

121.1

 

14,577

 

376,914

 

El Valle

 

157,002

 

4.94

 

95.3

 

24,946

 

481,169

 

Al Este

 

272,898

 

5.58

 

245.7

 

48,943

 

2,155,408

 

Bonanza

 

102,421

 

7.50

 

59.3

 

24,684

 

195,341

 

Vista Norte

 

104,038

 

5.67

 

42.1

 

18,955

 

140,909

 

Orito Sur

 

113,402

 

4.72

 

72.4

 

17,214

 

263,780

 

Orito Norte

 

37,041

 

5.67

 

29.8

 

6,751

 

35,449

 

Púrpura

 

39,319

 

4.98

 

399.7

 

6,291

 

505,318

 

Cerro Martillo

 

193,846

 

4.06

 

152.3

 

25,326

 

949,329

 

Dorada

 

345,721

 

4.65

 

278.2

 

51,695

 

3,091,643

 

Dorada SW

 

40,806

 

3.31

 

265.7

 

4,339

 

348,534

 

Magenta

 

163,166

 

7.47

 

97.5

 

39,176

 

511,547

 

Magenta Norte

 

56,286

 

5.08

 

137.8

 

9,185

 

249,408

 

Carmín

 

67,296

 

9.71

 

40.5

 

21,004

 

87,648

 

Carmín Sur

 

53,766

 

8.23

 

60.7

 

14,231

 

104,889

 

Escarlata

 

30,652

 

10.69

 

34.0

 

10,536

 

33,517

 

Caracoles

 

1,124

 

1.67

 

196.5

 

60

 

7,105

 

Martillo Flats

 

155,497

 

4.45

 

217.9

 

22,257

 

1,089,429

 

Fortuna

 

115,619

 

3.97

 

337.6

 

14,772

 

1,254,933

 

Dominador

 

11,782

 

6.27

 

191.6

 

2,376

 

72,577

 

Playa

 

14,399

 

4.97

 

122.5

 

2,303

 

56,690

 

Caserón 505

 

205,953

 

6.44

 

66.7

 

42,622

 

441,563

 

Caserón 506

 

123,227

 

5.27

 

46.9

 

20,893

 

185,651

 

Diablada

 

84,781

 

6.89

 

41.6

 

18,790

 

113,483

 

Angelina

 

37,956

 

7.12

 

58.1

 

8,683

 

70,918

 

Bermellón

 

19,863

 

6.78

 

182.0

 

4,329

 

116,211

 

Victoria (PAV)

 

200,643

 

5.83

 

114.8

 

37,612

 

740,831

 

Elizabeth (PAV)

 

85,008

 

2.45

 

405.0

 

6,695

 

1,106,925

 

Esmeralda

 

161,025

 

4.87

 

201.0

 

25,211

 

1,040,306

 

Esperanza

 

32,519

 

10.11

 

162.1

 

10,570

 

169,488

 

Borde Oeste

 

37,699

 

5.15

 

230.8

 

6,244

 

279,726

 

Veta Norweste

 

59,689

 

4.46

 

221.2

 

8,566

 

424,430

 

Ventura

 

160,614

 

4.88

 

340.9

 

25,175

 

1,760,484

 

Laguna

 

135,031

 

6.71

 

51.5

 

29,124

 

223,768

 

Abundancia

 

59,182

 

10.22

 

144.5

 

19,446

 

274,861

 

La Paloma

 

148,309

 

6.08

 

135.4

 

28,999

 

645,749

 

Orito West

 

27,536

 

8.10

 

148.4

 

7,172

 

131,413

 

 

15-2



 

 

 

 

 

Grade

 

Contained Metal

 

Vein

 

Tonnage (t)

 

Au (g/t)

 

Ag (g/t)

 

Au (oz)

 

Ag (oz)

 

Cerro Martillo Central Sur

 

72,808

 

5.23

 

145.6

 

12,242

 

340,984

 

Total U.G.

 

4,217,477

 

5.5

 

166.3

 

748,425

 

22,552,112

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chiquilla Chica

 

49,226

 

0.49

 

445.3

 

777

 

704,786

 

505

 

15,928

 

5.21

 

21.3

 

2,666

 

10,900

 

Cerro Martillo

 

9,719

 

3.80

 

94.6

 

1,186

 

29,564

 

Discovery Wash

 

2,813

 

1.61

 

24.7

 

145

 

2,233

 

El Valle

 

6,750

 

1.94

 

33.9

 

421

 

7,357

 

Orito Norte

 

28,954

 

3.51

 

30.3

 

3,267

 

28,172

 

Total Open Pit

 

113,389

 

2.3

 

214.8

 

8,463

 

783,012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockpile U.G.

 

57,826

 

3.5

 

126.1

 

6,513

 

234,444

 

Stockpile Surface

 

4,927

 

2.4

 

53.0

 

388

 

8,465

 

Total Stockpile

 

62,753

 

3.4

 

120.4

 

6,901

 

242,909

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Reserves

 

4,393,620

 

5.4

 

166.9

 

763,789

 

23,578,033

 

 

PROVEN

 

 

 

 

 

Grade

 

Contained Metal

 

Vein

 

Tonnage (t)

 

Au (g/t)

 

Ag (g/t)

 

Au (oz)

 

Ag (oz)

 

Providencia

 

41,109

 

4.2

 

318.0

 

5,486

 

420,286

 

Sorpresa

 

14,418

 

4.7

 

170.5

 

2,178

 

79,052

 

Pampa Campamento

 

17,398

 

4.6

 

135.2

 

2,552

 

75,639

 

Discovery Wash

 

15,706

 

4.4

 

118.2

 

2,202

 

59,712

 

El Valle

 

7,685

 

3.5

 

84.5

 

874

 

20,881

 

Al Este

 

90,027

 

7.4

 

280.0

 

21,309

 

810,465

 

Bonanza

 

48,840

 

8.9

 

69.3

 

14,002

 

108,762

 

Vista Norte

 

17,986

 

5.4

 

57.8

 

3,105

 

33,399

 

Orito Sur

 

30,247

 

5.2

 

83.7

 

5,069

 

81,360

 

Orito Norte

 

16,589

 

4.7

 

29.8

 

2,513

 

15,887

 

Púrpura

 

3,092

 

6.5

 

122.4

 

642

 

12,172

 

Cerro Martillo

 

49,285

 

4.5

 

177.8

 

7,143

 

281,772

 

Dorada

 

86,057

 

5.0

 

315.4

 

13,762

 

872,785

 

Dorada SW

 

18,403

 

3.6

 

294.2

 

2,107

 

174,064

 

Magenta

 

34,867

 

9.6

 

141.6

 

10,717

 

158,711

 

Magenta Norte

 

12,356

 

4.7

 

151.6

 

1,862

 

60,218

 

Carmín

 

25,397

 

7.4

 

67.3

 

6,080

 

54,943

 

Carmín Sur

 

10,610

 

7.2

 

125.3

 

2,470

 

42,754

 

Escarlata

 

6,811

 

6.1

 

60.7

 

1,346

 

13,285

 

Martillo Flats

 

13,137

 

3.9

 

190.0

 

1,647

 

80,226

 

Fortuna

 

17,632

 

3.2

 

243.4

 

1,828

 

137,986

 

Dominador

 

579

 

4.8

 

48.1

 

89

 

895

 

Playa

 

1,164

 

4.2

 

94.0

 

159

 

3,519

 

 

15-3



 

 

 

 

 

Grade

 

Contained Metal

 

Vein

 

Tonnage (t)

 

Au (g/t)

 

Ag (g/t)

 

Au (oz)

 

Ag (oz)

 

Caserón 505

 

75,469

 

4.9

 

70.7

 

11,921

 

171,569

 

Caserón 506

 

30,471

 

5.3

 

57.4

 

5,156

 

56,209

 

Diablada

 

11,767

 

5.9

 

17.0

 

2,243

 

6,441

 

Angelina

 

13,004

 

6.3

 

40.4

 

2,635

 

16,905

 

Bermellón

 

9,996

 

9.0

 

215.3

 

2,881

 

69,176

 

Victoria (PAV)

 

61,960

 

7.9

 

117.5

 

15,752

 

234,090

 

Elizabeth (PAV)

 

37,924

 

3.3

 

463.2

 

4,066

 

564,792

 

Esmeralda

 

13,943

 

7.4

 

293.3

 

3,310

 

131,467

 

Esperanza

 

905

 

2.6

 

150.1

 

76

 

4,367

 

Veta Norweste

 

25,637

 

4.7

 

299.4

 

3,872

 

246,749

 

Ventura

 

66,954

 

6.2

 

449.4

 

13,375

 

967,306

 

Laguna

 

10,027

 

6.9

 

46.6

 

2,212

 

15,019

 

Abundancia

 

38,590

 

12.2

 

161.4

 

15,190

 

200,196

 

La Paloma

 

83

 

2.0

 

183.8

 

5

 

492

 

Total U.G.

 

976,126

 

6.1

 

200.2

 

191,837

 

6,283,549

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

505

 

5,694

 

3.8

 

52.1

 

702

 

9,539

 

Cerro Martillo

 

6,672

 

4.0

 

96.6

 

862

 

20,732

 

El Valle

 

6,750

 

1.9

 

33.9

 

421

 

7,357

 

Orito Norte

 

3,804

 

4.3

 

27.2

 

524

 

3,323

 

Total Open Pit

 

22,920

 

3.4

 

55.6

 

2,510

 

40,951

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockpile U.G.

 

57,826

 

3.5

 

126.1

 

6,513

 

234,444

 

Stockpile Surface

 

4,927

 

2.4

 

53.4

 

388

 

8,465

 

Total Stockpile

 

62,753

 

3.4

 

120.4

 

6,901

 

242,909

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Reserves

 

1,061,799

 

5.90

 

192.38

 

201,247

 

6,567,408

 

 

PROBABLE

 

 

 

 

 

Grade

 

Contained Metal

 

Vein

 

Tonnage (t)

 

Au (g/t)

 

Ag (g/t)

 

Au (oz)

 

Ag (oz)

 

Providencia

 

164,925

 

4.6

 

189.6

 

24,640

 

1,005,246

 

Sorpresa

 

66,250

 

4.3

 

205.8

 

9,244

 

438,267

 

Pampa Campamento

 

88,615

 

4.3

 

159.8

 

12,333

 

455,338

 

Discovery Wash

 

81,129

 

4.7

 

121.6

 

12,375

 

317,209

 

El Valle

 

149,317

 

5.0

 

95.9

 

24,072

 

460,296

 

Al Este

 

182,871

 

4.7

 

228.8

 

27,635

 

1,344,978

 

Bonanza

 

53,581

 

6.2

 

50.3

 

10,683

 

86,582

 

Vista Norte

 

86,052

 

5.7

 

38.9

 

15,851

 

107,512

 

Orito Sur

 

83,155

 

4.5

 

68.2

 

12,145

 

182,425

 

Orito Norte

 

20,452

 

6.4

 

29.8

 

4,238

 

19,562

 

Púrpura

 

36,226

 

4.9

 

423.4

 

5,650

 

493,154

 

Cerro Martillo

 

144,561

 

3.9

 

143.6

 

18,183

 

667,573

 

Dorada

 

259,664

 

4.5

 

265.8

 

37,934

 

2,218,909

 

 

15-4



 

 

 

 

 

Grade

 

Contained Metal

 

Vein

 

Tonnage (t)

 

Au (g/t)

 

Ag (g/t)

 

Au (oz)

 

Ag (oz)

 

Dorada SW

 

22,404

 

3.1

 

242.2

 

2,232

 

174,476

 

Magenta

 

128,299

 

6.9

 

85.5

 

28,459

 

352,845

 

Magenta Norte

 

43,930

 

5.2

 

134.0

 

7,323

 

189,194

 

Carmín

 

41,899

 

11.1

 

24.3

 

14,924

 

32,706

 

Carmín Sur

 

43,156

 

8.5

 

44.8

 

11,761

 

62,137

 

Escarlata

 

23,841

 

12.0

 

26.4

 

9,190

 

20,232

 

Caracoles

 

1,124

 

1.7

 

196.5

 

60

 

7,105

 

Martillo Flats

 

142,360

 

4.5

 

220.5

 

20,610

 

1,009,221

 

Fortuna

 

97,987

 

4.1

 

354.6

 

12,944

 

1,116,968

 

Dominador

 

11,203

 

6.4

 

199.0

 

2,287

 

71,683

 

Playa

 

13,236

 

5.0

 

125.0

 

2,144

 

53,172

 

Caserón 505

 

130,484

 

7.3

 

64.4

 

30,702

 

270,002

 

Caserón 506

 

92,756

 

5.3

 

43.4

 

15,738

 

129,446

 

Diablada

 

73,014

 

7.0

 

45.6

 

16,547

 

107,043

 

Angelina

 

24,952

 

7.5

 

67.3

 

6,048

 

54,014

 

Bermellón

 

9,868

 

4.6

 

148.3

 

1,447

 

47,036

 

Victoria (PAV)

 

138,683

 

4.9

 

113.7

 

21,861

 

506,753

 

Elizabeth (PAV)

 

47,084

 

1.7

 

358.1

 

2,629

 

542,151

 

Esmeralda

 

147,082

 

4.6

 

192.2

 

21,902

 

908,856

 

Esperanza

 

31,614

 

10.3

 

162.5

 

10,494

 

165,124

 

Borde Oeste

 

37,699

 

5.2

 

230.8

 

6,244

 

279,731

 

Veta Norweste

 

34,052

 

4.3

 

162.3

 

4,694

 

177,688

 

Ventura

 

93,660

 

3.9

 

263.4

 

11,800

 

793,208

 

Laguna

 

125,004

 

6.7

 

51.9

 

26,913

 

208,753

 

Abundancia

 

20,593

 

6.4

 

112.8

 

4,256

 

74,670

 

La Paloma

 

148,226

 

6.1

 

135.4

 

28,995

 

645,268

 

Orito West

 

27,536

 

8.1

 

148.4

 

7,172

 

131,416

 

Cerro Martillo Central Sur

 

72,808

 

5.2

 

145.7

 

12,242

 

340,990

 

Total U.G.

 

3,241,352

 

5.34

 

156.11

 

556,601

 

16,268,940

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chiquilla Chica

 

49,226

 

0.5

 

445.3

 

777

 

704,798

 

505

 

10,234

 

6.0

 

4.1

 

1,963

 

1,362

 

Cerro Martillo

 

3,047

 

3.3

 

90.2

 

324

 

8,832

 

Discovery Wash

 

2,813

 

1.6

 

24.7

 

145

 

2,233

 

El Valle

 

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

 

 

Orito Norte

 

25,150

 

3.4

 

30.7

 

2,743

 

24,849

 

Total Open Pit

 

90,469

 

2.05

 

255.1

 

5,954

 

742,074

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Reserves

 

3,331,821

 

5.25

 

158.8

 

562,554

 

17,011,015

 

 

15-5


 

 


 

Notes:

1.                   CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Reserves.

2.                   Mineral Reserves are estimated using processing recoveries from a geometallurgical model, as recoveries are variable by ore type.

3.                   A cut-off grade of 3.48 g/t AuEq was used in the Mineral Reserve for most veins except as follows: a cut-off grade of 3.62 g/t AuEq used for the Elizabeth and Victoria veins in the Pampa Augusta Victoria Area (for a US$5.24/t additional transportation cost) and a cut-off of 3.59 g/t AuEq used for the Fortuna, Dominador, and Laguna veins in the Fortuna and Laguna Area (for a US$3.86/t additional transportation cost).

4.                   Mineral Reserves are estimated using an average long-term gold price of US$1,250/oz and a silver price of US$18/oz.

5.                   A minimum mining width of 0.60 m to 1.0 m was used depending on the vein.

6.                   Bulk density varies from 2.36 t/m3 to 2.57 t/m3.

7.                   The SMUs include Inferred Mineral Resources and unclassified material (blocks located outside of the UGGS). These materials were treated as dilution for mine planning and Mineral Reserve estimation purposes. Zero gold and silver grades have been assigned to them.

8.                   Numbers may not add due to rounding.

 

MINERAL RESERVE PROCESS

 

The process of Mineral Reserve estimation is shown in Figure 15-1, outlining the steps included in the estimation process.

 

FIGURE 15-1 MINERAL RESERVES PROCESS

 

 

SMU DESIGN

 

The drift and bench SMUs are automatically designed using Vulcan Stope Optimizer. Drifts are spaced at varying vertical intervals (sublevels between six metres to 16 m) and defined

 

15-6



 

considering the width, grade and dip of the mineralization as well as geotechnical conditions. The drift parameters for all veins are as listed in Table 15-3.

