B.C. Government Renews Seabridge Gold's License of Occupation for an Additional 20 Years for its KSM Project's Mitchell Treaty Tunnels

Rhea-AI Summary

Seabridge Gold (TSX: SEA) (NYSE: SA) announced that the B.C. government has renewed the License of Occupation (LoO) for the Mitchell Treaty Tunnels (MTT) at its KSM Project until September 27, 2044. The new 20-year LoO replaces the original 10-year license granted in 2014 and provides clearer priority rights for KSM Mining ULC (KSMCo) to construct and operate the MTT.

Key points:

• The MTT consists of two 23 km long parallel tunnels connecting the east and west sides of the KSM Project Mine Site.
• 12.5 km of the MTT route passes through 11 mineral claims owned by a joint venture of which Tudor Gold Corp. is the operator.
• The new LoO removes language about 'prior rights' of claim holders, clarifying KSMCo's priority for MTT construction and operation.
• KSMCo holds additional permits for MTT-related activities, including portal construction and surface infrastructure development.
• Seabridge has initiated the permit amendment process for approval to construct the full length of the MTT.

Positive

• Renewal of License of Occupation for Mitchell Treaty Tunnels until 2044
• Extended license term from 10 to 20 years
• Clearer priority rights for KSM Mining ULC to construct and operate the MTT
• Existing permits allow for initial construction activities on the MTT
• Initiation of permit amendment process for full MTT construction

Negative

• None.

Insights

Mining Industry Analyst

The renewal of Seabridge Gold's License of Occupation (LoO) for the Mitchell Treaty Tunnels (MTT) is a significant development for the KSM Project. This 20-year extension, double the previous term, demonstrates strong government support and enhances project certainty. The removal of "subject to prior rights" language clarifies KSMCo's priority for MTT construction and operation.

Key points:

• Renewed LoO until September 27, 2044
• Clearer priority rights for KSMCo over the Treaty Project Claim Holders
• Existing permits allow for initial MTT construction and surface infrastructure
• Permit amendment process initiated for full MTT construction

This renewal strengthens Seabridge's position and reduces potential conflicts with other claim holders. However, investors should note that full MTT construction still requires additional permitting. The company's invitation for discussions with Tudor Gold suggests a proactive approach to potential challenges.

Legal Expert

The renewal of the License of Occupation (LoO) for Seabridge Gold's KSM Project significantly strengthens the company's legal position. Key legal implications include:

• Removal of "subject to prior rights" language clarifies KSMCo's priority
• The conditional mineral reserve limits Treaty Project Claim Holders' rights
• Extended 20-year term provides long-term operational security

This renewal effectively reduces potential legal challenges from other claim holders, particularly Tudor Gold. The explicit limitation on Treaty Project Claim Holders not to interfere with MTT construction and operation is a important legal safeguard. However, investors should be aware that future negotiations or legal actions may still arise as the project progresses, especially concerning the full MTT construction permit amendment currently underway.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 25, 2024) - Seabridge Gold (TSX: SEA) (NYSE: SA) announced today that B.C. government renewed the License of Occupation ("LoO") for the Mitchell Treaty Tunnels ("MTT") at Seabridge's KSM Project until September 27, 2044.

The LoO provides Seabridge's wholly owned subsidiary, KSM Mining ULC ("KSMCo"), with the right to occupy the area in which it intends to construct the MTT. The MTT are the two 23 km long parallel tunnels planned to connect the east and west sides of the KSM Project Mine Site. Approximately 12.5 km of the MTT route passes through 11 mineral claims owned by a joint venture consisting of Tudor Gold Corp. ("Tudor"), Teuton Resources Corp. and American Creek Resources Ltd. (the "Treaty Project Claim Holders") of which Tudor is the operator. The original LoO was scheduled to expire on September 27, 2024.

