BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

Pretium Resources Inc. BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

Rescan™ Environmental Services Ltd. Rescan Building, Sixth Floor - 1111 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6E 2J3 January 2013 Tel: (604) 689-9460 Fax: (604) 687-4277

BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

January 2013 Project #1042-008-01

Citation: Rescan. 2013. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Project Description (Federal) . Prepared for Pretium Resources Inc. by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.: Vancouver, British Columbia.

Prepared for:

Pretium Resources Inc.

Prepared by:

Rescan™ Environmental Services Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia

BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

Executive Summary

General Information and Contacts Pretium Resources Inc. (Pretivm) proposes to develop the Brucejack Gold Mine Project (the Project) as a 2,700 tonne per day (tpd) underground gold/silver mine. Pretivm is a mineral exploration company listed on the Toronto (TSX: PVG) and New York (NYSE:PVG) Stock Exchanges with its registered office in Vancouver, BC.

Project Name: Brucejack Gold Mine Project

Proponent: Pretium Resources Inc. Robert A. Quartermain, President and Chief Executive Officer 1600-570 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6C 3P1 phone: 604-558-1784 fax: 604-558-4784 website: http://www.pretivm.com/

Principal Contact: Joseph J. Ovsenek, Chief Development Officer phone: 604-566-8783 fax: 604-558-4784 email: [email protected]

Max Holtby, Director - Permitting phone: 604-558-1784 fax: 604-558-4784 email: [email protected]

Consulting Company: Rescan Environmental Services Sixth Floor, 1111 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6E 2J3 phone: 604-689-9460 fax: 604-687-4277

Greg Norton, Project Manager email: [email protected]

Anne Currie, Project Director email: [email protected]

Project Location The Project is located at 56°28'20" N latitude by 130°11'31" W longitude, which is approximately 950 km northwest of Vancouver, 65 km north-northwest of Stewart, 21 km south-southeast of the closed Eskay Creek Mine, and approximately 40 km upstream from the border of British Columbia and Alaska (Figure 1). The Project is located on provincial Crown land within the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. i PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-15-004 January 21 2013

420000 440000 460000 480000

6280000 ¤£37 ± 6280000

Tr ea ty Cre ek

ption st O Ea Brucejack Lake B e 6260000 6260000 l

Bowser -

Lake v

i n g R iv e r

er R ows i B v er ¤£37 Knipple n

o i Lake t

O T

h o t d

u d o

C S

r e

6240000 6240000

e k

Summit Lake

Divide m

B Lake r ri i tis c h C a C ol n a u C na mb d ia r Al a , Long e Meziadin a e sk a, Lake k Junction

6220000 U 6220000 SA River £37A ar ¤ e B Strohn Meziadin .! Community Lake Lake Highway Infrastructure B Proposed Brucejack it ek te r Cre ^_ Mine Site Exploration Road Long Lake Project Transmission Line Stewart Proposed .! 6200000 Transmission Line 6200000 Aiyansh - Stewart Transmission Line NTL Alignment 1:450,000 0 10 20

420000 440000 460000 480000

Figure 1 Location of Brucejack Gold Mine Project EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The purpose of the Project is to develop Pretivm’s core asset to help meet world gold and silver demand in a manner that benefits First Nations, local communities, individuals, and local, provincial, and federal governments, and Pretivm shareholders without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

This document outlines Pretivm’s conceptual plan for development of an underground gold and silver project to enable the BC Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO) and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA Agency) to determine whether provincial and/or federal environmental assessments are required.

Regulatory Framework Pursuant to section 3(1) of the Reviewable Projects Regulation , the proposed production capacity for the Project exceeds the criteria of 75,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of mineral ore for a new mineral mine and will require a provincial environmental assessment under the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Act (BC EAA).

Federally, the Project is considered a “designated project” under section 15 (c) of the Regulations Designating Physical Activities (RDPA) as the production rate will exceed the threshold for a gold mine of 600 tonnes per day (tpd). Additionally, section 8 of the RDPA may apply due to the construction of a facility that requires the extraction of more than 200,000 m3/a of groundwater.

Mineral Resources and Claims The Brucejack Gold Mine Project consists of six mineral claims totalling an area of 3,199.28 ha that cover the mineral resource. This is part of a larger mineral claim area held by Pretivm that includes an additional 326 mineral claims with an area of 94,208 ha. Mineral claims provide a holder with sub-surface rights only. Pretivm acquired the mineral rights to the Project in late 2010; however, mining exploration in the local area has been active for the past 50 years.

Pretivm has reviewed all of the historical and ongoing exploration results, and has identified ten zones of potentially economical mineralization. The Brucejack Gold Mine Project will focus on two zones; Valley of Kings (VOK) Zone and West Zone (WZ). The mineral resources shown in Table 1 were estimated in November 2012 using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines by Snowden Mining Industry Consultants. Table 1 includes a combination of resources estimated in the VOK and WZ zones. The quantity and grade of reported inferred resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these resources. Future exploration is planned and could potentially result in further additions to all resource categories.

Table 1. Mineral Resource Grade and Tonnage Estimate for the Valley of the Kings and West Zones

Tonnes Gold Silver Contained Category (Mt) (g/t) (g/t) Gold (Moz) Silver (Moz) Measured West Zone 2.4 5.85 347 0.5 26.8 Indicated Valley of the Kings 16.1 16.4 14.2 8.5 7.3 West Zone 2.5 5.86 190 0.5 15.1 Inferred Valley of the Kings 5.4 17.0 15.7 2.9 2.7 West Zone 4.0 6.44 82 0.8 10.6

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. iii PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Project Description The Project is an underground gold and silver mining operation, targeting the West and Valley of the Kings (VOK) mineralized zones. Over a minimum 16-year mine life, the mine will produce approximately 16 Mt of ore at a rate of up to 2,700 tonnes per day (tpd).

The overall layout of the Project is shown in Figure 2. The mine site footprint is approximately 10.5 ha. The Project components and physical activities include, but are not limited to:

o mine portal;

o ventilation shafts;

o waste rock transfer pad;

o run-of-mine ore stockpile;

o ore conveyor;

o surface and underground crushers;

o mill/concentrator;

o backfill paste plant;

o tailings pipeline;

o subaqueous disposal of waste rock and tailings;

o backfill of waste rock and tailings underground;

o diversion channels;

o back-up power plant;

o transmission line and ancillary components;

o warehouse;

o truck shop;

o helicopter pad;

o sewage treatment plant and related activities (e.g., sludge disposal);

o water treatment plant;

o incinerator;

o electric induction furnace;

o landfill;

o mine site haul roads and transportation activities along existing access roads;

o fuel storage tanks;

o surface and underground explosives storage;

o up to a 550-person modular camp; and

o administration offices.

iv RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-15-005 January 18 2013

426200 426700 427200 427700 428200 6259500 ± 6259500

Explosives Brucejack Storage Lake Submerged

Mill Building 6259000 6259000 B Detonator Storage ru Including Admin, Mine Dry, cejac k Cr eek Truck Shop, Warehouse

Submerged

Substation Laydown Infrastructure Area Fuel !( Proposed Portal Entrance Garbage and Storage !( Proposed Air Raise Incinerator Area !( Existing Adit

Exploration Road Proposed Transmission Line 6258500 6258500 Helipad Proposed Infrastructure Proposed Building Proposed Tailings Diversion Area Channel Proposed Waste Rock Disposal Operations Camp Water Pumps and Storage Tank 2 m Contour 1:10,000 0 200 400

426200 426700 427200 427700 428200

Figure2 Figure 2 Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Layout of Mine and Mill Surface Infrastructure PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

The underground operation will be based on conventional rubber-tired, diesel and electric powered mobile equipment, with loader mucking and truck haulage via a decline ramp system. Mining will be done using the long hole open stoping method with a combination of rock and paste backfill. The paste fill will be sourced from thickened flotation plant tailings, and the rock fill will be sourced from underground development muck. The paste fill plant is proposed to be located on the surface, adjacent to the processing plant. Run-of-mine ore will receive primary crushing underground and then will be transported to surface facilities (i.e. a run of mine ore stock-pile) via conveyor belt.

Mineral processing will involve conventional sulphide flotation and gravity concentration. A smelting furnace will be used to produce gold doré from the gravity concentrate. As well, a flotation plant at the mine site will produce gold-silver flotation concentrate that will be dewatered and trucked off-site to the port at Stewart, BC.

Two ventilation intakes, twin declines for new development (in addition to the existing West Zone portal) and a centrally located fresh air raise (FAR) located midway between the Valley of the Kings and West Zone lodes are proposed.

It is planned to house the run-of-mine (ROM) ore stockpile, grinding circuit, flotation plant, backfill paste plant, and concentrate stockpile within a single building.

Access A 75 km exploration road west from Highway (Hwy) 37 will be used to access the mine site. This existing road will require upgrading to support operational hauling activities. The road will be used year-round to mobilize personnel, equipment and supplies to the mine site and to truck concentrate from the mine site to the port in Stewart, via Hwy 37.

Waste Management Waste streams from the Project (i.e., waste rock, tailings, air emissions, domestic/industrial waste) will require active management. Approximately 5 Mt of waste rock will be produced throughout the mine life. More than half of this waste rock will be re-deposited in the underground mine, and an estimated 2 Mt will be sub-aqueously stored in the southwest corner of Brucejack Lake. Causeways will be constructed with non-acid generating waste rock so that trucks can dump waste rock at greater depths and to ensure that sufficient water cover (> 1 m) is maintained over the waste rock. This method was previously used to dispose of waste rock into Brucejack Lake in 1999 following advanced underground exploration activities for the Sulphurets Project completed by Newhawk Gold Mines.

Approximately 8 Mt of the flotation tailings will be paste backfilled to the underground workings, while an estimated 8 Mt of the flotation tailings will be deposited in Brucejack Lake. The tailings discharge pipeline will extend along the bottom of Brucejack Lake to a sand filter located near the maximum depth of the lake (100 m), where the tailings are proposed to be deposited. The total volume of tailings and waste rock will be stored within the bottom 30 m of Brucejack Lake.

Air emissions will include particulate matter (PM), nitrous oxides (NO x), sulphur oxides (SO x), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fuel combustion by surface and underground vehicles, and diesel generators when in use. Emissions from the electrical induction furnace are primarily PM and SO x. Fugitive dust emissions will occur due to vehicle traffic along the access road, but will be limited at the mine site as a substantial amount of vehicle traffic will occur in the underground. Waste rock and tailings will be sub-aqueously stored and blasting will primarily occur underground, therefore limiting dust emissions from these potential sources. Additional air emissions will occur from a waste incinerator.

vi RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Hazardous waste materials, such as spoiled reagents and used batteries, will be generated throughout the life of the Project, from construction to decommissioning. These materials will be anticipated in advance; they will be segregated, inventoried, and tracked in accordance with federal and provincial legislation and regulations such as the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (1992). A separate secure storage area will be established with appropriate controls to manage spillage. Hazardous waste will be labelled and stored in appropriate containers for shipment to approved off-site disposal facilities.

Waste management will also involve the segregation of industrial and domestic waste into appropriate management streams. Project waste collection and disposal facilities will include one or more incinerators, a permitted landfill, waste collection areas for recyclable and hazardous waste, and sewage effluent and sludge disposal. Waste collection areas will have provisions to segregate waste according to disposal methods and facilities to address spills, fire, and wildlife attraction.

Water Management The process plant for the Project will require approximately 1,800 m3/d or 75 m3/h of water which will be provided by collecting underground mine seepage water, and extracting freshwater from Brucejack Lake. Underground seepage rates have initially been estimated at up to 2,400 m3/h (at full development, tunnels will equal 63 km in total length). If the CEA Agency considers the collection of underground mine seepage water to constitute ‘extraction’ of groundwater, the Project may also be considered a “designated project” under section 15 (c) of the RDPA due to the construction of a facility that requires the extraction of more than 200,000 m3/a of groundwater. This water will be collected and pumped to the plant for process use. Excess water will be treated and discharged to Brucejack Lake. Depending on the quality of the underground seepage water, approximately 5 m3/hr of water from Brucejack Lake may be required to supply the fresh water requirements of the Project.

Fresh water diversion channels will be constructed to divert non-contact water away from the Project mine site into small tributaries of Brucejack Lake and Brucejack Creek.

If necessary, a high density sludge water treatment plant, adjacent to the processing plant, will be built and operated to ensure the quality of the mine effluent discharge meets receiving environment criteria.

Power Requirements When the mine is operating at maximum production (Year 3), the power requirement for the Project is estimated to range between 20 - 30 Mega Watts (MW). Two 138 kV power transmission line alternatives are currently being considered. An east option would parallel the 70 km exploration road and connect to the Northwest Transmission Line near kilometre 215 of Hwy 37. A second option would extend 55 km southeast and south from the mine site to the Long Lake Hydroelectric Project, which is currently under construction near Stewart. Pretivm is currently assessing these options, including discussing connection issues with BC Hydro. It may be necessary to extend the proposed south option to connect with the recently constructed BC Hydro substation near Stewart. Diesel generators will be used as a back-up power source.

Regional Setting Northwestern BC is populated by a number of small, predominantly First Nations’ communities and the larger centres of Smithers, Terrace, Hazelton and Stewart, which provide services and supplies to much of the region. Communities within the region are generally separated by large distances, with limited transportation and communication options; the region is intersected by Hwy 37 (running in a north-south direction) and Hwy 16 (running east to west). Regional population trends show a decrease of 5.9% between 2001 and 2006, while provincially, the population increased by 5.3% over the same period.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. vii PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

The regional economic base is supported primarily by resource extraction industries including mining and forestry. Mineral exploration activity has increased in recent years, providing significant employment opportunities which are anticipated to continue while commodity prices remain high. Forestry and tourism have fluctuated significantly in response to prevailing economic conditions.

The western part of the Project area is included in the Cassiar-Iskut-Stikine Land and Resource Management Plan (CIS LRMP; ILMB 2000). The CIS LRMP encompasses 5.2 million hectares in northwestern BC. It provides policy direction on the management of land and resources in the CIS LRMP area. Within the CIS LRMP area, the Unuk Regional Management Zone is located downstream of the Brucejack Gold Mine Project along the Unuk River between Sulphurets Creek and the BC/Alaska border. The eastern part of the Project area lies within the boundaries of the South Nass Sustainable Resource Management Plan area (MFLNRO 2012).

Provincial parks in the region include Meziadin Lake Provincial Park and Bear Glacier Provincial Park located south of the Project along Hwy 37A, and Border Lake Provincial Park that encompasses a portion of the Unuk River at the BC/Alaska border.

There is one environmental study in the regional area that Pretivm is aware of; the regional traffic study with involvement from the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (BC MOTI). The purpose of the study is to develop a regional approach to managing industrial traffic related impacts along Highway 37, and potentially Highway 37A. To date, Pretivm has not been asked to participate in this study. There are no federal environmental studies underway in the region pursuant to section 74 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act , 2012. Pretivm is not aware of any formal conservation plans for the region.

Numerous environmental studies have been undertaken to satisfy EA information requirements for mining projects in the regional area. Table 2 provides a summary of past, existing, and reasonably foreseeable future projects that occur in the northwest region of the province that have been, are, or may be, subject to the environmental assessment process. Some aspects of these projects may have a spatial and temporal linkage with the proposed Brucejack Gold Mine Project.

Table 2. Summary of Past, Existing, and Reasonably Foreseeable Projects that Occur in the Northwest Region of BC

Past Projects Existing Projects Reasonably Foreseeable Projects Eskay Creek Mine Forrest Kerr Hydroelectric Bear River Gravel (under construction) Granduc Mine Long Lake Hydroelectric Bronson Slope Mine (under construction) Johnny Mountain Mine Northwest Transmission Line Galore Creek Mine (under construction) Kitsault Mine Red Chris Mine (under construction) Granduc Mine Silbak Premier Mine KSM Mine Snip Mine Kinskuch Hydroelectric Sulphurets Mine Kitsault Mine Swamp Point Mine Kutcho Mine McLymont Creek Hydroelectric Arctos Mine Schaft Creek Mine Storie Moly Mine Treaty Creek Hydroelectric Turnagain Mine Volcano Creek Hydroelectric viii RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

There are no federal lands within the Project Area; the nearest federal lands to the Project are the port at Prince Rupert (240 km), Gwai Haanass Nation Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site (416 km), the Kuldoe Indian Reserve (156 km), and the Andimaul Indian Reserve (206 km). No federal lands are anticipated to be affected by the Project. There is no federal funding anticipated for the Project.

The Bell II Lodge on Hwy 37 provides commercial heli-ski opportunities in the regional area. Guide outfitter territories (2 overlap with Project infrastructure) and registered trap lines (3 overlap with Project infrastructure) also exist in the Project area, as well as other commercial recreational tenures and angling licenses; recreational hunting and fishing activities are limited. Commercial timber harvesting has occurred near Hwy 37; further timber harvesting in the Project area is possible subject to an economic recovery in the forestry sector.

Existing Environment The Project is located above the tree line in a mountainous area with an elevation at the mine site of 1,400 m; surrounding peaks measure 2,200 m in elevation. Glaciers and ice fields border the mineral deposits to the north, south, and east. Recent and rapid deglaciation has resulted in over-steepened and unstable slopes in many areas. Recently deglaciated areas typically have limited soil development, consisting of glacial till and colluvium. Lower elevation areas with mature vegetation may have a well- developed organic soil layer.

The mineral deposits at Brucejack are transitional meso- to epithermal (intermediate to low sulphidation) high-grade gold-silver deposits. The gold mineralization is interpreted to be genetically related to one or more Jurassic-age alkaline intrusions. Gold mineralization is hosted in quartz vein stockworks within schistose and pervasively altered quartz-sericite (±chlorite, ±ankerite) volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks that contain 1 to 5% disseminated pyrite, minor base metal sulphide (sphalerite, galena, ±chalcopyrite, ±molybdenite) and tourmaline veinlets and disseminations and abundant post- mineral calcite veining.

The climate of the region is relatively extreme and daily weather patterns in the Iskut River region are unpredictable. The observed temperature range in the Project area is typical of northwestern BC and consists of a winter period (November to March) with below freezing (-4 to -20°C) mean monthly temperatures and a summer period (June to September) with mean monthly temperatures between 5°C and 20°C. The spring (April and May) and fall (late September to November) are cool at low elevations and colder at high elevations, as expected in mountainous environments in BC, and provide a transition between the winter and summer temperatures (Rescan 2011b). In the region the wettest periods are typically recorded during the fall. Based on a regional precipitation model, mean annual precipitation in the Project area is expected to range from 1,000 to 2,200 mm.

Brucejack Lake is a deep, oligotrophic lake, with neutral pH, relatively low metal concentrations and low levels of total suspended solids (TSS), and an outlet that drains in a north-westerly direction towards Sulphurets Creek. Sulphurets Creek is a tributary of the Unuk River which ultimately drains in a south-westerly direction across the trans boundary BC/Alaska border into a marine environment in Burroughs Bay at Behm Canal in Alaska.

Historically, Brucejack Lake has been used to deposit waste rock from early exploration mining activities, including over 5,000 metres of underground development. Baseline monitoring conducted in 2011 indicates water quality naturally degrades downstream in Sulphurets Lake and Sulphurets Creek; naturally elevated concentrations above BC freshwater aquatic life guidelines were observed for the following parameters: arsenic, aluminum, cadmium, chromium, copper, fluoride, iron, lead, pH, selenium, silver, sulphate, and zinc. Guideline exceedances are most frequently observed in Sulphurets

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. ix PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Creek and the Unuk River; concentrations within Brucejack Lake and Brucejack Creek are typically below guideline levels.

The Unuk River supports three species of Pacific salmon (Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ), coho (O. kisutch ), and sockeye (O. nerka )) which spend some portion of their life cycle in the upper reaches of the Unuk River watershed. A 200 metre (m) long cascade is present in Sulphurets Creek approximately 300 m upstream of its confluence with the Unuk River which acts as a barrier to fish movement. Dolly Varden char (Salvelinus malma ) are present below the cascade in Sulphurets Creek, but no fish species have been documented above the cascade, including Brucejack Lake which is 20 km upstream. No aquatic species of conservation concern, including fish, have been documented within the Project area during baseline studies.

Wildlife resources in the local and regional Project study areas are recognized for their ecological, social, economic, and cultural value. Provincial databases and references were consulted to identify wildlife species that may occur in the Project area. A total of six amphibians, one reptile, 222 birds (including those identified as migratory as per the Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994), e.g., Swainson’s thrush ( Catharus ustulatus ), American robin ( Turdus migratorius ), orange-crowned warbler ( Vermivora celata ), and savannah sparrow ( Passerculus sandwichensis )), and 54 mammals potentially occur within the study area. Of these, 37 species of conservation concern may possibly occur within a Regional Study Area (RSA), including species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA; 2002b), and those listed by the Committee on Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and the British Columbia Conservation Data Centre (Table 3).

Based on criterion such as conservation status, ecological sensitivity, importance to First Nations and local, social, or economic reasons, key species for the region include: moose (Alces alces ), mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus ), grizzly bear (Ursus arctos ), wolverine (Gulo gulo ), western toad (Anaxyrus boreas ), furbearers, waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds, including migratory birds.

Potential Environmental Effects Environmental baseline studies including a comprehensive metal leaching and acid rock drainage (ML/ARD) characterization study, are currently being undertaken in support of the Project. Two potential environmental effects from the Project that are likely to be of concern in the local Project area include localized degradation of surface water quality (during the operations and closure phases of the Project) and localized disturbance to wildlife during the construction and operations phases.

Mill tailings will be placed at the bottom of Brucejack Lake using methods to minimize suspended solid concentrations. During the initial operations phase of the Project until voids are available for waste rock to be backfilled underground, waste rock will be submerged in Brucejack Lake to minimize the opportunity for ML/ARD. Any potential residual effects on sediment and surface water quality from these and other activities are expected to be localized. Brucejack Lake downstream to the confluence of Sulphurets Creek and the Unuk River (a distance of approximately 20 km) is non-fish bearing; due to this considerable distance, and because effects on surface water quality are anticipated to be restricted to the local receiving environment, the Project is not predicted to cause an adverse effect on fish and fish habitat in the Unuk River. The potential for any transboundary effects to occur (i.e. degraded water quality 45 km downstream of the discharge pipeline) which would act as a cause- effect pathway impairing fish and fish habitat in the lower Unuk River is considered extremely unlikely. Fish, fish habitat and aquatic species (including those listed under subsection 2(1) of SARA (2002b)) may be affected through construction and operation of transmission line right-of-ways, through sedimentation and erosion, riparian vegetation clearing, and potential spills.

x RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 Table 3. Wildlife Species of Conservation Concern, Including Migratory Birds, Likely or Probable to Occur in Project Area Conservation Status Detected During Identified 2 3 Species Scientific Name Baseline Studies1 BC List Wildlife COSEWIC SARA Migratory4 western toad Bufo boreas Y yellow SC 1 sooty grouse Dendragapus fuliginosus P blue common nighthawk Chordeiles minor N yellow T 1 Y olive-sided flycatcher Contopus cooperi Y blue T 1 Y barn swallow Hirundo rustica N blue Y rusty blackbird Euphagus carolinus N blue SC 1 Y yellow-billed loon Gavia adamsii N blue NAR Y horned grebe Podiceps auritus N yellow SC Y western grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis N red Y double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus N blue NAR American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus N blue Y tundra swan Cygnus columbianus N blue Y brant Branta bernicla N blue Y surf scoter Melanitta perspicillata Y blue Y northern goshawk, laingi spp Accipiter gentilis laingi N red Y T 1 rough-legged hawk Buteo lagopus Y blue NAR peregrine falcon, pealei ssp Falco peregrinus pealei N blue SC 1 peregrine falcon, anatum ssp Falco peregrinus anatum N red SC 1 swainson's hawk Buteo swainsoni Y red gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus N blue NAR sandhill crane Grus canadensis N yellow Y NAR Y American golden-plover Pluvialis dominica N blue Y wandering tattler Tringa flavipes N blue Y upland sandpiper Bartramia longicauda N red Y short-billed dowitcher Limnodromus griseus N blue Y red-necked phalarope Phalaropus lobatus N blue Y caspian tern Hydroprogne caspia N blue NAR Y snowy owl Bubo scandiacus N blue NAR western screech-owl Megascops kennicottii N no status 1 short-eared owl Asio flammeus N blue Y SC 3 fisher Martes pennanti Y blue Y grizzly bear Ursus arctos Y blue Y SC least weasel Mustela nivalis N blue wolverine, luscus ssp Gulo gulo luscus Y blue Y SC northern caribou (population 15) Rangifer tarandus pop. 15 N no status Y keen's myotis Mytois keenii N red Y DD 3 northern myotis Mytois septentrionalis N blue 1 Y - Yes; N - No; P - Probable 2 SC - Special Concern; T - Threatened; NAR - Not At Risk; DD - Data Deficient 3 1 - Schedule 1; 3 - Schedule 3 4 As per the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Other environmental effects that may occur include effects on air quality from fugitive dust emissions during construction and crushing during mining operations, and particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions from fuel combustion by vehicles and generators as well as from waste incineration. However, since mining will be underground and most of the waste rock and tailings will be stored either underground or sub-aqueously, effects from fugitive dust emissions are anticipated to be minor.

Noise effects will be limited to workers on-site during construction and operations. Local wildlife species may also experience intermittent sensory disturbance due to exposure to increased noise levels in the immediate vicinity of the local Project area. However due to the primarily underground operations, surface noise levels are expected to be of minor magnitude.

The construction of the Project facilities will result in removal of soil and vegetation within the footprint of the mine site and along the transmission line. Reclamation activities during the closure and post-closure phases of the Project will approximate pre-disturbance conditions as closely as possible.

Any potential effects on species at risk and their habitat and on unique ecosystems during any phases of the Project will be mitigated to the extent possible. Wildlife-vehicle collisions on access roads and haul routes and hunting pressure because of increased access into the local Project area may result in direct wildlife mortality. However, vehicle traffic is expected to only marginally increase current traffic volumes along Hwy 37, and the use of access roads into the Project area will be controlled.