 

TABLE 15-3 SMU DRIFT PARAMETERS

Yamana Gold Inc. — El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

Minimum Mining

 

Maximum Mining

 

Drift Height

 

Expected

 

Vein

 

Width (m)

 

Width (m)

 

(m)

 

Dilution (m)

 

All

 

0.6

 

6.0

 

4.0

 

0.5

 

 

The SMUs are 15 m in length and typically mined out in five rounds of three metres. After drifts are completed and ground support is installed, stoping commences with development of a slot raise at the vein extremity to provide the initial void space to continue blasting the production longholes and advancing the stope. Typical stope dimensions are 1.2 m to six metres in width and six metres to 16.0 m in height.

 

An economic value is determined for each SMU using metal prices, recoveries, and operating costs. SMUs with negative economic values are excluded from any further analysis, except for those drift SMUs above the marginal cut-off grade. Any Inferred Resources contained within an SMU are treated as waste and assigned a zero grade. SMUs with positive economic returns are analyzed for inclusion into the LOM plan. A development cost analysis is carried out before any SMU is included in the LOM plan. Measured Mineral Resources contained in the SMUs included in the LOM plan are converted to Proven Mineral Reserves, while Indicated Mineral Resources contained in the SMU included in the LOM are converted to Probable Mineral Reserves.

 

The economic parameters used in the Mineral Reserves estimate are shown in Table 15-4.

 

TABLE 15-4 ECONOMIC PARAMETERS
Yamana Gold Inc. — El Peñón Mine

 

Parameter

 

Units

 

Value

 

Gold Price

 

US$/oz

 

1,250

 

Silver Price

 

US$/oz

 

18

 

Gold Recovery

 

%

 

Variable

 

Silver Recovery

 

%

 

Variable

 

Mining – Bench & Fill

 

US/t ore

 

87.58

 

Mining - Cut & Fill

 

US/t ore

 

115.00

 

Mining - Open Pit

 

US/t ore

 

5.00

 

 

15-7



 

Parameter

 

Units

 

Value

 

Processing Cost

 

US/t ore

 

27.38

 

G & A

 

US/t ore

 

16.31

 

Selling Cost-Gold

 

%

 

1.3

 

Selling Cost-Silver

 

%

 

1.2

 

Infrastructure (Drift)

 

US$/m

 

2,277

 

Access

 

US$/m

 

2,322

 

Lateral (Dev.)

 

US$/m

 

3,337

 

Vertical (Dev.)

 

US$/m

 

1,404

 

Transport Cost (Fortuna)

 

US$/t ore

 

3.86

 

Transport Cost (Chiquilla Chica)

 

US$/t ore

 

4.69

 

Transport Cost (PAV)

 

US$/t ore

 

5.24

 

 

The economic value of each SMU is determined using the following revenue and cost formulas:

 

Value: I = Tm*(PAu-CvAu)/31.10348*LAu*RAu*Rm+Tm(PAg-CvAg)/31.10348*LAg*RAg*Rm

 

Where I = Ingreso or Value US$

Tm= Ore Tonnes (Measured + Indicated with dilution)

LAu, LAg = Mean grades for gold and silver (g/t)

PAu, PAg = Metal prices (US$/oz)

CvAu, CvAg = Cost of sales for gold and silver (US$/oz)

RAu, RAg = metallurgical recovery of gold and silver (%)

Rm = mining recovery.

and

Total Cost C = ((Cp+ G&A+ Cm)*Tm)*Rm

CMina = Mining cost US$

Tm = Ore Tonnes (Measured + Indicated with dilution)

Cp = Processing cost (US$/t feed)

Cr= Backfilling cost (US$/m3) (included in CMina)

G&A = General and Administration cost (US$/tonne feed)

Rm = Mining Recovery (%)

and

Benefit B = I-C for each SMU US$

 

Modelling of the resource estimation for conversion to reserves does not include a cut-off grade or minimum mining widths. Global resources are estimated in these domains. The information is provided to the engineering department who carry out the following process:

 

15-8



 

1.                   Mined out areas are subtracted from the models (grades of these blocks are set to zero).

 

2.                   A stope optimization process is done which considers a cut-off of 3.48 g/t AuEq (US$1,250/oz Au and US$18/oz Ag), minimum mining widths, and expected dilution.

 

3.                   On the resulting stopes, an infrastructure analysis is done in order to review if the extraction of these stopes pays for the development costs. Stopes that pass the analysis are considered Mineral Reserves.

 

After the process is completed, the reserve SMUs are returned to the geology department who consider this material also as mined out material in order to report resources exclusive of reserves (grades in reserves SMUs are set to zero).

 

Finally, another stope optimization process is carried out on the models, in this case at a cut-off of 2.71 g/t AuEq (US$1,600/oz Au and US$24/oz Ag) considering also minimum mining widths and expected dilutions. These are not analyzed for infrastructure. Material in the resulting SMUs is considered Mineral Resources.

 

RPA is of the opinion that the conversion process of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves is robust and ensures that each SMU has positive economic value.

 

DILUTION

 

The dilution estimates of the SMUs used for the Mineral Reserves estimates for the various veins at El Peñón are listed in Table 15-5 that follows.

 

15-9



 

TABLE 15-5 SMU MINING PARAMETERS
Yamana Gold Inc. — El Peñón Mine

 

Vein

 

Minimum Mining
Width (m)

 

Maximum Mining
Width (m)

 

Height
(m)

 

Expected
Dilution (m)

 

Minimum
Dip (°)

 

Caseron 505

 

1.00

 

6

 

14

 

1.10

 

60

 

Caseron 506

 

1.00

 

6

 

14 or 16

 

1.30 to 1.40

 

60

 

Abundancia

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

1.00

 

60

 

Al Este

 

0.60 to 1.00

 

6

 

8

 

0.40 to 1.50

 

60

 

Angelina

 

0.60 to 1.00

 

6

 

8 or 14

 

0.60 to 1.30

 

60

 

Bermellón

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

0.60 to 0.80

 

60

 

Bonanza

 

0.60 to 1.00

 

6

 

12

 

0.80 to 1.00

 

60

 

Borde Oeste

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

0.80

 

60

 

Carmín

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

0.80

 

60

 

Carmín Sur

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

0.80

 

60

 

Cerro Martillo

 

1.00

 

6

 

12

 

1.00

 

60

 

Diablada

 

1.00

 

6

 

14

 

1.00

 

60

 

Discovery Wash

 

0.60

 

6

 

6 or 8

 

0.70 to 0.80

 

60

 

Dominador

 

1.00

 

6

 

10

 

0.70

 

60

 

Dorada

 

1.00

 

6

 

10

 

0.60 to 0.70

 

60

 

Dorada SW

 

1.00

 

6

 

10

 

0.70

 

60

 

El Valle

 

1.00

 

6

 

10

 

1.20

 

60

 

Elizabeth

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

1.00

 

60

 

Escarlata

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

0.90

 

60

 

Esmeralda

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

0.75

 

60

 

Esperanza

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

0.80

 

60

 

Fortuna

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

1.00

 

60

 

La Paloma

 

0.60 to 1.00

 

6

 

8

 

0.50 to 1.20

 

60

 

Magenta

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

1.00

 

60

 

Magenta Norte

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

1.05

 

60

 

Martillo Flats

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

0.70

 

60

 

Orito Norte

 

1.00

 

5

 

14

 

1.00 to 1.20

 

60

 

Orito Sur

 

1.00

 

6

 

12

 

1.20

 

60

 

Pampa Campamento

 

0.60 to 1.00

 

6

 

6 or 10

 

0.90 to 1.00

 

60

 

Playa

 

1.00

 

6

 

10

 

1.00

 

60

 

Providencia

 

1.00

 

6

 

10

 

0.60

 

60

 

Púrpura

 

0.60

 

6

 

8

 

0.95

 

60

 

Sorpresa

 

0.60 to 1.00

 

6

 

6 or 8

 

0.60 to 0.80

 

60

 

Ventura

 

0.60 to 1.00

 

6

 

8

 

0.60 to 1.60

 

60

 

Victoria

 

1.00

 

6

 

12

 

0.80

 

60

 

Vista Norte

 

1.00

 

6

 

10

 

1.00

 

60

 

VNW

 

1.00

 

6

 

10

 

0.80

 

60

 

 

The dilution estimates are reconciled with Cavity Monitoring System (CMS) measurements that are used to compare the actual stope outline to the designed stope shapes. The actual dilution results versus the dilution design for 2017 are presented in Table 15-6 for the various mining areas.

 

15-10



 

TABLE 15-6 DRIFT AND STOPE DILUTION
Yamana Gold Inc. — El Peñón Mine

 

Split Blasting - Drifts

 

Mine

 

Vein Width
(m)

 

Actual
Dilution
(m)

 

Design
Dilution
(m)

 

Actual
Dilution
(%)

 

Design
Dilution
(%)

 

PAV

 

1.53

 

0.53

 

0.60

 

34

 

39

 

Mina Sur

 

2.58

 

0.64

 

0.60

 

25

 

23

 

Mina Norte

 

1.66

 

0.65

 

0.60

 

39

 

36

 

Laguna

 

2.16

 

0.58

 

0.60

 

27

 

28

 

Bloque Norte

 

1.47

 

0.61

 

0.60

 

41

 

41

 

Grand Total

 

1.87

 

0.61

 

0.60

 

33

 

32

 

 

Bench and Fill - Stopes

 

Mine

 

Vein Width
(m)

 

Actual
Dilution
(m)

 

Design
Dilution
(m)

 

Actual
Dilution
(%)

 

Design
Dilution
(%)

 

Bloque Norte

 

1.01

 

1.10

 

0.83

 

108

 

82

 

Mina Norte

 

1.03

 

0.91

 

0.81

 

88

 

79

 

Mina Sur

 

1.52

 

1.13

 

1.07

 

75

 

71

 

PAV

 

1.01

 

0.97

 

0.88

 

96

 

97

 

Grand Total

 

1.20

 

1.04

 

0.93

 

86

 

77

 

 

While drifts are generally quite close to the planned design, the stopes are 11% larger, resulting in higher than designed dilution rates. This indicates that stope dilution is harder to control due to longer drill holes required, vein inclination and greater surface area opened on both the hanging wall and footwall following blasting operations. The speed of the backfilling cycle is important to reduce the period of time the walls are left unsupported.

 

The expected dilution is estimated using the Mathews Stability graph and estimated equivalent of overbreak/slough (ELOS) as shown in Figure 15-2. RPA recommends monitoring the ELOS value based on the ongoing measurements and results obtained.

 

15-11



 

FIGURE 15-2 ELOS DILUTION GRAPH

 

 

EXTRACTION

 

The SMUs are 7.5 m or 15 m in length and six metres to 15 m in height. While dilution thicknesses are applied as well, the extraction for 86% of SMUs is considered to be 100%, resulting in an average approximately 2% of ore losses. In RPA’s opinion, there should be consideration for losses during the stoping and mucking operations, in particular as the mining method utilized is a bulk mining method requiring some portion of the mucking operations to use remote operating load-haul-dump (LHD) equipment. Losses can be incurred through poor visibility, material hang ups, and equipment limitations. El Peñón mine staff apply extraction factors in their internal mine planning process, which average approximately 95%, depending on the zone and mining method. In RPA’s opinion, the losses incurred should be reflected in the Mineral Reserves.

 

Dilution and mining recovery are controlled by the engineering team at El Peñón who perform excavation measurements, using Maptek I-Site, 3D laser scanning system to confirm stope contours, and also the Reflex instrumental tool is used to control deviation of production blast holes.

 

15-12



 

CUT-OFF GRADE

 

The cut-off grade was determined using the Mineral Reserve metal prices, metal recoveries, transport, treatment, and refining costs, as well as mine operating cost. At the estimated operating cost of US$131/t processed, the breakeven cut-off grade is 3.48 g/t AuEq using a gold price of US$1,250/oz and silver price of US$18/oz, for most zones. The exceptions include the Elizabeth and Victoria veins in the PAV area, where a cut-off grade of 3.62 g/t AuEq is used due to an additional US$5.24/t transportation cost, and the Fortuna and Laguna areas, where a cut-off grade of 3.59 g/t AuEq is used due to an additional transportation cost of US$3.86/t.

 

A gold equivalent factor is calculated using the metal prices and recoveries for gold and silver of 95% and 86.5%, respectively. This resulted in a factor of 76.3, however, for wireframe modelling and UGGS construction purposes, a gold factor of 75 was used. The gold factor is only used for wireframe modelling during the resource and reserve estimation process.

 

Additional notes for the Mineral Reserves estimation are:

 

·                            Operating costs used to determine the cut-off grade do not consider the cross-cut cost (only mine cost, processing cost, G&A, and selling cost) because the cost for cross-cuts for each production panel in the mine is not known, as well as the number of SMUs, this cost is to be divided.

 

·                       After stope optimization for the reserve estimation, 100% of the cross-cut cost is considered in the infrastructure cost analysis carried out on optimized stopes before including these in the reserves.

 

Metal prices are considered reasonable and in RPA’s opinion, the cut-off grades have been appropriately derived.

 

RECONCILIATIONS

 

The F1 reconciliation of the long term plan based on the Mineral Reserves and the short term plan based on production forecasts is indicated in Table 15-7. As demonstrated in Table 15-7, the long term to short term variance has significantly improved in 2017. Yamana uses the SMU approach for mine planning and Mineral Reserve estimation and have improved the block modelling methodology to prevent the spread of metal into ancillary veins and structures. This in turn, has improved the quality of the mining plan and has consequently provided more accurate overall results.

 

15-13



 

In gold vein deposits such as El Peñón, mining often occurs in areas that have not been fully drilled and in newly discovered veins and extensions of veins. Figure 15-3 shows that the amount of planned material from reserves has been increasing and that the mining of unplanned material has decreased.

 

The F2 reconciliation of the mine production based on the short-term model compared to the adjusted process plant results is shown below in Table 15-8. As noted in the table, the plant reconciliation appears to have improved over the last 3.5 years, indicating a closer level of variance. In RPA’s opinion, the reconciliation is within reasonable limits and efforts to track reconciliation should continue on a regular basis.

 

15-14



 

TABLE 15-7 F1 RECONCILIATION OF LONG TERM AND SHORT TERM PLANS
Yamana Gold Inc. — El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

Long Term Plan

 

 

Short Term Plan

 

 

Variance (%)

 

 

 

Reserve

 

Grade

 

Metal

 

 

Actual

 

Grade

 

Metal

 

 

 

 

Grade

 

Metal

 

Year

 

Tonnes
(000)

 

Au
(g/t)

 

Ag
(g/t)

 

(000 oz
Au)

 

Au (g/t)

 

 

Tonnes
(000)

 

Au
(g/t)

 

Ag
(g/t)

 

(000 oz
Au)

 

(000 oz
Ag)

 

 

Tonnes

 

Au

 

Ag

 

oz Au

 

oz Ag

 

2014

 

1,065

 

8.9

 

235.8

 

306

 

8,078

 

 

917

 

7.6

 

195.2

 

225

 

5,753

 

 

(14

)

(14.4

)

(17.2

)

(26.4

)

(28.8

)

2015

 

680

 

6.9

 

194.3

 

150

 

4,247

 

 

529

 

6.7

 

208.2

 

113

 

3,542

 

 

(22

)

(3.3

)

7.2

 

(24.8

)

(16.6

)

2016

 

801

 

5.8

 

170.8

 

150

 

4,397

 

 

679

 

5.6

 

177.4

 

123

 

3,870

 

 

(15

)

(2.9

)

3.8

 

(17.8

)

(12.0

)

2017

 

567

 

5.3

 

176.9

 

96

 

3,224

 

 

527

 

5.3

 

176.0

 

90

 

2,979

 

 

(7

)

1.2

 

(0.5

)

(6.0

)

(7.6

)

 

TABLE 15-8 F2 RECONCILIATION OF MINE PRODUCTION AND PLANT
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

Mine Production

 

 

Plant Results

 

 

Reconciliation

 

 

 

Production

 

Au

 

Ag

 

AuEq

 

 

Processing

 

Au

 

Ag

 

AuEq

 

 

Au

 

Ag

 

AuEq

 

Year

 

Ton

 

g/t

 

g/t

 

g/t

 

 

Ton

 

g/t

 

g/t

 

g/t

 

 

%

 

%

 

%

 

2014

 

1,474,859

 

6.4

 

202.9

 

10.5

 

 

1,474,859

 

6.4

 

212.0

 

10.6

 

 

0.5

%

-4.5

%

-1.4

%

2015

 

1,418,128

 

5.5

 

201.9

 

8.2

 

 

1,418,129

 

5.3

 

194.0

 

7.9

 

 

3.0

%

3.9

%

3.3

%

2016

 

1,421,241

 

5.2

 

162.6

 

7.4

 

 

1,421,241

 

5.1

 

153.9

 

7.2

 

 

2.0

%

5.3

%

3.0

%

2017

 

1,041,199

 

5.1

 

148.3

 

7.1

 

 

1,041,199

 

4.9

 

150.6

 

7.0

 

 

-2.1

%

1.5

%

-1.1

%

Total

 

5,355,428

 

5.6

 

181.3

 

8.4

 

 

5,355,429

 

5.5

 

179.9

 

8.3

 

 

1.8

%

0.8

%

1.5

%

 

15-15



 

FIGURE 15-3 MINED MATERIAL

 

 

15-16



 

16 MINING METHODS

 

MINE DESIGN, MINING METHOD

 

The mine layout depicted in Figure 16-1 shows an isometric view, plan view, and longitudinal view of the mine. The various veins in the El Peñón mine are accessed using ramps, as illustrated in the isometric view, which are a suitable access method given the depth of the mine operations and required flexibility for accessing the veins at the appropriate elevations. The ramps provide flexibility for rapid adjustments for changes in direction and elevation.