This new LoO replaces the original LoO for the MTT granted in 2014. The wording in the original LoO which provided that KSMCo's rights under the LoO were "subject to the prior rights" of the holder of the 11 mineral claims owned by the Treaty Project Claim Holders has been removed from the newly issued LoO because it served no purpose. The LoO grants KSMCo no interest in the minerals within the LoO. The "prior rights" of the Treaty Project Claim Holders to the area of the LoO that traverses the 11 mineral claims of the Treaty Project Claim Holders are subject to a conditional mineral reserve (the "Mineral Reserve") established in 2012. The Mineral Reserve expressly limits the rights of the Treaty Project Claim Holders such that they may not "obstruct, endanger or interfere with, or allow any other person to obstruct, endanger or interfere with, the construction, operation or maintenance of" the MTT. The new LoO makes it clearer that KSMCo's use of the area of the LoO for the MTT takes priority over any use Tudor proposes to make of that area.

Seabridge Chairman and CEO Rudi Fronk commented that, "We wish to acknowledge the significant support our KSM project has received from the B.C. Government not only for this License of Occupation but also for the Substantially Started designation granted in July. We are pleased the renewed LoO provides greater clarity on the priority rights of KSMCo's MTT across the Treaty Creek Project. Furthermore, the renewal is for a 20-year term whereas the previous LoO was for 10 years. Seabridge continues to invite Tudor to enter into discussions with us on how we may be able to accommodate the progression of the Treaty Creek project while constructing and operating our MTT."

In addition to the LoO, KSMCo holds two additional permits associated with the MTT including a Mines Act permit M-245 which currently authorizes KSMCo to conduct various activities, including the following:

• Construction of the MTT portals at each of the Mine Site (west side), the Tailing Management Facility (the east side) and the Treaty Saddle area, including MTT construction up to and including the first tunnel crosscut (approximately 100 meters into the MTT from each portal).
• Construction of both temporary and long-term surface infrastructure at the Treaty Saddle area on Treaty Creek Project mineral claims.

The Treaty Saddle area is within the Treaty Claim Holders' claims but is also within the area of the LoO. Therefore, KSMCo presently holds the right to occupy the Treaty Saddle area to construct and operate the portals and first 100 m of the MTT, as well as surface infrastructure, on the Treaty Claim Holders' claims. In April 2024, KSM Co initiated the permit amendment process with the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation ("EMLI") for approval to construct the full length of the MTT.

About Seabridge Gold

Seabridge holds a 100% interest in several North American gold projects. Seabridge's principal asset, the KSM project, and its Iskut project, are located in Northwest British Columbia, Canada's "Golden Triangle", the Courageous Lake project located in Canada's Northwest Territories, the Snowstorm project in the Getchell Gold Belt of Northern Nevada and the 3 Aces project set in the Yukon Territory. For a full breakdown of Seabridge's Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources by category please visit the Company's website at http://www.seabridgegold.com.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, nor their Regulation Services Providers accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
"Rudi Fronk"
Chairman & C.E.O.

For further information please contact:
Rudi P. Fronk, Chairman and C.E.O.
Tel: (416) 367-9292 • Fax: (416) 367-2711
Email: info@seabridgegold.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224458

FAQ

What is the significance of the renewed License of Occupation for Seabridge Gold (NYSE: SA)?

The renewed License of Occupation grants Seabridge Gold's subsidiary, KSM Mining ULC, the right to occupy and construct the Mitchell Treaty Tunnels (MTT) for the KSM Project until 2044, providing clearer priority rights and a longer 20-year term.

How long are the Mitchell Treaty Tunnels (MTT) in Seabridge Gold's (NYSE: SA) KSM Project?

The Mitchell Treaty Tunnels (MTT) in Seabridge Gold's KSM Project consist of two parallel tunnels, each 23 km long, connecting the east and west sides of the project site.

What additional permits does Seabridge Gold (NYSE: SA) hold for the Mitchell Treaty Tunnels project?

Seabridge Gold holds a Mines Act permit M-245, which authorizes construction of MTT portals, initial tunnel construction, and surface infrastructure development at the Treaty Saddle area.

What is the current status of Seabridge Gold's (NYSE: SA) permit for full MTT construction?

In April 2024, Seabridge Gold initiated the permit amendment process with the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation for approval to construct the full length of the Mitchell Treaty Tunnels.