Potential effects to migratory birds may include direct mortality from collisions with transmission lines, buildings, or vehicles, removal or disruption of nests, loss of habitat due to vegetation clearing, interference from Project lighting and noise, and effects to health from potential degradation of air and water quality.

Potential Economic Effects Based on the engineering work and mineral resource estimates compiled to date, capital costs for constructing the Project are anticipated to be greater than $450 M. Operating costs are estimated to be less than $200/t milled or $197 million per year.

Based on a post-tax economic evaluation as part of the Preliminary Economic Assessment (Tetra Tech 2012), the Project is expected to yield a 5% net present value of US$1,454 million and an internal rate of return of 25.0%. The evaluation considered base case metal prices of US$1,100 per oz gold and US$21.00 per oz silver. Pursuant to the Mineral Tax Act (1996d), a Net Current Proceeds (NCP) tax will be calculated for each fiscal period of the mine. The NCP tax will be payable for the period if revenues and recoveries exceed costs (BC Ministry of Finance 2009). Estimates of taxes and royalties will be provided in subsequent EA documents.

The Project is expected to provide positive economic benefits to local communities as a result of direct training and employment opportunities (at higher wage levels) generated by the Project; the Project will support an estimated 500 person-years of employment during construction, and at least 4,800 person-years of employment during operations. Indirect employment opportunities (e.g., goods and services contract providers to the mining industry) will also increase, creating positive spin-off effects in the local, regional, and provincial economies. The Project will also generate annual revenues (e.g. property tax, licensing fees, royalties, and income tax) for local, provincial, and federal governments.

No federal funding is being sought or provided for the Project.

xii RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Potential Social Effects The Bell II Lodge on Hwy 37 provides commercial heli-ski opportunities in the regional area. Guide outfitter territories (two overlap with Project infrastructure) and registered trap lines (three overlap with Project infrastructure) also exist in the Project area, as well as other commercial recreational tenures and angling licenses; recreational hunting and fishing activities are limited. Commercial timber harvesting has occurred near Hwy 37; further timber harvesting in the Project area is possible subject to an economic recovery in the forestry sector.

Effects of the Project on current recreational and commercial land use opportunities are anticipated to be minor. The Project is expected to be consistent with the management objectives in the CIS-LRMP and Nass South SRMP, and Pretivm will work with any affected tenure owners to discuss mitigation measures to address any potential concerns.

There is expected to be an increase in local and regional populations as a result of Project development which may marginally increase pressure on the use of, or access to, existing housing, infrastructure, and social services.

The Project may also affect the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes; these potential effects are discussed below, specific to each First Nation, Treaty Nation, or Métis group.

Potential Effects on Human Health Adverse effects on human health from the Project may result from changes in air and drinking water quality, exposure to increased noise levels, and changes to the quality and/or availability of country foods. Effects on human health from air quality, noise, and poor drinking water quality for temporary or permanent residents in the area are anticipated to be negligible. The Project is isolated and located 40 km southwest of the nearest permanent residence at Bell II. Pretivm is aware of 9 temporary residences, including fishing, hunting and trapline cabins, located within 60 km of the mine site; the closest of these is located approximately 19 km from the proposed mine site. Country foods (fishing, hunting, and harvesting) may be affected by changes to surface water quality and from metal laden dust deposition on vegetation and soils in the vicinity of Project components. Due to a low level of recreational and traditional use in the area, and because the Project site is largely covered by rock (i.e. low productivity), residual effects on human health are predicted to be minor.

Potential Effects on Heritage Values An Archaeological Impact Assessment was conducted under the Heritage Conservation Act (1996b) in 2010. A total of 861 shovel tests were conducted in 43 locations, and one archaeological site consisting of one obsidian utilized flake was identified (Rescan 2011a). Additional work undertaken in 2011 - 2012 identified no additional archaeological sites.

Nine historic land use features, not protected under the Heritage Conservation Act (1996b), were also recorded within the Project area. These include the Catear mine site, the abandoned Newhawk adit, two areas with recently blazed trees, two legal survey posts, and three sites relating to historic exploration or trapping activity (Rescan 2011a).

The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine lists six sites in a Community Heritage Registry, the closest of which is the Yukon Telegraph Line which has associated features (a cabin and trap trees) at the confluence of Teigen and Snowbank creeks, approximately 30 km north of the local Project area.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. xiii PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

As a guiding principle, the Project is designed to have as minimal an impact as possible; physical and cultural heritage resources that have been identified in the area will be avoided to the extent possible, and/or re-located if required or possible.

First Nations, Nisga’a Nation and Métis

Skii km Lax Ha Proposed project infrastructure intersects with the traditional territory of the Skii km Lax Ha. The Skii km Lax Ha actively engage in hunting, trapping, plant, berry and mushroom harvesting, fishing and camping in their traditional territory. These activities are important for sustenance and to supplement income from the wage economy. Moose is a key contemporary food source and is the predominant animal hunted. The Skii km Lax Ha trap along the Highway 37 corridor for species such as beaver (Castor canadensis ), American marten (Martes americana ) and wolverine. Trapping activities are often concentrated around wetland areas. Fishing for salmon and steelhead/rainbow trout (O. mykiss ) continues to be an important Skii km Lax Ha activity. Preferred Skii km Lax Ha fishing locations include the Cranberry River (for Chinook (Spring) salmon), the west side of the Bell-Irving River (for steelhead trout), the confluence of Treaty Creek and Bell-Irving River, as well as the confluence of Snowbank Creek and Bell-Irving River (for Chinook (Spring) salmon). Steelhead and rainbow trout are fished along the Bell-Irving River between Treaty and Wildfire creeks.

Nisga’a Nation Proposed project infrastructure intersects with the Nass Area as defined in the NFA. The Nisga’a Nation is a treaty nation with a constitutionally recognized government and specific rights and interests set out in the NFA which came into effect in May 2000 (Canada, BC, and Nisga'a Nation 1998).

The Nisga’a Nation has approximately 5,900 members. Over 2,000 members reside in one of the four Nisga’a villages within Nisga’a Lands, approximately 230 km south of the Project: Gitlaxt’aamiks (New Aiyansh), Gitwinksihlkw (Canyon City), Laxgalts’ap (Greenville), and Gingolx (Kincolith; Statistics Canada 2007a; AANDC 2012b).

The Nisga’a fish, trap, and hunt a wide variety of marine and terrestrial species, and use a number of different aquatic and terrestrial plants. Salmon and eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus ) are central to Nisga’a history, economy, and way of life (NTC, Fiegehen, and Rose 1993; NLG n.d.). Contemporary economic uses of the land include tourism, recreation, and commercial forestry.

The NFA defines other Nisga’a interests including forestry tenures, commercial recreation tenures, guide outfitting and angling licenses, and traplines. These interests are located well south of the Project area.

The Nisga’a have the right to reasonable access to and onto Crown lands that are outside Nisga’a Lands, including streams and highways, to allow for the exercise of Nisga’a rights and interests. If an authorized use or disposition of Crown land would deny Nisga’a citizens reasonable access or use of resources, the Crown must ensure that alternative reasonable access is provided.

xiv RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Gitanyow First Nation The traditional territory of the Gitanyow First Nation is located south of the Project. Highways 37 and 37A pass through Gitanyow traditional territory. Project equipment, materials, supplies, personnel and concentrate will be transported along Highways 37 and 37A.

Gitanyow huwilp historically lived off of the land and continue to rely on traditional resources within their territories. This reliance includes subsistence harvesting, and economic and cultural uses of fish and wildlife.

Salmon species that are important dietary staples to the Gitanyow include sockeye, chinook and coho. Fishing activities traditionally occured at the confluence of the Meziadin and Nass rivers.

Wildlife harvesting is an important traditional activity to Gitanyow huwilp . Specifically, moose, mountain goat (Oreamus americanus ), black bear (Ursus americanus ), grizzly bear, mule deer (Odocoileus virginianus ), waterfowl and hoary marmots (Marmota caligata ) are highly valued species. Trapping is also common within huwilp territories, and the Gitanyow have owned a single registered trapline that covers all of their traditional territory since 1930 (Sterritt 1998). Common fur-bearing animals harvested include American mink (Neovison vison ), American marten, beaver (Castor canadensis ) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes ; Halpin and Seguin 1990).

Traditional plant use in Gitanyow territory includes the harvesting of devil’s club (Oplopanax horridus ) and water lily (Nymphaea spp.) among other species. A wide variety of plants are important for food, medicine and technological uses (Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs Office (GHCO) 2008). Seasonal berry picking is still actively pursued and is an important aspect of the seasonal harvest cycle. Harvested species include blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), wild cranberries (Oxycoccus spp. and Vaccinium spp.) and soapberries (Shepherdia canadensis ). Bush burns were used to actively enhance berry production until the practice was banned (Daly 2005).

Marsden (2010), in a survey of Gitanyow wilp members, notes that plants still used by the Gitanyow for medicinal purposes include: Devil’s club, hellebore (Veratrum viride ), Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum ), water lily roots (Nuphar spp.), nettles (Urtica spp.), soapberries, balsam bark (Populus spp.), red alder bark (Alnus rubra ), and wild mint (Mentha arvensis ).

Mushroom harvesting is actively pursued by the Gitanyow. Pine mushroom (Tricholoma magnivelare ) harvesting is an economic practice conducted in some areas of dense coniferous forest growth in Gitanyow traditional territory (Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs Office (GHCO) 2008).

Gitxsan First Nation The traditional territory of the Gitxsan First Nation is located south of the Project. Highway 37 passes through the Gitxsan territory. Project equipment, materials, supplies, personnel and concentrate will be transported along Highway 37.

Gitxsan people historically lived off the land and continue to rely on the land and natural resources for subsistence, cultural, and economic pursuits. Common traditional activities include fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering.

Salmon is a dietary staple for the Gitxsan and the basis of their subsistence economy. Gitxsan harvest and process chinook, coho, sockeye, and chum ( O. keta ) salmon, as well as steelhead trout, near their spawning grounds (GWA 2004).

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. xv PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Mammals are used for subsistence, trapping, and for grease. Mammals hunted for subsistence include deer, moose, mountain goat, black bear, and grizzly bear. The Gitxsan trap beaver, American mink, American marten, fisher (Martes pennant), red fox, wolf (Canis lupus ), coyote (Canis latrans ), weasel (Mustela spp .), and otter (Lontra canadensis ) for their fur (People of 'Ksan 1980; Halpin and Seguin 1990). In addition to their use for furs, some trapped animals have also traditionally been used for rendering grease (People of ‘Ksan 1980; Morrell 1989; Halpin and Seguin 1990; Daly 2005; Gitxsan Chiefs’ Office 2010). Aquatic birds that have traditionally been eaten include geese, ducks, and swans (People of ‘Ksan 1980).

A wide range of plant species are used for subsistence purposes. Saskatoon berries (Amelanchier alnifolia ), hazelnuts (Corylus cornuta ), chokecherries (Prunus virginiana ), rosehips (Rosa spp.), gooseberries (Ribes spp.), squash berries (Viburnum edule ), raspberries (Rubus spp .), thimbleberries (Rubus parviflorus ) and soapberries were among those eaten by the Gitxsan (Rescan 2009). They also collected wild crab-apples (Malus fusca ), swamp cranberries (Oxycoccus oxycoccos ), Saskatoon berries, and soapberries in the valleys. Bush burns were used to actively enhance mountain blueberries and blue huckleberries production until the practice was banned (Gottesfeld 1994). Today, people collect berries in clear-cut areas opened by forestry and along roadsides (Daly 2005). A number of edible mushrooms grow on the moss-covered forest floor, including pine mushrooms, which are harvested primarily for export (Gitxsan Chiefs’ Office 2010).

Gitxsan also harvest a number of medicinal plants (Gitxsan Chiefs’ Office 2010), including devil’s club and yellow pond lily root.

Tahltan Nation The traditional territory of the Tahltan Nation lies to the north of the Project. Traditional activities including fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering play a large role in Tahltan culture.

The Tahltan have numerous fish-bearing rivers running through their territory including the Skeena, Stikine, Bell-Irving, Tahltan, Nass, Nahlin, and Ningunsaw rivers. Summer fisheries were traditionally, and are currently, located in the mid-Stikine, upper-Nass and upper-Skeena basins (THREAT 2009). Fish caught during traditional harvest seasons are smoke-dried and preserved and used to feed families throughout the season (Albright 1984).

Mammals are used for subsistence and trapping. A number of species of wildlife are important subsistence sources for Tahltan communities and are found throughout the Tahltan traditional territory. This includes moose, black bear, grizzly bear, mountain goat and caribou (Rangifer tarandus; MacLachlan 1981; THREAT 2009). Currently moose is a primary food source in the Tahltan diet. Trapping for fur-bearing mammals is a common activity among Tahltan communities and, since the advent of the European fur trade in the region, has provided a source of income for individuals and families who own registered trap lines.

Plant and berry harvesting is an important traditional activity for Tahltan families (THREAT 2009). Plants are used for medicinal and subsistence purposes. Traditionally green vegetables and roots were gathered during the spring, including nettles, mountain sorrel (Oxyria digyna ), lamb’s quarter (Chenopodium album ), devil’s club and dandelion (Taraxacum spp.). Approximately 25 species of berries are found in the Tahltan territory, including raspberries, strawberries (Fragaria spp.), bush cranberries (Viburnum spp.), blueberries and soapberries (Albright 1984; School District 87 2000). Medicinal uses of plant resources focused on treating minor ailments. Some of the more important medicinal plants include evergreen bark and needles, and soapberry.

xvi RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A number of species of edible mushrooms are found throughout the Tahltan traditional territory, including pine mushrooms which are typically picked for sale. Pine mushroom picking is an important economic activity for Tahltan communities.

Métis There are two Métis chartered communities existing south of the Project: the Northwest BC Métis Association in Terrace and the Tri-River Métis Association in Smithers. Approximately 1,100 Métis people reside in the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (Government of British Columbia 2011) and the Buckley-Nechako Regional District, Electoral Area A (combined).

Information related to Métis activities is available from the “Harvester Survey and Mapping Tool” in the British Columbia Métis Mapping Research Project. According to this survey and mapping tool, Métis harvest bear, birds, deer, fish, moose, sheep/goats, small game/trapping, non-timber forest products, and timber/firewood in the general Project area including the Unuk River and Bell-Irving River watersheds.

Potential Effects on First Nations and the Métis First Nations’ current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes in the regional Project area includes fishing within the Unuk, Bell-Irving, and Bowser river systems, trapping and hunting, and harvesting of country foods and medicinal plants. During construction and operations, the Project may adversely affect First Nations and the Métis through direct and indirect impacts to these resources, including: the potential for a direct loss or degradation of wildlife habitat and movement corridors; increased hunting pressure created by Project roads and increased staff presence in area; direct mortality of wildlife from vehicle collisions; sensory disturbances created by Project activities including helicopter traffic and roads; and Project-induced changes to hydrology and water quality. The Project may also affect traditional land and resource use through Project related restricted or altered access and land modification.

The Project may also have adverse social and cultural effects on First Nations, the Nisga’a Nation, and the Métis. Economic growth can lead to a number of potential negative outcomes due to increased income disparity, potential for greater access to drugs in communities, and domestic issues arising from family members partaking in mine employment that takes them away from traditional family and community roles and responsibilities.

Potential Effects on the Nisga’a Nation It is anticipated that the Project may be subject to Chapter 10 (Environmental Assessment and Protection) of the NFA. Chapter 10 of the NFA requires that in addition to applicable EA legislation, for projects where there is a potential for significant adverse effects to occur, the EA process will comply with paragraphs 8(e) and 8(f) (Canada, BC, and Nisga'a Nation 1998) as follows:

8(e) assess whether the project can reasonably be expected to have adverse environmental effects on residents of Nisga’a Lands, Nisga’a Lands, or Nisga’a interests set out in this Agreement and, where appropriate, make recommendations to prevent or mitigate those effects;

8(f) assess the effects of the project on the existing and future economic, social and cultural well-being of Nisga’a citizens who may be affected by the project;

Pretivm will seek direction from the BC EAO and CEA Agency with respect to whether the NFA will apply, and the scope of its potential application.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. xvii PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Consultation with First Nations, the Nisga’a Lisims Government, and the Métis Pretivm initiated consultations with the Skii km Lax Ha, Nisga’a Lisims Government, the Tahltan Nation, and the Gitxsan and Gitanyow First Nations in 2011. These consultations expanded on efforts carried out by the previous owners of the Project, Silver Standard Resources. Consultations will continue during the Project’s planning and regulatory review, construction, and operations phases. The objectives of the consultations will be to inform the First Nations, Nisga’a Nation, and the Métis about the Project, identify potential issues and concerns, and address issues and concerns to the extent possible.

Pretivm will develop comprehensive First Nation and Nisga’a Nation consultation plans. Delegated consultation activities will be commensurate with the depth of consultation required by the BC EAO and CEA Agency. Typical consultation activities may include participation in the BC EAO and CEA Agency EA working group meetings, face to face meetings with First Nation and Nisga’a Nation communities and their leadership, distributing information for review, tracking and responding to any issues raised during consultations, and identifying measures to mitigate potential adverse effects on Aboriginal rights.

Comments that have been raised during consultations undertaken to date (as summarized in Section 9.2) include interest in the positive economic benefits the Project has the potential to bring (i.e. employment and commercial opportunities) and concern over cumulative effects related to traffic volume along Hwy 37.

Pretivm will consult the CEA Agency to seek direction regarding the depth of consultation activities that will be required to address any potential effects of the Project on Métis interests.

Government Agency, and Local Government Consultations It is anticipated that the BC EAO and CEA Agency will establish a Working Group to participate in the EA for the Project. Members of the Working Group will include federal and provincial government and local government representatives. Pretivm will attend Working Group meetings, as directed by the BC EAO and CEA Agency, to provide information on the Project, present baseline study work plans and results and discuss potential mitigation measures. Pretivm will also meet individually with government agencies and local governments as required during the EA.

Consultation has been initiated with the BC EAO, BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas (MEMNG), BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), BC Ministry of Environment (MOE), CEA Agency, Transport Canada (TC), and Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

Public Consultation During the EA, it is anticipated that Pretivm will hold open houses in Dease Lake, Hazelton, New Aiyansh, Smithers, Stewart and Terrace. Pretivm will also consult tenure holders in the Project area, economic development organizations; businesses and contractors (e.g., suppliers and service providers); and special interest groups (e.g., environmental, labour, social, health, and recreation groups), as required.

Key communities near the Project area where public consultation outreach activities may occur during public comment periods will include, but not necessarily be limited to:

o Dease Lake;

o Hazelton;

xviii RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

o New Aiyansh;

o Smithers;

o Stewart; and

o Terrace.

Project Development Schedule Pretivm plans to submit its application for the Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the BC EAO and CEA Agency in H2 2013. Construction of the Project is expected to start in H2 2014. Following a one year construction period the mine is expected to operate for a minimum of 16 years before closure.

Authorizations, Permits, and Licenses Pretivm is planning to apply for concurrent review of some provincial permits pursuant to the BC EAA Concurrent Approvals Regulation. Under this regulation, these permits would be reviewed at the same time as the Application/EIS. No decisions on permits can be made until after a decision has been made on the EAC.

All concurrent permit applications for the Project will be coordinated through the Major Projects Office (MPO) of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO). It is anticipated that the Project will require approvals under the Mines Act (1996b), Environmental Management Act (2003), Land Act (1996a), Public Health Act (2008), Drinking Water Protection Act (2001), Heritage Conservation Act (2004a), and Transportation Act (2004b).

Similar to the provincial EA process, no federal approvals may be issued until an EA Decision Statement is issued. The federal Major Projects Management Office (MPMO) is responsible for overseeing both the federal EA planning and the regulatory processes. Permit decisions are made within 90 calendar days of issuance of the EA decision statement. Key Authorizations may be required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (2012), the Explosives Act (1985a), the Fisheries Act (1985b), and the Navigable Waters Protection Act (1985d).

Pretivm will meet with the appropriate federal and provincial agencies to confirm permitting requirements related to the Project.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. xix BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

Table of Contents

BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ...... i

Table of Contents ...... xxi List of Figures ...... xxv List of Tables ...... xxv List of Plates ...... xxvi

Abbreviations ...... xxvii

1. Introduction ...... 1-1 1.1 Overview ...... 1-1 1.2 Project Proponent ...... 1-1 1.2.1 General Information ...... 1-1 1.2.2 Management ...... 1-2 1.2.3 Corporate Environmental Policy ...... 1-2 1.3 Project Contacts ...... 1-2 1.3.1 Proponent ...... 1-2 1.3.2 Environmental Consultant ...... 1-3 1.3.3 Engineering Consultants ...... 1-3

2. Regional Overview...... 2-1 2.1 Location and Access...... 2-1 2.2 Regional Infrastructure ...... 2-1 2.3 First Nations, Nisga’a and Métis ...... 2-1 2.3.1 Skii km Lax Ha ...... 2-1 2.3.2 Nisga’a Nation...... 2-1 2.3.3 Gitanyow First Nation ...... 2-5 2.3.4 Gitxsan First Nation ...... 2-7 2.3.5 Tahltan Nation ...... 2-7 2.3.6 Métis ...... 2-9 2.4 Socio-economic Setting ...... 2-9 2.4.1 Highway 16 Corridor ...... 2-9 2.4.2 Highway 37 Corridor ...... 2-9 2.5 Regional Environmental Studies ...... 2-11 2.6 Federal Lands and Funding ...... 2-11

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. xxi PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

3. Mineral Tenure, Exploration and Permitting History ...... 3-1 3.1 Mineral Tenure ...... 3-1 3.2 Exploration History ...... 3-1 3.3 Permitting History ...... 3-6

4. Geology ...... 4-1 4.1 Regional Geology ...... 4-1 4.2 Property Geology ...... 4-1 4.3 Mineralization ...... 4-1

5. Mineral Resources ...... 5-1

6. Project Components ...... 6-1 6.1 Overview ...... 6-1 6.2 Construction ...... 6-4 6.3 Mine Development and Operations ...... 6-4 6.4 Mineral Processing ...... 6-5 6.5 Waste Management ...... 6-5 6.5.1 Waste Rock ...... 6-5 6.5.2 Tailings ...... 6-7 6.5.3 Air Emissions ...... 6-7 6.5.4 Hazardous Waste ...... 6-7 6.5.5 Non-hazardous Waste Management ...... 6-8 6.6 Water Management ...... 6-8 6.6.1 Water Supply ...... 6-8 6.6.2 Non-contact Water ...... 6-8 6.6.3 Contact Water ...... 6-8 6.7 Other Infrastructure ...... 6-8 6.7.1 Road Access ...... 6-8 6.7.2 Transmission Line and Power Supply ...... 6-9 6.7.3 Camps and Offices ...... 6-9 6.7.4 Truck Shop ...... 6-9 6.7.5 Fuel Storage ...... 6-9 6.7.6 Explosives ...... 6-10 6.7.7 Concentrate Storage ...... 6-10 6.8 Closure and Reclamation ...... 6-10 6.8.1 Underground Mine ...... 6-10 6.8.2 Mill, Camp, and Ancillary Infrastructure ...... 6-10 6.8.3 Waste Rock and Tailings...... 6-10 6.8.4 Roads and Power Lines ...... 6-10

7. Environmental Setting and Potential Effects ...... 7-1 7.1 Introduction ...... 7-1

xxii RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS

7.2 Climate ...... 7-3 7.2.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-3 7.2.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-4 7.3 Air Quality and Noise ...... 7-4 7.3.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-4 7.3.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-4 7.4 Water Quantity ...... 7-4 7.4.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-4 7.4.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-4 7.5 Water Quality ...... 7-7 7.5.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-7 7.5.1.1 Physical Limnology ...... 7-7 7.5.1.2 General Parameters ...... 7-7 7.5.1.3 Total Suspended Solids and Turbidity ...... 7-8 7.5.1.4 Nutrients ...... 7-8 7.5.1.5 Anions ...... 7-8 7.5.1.6 Cyanides ...... 7-8 7.5.1.7 Metals ...... 7-8 7.5.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-9 7.5.3 Potential Trans-boundary Effects ...... 7-9 7.6 Sediment Quality ...... 7-9 7.6.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-9 7.6.1.1 Streams ...... 7-9 7.6.1.2 Lakes ...... 7-10 7.6.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-10 7.7 Groundwater ...... 7-10 7.7.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-10 7.7.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-10 7.8 Terrain and Soils ...... 7-10 7.8.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-10 7.8.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-11 7.9 Fish and Fish Habitat ...... 7-11 7.9.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-11 7.9.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-11 7.10 Terrestrial Ecosystems and Vegetation ...... 7-12 7.10.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-12 7.10.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-12 7.11 Wildlife Including Migratory Birds and Species At Risk ...... 7-12 7.11.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-12 7.11.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-14 7.12 Visual and Aesthetic Resources ...... 7-15

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. xxiii PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

7.12.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-15 7.12.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-15 7.13 Economic Effects Assessment ...... 7-15 7.13.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-15 7.13.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-16 7.14 Social Effects Assessment ...... 7-16 7.14.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-16 7.14.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-18 7.15 Human Health ...... 7-18 7.15.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-18 7.15.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-18 7.16 Heritage ...... 7-20 7.16.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-20 7.16.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-20 7.17 First Nations, Nisga’a Nation, and Métis ...... 7-20 7.17.1 Baseline Setting ...... 7-20 7.17.1.1 Skii km Lax Ha ...... 7-20 7.17.1.2 Nisga’a Nation ...... 7-21 7.17.1.3 Gitanyow First Nation ...... 7-21 7.17.1.4 Gitxsan First Nation ...... 7-22 7.17.1.5 Tahltan Nation ...... 7-23 7.17.1.6 Métis...... 7-23 7.17.2 Potential Project Effects ...... 7-24 7.17.2.1 First Nations ...... 7-24 7.17.2.2 Nisga’a Nation Interests ...... 7-24 7.17.2.3 Métis...... 7-25

