Eskay Mining Enters into Amended Cost Sharing Agreement with Seabridge Gold to Finance Coulter Creek Access Road

Rhea-AI Summary

Eskay Mining Corp has entered into an Amended Cost Sharing Agreement with Seabridge Gold to share costs for the construction of the Coulter Creek Access Road (CCAR), estimated at $12.5 million. Eskay's maximum contribution is limited to $6.25 million. Construction was delayed due to route changes, with a portion completed by October 2021. Eskay plans to continue exploration activities in the area, having completed 23,500m of drilling in 2021, with initial assay results released on November 8. A $3 million loan facility has been established for funding Eskay's obligations.

Positive

• Eskay will benefit from access to the CCAR for 15 years post-construction.
• Construction of the CCAR is expected to reduce helicopter costs and improve access to the KSM project.
• Eskay’s drilling program in 2021 covered multiple targets, enhancing exploration prospects.

Negative

• Construction delays due to surface access issues may impact project timelines.
• Eskay's share of construction costs could affect cash reserves.

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 12, 2021 / Eskay Mining Corp. ("Eskay" or the "Company") (TSXV:ESK)(OTCQX:ESKYF)(Frankfurt:KN7)(WKN:A0YDPM) is pleased to announce that, further to the Joint News Release of Eskay Mining and Seabridge Gold Inc. issued July 5, 2021 (the "Previous News Release"), it has entered into an amended agreement (the "Amended Cost Sharing Agreement") whereby Seabridge and Eskay Mining have amended the terms of their original agreement to share equally the costs of construction of the first 9 kilometres (the "First Segment of the CCAR") of the Coulter Creek Access Road ("CCAR"), estimated to cost $12.5 million, including to introduce a limit on Eskay's contribution to a maximum of $6,250,000 and eliminate the sale by Eskay of a convertible debenture.

As background, the CCAR is one of two main access roads planned and permitted for Seabridge's 100% owned KSM project situated within the Golden Triangle in British Columbia, Canada. The road is designed to connect the KSM project with the existing Eskay mine road to the northwest. Substantially all of the First Segment of the CCAR is situated on mineral tenures held by Eskay Mining. As a result of delays in settling the principal construction contract and having to change the route of the road as a result of surface access issues, commencement of construction was delayed. A portion of the First Segment of the CCAR was completed between August 20 and October 22, 2021 when winter shutdown was implemented. Certain materials required for the construction of the road were purchased in 2021 so that they will be available for construction when needed. Construction of the First Segment of the CCAR will continue in 2022.

Eskay Mining's President and CEO, Mac Balkam stated "once the First Segment of the CCAR is complete, we will have use of the First Segment of the CCAR for a minimum of 15 years pursuant to a Road Access Agreement subject to payment of our pro rata share of maintenance costs. This will provide Eskay Mining with a tremendous benefit as it continues exploration on its 100% owned Consolidated Eskay precious metal-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") project in the Golden Triangle, British Columbia. This summer, Eskay Mining completed approximately 23,500 m of diamond drilling at multiple targets across its 526 sq km of land holdings commencing with focussed drilling at its Jeff and TV targets. Initial assay results have been published (see Press Release dated November 8, 2021) with further results to follow once available."

Commenting on the Amended Cost Sharing Agreement, Seabridge's Chairman and CEO stated "After the delays to the start of construction, we are pleased to have reached new terms with Eskay Mining on co-funding the First Segment of the CCAR. This initial segment should reduce helicopter costs, improve both safety and certainty of access to KSM and shorten the time needed to establish early site access to the KSM deposits. We appreciate Eskay Mining's spirit of co-operation with improving access through this remote area of B.C.'s Golden Triangle."

The Amended Cost Sharing Agreement supersedes and replaces the Cost Sharing Agreement and the financing mechanism set out in the Previous News Release. Pursuant to the Amended Cost Sharing Agreement, Seabridge will provide Eskay with a $3 million revolving loan facility at an interest rate of 3% per year to provide Eskay flexibility with funding its share of the costs of construction. The loan will be payable by no later than the later of December 31, 2022 and 30 days after (i) Eskay has incurred an aggregate of $6,250,000 for its share of the costs of construction and (ii) delivery of the final accounting of construction costs by Seabridge. The costs incurred to date for the construction of the First Segment of the CCAR are anticipated to be approximately $5.5 million, Eskay's share of which will be funded through the drawdown of approximately $2.7 million of the loan facility. Construction will recommence in 2022 and Eskay will pay its additional share of the costs of the First Segment of the CCAR based upon monthly cash calls which are anticipated to be evenly spread over the remainder of the construction to be completed in 2022. Eskay has agreed to issue 500,000 bonus warrants (the "Warrants") to Seabridge in consideration for making the loan facility available. The Warrants will be priced at a 10% premium to the closing market price of Eskay shares on the day before the Warrants are issued and will be exercisable until the later of December 31, 2022 and 30 days after the date Eskay has fully repaid the loans and all accrued interest subject to early expiry pursuant to the rules of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX V"). Eskay's obligations under the Amended Cost Sharing Agreement are subject to approval of the TSX V.

About Eskay Mining Corp:

Eskay Mining Corp (TSX-V:ESK) is a TSX Venture Exchange listed company, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Eskay is an exploration company focused on the exploration and development of precious and base metals along the Eskay rift in a highly prolific region of northwest British Columbia known as the "Golden Triangle," approximately 70km northwest of Stewart, BC. The Company currently holds mineral tenures in this area comprised of 177 claims (130,000 acres).

All material information on the Company may be found on its website at www.eskaymining.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

For further information, please contact:

Mac Balkam	T: 416 907 4020
President & Chief Executive Officer	E: Mac@eskaymining.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. When used in this document, the words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including those factors discussed in filings made by us with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties, such as actual results of current exploration programs, the general risks associated with the mining industry, the price of gold and other metals, currency and interest rate fluctuations, increased competition and general economic and market factors, occur or should assumptions underlying the forward looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, or expected. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Eskay Mining Corp.

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FAQ

What is the Amended Cost Sharing Agreement between Eskay Mining and Seabridge Gold?

The Amended Cost Sharing Agreement allows both companies to share equally the costs of constructing the first segment of the Coulter Creek Access Road, with Eskay's contribution capped at $6.25 million.

When will construction of the Coulter Creek Access Road resume?

Construction of the first segment of the CCAR is set to continue in 2022 after being delayed.

What are the financial implications of the loan facility provided to Eskay Mining?

Seabridge Gold has provided Eskay with a $3 million loan facility at a 3% interest rate to assist in funding its share of the CCAR construction.

How much drilling did Eskay Mining complete in 2021?

Eskay Mining completed approximately 23,500 meters of diamond drilling across its land holdings in 2021.

What are the expected benefits of the Coulter Creek Access Road for Eskay Mining?

The CCAR will provide Eskay Mining with enhanced access to its exploration projects, reduce operational costs, and improve safety for logistics.