 

Underground mine infrastructure includes the required ramps, cross-cuts for access and various lateral development, as well as excavations for power stations, mine sumps, refuge stations, maintenance shops, and other facilities. Ventilation raises are driven as required to provide the air requirement to meet mine regulations for the mine workers and operating underground equipment. Other installations include a shotcrete plant, backfill plant, and communications system. The total mine system extends for approximately ten kilometres on strike and covers a vertical extent of approximately 500 m, from the highest portal collar elevation to the bottom most mine workings. Main access ramps measure 4.3 m high by 4.5 m wide driven at -15% gradient or as required in certain areas. Stope access drifts and drives on ore are four metres high by four metres wide. Ventilation raises typically measure 2.4 m in diameter.

 

The mining method utilized at El Peñón is the Bench and Fill Method, which is a narrow vein longhole stoping method followed by a combination of consolidated and unconsolidated backfill to provide the required support for continued mining. The stoping method is shown in Figure 16-2.

16-1



 

 

16-2


 


 

As a result of the very narrow vein widths in many areas of the mine, “split-blasting” is utilized to reduce dilution. A typical split-blast face can be seen in Figure 16-3. The minimum width of a split-blast is currently 1.1 m (0.6 m plus 0.5 m dilution). Once the split-blast ore is mucked out, the remaining waste is slashed out and used for unconsolidated backfill. A top access drift is driven for a drill drift and a bottom access drift is driven for extraction of the blasted ore. Typical sublevel intervals are between six metres and 16 m. Drives on ore are typically four metres by four metres, however, can be as wide as six metres. All drifts on ore are grade control sampled either during every drill, blast, load, and haul cycle or at approximately three metre intervals. These samples are used to delimit the economic portion of the bench. This is then drilled using longholes, loaded, blasted, and mucked from the lower sublevel. Typical stope dimensions are 1.2 m to six metres wide, six metres to 16 m high and 7.5 m or 15 m in strike length. Vein widths and geotechnical characteristics will dictate how much dilution will be extracted during the mining of the stope. Backfilling is completed after the established length is reached, starting with a section of consolidated fill followed by unconsolidated waste fill. A typical stope is shown in Figure 16-4. Cut and fill has also been examined as a potential stoping method, however, it would only comprise a small part of the LOM plan.

 

In RPA’s opinion, the mining methods utilized are appropriate for the type of deposit.

 

16-3



 

 

16-4



 

 

16-5



 

 

16-6



 

GEOMECHANICS, GROUND SUPPORT

 

At El Peñón, all drift, cross-cut, and stope designs are reviewed and approved by the geotechnical staff prior to starting any full scale production. The production stopes and development areas are monitored by the geotechnical staff, which recommend the appropriate ground support to be used at each face. The typical ground support recommended includes split-sets, resin bolts, wire mesh, and shotcrete.

 

MINE PLANNING

 

The mine planning team at El Peñón is divided into short term, medium term, and long term planning. The deliverables by area are as follows:

 

SHORT TERM

 

·           Monthly and weekly mine plans

 

·           Operational and dilution control

 

·           Database administration

 

MEDIUM TERM

 

·           Quarterly plan

 

·           Detailed engineering — projects and mine services

 

·           Surveying

 

LONG TERM

 

·           Estimation of Mineral Reserves inventory

 

·           3P (Proven, Probable, and Inferred Categories) Analysis

 

·           Business Plan: Forecasts (12 or 18 months), Budgets (3 years), Projects

 

MINE DEVELOPMENT

 

The mine development realized in 2015, 2016, and 2017 is shown in Table 16-1. Over the last two and a half years, El Peñón operators have been able to successfully meet the development targets within acceptable limits. The planned development targets are achieved as a result of the multiple headings for development and an adequate equipment fleet.

 

16-7



 

TABLE 16-1 MINE DEVELOPMENT ACHIEVED
Yamana Gold Inc. – El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

2015

 

2016

 

2017

 

Category

 

Actual

 

Budget

 

Variance

 

Actual

 

Budget

 

Variance

 

Actual

 

Budget

 

Variance

 

Capital Development (m)

 

13,508

 

14,280

 

-5.4

%

17,234

 

16,904

 

2.0

%

10,899

 

9,055

 

20.4

%

Operating Development (m)

 

27,435

 

27,562

 

-0.5

%

37,455

 

29,230

 

28.1

%

31,659

 

25,834

 

22.5

%

Total

 

40,943

 

41,842

 

-2.1

%

54,689

 

46,134

 

18.5

%

42,558

 

34,889

 

22.0

%

Horizontal Development m/d

 

112

 

115

 

 

 

150

 

126

 

 

 

117

 

96

 

 

 

 

The development required over the remaining LOM period is summarized in Table 16-2. In RPA’s opinion, the planned LOM development is reasonable and should be achievable.

 

TABLE 16-2 MINE DEVELOPMENT IN LOM
Yamana Gold Inc. – El Peñón Mine

 

Description

 

Units

 

Total

 

2018

 

2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

 

2023

 

Capital Development

 

m

 

44,071

 

9,820

 

13,083

 

9,576

 

8,492

 

2,637

 

462

 

Operating Development

 

m

 

113,190

 

26,784

 

28,595

 

24,313

 

22,682

 

8,392

 

2,424

 

Horizontal Meters

 

m

 

157,260

 

36,604

 

41,678

 

33,889

 

31,174

 

11,029

 

2,886

 

 

MINE PRODUCTION

 

The material moved underground consisting of ore, waste, and capital development material is shown in Table 16-3. The table indicates that the mine operations are capable of moving the planned volumes of ore and waste material.

 

16-8



 

TABLE 16-3 MINE MATERIAL MOVED
Yamana Gold Inc. – El Peñón Mine

 

Material Moved

 

2015

 

2016

 

2017

 

(000’s tonnes)

 

Actual

 

Budget

 

Variance

 

Actual

 

Budget

 

Variance

 

Actual

 

Budget

 

Variance

 

Ore Mined

 

1,178

 

1,468

 

-20

%

1,303

 

1,544

 

-16

%

999

 

970

 

3

%

Waste + Marginal

 

1,834

 

1,233

 

49

%

1,372

 

805

 

71

%

1,030

 

788

 

31

%

Total Mined

 

3,011

 

2,701

 

12

%

2,675

 

2,349

 

14

%

2,029

 

1,757

 

15

%

Capital Waste

 

680

 

692

 

-2

%

815

 

795

 

3

%

502

 

365

 

38

%

Total Moved

 

3,691

 

3,393

 

9

%

3,490

 

3,143

 

11

%

2,532

 

2,122

 

19

%

 

PRE-PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

 

The  El Peñón mine has been operating for many years and preparation of new mining areas occurs through the normal planning process.

 

LIFE OF MINE PLAN

 

The LOM plan is presented below in Table 16-4.

 

TABLE 16-4 LIFE OF MINE PLAN
Yamana Gold Inc. – El Peñón Mine

 

Description

 

Total

 

2018

 

2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

 

2023

 

Tonnes Milled

 

4,331

 

894

 

957

 

933

 

833

 

606

 

108

 

Grade Au (g/t):

 

5.4

 

5.6

 

5.3

 

5.4

 

5.9

 

4.9

 

5.0

 

Grade Ag (g/t):

 

167.4

 

188.2

 

193.0

 

158.6

 

140.9

 

149.1

 

150.9

 

Au (000 oz)

 

714

 

151

 

152

 

152

 

151

 

91

 

17

 

Ag (000 oz)

 

20,351

 

4,608

 

4,999

 

4,160

 

3,462

 

2,639

 

483

 

Capital Dev. (m)

 

69,697

 

15,739

 

20,472

 

15,176

 

13,227

 

4,254

 

828

 

Operating Dev. (m)

 

87,564

 

20,865

 

21,206

 

18,713

 

17,947

 

6,775

 

2,058

 

Total Lateral Dev. (m)

 

157,260

 

36,604

 

41,678

 

33,889

 

31,174

 

11,029

 

2,886

 

 

In RPA’s opinion,  El Peñón’s forecast production targets are attainable and reasonable, and the procedures used to forecast the LOM Plan are reasonable. From 2018 to 2021, Yamana plans to mine approximately 1.0 million tonnes per year, with gold grades averaging 5.5 g/t Au and silver grades averaging 170 g/t Ag. Forecast gold production averages approximately 150,000 ounces from 2018 to 2021 and declines to 91,000 ounces in 2022 and 17,000 ounces in 2023. Forecast silver production averages 4,307,000 ounces from 2018 to 2021 and declines to 2,639,000 ounces in 2022 and 483,000 in 2023. The objective of the exploration program is to continue extending the mine life with gold production at the level of 150,000 oz per year and over 4,000,000 ounces of silver from 2021 onwards.

 

16-9



 

INFRASTRUCTURE

 

See also Section 18, Project Infrastructure

 

SURFACE INFRASTRUCTURE

 

The various ore types are stored in surface stockpiles in proximity to the main crusher to allow the loader to feed the required blend of ore to the mill for processing. Tailings are sent to the tailings facility which has been permitted for approximately 45 million tonnes, approximately 19 million tonnes have currently been placed, and therefore, sufficient capacity is available for future storage. The stockpiles consisting of oxides with high clay content, oxides with low clay content, reduced high sulphides, and reduced low sulphide plus marginal ore are placed in close proximity facilitating the required blending by the surface loader operator each shift. Metal recoveries vary on each of these ore types for the low grade, high grade, and special material therefore requiring great attention in the blending process.

 

Power is fed to the site via the supplier, Gas Atacama, grid and backup power from seven gensets capable of providing approximately 10 MW of energy is available, if required.

 

ACCESS RAMPS

 

Access ramps 4.5 m wide by 4.3 m in height are used to access the various zones over the ten kilometre strike length of the mine workings. These ramps are shown in Figure 16-1. The ramps are driven at various gradients with predominately -15% used. Safety bays are placed at required intervals as well as substations and sumps for dewatering.

 

UNDERGROUND MINE

 

Mine infrastructure for the underground mine operations include the following:

 

·      Integrated operational control centre at the mine ensuring remote control of main operational indicators.

 

·      Fibre optics and WiFi available in main centers of the mine and surroundings.

 

·      Leaky feeder backup installed throughout the mine allowing clear voice communications at all times.

 

·      Real time monitoring of drill rigs allowing control of main key performance indicators (KPI) and ensuring the operational system (mining cycle) is achieved on a daily basis.

 

·      Thirty-eight surface ventilation fans downcast air into the mines and all ventilation is telemetrically controlled via variable frequency drives (VFD).

 

16-10



 

MATERIAL HANDLING

 

Materials are delivered to underground workplaces with mobile equipment capable of handling ground support material, blasting materials, and other construction materials.

 

VENTILATION

 

Adequate ventilation for the mine equipment and personnel underground is supplied via main surface ventilation fans that downcast fresh air into the mine workings. Auxiliary fans are used underground for development faces that are being driven and out of the main ventilation stream. An example of the ventilation system is shown in Figure 16-5.

 

16-11


 


 

 

16-12


 


 

MINE EQUIPMENT

 

The mine equipment currently on site for El Peñón is shown in Table 16-5.

 

TABLE 16-5 EQUIPMENT LIST
Yamana Gold Inc. – El Peñón Mine

 

Type

 

Model

 

No. Units

Haul Trucks

 

Cat. AD30

 

16

Scoops 6 yd3

 

Various

 

11

Scoops 2 yd3

 

Toro- LH 203

 

4

Scoops 1 yd3

 

Toro- LH 210

 

1

Jumbo Drill

 

Atlas Copco M2C

 

7

Jumbo Drill

 

Atlas Copco Boomer 282

 

1

Boltec Drill

 

Atlas Copco H235

 

1

Boltec Drill

 

Atlas Copco H235S

 

4

Simba Drill

 

Atlas Copco H1254

 

4

Simba Drill

 

Atlas Copco S7D

 

5

Simba Drill

 

Atlas Copco H1257

 

1

Water Trucks

 

Cat. AD30

 

4

Mine Scalers

 

Various

 

9

Grader

 

Komatsu GD675

 

2

Telehandler

 

Manitou MT1030S

 

13

Service Trucks

 

Normet Utililift 1430

 

2

Mixer

 

Various

 

7

Roboshot

 

Various

 

6

Excavator Hyd.

 

Komatsu PC200

 

2

Wheel Loaders

 

Various

 

3

Light Towers

 

Various

 

15

Power Units/Gensets

 

Various

 

9

 

There are also support units including fuel and lubrication trucks, powder trucks, man carriers, and light vehicles used in the mining operation.

 

16-13



 

17 RECOVERY METHODS

 

The following is taken from Chacόn and Pérez (2017).

 

The process plant and associated facilities process run-of-mine (ROM) ore that is delivered to the primary crusher, using the main processes listed below:

 

·              Crushing

 

·              Grinding and pre-leaching thickening

 

·              Leaching

 

·              Counter-current decantation concentrate solution recovery

 

·              Clarification, zinc precipitation and precipitate filtering

 

·              Refining

 

·              Tailings filtering

 

·              Tailings disposal

 

The process flowsheet is shown in Figure 17-1 and should be referenced in conjunction with the following text describing the process plant.

 

The El Peñón processing plant has a nominal production capacity of approximately 1.533 million tpa of stockpiled and mined ore. The plant processed 2,853 tonnes per calendar day during 2017.

 

17-1



 

 

17-2



 

PRIMARY CRUSHING

 

ROM ore is dumped from a seven cubic metre capacity front-end loader (CAT 988H) through a 600 mm square-grid grizzly into 100 t capacity hopper. A 1,500 mm wide apron feeder is used to transfer ore from the dump hopper to the jaw crusher. Fine material is collected and transported directly to the conveyor belt that carries primary crushed material. Coarse material is fed into a 950 mm x 1,250 mm jaw crusher that produces a product with P80 of 63.5 mm. Crushed material is transported by a conveyor belt into a 1,500 t capacity bin. Additionally, an auxiliary crushing product stockpile is located to the northwest of the bin. The stockpile has a capacity of 10,800 t and covers an area of approximately 40 m x 60 m.

 

The ore stored in the bin is transported by a variable speed 250 tonnes per hour (tph) capacity mill feed conveyor belt to a transfer chute that discharges onto the belt that feeds the semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill.

 

The ore from the auxiliary stockpile is fed via a front-end loader to an encapsulated hopper with suppressor system to mitigate dust emissions. The hopper discharges onto a belt which transports the ore to the mill feed conveyor belt.

 

GRINDING/PRE-LEACH THICKENING

 

The SAG mill is fed by crushed material, and milling solution, to achieve the required pulp concentration inside the mill. Sodium cyanide (NaCN) solution is added as a leaching agent.

 

The SAG mill operates in series with a ball mill which feeds a battery of hydrocyclones. The underflow of the hydrocyclones returns to the SAG mill. Pebbles formed in the SAG mill are discharged by a trommel into a conveyor belt, which transports the pebbles to return to the mill feed conveyor belt. Alternatively, the pebbles may be mixed with crushed material to be recirculated to the grinding circuit. The concentration of the pulp fed to the hydrocyclones circuit is controlled on-line via density measurements through a nuclear density gauge.

