Benchmark Metals Inc told investors that the results of a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for its flagship Lawyers gold-silver asset will be released this month as it provided a calendar of 'key milestones' for the project.
The NI43-101 technical report for the British Columbia property will follow within 45 days, Benchmark added.
"In the coming year the company plans on delivering the Feasibility Study (FS) and start preparing the Environmental Assessment (EA) regulatory filings collaboratively with First Nations for the Lawyers Gold-Silver Project," John Williamson, the CEO said in a statement.
"Preparing the materials for the FS and EA is complex, takes time and requires attention to detail. Management has been focused on ensuring that every aspect of the project is carefully reviewed and assessed and that First Nations are involved in the development of the FS and EA products.
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"The delivery timeline is now clear and Benchmark is of the firm belief that the PEA, followed by the upcoming FS has the potential to position the company as a major producer of precious metals into the future and deliver value to shareholders, First Nations and local communities for years to come. We look forward to delivering the final study outputs, sharing the Feasibility Study report, and applying for regulatory approvals," he added.
The following timeline was provided:
- Q4 2022 - Targeted release of PEA
- Q2 2023 - Targeted completion of feasibility study (FS) activities
- Q3 2023 - Two years of environmental baseline achieved
- Q4 2023 - Targeted release of FS
- Mid-2024 - Targeted completion of the environmental assessment (EA)
Benchmark also highlighted that it continues to work closely with the Kwadacha Nation, Takla Nation, Tsay Keh Dene Nation, and Tahltan Nation.
The company and First Nations are planning a collaborative FS and EA process and recently, Benchmark signed a detailed agreement with Tahltan Central Government (TCG) to establish collaborative processes in Benchmark's exploration.
With this signing, Benchmark noted that it now has agreements in place with four Nations.
Benchmark Metals is advancing its wholly-owned Lawyers project in the prolific Golden Horseshoe of northern British Columbia, Canada.
The project consists of three mineralized deposits that remain open for expansion, in addition to 20-plus new target areas along the 20-kilometre trend.
Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com