8. Environmental Management Plans ...... 8-1

9. Information Distribution and Consultation ...... 9-1 9.1 Introduction ...... 9-1 9.2 First Nations and Nisga’a Nation Consultation ...... 9-1 9.3 Government Agency and Local Government Consultations ...... 9-3 9.4 Public ...... 9-4

10. Project Schedule ...... 10-1 10.1 Environmental Assessment Schedule ...... 10-1 10.2 Project Development Schedule ...... 10-1

11. Authorizations, Permits and Licences ...... 11-1 11.1 Provincial Authorizations, Permits and Licences ...... 11-1 11.2 Federal Authorizations, Permits and Licences ...... 11-3

References ...... R-1

xxiv RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Figures

FIGURE PAGE

Figure 1. Location of Brucejack Gold Mine Project ...... ii

Figure 2. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Layout of Mine and Mill Surface Infrastructure ...... v

Figure 2.1-1. Location of the Brucejack Gold Mine Project...... 2-2

Figure 2.3-1. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Skii km Lax Ha and Gitxan First Nation Traditional Territory ...... 2-3

Figure 2.3-2. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Nass Area and Nass Wildlife Area as Defined in the Nisga’a Final Agreement ...... 2-4

Figure 2.3-3. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Gitanyow First Nation Traditional Territory ...... 2-6

Figure 2.3-4. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Tahltan Nation Traditional Territory ...... 2-8

Figure 2.4-1. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Local Communities ...... 2-10

Figure 2.5-1. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Mine and Energy Developments in Region ...... 2-12

Figure 3.1-1. Mineral Claim Map of the Brucejack Gold Mine Project ...... 3-2

Figure 3.2-1. Components of Newhawk’s Former Sulphurets Project ...... 3-3

Figure 4.2-1. Property Geology ...... 4-2

Figure 4.3-1. Identified Ore Zones ...... 4-4

Figure 6.1-1. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Overview ...... 6-2

Figure 6.1-2. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Layout of Mine and Mill Surface Infrastructure ...... 6-3

Figure 6.4-1. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Simplified Process Flowsheet ...... 6-6

Figure 7.4-1. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Drainage Pathways and Watershed Boundaries ...... 7-5

Figure 7.14-1. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Land and Resource Management Plans in Region ...... 7-17

Figure 7.14-2. Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Land Tenures in Region ...... 7-19

List of Tables

TABLE PAGE

Table 1. Mineral Resource Grade and Tonnage Estimate for the Valley of the Kings and West Zones ...... iii

Table 2. Summary of Past, Existing, and Reasonably Foreseeable Projects that Occur in the Northwest Region of BC ...... viii

Table 3. Wildlife Species of Conservation Concern, Including Migratory Birds, Likely or Probable to Occur in Project Area ...... xi

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. xxv PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Table 2.3-1. Nisga’a Villages and Nisga’a Lands Population: Statistics Canada Census (1996 to 2011).... 2-5

Table 2.5-1. Current Status of Regional Development Projects...... 2-11

Table 3.1-1. Mineral Tenures Covering the Brucejack Property ...... 3-1

Table 5-1. Mineral Resource Grade and Tonnage Estimate for the Valley of the Kings and West Zones ...... 5-1

Table 7.2-1. UTM Coordinates of the Brucejack Lake, Scott Creek, and Wildfire Creek Monitoring Stations ...... 7-3

Table 7.4-1. Runoff Depths and Regional Hydrometric Stations ...... 7-7

Table 7.11-1. Wildlife Species of Conservation Concern, Including Migratory Birds, Likely or Probable to Occur in Project Area ...... 7-13

Table 9.2-1. Contact Information for First Nations Contacted by Pretivm ...... 9-1

Table 9.2-2. Treaty and First Nation Engagement by Pretivm ...... 9-2

Table 9.3-1. Pretivm Engagement with Local Governments ...... 9-4

Table 9.4-1. Tenure and Licence Holders to be Potentially Engaged by Pretivm ...... 9-4

Table 10.1-1. Anticipated Project Permitting and Construction Schedule ...... 10-1

Table 11.1-1. Provincial Authorization, Licence, and Permit Requirements ...... 11-1

Table 11.2-1. Anticipated Federal Authorization Requirements ...... 11-3

List of Plates

PLATE PAGE

Plate 3.2-1. Historic adit near Brucejack Lake...... 3-5

Plate 3.2-2. Abandoned Catear Resources mine, (Goldwedge property) northwest of Brucejack Lake prior to clean-up by Pretivm...... 3-5

Plate 3.2-3. Abandoned Catear Resources mine (Goldwedge property), northwest of Brucejack Lake following initial clean-up by Pretivm including removal of camp buildings..... 3-5

Plate 7.1-1. Brucejack Lake, view towards the northeast, September 2011...... 7-1

Plate 7.1-2. Knipple Glacier, view towards the east, August 15, 2012...... 7-1

Plate 7.1-3. Upper Bowser River Valley Road along the proposed transmission line route (South Option), view towards the north, September 21, 2012...... 7-2

Plate 7.1-4. Exploration road corridor near Scott Creek...... 7-2

xxvi RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

Abbreviations

Terminology used in this document is defined where it is first used. The following list will assist readers who may choose to review only portions of the document.

3D Three -dimensional µ micro (10 -6) AANDC Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada Au Gold BC British Columbia BC EAO British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office BC EAA British Columbia Environmental Assessment Act BC MFLNRO British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations BC ILMB British Columbia Integrated Land Management Bureau BC MEMN British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas BC MOE British Columbia Ministry of Environment BC MOM British Columbia Ministry of Mines BGC BGC Engineering Inc. CEAA Canadian Environmental Assessment Act , 2012 CEA Agency Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency CCME Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment CIS Cassiar -Iskut -Stikine COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada CN Canadian National Railway CNSC Canadian Nuclear Safety and Control DFO Department of Fisheries and Oceans EA Environmental Assessment EAC Environmental Assessment Certificate EC Environment Canada EIS Environmental Impact Statement EMP Environmental Management Plan EPCM Engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance FAR Fresh air raise GHCO Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs Office

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. xxvii PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

GHG Greenhouse Gas ha hectare HDPE high -density polyethylene Hwy Highway ISQG Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines k kilo (10 3) LOM Life of Mine LRMP Land and Resource Management Plan m milli (10 -3) or metre M Million or Mega (10 6) masl Metres above sea level MEND Mine Environment Neutral Drainage MFLNRO Ministry of Forests, Land and Natural Resource Operations ML/ARD Metals leaching/acid rock drainage MMER Metal Mining Effluent Regulations MPO Major Projects Office Mt Million tonnes MW Megawatt NCP Net Current Proceeds Newhawk Newhawk Gold Mines Ltd . NFA Nis ga’a Final Agreement NHA Northern Health Authority NLG Nis ga’a Lisims Government NRCan Natural Resources Canada NTL Northwest Transmission Line NWA Nass Wildlife Area NYSE New York Stock Exchange OAC Overall allowable catch OMP Operational Management Plan PEA Preliminary Economic Assessment Pretivm Pretium Resources Inc. SARA Species at Risk Act Silver Standard Silver Standard Resources Inc. SUP Special Use Permit

xxviii RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 ABBREVIATIONS

RAR return air raise RDPA Regulations Designating Physical Activ it ies RIC Resource Inventory Committee (currently known as the Resource Information Standards Committee) RISC Resource Information Standards Committee (previously known as the Resource Inventory Committee) RRA Recognition and Reconciliation Agreement RSA Regional Study Area SKHL Skii km Lax Ha the Project Brucejack Gold Mine Project tpa Tonnes per annum tpd Tonnes per day TC Transport Canada TCC Tahltan Central Council TEM Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping THREAT Tahltan Heritage Resources Environmental Assessment Team TKN Total Kjedahl nitrogen TSF Tailings storage facility TSS Total suspended solids TSX Toronto Stock Exchange VOK Valley of the Kings WZ West Zone

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. xxix BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

1. Introduction

1.1 OVERVIEW The main objective of the proposed Project is the economic extraction of the gold and silver resources from the Valley of Kings (VOK) and West Zone (WZ) deposits. Over a minimum 16-year mine life, including one year of pre-production development, the mine will produce approximately 16 Mt of mineralized material at a rate of up to 2,700 tpd, and would generate positive economic impacts, including employment and business opportunities and tax payments.

Pretium Resources Inc. (Pretivm) proposes to develop the Brucejack Gold Mine Project (the Project) as a 2,700 tonne per day (tpd) underground gold/silver mine. Pretivm acquired the mineral rights to the Project in late 2010; however, there has been active exploration in the area dating back to the 1960s.

Brucejack is comprised of high-grade, gold-rich veins within a larger bulk-tonnage gold-silver envelope, which has one of the largest undeveloped high-grade gold resources held by an exploration company and offering Pretivm a catalyst for near-term production. Based on mineral resource estimates compiled to date, it is expected that the underground mine would be developed to support more than 500 jobs during a one to two year construction period and more than 300 jobs over a minimum 16-year mine life that will provide important economic opportunities for communities in northwest British Columbia.

This document describes the proposed Project in order to allow the BC Environmental Assessment Office and Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency to determine whether an environmental assessment is required under their respective legislation. The contents of this project description are intended to fulfill information requirements outlined in the Guidelines for Preparing a Project Description for an Environmental Assessment in British Columbia (BC EAO 2008) and Guide to Preparing a Description of a Designated Project under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEA Agency 2012).

Pursuant to section 3(1) of the Reviewable Projects Regulation , the proposed production capacity for the Project exceeds the criteria of 75,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of mineral ore for a new mineral mine and will require a provincial environmental assessment under the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Act (BC EAA).

1.2 PROJECT PROPONENT

1.2.1 General Information Pretivm is a mineral exploration company listed on the Toronto (TSX: PVG) and New York (NYSE: PVG) Stock Exchanges with a registered office in Vancouver, BC. Pretivm was formed in 2010. The Brucejack Gold Mine Project was purchased, along with the adjacent Snowfields Project from Silver Standard Resources Inc. (Silver Standard) after an initial public offering in December 2010. The gold and silver resources of the Brucejack Gold Mine Project and the adjacent Snowfield Project are Pretivm’s core assets.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 1-1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

1.2.2 Management Pretivm’s management team includes:

o Robert A. Quartermain, B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc., D.Sc., P.Geo., President and Chief Executive Officer, Director;

o Joseph J. Ovsenek, B.A.Sc., P.Eng., LLB, Chief Development Officer, Director;

o Kenneth C. McNaughton, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., Chief Exploration Officer;

o Ian I Chang, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., Vice President, Project Development;

o Peter de Visser, B.Comm., C.A., Chief Financial Officer.

1.2.3 Corporate Environmental Policy Pretivm is committed to sustainable resource development which balances environmental, social, and economic interests. In Canada and internationally, the company will comply with regulatory requirements and apply technically proven and economically feasible methodologies to protect the environment throughout exploration, mining, processing and closure activities.

Environmental management is a corporate priority that is integrated into all aspects of the organization which incorporates risk management, efficiency in development, design, and operation of facilities and that is implemented on a basis of continual improvement.

1.3 PROJECT CONTACTS

1.3.1 Proponent Pretivm Resources Inc. 1600-570 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6C 3P1 Canada

Website: http://www.pretivm.com/

President and Chief Executive Officer:

Robert A. Quartermain Phone: 604-558-1784 Email: [email protected]

Company Contacts:

Joseph J. Ovsenek, Chief Development Officer Phone: 604-566-8783 Fax: 604-558-4784 Email: [email protected]

Max Holtby, Director Permitting Phone: 604-558-1784 Fax: 604-558-4784 Email: [email protected]

1-2 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 INTRODUCTION

1.3.2 Environmental Consultant Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. Sixth Floor, 1111 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6E 2J3 Canada

Greg Norton, Project Manager Phone: 604–689-9460 Fax: 604–687-4277 Email: [email protected]

Anne Currie, Project Director Phone: 604–689-9460 Fax: 604–687-4277 Email: [email protected]

1.3.3 Engineering Consultants AMC Consultants 1330-200 Granville St Vancouver BC V6C 1S4

BGC Engineering 500-1045 Howe St Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9

Tetratech 800-555 West Hastings Vancouver, BC V6B 1M1

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 1-3 BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

2. Regional Overview

2.1 LOCATION AND ACCESS The Brucejack property is located at 56°28'20" N latitude by 130°11'31" W longitude, which is approximately 950 km northwest of Vancouver, 65 km north-northwest of Stewart, and 21 km south-southeast of the closed Eskay Creek Mine (Figure 2.1-1). The Project is located within the Regional District of Kitimat- Stikine. The site is currently accessed on ground by an exploration access road and by helicopter from staging sites along Highway 37 and the former Granduc mine site north of Stewart.

2.2 REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE The nearest town to the south of the Project, Stewart (population 670), has limited residential and industrial infrastructure. It is the most northerly ice-free shipping port in North America and has a facility for off-loading mining concentrates from trucks to ships. The towns of Terrace and Smithers are located 241 km and 270 km to the south and southeast, respectively. Both of these towns are accessible by daily air service from Vancouver.

The nearest road infrastructure to the site is Highway (Hwy) 37 to the east of the Project. The Canadian National Railway (CN) Yellowhead route is located approximately 220 km southeast of the Project. This line runs east-west and terminates at the deep water port of Prince Rupert on the west coast of BC.

The BC Hydro 287 kV Northwest Transmission Line (NTL), which is under construction, will pass to the east of the Project in the vicinity of Hwy 37. This line will parallel an existing 138 kV transmission line from Terrace to Meziadin Junction and will then parallel Hwy 37 to the Bob Quinn substation, near the junction of the Eskay Creek Mine road and Hwy 37. The existing 138 kV transmission line continues from Meziadin Junction west along the Bear River Valley down to the Port of Stewart. This line was built to power Stewart and nearby mines in the area, and now services Stewart and a limited number of potential small power projects in the area. The Long Lake Hydro Project is a 31 MW hydroelectric project currently under construction 20 km north of Stewart. The Long Lake Hydro Project, once completed, will tie in to the existing 138 kV transmission line along Hwy 37A. The Long Lake Hydro Project is anticipated to be in operation by 2014.

2.3 FIRST NATIONS, NISGA’A AND MÉTIS

2.3.1 Skii km Lax Ha Skii km Lax Ha traditional territory extends from the north side of the Cranberry River to Ningunsaw Pass, along the Nass and Bell-Irving rivers, and overlaps with the location of proposed Project infrastructure (Figure 2.3-1).

The Skii km Lax Ha’s membership is estimated to consist of approximately 15 to 30 people, most of whom live in Hazelton and New Hazelton. The Skii km Lax Ha do not have distinct reserve lands or communities of their own.

2.3.2 Nisga’a Nation Proposed Project infrastructure lies within the Nass Area as defined in the NFA (Figure 2.3-2).

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 2-1 PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-15-001 January 21 2013

400000 420000 440000 460000 480000

Northwest Territories Yukon

Brucejack Brucejack Gold Lake

Mine Project Alberta n

o i B 6260000 6260000

t ± ^_

Alaska, Bowser e p l l

USA -

Smithers O Lake I

!. t r

v Prince George s

i !. a n

E g R iv e Bowser River r Pacific Ocean Vancouver Knipple !. Lake ¤£37 Victoria 1:30,000,000 !. USA

To d d C n r

o e i

t e

p k

h t

6240000 6240000

o S

!. Community Highway Infrastructure r ive Proposed Brucejackc R Summit du ^_ Mine SiteLe Lake Divide Exploration Road Lake Long Lake Project Transmission Line bia, lum Co Proposed ish a Meziadin N Brit nad Long Transmission Line Ca Junction a 6220000 6220000 A Lake r s S ve s a, U r Ri ¤£37A Aiyansh - Stewart lask a R A e i Strohn v B Transmission Line e Lake r NTL Alignment Meziadin Lake 1:400,000 0 5 10 Cre Bi tter ek Kilometres Projection: UTM9, NAD83 Copyright:© 2009 ESRI, i-cubed, GeoEye

400000 420000 440000 460000 480000 Figure 2.1-1Figure Figure 2.1-1 Location of the Brucejack Gold Mine Project PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-19-001a January 21 2013

420000 440000 460000 480000 500000 520000

¤£37

!.Bob Quinn Lake ± !. Bell II !. Bell II ^_

¤£37A B ¤£37 Stewart e !. ll 6280000 6280000 -I rv in r g e R v iv Alice Arm i e !. R r Kispiox k Gitanyow !. u New Aiyansh !. !. Hazelton n !. a, U sk Kitwanga !. la A A S U ¤£16 !.Smithers st Option Ea 1:5,000,000 6260000 6260000 !. Community Bowser Lake Highway Gitxsan First Nation Traditional Territory Source: Geo BC 2005 Skii km Lax Ha Traditional n

o Territory

t p (Source: ILMB and Skii km Lax Ha 2008)

O Infrastructure

o Proposed Brucejack S ^_ Mine Site 6240000 6240000 Exploration Road Disclaimer: This shapefile represents the general boundaries of Skii km Lax Ha Traditional Territory and Gitxsan First Nation Proposed Transmission Traditional Territory based on the information available and Line reviewed as of the date of its creation. It does not represent a definitive or final statement of the areas to which Skii km Lax Ha NTL Alignment Aboriginal title and rights apply. Skii km Lax Ha continue to do research and assemble further information and data, and 1:500,000 adjustments to the boundaries reflected in this shapefile may 0 10 20 be made in the future where appropriate and supported by evidence.

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Kilometres Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, and the GIS User Community Copyright:© 2009 ESRI, i-cubed, GeoEye Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 9N

420000 440000 460000 480000 500000 520000

Figure2.3-1 Figure 2.3-1 Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Skii km Lax Ha and Gitxsan First Nation Traditional Territory PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-19-001d January 21 2013

400000 420000 440000 460000 480000 500000 ¤£37

!. Bob Quinn Lake ± !. Bell II B e ^_ l r l-I e rv v i i ng

R R iv

k 37A er ¤£ u Stewart n !. U ¤£37 6260000 6260000 Bowser Alice Arm Lake !. Kispiox ¤£37 !. East on O p ti New Aiyansh !. !. Gitanyow , Kitwanga a !. k s a A !. Community l S !. Gin glox A U Highway

Nisga'a Lands 1:4,000,000 Source: NLG 2008 Nass Area Source: NLG 2008 6240000 6240000 Nass Wildlife Area Source NLG 2008 Option h t Infrastructure u o Proposed Brucejack S ^_ Mine Site Exploration Road Long Lake Project Transmission Line , mbia Colu Proposed Transmission tish A Bri NAD Line CA 6220000 6220000 Meziadin Aiyansh - Stewart ska, 37A Ala ¤£ Junction Transmission Line USA Meziadin Lake NTL Alignment 1:500,000 0 10 20

400000 420000 440000 460000 480000 500000

Figure2.3-2 Figure 2.3-2 Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Nass Area and Nass Wildlife Area as Defined in the Nisga'a Final Agreement REGIONAL OVERVIEW

The Nisga’a Nation is a treaty nation with a constitutionally recognized government and specific rights and interests set out in the NFA which came into effect in May 2000 (Canada, BC, and Nisga'a Nation 1998). The NFA provided for the transfer of 1,992 km 2 of Crown land to the Nisga’a Nation (now known as Nisga’a Lands).

Table 2.3-1 compares the total and individual village populations between 1996 and 2011.

Table 2.3-1. Nisga’a Villages and Nisga’a Lands Population: Statistics Canada Census (1996 to 2011)

% Change Community 1996 1 2001 2006 2 2011 (1996 – 2001) Gitlaxt’aamiks 739 716 806 758 +2.6% Gitwinksihlkw 231 212 201 184 -20.3% Laxgalts’ap 598 467 474 378 -36.8% Gingolx 318 339 341 408 +28.3% Total 1,886 1,734 1,822 1,728 -8.4% Total Nisga’a Lands n/a 1,919 1,919 1,909 -

Source: (Statistics Canada 2002b, 2007a; AANDC 2012b; Statistics Canada 2012a) Notes: 1 Statistics Canada notes an adjusted 1996 census data as needed to take into account boundary change that occurred between 1996 and 2001. 2 Statistics Canada has adjusted 2006 census data as needed to take into account boundary change that occurred between 2006 and 2011. n/a data unavailable.

Village populations have fluctuated between 1996 – 2011, although collectively they decreased by over 8% since 1996 (or 5.2% since 2006). Two of the four communities have seen their populations decrease by between 20% and 37% since 1996 (Statistics Canada 2002c; AANDC 2012b; Statistics Canada 2012a). Gitlaxt’aamiks (New Aiyansh) and Gingolx have both seen an increase in population relative to 1996, although since 2006 Gitlaxt’aamiks’ population has declined by 6% to a total of 758 residents. Notably, Gingolx’s population increased over 28% relative to 1996 figures, which may partly be attributed to the completion in 2003 of a 28 km road connecting the community for the first time to the other three Nisga’a villages (Gingolx 2012). When considering the total population on Nisga’a Lands, however, population between 2001 and 2011 remained stable.

2.3.3 Gitanyow First Nation The Gitanyow First Nation traditional territory is within the Skeena and Nass watersheds, following the Nass River southward from its confluence with the Bell-Irving River, including portions of the Cranberry and Kispiox rivers (Figure 2.3-3). It includes 6,285 km 2 of terrain between Kitwanga Junction in the south and Bowser Lake in the north (BC Treaty Commission 1993; Sterritt 1998; Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs Office (GHCO) 2007, 2008; Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (MARR) n.d.). The Gitanyow territory is divided into eight sub-territories representing the traditional land of eight Huwilp. The Wilp (house) is the primary unit of Gitanyow governance, land title, and decision-making.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 2-5 PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-19-001c January 21 2013

400000 420000 440000 460000 480000 500000

!. Bob Quinn Lake B 6280000 6280000 e ll Bell II -Ir !. vi ng R iv ¤£37 ± er ^_

¤£37 ¤£37A on !. st Opti Stewart Ea

!. Community !. Alice Arm 6260000 6260000 Gitanyow First Nation Kispiox !. Territory Bowser New Aiyansh !. Gitanyow Source:BC MFLNRO, Nass South Lake !. SRMP (2012) !. Kitwanga Gin glox Infrastructure !. Proposed Brucejack 1:4,000,000 ^_ Mine Site Exploration Road Long Lake Project Transmission Line Proposed Transmission 6240000 6240000 ion

Line t

Aiyansh - Stewart O

h Transmission Line t u o NTL Alignment S

1:500,000 Wii'litsxw 0 10 20

Kilometres bia, olum Projection: UTM9, NAD83 sh C Briti ADA CAN 37A 6220000 6220000 ¤£ Disclaimer: This shapefile represents the a, !. Meziadin general boundaries of Gitanyow First ask Al Junction Malii Nation Territory based on the information USA Meziadin available and reviewed as of the date of its Lake creation. It does not represent a definitive or final statement of the areas to which Gitanyow Aboriginal title and rights apply. Gitanyow continue to do research and assemble further information and data, and adjustments to the boundaries reflected in this Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, shapefile may be made in thefuture where Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, and the GIS User Community appropriate and supported by evidence. Copyright:© 2009 ESRI, i-cubed, GeoEye

400000 420000 440000 460000 480000 500000

Figure2.3-3 Figure 2.3-3 Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Gitanyow First Nation Traditional Territory REGIONAL OVERVIEW

The Project is located upstream from wilp Wii’litsxw and other Gitanyow huwilp territories. The wilp Wii’litsxw territory extends from south of Meziadin Lake to just south of Bowser Lake, including sections of the Bell-Irving River between Bowser Lake and Nass River. Project equipment, materials, supplies, personnel and concentrate will be transported along Highway 37, through the territory.

Gitanyow is a Band under the Indian Act (1985c). The Band is governed by a chief councillor and seven councillors who are elected every two years. There are three Gitanyow reserves (Gitanyow 1, 2 and 3A) totalling 850.4 ha (Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (MARR) n.d.). The primary Gitanyow Indian reserve is 463.1 ha, located on Highway 37 approximately 140 km northeast of Terrace. In 2012, AANDC reported a total of 802 registered Gitanyow members of the Gitanyow community, including both on- and off-reserve populations (AANDC 2012a). However the GHCO indicate that the number of members may be closer to 1,200 members (Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs Office (GHCO) 2007), as they determine membership based on association with a wilp and not on band registration. Just under half of the registered band population (47.5%) live in Gitanyow.

According to Statistics Canada, the population at Gitanyow has decreased by 6.1% over the past 15 years. Gitanyow’s population was fairly steady between 2006 and 2011, with 387 individuals and 383 individuals, respectively. The 2006 population of 387 represented an increase from 369 in 2001 (Statistics Canada 2007a).

2.3.4 Gitxsan First Nation The traditional territory of the Gitxsan First Nation is located south of the Project (Figure 2.3-1). The Gitxsan traditional territory is 33,000 km 2. It includes nine watersheds: Upper Skeena, Middle Skeena, Lower Bulkley, Suu Wii Ax (Amazay and Thutade Lakes), Babine, Kispiox, Xsi Teemsim (Nass), Gitsegukla, and Sxi Tax (Lower Skeena; Gwaans 2007; Gitxsan Chiefs’ Office 2010). The Gitxsan communities (Gitwangak, Gitsegukla, Gitanmaax, Glen Vowell, and Kispiox) are in the upper Skeena River area.

In 2012, AANDC reported a total of 6,460 registered Gitxsan members, including both on- and off- reserve populations (AANDC 2012a). About 36% (2,303) of these members reside within the five Gitxsan communities.

2.3.5 Tahltan Nation The traditional territory of the Tahltan Nation lies to the north of the Project (Figure 2.3-4), encompassing 93,500 km 2. The territory includes the areas surrounding the Stikine River drainage basin in the Coast and Cassiar Mountains. The southern boundary of the territory follows the Unuk River drainage from the BC/Alaska border and a portion of Treaty Creek and the Nass River. The closest Tahltan community to the Brucejack Gold Mine Project is the Iskut First Nation located in the village of Iskut found along the Highway 37 to the north of Bob Quinn.