 

The classification circuit consists of six hydrocyclones with four hydrocyclones operating, and two on stand-by. Overflow of the cyclones consists of a pulp which contains between 38% and 40% solids with a P80 of 150 µm. Particle size is controlled on-line through a PSI 300 particle analyzer. The overflow is fed to the grinding thickener. The underflow is recirculated to the SAG mill.

 

17-3



 

Flocculant is added to the grinding thickener in order to optimize solids settling. The underflow of the thickener, with a nominal solids concentration of 50% is pumped to the first leach tank. The thickener underflow pumps consist of two variable speed pumps (generally one operating and one stand-by) with flow rate capacity of 250 m3/h and 31 m discharge height. The velocity is controlled based on the density of the pulp, which is measured on-line through a nuclear density gauge. The overflow of the grinding thickener, which is considered a “rich-solution” due to its dissolved gold content, is sent to the unclarified solution pond, having a capacity of 158 m3.

 

CLARIFICATION

 

From the unclarified solution pond, the solution is pumped to four clarifying filters that clarify solutions to a maximum turbidity of one nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU). Clarified solutions are transported into the clarified rich solution pond for subsequent zinc precipitation.

 

LEACHING

 

Gold and silver leaching starts at the SAG mill, where NaCN is added, resulting in an extraction of approximately 75%.

 

The grinding thickener underflow is leached in six mechanically agitated reactors, with a capacity of 7,279 m3, in a cyanide rich environment maintained by the addition of cyanide in the grinding and leaching steps. Oxygen is also added to favor the dissolution kinetics. The oxygen is homogenized with the pulp through recirculation pumps that propel the pulp to a Filblast type oxygen mixer. Oxygen is supplied from a liquid oxygen storage tank. Under normal conditions, the discharge of the last reactor is sent to the first thickener of the counter-current decantation (CCD) circuit.

 

CCD CONCENTRATE SOLUTION RECOVERY

 

The leached pulp, with a 45% to 55% solids concentration, is transported by gravity to the CCD circuit. The CCD circuit consists of four high capacity counter-current thickeners. The objective of this circuit is to wash the pulp and recover the rich solution. The wash-solution flows counter-current to the solids flow increasing in precious metals concentration. The overflow of the first CCD thickener (CCD0) is transported by gravity to the mill solution pond, while the discharge of the last CCD thickener (CCD3) is pumped to the filtration area.

 

17-4



 

PREGNANT SOLUTION PRECIPITATION

 

In normal operating conditions, the Merrill Crowe process consists of the following stages:

 

·                  Deaeration of the clarified solution by circulating the fluid through a vacuum tower.

 

·                  Gold and silver are precipitated with the addition of zinc to the deaerated solution.

 

·                  Filtering of gold, silver, and zinc precipitates.

 

The rich clarified solution (maximum flow of 275 m3/h) is deaerated before entering the zinc precipitation stage, which is performed in the vacuum tower. The vacuum tower is a 10.4 m3 capacity reactor which achieves a rich deaerated solution with a concentration of less than 1 ppm of O2. The reject solution that exits the tower is fed to the press filters.

 

The zinc pulp is fed with five peristaltic pumps to the feed line of each of the press filters. The contact of the zinc pulp with the rich deaerated solution occurs in the Merrill Crowe tower and causes the precipitation of gold, silver, and other impurities. The dosage of zinc is controlled by assays of the rich and barren solutions every two hours.

 

The filtration stage is carried out in five filter presses. Before feeding a filter press with the solution from the precipitation stage, 2 m3 of pulp, containing 37.5 g/L of bentonite clay are recirculated for 45 minutes in order to form an initial layer on the filter surface, to avoid blockage by the very fine undissolved zinc. After the initial layer is formed, the precipitate solution is filtered. The solution that exits the filter is transported to the barren solution tank. To unload a filter press, it is opened and the material is removed using a spatula and sent to the retort furnaces.

 

REFINING

 

Precipitates obtained from the filter presses are deposited in trays with a capacity of approximately 50 kg of precipitate with 30% moisture content. Four retort furnaces eliminate the humidity and the mercury contained in the precipitate. Each furnace is loaded with eight trays, kept at a temperature of 538°C for about 20 hours under vacuum conditions. The product (calcine) is fed to the melting furnaces.

 

A reverberation furnace, which uses liquefied gas and air/oxygen to reach 1,220°C is used for smelting. Calcine is fed to the furnace through a screw feeder. The melt consists of two phases, the upper part of the slag, which is of lower density (2.5 g/L) and melts at 850°C, is formed by silica (flux) and impurities such as copper, iron, zinc and others; and the lower phase of the slag which consists of doré. This lower phase is of higher density (15 g/L), melts at 1,000°C and is mainly composed of silver and gold, with small amounts of impurities. The slag

 

17-5



 

is poured into 50 kg capacity conical steel containers, while the doré is poured into 165 kg capacity ingot molds. Emissions from the refining furnace are collected by a hood and passes through a high temperature bag filter to recover the precious metal particles contained in the gases. The solidified slag is recirculated to the crushing stage of the plant in order to recover trapped gold and silver. The doré is removed from the ingot mold and loaded with a fork lift to the bar cleaner to remove the attached slag. After this process, the bars are removed and stored, for later weighing and shipping.

 

TAILS FILTERING

 

The objective of the filtration area is to obtain dischargeable tailings with an approximate moisture content of about 20%. It is also desirable that the liquid contained in the moisture has minimum concentration of cyanide and dissolved metals.

 

The pulp is pumped to a filtering system consisting of five dedicated agitated tanks and four 54 m2 pan filters and one 82 m2 pan filter.

 

TAILS DISPOSAL

 

The filtered tailings are transported by two conveyor belts equipped with a weightometer, and sampler to two stockpiles, one for each belt. The storage areas consists of a 220 m2 concrete slab and retaining wall (to protect the belts). A floor pump is located in the area to collect solutions and cleaning water which are recycled to the filtration area.

 

The collected tailings are loaded on trucks by a front-end loader and transported to the tailings storage area (Figure 17-2), located at an approximate distance of two kilometres

 

17-6



 

 

17-7



 

The total storage area is 232.8 ha. Tailings are stored on three 10 m high platforms with five metre wide berms. Considering the current production rate, the filtered tailings storage area has a total useful life of 21 years.

 

The tailings are first deposited as mounds along the storage area and then spread through the use of a bulldozer and motor grader to form 15 cm to 30 cm thick layers, in order to expose the surface of the cyanide containing tailings to sunshine (UV radiation) and air, and thus favoring its degradation. The tailings are finally moved by a grader and irrigated with process water from the wastewater treatment plant to achieve cyanide concentration reduction in the solids. This aeration and watering process is repeated until the cyanide concentration in the tailings is less than 2 ppm. Once the process is completed, a new layer is deposited and the same operation is repeated.

 

METALLURGICAL REPORTING

 

The processed tonnes are based on weightometer readings that are located on the SAG mill feed conveyor belt and at the tailings discharge point. Daily analytical results from samples of plant solutions and tailings discharge are used to calculate plant metallurgical performance. Metal sales and inventory contained in the circuit and refinery are determined at the end of each month and appropriate adjustments are made. The mill reports the back-calculated head grades of the mill feed from this information.

 

PLANT CONSUMPTIONS

 

The estimated energy consumption of the plant is between 46 kWh/t and 48 kWh/t.

 

Plant water consumption is estimated to be approximately 0.25 m3/t.

 

The tailings disposal operations require 0.13 m3/t, where 0.05 m3/t of wastewater is used.

 

Reagent/Supply consumptions are shown in Table 17-1.

 

17-8



 

TABLE 17-1 REAGENT/SUPPLY CONSUMPTIONS
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

Description

 

Consumption

 

Units

Reagents

 

 

 

 

Sodium Cyanide

 

2.1

 

kg/t

Zinc

 

1.55

 

kg/kg(Au+Ag)

Lime

 

0.52

 

kg/t

Diatomaceous Earth

 

0.3

 

kg/t

Celite 545

 

0.01

 

kg/t

Celite 7F

 

0.3

 

g/t

Flocculant(Grinding)

 

20

 

g/t

Flocculant(CCD)

 

30

 

g/t

Filtering Aid

 

35

 

g/t

Anti-Fouling(CCD)

 

20

 

g/t

Anti-Fouling(Filtering)

 

10

 

g/t

Anti-Fouling(Precipitation)

 

15

 

g/t

Oxygen

 

7

 

l/t

Borax

 

0.59

 

kg/kg(Au+Ag)

Soda Ash

 

0.29

 

kg/kg(Au+Ag)

Gas

 

0.15

 

l/kg(Au+Ag)

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies

 

 

 

 

Balls(Ball Mill)

 

1

 

kg/t

Balls (SAG Mill)

 

1.8

 

kg/t

Refractories

 

1.3

 

t/Month

Doré Packages

 

0.007

 

Boxes/kg(Au+Ag)

Clarifying Filter Fabric

 

56

 

Fabric/Month

Press Filter Fabric

 

56

 

Fabric/Month

Band Filter Fabric

 

1

 

Fabric/28,000t

 

17-9



 

18 PROJECT INFRASTRUCTURE

 

The following is taken from Chacón and Pérez (2017).

 

The main existing buildings and infrastructure at the site are:

 

·                  Underground and open pit mines

 

·                  Process plant and refinery

 

·                  Waste dumps

 

·                  Tailings storage area

 

·                  Concrete plant

 

·                  Cemented backfill plant

 

·                  Facilities for storage and distributions of fuels, oils, and lubricants

 

·                  Water ponds

 

·                  Service infrastructure

 

·                  Explosive storage areas

 

·                  Water supply and distribution system

 

·                  Campsite, cafeterias, and change rooms

 

·                  Sewage treatment system

 

·                  Service infrastructure, workshops and sheds

 

·                  Telecommunications system

 

·                  Materials storage areas

 

·                  Main administration building.

 

·                  Energy supply and transmission system

 

·                  Laboratory

 

·                  Mine workshops, maintenance facilities, and warehouses

 

18-1



 

19 MARKET STUDIES AND CONTRACTS

 

MARKETS

 

The principal commodities produced at El Peñón are gold and silver in the form of doré bars, which are freely traded, at prices that are widely known, so that prospects for sale of any production are virtually assured.

 

CONTRACTS

 

The El Peñón mine operation has approximately 105 contracts in place that date from 1998 for the mine power supply, for example, and through to 2018 for smaller contracts. The largest of these contracts include the power supply, camp catering services, fuel supply, cyanide supply, ore haulage and tailings transport, underground development, and mine explosive supplies. The list of the 12 most important contracts from a value standpoint are shown in Table 19-1. These 12 contracts account for 86% of the total contract value.

 

TABLE 19-1 SUMMARY OF MAJOR CONTRACTS
Yamana Gold Inc. - El Peñón Mine

 

Year

 

Company

 

Service Provided

 

Remaining Life
(Months)

1998

 

Gas Atacama

 

Electrical Power Supply

 

16.60

2010

 

E.I. Du Pont

 

Cyanide Supplier

 

23.77

2012

 

Compañia De Transporte Ventrosa Ltda

 

Personnel Transport Services

 

20.20

2012

 

Flota Hualpen Ltda.

 

Buses Lease

 

26.80

2015

 

Master Drillings S.A

 

Raise Boring

 

0.47

2015

 

Sodexho Chile S.A.

 

Catering and Camp Services

 

29.83

2016

 

Petrobras Chile Distribucion Limitada

 

Fuel Supply Services

 

38.40

2016

 

Ingenieria Montaje y Serv. Patagonia Ltda

 

Ore, Tailings Loading and Transport Services

 

22.73

2016

 

Sodexho Chile S.A.

 

Garbage

 

29.83

2017

 

AK Drilling International Perforaciones LTDA.

 

Diamond and Reverse Circulation Drilling

 

35.97

2017

 

Orica Chile S.A.

 

Explosives Supplier

 

28.43

2017

 

Buses Hualpen Ltda.

 

Personnel Transport Services

 

50.10

 

RPA did not review the contracts but considers the level of contracting to be within industry norms for Chilean operations.

 

19-1



 

20 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, PERMITTING, AND SOCIAL OR COMMUNITY IMPACT

 

The El Peñón mine is located approximately 165 km to the southeast of Antofagasta at an altitude that ranges between 1,600 MASL and 1,800 MASL. There are no populated areas or centers located close to the mine. The area has a desert climate, characterized by extreme aridity, absence of humidity and very low rainfall. Temperatures in this area range typically between -5°C and 30°C. Other characteristics of the area are:

 

·                  Soil of very limited usefulness (class VIII).

 

·                  Total absence of any form of plant life.

 

·                  Extremely scarce wildlife, with only eight species recognized in the EIA.

 

·                  No permanent water courses at surface.

 

·                  Existence of fossil water, with low recharge potential below a water table at approximately 1,600 MASL.

 

There are seven archaeological sites considered of high relevance, due to their representative nature of the nitrate mining (industrial archeology) in the area.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

 

RPA understands that El Peñón is operating within environmental compliance with no outstanding environmental citations. Environmental monitoring is ongoing at the operations and will continue over the life of the mine. Key monitoring that is currently done includes water, air, noise, soil, impact on wildlife, and heritage and management. Monitoring activities and the monitoring frequency are summarized in Table 20-1.

 

20-1



 

TABLE 20-1 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
Yamana Gold Inc. – El Peñón Mine

 

Monitoring

 

Frequency

 

Parameter

 

Area/Equipment

 

 

 

 

Daily

 

Chlorine, Cyanide,

 

Campsite Cafeteria,

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity, pH

 

Osmosis Plant

 

 

 

 

Monthly

 

Drinking Water

 

Osmosis Plant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recreation Room

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Campsite cafeteria

 

 

Drinking Water

 

 

 

Cyanide

 

Ex camp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Refinery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process Plant Dry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Osmosis Plant

Water

 

 

 

Semi-annually

 

Drinking Water

 

Process Plant Dry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Campsite Cafeteria

 

 

 

 

Weekly

 

Flow

 

 

 

 

Water Well

 

Monthly

 

Flow/Phreatic Level

 

Laguna Seca Area

 

 

 

 

Semi-annually

 

Water Quality

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly

 

Flow

 

 

 

 

Mine Drainage

 

Monthly

 

Flow, pH

 

Mining Levels

 

 

 

 

Semi-annually

 

Water Quality

 

 

 

 

Sewage

 

Monthly

 

Irrigation Water

 

Sewage Treatment Plant

 

 

 

 

Semi-annually

 

Characterization

 

Equipment Washing Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meteorology

 

Daily

 

Various

 

Campsite, PAV

 

 

Air Quality

 

 

 

 

 

Campsite, PAV,

 

 

 

 

Every 3 days

 

MP 10-MP2.5

 

Laguna Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bloque Norte area

Air

 

Isokinetics

 

 

 

Inorganics

 

Refinery Furnace

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laboratory Furnace

 

 

 

 

Annually

 

 

 

Refinery Furnace

 

 

Emission Statement

 

 

 

DS138

 

Laboratory Furnace

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electrical Plant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Generators

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noise

 

Exposure

 

Biannually

 

Maximum levels

 

Campsite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily

 

Free Cyanide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Cyanide

 

Tailings Storage Area

Soil

 

Tailings

 

Every 15 days

 

Chemical and Physical Characterization

 

 

 

 

 

Annual

 

Chemical and Physical Characterization

 

Tailings Storage Area

 

 

Well Monitoring

 

Monthly

 

Humidity

 

Dump, Tailings retention ponds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biology

 

Wildlife

 

Semi-annually
Annually

 

Inspection
Survey

 

Wildlife Protection System Mine area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heritage

 

Archaeology

 

Semi-annually
Biannually

 

Conservation Inspection

 

Archaeology Sites

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management

 

 

 

Daily

 

 

El Peñón

 

Waste Collection

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hazardous Waste

 

Hazardous Waste Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scrap Removal

 

Nonhazardous waste area

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sludge Disposal

 

Washing Slab

 

 

Waste

 

Weekly

 

 

Ventilation Ducts

 

Nonhazardous waste area

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tires

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Battery Removal

 

Hazardous Waste Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

TK Accumulation

 

Used Oil Disposal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mine Contractors

 

 

Inspections

 

Monthly

 

SGA Requirements

 

Geology Contractors Meridian Areas

 

20-2



 

PROJECT PERMITTING

 

The El Peñón project entered the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA), through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which was approved by Exempt Resolution No. 043 in 1998. During the operation, 21 declarations of environmental impact (DIA), associated with transport and handling of hazardous substances, infrastructure for waste management, extensions of mine exploitation areas, process plant optimization, backup power generation, and tailings storage area expansion, have undergone the SEIA.

