PIC Comment Responses. Geraldton November 18 th PIC. - Will the pit increase in size after the pit is complete or will they go underground?

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1 PIC s Geraldton November 18 th PIC - Will the pit increase in size after the pit is complete or will they go underground? At its largest extent the open is anticipated to be approximately 1,800 m long, by 900 m wide, by 590 m deep. A small satellite pit will also be mined immediately west of the open pit prior to placement of waste rock in pile C. This small satellite pit is anticipated to be approximately 250 m long, by 200 m wide, by 60 m deep. These dimensions may change slightly during mining. At the end of open pit mining, the underground mining potential is not known at this time but would be evaluated as open pit mining advances. - What is the projected ore grade of the open pit? The average ore grade is approx.1 gram/ton (1g Au/t). - Why are there so many highway options? GGM carried out a comprehensive alternatives assessment for the highway re-alignment that looked at various options to select the preferred route. As part of this process 7 potential routes were initially identified. 3 were screened out based on their proximity to the open pit mining area. 4 were carried forward for more analysis of advantages and disadvantages. - Would it be better to start construction/production when gold prices are lower? Gold price is one of a number of factors that affect the decision to proceed with construction and operation of the mine. Generally, higher gold prices make gold mining more favourable. - Is there a preferred TMF location? The preferred TMF location has been identified in the southwest portion of the Project Development Area (TMF Site 8 with conventional deposition method). 11 potential TMF options were evaluated as part of the alternatives assessment process which followed the Environment Canada evaluation process. - Can we still access Lahti s road? Upon commencement of construction activities in the vicinity of Lahtis road, the road will be closed to the

2 general public. Public access may be returned following closure of the mine. - What do you mean by optimized highway option? Route 1D optimized is an alignment generally based on Route 1D that was improved with respect to the shape of the highway curve and increased sight distance. - What will become of the open pit once the closure plan begins? An area of the eastern portion of the open pit will be backfilled with waste rock and the open pit will be filled with water to form a pit lake. - How does the declining price of gold affect the company s decision making? Gold price is one of a number of factors that affect the decision to proceed with construction and operation of the mine. Generally, higher gold prices make gold mining more favourable. The Project must still complete the EA process and permitting process and then be constructed and gold price will change during that period. - Is Hydro One granted permission to utilize land not owned by GGM? The preferred location for the hydro one facility relocation is on GGM owned land. - Highway realignment is a big commitment would the project be put on hold if gold prices continue to plummet? - What is the biggest risk that could delay the project aside from the price of gold? Gold price is one of a number of factors that affect the decision to proceed with construction and operation of the mine. A project feasibility assessment that takes into account various factors remains on going throughout the project life. Certainty and the timeframe to obtain the necessary approvals to construct and operate the mine is the focus of GGM s efforts at this time. - Does exploration continue while the mine is in development? Exploration continues on the Hardrock ore body as the project advanced. Additional regional targets will also be explored. - How deep is the open pit going to be in comparison to the old underground mine shafts? The open pit will extend to approximately 600 m below ground surface. Historic underground shafts extended to approximately 450m for Hardrock, 800m for McLeod, and 900m for Mosher.

3 - Is the plan to move the Hydro One substation or rebuild it? To ensure that the switch of power between the existing substation and new substation only involves a very short shut down a new substation is proposed to be built. Once the power is switched to this new substation the existing substation can be dismantled. - How expensive is it to move the substation? The cost estimate is under development and will be known when the feasibility study is released in Is there enough power for the project using electricity as a main power supply? The existing power grid is not sufficient to provide power during mine operations. Alternative power options are presented in the alternatives assessment. - Will the proposed gas line for the power plant require a separate EA? Yes. The class EA for the gas line is being carried out by Union Gas and Stantec. - The timeline seem aggressive, is it a realistic perspective or an optimistic one GGM is making determined efforts to work with all stakeholders to address comments and concerns so that the project may advance in timely manner as close as possible to regulated timelines for the approvals process. - How are we doing with regard to Aboriginal Consultation? GGM is making determined efforts to work with Aboriginal groups that have been identified by MOECC and CEAA for the Project. Numerous meetings have taken place and will continue as the Project advances. - Are provincial level Aboriginal representation involved in local agreements? The commenter is asked to contact the GGM office to clarify the question. - Is Matawa involved with Aboriginal negotiations? It would not be appropriate for GGM to comment on the details of negotiations with stakeholders, Aboriginal or other groups. Is the Municipality being compensated for the lost infrastructure from building the open pit? (Interpretive centre, headframe, highway584 being shortened) While GGM is currently in discussions with the Municipality, it would not be appropriate for GGM to comment on details.