The Tahltan Nation is comprised of two Bands based in three communities. The Tahltan Band includes reserves in Dease Lake and Telegraph Creek, while the Iskut First Nation is based in Iskut. The Tahltan Nation is governed by the Tahltan Central Council (TCC), which is composed of representatives of 10 families from each Band. There were 2,577 members (Tahltan Central Council (TCC) n.d.) as of June 30, 2011. Statistics Canada (2012b) reports on-reserve populations of 253 at Telegraph Creek, 58 at Dease Lake (IR 9), and 207 in Iskut during the 2011 census. Many Tahltan members reside outside the territory in Terrace, Prince George and Vancouver.

According to Statistics Canada, Tahltan community populations have risen and fallen over the past decade. The 2011 census (Statistics Canada 2012b) reports a total of 427 individuals living on-reserve in Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek, and Iskut, a notable drop from a population of 973 in 2006.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 2-7 PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-19-001b January 21 2013

380000 400000 420000 440000 460000 480000 500000

!. Bell II Yukon

B e l l - I ± r v i

6280000 n 6280000 g ¤£37 R iv e Dease Lake r !. Telegraph Creek !. !. Iskut r A e la U s

v S k A a

i , R Bob Quinn Lake !. !. Bell II ^_ 6260000 6260000 Bowser k u Lake Stewart !. n 1:8,000,000 o n U East Opti ¤£37 B !. Community r it is h Tahltan Nation Traditional C C A o Territory N l A u A n Source: TCC 2011

l m

a D o

b i s A t U k ia

S a , p Infrastructure

A , O 6240000 6240000

h Proposed Brucejack t

u ^_ Mine Site

o S Exploration Road Long Lake Project Transmission Line Proposed Transmission Line

Disclaimer: This shapefile represents the general boundaries of Meziadin Aiyansh - Stewart Tahltan Nation TraditionalTerritory based on the information available Junction Transmission Line and reviewed as of the date of its creation. It does ¤£37A 6220000 6220000 not represent a definitive or final statement of the areas to NTL Alignment which Tahltan Aboriginal title and rights apply. Tahltan continue to do research and assemble further information and data, Meziadin 1:550,000 and adjustments to the boundaries reflected in this shapefile may Lake be made in the future where appropriate and supported by evidence. 0 10 20

380000 400000 420000 440000 460000 480000 500000

Figure2.3-4 Figure 2.3-4 Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Tahltan Nation Traditional Territory REGIONAL OVERVIEW

2.3.6 Métis There are two Métis chartered communities existing south of the Project area: the Northwest BC Métis Association in Terrace and the Tri-River Métis Association in Smithers (Métis Nation British Columbia n.d.). Based on 2006 census data there are 935 Métis residing in the in Regional District of Kitimat- Stikine (Government of British Columbia 2011); 195 in the Buckley-Nechako Regional District, Electoral Area A (Statistics Canada 2007b).

2.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC SETTING Northwestern BC is populated by a number of small, predominantly First Nation communities and the larger centres of Smithers, Terrace, Hazelton and Stewart, which provide services and supplies to much of the region (Figure 2.4-1). Communities within the region are generally separated by large distances, with limited transportation and communication options; the region is intersected by Hwy 37 (running in a north-south direction) and Hwy 16 (running east to west). Regional population trends show a decrease of 5.9% between 2001 and 2006, while provincially, the population increased by 5.3% over the same period (Statistics Canada 2007a).

The region is dependent on primary resource industries, principally mining and forestry. Mineral exploration activity has grown in recent years, and the mining industry represents a significant source of employment. Forestry and tourism have fluctuated significantly in response to prevailing economic conditions. Due to the strong dependence on the resource sector, the economy is typified by “boom and bust” patterns. Mining is anticipated to continue to form the basis of the regional economy.

The socio-economic effects of the Project can potentially be beneficial for the region, as it would provide employment locally and regionally. It could potentially reduce and possibly reverse an outward migration trend of people moving to larger centres. Pretivm intends to work with local communities to maximize benefits through employment, business opportunities, training, and skills development.

2.4.1 Highway 16 Corridor The following sections on Hwy 16 and Hwy 37 corridors are compiled from the Northwest BC Mining Projects Socio-economic Impact Assessment, prepared in 2005 for the Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development and updated using data from the 2006 Census of Canada (G.E. Bridges & Associates Inc. Consulting Economists and Robinson Consulting & Associates 2005; Statistics Canada 2007a).

Hwy 16 extends from the Port of Prince Rupert eastwards to Terrace, Hazelton, Smithers, and Prince George. The CN Railway also follows this corridor. The Hwy 16 corridor is recovering from the economic downturn of the 1990s. Communities along Hwy 16 are incorporated and have the capacity to plan for, finance, and deliver services that might be required for new mine developments.

2.4.2 Highway 37 Corridor Hwy 37 connects with Hwy 16 at Kitwanga and runs northwards to the Yukon border. At Meziadin Junction, Hwy 37A branches off from Hwy 37 and connects to the Port of Stewart. Hwy 37 communities include Iskut, Dease Lake, and Good Hope Lake.

With the exception of Stewart, the majority of the communities along Hwy 37 are First Nation. These communities rely heavily on employment in the public sector and mining industry. Stewart is located 60 km west of Meziadin Junction, is at the head of the 145-km long Portland Canal and the terminus of Hwy 37A. The Stewart bulk terminals are used by the mining and forestry industries to ship products from northern BC and the Yukon to international destinations. The original town was established more than 100 years ago by the four Stewart brothers from Victoria as a way station for trappers, hunters and prospectors. In 1965 Stewart expanded significantly due to the development of the Granduc Mine. Stewart’s population has fallen dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with the closure of the Granduc and Premier mines; the total population is currently 670 (Statistics Canada 2007a).

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 2-9 PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-19-002 January 21 2013

480000 580000

Northwest Territories Yukon !. Bob Quinn Lake r e iv R t Brucejack Gold u ± k Mine Project Alberta s I 6300000 Alaska, ^_ 6300000 Bell II N !. USA Smithers B a !. e s S Prince George l s k !. l - R e I i e rv ve n in r a g R R iv r i e e ve r iv r Pacific R Ocean k Vancouver u !. n U Victoria !. 1:30,000,000 USA

Meziadin Junction ¤£37A

!. Stewart 6200000 6200000

¤£37 K i s p io x R ive B r

r i t i C s r C Cranberry a h nb A C Junction e A N r o r l y A U a l r R s u S D e i k m !. v A A Alice Arm iv a e b r , R i a s , s a N

Gitanyow Hazelton New Hazelton !. !. !.

!. B Gitwinksihlkw !. New Aiyansh u l k l Kitwanga e !. !. y Gitsegukla R iv !. Laxgalts'ap e Gin glox r 6100000 !. 6100000 ¤£16 !. Community Highway Infrastructure !.Smithers Proposed Brucejack ^_ Mine Site Exploration Road Long Lake Project Transmission Line !. Terrace Proposed Transmission Line Aiyansh - Stewart r ve Transmission Line Ri na ee NTL ¤£16 Sk 1:1,500,000 0 25 50

6000000 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, 6000000 Kilometres Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, and the GIS User Community Projection: UTM9, NAD83 Copyright:© 2009 ESRI, i-cubed, GeoEye

480000 580000

Figure 2.4-1 Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Local Communities REGIONAL OVERVIEW

2.5 REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES There are currently no regional environmental studies being conducted in the region of the Project as defined under section 74 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 . However, there is one study in the regional area that Pretivm is aware of; a traffic study with involvement from the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (BC MOTI). The purpose of the study is to develop a regional approach to managing traffic related impacts along Highway 37 and potentially Highway 37A. To date, Pretivm has not been asked to participate in this study.

Numerous baseline environmental studies have been undertaken in the regional area to satisfy EA information requirements for mining and other resource development projects (Figure 2.5-1). Table 2.5-1 provides a summary of past, existing, and reasonably foreseeable future projects that occur in the northwest region of the province that have been, are, or may be, subject to the EA process. Some aspects of these projects may have a spatial and temporal linkage with the Project.

Table 2.5-1. Current Status of Regional Development Projects

Past Projects Existing Projects Reasonably Foreseeable Projects Eskay Creek Mine Forrest Kerr Hydroelectric Bear River Mine (under construction) Granduc Mine Long Lake Hydroelectric (under Bronson Slope Mine construction) Johnny Mountain Mine Northwest Transmission Line (under Galore Creek Mine construction) Kitsault Mine Red Chris Mine Granduc Mine (under construction) Premier Silbak Mine KSM Mine Snip Mine Kinskuch Hydroelectric Sulphurets Mine Kitsault Mine Swamp Point Aggregate Mine Kutcho Mine McLymont Creek Hydroelectric Arctos Mine Schaft Creek Mine Storie Moly Mine Treaty Creek Hydroelectric Turnagain Mine Volcano Creek Hydroelectric

2.6 FEDERAL LANDS AND FUNDING There are no federal lands existing within the Project Area. The nearest federal lands to the Project are the port at Prince Rupert (240 km), Gwai Haanass Nation Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site (416 km), the Kuldoe Indian Reserve (156 km - Gitxsan), and the Andimaul Indian Reserve (206 km - Gitxsan).

No federal funding is being sought or provided for the Project. No Project related effects to federal lands are anticipated.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 2-11 PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-11-005 January 21 2013

300000 400000 500000 ") Storie Moly Mine ±

¤£37

6500000 Dease Lake 6500000 Turnagain !. Dease ") Tatsamenie Lake Lake

Kutcho ")

r Telegraph ive R !. Creek e Iskut in !. k ti Eddontenajon Red Chris Porphyry S Lake Copper-Gold Mine Project ") 6400000 6400000 B Kinaskan r it is Lake C h

A C A N o A l Schaft Creek la u U s D m ") S k A a b A i , a , Actos ") Galore Creek ") Forrest Kerr Kitchener Hydroelectric Project Volcano Creek Lake Mclymont Creek Hydroelectric Project Hydroelectric Project Isk ut Ri 6300000 ver Bell II 6300000 ")") !. SNIP ") ")") ") Sulphurets Treaty Creek Hydro Bronson Slope ") Mine Eskay Creek ") ")") Johnny Mountain KSM ^_ Bowser Lake Proposed Brucejack Mine Site Premier Silbak Granduc Copper Mine ") ") Meziadin Junction ¤£37A Long Lake Hydro ") Meziadin Lake Northwest Proposed Brucejack Proposed !. ") Stewart Transmission Line 6200000 ^_ Mine Site Transmission Line ¤£37 6200000 Bear River Swan ") Mine or Project Long Lake Project Gravel ") Lake !. Community Transmission Line Swamp Point Highway Aiyansh - Stewart Kinskuch Aggregate Transmission Line Hydro Project Exploration Road Mine Project NTL Alignment ") ") ¤£37 1:2,000,000 Kispiox 0 50 100 Kitsault Mine Glen Vowell !. Project !. Gitanmaax !.!. Kilometres New Aiyansh GIS #: BJP-11-005 Canyon City !. !. Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 9N Hazelton

300000 400000 500000

Figure 2.5-1 Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Mine and Energy Developments in Region BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

3. Mineral Tenure, Exploration and Permitting History

3.1 MINERAL TENURE The Brucejack property consists of six mineral claims totalling an area of 3,199.28 ha that covers the target mineral resource (Table 3.1-1; Figure 3.1-1). This is part of a larger mineral claim area held by Pretivm that includes an additional 326 mineral claims with an area of 94,208 ha. The larger claim area extends from the proposed mine site area east to Hwy 37 including the Bowser River, Scott Creek, and Wildfire Creek watersheds.

Table 3.1-1. Mineral Tenures Covering the Brucejack Property

Tenure Pretivm In Good Tenure No. Type Map No. Owner Interest Status Standing To Area (ha) 509223 Mineral 104B Pretium Exploration Inc. 100% Good Jan. 31, 2023 428.62 509397 Mineral 104B Pretium Exploration Inc. 100% Good Jan. 31, 2023 375.15 509400 Mineral 104B Pretium Exploration Inc. 100% Good Jan. 31, 2023 178.63 509463 Mineral 104B Pretium Exploration Inc. 100% Good Jan. 31, 2023 482.57 509464 Mineral 104B Pretium Exploration Inc. 100% Good Jan. 31, 2023 1,144.53 509506 Mineral 104B Pretium Exploration Inc. 100% Good Jan. 31, 2023 589.78 Total 3,199.28

3.2 EXPLORATION HISTORY Exploration on the Brucejack property and in the surrounding region dates back to the 1880s, when placer gold was located at Sulphurets and Mitchell creeks. Placer mining was intermittently undertaken throughout the early 1900s and remained the main focus of prospecting until the mid-1930s (Wardrop et al. 2011).

In 1935, prospectors discovered copper-molybdenum mineralization on the Sulphurets property in the vicinity of the main copper zone, approximately 6 km northwest of Brucejack Lake; however, these claims were not staked until 1960. From 1935 to 1959, the area was relatively inactive with respect to prospecting. However, it was intermittently evaluated by a number of different parties and several small copper and gold-silver occurrences were discovered in the area of Sulphurets and Mitchell creeks (Wardrop et al. 2011).

In 1960, prospectors staked the main claim group covering the known copper and gold-silver occurrences, which collectively became known as the Sulphurets property. The Sulphurets property was a larger claim group that included what is not the Brucejack property (Figure 3.2-1).

Between 1986 and 1991, the Newcana Joint Venture spent approximately $21 million developing the West Zone (WZ) and other smaller precious metal veins on what would later become the Brucejack property. The historic adit near Brucejack Lake dates from this time (Plate 3.2-1). Waste rock and ore from this advanced exploration activity was deposited into Brucejack Lake. Newcana was a joint venture between Newhawk Gold Mines Ltd. (Newhawk) and Lacana Mining Corp.; however work completed by the joint venture was managed by Newhawk.

During the late 1980s a small underground mining operation was developed by Catear Resources at the Goldwedge property northwest of Brucejack Lake. The mine operated briefly, beginning in 1988, and included a 50 tpd mill and ancillary structures, some of which are still standing (Plate 3.2-2.). Pretivm has initiated a voluntary clean-up of the Catear Goldwedge property site as shown in Plate 3.2-3.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 3-1 PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-15-008 January 21, 2013

420000 440000 460000 480000

Northwest Territories 6280000 Yukon 6280000

Brucejack Gold Trea Mine Project Alberta ty C ^_ re e Alaska, k ± USA Smithers !. Prince George !.

Pacific Ocean tion Vancouver Op !. ast Victoria E 1:30,000,000 !. USA Brucejack Lake 6260000 6260000 Bowser B e

Lake -

r v

i n !. g Community R iv e Highway r Bowser River Pretium Resources - Brucejack Property Knipple 37 Pretium Resources - Lake ¤£ Bowser Property

Pretium Resources - n To o

i d Snowfield Property t d p C

O r

Infrastructure e h e

t k

u Proposed Brucejack o

^_ Mine Site S 6240000 6240000 Exploration Road Proposed Transmission Line NTL Alignment

420000 440000 460000 480000 Figure 3.1-1Figure Figure 3.1-1 Mineral Claim Map of the Brucejack Gold Mine Project PROJECT #1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-15-013 January 17 2013

430000 440000 450000 460000 470000 480000

Brucejack Lake ±

Tre aty Creek 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 7

2 B 2 6 e 6 ll - Waste Rock/Ore Ir vi Portal Dump Site ng R iv ek er re C Reclaimed a d Waste Area a O r e d e

Wildfire Creek ¤£37 hur ulp ets S C r . 1:6,500 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 Brucejack 0 6 6

2 Lake 2 6 6 k

t t o Bowser c

S Lake

Barge *#Landing Site

*# Landing Site Bow ser Bowser East Highway Ri 0 ve 0 0 r Landing 0 0 *# 0 0 Access Road 0 5 5 2 2 6 Site Road 6 Building

Waste Rock/Ore Dump Site k e

e Ore r C

d Waste Area (Reclaimed) d o T 1:165,000 0 2.5 5

430000 440000 450000 460000 470000 480000 Figure 3.2-1 Components of Newhawk's Former Sulphurets Project MINERAL TENURE, EXPLORATION AND PERMITTING HISTORY

Plate 3.2-1. Historic adit near Brucejack Lake.

Plate 3.2 -2. Abandoned Catear Resources mine, Plate 3.2 -3. Abandoned Catear Resources mine (Goldwedge property) northwest of (Goldwedge property), northwest of Brucejack Lake prior to clean-up by Pretivm. Brucejack Lake following initial clean-up by Pretivm including removal of camp buildings.

From 1991 to 1992 Newhawk Gold Mines Ltd (Newhawk) conducted exploration on the Brucejack property. In 1999, Silver Standard acquired its initial interest in the property and conducted exploration activities in 2009 and 2010 until its sale to Pretivm.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 3-5 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

3.3 PERMITTING HISTORY The following describes some of the key permits related to Newhawk’s former Sulphurets Project, which includes some of the same mineral claim areas as the Brucejack property. All surface Project activities occur on Crown land. Sub-surface rights in the Project area are held by Pretivm.

o A Reclamation Permit, obtained in 1986 from the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (MX-1-86), expired in 1999, when site reclamation was completed. Details of the reclamation work are outlined in MEND Report 9.1c (MEND 2005).

o Under the provincial Mine Development Review Process, approval in principle (AIP) was granted for the Sulphuerts Project in 1989. Subsequent to the AIP, a Mine Development Certificate (MDC 92-06) was issued on April 5, 1993 pursuant to the Mine Development Assessment Act . This later became a Project Assessment Certificate M98-03 (PAC M98-03) when the Environmental Assessment Act (1995) came into force. Ultimately the mine never went into production for economic reasons. In 1998, development plans were suspended indefinitely and Newhawk initiated reclamation efforts in 1999. PAC M98-03 was kept active until it expired in September 2006.

o Under the BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, a Waste Management Permit to discharge effluent from the camp (PE-7922) was granted in 1987. It was cancelled in 1999 following completion of reclamation work at the site.

o A Special Use Permit (SUP; SUP 14912) under the Forest Act was granted for the construction of an access road from Brucejack Lake to Hwy 37 in 1987 by the BC Ministry of Forests. Construction of the road was initiated in 1987. Under the SUP, numerous Water Act (1996c) approvals were granted in 1988 under SUP 14912 to construct crossings, culverts, and other road-associated stream crossings. After activity was suspended at the property, the SUP expired in 2003 and was officially closed in 2010.

o A water rights rental (File 6000374) was obtained from the BC Ministry of Environment, Water Management Division; this rental included conditional water licences (72124 and 72125) for authorized storage and water diversion from Brucejack Creek for mining, power, and industrial purposes. A permit to occupy Crown land (18067) was also granted.

Pretivm currently holds the following permits, among others, in relation to the Brucejack Gold Mine Project:

o Mines Act Permit MX-1-832, issued by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR) in 2010, for exploration road construction and re-establishment activities along the access road constructed by Newhawk in the 1980s;

o Mines Act Permit MX-1-842, issued by MEMPR in 2011 for drilling and re-establishing an exploration camp for the Snowfield/Sulphurets (Brucejack) properties; and

o Permit 2011-03235, issued by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to construct, use, and maintain access from the exploration access road to Highway 37.

3-6 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

4. Geology

4.1 REGIONAL GEOLOGY The Brucejack Gold Mine Project, which lies within the Stikine Terrain, is underlain by Hazelton Group volcanic, volcaniclastic and sedimentary rocks of upper Triassic to lower and middle Jurassic age. The Hazelton rocks are intruded by Mesozoic felsic to intermediate plutons and a few Tertiary mafic dikes and sills. Mapping by (Alldrick and Britton 1991) and by Kirkham (1991) subdivides the Hazelton Group into several formations:

o sandstone and conglomerates of the lower Unuk Formation;

o volcanics and siltstones of the upper Unuk Formation;

o interbedded conglomerates, sandstones, and intermediate to mafic volcanics of the Betty Creek Formation;

o felsic pyroclastic and tuffaceous rocks, of the Mount Dillworth Formation; and

o siltstones and sandstones of the Salmon River Formation.

The youngest rocks in the region are sedimentary rocks of the Bowser Lake Group. Hazelton Group rocks are gently folded, with strong north-south steeply dipping normal and reverse faults (Pincock Allen & Holt 2001)

4.2 PROPERTY GEOLOGY Two sedimentary and volcanic assemblages underlie the property: Upper Triassic Stuhini Group rocks on the west; and Jurassic Hazelton Group rocks in the central and eastern parts of the claim area (Figure 4.2-1).

The oldest rocks on the property are the Lower Sediments that are reported to have a thickness of 1,500 metres and consist of argillites, siltstones and cherts. They are overlain by pyroclastic rocks that range from tuff to breccias, and may contain blocks up to 1 metre in size. Most of the volcanics are andesitic in composition and have been subjected to varying degrees of alteration. These altered tuffs and breccias are the host of the mineralization. Overlying the volcanics are the upper sediments that consist of a sequence of black shales and argillites similar to the lower sediments.

The volcanic-sedimentary sequence is cut by two elongated northerly-trending zones of intrusive stocks of Middle Jurassic age ranging in composition from diorite to granite.

Post-mineral deformation and faulting are common with the north-striking Brucejack Fault and the west-trending Bruce Fault being the most prominent (Pincock Allen & Holt 2001).

4.3 MINERALIZATION There are more than 70 documented mineral occurrences and showings in the Sulphurets area. Most of the mineral occurrences are hosted in Upper Triassic rocks or in the lower and middle parts of the Hazelton Group (Britton and Alldrick 1988). Two basic styles of mineralization have been documented:

o porphyry-style gold mineralization associated with fine grained syenite to syenodiorite intrusive rocks, intrusive breccia and pyritization; and

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 4-1 PROJECT # 1042-008-01 ILLUSTRATION # a37764f September 12, 2012

Source: Pincock, Allen & Holt, 2001.

Figure 4.2-1 Property Geology GEOLOGY

o silver-gold-base metal epithermal veins occurring within or adjacent to fine grained syenodiorite intrusions and associated with broad areas of intense sericite, quartz, pyrite alteration; these structurally controlled veins may or may not have significant sulphide contents.

The gold mineralization of the Brucejack Gold Mine Project is interpreted to be genetically related to one or more Jurassic-age alkaline intrusions. Gold mineralization is hosted in quartz vein stockworks within schistose and pervasively altered quartz-sericite (±chlorite, ±ankerite) volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks that contain 1 to 5% disseminated pyrite, minor base metal sulphide (sphalerite, galena, ±chalcopyrite, ±molybdenite) and tourmaline veinlets and disseminations and abundant post- mineral calcite veining.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 4-3 PROJECT # 1042-008-01 ILLUSTRATION # a37765f September 12, 2012

Figure 4.3-1 Identified Ore Zones BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

5. Mineral Resources

The mineral resources shown in Table 5-1 were estimated in November 2012 using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines by Snowden Mining Industry Consultants. Table 5-1 include a combination of resources estimated in the VOK and WZ zones. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these resources. Future exploration is planned and could potentially result in further additions to all resource categories.

Table 5-1. Mineral Resource Grade and Tonnage Estimate for the Valley of the Kings and West Zones

Contained Tonnes Gold Silver Category (Mt) (g/t) (g/t) Gold (Moz) Silver (Moz) Measured West Zone 2.4 5.85 347 0.5 26.8 Indicated Valley of the Kings 16.1 16.4 14.2 8.5 7.3 West Zone 2.5 5.86 190 0.5 15.1 Inferred Valley of the Kings 5.4 17.0 15.7 2.9 2.7 West Zone 4.0 6.44 82 0.8 10.6

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 5-1 BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

6. Project Components

6.1 OVERVIEW The Project will be an underground mine, targeting the VOK and WZ zones. Over a minimum 16-year mine life, including one year of pre-production development, the mine will produce approximately 16 Mt of mineralized material at a rate of up to 2,700 tpd. This production rate is in excess of the 75,000 tpa of mineral ore for a new mineral mine required to trigger a provincial assessment pursuant to the section 3(1) of the Reviewable Projects Regulation , BC EAA , and a federal assessment pursuant to section 15 (c) of the Regulations Designating Physical Activities under CEAA, 2012.

The overall layout of the Project is shown in Figures 6.1-1 and 6.1-2. The mine site footprint is approximately 10.5 ha. The Project components include:

o mine portal;

o ventilation shafts;

o waste rock transfer pad;

o Run-of-mine ore stockpile;

o ore conveyor;

o surface and underground crushers;

o mill/concentrator;

o backfill paste plant;

o tailings pipeline;

o subaqueous disposal of waste rock and tailings;

o backfill of waste rock and tailings underground;

o diversion channels;

o back-up power plant;

o transmission line and ancillary components;

o warehouse;

o truck shop;

o helicopter pad;

o sewage treatment plant and related activities (e.g., sludge disposal);

o water treatment plant;

o incinerator;

o electric induction furnace;

o landfill;

o mine site haul roads and transportation activities along existing access roads;

o fuel storage tanks;

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 6-1 PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-15-002 January 21 2013

440000 460000 ek Tre e B aty Cr e ll -I rv in g ¤£37 R iv ± Wi ldfire Creek e r Brucejack T da Cree k odeda k Lake e e r C

6260000 t 6260000 t

o c Bowser S Lake

t Option Eas owser R B ive Knipple r Lake

p T o

h d t

C u o

6240000 S 6240000

e k

Summit Lake Divide Lake

e r i c a !. n Community Long C r Lake e Highway e k

6220000 Infrastructure 6220000 37A r River ¤£ Proposed Brucejack ea Strohn ^_ Mine Site B Lake Exploration Road Long Lake Project Transmission Line Proposed Transmission Line Aiyansh - Stewart

B B k it ree

Transmission Line r ter C i

NTL Alignment h

a o A

1:300,000 k

d l

a ,

0 5 10 m

i a

Figure 6.1-1 Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Overview PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-15-012 January 18 2013

426200 426700 427200 427700 428200 6259500 ± 6259500

Explosives Brucejack Storage Lake Submerged

Mill Building 6259000 6259000 B Detonator Storage ru Including Admin, Mine Dry, cejac k Cr eek Truck Shop, Warehouse

Submerged

Substation Laydown Infrastructure Area Fuel !( Proposed Portal Entrance Garbage and Storage !( Proposed Air Raise Incinerator Area !( Existing Adit

426200 426700 427200 427700 428200

Figure6.1-2 Figure 6.1-2 Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Layout of Mine and Mill Surface Infrastructure PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

o surface and underground explosives storage;

o up to a 550-person modular camp; and

o administration offices.