 

El Peñón has a number of operating permits in place. The Regulatory Organizations that have issued these operating permits are as follows:

 

·                  Comision de Monumentos Nacionales (CMN)

 

·                  Ministerio Agricultura (MAGR)

 

·                  Comision Regional de Medio Ambiente (COREMA)

 

·                  Superintendencia de Electricidad y Combustibles (SEC)

 

·                  Servicio National de Geologia y Mineria (SERNAGEOMIN)

 

·                  Servicio de Salud de Antofagasta (SSA)

 

·                  Direccion General Aguas (DGA)

 

·                  Ministerio de Defensa Nacional (MDN)

 

·                  Ilustre Municipalidad Antofagasta (IMA)

 

Some of the main permits are listed in Table 20-2.

 

20-3



 

TABLE 20-2 PERMIT STATUS
Yamana
Gold Inc. – El Peñón Mine

 

Permit

 

Item

 

Effective Date

Resolution 043-98 El Peñón Project

 

Health Report

 

2000

 

Land Use Change

 

1998

 

Tailings Storage

 

1998

 

Waste Dumps

 

1999

 

Construction Waste Disposal

 

1998

 

Household Waste Disposal

 

1999

 

Sewage Treatment and Disposal

 

1999

Resolution 086-99 Power Supply to El Peñón

 

Power Supply

 

NA

Resolution 0179-02 Explosives Handling

 

Explosives

 

NA

Resolution 050-03 Extension of Underground Mine Exploitation

 

Mine Expansion

 

NA

Resolution 0163-07 Expansion and Optimization El Peñón Mine

 

Tailings Storage Area Construction

 

NA

Resolution 0192-07 Exploitation Fortuna Area

 

Waste Dumps

 

2007

 

Sewage Treatment and Disposal

 

2008

 

Land Use Change

 

2007

RCA0106 Extension of Bonanza and Expansion of Transport and Handling of Explosives

 

Waste Dumps

 

2015

 

Sewage Treatment and Disposal

 

NA

 

Household Waste Treatment and Disposal

 

NA

 

Industrial Qualification

 

2012

 

Land Use Change

 

2011

Resolution 0270-10 Expansion of Tailings Storage Area

 

Tailings Storage Area Construction

 

2010

RCA0233-12 Open Pit Mine Exploitation Pampa Augusta Victoria

 

Waste Dumps

 

2013

 

Construction Waste Disposal

 

2013

 

Mining Waste Disposal

 

2013

 

Sewage Treatment and Disposal

 

2012

 

Household Waste Disposal

 

2013

 

Industrial Qualification

 

2014

 

Land Use Change

 

2013

 

Control of Water Courses

 

2013

RCA0229-14 Underground Mine Exploitation Pampa Augusta Victoria

 

Waste Dumps

 

2015

 

Sewage Treatment and Disposal

 

2012

 

Industrial Qualification

 

2012

 

Land Use Change

 

2014

 

SOCIAL OR COMMUNITY REQUIREMENTS

 

Yamana’s social and community activities in the El Peñón district include the following:

 

·              Excellent community and stakeholder relations

 

·              Open door policy

 

·              Support of medical services in Taltal

 

·              High school and college scholarships

 

20-4



 

·              Donations in infrastructure and services

 

·              Partnerships with local groups to provide economic development

 

MINE CLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

 

A full closure plan has been submitted but has not been yet accepted by the government (Sernageomin). The process to complete this task is ongoing.

 

On August 1, 2016, the current “Technical Report on the Remaining Life of Mine”, hereinafter referred to as Remaining Life of Mine Report, was issued to comply with Chilean Law No. 20819, which amends Act No. 20551 on the Closure of Mining Operations and Facilities, specifically in its Article 3 (q) and Article 13 (d) and of Supreme Decree No. 41 which approves Regulation of the Law on Closure of Mining Operations and Facilities, specifically in its Article 7 (d), Article 13 letter g and Article 96.

 

At the effective date of the Remaining Life of Mine Report, the estimated life of mine was 7.2 years. It is important to note that the previously stated mine life was calculated in compliance with Chilean Law 20551, which requires that, for mining companies whose purpose is the extraction or benefit of one or more mineral deposits, and whose mineral extraction capacity exceeds 10,000 tonnes per month (tpm) and is less than or equal to 500,000 tpm, the life of the mining operation will be calculated according to the available Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources certified by a Competent Person as defined in the Chilean “Code for Reporting Exploration Results, Resources and Mineral Reserves”, according with Chilean Law 20235.

 

Once the full closure plan is approved, financial guarantees must be constituted in order to assure the full and timely fulfillment of the closing obligations. For mining operations with an estimated mine life of less than 20 years, the total of the guarantees must be constituted within two-thirds of that estimated period.

 

The current closure cost estimate is US$45.4 million, which includes $24.7 million for direct costs, $4.9 million for administration of the closure, $0.9 million for monitoring and control, $7.6 million for a 25% contingency, and $7.3 million for Chilean Sales Tax.

 

20-5



 

21 CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS

 

CAPITAL COSTS

 

PRE-PRODUCTION CAPITAL

 

The El Peñón mine has been in operation for many years, hence there are no pre-production capital costs.

 

SUSTAINING CAPITAL

 

The sustaining capital costs to be incurred during the LOM for the El Peñón mine is shown in Table 21-1. In RPA’s opinion, the sustaining capital costs are reasonable.

 

TABLE 21-1 SUSTAINING CAPITAL COSTS (US$000)
Yamana Gold Inc. – El Peñón Mine

 

Description

 

Total

 

Capital Development

 

107,901

 

Equipment, Machinery

 

32,508

 

Infrastructure, Bldgs.

 

8,408

 

Reclamation and Closure

 

45,375

 

Total

 

194,192

 

 

As noted, the bulk of the sustaining capital costs are for mine development to access production areas on a continuous basis in order to meet production requirements for the Reserves. In addition to the sustaining capital costs presented above, Yamana has planned a total of 177,000 m of drilling from 2018 to 2020, at a budgeted cost of US$36,000,000 to achieve its resources conversion objectives. Yamana considers allocating additional discretionary exploration to this program funding based on results.

 

OPERATING COSTS

 

The 2017 operating costs are shown in Table 21-2.

 

21-1



 

TABLE 21-2 MINE OPERATING COSTS DECEMBER 31, 2017 (YTD)
Yamana Gold Inc. – El Peñón Mine

 

Cost Item

 

Actual

 

Budget

 

Variance

 

 

 

US$/t

 

US$/t

 

US$/t

 

Labour

 

60.13

 

51.28

 

8.85

 

Operational Materials

 

30.93

 

28.56

 

2.37

 

Maintenance Materials

 

11.13

 

10.05

 

1.08

 

Other Operating

 

47.13

 

50.07

 

(2.94

)

G&A Expenses

 

8.01

 

8.44

 

(0.44

)

Other Expenses

 

(3.11

)

(3.17

)

0.06

 

Total

 

154.22

 

145.23

 

8.99

 

Tonnes (000)

 

1,041

 

1,040

 

1.5

 

 

As seen on Table 21-2, the 2017 operating costs were 6% above the budget estimates, mainly impacted by differences between FX budget assumptions and actual variations during the year. RPA recommends that the mine continue its programs to reduce costs and meet forecasts.

 

The projected operating costs for the LOM plan are shown in Table 21-3.

 

TABLE 21-3 MINE OPERATING COSTS FOR LOM
Yamana Gold Inc. – El Peñón Mine

 

Area

 

Total

 

Tonnes Milled (000)

 

4,331

 

Mine

 

449,820

 

Plant

 

118,596

 

G&A

 

69,187

 

Total

 

637,603

 

Unit Cost/t

 

147.20

 

 

The LOM forecasted costs reflect the current operating cost the mine is experiencing. A portion of the mine development (25%) is included in the sustaining capital budget, which in RPA’s opinion, is reasonable.

 

MANPOWER

 

Manpower for the El Peñón mine is shown in Table 21-4.

 

21-2



 

TABLE 21-4 MANPOWER LIST
Yamana Gold Inc. – El Peñón Mine

 

Area

 

No. Persons

Mine (Operations and Maintenance)

 

871

Plant (Operations and Maintenance)

 

92

Administrative (G&A, Overhead, and Exploration)

 

131

Contractors

 

1,426

Total

 

2,520

 

The scheduled rotations for the mine departments are as follows:

 

·                       Administrative: A week Monday to Friday and followed by a second week Monday to Thursday (8 am to 6 pm).

 

·                       Mine operations 7 days on, 7 days off (12-hour shifts)

 

·                       Plant operations 4 days on, 4 days off (12-hour shifts)

 

·                       Contractors: various schedules: typical 4 days on 4 days off; 7 days on 7 days off, and/or 10 days on 10 days off.

 

Yamana, via subsidiary Meridian, has four collective bargaining agreements in place:

 

1.)          El Sindicato de Trabajadores No. 2 de Empresa Mineral Meridian Ltda. RSV No. 02010730. From February 17, 2017 for duration of 48 months (164 persons).

 

2.)          El Sindicato de Trabajadores No. 1 Meridian El Peñón RSV No. 02010555. From January 11, 2017 for duration of 40 months (87 persons).

 

3.)          El Sindicato de Trabajadores Supervisores Minera Meridian Ltda. From November 9, 2016 for a duration of 42 months (30 persons).

 

4.)          El Sindicato de Trabajadores Minera Meridian El Peñón. From October 13, 2014 for a duration of 48 months (130 plant personnel and 86 mine personnel).

 

21-3



 

22 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

 

This section is not required as Yamana is a producing issuer, the property is currently in production, and there is no material expansion of current production.

 

RPA completed an after-tax Cash Flow Projection generated from the LOM production schedule and capital and operating cost estimates and confirms the positive economics of the Mineral Reserves in this report. The cash flow was prepared using the stated Mineral Reserves metal prices and cut-off grades.

 

22-1



 

23 ADJACENT PROPERTIES

 

El Peñón is the principal mineral property in the area, and RPA is not aware of any other significant exploration properties in the immediate vicinity of the mine.

 

23-1



 

24 OTHER RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION

 

No additional information or explanation is necessary to make this Technical Report understandable and not misleading.

 

24-1



 

25 INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS

 

RPA offers the following conclusions:

 

RISKS

 

·                       The mine has been in production for 18 years and is a mature operation. In RPA’s opinion, there are not any significant risks and uncertainties that could reasonably be expected to affect the reliability or confidence in the exploration information, Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve estimates, or projected economic outcomes.

 

GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

 

·                       The deposits at El Peñón are low to intermediate epithermal gold-silver deposits, hosted in steeply dipping fault-controlled veins following rhyolite dome emplacement. Gold and silver mineralization comprises disseminations of electrum, native gold and silver, acanthite, silver sulphosalts and halides, plus accessory pyrite occurring with quartz, adularia, carbonates, and clay minerals.

 

·                       There are 22 main vein zones and many subsidiary veins in nine vein systems that have supported, support currently, or are planned to support surface and underground mining operations. Vein widths range from decimetre-scale to over 20 m. Individual mineralized shoots measure from less than one kilometre to four kilometres in strike length, and up to 350 m in the down-dip direction.

 

·                       Sampling and assaying are adequately completed and have been generally carried out using industry standard QA/QC practices. The sample preparation, analysis, and security procedures at El Peñón are suitable for use in the estimation of Mineral Resources.

 

·                       To avoid sample sharing between spatially close structures, each independent splay or parallel vein is considered an independent estimation domain. Spatially disconnected splay wireframes were flagged as separate estimation domains. In RPA’s opinion, this improved interpretation technique will result in fewer tonnes, but better defined resources than previous estimates.

 

·                       The Mineral Resource estimate is appropriate for the style of mineralization and the resource models are reasonable and acceptable to support the Mineral Resource estimates.

 

·                       For these estimations, Yamana used a stope optimizer to determine potential economic viability of resource blocks. This resulted in a more realistic estimate of resources remaining after reserve estimation.

 

·                       The Measured plus Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated to be 1, 427,600 t at 6.92 g/t Au and 217.0 g/t Ag containing 317,800 oz of gold and 9,962,000 oz of silver. Inferred Mineral Resources are estimated at 17,469,000 t at 1.7 g/t Au and 60 g/t Ag containing 960,000 oz of gold and 33,506,000 oz of silver. RPA notes that the

 

25-1



 

resources are reasonable, are in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) definitions, and are disclosed in compliance with NI 43-101.

 

·                       Exploration potential exists to infill resources in the mines, to discover extensions of current deposits, and to discover new deposits in the El Peñón district.

 

MINING AND MINERAL RESERVES

 

·                       In RPA’s opinion, the conversion process of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves is robust and ensures each SMU has positive economic value.

 

·                       The Proven plus Probable Mineral Reserves are estimated to be 4,393,600 t at 5.41 g/t Au and 166.9 g/t Ag containing 763,800 oz of gold and 23,578,400 oz of silver. RPA notes that the reserves are reasonable, and are in accordance with CIM definitions.

 

·                       Mineral Reserves include small quantities of open pit and low-grade stockpile material.

 

·                       The amount of additional material mined from Mineral Resources and also from outside of the block model has been reduced over the last several years as a result of improved planning procedures.

 

·                       Reconciliation of the long term and short-term plans for Mineral Reserves shows that the variances are improving. Yamana is using the SMU approach for mine planning and Mineral Reserve estimation and has improved the block modelling procedures, which in turn has improved the quality of mine planning and consequently more accurate overall results. In RPA’s opinion, the reconciliation is within reasonable limits and efforts to track reconciliation should continue on a regular basis.

 

·                       In RPA’s opinion, El Peñón’s forecast mine and plant production targets are attainable and reasonable and the procedures used to forecast the LOM plan are reasonable. Forecast gold production averages 150,000 oz from 2018 to 2021 and declines to 91,000 oz in 2022. Forecast silver production averages 4,307,000 oz from 2018 to 2021 and declines to 2,639,000 oz in 2022.

 

METALLURGY AND MINERAL PROCESSING

 

·                       The plant operation has been operating well, with tonnages being generally consistent over the last few years, declining in 2017, as result of the rightsizing of the operation in late 2016. Changes in recoveries of both gold and silver have been in line with the changes in head grade, and have been somewhat higher in 2017 due to reduced throughput.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

 

·                       All required permits for operation have been granted, or applied for, with reasonable expectation of being granted in due course.

 

25-2



 

CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS

 

·                       The total capital expenditures estimated by Yamana for the LOM operations are $194 million in sustaining capital, including mine development (56%), equipment and infrastructure (21%), and reclamation and closure (23%). These costs include mine and plant costs as well as administration capital, but do not include working capital, exploration or any future expansions. RPA is of the opinion that the total estimated capital expenditures for the mine are reasonable based on the calculated Mineral Reserves.

 

·                       A total of 177,000 m of drilling is planned for 2018 to 2020 at a budgeted cost of US$36,000,000. Yamana considers allocating additional discretionary exploration funding based on success

 

·                       Operating costs are forecast to average US$147 per tonne over the LOM. RPA is of the opinion that the total estimated operating costs for the mine are reasonable.

 

25-3



 

26 RECOMMENDATIONS

 

RPA offers the following recommendations:

 

GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

 

·                       Yamana geologists have prepared a strategic drill program to infill resources, complete local exploration near the mines, and to continue district exploration. The amount of drilling proposed is based on the past success rate of adding resources at El Peñón. A total of 177,000 m of drilling is planned for 2018 to 2020 at a budgeted cost of US$36,000,000. Yamana provisions for additional discretionary funding to this program based on results. Considering the ongoing exploration successes at El Peñón over the years, RPA concurs with this proposed exploration program and recommends that it be carried out as defined.

 

MINING AND MINERAL RESERVES

 

·                       While the drifts are quite close to the planned design, the stopes were 11% larger than planned in 2017, resulting in higher than designed dilution rates. The equivalent of overbreak/slough (ELOS) design of 0.25 m should be monitored going forward to assess whether adjustment of the ELOS is warranted.

 

·                       The extraction rate for stopes is set at 100% for the majority (86%) of the stopes resulting in an average extraction rate of near 98%. Mine staff apply an extraction factor, which averages approximately 95% during the mine planning process, however this should be reflected in the Mineral Reserves statement.

 

26-1



 

27 REFERENCES

 

Bottinelli, O. C. A., and Valencia, A. M. E., 2016, Informe Técnico de Vida Útil de la Operación Minera (para Ley N° 20.551 sobre Cierre de Faenas e Instalaciones Mineras); Ley N° 20.819 que modifica Ley N° 20.551; Revisión N° 3, August 1, 2016.