4 - How much will it cost to provide power to the project? The cost estimates is being developed at present and will be known when the feasibility study is released in Is there any connection between Premier and Rubicon? No connection is known to the project team. - Once agreements are made with First Nations and a new Chief & Council are elected, do the previous agreements with old Chief & Council stay in place or do new agreements need to be made? It would not be appropriate for GGM to comment on the details of negotiations with stakeholders, Aboriginal or other groups. - Will the new Federal Government being Liberal based affect how the EA process is handled? Are they allowed to change the process for companies that are already going through the current process? The federal EA is being carried out in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, which determines the process. Changes to the Act are not anticipated during the process for the Hardrock project. - After submitting the final EA, what is the timeframe for approval? For the provincial process approximately 8 months are anticipated for approval and approximately 12 months for the federal approval. - How does declining price of gold affect project plans? Gold price is one of a number of factors that affect the decision to proceed with construction and operation of the mine. Generally, higher gold prices make gold mining more favourable. - What is the biggest risk with regard to this project moving forward? Certainty and the timeframe to obtain the necessary approvals to construct and operate the mine is the focus of GGM s efforts at this time. - Does exploration keep going on as the project progresses? Exploration continues on the Hardrock ore body as the project advanced. Additional regional targets will also be explored. - Is milling at another location viable? (Trucking) Milling at the Hardrock site was the preferred alternative identified in the assessment. Trucking is too expensive given the through put requirement for the mill. Will GGM be using an already functioning mill before the primary mill is operational? A new mill will be constructed for the Hardrock Project.

5 - How deep is the open pit? Currently the deepest extent planned would be approximately 600m. - Hydro substation re-building or relocating existing infrastructure? To ensure that the switch of power between the existing substation and new substation only involves a very short shut down a new substation is proposed to be built. Once the power is switched to this new substation the existing substation can be dismantled. - Is there enough power for the project? The existing power grid is not sufficient to provide power during mine operations. Alternative power options are presented in the alternatives assessment. - Will EA look at effects? The primary focus of the EA is to look at the potential effects from the Project on the environment and identify mitigation measures to eliminate or reduce potential effects. - Timelines seem aggressive GGM is making determined efforts to work with all stakeholders to address comments and concerns so that the project may advance in timely manner as close as possible to regulated timelines for the approvals process. - Is there buy-in from Aboriginal communities? GGM is in on-going discussion with Aboriginal groups and these will continue through the presentation of the environmental assessment. - Does the government have a specific timeframe once GGM has provided the final EA? For the provincial process approximately 8 months are anticipated for approval and approximately 12 months for the federal approval. - How does the declining price of gold affect your project? Gold price is one of a number of factors that affect the decision to proceed with construction and operation of the mine. Generally, higher gold prices make gold mining more favourable. The Project must still complete the EA process and permitting process and then be constructed and gold price will change during that period. - Diverting the highway is huge, so what if gold prices don t come back up? Gold price is one of a number of factors that affect the decision to proceed with construction and operation

6 - On the topic of gold prices, what is the biggest risk that keeps you night? of the mine. A project feasibility assessment that takes into account various factors remains on going throughout the project life. Certainty and the timeframe to obtain the necessary approvals to construct and operate the mine is the focus of GGM s efforts at this time - Does exploration continue as the mine progresses? Exploration continues on the Hardrock ore body as the project advanced. Additional regional targets will also be explored. - Are you looking at milling elsewhere? Milling at the Hardrock site was the preferred alternative identified in the assessment. Trucking is too expensive given the throughput requirement for the mill. - How deep will the open pit be? Currently the deepest extent planned would be approximately 600m. - Hydro Substation Will it be rebuilt or moved? To ensure that the switch of power between the existing substation and new substation only involves a very short shut down a new substation is proposed to be built. Once the power is switched to this new substation the existing substation can be dismantled. - Is there enough power in the community? The existing power grid is not sufficient to provide power during mine operations. Alternative power options are presented in the alternatives assessment. - Will the gas line need an EA? Yes. The class EA for the gas line is being carried out by Union Gas and Stantec. - Effects are later or? (regarding EA) The primary focus of the EA is to look at the potential effects from the Project on the environment and identify mitigation measures to eliminate or reduce potential effects. - Aggressive timeline or a realistic timeline? GGM is making determined efforts to work with all stakeholders to address comments and concerns so that the project may advance in timely manner as close as possible to regulated timelines for the approvals process.