The primary power supply to the Project will be provided by the provincial electrical grid. Two transmission line alternatives are currently being considered; an east option and a south option. The east option would parallel the exploration access road east from the proposed mine site to Hwy 37 with interconnection to the new BC Hydro 287 kV Northwest Transmission Line (NTL).

The south option would connect the Project to the Long Lake Hydro Project north of Stewart. Some new access roads may be required to construct and maintain the transmission line; helicopter supported construction and maintenance activities are also being considered. The technical aspects of interconnection to BC Hydro are still under study and consideration. Diesel generators will be installed on-site to provide back-up power supply.

The mine site will be accessed from Highway 37 by the existing Bowser Valley Road. The road will require minor upgrading to support operational activities. Gold/silver concentrate produced at the mine site will be transported to the Port of Stewart along Highways 37 and 37A for shipment overseas.

6.2 CONSTRUCTION Construction activities will be focused at the Brucejack mine site and along the transmission corridor.

Construction activities will include:

o upgrades to the 75 km Bowser Valley Road to accommodate mine traffic;

o expansion of the current exploration camp facilities to accommodate the construction work force including an additional bunkhouse, kitchen, sewage, and administration facilities;

o construction of the mill building;

o construction of the tailings pipeline;

o development of the underground portal and facilities; and

o grading of the mine site area.

Construction activities related to the transmission line include:

o vegetation clearing;

o construction of small sections of the Bowser Valley access road; and

o installation of towers and the transmission line.

New road construction for either transmission line option is anticipated to be minimal as the east option would parallel the Bowser Valley Road and the south option would parallel, or run along nearby adjacent hillslopes, and the existing Granduc Access Road for a substantial portion of the route. Helicopter supported construction would be required to access areas of the south option. The current exploration access road crosses a glacier, and no other glacier access roads are anticipated for the Project.

6.3 MINE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS The underground operation will be based on conventional rubber-tired, diesel-powered mobile equipment, with loader mucking and truck haulage material handling via a decline ramp system.

6-4 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 PROJECT COMPONENTS

Mining will be done using the long hole open stoping method with a combination of rock and paste backfill. The paste fill will be sourced from thickened flotation plant tailings, and the rock fill will be sourced from underground development muck and other surface rock sources, which will require re-handling when the development rate is low. The paste fill plant is proposed to be located near to the portal and process plant thickeners. The paste would be distributed to the underground workings via pipes in the access decline and in boreholes, and this process would use positive displacement pumps to distribute the paste to the stope voids as required.

Run-of-mine ore will receive primary crushing underground and then will be transported to surface facilities via conveyor belt.

A new portal access location is proposed east of the WZ lode. For inundation protection, the existing adit developed by the Newcana Joint Venture in the WZ will require dewatering prior to any new mine development within 50 m of the existing workings. The existing underground ramp development is proposed to be used for ventilation, emergency egress, initial mining activities, and as a platform for further infill exploration diamond drilling where it is practical to do so. The ramp would ultimately be mined out by stoping.

Two ventilation intakes, the portal and a centrally located fresh air raise (FAR) located midway between the VOK and WZ lodes are proposed. The WZ ramp connections will also be used for ventilation purposes. The FAR may also be required to operate as a return air raise (RAR) at different periods of the mine life (e.g., it will initially be used as a RAR during decline development to the two lodes).

There are two ventilation returns, one for each zone, located adjacent to each level access. Main RAR fans will theoretically be located underground in vent walls. A suitable cowling will be required at the surface holing point of each surface raise to manage the snow mass, which can be up to 10 m deep.

6.4 MINERAL PROCESSING Mineral processing will involve conventional bulk sulphide flotation and gravity concentration. A flotation plant at the mine site will produce bulk gold-silver flotation concentrate and gravity concentrate. The proposed processing rate is up to 2,700 tpd, with an availability of 92%. A simplified process flowsheet is presented in Figure 6.4-1. The process plant will consist of crushing, grinding, gravity concentration, and flotation processes to produce a gravity concentrate and a bulk flotation concentrate containing gold and silver. The produced flotation concentrate will be dewatered and trucked off-site to the port at Stewart BC. Approximately half of the flotation tailings (8 Mt) will be used for the underground paste backfill, and the rest (8 Mt) will be discharged into storage, at depth, in Brucejack Lake. The gravity concentrate will be processed into doré on-site, using an electric induction furnace.

Run-of-mine (ROM) ore stockpile, surface crusher, floatation plant, backfill paste plant, and concentrate stockpile will be housed within a single building.

6.5 WASTE MANAGEMENT

6.5.1 Waste Rock Approximately 5 Mt of waste rock will be produced throughout the mine life. Most of this waste rock will be re-deposited in the underground mine. During the initial (two to three years) development of the underground, an estimated 2 Mt of waste rock will be deposited in the southwest corner of Brucejack Lake (see Figure 6.1-2). During winter, an aerator would be installed in Brucejack Lake to provide an ice-free area of the lake to allow for waste rock deposition year-round. Once stope voids become available, waste rock will be deposited underground.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 6-5 PROJECT # 1042-006 ILLUSTRATION # a32708f December 19, 2012

Source: Tetra Tech Figure 6.4-1 Figure 6.4-1 Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Simplified Process Flowsheet PROJECT COMPONENTS

Based on the geology, some of the waste rock could potentially be acid-generating. A comprehensive ML/ARD characterization study is being undertaken in support of the Project. However, a conservative assumption that all rock will be potentially acid-generating is being used in the waste and management design studies that are on-going. Waste rock that is not deposited underground will be immediately deposited in Brucejack Lake where a water cover will be maintained over the waste rock to prevent acid generation. Similar to the reclamation work that occurred in the 1990s, causeways will be constructed with non-acid generating waste rock so that trucks can dump rock at greater depths and to ensure that sufficient water cover (> 1 m) is maintained over the waste rock.

6.5.2 Tailings Approximately 8 Mt of the flotation tailings will be paste backfilled to the underground workings, while approximately 8 Mt of the flotation tailings will be deposited in Brucejack Lake. The tailings are not anticipated to be acid generating; this will be confirmed through the ML/ARD characterization program.

A tailings discharge pipeline to Brucejack Lake will be located along the south side of the lake. In general, the pipeline will be above ground, insulated and heat traced; where necessary, it will be protected from rockfall hazards either by burying the pipe or construction of other measures (e.g., a rockfall collection bench). Routing of the pipeline will include provision for a low spot to allow drainage of the line in the event of a plant shut down.

The pipeline will extend along the lakebed, initially to a placed sand filter near the point of maximum depth (85 m) on the east side of the lake. The filter will act to trap fine tailings particles, reducing suspended solids in the overlying water. The tailings will accumulate at the pipeline terminus, effectively increasing the size of the sand filter as discharge proceeds. Depositing tailings at the east end of the lake will maximize the depth of deposition and the distance from the lake outlet, which will further minimize the potential for suspended solids discharge from the lake. The total volume of tailings will be stored within the bottom 30 m of Brucejack Lake.

6.5.3 Air Emissions

Air emissions will include particulate matter, NO x, SO x, and greenhouse gas emissions from fuel combustion by surface and underground vehicles, and diesel generators when in use. The electrical

induction furnace emissions may include particulates and SO x. Fugitive dust emissions will occur due to vehicle traffic along the access road, but will be limited at the mine site as a substantial amount of vehicle traffic will occur in the underground. Waste rock and tailings will be stored sub-aqueously (minimizing the need to stockpile material), and blasting and crushing will primarily occur underground, which will limit the potential for fugitive emissions from these sources. Additional air emissions will occur from a waste incinerator that will primarily dispose of food waste and packaging as well as other domestic camp waste.

6.5.4 Hazardous Waste Hazardous waste materials, such as spoiled reagents and used batteries, will be generated throughout the life of the Project, from construction to decommissioning. These materials will be anticipated in advance; they will be segregated, inventoried, and tracked in accordance with federal and provincial legislation and regulations such as the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (1992). A separate secure storage area will be established with appropriate controls to manage spillages. Hazardous waste will be labelled and stored in appropriate containers for shipment to approved off-site disposal facilities.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 6-7 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

6.5.5 Non-hazardous Waste Management Waste management will involve the segregation of waste into appropriate management channels. Project waste collection and disposal facilities will include one or more incinerators, a permitted landfill, waste collection areas for recyclable and hazardous waste, and sewage effluent and sludge disposal. Waste collection areas will have provisions to segregate waste according to disposal methods and facilities to address spillages, fire, and wildlife attraction.

6.6 WATER MANAGEMENT Water management (i.e., process water needs, and diversion channels) are important components of the Project design. A decreasing precipitation gradient exists from west to east within the region, with precipitation tending to be greater at higher elevations. The wettest periods are typically recorded during the fall, with a mean annual precipitation in the Project area expected to range from 1,000 to 2,200 mm.

6.6.1 Water Supply Water requirements (approximately 1,800 m3/d or 75 m3/h) for the Brucejack process plant, including fresh and potable water, will be met from the following sources:

o underground mine seepage water; and

o Brucejack Lake.

Underground seepage rates are estimated to be 2,400 m3/h when the mine is fully developed. It is currently unclear whether collection of the underground seepage constitutes ‘extraction’ of groundwater as described under section 15 (c) of the RDPA. Approximately 5 m3/hr of water from Brucejack Lake may be required to supply the fresh water requirements of the Project.

6.6.2 Non-contact Water To ensure the potential for ML/ARD to occur is minimized, fresh water diversion channels will be constructed to divert water away from the plant site and into small tributaries of Brucejack Lake and Brucejack Creek. All diversion channels will be constructed to accommodate high flow events during wet years.

6.6.3 Contact Water Contact water will be collected and pumped to the processing plant to meet process water requirements. Excess water will be treated and discharged to Brucejack Lake.

6.7 OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE

6.7.1 Road Access Road access to the mine site will be via the 75 km exploration road (the Bowser Valley Road) from Hwy 37. The road was constructed to support exploration activities for claims in the regional area, including the Brucejack property. Approximately 10 km of the road is along the Knipple Glacier. For the Project, the road will be used to mobilize equipment and supplies to the mine site and to truck concentrate from the mine site to Highway 37 and to the port of Stewart. The road will require minor upgrades to support mine traffic during operations, however it is not anticipated that any upgrades to stream crossings would be required. Potential effects associated with increased traffic on the road will be assessed and appropriate mitigation and management measures will be implemented as required.

6-8 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 PROJECT COMPONENTS

6.7.2 Transmission Line and Power Supply At the maximum production level, power requirements for the Project are estimated to be approximately 20 - 30 Mega Watts (MW). Electrical power will be delivered to the mine site via a 138 kV transmission line. Two transmission line options are currently being considered; an east option and a south option. For the east option, it is anticipated that regularly spaced wooden poles is likely appropriate for most of the transmission line. For the south option, the structures would be single wood poles as well as metal towers to increase the span length in some areas.

The east option would parallel the 70 km Bowser Valley Road east from the proposed mine site to the new BC Hydro 287 kV Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) which is currently under construction along Hwy 37. Interconnection to the NTL line would occur near kilometre 215 of Hwy 37.

The south option would connect the Project to the Long Lake Hydro Project near Stewart. From the Long Lake Project the transmission line would extend 55 km north to the mine. The southern portion of the route between the Long Lake Project and the former Granduc site would parallel the existing Granduc Access Road, or the more gentle terrain upslope of the road. North of the former Granduc site, the route would traverse the upper Bowser Valley to Knipple Lake and then turn northwest and parallel the Bowser Valley Roadto the proposed mine site.

Diesel generators would be installed on-site to be used as back-up power supply.

6.7.3 Camps and Offices Pretivm currently operates a 200 person exploration camp at the site. This will be expanded to support up to 550 people during construction, and up to 350 people during operations. Administration offices will be integrated with the camp.

6.7.4 Truck Shop The truck shop and warehouse complex will service equipment at the mine site and provide storage for equipment and supplies for operations. The facility will be composed of stick built structural steel with metal clad wall and roof systems and will include:

o two heavy-duty repair bays;

o one weld bay;

o two light vehicle repair bays;

o maintenance workshops;

o a truck wash and tire change bay;

o an emergency response facility;

o a warehouse and mine dry; and

o offices.

6.7.5 Fuel Storage Diesel fuel for the mining, process, and ancillary facilities will be supplied from above ground diesel fuel storage tanks located at the mine site. Storage tanks will have a capacity that is sufficient for approximately seven days of operation. The diesel storage system will include loading and dispensing equipment. A dedicated service truck will transport diesel to the mining equipment.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 6-9 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

6.7.6 Explosives Surface and underground explosives magazines will be located at the mine. The magazines will be sited and constructed to meet both federal and provincial regulatory requirements. Packaged explosives are planned to be used. An average of one month’s supply (approximately 50 tonnes) of explosives will be stored at the mine. This figure will range between 20 and 80 tonnes depending on the stage of mining.

6.7.7 Concentrate Storage Gold-silver concentrate will be stored at the mine site in a facility capable of storing a week’s worth of production.

6.8 CLOSURE AND RECLAMATION Pretivm recognizes that the Project must be planned with closure in mind. Consistent with requirements of the BC Mines Act (1996b) and the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia (BC MEMPR 2008), a closure plan will be developed for the Project. The objective of a closure plan is to detail the transition of the site from mining to establishing conditions that approximate pre-mine land use in a manner that meets regulatory requirements. This includes a requirement for financial assurance from the proponent. The plan will be regularly reviewed and updated throughout the mine life to reflect Project development. At this time, a very conceptual closure plan is presented. This will be further developed as new information (particularly related to ML/ARD) becomes available through the environmental assessment and permitting process.

6.8.1 Underground Mine At closure, all mining equipment and materials will be removed from the underground mine and sold or disposed of off-site. Stopes and tunnels that have not previously been backfilled will be left empty wherever it is safe to do so based on detailed geotechnical investigations. Once entry to the mine workings is no longer required, bulkheads will be constructed to seal the workings. Based on ML/ARD characterization, plans to allow the underground workings to flood, or to keep them free-draining will need to be evaluated. A long-term monitoring program would be required to inspect the integrity of the bulkheads and to monitor the water quality of seepages from the site.

6.8.2 Mill, Camp, and Ancillary Infrastructure The mill, camp, and other buildings and infrastructure supporting the mine will be dismantled or demolished as appropriate. Reusable components will be sold along with scrap metal. Non-hazardous rubble will be disposed of together with waste rock in Brucejack Lake. All hazardous materials will be moved off-site to permitted disposal facilities.

6.8.3 Waste Rock and Tailings Final deposition of waste rock and tailings will be done to ensure adequate water cover over materials during droughts and low flow periods. A long-term monitoring program would be required to ensure the water cover is maintained and to monitor the water quality of the lake and downstream areas.

6.8.4 Roads and Power Lines The Bowser Valley Road will be decommissioned, scarified, and re-vegetated, if it is not required for other purposes. The electrical cable of the power line will be removed and sold as scrap for recycling. The wooden poles will be removed and disposed.

6-10 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

7. Environmental Setting and Potential Effects

7.1 INTRODUCTION The Project is situated within the Sulphurets District in the Iskut River region. The widely varying terrain hosts a broad range of ecosystems. There are five species of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), rainbow/steelhead trout (O. mykiss ) and Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma ) char in the region although Brucejack and immediate downstream waterbodies are not fish-bearing. Among other wildlife, black bear (Ursus americanus ), grizzly bear (Ursus arctos ), moose (Alces alces ) and migratory birds can be found in the region. Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) are present in the alpine areas. Plates 7.1-1 to 7.1-4 illustrate the existing environment of proposed Project components.

Plate 7.1-1. Brucejack Lake, view towards the northeast, September 2011.

Plate 7.1-2. Knipple Glacier, view towards the east, August 15, 2012.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 7-1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Plate 7.1-3. Upper Bowser River Valley Road along the proposed transmission line route (South Option), view towards the north, September 21, 2012.

Plate 7.1-4. Exploration road corridor near Scott Creek.

7-2 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS

7.2 CLIMATE

7.2.1 Baseline Setting The climate of the region is relatively extreme and daily weather patterns in the Iskut River region are unpredictable. Three meteorological stations are collecting site-specific weather data (Table 7.2-1).

Table 7.2-1. UTM Coordinates of the Brucejack Lake, Scott Creek, and Wildfire Creek Monitoring Stations

UTM Coordinates 1 Operating Period Meteorological Elevation Station (masl) Easting (m) Northing (m) Start Finish Brucejack Lake 1,360 425,729 6,259,022 Oct. 2009 Active Scott Creek 780 451,418 6,254,104 Aug. 2010 Active Wildfire Creek 720 470,397 6,256,874 Aug. 2011 Active

1 Zone 9, Datum NAD83

The stations consist of a standard 10 m meteorological tower with instrumentation to measure wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, barometric pressure, relative humidity, solar radiation, and precipitation. The data collected from these stations correspond to long-term data trends collected by the Meteorological Service of Canada’s Unuk River Eskay Creek climate station (#1078L3D), which is located at an elevation of 887 m, approximately 26 km northwest of Brucejack Lake (Rescan 2011b).

The observed temperature range in the Project area is typical of northwestern British Columbia. It consists of a winter period (November to March) with below freezing (-4 to -20°C) mean monthly temperatures and a summer period (June to September) with mean monthly temperatures between 5°C and 20°C. The spring (April and May) and fall (late September to November) are cool at low elevations and colder at high elevations, as expected in mountainous environments in BC, and provide a transition between the winter and summer temperatures (Rescan 2011b).

A decreasing precipitation gradient exists from west to east within the region, and precipitation tends to be greater at higher elevations. In the region the wettest periods are typically recorded during the fall. Based on a regional precipitation model, mean annual precipitation in the Project area is expected to range from 1,000 to 2,200 mm. Annual total precipitation measured between 2010 and 2011 ranged from 1,500 mm to 2,000 mm at the Brucejack station. The Scott Creek and Wildfire Creek stations are at lower elevation, and generally recorded lower precipitation than the Brucejack Lake station for concurrent periods.

At the Brucejack Lake station, wind blows from a predominantly east to east-southeast direction, at a windspeed above 6 m/s for the majority of the measurement period. Winds at the Scott Creek and Wildfire Creek stations were much calmer and more distributed. The most common winds were from the north and south-southwest at Scott Creek and from the east-southeast at Wildfire Creek.

Global solar radiation and net radiations are measured at the automated stations. Generally, an energy deficit was observed during the winter months (October through May), and an energy surplus was observed throughout the summer (June through September). Barometric pressure corrected to sea level ranged from 97 to 104 kPa during the study period (Rescan 2011b).

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 7-3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

7.2.2 Potential Project Effects The Project effects on climate may include increases to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; due to the size of the facility, emissions are anticipated to be negligible based on a relative comparison within the mining industry in Canada. All greenhouse gas reporting requirements will be met, if applicable.

7.3 AIR QUALITY AND NOISE

7.3.1 Baseline Setting The area is remote from potential air and noise pollution sources and consequently any measurable air contaminants or noise levels reflect low, natural background concentrations. Meteorological data (e.g., wind speed and wind direction) indicates good mixing and dispersion conditions at Brucejack Lake.

7.3.2 Potential Project Effects The Project site is not in close proximity to human settlements, and dust and noise are not expected to impact any communities in the region. Potential effects on air quality include particulate matter from fuel combustion by vehicles, the smelting furnace, incinerators, and diesel generators. The construction of the mine (including associated transmission lines and upgrading of roads) may affect air quality through the creation of fugitive dust. Since mining will be underground and most of the waste rock and tailings will be stored sub-aqueously, dust is unlikely to represent a significant source of air pollution from the mine itself. Due to the meteorological conditions observed at the Project area, air emissions are anticipated to disperse and mix into the atmosphere quickly and are not likely to result in a significant adverse effect.

Noise effects will be limited to workers on-site during construction and operations. Local wildlife species would also be exposed to increased noise level in the immediate vicinity of the mine site. However due to the primarily underground operations, surface noise levels are expected to be of minor concern.

7.4 WATER QUANTITY

7.4.1 Baseline Setting The Brucejack Lake catchment, where the mine and mill will be located, drains an area of approximately 10 km 2. The outlet of the lake is at the west end, where it discharges to Brucejack Creek. Brucejack Creek flows for approximately 2.5 km before flowing under the Sulphurets Glacier and joining Sulphurets Creek. Sulphurets Creek drains for another 4.5 km into Sulphurets Lake (a small pro-glacial lake). Downstream of Sulphurets Lake, Sulphurets Creek flows for another 13 km, and then joins the Unuk River (Figure 7.4-1). The Unuk River enters Alaska approximately 40 km from the Project area, and flows into Behm Canal at Burroughs Bay on the Pacific Coast.

Table 7.4-1 summarizes annual runoff depths for three hydrometric stations in the region and a long-term synthetic stream flow dataset based on stream flow monitoring station records (Knight Piésold Ltd. 2011).

7.4.2 Potential Project Effects Water quantity effects are expected to be minimal due to the small size of the Project but may include slightly altered runoff conditions from footprint disturbances and altered hydrology from right-of-way waterbody crossings.

7-4 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013

6265000 6260000 6255000 ± Figure7.4-1 January 21 2013 January 21

430000 430000

v i

d a

N h

v Brucejack Gold Mine and Pathways Drainage Project: Boundaries Watershed i

Lake k u

n Brucejack U

C k

a j e c u

r B 425000 425000 Lake Sulphurets 420000 420000

415000 415000

u S

410000 410000

e v

BJP-01-001 R

u n U GIS # GIS 1:75,000 Kilometres FishBarrier FlowDirection ProposedBrucejack Mine Site ExplorationRoad ProposedTransmission Line 0 1 2 1042-008-08 _ ^ Infrastructure Projection: Projection: UTM9, NAD83

PROJECT # PROJECT r 6265000 6260000 6255000 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS

Table 7.4-1. Runoff Depths and Regional Hydrometric Stations

Area Direction Period of Annual Runoff Station ID (km 2) Lat/Long from Project Record Depth (mm) Iskut River below Johnson River 08CG001 9,350 56°44'20" N W-NW 1959 – 2005 1,535 131°40'25" W Brucejack Lake Outlet - 10.1 56°28'10.03" N - 1980 – 2009 1,499 130°11'8.98" W (synthetic) Iskut River at Kinaskan 08CG003 1,250 57°31'50" N E-SE 1964 – 1996 433 Lake Outlet 130°10'45" W Driftwood River above Katsberg 08JD006 403 55°58'34" N N 1979 – 2005 643 Creek 126°40'34" W

Source: BGC (2011)

7.5 WATER QUALITY

7.5.1 Baseline Setting Water quality data from the existing Sulphurets mine adit, Camp Creek, Brucejack Lake, and Brucejack Creek were historically collected during the Newcana Joint Venture exploration and reclamation work (1987 to 2001; MEND 2005). Pretivm has initiated a baseline aquatic resource study to provide baseline information on surface water quality and aquatic resources within the Project area that may be affected by the proposed mine and infrastructure development. These data indicate that due to the high mineralization of the Project area, water quality progressively degrades as water travels downstream from Sulphurets Lake. A summary of all available information compiled from 2007 to 2011 for the Brucejack, Sulphurets and Unuk stream/lake systems is outlined below.

7.5.1.1 Physical Limnology Lakes tend to be stratified in August with most having a top layer with warmer temperatures and higher dissolved oxygen concentrations than the deeper waters. Dissolved oxygen concentrations in several lakes during several years were observed to be below the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) guidelines for the protection of (cold-water) aquatic life at 9.5 mg/L for early life stages, and at 6.5 mg/L for other life stages (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) 2011). Brucejack Lake and Sulphurets Lake each recorded oxygen concentrations below the CCME guideline for other life stages (6.5 mg/L) in bottom depths.

Brucejack Lake has relatively clear water with deep euphotic zones (12.2 to 17.7 m), while Sulphurets Lake has very turbid water with euphotic depths less than 1 m deep.

7.5.1.2 General Parameters

The streams and lakes in the Project area have soft (0 – 60 mg CaCO 3/L) to moderately hard waters (60-120 mg CaCO 3/L; Briggs and Ficke 1977) that are moderately to well buffered systems (total alkalinity > 20 mg/L). There is a general temporal trend of decreased hardness and total alkalinity in the Project streams and lakes during mid-summer (July and August). The Project stream sites are mildly basic, with pH levels ranging from 7.4 to 8.4. Lake pH was observed to be within the lower and upper CCME guidelines of 6.5 to 9.0 and ranged from 7.3 in Brucejack Lake (all depths) to just below 8.0 at the rest of the sites and depths.

Brucejack Lake conductivity (40 µS/cm) was consistent over depth. The highest conductivities were observed at the Sulphurets adit and in Sulphurets Creek (483 µS/cm).

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 7-7 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

7.5.1.3 Total Suspended Solids and Turbidity Total suspended solids (TSS) ranged from below the detection limit to 229 mg/L. The greatest concentrations were found in Sulphurets Creek. The temporal trend was opposite of that seen for stream alkalinity and hardness, as the greatest concentrations were usually found during summer and the lowest during winter at most sites. Sites near Brucejack Lake (Camp Creek, Brucejack Creek and Sulphurets adit) were relatively clear compared to other stream sites. Lake concentrations were much lower than those observed at stream sites.