 

Chacón, M. E., Pérez, S. C. M., 2017, Yamana Gold, El Peñón Mine, Region of Antofagasta, Chile, NI 43-101 Technical Report, 144 pp., May 23, 2017.

 

Collins, S. E., Moore, C. M., and Scott, K C., 2010, Technical Report on the El Peñón Mine, Northern Chile, prepared for Yamana Gold Inc., 132 pp., December 7, 2010.

 

Cornejo, P.; Mpodozis, C.; Rivera, O. & Matthews, S.J. (2006): Carta Exploradora, Regiones de Antofagasta y Atacama. Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN), Santiago, Chile, Carta Geológica de Chile, Serie Geológica Básica, 1:100.000.

 

Donoso, F. (2012): Caracterización Mineralógica de las vetas Bonanza-Aleste y sus implicancias geometalúrgicas, Mina El Peñón, Región de Antofagasta, Memoria para optar al título de Geólogo, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile.

 

Jorquera, H., 2016, QAQC Annual Report 2016, prepared for Minera Meridian Ltda., 36 pp., December 15, 2016.

 

Minera Meridian Ltda., 2017, various presentations, procedures, and spreadsheets for El Peñón Mine.

 

Octal Ingeniería y Desarrollo and Magri Consultores Limitada, 2015, Actualización de modelos variográficos — El Peñón, prepared for Yamana Gold Inc., August 5, 2015.

 

Órdenes, J. (2014): Influencia de la Mineralogía de la veta Bonanza en el Procesos Hidrometalúrgico de Lixiviación de Au y Ag, Yacimiento El Peñón, Chile. Tesis para optar al grado de Magíster en Geometalurgia. Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile, 168 p.

 

Pearson, J. L., and Rennie, D. W., 2008, Technical Report on the El Peñón Mine, Chile, Resource Audit, prepared for Yamana Gold Inc., 130 pp., February 11, 2008.

 

Pérez, M. (1999): Alteración Hidrotermal en el Depósito Epitermal de Au-Ag El Peñón, II Región Antofagasta. Memoria para optar al título de Geólogo. Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile, 109 p.

 

Robbins, C.H. (2000): Geology of El Peñón Gold-silver Deposit, Northern Chile: The Great Basin and beyond, Geological Society of Nevada, Symposium, Reno 2000, Proceedings, pp. 249-264.

 

Warren, I. (2005): Geology, Geochemistry and Ore of the El Peñón Epithermal Au-Ag Deposit, Northern Chile: Characteristics of a bonanza-grade deposit and techniques for exploration. PhD Thesis – Geology, University of Auckland.

 

27-1



 

Warren, I., Zuluaga, J. I., Robbins, C. H., Wulftange, W. H., and Simmons, S. F., 2004, Geology and Geochemistry of Epithermal Au-Ag Mineralization in the El Peñón District, Northern Chile; Society of Economic Geologists, Special Publication 11, pp. 113-139.

 

Vega, A. M., 2015, QAQC Annual Report 2015, prepared for Minera Meridian Ltda., 46 pp., December 15, 2015.

 

Vega, A. M., 2014, QAQC Annual Report 2014, prepared for Minera Meridian Ltda., 34 pp., November, 2014.

 

Zuluaga, J.I. (2004): Geología y Mineralización del Distrito El Peñón, Segunda Región de Antofagasta, Chile. Tesis de Magíster en Geología Económica, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile, 150 p.

 

27-2


 


 

28 DATE AND SIGNATURE PAGE

 

This report titled “Technical Report on the El Peñón Mine, Antofagasta Region (II), Chile” dated March 2, 2018 was prepared and signed by the following authors:

 

 

(Signed and Sealed) “Holger Krutzelmann”

 

 

 

 

Dated at Toronto, ON

Holger Krutzelmann

March 2, 2018

Principal Metallurgist

 

 

 

 

 

(Signed and Sealed) “Normand Lecuyer”

 

 

 

 

Dated at Toronto, ON

Normand Lecuyer, P.Eng

March 2, 2018

Principal Mining Engineer

 

 

 

 

 

(Signed and Sealed) “Chester M. Moore”

 

 

 

 

Dated at Toronto, ON

Chester M. Moore, P.Eng.

March 2, 2018

Principal Geologist

 

28-1



 

29 CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFIED PERSON

 

HOLGER KRUTZELMANN

 

I, Holger Krutzelmann, P. Eng., as an author of this report entitled “Technical Report on the El Peñón Mine, Antofagasta Region (II), Chile” prepared for Yamana Gold Inc. and dated of March 2, 2018, do hereby certify that:

 

1.              I am Associate Principal Metallurgist with Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. of Suite 501, 55 University Ave Toronto, ON, M5J 2H7.

 

2.              I am a graduate of Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada in 1978 with a B.Sc. degree in Mining Engineering (Mineral Processing).

 

3.              I am registered as a Professional Engineer with Professional Engineers Ontario (Reg. #90455304). I have worked in the mineral processing field, in operating, metallurgical, managerial; and engineering functions, for a total of 38 years since my graduation. My relevant experience for the purpose of the Technical Report is:

 

·                       Reviews and reports as a metallurgical consultant on a number of mining operations and projects for due diligence and financial monitoring requirements.

·                       Senior Metallurgist/Project Manager on numerous gold and base metal studies for a leading Canadian engineering company.

·                       Management and operational experience at several Canadian and U.S. milling operations treating various metals, including copper, zinc, gold and silver.

 

4.              I have read the definition of “qualified person” set out in National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) and certify that by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association (as defined in NI 43-101) and past relevant work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a “qualified person” for the purposes of NI 43-101.

 

5.              I have not visited the Project.

 

6.              I am responsible for Sections 13, 17, and 18 and contributed to Sections 1, 25, 26, and 27 of the Technical Report.

 

7.              I am independent of the Issuer applying the test set out in Section 1.5 of NI 43-101.

 

8.              I have had no prior involvement with the property that is the subject of the Technical Report.

 

9.              I have read NI 43-101, and the Technical Report has been prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 and Form 43-101F1.

 

29-1



 

10.       At the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the Sections for which I am responsible in the Technical Report contain all scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading.

 

Dated this 2nd day of March, 2018.

 

(Signed and Sealed) “Holger Krutzelmann”

 

Holger Krutzelmann, P.Eng.

 

29-2



 

NORMAND L. LECUYER

 

I, Normand L. Lecuyer, P.Eng., as an author of this report entitled “Technical Report on the El Peñón Mine, Antofagasta Region (II), Chile” prepared for Yamana Gold Inc. and dated March 2, 2018, do hereby certify that:

 

1.              I am Principal Mining Engineer with Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. of Suite 501, 55 University Ave Toronto, ON, M5J 2H7.

 

2.              I am a graduate of Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada, in 1976 with a B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in Mining Engineering.

 

3.              I am registered as a Professional Engineer in the provinces of Ontario (Reg. #26055251) and Québec (Reg. #34914). I have worked as a mining engineer for approximately 38 years since my graduation. My relevant experience for the purpose of the Technical Report is:

 

·                  Review and report as a consultant on numerous exploration and mining projects around the world for due diligence and regulatory requirements.

·                  Vice-President Operations for a number of mining companies.

·                  Mine Manager at an underground gold mine in Northern Ontario, Canada.

·                  Manager of Mining/Technical Services at a number of base-metal mines in Canada and North Africa.

·                  Vice-President Engineering at two gold operations in the Abitibi area of Quebec, Canada.

 

4.              I have read the definition of “qualified person” set out in National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) and certify that by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association (as defined in NI 43-101) and past relevant work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a “qualified person” for the purposes of NI 43-101.

 

5.              I visited El Peñón on August 7 to 9, 2017, and previously visited the operations from November 13 to 16, 2007.

 

6.              I am responsible for Sections 15, 16, 19, and 21 and contributed to Sections 1, 25, 26, and 27 of the Technical Report.

 

7.              I am independent of the Issuer applying the test set out in Section 1.5 of NI 43-101.

 

8.              I have previously prepared a Mineral Reserve audit report on the El Peñón mine that is described in this Technical Report.

 

9.              I have read NI 43-101, and the Technical Report has been prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 and Form 43-101F1.

 

29-3



 

10.       At the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the Sections for which I am responsible in the Technical Report contains/contain all scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading.

 

Dated this 2nd day of March, 2018.

 

(Signed and Sealed) “Normand Lecuyer”

 

Normand L. Lecuyer, P.Eng.

 

29-4



 

CHESTER M. MOORE

 

I, Chester M. Moore, P.Eng., as an author of this report entitled “Technical Report on the El Peñón Mine, Antofagasta Region (II), Chile” prepared for Yamana Gold Inc. and dated March 2, 2018, do hereby certify that:

 

1.              I am Principal Geologist with Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. of Suite 501, 55 University Ave Toronto, ON, M5J 2H7.

 

2.              I am a graduate of the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1972 with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Geological Engineering.

 

3.              I am registered as a Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario (Reg. #32455016). I have worked as a geologist for 44 years since my graduation. My relevant experience for the purpose of the Technical Report is:

 

·                  Mineral Resource and Reserve estimation, feasibility studies, due diligence, corporate review and audit on exploration projects and mining operations world wide

·                  Various advanced exploration and mine geology positions at base metal and gold mining operations in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan

·                  Director, Mineral Reserve Estimation and Reporting at the corporate offices of a major Canadian base metal producer

 

4.              I have read the definition of “qualified person” set out in National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) and certify that by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association (as defined in NI 43-101) and past relevant work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a “qualified person” for the purposes of NI 43-101.

 

5.              I visited El Peñón on August 7 to 9, 2017, and previously visited the operations from December 7 to 9, 2009, and on November 13 to 16, 2007.

 

6.              I am responsible for Sections 2 to 12, 14, 20, 23, and 24 and contributed to Sections 1, 25, 26, and 27 of the Technical Report.

 

7.              I am independent of the Issuer applying the test set out in Section 1.5 of NI 43-101.

 

8.              I have previously prepared Technical Reports on the El Peñón mine that is described in this Technical Report

 

9.              I have read NI 43-101, and the Technical Report has been prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 and Form 43-101F1.

 

10.       At the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the Sections for which I am responsible in the Technical Report contain all contains all scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading.

 

Dated this 2nd day of March, 2018.

 

(Signed and Sealed) “Chester M. Moore”

 

Chester M. Moore, P.Eng.

 

29-5



 

30 APPENDIX 1

 

LAND TENURE

 

30-1



 

TABLE 30-1 EL PEÑÓN EXPLOITATION CLAIM LIST
Yamana Gold Inc. – El
Peñón Property

 

 

 

Property Name

 

National Roll

 

Area (ha)

 

Validity

1

 

AURIA 10 1 AL 60

 

02201-5122-0

 

60

 

Indefinite

2

 

AURIA 11 1 AL 60

 

02201-5123-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

3

 

AURIA 4 1 AL 60

 

02201-5120-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

4

 

AURIA 5 1 AL 60

 

02201-5121-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

5

 

AZUL 01 1-10

 

02201-2619-6

 

100

 

Indefinite

6

 

AZUL 02 1-10

 

02201-2620-K

 

100

 

Indefinite

7

 

AZUL 03 1-10

 

02201-2621-8

 

100

 

Indefinite

8

 

AZUL 04 1-10

 

02201-2622-6

 

100

 

Indefinite

9

 

AZUL 05 1-10

 

02201-2623-4

 

100

 

Indefinite

10

 

AZUL 06 1-10

 

02201-2624-2

 

100

 

Indefinite

11

 

AZUL 07 1-10

 

02201-2625-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

12

 

AZUL 08 1-10

 

02201-2626-9

 

100

 

Indefinite

13

 

AZUL 09 1-10

 

02201-2627-7

 

100

 

Indefinite

14

 

AZUL 10 1-10

 

02201-2628-5

 

100

 

Indefinite

15

 

AZUL 11 1-10

 

02201-2629-3

 

100

 

Indefinite

16

 

AZUL 12 1-10

 

02201-2630-7

 

100

 

Indefinite

17

 

AZUL 13 1-10

 

02201-2631-5

 

100

 

Indefinite

18

 

AZUL 14 1-10

 

02201-2632-3

 

100

 

Indefinite

19

 

AZUL 15 1-10

 

02201-2633-1

 

100

 

Indefinite

20

 

AZUL 16 1-10

 

02201-2634-K

 

100

 

Indefinite

21

 

AZUL 17 1-10

 

02201-2635-8

 

100

 

Indefinite

22

 

AZUL 18 1-5

 

02201-2636-6

 

50

 

Indefinite

23

 

AZUL 19 1-10

 

02201-2637-4

 

100

 

Indefinite

24

 

AZUL 22 1-5

 

02201-2640-4

 

50

 

Indefinite

25

 

AZUL 23 1-10

 

02201-2641-2

 

100

 

Indefinite

26

 

AZUL 24 1-10

 

02201-2642-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

27

 

BLANCA 1, 1 AL 30

 

02201-5721-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

28

 

BLANCA 1, 1 AL 20

 

02201-4370-8

 

100

 

Indefinite

29

 

BLANCA 10 1 AL 30

 

02201-5727-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

30

 

BLANCA 11 1 AL 20

 

02201-5728-8

 

200

 

Indefinite

31

 

BLANCA 12 1 AL 20

 

02201-5729-6

 

200

 

Indefinite

32

 

BLANCA 13 1 AL 20

 

02201-5730-K

 

200

 

Indefinite

33

 

BLANCA 14 1 AL 30

 

02201-5731-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

34

 

BLANCA 15 1 AL 30

 

02201-5732-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

35

 

BLANCA 16 1 AL 30

 

02201-5733-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

36

 

BLANCA 17 1 AL 30

 

02201-5734-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

37

 

BLANCA 18 1 AL 30

 

02201-5735-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

38

 

BLANCA 3 1 AL 30

 

02201-5722-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

39

 

BLANCA 5 1 AL 20

 

02201-5723-7

 

200

 

Indefinite

40

 

BLANCA 7 1 AL 30

 

02201-5724-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

41

 

BLANCA 8 1 AL 30

 

02201-5725-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

42

 

BLANCA 9 1 AL 30

 

02201-5726-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

 

30-2



 

 

 

Property Name

 

National Roll

 

Area (ha)

 

Validity

43

 

BLANCO CHIQUILLA 2 1 AL 30

 

02201-6498-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

44

 

BLANCO NORTE 110 1 AL 30

 

02201-6524

 

300

 

Indefinite

45

 

BLANCO NORTE 2B 1 AL 20

 

02201-6218-4

 

200

 

Indefinite

46

 

BLANCO NORTE 3B 1 AL 20

 

02201-6215-K

 

200

 

Indefinite

47

 

BLANCO NORTE 4B 1 AL 10

 

02201-6216-8

 

100

 

Indefinite

48

 

BLANCO NORTE 5B 1 AL 10

 

02201-6217-6

 

100

 

Indefinite

49

 

BLANCO NORTE 8 1 AL 30

 

02201-6351-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

50

 

BLANCO NORTE 9 1 AL 30

 

02201-6352-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

51

 

BLANCO SUR 1 1 AL 30

 

02201-6499-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

52

 

BLANCO SUR 10 1 AL 30

 

02201-6508-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

53

 

BLANCO SUR 2 1 AL 30

 

02201-6500-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

54

 

BLANCO SUR 3 1 AL 30

 

02201-6501-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

55

 

BLANCO SUR 4 1 AL 30

 

02201-6502-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

56

 

BLANCO SUR 5 1 AL 20

 

02201-6503-5

 

200

 

Indefinite

57

 

BLANCO SUR 6 1 AL 30

 

02201-6504-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

58

 

BLANCO SUR 7 1 AL 30

 

02201-6505-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

59

 

BLANCO SUR 8 1 AL 30

 

02201-6506-K

 

200

 

Indefinite

60

 

BLANCO SUR 9 1 AL 30

 

02201-6507-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

61

 

CERRO AZUL 01 1-5

 

02201-2704-4

 

50

 

Indefinite

62

 

CERRO AZUL 02 1-10

 

02201-2705-2

 

100

 

Indefinite

63

 

CERRO AZUL 03 1-5

 

02201-2706-0

 

50

 

Indefinite

64

 

CERRO AZUL 04 1-10

 

02201-2707-9

 

100

 

Indefinite

65

 

CERRO AZUL 05 1-10

 

02201-2708-7

 

100

 

Indefinite

66

 

CERRO AZUL 06 1-10

 

02201-2709-5

 

100

 

Indefinite

67

 

CERRO AZUL 07 1-5

 

02201-2710-9

 

50

 

Indefinite

68

 

CERRO AZUL 08 1-10

 

02201-2711-7

 

100

 