7 - How are you doing with Aboriginal consultation locally? GGM is making determined efforts to work with Aboriginal groups that have been identified by MOECC and CEAA for the Project. Numerous meetings have taken place and will continue as the Project advances. Longlac November 18 th PIC - Biggest social feature is the golf course? The effects of the project on community services and infrastructure and land use will be presented in the EA. - What Alternatives assessment is under consideration? The alternatives assessment looked at different options for over 30 different components of the mine. - Are you looking at rebuilding another gold course? While GGM is currently in discussions with the Municipality, it would not be appropriate for GGM to comment on details. GGM is developing a letter of intent with the Municipality to address the path forward for municipal infrastructure. - First Nations, are they are barriers? GGM is making determined efforts to work with Aboriginal groups that have been identified by MOECC and CEAA for the Project. Numerous meetings have taken place and will continue as the Project advances - How many jobs will the open pit provide? - Employment opportunities are being refined with the feasibility report and labour and economy evaluation in the EA as well. - Arsenic are the levels high compared to other areas? Arsenic is common where gold and other metal deposits are found. For the Hardrock site, arsenic is also elevated due to the deposition of historic tailings. The effects of elevated arsenic were examined through the bioavailability baseline work and found to have no significant effect on the aquatic system. GGM is making determined efforts to design the mine with mitigation in mind for historic McLeod and Hardock

8 tailings to reduce arsenic loading to Kenogamisis Lake. Additional information will be provided in the EA. - Is there liability from the past/historic sites? GGM is making determined efforts to design the mine with mitigation in mind for historic McLeod and Hardrock tailings to reduce arsenic loading to Kenogamisis Lake. Additional information will be provided in the EA. - Elaborate with FN IBAs? It would not be appropriate for GGM to comment on the details of negotiations with stakeholders, Aboriginal or other groups. - Will they (Union Gas) need to do their own EA? Their own Baseline studies? - Has feedback from July/August been acknowledged in the draft EA? (Are we taken seriously?) One EA is being carried for the project to meet both provincial and federal requirements. Union gas is carrying out a class EA for the pipeline that would service the project site. GGM takes all comments it receives into account when making decisions. Feedabck from the July public meetings were taken into to account when identifying the preferred alternatives for various mine components. s to comments are provided in the meeting summary and forms part of the Record of Consultation. - Where can the public access the feedback? Does GGM have a web site? GGM is currently developing its new website. Project materials, including responses to comments received will be posted to the new site. - Employment opportunities Does Greenstone have a first shot at jobs? GGM s preference is to hire locally wherever feasible. - Will other sites be explored? Exploration continues on the hardrock ore body as the project advanced. Additional regional targets will also be explored. - Why doesn t GGM talk about the Brookbank property anymore? GGM s priority is to develop the Hardrock Project. There are plans to do additional exploration work on Brookbank in What could delay the project? Certainty and the timeframe to obtain the necessary approvals to construct and operate the mine is the focus of GGM s efforts at this time.

9 - Is Arsenic in Kenogamisis Lake currently high? Arsenic is common where gold and other metal deposits are found. For the Hardrock site, arsenic in Kenogamisis Lake (Barton Bay and Central Basin) is above the provincial water quality objectives (PWQO) due to leaching from the historic tailings. The effects of arsenic were examined through the bioavailability baseline work and found to have no significant effect on the aquatic system of Kenogamisis Lake. GGM is making determined efforts to design the mine with mitigation in mind for historic McLoed and Hardock tailings to reduce arsenic loading to Kenogamisis Lake. Additional information will be provided in the EA. - Where is GGM with IBA? Will Aboriginal communities do their own work? Will there be delay? It would not be appropriate for GGM to comment on the details of negotiations with stakeholders, Aboriginal or other groups. GGM is committed to advancing discussion with all stakeholders. - Feedback from July/August meetings, how was it considered? GGM takes all comments it receives into account when making decisions. Feedback from the July public meetings were taken into to account when identifying the preferred alternatives for various mine components. s to comments are provided in the meeting summary and forms part of the Record of Consultation. - Will Greenstone residents get priority for jobs? GGM s preference is to hire locally wherever feasible. - Are there other projects that GGM may consider? Exploration continues on the hardrock ore body as the project advanced. Additional regional targets will also be explored. - Thunder Bay November 19 th PIC - Historic Tailings, recovery rates in past not same as now, so have you considered milling the historic tailings? Historic tailings will either be transferred to the new TMF for containment or they will be covered with additional material to reduce current seepage effects. Processing historic tailings is not currently planned.