7.5.1.4 Nutrients Available nutrients are lowest (close to or below detection) in the high elevation streams and the Sulphurets adit near Brucejack Lake. Overall, nitrate and total phosphate are the principal nutrients found in Project area streams, as nitrite and ammonia concentrations are usually below analytical detection.

Nitrate was below or just above analytical detection in Camp Creek, Brucejack Creek, and at the Sulphurets adit. Nitrate concentrations were below all relevant guidelines in all streams and rivers. Total phosphate concentrations were highest at the Sulphurets Creek and Unuk River, but below detection limits at most other stream sites. In the lakes, nitrate and total Kjedahl nitrogen (TKN) concentrations were also low or below detection.

Total phosphorus concentrations were below detection limit in Brucejack and Sulphurets lakes.

7.5.1.5 Anions Sulphate concentrations were greatest at the Sulphurets adit and Sulphurets Creek, often exceeding 100 mg/L. All other stream and lake sites were well below 100 mg/L. Fluoride levels were usually below analytical detection in the Project area.

7.5.1.6 Cyanides All total cyanide concentrations in the Project streams and lakes were below the BC and the CCME weak acid dissociable and free cyanide guidelines for the protection of aquatic life.

7.5.1.7 Metals Sulphurets Creek and the Unuk River were consistently among the stream sites with the greatest metal concentrations. The sites adjacent to Brucejack Lake (Camp Creek and Brucejack Creek) generally had the lowest metal concentrations for stream sites. Lake sites often had much lower concentrations than stream sites and did not exceed guidelines. Concentrations were often below detection limits in the lakes and those that were measurable occurred primarily at Sulphurets Lake.

The baseline water quality variables that exceeded the BC maximum or CCME water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life were pH, fluoride, sulphate, total and dissolved aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, total and dissolved iron, lead, selenium, silver and zinc. The most frequently exceeded guidelines included total aluminum, cadmium, chromium, and iron. Sites along Sulphurets Creek, the Unuk River, and Bell-Irving River had the greatest overall percentage of water sample concentrations exceeding guideline values due to runoff from mineralized areas that contribute natural metal loadings to surface waters. Within the Unuk River watershed, much of the natural loadings enter Sulphurets Creek downstream of Brucejack Lake and Sulphurets Lake. Historic deposition of waste rock in Brucejack Lake does not appear to have had a notable impact on water quality in Brucejack Lake (MEND 2005).

7-8 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS

Guideline exceedances for lead and selenium were generally less than two times the available guideline. Guideline exceedances for arsenic, aluminum, cadmium, chromium, copper, silver, and zinc were higher than two times for at least two locations in the Project area, generally in the lower Sulphurets Creek and Unuk River. Within Brucejack Lake and Brucejack Creek, concentrations were generally below guideline values for these metals. On average, aluminum had the highest magnitude of exceedance (15× higher), followed by copper (12.6×), and iron (BC-3.0×; CCME-10.3×).

7.5.2 Potential Project Effects The deposition of tailings and waste rock into Brucejack Lake has the potential to locally degrade water quality. Mill tailings will be placed at the bottom of Brucejack Lake using methods to minimize suspended solid concentrations. Waste rock will also be placed in Brucejack Lake with adequate water cover to prevent oxidation. Waste rock placed in Brucejack Lake during the reclamation of the Sulphurets Project in 1999 does not appear to have affected water quality. Water quality at the outlet of Brucejack Lake will be monitored throughout the life of the Project.

Transboundary water effects (in the Unuk River across the BC/Alaska border) are expected to be negligible due to the underground mine workings and back-filling of the underground workings with tailings and waste rock, which should largely prevent any ML/ARD issues in the downstream receiving environment. Any remaining tailings and waste rock will be stored subaqueously in Brucejack Lake, and is anticipated to have minimal effects on lake water quality.

Spills may contaminate surface water quality. Erosion, sedimentation and deposition of fugitive dust from surface activities may also affect surface water quality.

7.5.3 Potential Trans-boundary Effects Brucejack Lake is located within the headwaters of the Unuk River, which is an international river that discharges to the Pacific Ocean at Burroughs Bay, Alaska. Brucejack Lake is located approximately 44 km from the point which the Unuk River crosses the BC/Alaska border. While the water quality of discharge from Brucejack Lake may be affected by the Project, it is unlikely that any effects would be measureable at the BC/Alaska border due to the relatively small contribution of Brucejack Lake to the total flow in the Unuk River at the border. Brucejack Lake has a watershed area of approximately 10 km 2, which comprises less than 1% of the Unuk River watershed (1480 km 2) at the BC/Alaska border.

7.6 SEDIMENT QUALITY

7.6.1 Baseline Setting

7.6.1.1 Streams Total arsenic, lead and mercury concentrations were highest in the sediments of the Sulphurets adit, Brucejack Creek below the adit and Sulphurets Creek, with concentrations decreasing downstream. Cadmium and selenium were also elevated in Brucejack Creek. Total copper concentrations were highest in sediments at Sulphurets Creek sites and at the first Unuk River site following its confluence with Sulphurets Creek. Iron had relatively similar metal concentrations across steams. Sulphurets adit and Brucejack Creek showed high concentrations of silver (30-40 mg/kg) in the sampled sediments. There were few instances of metal concentrations below the analytical detection limits.

Arsenic, iron, manganese, nickel, and zinc concentrations in stream sediments surpassed CCME Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines (ISQG) in every sample collected. Cadmium and especially copper ISQGs nearly always surpassed ISQGs. Lead and selenium concentrations were commonly below guideline levels.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 7-9 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Sulphurets adit and Brucejack Creek had arsenic concentrations 58 and 62 times the ISQG guideline value (5.9 mg/kg), and silver concentrations between 88 and 62 times the guideline value (0.5 mg/kg). Other metals were exceeded 2 to 7 times at these two sites, while most other samples that exceeded the guidelines were below two times the guideline value of the metal.

7.6.1.2 Lakes Arsenic, copper, iron, lead, mercury, and selenium concentrations were highest in Sulphurets Lake. This lake is localized in a highly mineralized area and these high metal concentrations were similar to those observed in Sulphurets Creek. ISQGs were exceeded by between 10 to 24 times.

7.6.2 Potential Project Effects Sediment quality may be locally affected by increased exposure to metal concentrations from the deposition of waste rock and tailings in Brucejack Lake, and will act as a sink for total metals. Sediment quality will be monitored throughout the life of the Project. Productivity in the aquatic environment immediately downstream of the Project area (i.e., Brucejack Lake and Brucejack Creek) is minimal and food chain effects to primary and secondary producers are anticipated to be negligible.

7.7 GROUNDWATER

7.7.1 Baseline Setting A geotechnical and groundwater investigation program is currently being conducted at the Project site; initial results are expected in early 2013. At this time, the historical data from the MEND report (MEND 2009) and the last four years of water quality data from the existing Sulphurets adit (described in Section 7.4 of the report) provide the best indication of the groundwater seepage rates and water quality that might be expected.

7.7.2 Potential Project Effects Potential effects to groundwater quality may arise from ML/ARD from the exposed rockfaces of the underground mine. Backfilling of the underground workings using tailing and waste rock and thereby reducing the exposure of fresh rock cuts should minimize any effects on groundwater quality. Potential spills may also contaminate groundwater, but with the implementation of standard handling and storage mitigation measures, these impacts are anticipated to be negligible. The underground mine workings and collection of groundwater seepage may also locally affect the movement of groundwater. Groundwater monitoring and modeling will be undertaken to determine the extent and magnitude of the potential effect. Any potentially significant adverse residual effects will be mitigated to the extent possible, largely through the implementation of embedded controls within the design of the Brucejack Project.

7.8 TERRAIN AND SOILS

7.8.1 Baseline Setting The Project is located in a rugged area. At the proposed mine site, the elevation is 1,400 m; surrounding peaks are up to 2,200 m in elevation. Glaciers and ice fields border the mineral deposits to the north, south, and east. Recent and rapid deglaciation has resulted in over-steepened and unstable slopes in many areas. Recently deglaciated areas typically have limited soil development, consisting of glacial till and colluvium. Lower elevation areas with mature vegetation may have a well-developed organic soil layer. Avalanche chutes are common throughout the area, and the management of

7-10 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS avalanches will be a concern for the development and operation of the Project. Similarly, Project design may have to consider the potential for debris flows in some areas.

7.8.2 Potential Project Effects As the mine area has limited soil development due to recent glaciation, potential effects to soil are expected to be minimal. Along right-of-way corridors, potential effects to terrain and soils may include alteration of landscape and terrain stability, accelerated erosion rates (i.e. loss of soil quantity), removal and redistribution of surficial deposits and soil, and soil contamination (i.e. loss of soil quality). Standard mitigation measures will be implemented to minimize soil loss and erosion, and Pretivm is committed to minimizing the spatial extent of the Project footprint through engineering design.

7.9 FISH AND FISH HABITAT

7.9.1 Baseline Setting A fish and fish habitat baseline study program was initiated for the Project in 2010 and 2011 to provide information on the area, including downstream habitat, that may be impacted by the Project.

Brucejack Lake is deep, cold, at high elevation, and has little to no cover for fish. No fish were captured during surveys in 2011.

A 200-m long cascade is present in Sulphurets Creek approximately 300 m upstream of its confluence with the Unuk River (see Figure 7.4-1). Dolly Varden char are present below the cascade in Sulphurets Creek, but no fish species are present above the cascade. This has been confirmed over multiple sampling seasons (Godin and Chamberlain 1990; Rescan 2010). The Unuk River system is a large, productive system with its headwaters in BC and the majority of the river in Alaska. The Unuk River system supports populations of chinook, sockeye, and coho salmon, a proportion of which have been traced to the upper portions of the Unuk River watershed, with exact spawning grounds unknown (Pahlke, McPherson, and Marshall 1996; Weller, Jones, and Holm 2005). Although the Unuk River watershed within the United States has been well-studied, there are little historical fisheries data available for the Canadian sections. All species of Pacific salmon as well as Dolly Varden char have been reported in the Canadian portion of the Unuk River (BC MOE 2010). No aquatic species of conservation concern are expected to be affected by the mine site and associated effluent.

Fish are present along the east transmission line option, including stream crossings, in the Bell-Irving River, Bowser River, lower Wildfire Creek, and lower Scott Creek. Along the south transmission line option, Bowser River is assumed to be fish-bearing, although all other crossings have been assessed as non-fish-bearing.

7.9.2 Potential Project Effects Water bodies (i.e., Brucejack Lake) directly receiving waste rock and tailings from the Project are not fish-bearing; the closest fish habitat (mouth of Sulphurets Creek) is approximately 20 km downstream of the Project. Along proposed rights-of-way, fish and fish habitat may be affected through degradation of habitat by erosion, sedimentation, and clearing of vegetation. As well, increased access to fish habitat may lead to increased fishing pressure on local fish stocks; however the regional area is not heavily used by recreational anglers.

Although downstream changes to water quality are expected to be minimal, changes in water quality downstream of the Project and potential implications to fish and fish habitat along linear features

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 7-11 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

(e.g., transmission line right-of-way) will be assessed. Mitigation measures will be implemented to manage any potential effects on fish and fish habitat as required.

7.10 TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS AND VEGETATION

7.10.1 Baseline Setting The larger Project area is located in the humid environment of the Coast Mountain Range and is largely composed of Interior Cedar-Hemlock, Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir, and Alpine Tundra biogeoclimatic classifications. The mine site area is located above the tree-line in Alpine Tundra. Preliminary Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM) that has been completed for the Project area shows that much of the mine site area is dominated by dynamic ecosystems subject to high rates of disturbance, including avalanche activity, hydrological events, and mass movement. Areas not subject to repeated disturbance are occupied by mature forests dominated by spruce, subalpine fir and hemlock, and herb wetlands. There is potential for the occurrence of several types of sensitive ecosystems — most likely in floodplain and wetlands along the road alignment. Baseline studies are planned to document the occurrence of these ecosystems.

7.10.2 Potential Project Effects The construction of the Project facilities will alter or change vegetation within the mine site footprint. However, the mine site area is located in the Alpine Tundra biogeoclimatic zone and is predominantly barren rock or small shrubs, lichen, and mosses. Upgrades along the road alignment, and construction of a power transmission line right-of-way may also lead to alteration of vegetative communities and affect sensitive ecosystems. Currently, there is insufficient data available to determine if the Project footprint will affect plant communities and plant species of conservation concern.

7.11 WILDLIFE INCLUDING MIGRATORY BIRDS AND SPECIES AT RISK

7.11.1 Baseline Setting Wildlife resources in the regional area of the Project have been identified as being important due to their contributions to biodiversity, social and economic value, and importance to local culture. A literature review of available wildlife information identified a number of past inventory and habitat mapping studies near the Project and within the region, many of which contribute to understanding local animal behaviour, habitat use, and anthropogenic and biological influences.

Provincial databases and references were consulted to identify wildlife species that may occur in the Project area. A total of six amphibians, one reptile, 222 birds, and 54 mammals potentially occur within the study area. Of these species, 37 species, including one amphibian, 29 birds including migratory song birds and waterfowl, and seven mammals are identified as a conservation concern that are likely or probable to occur in the Project area (Table 7.11-1; Rescan 2011c). Of these species, 25 are provincially blue-listed, 6 are provincially red-listed, 8 are listed as identified wildlife, 8 are listed as “special concern” and 3 as “threatened” under the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), and 9 are listed as Schedule 1 and 1 as Schedule 3 species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA; 2002b).

There is relatively low diversity in wildlife resources at the mine site as compared to nearby lower elevation areas, although the mine site area is still expected to host some wildlife species of interest (i.e., grizzly bear, mountain goat , and wolverine (Gulo gulo )).

7-12 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 Table 7.11-1. Wildlife Species of Conservation Concern, Including Migratory Birds, Likely or Probable to Occur in Project Area Conservation Status Detected During Identified 2 3 Species Scientific Name Baseline Studies1 BC List Wildlife COSEWIC SARA Migratory4 western toad Bufo boreas Y yellow SC 1 sooty grouse Dendragapus fuliginosus P blue common nighthawk Chordeiles minor N yellow T 1 Y olive-sided flycatcher Contopus cooperi Y blue T 1 Y barn swallow Hirundo rustica N blue Y rusty blackbird Euphagus carolinus N blue SC 1 Y yellow-billed loon Gavia adamsii N blue NAR Y horned grebe Podiceps auritus N yellow SC Y western grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis N red Y double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus N blue NAR American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus N blue Y tundra swan Cygnus columbianus N blue Y brant Branta bernicla N blue Y surf scoter Melanitta perspicillata Y blue Y northern goshawk, laingi spp Accipiter gentilis laingi N red Y T 1 rough-legged hawk Buteo lagopus Y blue NAR peregrine falcon, pealei ssp Falco peregrinus pealei N blue SC 1 peregrine falcon, anatum ssp Falco peregrinus anatum N red SC 1 swainson's hawk Buteo swainsoni Y red gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus N blue NAR sandhill crane Grus canadensis N yellow Y NAR Y American golden-plover Pluvialis dominica N blue Y wandering tattler Tringa flavipes N blue Y upland sandpiper Bartramia longicauda N red Y short-billed dowitcher Limnodromus griseus N blue Y red-necked phalarope Phalaropus lobatus N blue Y caspian tern Hydroprogne caspia N blue NAR Y snowy owl Bubo scandiacus N blue NAR western screech-owl Megascops kennicottii N no status 1 short-eared owl Asio flammeus N blue Y SC 3 fisher Martes pennanti Y blue Y grizzly bear Ursus arctos Y blue Y SC least weasel Mustela nivalis N blue wolverine, luscus ssp Gulo gulo luscus Y blue Y SC northern caribou (population 15) Rangifer tarandus pop. 15 N no status Y keen's myotis Mytois keenii N red Y DD 3 northern myotis Mytois septentrionalis N blue 1 Y - Yes; N - No; P - Probable 2 SC - Special Concern; T - Threatened; NAR - Not At Risk; DD - Data Deficient 3 1 - Schedule 1; 3 - Schedule 3 4 As per the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Based on criteria such as conservation status, regional importance, and local, social, or economic reasons, key species for the region include: moose, mountain goat, grizzly bear, wolverine, western toad (Anaxyrus boreas ), furbearers, waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds (including migratory birds). A field inventory has been conducted on three selected species groups (mountain ungulates, moose, and migratory birds) to attain local information necessary for Project baseline evaluation, with surveys for the remaining species and a habitat inventory planned for the upcoming 2013 field season.

Mountain ungulates were surveyed using Provincial Resource Information Standards Committee (RISC) standards and included helicopter-based aerial inventory during summer and winter (RIC 2002). The inventory identified over 265 goats within a regional study area with productivity estimated at 26 kids per 100 adults in summer. In winter, 230 goats were observed, 44% of which were within provincially designated ungulate winter ranges. Summer density was observed to be 0.26 goats/km 2 and winter density was observed to be 0.25 goats/km 2, with 0.61 goats/km 2 observed within ungulate winter ranges. The distribution of observations reflected seasonal use; goats were located at low elevations such as the Bowser River drainage during winter and at higher elevations throughout the regional study area during summer (Rescan 2011c).

Moose inventory methods adhered to provincial RISC standards (RIC 2002). Winter survey units were delineated for coastal (i.e., the Unuk River watershed) and interior (i.e., the Bowser River, Treaty Creek, Bell-Irving River watersheds) influenced areas. Based on the results of a moose inventory of these areas, the density of moose was calculated at 0.418 moose per km 2 within the interior survey area and at 0.238 moose per km 2 for the coastal survey area. Moose were most abundant at lower elevations associated with the more isolated areas of the upper Bowser Lake and Bell-Irving River (Rescan 2011c).

Raptors and terrestrial breeding birds were inventoried during June 2010. Two days of northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis ) call-playback surveys and five stand watch surveys were conducted. No northern goshawks were detected. A golden eagle was detected during stand watches, and bald eagles were noted from incidental observations. An additional 10 raptor species have been identified within the regional area during inventory efforts associated with other projects, and additional inventory is anticipated (Rescan 2011c).

Terrestrial breeding birds were inventoried on six consecutive mornings in June 2010. There were 55 point locations completed, and 36 species were detected. Nine incidental species were also observed. A total of 44 unique species were identified, many of which are listed as migratory birds under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994); the most common species detected included the Swainson’s thrush (Catharus ustulatus ), varied thrush (Ixoreus naevius ), Wilson’s warbler (Wilsonia pusilla ), and dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis ).

Habitat suitability mapping for several species will be conducted in parallel with predictive ecosystem modelling and the fieldwork-intensive terrestrial ecosystem mapping work. Valued wildlife species and groups that may require more directed inventory effort have been highlighted. A number of other wildlife groups, such as grizzly bear, wolverine, waterfowl, western toad, breeding birds, and furbearers have received additional field inventorying and/or habitat suitability mapping in 2012 in order to provide appropriate information for the environmental effects assessment (Rescan 2011c).

7.11.2 Potential Project Effects Areas with good quality moose, mountain goat, and grizzly bear habitat and habitat for other species, such as waterfowl and amphibians, forest birds (the majority of which are migratory as identified in section 5(1)(a)(iii) of CEAA 2012), raptors and small carnivores, marmots, and species of conservation status may be affected by the Project activities and footprint.

7-14 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS

The use of the Bowser Valley Road into the Project area could expose wildlife to direct mortality due to traffic collisions. The species most vulnerable to road-kill mortality in the Project area are small, slow-moving species, such as snakes and amphibians, which are difficult for drivers to see. Species of particular concern are the western toad and American marten (Martes americana), which are listed in the Species at Risk Act (2002a). Mine operations traffic will be confirmed as the Project develops; however, it is anticipated to be fewer than four vehicles per hour. This low traffic frequency will limit the potential for direct vehicle-wildlife interactions. Access roads will be controlled to avoid the potential for increased hunting opportunities within the Project area.

The uptake of contaminants and heavy metals by wildlife - either directly from receiving environment surface waters or indirectly through dry deposition on plants – may occur. However, these effects are expected to be limited as receiving environment surface waters are not anticipated to have elevated metals concentration as a result of the Project, and dry deposition of particles with elevated metal content on plants will be minimal due to limited fugitive dust events.

Clearing of vegetation for the transmission line right-of-way may fragment wildlife habitat and disrupt movement. Transmission lines also pose mortality hazards for birds either through collision with the lines and towers or electrocution.

The potential for wildlife to become habituated to human presence and food sources exists due to the presence of the camps and associated facilities. Animals may cause damage to property and injure humans as a result of long-term contact with humans in their habitat. Animals most at risk include black and grizzly bears and small carnivores. Some waterfowl species may also be attracted to lights on towers and become injured as a result.

7.12 VISUAL AND AESTHETIC RESOURCES

7.12.1 Baseline Setting The Project is located in a relatively remote and largely undisturbed area characterized by rugged mountains, glaciers, forests, and rivers. There is existing development related to the forestry, mineral resource, energy, and tourism industries. The mine will be located in an area that is not visible from either the Eskay Creek Mine Road or Hwy 37.

Portions of the transmission line rights-of-way will be visible from either Hwy 37 or the Granduc mine access road.

7.12.2 Potential Project Effects A loss in visual and aesthetic resources may occur due to the transmission line right-of-way.

7.13 ECONOMIC EFFECTS ASSESSMENT

7.13.1 Baseline Setting The region has historically relied on primary resource industries, including mining and forestry, for economic and employment opportunities. Mining, in particular, continues to be an important source of

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 7-15 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL) employment in this area supplying an estimated 30% of jobs along the Highway 37 communities in recent years (Bridges and Robinson 2005). The larger population centres of Smithers and Terrace have also provided the mining industry with an available labour force. Two mines have recently closed - The Eskay Creek Mine closed in 2008, while the Kemess mine closed in 2011. Construction and tourism also contribute to the regional economy.

The Project will seek to hire local and regional residents to the extent possible and will be committed to providing mine related training and professional development opportunities within the local and regional population.

7.13.2 Potential Project Effects Based on the engineering work and mineral resource estimates compiled to date capital costs for constructing the Project would be greater than $450 M. Operating costs are estimated to be less than $200/t milled or $197 million per year.

Based on a post-tax economic evaluation as part of the Preliminary Economic Assessment (Tetra Tech 2012) the Project is expected to yield a 5% net present value of US$1,454 million and an internal rate of return of 25.0%. The evaluation considered base case metal prices of US$1,100 per oz gold and US$21.00 per oz silver. Pursuant to the Mineral Tax Act (1996d), a Net Current Proceeds (NCP) tax will be calculated for each fiscal period of the mine. The NCP tax will be payable for the period if revenues and recoveries exceed costs (BC Ministry of Finance 2009). Estimates of taxes and royalties will be provided in subsequent EA documents.

Over the life-of-mine, the Project is expected to support more than 500 person-years of employment during construction, and at least 4,800 person-years of employment during operations, the majority of which will be sourced from the regional population if possible. The Project will also create new business opportunities for regional communities, other British Columbians and Canadians and will provide tax revenue to the provincial and federal governments. Social and economic benefits will include employment, contract, and business opportunities and support of social infrastructure.

7.14 SOCIAL EFFECTS ASSESSMENT

7.14.1 Baseline Setting The Project is located in a more remote region of the province. Communities within the regional area are isolated from major population and governance centres and from one another. Settlements include a number of small, predominantly First Nations communities, most of which are located north-south along Highway 37 and east-west near Highway 16. The larger centres of Smithers and Terrace provide services and supplies to much of the region. Transportation and communication options north of Highway 16 are limited, and long travel distances are often required to reach service centres.

The Project is located on provincial Crown land. The western part of the Project area is included in the Cassiar Iskut Stikine Land Resource Management Plan (CIS LRMP), which was approved by the province in October 2000 (Figure 7.14-1). The CIS LRMP encompasses 5.2 million hectares in northwestern BC. It provides policy direction on the management of land and resources in the LRMP area. The eastern part of the Project area lies within the boundaries of the South Nass Sustainable Resource Management Plan (Nass South SRMP) area, which is currently in the planning process. It encompasses 662,500 hectares of the Nass Timber Supply Area.

Pretivm is unaware of any formal conservation plans for the region.

7-16 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-11-001 January 21 2013

380000 400000 420000 440000 460000 480000 500000

.! Bell II

T k e e B ig e en r e C ll - k River I ± u r Un v Kalum Forest District in (!B Eskay Creek Mine g River 6280000 6280000

Skeena Stikine .! Community Forest District ¤£37 n Eskay Creek Optio st Mine Road urets C a Sul ph r. E Highway Lava r S e o iv u Bowser 6260000 6260000 Forks R t CIS LRMP Area h Lake Provincial uk Un U Park n Nass South SRMP u

k R Forest District I v e Border Lake r Unuk Resource Provincial Park Management Zone

B Protected Area ri n

tis o h i

C C t p Infrastructure A ol N um

A O

A D bi Proposed Brucejack A a h 6240000 6240000 l as , ^_ U k Mine Site S a A , Sout Exploration Road Long Lake Project Transmission Line Proposed Transmission Line Aiyansh - Stewart Meziadin Transmission Line Junction 6220000 6220000 NTL Alignment ¤£37A Bear Glacier 1:550,000 Meziadin Lake Provincial Park 0 10 20 Provincial Park Meziadin Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Lake Kilometres i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, and the GIS User Community Projection: UTM9, NAD83

380000 400000 420000 440000 460000 480000 500000

Figure Figure 7.14-1 Figure 7.14-1 Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Land and Resource Management Plans in Region PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

The population of northwest BC is generally in decline due largely to the loss of jobs (e.g. , mine and pulp mill closures). Stewart has experienced the sharpest decline. Its population dropped over 42% between 1996 and 2006. Further evidence of this can be seen in the reduced elementary and secondary school attendance in communities such as Terrace and Stewart which has led to closures, mergers, or attempts at reduced four-day school weeks.

