SUSTAINABILITY

Confidential Project, Nevada - Carbon-Neutral Mining

David Smith and associates conducted a conceptual study on the feasibility of carbon-neutral gold mining on a proposed open-pit operation in Nevada. The client's goal was to understand what would be necessary to develop a mine with no net carbon emissions. Our work included evaluations of wind energy, biofuels, carbon credits, purchased carbon offsets, electricity transmission, tax credits, costs, and risk and reward. The study's conclusion was that operating the mine as carbon-neutral would provide significant cost savings, a potential price premium for sustainably produced gold, lower risk, smoother permitting, and an industry-leading position in sustainability.