Indefinite

69

 

CERRO AZUL 09 1-10

 

02201-2712-5

 

100

 

Indefinite

70

 

CERRO AZUL 10 1-10

 

02201-2713-3

 

100

 

Indefinite

71

 

CERRO AZUL 11 1-10

 

02201-2714-1

 

100

 

Indefinite

72

 

CERRO AZUL 12 1-5

 

02201-2715-K

 

50

 

Indefinite

73

 

CERRO AZUL 13 1-5

 

02201-2716-8

 

50

 

Indefinite

74

 

CERRO AZUL 14 1-10

 

02201-2717-6

 

100

 

Indefinite

75

 

CERRO AZUL 15 1-10

 

02201-2718-4

 

100

 

Indefinite

76

 

CERRO AZUL 16 1-5

 

02201-2719-2

 

50

 

Indefinite

77

 

CERRO AZUL 17 1-10

 

02201-2720-6

 

100

 

Indefinite

78

 

CERRO AZUL 18 1-5

 

02201-2721-4

 

50

 

Indefinite

79

 

CERRO AZUL 19 1-10

 

02201-2722-2

 

100

 

Indefinite

80

 

CERRO AZUL 20 1-10

 

02201-2723-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

81

 

CERRO AZUL 21 1-10

 

02201-2724-9

 

100

 

Indefinite

82

 

CERRO AZUL 22 1-10

 

02201-2725-7

 

100

 

Indefinite

83

 

CERRO AZUL 23 1-5

 

02201-2726-5

 

50

 

Indefinite

84

 

CERRO AZUL 24 1-10

 

02201-2727-3

 

100

 

Indefinite

85

 

CERRO AZUL 25 1-10

 

02201-2728-1

 

100

 

Indefinite

86

 

CERRO AZUL 26 1-10

 

02201-2729-K

 

100

 

Indefinite

87

 

CERRO AZUL 27 1-10

 

02201-2730-3

 

100

 

Indefinite

 

30-3



 

 

 

Property Name

 

National Roll

 

Area (ha)

 

Validity

88

 

CERRO AZUL 28 1-10

 

02201-2731-1

 

100

 

Indefinite

89

 

CERRO AZUL 29 1-5

 

02201-2732-K

 

50

 

Indefinite

90

 

CERRO AZUL 30 1-10

 

02201-2733-8

 

100

 

Indefinite

91

 

CERRO AZUL 31 1-10

 

02201-2734-6

 

100

 

Indefinite

92

 

CERRO AZUL 32 1-10

 

02201-2735-4

 

100

 

Indefinite

93

 

CERRO AZUL 33 1-10

 

02201-2736-2

 

100

 

Indefinite

94

 

CERRO AZUL 34 1-10

 

02201-2737-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

95

 

CERRO AZUL 35 1-5

 

02201-2738-9

 

50

 

Indefinite

96

 

CERRO AZUL 36 1-5

 

02201-2739-7

 

50

 

Indefinite

97

 

CERRO AZUL 37 1-5

 

02201-2740-0

 

50

 

Indefinite

98

 

CERRO AZUL 38 1-5

 

02201-2741-9

 

50

 

Indefinite

99

 

CERRO AZUL 39 1-5

 

02201-2742-7

 

25

 

Indefinite

100

 

CERRO AZUL A 1-10

 

02201-2608-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

101

 

CERRO AZUL B 1-5

 

02201-2609-9

 

50

 

Indefinite

102

 

CERRO AZUL PNTE. A 1-5

 

02201-2610-2

 

50

 

Indefinite

103

 

CERRO AZUL PNTE. B 1-10

 

02201-2611-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

104

 

CERRO AZUL PNTE. C 1-10

 

02201-2612-9

 

100

 

Indefinite

105

 

CERRO AZUL PNTE. D 1-10

 

02201-2613-7

 

100

 

Indefinite

106

 

CERRO AZUL PNTE. E 1-5

 

02201-2614-5

 

50

 

Indefinite

107

 

CERRO AZUL PNTE. F 1-5

 

02201-2615-3

 

50

 

Indefinite

108

 

CERRO AZUL PNTE. G 1-5

 

02201-2616-1

 

50

 

Indefinite

109

 

CERRO AZUL PNTE. H 1-10

 

02201-2617-K

 

100

 

Indefinite

110

 

CERRO AZUL PNTE. I 1-10

 

02201-2618-8

 

100

 

Indefinite

111

 

CERRO DOS 1 AL 20

 

02201-4312-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

112

 

CERRO IMAN 1-30

 

02201-1796-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

113

 

CERRO IMAN II 1-10

 

02201-1845-2

 

100

 

Indefinite

114

 

CERRO IMAN III 1-10

 

02201-1846-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

115

 

CERRO IMAN IV 1-5

 

02201-1847-9

 

50

 

Indefinite

116

 

CERRO IMAN IX 1-10

 

02201-2315-4

 

100

 

Indefinite

117

 

CERRO IMAN SUR 1 AL 10

 

02201-2369-3

 

100

 

Indefinite

118

 

CERRO IMAN SUR 1 AL 5

 

02201-4488-7

 

50

 

Indefinite

119

 

CERRO IMAN V 1-10

 

02201-1848-7

 

100

 

Indefinite

120

 

CERRO IMAN VI 1-10

 

02201-1849-5

 

100

 

Indefinite

121

 

CERRO IMAN VII 1-10

 

02201-1850-9

 

100

 

Indefinite

122

 

CERRO IMAN VIII 1-10

 

02201-2314-6

 

100

 

Indefinite

123

 

CERRO IMAN X 1-10

 

02201-2316-2

 

100

 

Indefinite

124

 

CERRO IMAN XI 1-10

 

02201-2317-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

125

 

CERRO IMAN XII 1-10

 

02201-2318-9

 

100

 

Indefinite

126

 

CERRO IMAN XIII 1-10

 

02201-2319-7

 

100

 

Indefinite

127

 

CERRO IMAN XIV 1 AL 10

 

02201-2320-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

128

 

CERRO IMAN XV 1 AL 10

 

02201-2321-9

 

100

 

Indefinite

129

 

CERRO IMAN XVII 1-10

 

02201-2450-9

 

100

 

Indefinite

130

 

CERRO IMAN XVIII 1-15

 

02201-2366-9

 

50

 

Indefinite

131

 

CERRO UNO 1 AL 20

 

02201-4311-2

 

100

 

Indefinite

132

 

CHICA 15, 1 AL 20

 

02201-5443-2

 

200

 

Indefinite

 

30-4



 

 

 

Property Name

 

National Roll

 

Area (ha)

 

Validity

133

 

CHICA 28, 1 AL 10

 

02201-5444-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

134

 

CHICA 29, 1 AL 20

 

02201-5445-9

 

200

 

Indefinite

135

 

CHICA 30 1 AL 20

 

02201-5446-7

 

200

 

Indefinite

136

 

CHICA 31 A 1-10

 

02201-5447-5

 

75

 

Indefinite

137

 

CHICA 31 B 1-10

 

02201-5448-3

 

100

 

Indefinite

138

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA II 1-30

 

02201-4786-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

139

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA III 1 AL 30

 

02201-4787-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

140

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA IV 1-30

 

02201-4788-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

141

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA IX 1-30

 

02201-4792-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

142

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA VI 1-30

 

02201-4790-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

143

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA X 1-30

 

02201-4830-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

144

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA XI 1-30

 

02201-4793-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

145

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA XIX 1-30

 

02201-4798-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

146

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA XVI 1-30

 

02201-4832-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

147

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA XVII 1-30

 

02201-4833-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

148

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA XVIII 1-30

 

02201-4797-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

149

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA XX 1-30

 

02201-4799-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

150

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA XXIII 1-30

 

02201-4801-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

151

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA XXIX 1-30

 

02201-4804-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

152

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA XXVI 1-30

 

02201-4834-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

153

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA XXVIII 1-30

 

02201-4803-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

154

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA XXX 1-30

 

02201-4805-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

155

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA V 1-30

 

02201-4789-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

156

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA VII 1-30

 

02201-4791-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

157

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA VIII 1-30

 

02201-4829-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

158

 

CHIQUILLA CHICA XXVII 1-30

 

02201-4802-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

159

 

DOMINADOR 1, DEL 1 AL 5

 

02201-2743-5

 

50

 

Indefinite

160

 

DOMINADOR 1,1 AL 20

 

02201-3109-2

 

100

 

Indefinite

161

 

DOMINADOR 2, DEL 1 AL 5

 

02201-2744-5

 

50

 

Indefinite

162

 

DOMINADOR 2,1 AL 20

 

02201-3110-6

 

100

 

Indefinite

163

 

DOMINADOR 3,1 AL 20

 

02201-3111-4

 

100

 

Indefinite

164

 

DOMINADOR 4, DEL 1 AL 3ORED15

 

02201-2745-1

 

150

 

Indefinite

165

 

DOMINADOR 4,1 AL 10

 

02201-3112-2

 

50

 

Indefinite

166

 

EL PEÑÓN 10 1 AL 20

 

02201-3491-1

 

100

 

Indefinite

167

 

EL PEÑÓN 11 1 AL 20

 

02201-3491-1

 

100

 

Indefinite

168

 

EL PEÑÓN 12 1 AL 20

 

02201-3492-K

 

100

 

Indefinite

169

 

EL PEÑÓN 13 1 AL 30

 

02201-3494-6

 

150

 

Indefinite

170

 

EL PEÑÓN 14 1 AL 50

 

02201-3495-4

 

250

 

Indefinite

171

 

EL PEÑÓN 15 1 AL 40

 

02201-3496-2

 

200

 

Indefinite

172

 

EL PEÑÓN 16 1 AL 40

 

02201-3497-0

 

200

 

Indefinite

173

 

EL PEÑÓN 17 1 AL 10

 

02201-3498-9

 

50

 

Indefinite

174

 

EL PEÑÓN 18 1 AL 10

 

02201-3650-7

 

50

 

Indefinite

175

 

EL PEÑÓN 18 1 AL 50

 

02201-3518-7

 

250

 

Indefinite

176

 

EL PEÑÓN 19 1 AL 60

 

02201-3519-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

 

30-5



 

 

 

Property Name

 

National Roll

 

Area (ha)

 

Validity

177

 

EL PEÑÓN 20 1 AL 60

 

02201-3520-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

178

 

EL PEÑÓN 21 1 AL 60

 

02201-3521-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

179

 

EL PEÑÓN 22 1 AL 60

 

02201-3522-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

180

 

EL PEÑÓN 23 1 AL 60

 

02201-3523-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

181

 

EL PEÑÓN 24 1 AL 60

 

02201-3524-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

182

 

EL PEÑÓN 25 1 AL 40

 

02201-3525-K

 

200

 

Indefinite

183

 

EL PEÑÓN 26 1 AL 60

 

02201-3526-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

184

 

EL PEÑÓN 27 1 AL 60

 

02201-3527-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

185

 

EL PEÑÓN 28 1 AL 60

 

02201-3528-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

186

 

EL PEÑÓN 29 1 AL 60

 

02201-3529-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

187

 

EL PEÑÓN 3 1 AL 20

 

02201-3482-2

 

100

 

Indefinite

188

 

EL PEÑÓN 30 1 AL 60

 

02201-3530-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

189

 

EL PEÑÓN 31 1 AL 60

 

02201-3531-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

190

 

EL PEÑÓN 32 1 AL 40

 

02201-3532-2

 

200

 

Indefinite

191

 

EL PEÑÓN 33 1 AL 60

 

02201-3533-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

192

 

EL PEÑÓN 34 1 AL 60

 

02201-3534-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

193

 

EL PEÑÓN 35 1 AL 60

 

02201-3535-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

194

 

EL PEÑÓN 36 1 AL 60

 

02201-3536-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

195

 

EL PEÑÓN 37 1 AL 40

 

02201-3535-7

 

200

 

Indefinite

196

 

EL PEÑÓN 38 1 AL 40

 

02201-3538-1

 

200

 

Indefinite

197

 

EL PEÑÓN 39 1 AL 60

 

02201-3539-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

198

 

EL PEÑÓN 4 1 AL 20

 

02201-3483-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

199

 

EL PEÑÓN 40 1 AL 60

 

02201-3540-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

200

 

EL PEÑÓN 41 1 AL 60

 

02201-3541-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

201

 

EL PEÑÓN 42 1 AL 40

 

02201-3543-8

 

200

 

Indefinite

202

 

EL PEÑÓN 42 1 AL 60

 

02201-3542-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

203

 

EL PEÑÓN 43 1 AL 40

 

02201-3544-6

 

200

 

Indefinite

204

 

EL PEÑÓN 44 1 AL 60

 

02201-3545-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

205

 

EL PEÑÓN 45 1 AL 60

 

02201-3546-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

206

 

EL PEÑÓN 46 1 AL 60

 

02201-3547-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

207

 

EL PEÑÓN 5 1 AL 10

 

02201-3484-9

 

50

 

Indefinite

208

 

EL PEÑÓN 6 1 AL 10

 

02201-3485-7

 

50

 

Indefinite

209

 

EL PEÑÓN 7 1 AL 40

 

02201-3488-1

 

200

 

Indefinite

210

 

EL PEÑÓN 8 1 AL 60

 

02201-3489-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

211

 

EL PEÑÓN 9 1 AL 50

 

02201-3490-3

 

250

 

Indefinite

212

 

ENCANTADA 1 1 AL 60

 

02201-3964-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

213

 

ENCANTADA 12 1 AL 60

 

02201-3968-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

214

 

ENCANTADA 13 1 AL 60

 

02201-3969-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

215

 

ENCANTADA 14 1 AL 60

 

02201-3970-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

216

 

ENCANTADA 15 1 AL 60

 

02201-3971-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

217

 

ENCANTADA 16 1 AL 60

 

02201-3972-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

218

 

ENCANTADA 18 1 AL 40

 

02201-4110-1

 

200

 

Indefinite

219

 

ENCANTADA 2 1 AL 40

 

02201-4109-8

 

200

 

Indefinite

220

 

ENCANTADA 21 1 AL 60

 

02201-3975-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

221

 

ENCANTADA 22 1 AL 20

 

02201-3976-K

 

100

 

Indefinite

 

30-6



 

 

 

Property Name

 

National Roll

 

Area (ha)

 

Validity

222

 

ENCANTADA 3 1 AL 60

 

02201-3965-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

223

 

ENCANTADA 44 1 AL 17

 

02201-4270-1

 

85

 

Indefinite

224

 

ENCANTADA 5 1 AL 40

 

02201-3967-0

 

200

 

Indefinite

225

 

FRANCISCA XIX 1-20

 

02201-4780-0

 

200

 

Indefinite

226

 

FRANCISCA XXIII 1-30

 

02201-4781-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

227

 

FRANCISCA XXIV 1-30

 

02201-4782-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

228

 

LA ENCANTADA 1 AL 10

 

02201-2799-0

 

0

 

Indefinite

229

 

LA SUERTE 1 AL 20

 

02201-4965-K

 

100

 

Indefinite

230

 

LAGUNA 1 1 AL 60

 

02201-4099-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

231

 

LAGUNA 2 1 AL 60

 

02201-4100-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

232

 

LAGUNA 3 1 AL 60

 

02201-4101-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

233

 

LAGUNA 4 1 AL 60

 

02201-4102-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

234

 

LAGUNA 5 1 AL 60

 

02201-4103-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

235

 

LAGUNA 6 1 AL 60

 

02201-4104-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

236

 

LAGUNA 7 1 AL 60

 

02201-4105-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

237

 

LAS CONDES CINCO 1 AL 60

 

02201-3151-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

238

 

LAS CONDES CUATRO 1 AL 60

 

02201-3150-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

239

 

LAS CONDES DIEZ 1 AL 10

 

02201-3156-4

 

50

 

Indefinite

240

 

LAS CONDES DOS 1 AL 30

 

02201-3148-3

 

150

 

Indefinite

241

 

LAS CONDES NUEVE 1 AL 60

 

02201-3155-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

242

 

LAS CONDES OCHO 1 AL 60

 

02201-3154-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

243

 

LAS CONDES ONCE 1 AL 10

 

02201-3157-2

 

50

 

Indefinite

244

 

LAS CONDES SEIS 1 AL 30

 

02201-3152-1

 

150

 

Indefinite

245

 

LAS CONDES SIETE 1 AL 30

 

02201-3153-K

 

150

 

Indefinite

246

 

LAS CONDES TRES 1 AL 20

 

02201-3149-1

 

100

 

Indefinite

247

 

LAS CONDES UNO 1 AL 40

 

02201-3147-5

 

200

 

Indefinite

248

 