Existing infrastructure and services that may be used for the Project include the current exploration access roads, public highways, and existing transmission lines (e.g., NTL).

The Bell II Lodge on Hwy 37 provides commercial heli-ski opportunities in the regional area. Guide outfitter territories (2 overlap with Project infrastructure) and registered trap lines (3 overlap with Project infrastructure) also exist in the Project area, as do other commercial recreational tenures and angling licenses (Figure 7.14-2); recreational hunting and fishing activities are limited. Commercial timber harvesting has occurred near Hwy 37; further timber harvesting in the Project area is possible subject to an economic recovery in the forestry sector. Other recreational land uses include hiking, camping, snowmobiling, and riding ATVs.

Provincial parks in the region include Meziadin Lake Provincial Park and Bear Glacier Provincial Park located south of the Project along Hwy 37a, and Border Lake Provincial Park that encompasses a portion of the Unuk River at the BC/Alaska border.

7.14.2 Potential Project Effects Effects of the Project on current recreational and commercial land use opportunities are anticipated to be minor. The Project is expected to be consistent with the management objectives in the CIS-LRMP and Nass South SRMP, and Pretivm will work with any affected tenure owners to discuss mitigation measures to address any potential concerns.

There is expected to be a slight increase in local and regional populations as a result of Project development which may marginally increase pressure on the use of, or access to, existing housing, infrastructure, and social services.

7.15 HUMAN HEALTH

7.15.1 Baseline Setting Adverse effects on human health from the Project may result from changes in air and drinking water quality, exposure to increased noise levels, and changes to the quality and/or availability of country foods. Existing baseline data for air quality, water quality, and noise have already been described above in sections 7.3 and 7.5.

7.15.2 Potential Project Effects Effects on human health from air quality, noise, and poor drinking water quality for temporary or permanent residents in the area are anticipated to be negligible. The Project is isolated and located 40 km southwest of the nearest permanent residence at Bell II. Pretivm is aware of nine temporary residences, including fishing, hunting and trapline cabins, located within 60 km of the mine site; the closest of these is located approximately 19 km from the proposed mine site. Country foods (fishing, hunting, and harvesting) may be affected by changes to surface water quality and from metal laden dust deposition on vegetation and soils in the vicinity of Project components. Due to a low level of recreational and traditional use in the area, and because the Project site is largely covered by rock (i.e. low productivity), residual effects on human health are predicted to be minor. Mitigation measures to minimize potential adverse effect on human health will be implemented as required.

7-18 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 PROJECT # 1042-008-01 GIS # BJP-11-002 January 21 2013

405000 430000 455000 480000 505000

er .! Community Eskay Creek iv Mine Road R Bell II Water Licence Point t ¤£37 u >! k of Diversion Highway >! s .! I >! Guide Outfitter Infrastructure ± Area Proposed Brucejack B Trapline Area ^_ Mine Site Riv e nuk er ll U - Commercial Recreation Exploration Road I rv (!B Eskay Creek Mine in Long Lake Project g Fish Camp >! >!>! R Transmission Line ive Guided Freshwater r Recreation Proposed >! Transmission Line 6275000 6275000 Tre Guided at Aiyansh - Stewart y C Mountaineering r Transmission Line ee k Heli Ski NTL Alignment Multiple Use 1:550,000

r 0 15 30 e iv S R o k u u t Un h Bowser Kilometres Projection: UTM9, NAD83 U Lake

R n East Op ti o I v e r 6250000 6250000 B ri t n is o h i C C t A o p N lu O A m

A D b t A u la ia

s , o U k S a S A ,

>! 6225000 6225000

>! ¤£37A >! Meziadin Meziadin Junction >! Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i- >! Lake cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, and the GIS User Community

405000 430000 455000 480000 505000

Figure Figure 7.14-2 Figure 7.14-2 Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Land Tenures in Region PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

7.16 HERITAGE

7.16.1 Baseline Setting An Archaeological Impact Assessment was conducted under the Heritage Conservation Act (1996b; Heritage Inspection Permit 2010-0255) in 2010. A total of 861 shovel tests were conducted in 43 locations, and one archaeological site consisting of one obsidian utilized flake was identified (Rescan 2011a). Additional work has been undertaken in 2011 and 2012; however no additional archaeological sites have been identified.

Nine historic land use features, not protected under the Heritage Conservation Act (1996b), were also recorded within the Project area. These include the Catear mine site, the former Sulphurets adit (which is currently being used to support exploration activities), two areas with recently blazed trees, two legal survey posts, and three sites relating to historic exploration or trapping activity (Rescan 2011a).

The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine lists six sites in a Community Heritage Registry which includes:

o Telegraph Creek townsite;

o Hawilget Canyon Bridget;

o Old Skeena Bridge;

o Butedale Cannery;

o Anyox Powerhouse (Observatory Inlet); and

o Dominion Yukon Telegraph Line.

The closest of these sites to the Project is the Yukon Telegraph Line which has associated features (cabin and trap trees) at the confluence of Teigen and Snowbank creeks approximately 30 km north of the Project components.

7.16.2 Potential Project Effects Archaeological resources encountered thus far will not be affected by the Project. Further surveys are being carried out in all areas of proposed infrastructure.

As a guiding principle, the Project will be designed to have as minimal an impact as possible. Physical and cultural heritage resources that have been identified in the area will be avoided to the extent possible, and/or re-located if required and possible.

7.17 FIRST NATIONS, NISGA’A NATION, AND MÉTIS

7.17.1 Baseline Setting

7.17.1.1 Skii km Lax Ha Skii km Lax Ha hunt, trap, fish, camp and harvest plants, berries and mushrooms in their traditional territory. Moose is a key contemporary food source and is the predominant animal hunted. Skii km Lax Ha actively trap along the Highway 37 corridor for species such as beaver ( Castor canadensis ), American marten and wolverine. Trapping activities are often concentrated around wetland areas. Fishing for salmon and steelhead/rainbow trout ( O. mykiss ) continues to be an important Skii km Lax Ha activity. Preferred Skii km Lax Ha fishing locations include the Cranberry River (for Chinook (Spring) salmon), the west side of the Bell-Irving River (for steelhead trout), the confluence of Treaty Creek and Bell-Irving

7-20 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS

River, as well as the confluence of Snowbank Creek and the Bell-Irving River (for Chinook (Spring) salmon). Steelhead and rainbow trout are fished along the Bell-Irving River between Treaty and Wildfire creeks.

7.17.1.2 Nisga’a Nation The lives of the Nisga’a continue to be closely tied to the land and its resources in the Nass Area. The Nisga’a fish, trap, and hunt a wide variety of marine and terrestrial species, and use a number of different aquatic and terrestrial plants. Salmon and eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus ) are central to Nisga’a history, economy, and way of life (NTC, Fiegehen, and Rose 1993; NLG n.d.). Contemporary economic uses of the land include tourism, recreation, and commercial forestry.

According to the 2001 Aboriginal Peoples Survey, 21% of Nisga’a adults participated in hunting, with 92% of them hunting for food. Half the adult Nisga’a population fished and 88% of this activity was related to subsistence fishing. About 28% of Nisga’a adults gathered wild plants, 82% of which gathered wild plants for subsistence (Statistics Canada 2002a). A similar survey in 2011 indicates that the majority of Nisga’a respondents consume wild fish on a weekly basis, and 31.9% of Nisga’a respondents consume wild meat and wild berries / plants on a weekly basis. Wild food (otherwise known as country food) consumption among Nisga’a citizens who live on Nisga’a Lands is consistently higher across all categories of foods compared to those citizens who live off Nisga’a Lands.

Under the NFA, the Nisga'a are allocated an annual percentage of the overall allowable catch (OAC) of Pacific salmon and steelhead depending on the total estimated number of fish returning to Canadian waters each year. The NFA also establishes wildlife allocations, which are a percentage of the total allowable harvest of designated species. Currently, the ‘initially designated species’ defined in the NFA include moose, grizzly bear, and mountain goat. The NFA defines other Nisga’a interests including forestry tenures, commercial recreation tenures, guide outfitting and angling licenses, and traplines. These interests are located well south of the Project area.

The NFA defines other Nisga’a interests including forestry tenures, commercial recreation tenures, guide outfitting and angling licenses, and traplines. Nisga’a interests in these sectors and activities are located well south of the Project area.

Nisga’a citizens have the right to reasonable access to and onto Crown lands that are outside Nisga’a Lands, including streams and highways, to allow for the exercise of Nisga’a rights and interests. If an authorized use or disposition of Crown land would deny Nisga’a citizens reasonable access or use of resources, the Crown must ensure that alternative reasonable access is provided.

The description of the NFA provided above is not intended to be comprehensive.

7.17.1.3 Gitanyow First Nation Gitanyow huwilp historically lived off of the land and continue to rely on traditional resources within their asserted territories. This reliance includes subsistence harvesting, and economic and cultural uses of fish and wildlife. One-quarter of Gitanyow wilp members consume traditional foods on a daily basis, while an additional 56% of wilp members consume traditional foods once or twice a week. Over 30% of Gitanyow families consumed between 100 and 200 salmon per year, and another 24% consumed 50 - 100 salmon per year (Marsden 2010). Salmon species that are important dietary staples to the Gitanyow include sockeye, chinook and coho. Fishing activities traditionally occur at the confluence of the Meziadin and Nass rivers.

Wildlife harvesting is an important traditional activity to Gitanyow huwilp . Specifically, moose, goat (Oreamus americanus ), black bear, grizzly bear, mule deer (Odocoileus virginianus ), waterfowl and

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 7-21 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL) hoary marmots ( Marmota caligata ) are highly valued species. Trapping is also common within huwilp territories, and the Gitanyow have owned a single registered trapline that covers all of their traditional territory since 1930 (Sterritt 1998). Common fur-bearing animals harvested include American mink (Neovison vison ), American marten, beaver and red fox (Vulpes vulpes ; Halpin and Seguin 1990).

Traditional plant use in Gitanyow territory includes the harvesting of devil’s club (Oplopanax horridus ) and water lily (Nymphaea spp.) among other species. A wide variety of plants are important for food, medicine and technological uses (Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs Office (GHCO) 2008). Seasonal berry picking is still actively pursued and is an important aspect of the seasonal harvest cycle. Harvested species include blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), wild cranberries (Oxycoccus spp. and Vaccinium spp.) and soapberries (Shepherdia canadensis ). Blueberries were historically harvested following summer salmon runs, and in the autumn in higher alpine zones. Bush burns were used to actively enhance berry production until the practice was banned (Daly 2005).

Marsden (2010), in a survey of Gitanyow wilp members, notes that plants still used by the Gitanyow for medicinal purposes include: Devil’s club, hellebore (Veratrum viride), Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum ), water lily roots (Nuphar spp.), nettles (Urtica spp.), soapberries, balsam bark (Populus spp.), red alder bark (Alnus rubra ), and wild mint (Mentha arvensis ).

7.17.1.4 Gitxsan First Nation Salmon is a dietary staple for the Gitxsan and the basis of their subsistence economy. Gitxsan harvest and process chinook, coho, sockeye, and chum ( O. keta ) Salmon, as well as steelhead trout, near their spawning grounds (GWA 2004).

Mammals hunted for subsistence include deer, moose, mountain goat, black bear, and grizzly bear. The Gitxsan trap beaver, American mink, American marten, fisher (Martes pennant), red fox, wolf (Canis lupus ), coyote (Canis latrans ), weasel (Mustela spp .), and otter (Lontra canadensis ) for their fur (People of 'Ksan 1980; Halpin and Seguin 1990). In addition to their use for furs, some trapped animals have also traditionally been used for rendering grease. (People of ‘Ksan 1980; Morrell 1989; Halpin and Seguin 1990; Daly 2005; Gitxsan Chiefs’ Office 2010). Aquatic birds that have traditionally been eaten include geese, ducks, and swans (People of ‘Ksan 1980).

Saskatoon berries (Amelanchier alnifolia ), hazelnuts (Corylus cornuta ), chokecherries (Prunus virginiana ), rosehips (Rosa spp.), gooseberries (Ribes spp.), squash berries (Viburnum edule ), raspberries (Rubus spp .), thimbleberries (Rubus parviflorus ) and soapberries were among those eaten by the Gitxsan (Rescan 2009). They also collected wild crab-apples (Malus fusca ), swamp cranberries (Oxycoccus oxycoccos ), Saskatoon berries, and soapberries in the valleys. Prior to laws put in place in the 1930s and 40s, the Gitxsan used fire as a management tool to enhance growth of mountain blueberries and blue huckleberries (Gottesfeld 1994). Today, people collect berries in clear-cut areas opened by forestry and along roadsides (Daly 2005). A number of edible mushrooms grow on the moss-covered forest floor, including pine mushrooms, which are harvested primarily for export (Gitxsan Chiefs’ Office 2010).

Gitxsan also harvest a number of medicinal plants (Gitxsan Chiefs’ Office 2010). Medicinal plants gathered from wet areas at lower elevations include devil’s club (late October to spring) and yellow pond lily root (Nuphar polysepala , autumn).

7-22 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS

7.17.1.5 Tahltan Nation According to the Tahltan census of 2007, 83% of respondents indicated that they participated in traditional activities within the last 12 months. Of those who participated in traditional activities, all of them had participated in plant harvesting, with 82% of them doing so at least once a year. Three-quarters of Tahltan respondents who participated in traditional activities had hunted; 34% hunted every 2 to 6 months. Seventy-two percent (72%) of people fished at least once a year (GMG Consulting Services Inc. (GMG) 2009).

Traditional foods are commonly eaten by Tahltan people. Three quarters of the Tahltan eat moose meat at least once a week, 64% of the Tahltan eat salmon at least once a week, and 22% eat other fish at least once a week. Soapberries and blueberries are also commonly eaten (GMG Consulting Services Inc. (GMG) 2009).

Fishing is an important traditional activity for the Tahltan who have numerous fish-bearing river systems running through their territory. These rivers include the Skeena, Stikine, Bell-Irving, Tahltan, Nass, Nahlin, and Ningunsaw watersheds. Summer fisheries were traditionally, and are currently, located in the mid-Stikine, upper-Nass and upper-Skeena basins (THREAT 2009). Fish caught during traditional harvest seasons are smoke-dried and preserved and used to feed families throughout the season (Albright 1984).

A number of species of wildlife are important subsistence sources for Tahltan communities and are found throughout their asserted traditional territory. This includes moose, black bear, grizzly bear, mountain goat and caribou (Rangifer tarandus ; MacLachlan 1981; THREAT 2009). Currently moose is a primary food source in the Tahltan diet.

Trapping for fur-bearing mammals is a common activity among Tahltan communities and, since the advent of the European fur trade in the region, has provided a source of income for individuals and families who own registered trap lines.

Plant and berry harvesting is an important traditional activity for Tahltan families (THREAT 2009). Plants are used for medicinal and subsistence purposes. Traditionally green vegetables and roots were gathered during the spring, including nettles, mountain sorrel (Oxyria digyna ), lamb’s quarter (Chenopodium album ), devil’s club and dandelion (Taraxacum spp.). Approximately 25 species of berries are found in Tahltan territory, including raspberries, strawberries (Fragaria spp.), bush cranberries (Viburnum spp.), blueberries and soapberries (Albright 1984; School District 87 2000). Medicinal uses of plant resources focused on treating minor ailments. Some of the more important medicinal plants include evergreen bark and needles, and soapberry.

A number of species of edible mushrooms are found throughout Tahltan territory, including pine mushrooms which are typically picked for sale. Pine mushroom picking is an important economic activity for Tahltan communities, especially members of the Iskut band.

7.17.1.6 Métis The British Columbia Métis Mapping Research Project contains a number of databases that aim to document Métis presence and activities on the land. These databases include the “Harvester Survey and Mapping Tool” which includes an inventory of past and current harvesting frequency in the province. According to this tool, Métis harvest bear, birds, deer, fish, moose, sheep/goats, small game/trapping, non-timber forest products, and timber/firewood in the general Project area including the Unuk River and Bell-Irving River watersheds.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 7-23 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

7.17.2 Potential Project Effects

7.17.2.1 First Nations The current use of lands and resources by First Nations for traditional purposes in the regional Project area includes fishing within the Unuk, Bell-Irving, and Bowser river systems, trapping and hunting, and harvesting of country foods and medicinal plants. The Project may adversely affect First Nations Groups through direct and indirect impacts to these resources, including direct loss or degradation of habitat and movement corridors, increased hunting pressure created by Project roads and increased human presence in the area, direct mortality of wildlife from vehicle collisions, sensory disturbances created by Project activities including helicopter traffic and roads, and Project-induced changes to hydrology and water quality. The Project may also affect traditional land and resource use by First Nations through Project related restricted or altered access and land modification.

The Project may also have both positive and adverse socio-cultural effects on First Nations Groups. Project related job creation may increase income and economic status for First Nations groups. However, economic growth can lead to a number of potential negative outcomes due to increased income disparity, potential for greater access to drugs in communities, and domestic issues arising from family members partaking in mine employment that takes them away from traditional family and community roles and responsibilities.

Traditional knowledge and traditional land use information will be gathered as available to inform the EA process and to minimize the potential for impacts on First Nations interests.

7.17.2.2 Nisga’a Nation Interests It is anticipated that the Project may be subject to Chapter 10 (Environmental Assessment and Protection) of the NFA. Chapter 10 of the NFA requires that in addition to applicable EA legislation, for projects where there is a potential for significant adverse effects to occur, the EA process will comply with paragraphs 8(e) and 8(f) (Canada, BC, and Nisga'a Nation 1998) as follows:

8(f) assess the effects of the project on the existing and future economic, social and cultural well-being of Nisga’a citizens who may be affected by the project;

Pretivm will seek direction from the BC EAO and CEA Agency with respect to the application of the NFA.

Potential effects to the Nisga’a Nation rights and interests under the NFA have yet to be assessed. The Project has the potential to affect migratory birds through direct mortality or through habitat degradation. Fisheries rights may be impacted through degradation of habitat from Project access routes and transmission lines, and through potential spills. Wildlife may be affected by direct and indirect effects, including direct loss or degradation of habitat and movement corridors, increased hunting pressure created by Project roads and increased human presence in area, direct mortality of wildlife from vehicle collisions, sensory disturbances created by Project activities, and Project-induced changes to hydrology and water quality.

The Project may also have adverse socio-cultural effects on members of the Nisga’a Nation. Economic growth can lead to a number of potential negative outcomes due to increased income disparity, influx

7-24 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS of ‘outsiders’, potential for greater access to drugs in communities, and domestic issues arising from family members partaking in mine employment that takes them away from traditional family and community roles and responsibilities. Future economic opportunities and economic development may be affected by Project-related changes in land use. Nisga’a citizens may also experience occupational and non-occupational health and accident risks related to Project activities.

The Project has the potential to provide positive benefits for local and regional communities and business due to the creation of jobs and contract opportunities.

7.17.2.3 Métis The current use of lands and resources by the Métis for traditional purposes in the regional Project area includes fishing within the Unuk, Bell-Irving, and Bowser river systems, trapping and hunting, and harvesting timber and non-timber forest products. The Project may adversely affect the Métis through direct and indirect impacts to these resources, including direct loss or degradation of habitat and movement corridors, increased hunting pressure created by Project roads and increased human presence in the area, direct mortality of wildlife from vehicle collisions, sensory disturbances created by Project activities including helicopter traffic and roads, and Project-induced changes to hydrology and water quality. The Project may also affect land and resource use by the Métis through Project related restricted or altered access and land modification.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 7-25 BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

8. Environmental Management Plans

During the development of the EIS/Application, relevant Environmental Management Plans (EMPs), Operational Management Plans (OMPs) and mitigation measures will be implemented where appropriate. These may include:

o Surface water quality monitoring and protection plan;

o Groundwater quality monitoring and protection plan;

o Erosion prevention and sediment control plan;

o Construction waste management plan;

o Metal Leaching / Acid Rock Drainage management and monitoring plan;

o Air quality monitoring and management plan;

o Water management plan;

o Fisheries and aquatic life monitoring plan;

o Solid waste management reduction and recycling plan;

o Hazardous waste management plan;

o Geohazards management plan;

o Emergency response plan;

o Fire hazard and abatement plan;

o Soil and overburden management plan;

o Wildlife/vegetation monitoring plan;

o Human/bear conflict management plan;

o Archaeological sites management plan; and

o Reclamation and closure plan.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 8-1 BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

9. Information Distribution and Consultation

9.1 INTRODUCTION Information distribution and consultation are fundamental to the success of the proposed Project and will take place during the EA and regulatory review process. Pretivm will contribute to an information distribution and consultation program that is inclusive of government agencies, Treaty (Nisga’a) and non-treaty First Nations and the public. Activities will include participation in meetings of the BC EAO and CEA Agency technical Working Group, individual meetings with government agencies, local government and First Nations, community meetings, and information distribution to these groups as required.

Consultation activities will reflect the BC EAO and CEA Agency consultation requirements, as well as Pretivm’s goal to build meaningful and sustainable relationships with communities potentially affected by the Project. The objectives of consultation will be to inform communities, First Nations and the public about the Project, and to identify concerns and issues that can be proactively addressed by altering the Project design and/or operation or through mitigation.

9.2 FIRST NATIONS AND NISGA’A NATION CONSULTATION Table 9.2-1 provides contact information for treaty and non-treaty First Nations that have been contacted by Pretivm. Table 9.2-2 summarizes communications and consultations with First Nations and the Nisga’a Nation to date.

Table 9.2-1. Contact Information for First Nations Contacted by Pretivm

Treaty or First Nation Address Phone/Fax/Email Contact Person Skii km Lax Ha Box 17 Tel: 250-842-5651 Chief Darlene Simpson Hazelton, BC V0J 1Y0 Nisga’a Nation Box 231 Tel: 250-633-3000 CEO Fred Tolmie Nisga’a 2000 Lisims Drive Toll Free: 1-866-633-0888 Lisims Government New Aiyansh, BC Fax: 250-633-2367 (NLG) VOJ 1A0 email: [email protected] Gitanyow Firat Nation Box 148 Tel: 250-849-5373 Chief Glen Williams and and Hereditary Chiefs Kitwanga, BC Fax: 250-849-5375 Wilp Chiefs Office V0J 2A0 Website: http://www.kermode.net/gitanyowchiefs/ Gitxsan First Nation Box 229 Tel: 250-842-6780 Gordon Sebastian Hazelton, BC Toll: 1-866-842-6780 V0J 1Y0 Fax: 250-842-6709 email: [email protected] Website: http://www.gitxsan.com/ Tahltan Nation Box 69 Tel: 25-771-3274 Tahltan Central Council Tatl’ah (Dease Lake) Toll: 1-855-TAHLTAN President Annita McPhee BC, V0C 1L0 Fax: 250-441-3020 THREAT Manager Nalaine email: [email protected] Morin website: http://www.tahltan.org Métis Nation British 30691 Simpson Road Tel: 604-557-5791 Regional Director for Columbia (contact Abbotsford, BC Toll: 1-800-940-1150 Northwest Susie Hooper pending) V2T 6C7 Fax: 604-557-2024 Website: http://www.mpcbc.bc.ca

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 9-1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Table 9.2-2. Treaty and First Nation Engagement by Pretivm

Date Participants Location Presentation/Discussion Skii km Lax Ha November 14, 2011 Chief Terrace Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Exploration Program; Exploration Road Construction; Conceptual Development Plan; Training Programs January 24, 2012 Chief Vancouver Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Exploration Program; Exploration Road Construction; Conceptual Development Plan; Training Programs August 15-22, 2012 Chief Brucejack Tour of Project site October 25, 2012 Chief Vancouver Brucejack Gold Mine Project Description: timelines of EA process, TK data collection Nisga’a Lisims Government February 3, 2011 Chief Executive Officer Gitlaxt’aamiks Letter informing Nisga’a Government of transfer of mineral claims and proposed exploration road to Pretium Resources Inc. April 1, 2011 Chief Executive Officer Gitlaxt’aamiks Mailed copies of exploration road Access Plan with Wildlife Habitat Value Assessment and Protection Plan, preliminary designs for Bell Irving and Wildfire Bridges, and spatial data (shape files) sent as per request from Nisga’a Government. November 8, 2011 Nisga’a Executive Vancouver Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Exploration Program; Committee Exploration Road Construction; Conceptual Development Plan April 4, 2012 Nisga’a Executive Vancouver Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Exploration Program; Committee Exploration Road Construction; Conceptual Development Plan November 30, 2012 Nisga’a Executive Vancouver Brucejack Gold Mine Project Description Committee Gitanyow First Nation November 25, 2011 GHCO President and Chief Gitanyow Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Exploration Program; Negotiator Exploration Road Construction; Conceptual Development Plan March 28, 2012 GHCO President and Chief Gitanyow Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Exploration Program; Negotiator Exploration Road Construction; Conceptual Development Plan July 13, 2012 GHCO President and Chief Vancouver Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Exploration Program; Negotiator Exploration Road Construction; Conceptual Development Plan August 21, 2012 Gitanyow Fisheries Brucejack Tour of Project site November 6, 2012 Gitanyow Fisheries Vancouver Brucejack Gold Mine Project Description Gitxsan First Nation November 16, 2011 Gitxsan Treaty Commission Hazelton Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Exploration Program; Exploration Road Construction; Conceptual Development Plan March 28, 2012 Gitxsan Watershed New Hazelton Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Exploration Program; Committee Exploration Road Construction; Conceptual Development Plan July 13, 2012 Gitxsan Treaty Office Vancouver Brucejack Gold Mine Project Status August 22, 2012 Representative of Gitxsan Brucejack Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Site tour Hereditary Chiefs November 29, 2012 Gitxsan Watershed Hazelton Brucejack Gold Mine Project Description Committee (continued)

9-2 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION AND CONSULTATION

Table 9.2-2. Treaty and First Nation Engagement by Pretivm (completed)

Date Participants Location Presentation/Discussion Tahltan Nation November 23, 2011 President, Tahltan Central Vancouver Brucejack Gold Mine Project: Exploration Program; Council (TCC) Exploration Road Construction; Conceptual Development Plan May 15, 2012 Tahltan Nation Development Vancouver Exploration Road and Project Construction Corporation (TNDC) May 24, 2012 TNDC Burns Lake Exploration Road and Project Construction June 11, 2012 TNDC Vancouver Exploration Road Construction October 25, 2012 President, TCC, TNDC Vancouver Brucejack Gold Mine Project Description

Based on consultation activities completed to date, First Nations and the Nisga’a Nation have provided the following comments:

o Skii km Lax Ha — have expressed support for the Project and look forward to the economic opportunities that will be provided by the Project.

o Nisga’a Lisims Government (NLG) — The NLG have not stated their opinions or views on the Project. They acknowledge that components of the Project fall within the Nass Area as defined in the Nisga’a Final Agreement (NFA ) and thus would be subject to relevant aspects of the NFA .

o Gitanyow First Nation — The Gitanyow Nation has expressed interest in commercial opportunities and is concerned about potential cumulative impacts of traffic along Hwy 37.

o Gitxsan First Nation — The Gitxsan Nation has expressed interest in commercial opportunities and is concerned about potential cumulative impacts of traffic along Hwy 37.

o Tahltan Nation — The Tahltan Nation has expressed interest in commercial opportunities.