10 Heritage resources, Headframe/Interpretive Centre; are they being moved? forward for municipal infrastructure. Who will pay to move the infrastructure? GGM will incur the cost to remove the infrastructure from the mining footprint. - Is it sulphide based (potentially acid generating) run-off? Approximately 95% of waste rock is non-acid generating and 5.0 wt.% potentially acid generating (PAG) material. - Facility/Mill, where are they on the map? The ore processing facility is located adjacent to the open pit on the west side. - The Golf course, is it all gone of half gone? The back nine holes built on the historic tailings on the east side of Michael Power Blvd will be overprinted by the Project. GGM will endeavour to keep the front nine for as long as possible. - Will there be an effort to develop another golf course? forward for municipal infrastructure. - Wouldn t distributing the tailings be more detrimental than leaving them there? A portion of the historic tailings must be relocated to the new TMF to access the ore body. Water management during the historic tailings excavation process will be important to minimize impact. - What will you do with tailings where the highway is located? Historic tailings along the highway realignment will remain in place and the highway design will take the foundation conditions into account. - How stable are the tailings to build on? Information gained from geotechnical investigations will be incorporated in the highway design report. - Tailings Management Facility (TMF), how does it work? The TMF is built and operated through two cells. The southern cell is built first and operated during the initial years of mining and the north cell is built and operated as of year 3. The north cell reaches capacity in Year 7 and is then progressively closed as the south cell is used for the remainder of the mine life. This provides an opportunity to demonstrate that the closure plan for the TMF is effective during the mine life.

11 - Is the tailings dam an earth built design? The TMF design will be provided with the EA. - Underground workings, are they interconnected? Mosher and McLeod are connected Hardrock is disconnected from the others. - Will you use cyanide as a reagent? Ore processing will be carried out by conventional methods using a combination of gravity separation and cyanidation for gold recovery, followed by inplant cyanide detoxification using the SO2/air oxidation process - Will the historic tailings be processed through the mill? Historic tailings will either be transferred to the new TMF for containment or they will be covered with additional material to reduce current seepage effects. Processing historic tailings is not currently planned. - What is happening to the Headframe & Interpretive centre? And who will be paying to move them? forward for municipal infrastructure. - Can waste rock generate sulphuric acid? Approximately 95% of waste rock is non-acid generating and 5.0 wt.% potentially acid generating (PAG) material. - Where is the processing facility located? The ore processing facility is located adjacent to the open pit on the west side. - The historic headframe must be preserved and relocated. A replica is NOT an acceptable option. - The interpretive center should be redesigned and built in n a prominent location, immediately accessible to highway traffic. - I recommend the entrance to MacLeod Park for the location of both the headframe and interpretive centre. - The design of the interpretive centre should include an observation tower and exhibition rooms. The tower would provide a 360 degree view of the town the lake and the mining operations. The exhibition forward for municipal infrastructure. GGM will share the feedback with the Municipal council. forward for municipal infrastructure. GGM will share the feedback with the Municipal council. forward for municipal infrastructure. GGM will share the feedback with the Municipal council. forward for municipal infrastructure. GGM will share the feedback with the Municipal council.

12 rooms would all travelling exhibits (some of national importance) to be housed (compare heritage centre at Red Rock, Ontario) - Consideration should be given to naming and designing the interpretive centre as a regional project. forward for municipal infrastructure. GGM will share the feedback with the Municipal council. - Design and build a new hiking trail to replace Barton Bay Trail. GGM is consulting with the Municipality of Greenstone to address effects to the Barton Bay Wildlife Trail. - They use phrased sufficiently broadly to cover the necessary aspects. But also to allow for not covering important items. - The detail in the EA will be proof of how criteria and indicators are presented. - Golf Course: - It is a critical contributor to the social and recreational health of all of Greenstone. I would like a lot more information about how the impacts of development will impact the operation of the golf course. - Will the golf course remain a viable operation in its present location? - Will a new one be created in another location? If yes, are there any location options? - If the course is lost or degraded the effect will be felt by all employers. It is important in attracting and retaining educated/trained employees. It is important in maintaining physical and mental health in the community. It is a contributor to the economic health and allows us to develop well rounded children & youth. - How are the criteria & indicators analysis going to be applied? Criteria and indicators were selected to cover a broad range of components to provide a holistic comparison of the alternative options. The approach is standard for alternatives assessment and provides sufficient detail to evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of alternatives to arrive at a reasoned decision. Additional detail is then added in the EA when assessing the potential effects of the preferred alternatives. GGM understands the importance of the golf course to its users. GGM has endeavored to design the Project site plan to preserve the golf clubhouse and 9-holes for the longest duration possible. The area in the immediate vicinity of the open pit is limited and available space must be maximized considering the economics of waste rock storage. GGM is in discussion with the municipality on the path forward for the golf course and will share the feedback provided with the Municipal council.