LINA 1 1 AL 60

 

02201-4451-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

249

 

LINA 10 1 AL 10

 

02201-4460-4

 

50

 

Indefinite

250

 

LINA 11 1 AL 40

 

02201-4455-0

 

200

 

Indefinite

251

 

LINA 12 1 AL 60

 

02201-4456-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

252

 

LINA 14 1/10-21/40

 

02201-4457-7

 

150

 

Indefinite

253

 

LINA 2 1 AL 60

 

02201-4252-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

254

 

LINA 3 1 AL 20

 

02201-4253-1

 

100

 

Indefinite

255

 

LINA 4 1 AL 60

 

02201-4254-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

256

 

LINA 5 1 AL 60

 

02201-4255-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

257

 

LINA 6 1 AL 60

 

02201-4256-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

258

 

LINA 7 1 AL 20

 

02201-4257-4

 

100

 

Indefinite

259

 

LINA 8 1 AL 30

 

02201-4158-2

 

150

 

Indefinite

260

 

LINA 9 1 AL 30

 

02201-4159-0

 

150

 

Indefinite

261

 

LINEA 1 1 AL 60

 

02201-4136-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

262

 

LINEA 2 1 AL 60

 

02201-4137-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

263

 

LINEA 3 1 AL 60

 

02201-4138-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

264

 

LINEA 4 1 AL 60

 

02201-4139-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

265

 

LOBA 1 1 AL 60

 

02201-4061-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

266

 

LOBA 3 1 AL 60

 

02201-4063-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

 

30-7



 

 

 

Property Name

 

National Roll

 

Area (ha)

 

Validity

267

 

LOBA 34 1 AL 60

 

02201-4520-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

268

 

LOBA 35 1 AL 60

 

02201-4519-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

269

 

LOBA 4 1 AL 60

 

02201-4064-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

270

 

LOBA 5 1 AL 60

 

02201-4065-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

271

 

LOBA 6 1 AL 60

 

02201-4066-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

272

 

LOBA 7 1 AL 40

 

02201-4061-K

 

200

 

Indefinite

273

 

LOBITA 1 1 AL 40

 

02201-4002-4

 

200

 

Indefinite

274

 

LOBITA 23 1 AL 40

 

02201-4024-5

 

200

 

Indefinite

275

 

LOBITA 24 1 AL 60

 

02201-4025-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

276

 

LOBITA 25 1 AL 60

 

02201-4026-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

277

 

LOBITA 3 1 AL 60

 

02201-4004-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

278

 

LOBITA 38 1 AL 60

 

02201-4006-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

279

 

LOBITA 39 1 AL 60

 

02201-4035-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

280

 

LOBITA 4 1 AL 60

 

02201-4005-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

281

 

LOBITA 40 1 AL 60

 

02201-4036-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

282

 

LOBITA 41 1 AL 60

 

02201-4037-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

283

 

LOBITA 42 1 AL 60

 

02201-4038-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

284

 

LOBO 18, 1 AL 30

 

02201-6197-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

285

 

LOBO 19, 1 AL 30

 

022016196-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

286

 

LOBO 20, 1 AL 30

 

022016195-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

287

 

MAGICA 1 1 AL 40

 

02201-6565-5

 

200

 

Indefinite

288

 

MAGICA 2 1 AL 40

 

02201-6566-3

 

200

 

Indefinite

289

 

MERLIN 40 1 AL60

 

02201-6656-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

290

 

NADIAN 4A, 1 AL 40

 

02201-6169-2

 

200

 

Indefinite

291

 

NADIAN 4B, 1 AL 40

 

02201-6170-6

 

200

 

Indefinite

292

 

NADIAN 7A, 1 AL 60

 

02201-6171-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

293

 

NADIAN 7B, 1 AL 60

 

02201-6172-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

294

 

NADIAN 8 B, 1 AL 60

 

02201-6174-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

295

 

NADIAN 8A, 1 AL 60

 

02201-6173-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

296

 

NADIAN 9A, 1 AL 40

 

02201-6175-7

 

200

 

Indefinite

297

 

NADO 1, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5529-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

298

 

NADO 10, 1 al 60

 

02201-5538-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

299

 

NADO 11,1 AL 60

 

02201-5539-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

300

 

NADO 12, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5540-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

301

 

NADO 13, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5541-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

302

 

NADO 14, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5542-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

303

 

NADO 15, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5543-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

304

 

NADO 16, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5544-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

305

 

NADO 17, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5545-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

306

 

NADO 18, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5546-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

307

 

NADO 19, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5547-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

308

 

NADO 2, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5530-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

309

 

NADO 20, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5548-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

310

 

NADO 21, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5549-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

311

 

NADO 22, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5550-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

 

30-8



 

 

 

Property Name

 

National Roll

 

Area (ha)

 

Validity

312

 

NADO 23, 1 AL 20

 

02201-5551-K

 

100

 

Indefinite

313

 

NADO 24, 1 AL 40

 

02201-5552-8

 

200

 

Indefinite

314

 

NADO 25, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5553-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

315

 

NADO 26, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5554-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

316

 

NADO 27, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5555-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

317

 

NADO 3, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5531-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

318

 

NADO 4, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5532-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

319

 

NADO 5, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5533-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

320

 

NADO 6,1 AL 60

 

02201-5534-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

321

 

NADO 7, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5535-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

322

 

NADO 8, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5536-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

323

 

NADO 9, 1 AL 60

 

02201-5537-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

324

 

NIVA 3 1 AL 60

 

02202-5455-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

325

 

NIVA 4 1 AL 60

 

02202-5456-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

326

 

NIVA 7 1 AL 40

 

02202-5457-7

 

200

 

Indefinite

327

 

PAISAJE 1 1 AL 40

 

02201-3651-5

 

200

 

Indefinite

328

 

PAISAJE 11 1 AL 60

 

02201-3661-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

329

 

PAISAJE 12 1 AL 60

 

02201-3662-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

330

 

PAISAJE 13 1 AL 20

 

02201-3663-9

 

100

 

Indefinite

331

 

PAISAJE 14 1 AL 20

 

02201-3664-7

 

100

 

Indefinite

332

 

PAISAJE 18 1 AL 60

 

02201-3668-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

333

 

PAISAJE 19 1 AL 60

 

02201-3669-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

334

 

PAISAJE 2 1 AL 40

 

02201-3652-3

 

200

 

Indefinite

335

 

PAISAJE 20 1 AL 40

 

02201-3670-1

 

200

 

Indefinite

336

 

PAISAJE 21 1 AL 40

 

02201-3671-K

 

200

 

Indefinite

337

 

PAISAJE 22 1 AL 40

 

02201-3672-8

 

200

 

Indefinite

338

 

PAISAJE 23 1 AL 40

 

02201-3962-K

 

200

 

Indefinite

339

 

PAISAJE 24 1 AL 40

 

02201-3963-8

 

200

 

Indefinite

340

 

PAISAJE 3 1 AL 40

 

02201-3653-1

 

200

 

Indefinite

341

 

PAISAJE 4 1 AL 40

 

02201-3654-K

 

200

 

Indefinite

342

 

PAISAJE 5 1 AL 40

 

02201-3655-8

 

200

 

Indefinite

343

 

PAISAJE 6 1 AL 40

 

02201-3656-6

 

200

 

Indefinite

344

 

PAISAJE UNO 1 AL 20

 

02201-3208-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

345

 

PAMPA AUGUSTA I, 1 AL 59

 

02201-5271-5

 

292

 

Indefinite

346

 

PEÑÓN 50 1 AL 10

 

02201-3977-8

 

50

 

Indefinite

347

 

PEÑÓN 51 1 AL 20

 

02201-3978-6

 

100

 

Indefinite

348

 

PEÑÓN 53 1 AL 60

 

02201-3980-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

349

 

PEÑÓN 54 1 AL 60

 

02201-3981-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

350

 

PEÑÓN 55 1 AL 60

 

02201-3982-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

351

 

PEÑÓN 56 1 AL 60

 

02201-3983-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

352

 

PEÑÓN 57 1 AL 60

 

02201-3984-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

353

 

PEÑÓN 58 1 AL 60

 

02201-3985-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

354

 

PEÑÓN 59 1 AL 60

 

02201-3986-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

355

 

PEÑÓN 60 1 AL 60

 

02201-3987-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

356

 

PEÑÓN 61 1 AL 40

 

02201-3988-3

 

200

 

Indefinite

 

30-9



 

 

 

Property Name

 

National Roll

 

Area (ha)

 

Validity

357

 

PEÑÓN 62 1 AL 40

 

02201-3989-1

 

200

 

Indefinite

358

 

PEÑÓN 63 1 AL 20

 

02201-3990-5

 

100

 

Indefinite

359

 

PROVIDENCIA 1 II DEL 1 AL 30

 

02201-3556-K

 

300

 

Indefinite

360

 

PROVIDENCIA 1 II DEL 61 AL 90

 

02201-3558-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

361

 

PROVIDENCIA 1 II DEL 91 AL 120

 

02201-3559-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

362

 

PROVIDENCIA 1 II DEL 31 AL 60

 

02201-3557-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

363

 

PROVIDENCIA 2 II 1/40

 

02201-3561-6

 

400

 

Indefinite

364

 

PROVIDENCIA 3 II DEL 1 AL 30

 

02201-3562-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

365

 

PROVIDENCIA 3 II DEL 31 AL 60

 

02201-3563-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

366

 

PROVIDENCIA 3 II DEL 61 AL 90

 

02201-3564-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

367

 

PROVIDENCIA 3 II DEL 91 AL 120

 

02201-3565-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

368

 

PROVIDENCIA 3 II DEL 121 AL 150

 

02201-3566-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

369

 

PROVIDENCIA 4 II DEL 1 AL 40

 

02201-3567-5

 

400

 

Indefinite

370

 

PROVIDENCIA 4 II DEL 41 AL 80

 

02201-3568-3

 

400

 

Indefinite

371

 

PROVIDENCIA CINCO 1-60

 

02201-3077-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

372

 

PROVIDENCIA CUATRO 1-60

 

02201-3076-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

373

 

PROVIDENCIA DIEZ 1-10

 

02201-3082-7

 

50

 

Indefinite

374

 

PROVIDENCIA DOS 1-30

 

02201-3074-6

 

150

 

Indefinite

375

 

PROVIDENCIA NUEVE 1-60

 

02201-3081-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

376

 

PROVIDENCIA OCHO 1-60

 

02201-3080-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

377

 

PROVIDENCIA ONCE 1-10

 

02201-3083-5

 

50

 

Indefinite

378

 

PROVIDENCIA SEIS 1-30

 

02201-3078-9

 

150

 

Indefinite

379

 

PROVIDENCIA SIETE 1-30

 

02201-3079-7

 

150

 

Indefinite

380

 

PROVIDENCIA TRES 1-20

 

02201-3075-4

 

100

 

Indefinite

381

 

PROVIDENCIA UNO 1-40

 

02201-3073-8

 

200

 

Indefinite

382

 

PROVIDENCIA 5 II 1 AL 30 RED10

 

02201-3569-1

 

100

 

Indefinite

383

 

PROVIDENCIA 5 II 31 AL 60 ORE10

 

02201-3569-1

 

100

 

Indefinite

384

 

PROVIDENCIA 5 II 61 AL 90 ORE10

 

02201-3569-1

 

100

 

Indefinite

385

 

PUNTA BLANCA 1, 1 AL 30

 

02201-5474-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

386

 

PUNTA BLANCA 2, 1 AL 30

 

02201-5475-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

387

 

PUNTA BLANCA 3, 1 AL 30

 

02201-5476-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

388

 

SERRUCHO 1 1 AL 60

 

02201-3591-8

 

300

 

Indefinite

389

 

SERRUCHO 2 1 AL 60

 

02201-3592-6

 

300

 

Indefinite

390

 

SERRUCHO 3 1 AL 60

 

02201-3593-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

391

 

SERRUCHO 4 1 AL 20

 

02201-4600-6

 

100

 

Indefinite

392

 

SERRUCHO 5 1 AL 20

 

02201-4601-4

 

100

 

Indefinite

393

 

TACO 1 1 AL 20

 

02201-4154-3

 

100

 

Indefinite

394

 

TOSTADO 1 1 AL 60

 

02201-3612-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

395

 

TOSTADO 1 1 AL 60

 

02201-3145-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

396

 

TOSTADO 10 1 AL 60

 

02201-3621-3

 

300

 

Indefinite

397

 

TOSTADO 11 1 AL 20

 

02201-3622-1

 

100

 

Indefinite

398

 

TOSTADO 12 1 AL 40

 

02201-3623-K

 

200

 

Indefinite

399

 

TOSTADO 13 1 AL 20

 

02201-3624-8

 

100

 

Indefinite

 

30-10



 

 

 

Property Name

 

National Roll

 

Area (ha)

 

Validity

400

 

TOSTADO 15 1 AL 40

 

02201-3626-4

 

200

 

Indefinite

401

 

TOSTADO 16 1 AL 60

 

02201-3627-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

402

 

TOSTADO 17 1 AL 20

 

02201-3628-0

 

100

 

Indefinite

403

 

TOSTADO 18 1 AL 40

 

02201-3629-9

 

200

 

Indefinite

404

 

TOSTADO 19 1 AL 60

 

02201-3630-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

405

 

TOSTADO 2 1 AL 60

 

02201-3613-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

406

 

TOSTADO 2,1 AL 20

 

02201-3146-7

 

100

 

Indefinite

407

 

TOSTADO 20 1 AL 60

 

02201-3631-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

408

 

TOSTADO 21 1 AL 20

 

02201-3632-9

 

100

 

Indefinite

409

 

TOSTADO 22 1 AL 60

 

02201-3633-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

410

 

TOSTADO 23 1 AL 40

 

02201-3635-3

 

200

 

Indefinite

411

 

TOSTADO 24 1 AL 60

 

02201-4186-1

 

300

 

Indefinite

412

 

TOSTADO 25 1 AL 40

 

02201-4187-K

 

200

 

Indefinite

413

 

TOSTADO 3,1 AL 60

 

02201-3614-0

 

300

 

Indefinite

414

 

TOSTADO 4,1 AL 60

 

02201-3615-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

415

 

TOSTADO 5,1 AL 60

 

02201-3616-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

416

 

TOSTADO 6,1 AL 60

 

02201-3617-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

417

 

TOSTADO 7,1 AL 20

 

02201-3618-3

 

100

 

Indefinite

418

 

TOSTADO 8,1 AL 40

 

02201-3619-1

 

200

 

Indefinite

419

 

TOSTADO 9,1 AL 60

 

02201-3620-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

420

 

VERDE 4 6 AL 10 Y 16 AL 20

 

02201-4317-1

 

50

 

Indefinite

TOTAL

 

 

 

87,387

 

 

 

TABLE 30-2 PAV EXPLOITATION CLAIM LIST
Yamana Gold Inc. – El Peñón Mine

 

 

 

Property Name

 

National Roll

 

Area (ha)

 

Validity

1

 

LLANO 1 1 AL 20

 

02201-4539-5

 

100

 

Indefinite

2

 

LLANO 10 1 AL 20

 

02201-4548-4

 

100

 

Indefinite

3

 

LLANO 2 1 AL 20

 

02201-4540-9

 

100

 

Indefinite

4

 

LLANO 3 1 AL 20

 

02201-4541-7

 

100

 

Indefinite

5

 

LLANO 4 1 AL 20

 

02201-4542-5

 

100

 

Indefinite

6

 

LLANO 5 1 AL 20

 

02201-4543-3

 

100

 

Indefinite

7

 

LLANO 6 1 AL 20

 

02201-4544-1

 

100

 

Indefinite

8

 

LLANO 7 1 AL 20

 

02201-4545-K

 

100

 

Indefinite

9

 

LLANO 8 1 AL 20

 

02201-4546-8

 

100

 

Indefinite

10

 

LLANO 9 1 AL 20

 

02201-4547-6

 

100

 

Indefinite

11

 

PAMPA 4 1 AL 60

 

02201-4730-4

 

300

 

Indefinite

12

 

PAMPA 5 1 AL 60

 

02201-4731-2

 

300

 

Indefinite

13

 

PAMPA 6 1 AL 40

 

02201-4732-0

 

200

 

Indefinite

14

 

PAMPA 7 1 AL 60

 

02201-4733-9

 

300

 

Indefinite

15

 

PAMPA 8 1 AL 60

 

02201-4734-7

 

300

 

Indefinite

16

 

PAMPA 9 1 AL 60

 

02201-4735-5

 

300

 

Indefinite

TOTAL

 

 

 

2,700

 

 

 

30-11