Regular meetings and engagement with First Nations and the Nisga’a are planned to continue during the EA and regulatory review phase of the Project. Additionally, Pretivm committed to present, and has presented, this Project Description to First Nations and the NLG prior to formally submitting it to the BC EAO and CEA Agency.

9.3 GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONSULTATIONS It is assumed that the primary mechanism for consulting government agencies will be through the Working Group established by the BC EAO and CEA Agency for the EA review of the Project. Pretivm will attend Working Group meetings, as directed by the BC EAO and CEA Agency, to provide information on the Project, present baseline study work plans and results and discuss potential mitigation measures. Pretivm will also meet individually with government agencies and local governments as required during the EA.

Consultation has been initiated with the following agencies in regards to permitting requirements related to exploration and environmental assessment:

o British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office;

o British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas;

o British Columbia Ministry of Mines;

o British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations;

o British Columbia Ministry of Environment;

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 9-3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

o Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency;

o Transport Canada; and

o Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Table 9.3-1 summarizes meeting that have occurred with local governments.

Table 9.3-1. Pretivm Engagement with Local Governments

Date Participants Location Communication Method Terrace November 14, 2011 Mayor and Council Terrace Presentation to provide Project overview January 25, 2012 Mayor and Business Vancouver Meeting to discuss business development Development Representative opportunities March 28, 2012 Mayor and Council Terrace Presentation to provide Project overview November 30, 2012 Mayor Vancouver Presentation on the Brucejack Gold Mine Project Description Smithers November 16, 2011 Mayor and Council Smithers Presentation to provide Project overview March 28, 2012 Mayor Smithers Presentation to provide Project overview November 29, 2012 Mayor and Council Smithers Presentation on the Brucejack Gold Mine Project Description

9.4 PUBLIC During the EA, it is anticipated that Pretivm will hold open houses in Dease Lake, Hazelton, New Aiyansh, Smithers, Stewart and Terrace. Pretivm will also consult tenure holders in the Project area (Table 9.4-1), economic development organizations, businesses and contractors (e.g., suppliers and service providers), and special interest groups (e.g., environmental, labour, social, health, and recreation groups), as required. Pretivm has not substantially started public consultations. No comments from stakeholders are available at this time.

Table 9.4-1. Tenure and Licence Holders to be Potentially Engaged by Pretivm

License or Tenure Details Relation to Project Trapline Licence # TR0621T003 Tenure overlaps mine area Trapline Licence # TR0616T012 Tenure overlaps south transmission line option and portion of east transmission line option Trapline License # TR0616T011 Tenure overlaps portion of east transmission line option Guide Outfitting License # 601066 Tenure overlaps mine area and portion of east transmission line option Guide Outfitting License # 601036 Tenure overlaps south transmission line option and portion of east transmission line option Heliski Tenure Commercial Recreation Tenure overlaps mine area and both Tenure transmission line options Commercial Recreation Tenure overlaps south transmission line option and portion of east transmission line option Guided Mountaineering Commercial Tenure overlaps south transmission line option Recreation Tenure

9-4 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

10. Project Schedule

10.1 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE An updated Preliminary Economic Assessment was completed for the Project in February 2012. A Feasibility Study is currently on-going with an anticipated completion in H1 2013. The proposed schedule for the preparation and submission of the provincial Application for an EAC and the federal EIS is currently anticipated for H2 2013 (Table 10.1-1).

Table 10.1-1. Anticipated Project Permitting and Construction Schedule

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Activity H1 H2 H1 H2 H1 H2 H1 H2 H1 H2 Consultation Feasibility Study Baseline Environmental Studies AIR/EIS Guidelines 1 Application/EIS Provincial EAC Decision Federal EA Decision Permitting Construction Start Production

1 AIR - Application Information Requirements; EIS - Environmental Impact Statement

10.2 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE The Project will have four defined development phases as summarized below:

o Construction phase – one year in length; approximately in 2015

o Operations phase – a minimum of 16 years in length; approximately from 2016 to 2032

o Reclamation and closure phase - two years in length; approximately 2032 to 2034

o Post-closure phase – anticipated to be up to 10 years in length until long-term environmental objectives are achieved; approximately 2034 to 2044.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 10-1 BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

11. Authorizations, Permits and Licences

11.1 PROVINCIAL AUTHORIZATIONS, PERMITS AND LICENCES Pretivm is planning to apply for concurrent review of some provincial permits pursuant to the BC EAA Concurrent Approvals Regulation. Under the Regulation, these permits would be reviewed at the same time as the Application/EIS. No decisions on permits can be made until after a decision has been made on the EAC.

All permit applications for the Project will be coordinated through the Major Projects Office (MPO) of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO).

Table 11.1-1 presents a list of provincial authorizations, licences, and permits that may be required for the Project. The list is not intended to be comprehensive. Pretivm will meet with the appropriate provincial agencies to discuss permitting requirements related to the Project and to determine the best approach to applying for permits.

Table 11.1-1. Provincial Authorization, Licence, and Permit Requirements

# Statute Authorization Agency Purpose 1 Drinking Water Protection Construction NHA Authority to commence construction, installation, Act and Regulation Permit alteration or extension of a water supply system. 2 Drinking Water Protection Operating Permit NHA Authority to provide a drinking water service to users. Act and Regulation 3 Environmental Assessment EA Certificate EAO To minimize or avoid adverse environmental effects Act before they occur and incorporate environmental factors and stakeholder consultation into decision- making for major projects. 4 Environmental Management Air Discharge MOE Authority to discharge air contaminants into the Act Permit environment, e.g., Incinerator for camps serving > 100 persons. 5 Environmental Management Discharge to Land MOE Authorization for disposal of solid waste (e.g., by Act Permit burial). 6 Environmental Management Effluent Discharge MOE Authority to discharge effluent into the environment. Act Permit 7 Environmental Management Fuel Storage MOE Authority to store fuel. Act Permit 8 Environmental Management Hazardous Waste MOE Registration and application for a provincial Act - Hazardous Waste Registration identification number is required in order to produce, Regulation store, treat, recycle or discharge more than a prescribed quantity of hazardous waste within 30 days. 9 Environmental Management Sewage MOE Authority to construct and use a sewage disposal Act - Municipal Sewage Registration facility (if necessary depending on design sewage flow Regulation of camp) for camps > 100 persons. 10 Forest Act Occupant Licence MFLNRO Authority to cut and remove trees of merchantable to Cut size. Examples include: minesite, access roads and powerline, widening of access road(s) for permanent access and/or the powerline.

(continued)

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 11-1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Table 11.1-1. Provincial Authorization, Licence, and Permit Requirements (continued)

# Statute Authorization Agency Purpose 11 FPC Act – Provincial Forest Special Use MFLNRO Authority to use a new or existing road to access Mines Use Regulation Permit Act permit area. 12 Heritage Conservation Act s. 14 Inspection MFLNRO Authority to inspect a property for the presence of Permit archaeological deposits, to assess potential impacts to archaeological deposits by a proposed development, to evaluate the significance of the site(s), and to provide enough information to formulate management recommendations for the site(s). 13 Heritage Conservation Act s. 14 Investigative MFLNRO Authority to mitigate impacts to sites through the Permit recovery of data after an impact assessment has been completed under an inspection permit, and when a site has been determined to be too significant to go straight to an alteration permit [even with a provision for monitoring during construction]. 14 Heritage Conservation Act s. 12 Site MFLNRO Authority to alter or destroy the site in accordance Alteration Permit with the terms and conditions of the permit. Issued in the name of the developer, who is responsible for fulfilling the conditions of the permit. 15 Land Act Investigative Use MFLNRO Issued to any proponent requiring access to the land for Permit appraisals, inspections, analyses, inventories, surveys or other investigations of Crown land or its natural resources, or where otherwise required. No buildings or other improvements may be placed on the land. 16 Land Act Licence of MFLNRO Authorization for powerline right of way, quarries, Occupation camps and staging areas. NOTE: Only investigative and temporary permits, and licences of occupation are used for projects in the early stages of mine development. Licences may be converted to long term tenure, as appropriate, when a project is approved by gov't. 17 Mineral Tenure Act Mining Lease MEMNG Conversion of mineral claims to a Mining Lease is necessary for long-term production. 18 Mines Act Mines Ac t Permit MEMNG Authority for exploration, construction, development, production, closure, reclamation and abandonment of mine site. 19 Mining Right of Way Act Mining Right of MEMNG Allows proponent to take or use crown or private land Way Permit for a r/w access to mine. 20 Public Health Act – Food Premises NHA Prior to opening a food premise, approval must be Food Premises Regulation , Permit obtained from the Environmental Health Officer and DWP Act (EHO). 21 Public Health Act – Sewage Filing of NHA A certification letter needs to be filed with Northern Disposal Regulation Certification Health by an “Authorized Person” for a sewage Letter disposal facility for camps < 100 persons. 22 Transportation Act, Motor Access Permit MOTI Authority to construct proposed routes that originate Vehicles Act off of MOTI roads. 23 Transportation Act, Motor Utility Permit MOTI Authority to construct a utility (e.g., powerline, Vehicles Act pipeline) as well as access points to build and maintain it within MOTI highway right-of-way.

(continued)

11-2 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 AUTHORIZATIONS, PERMITS AND LICENCES

Table 11.1-1. Provincial Authorization, Licence, and Permit Requirements (completed)

# Statute Authorization Agency Purpose 24 Water Act, Water Protection Water Licence MFLNRO Authority to store, use and/or divert surface water Act including installation of works. May or may not be required for capturing and recycling water for industrial use. 25 Water Act, Water Regulation Approval or MFLNRO An Approval is a written authorization for changes in Notification of and about a stream of a complex nature. Notifications “changes in or are used for works that do not involve any diversion of about a stream” water, may be completed within a short period of time, and will have minimal impact on the environment or third parties. 26 Wildfire Act Burning Permit MFLNRO Any burning requires a burning reference number. To get one call 1-888-797-1717.

11.2 FEDERAL AUTHORIZATIONS, PERMITS AND LICENCES Like the provincial EA process, no federal approvals may be issued until an EA Decision Statement is issued. The federal Major Projects Management Office (MPMO) is responsible for overseeing both EA planning and the regulatory process. Permit decisions are made within 90 calendar days of the issuance of the EA decision statement.

Table 11.2-1 presents a list of federal authorizations, licences, and permits that may be required to develop the Project. Other federal legislation (e.g., Species at Risk Act (2002a), Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994)), may be relevant in terms of evaluating potential effects of the Project, but specific permit requirements under those acts are not anticipated to be required. As Brucejack Lake is not fish habitat, it is not anticipated that a Fisheries Act (1985b) Schedule 2 amendment will be required; however, it is recognized that the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER; SOR/2002-222) end-of-pipe concentrations must be achieved. There are potential requirements for permits under the Fisheries Act (1985b) and Navigable Waters Protection Act (1985d) associated with stream crossings along the transmission line; however, this will likely be avoided by following construction methods outlined in Operational Statements. Construction at stream crossings along the access route has already been addressed through work under the existing Mines Act (1996b) Permit.

Table 11.2-1. Anticipated Federal Authorization Requirements

# Statute Authorization Agency Purpose 1 Canadian EA Decision CEA The decision statement with respect to the designated Environmental Statement Agency project that is issued under subsection 31(3) or section 54 Assessment Act of CEAA 2012 to the proponent of the designated project indicates that the designated project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects or that the significant adverse environmental effects that it is likely to cause are justified in the circumstances. The decision statement sets out conditions that must be complied with by the proponent in relation to the designated project. 2 Explosives Act Explosives NRCan Explosives authorizations are required during Permit construction and operations. Authorization required to operate an explosives storage facility (explosives manufacturing not anticipated). Licenses are required by either the company or a blasting contractor.

(continued)

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. 11-3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Table 11.2-1. Anticipated Federal Authorization Requirements (completed)

# Statute Authorization Agency Purpose 3 Fisheries Act Authorizations DFO No person may damage fish habitat without prior under the authorization. Fisheries Act 4 International Rivers Licence for EC Licence to construct a dam, obstruction, canal, reservoir Improvement Act River or other work on an international river (likely not Improvement required). 5 Navigable Waters Work Approval TC Approval of works built in, on, over, under, through or Protection Act across navigable waters.

11-4 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 BRUCEJACK GOLD MINE PROJECT Project Description (Federal)

References

1985a. Explosives Act , C. E-17. 1985b. Fisheries Act , C. F-14. 1985c. Indian Act , c I-5. 1985d. Navigable Waters Protection Act , C. N-22. 1996a. BC Land Act , C. 245. 1996b. BC Mines Act , C. 293. 1996c. BC Water Act , C. 483. 1996d. Mineral Tax Act , RSBC. C. 291. 2001. BC Drinking Water Protection Act , C. 9. 2002a. Forest and Range Practices Act , SBC. C. 69. 2002b. Species at Risk Act , SC. C. 29. 2003. BC Environmental Management Act , C. 53. 2004a. BC Heritage Conservation Act , C. 187. 2004b. BC Transportation Act , C. 44. 2008. BC Public Health Act , C. 28. 2012. Canadian Environmental Assessment Act , C. 19. s. 52. Metal Mining Effluent Regulations, SOR/2002-222. AANDC. 2012a. Gitanyow - Registered Population . http://pse5-esd5.ainc-inac.gc.ca/FNP/Main/Search/ FNRegPopulation.aspx?BAND_NUMBER=537&lang=eng (accessed May 18, 2012). AANDC. 2012b. Registered Population - New Aiyansh . http://pse5-esd5.ainc-inac.gc.ca/FNP/Main/ Search/FNRegPopulation.aspx?BAND_NUMBER=677&lang=eng (accessed May 2012). Albright, S. L. 1984. Tahltan Ethnoarchaeology . Burnaby, BC: Department of Archaeology, Simon Fraser University. Alldrick, D. J. and J. M. Britton. 1991. Sulphurets Area Geology . Open Map File 1991-21. British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum: Victoria, BC. BC EAO. 2008. Guidelines for Preparing a Project Description for Environmental Assessment in British Columbia . Victoria, BC. BC MEMPR. 2008. Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia . Victoria, BC: British Cololumbia Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources (BC MEMPR), Mining and Minerals Division. BC Ministry of Finance. 2009. Mineral Tax Handbook . Victoria, BC. BC MOE. 2010. Fisheries Inventory Data Queries: FISS (Fisheries Information Summary System) . http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/fidq/main.do (accessed September 2011). BC Treaty Commission. 1993. Statement of Intent - Traditional Territory Boundary Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs . http://www.bctreaty.net/nations/soi_maps/Gitanyow_SOI_Map.pdf (accessed January, 2011).

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. R-1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

BGC. 2011. Brucejack Underground Preliminary Assessment: Water Management Plan . Report prepared for Pretivm Resources Inc. by BGC Engineering Inc. Bridges and Robinson. 2005. Northwest BC Mining Projects: Socio Economic Impact Assessment. Prepared for the Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development, Economic Analysis Branch by G.E. Bridges & Associates and Robinson Consulting & Associates: N.p. Briggs, J. C. and J. F. Ficke. 1977. Quality of Rivers of the United States, 1975 Water Year - Based on the National Stream Quality Accounting Network(NASQAN). Geological Survey open-file report 78-200 May 1977 436 p, 25 Fig, 14 Tab, 25 Ref . Britton, J. M. and D. J. Alldrick. 1988. Sulphurets Map Area. In Geological Fieldwork 1987 . 199-209. Victoria, BC: British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum. Canada, BC, and Nisga’a Nation. 1998. Nisga’a Final Agreement . Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). 2011. Canadian Water Quality Guideliens for the Protection of Aquatic Life - Dissolved Oxygen (Freshwater). Ottawa, ON. CEA Agency. 2012. Guide to Preparing a Description of a Designated Project under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act , 2012. Ottawa, ON. Daly, R. 2005. Our Box Was Full: An Ethnography for the Delgamuukw Plaintiffs . Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press. G.E. Bridges & Associates Inc. Consulting Economists and Robinson Consulting & Associates. 2005. Northwest BC Mining Projects Socio Economic Impact Assessment . Prepared for the Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development: Economic Analysis Branch: Victoria, BC. Gingolx, V. o. 2012. Gingolx Village Government Administration . http://www.gingolx.ca/villagegov/villagegovt.html (accessed May 24, 2012). Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs Office (GHCO). 2007. The Gitanyow Ayookxw: The Constitution of the Gitanyow Huwilp. On file with the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs Office: Gitanyow. Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs Office (GHCO). 2008. Report on the Potential Impacts of the NTL Project on Gitanyow Territories & Resources. Report prepared for BC Hydro, Aboriginal Relations and Negotiations. On file with EAO: Gitanyow. Gitxsan Chiefs’ Office. 2010. Homepage . www.gitxsan.com (accessed April 2010). GMG Consulting Services Inc. (GMG). 2009. Report on the Baseline Data Collection for Social and Cultural Measures and Indicators for the Tahltan Nation . Prepared for the Tahltan Nation: Victoria, BC. Godin, B. and V. Chamberlain. 1990. Baseline monitoring Sulphurets Project - August 9, 1988 (Regional Data Report DR90-02) . Environment Canada, Conservation and Protection, Environmental Protection Service, Pacific and Yukon Region. Gottesfeld, L. M. J. 1994. Aboriginal Burning for Vegetation Management in Northwest British Columbia. Human Ecology , 22 (2): 171-88. Government of British Columbia. 2011. British Columbia Immigration and Diversity Profiles 2006 . http://www.welcomebc.ca/local/wbc/docs/diversity/2006/Kitimat-Stikine.pdf (accessed August 15, 2012). GWA. 2004. Homepage . http://www.gwaonline.ca/home.htm (accessed April 2010). Gwaans. 2007. Gitxsan Houses of Nii Kyap & Miluulak: Submission to joint panel review May 14-17, 2007, Wet’sutwet’en Territories . Prepared by Office of Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs: n.p.

R-2 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013 REFERENCES

http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/050/documents_staticpost/cearref_3394/hearings/SM25.pdf (accessed April 2010). Halpin, M. and M. Seguin. 1990. Tsimshian peoples: Southern Tsimshian, Coast Tsimshian, Nishga, and Gitksan. In Northwest Coast . Vol. 7 of Handbook of North American Indians . 267–84. Washington: Smithsonian Institute. Kirkham, R. V. 1991. Provisional Geology of the Mitchell-Sulphurets Region, Northwestern British Columbia (104B/8,9) . Open File 2416. Geological Survey of Canada: Ottawa, ON. Knight Piésold Ltd. 2011. Brucejack Creek Hydroelectric Project: Project Description for Preliminary Assessment – Draft Report . Prepared for Pretivm Resources Inc. by Knight Piésold Ltd: MacLachlan, B. B. 1981. Tahltan. In Handbook of North American Indians Vol 6: Subarctic. Ed. J. Helm. 458–68. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution. Marsden, T. 2010. Gitanyow Wilp-Based Socio-Cultural Needs Assessment - Final Report . Prepared for the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs Office: Gitanyow, BC. MEND. 2005. Case Studies of ML/ARD Assessment and Mitigation: Placement of the Sulphurets Waste Rock in Brucejack Lake - July, 2005 . 9.1c. Natural Resources Canada: Ottawa, ON. MEND. 2009. Prediction Manual for Drainage Chemistry from Sulphic Geologic Matierals . 1.20.1. Natural Resources Canada: Ottawa, ON. Métis Nation British Columbia. n.d. A Guide to the Métis Nation British Columbia . University of British Columbia. http://www.ubc.ca/okanagan/cssej/__shared/assets/metisnationbritishcolumbia 21948.pdf (accessed August 15, 2012). Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (MARR). n.d. Gitanyow First Nation . http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/firstnation/gitanyow/default.html (accessed November, 2012). Morrell, M. 1989. The struggle to integrate traditional Indian systems and state management in the salmon fisheries of the Skeena River, British Columbia. In Co-operative management of local fisheries . Ed. E. Pinkerton. 231–48. Vancouver: UBC Press. NLG. n.d. Welcome . http://www.nisgaalisims.ca/welcome (accessed October 2012). NTC, G. Fiegehen, and A. Rose. 1993. Nisga’a: People of the Nass River . Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre. Pahlke, K. A., S. A. McPherson, and R. P. Marshall. 1996. Chinook salmon research on the Unuk River, 1994 . Fisheries Data Series No. 96-14. Alaska Department of Fish and Game Fishery: People of 'Ksan. 1980. Gathering What the Great Nature Provided: Food Traditions of the Gitksan . Vancouver: Douglas and McIntyre. People of ‘Ksan. 1980. Gathering what the great nature provided: Food traditions of the Gitksan . Vancouver: Douglas and McIntyre. Pincock Allen & Holt. 2001. Sulphurets-Bruceside Property British Columbia Technical Report . Prepared by Pincock, Allen & Holt Ltd. for Silver Standard Resources: Rescan. 2009. Northwest Transmission Line Project: Gitxsan Traditional Use and Knowledge Report . Prepared for British Columbia Transmission Corporation by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.: Vancouver, BC. Rescan. 2010. Snowfield and Brucejack Project: 2010 Fish and Fish Habitat Baseline Report . Prepared for Pretivm Resources by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.: Vancouver, BC. Rescan. 2011a. Snowfield and Brucejack Project: 2010 Archaeology Baseline Report . Prepared for Pretivm Resovrces by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.: Vancouver, BC.

PRETIUM RESOURCES INC. R-3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (FEDERAL)

Rescan. 2011b. Snowfield and Brucejack Project: 2010 Meteorology Baseline Report . Prepared for Pretivm Resovrces Inc. by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.: Vancouver, BC. Rescan. 2011c. Snowfield and Brucejack Project: 2010 Wildlife Baseline Report . Prepared for Pretivm Resovrces Inc. by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.: Vancouver, BC. RIC. 2002. Aerial-based Inventory Methods for Selected Ungulates: Bison, Mountain Goat, Mountain Sheep, Moose, Elk, Deer & Caribou. Standards for Components of British Columbia's Biodiversity No. 32. Prepared by Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Resources Inventory Branch for Terrestrial Ecosystem Task Force, Resources Inventory Committee: Victoria, BC. School District 87. 2000. Tahltan Nation . CD-ROM. School District 87 and the Tahltan Band Council: N.p. Souther, J. G. 1992. The Late Cenozoic Mount Edziza Volcanic Complex, British Columbia . Memoir 420. Geological Survey of Canada: Ottawa, Ontario. Stathers, R. J., T. P. Rollerson, and S. J. Mitchell. 1994. Windthrow Handbook for British Columbia Forests . Working Paper 9401. BC Ministry of Forests Research Program: Victoria, BC. Statistics Canada. 2002a. 2001 Aboriginal Peoples' Survey - Adult Labour Activity Statistics for Nisga’a Nation, British Columbia . http://www12.statcan.ca/english/profil01aps/statistics.cfm? component=1&community=RES_124&theme=3&lang=E (accessed October 2012). Statistics Canada. 2002b. 2001 Aboriginal population profile . http://www12.statcan.ca/english/Profil01ab/PlaceSearchForm1.cfm (accessed April 2010). Statistics Canada. 2002c. 2001 Community Profiles . http://www12.statcan.ca/english/Profil01/CP01/Index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed June 2010). Statistics Canada. 2007a. 2006 Community Profiles . http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/profiles/community (accessed March 2011). Statistics Canada. 2007b. Bulkley-Nechako A, British Columbia (Code5951051) (table). Aboriginal Population Profile. 2006 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 92-594-XWE . Released January 15, 2008: Ottawa. Statistics Canada. 2012a. 2011 Census Profiles . http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census- recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed May 24, 2012). Statistics Canada. 2012b. Census Profile. 2011 Census http://www12.statcan.ca/census- recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed November 2012). Sterritt, N. J., S. Marsden, R. Galois, P. R. Grant, and R. Overstall. 1998. Tribal boundaries in the Nass Watershed . Vancouver: UBC Press. Tahltan Central Council (TCC). n.d. website . http://www.tahltan.org (accessed November 2012). Tetra Tech. 2012. Technical Report and Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Brucejack Project . Pretium Resources Inc.: Vancouver, BC. THREAT. 2009. Tahltan Traditional Use Study – Northwest Transmission Line Project: Interim Report . Report on file with the BC EAO. Victoria, BC. Wardrop, P & E Mining Consultants Inc., BGC Engineering Inc., Rescan Environmental Service Ltd., and AMC Mining Consultants Ltd. 2011. Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Brucejack Project . Report Prepared for Pretivm Resources Inc: Weller, J. L., E. L. Jones, and A. B. Holm. 2005. Production of coho salmon from the Unuk River, 2003- 2005 . Fisheries Data Series No. 05-21. Alaska Department of Fish and Game Fishery.

R-4 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#1042-008-01/REV I.1) JANUARY 2013