Q2 2026 Artemis Gold Inc Earnings Call

August 6, 2026

Speaker #1: Thank you for standing by. This is the conference operator. Welcome to the Artemis Gold second quarter 2026 results conference call. As a reminder, all participants are in listen-only mode, and the conference is being recorded.

Operator 3: Thank you for standing by. This is the conference operator. Welcome to the Artemis Gold Q2 2026 Results Conference Call. As a reminder, all participants are in listen-only mode, and the conference is being recorded. After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. During the question queue, you may press star then one on your telephone keypad. Should you need assistance during the conference call, you may reach an operator by pressing star then zero. I would now like to turn the conference over to Meg Brown, Vice President, Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you for standing by. This is the conference operator. Welcome to the Artemis Gold Q2 2026 Results Conference Call. As a reminder, all participants are in listen-only mode, and the conference is being recorded. After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

Speaker #1: After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To join the question queue, you may press star, then 1 on your telephone keypad.

Operator: During the question queue, you may press star then one on your telephone keypad. Should you need assistance during the conference call, you may reach an operator by pressing star then zero. I would now like to turn the conference over to Meg Brown, Vice President, Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Should you need assistance during the conference call, you may reach an operator by pressing star then 0. I would now like to turn the conference over to Meg Brown, Vice President Investor Relations.

Speaker #1: Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining our Q2 earnings conference call and webcast. Before we begin, I would like to remind everyone that certain statements made on today's call may be forward-looking, and we encourage you to refer to our public filings and disclosures including the cautionary language in yesterday's news release, for a more detailed discussion of potential risks and uncertainties related to these statements.

Meg Brown: Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining our Q2 earnings conference call and webcast. Before we begin, I would like to remind everyone that certain statements made on today's call may be forward-looking, and we encourage you to refer to our public filings and disclosures, including the cautionary language in yesterday's news release, for a more detailed discussion of potential risks and uncertainties related to these statements. I will now hand the call over to Artemis Gold's CEO, Dale Andres. Over to you, Dale.

Meg Brown: And we encourage you to refer to our public filings and disclosures, including the cautionary language in yesterday's news release, for a more detailed discussion of potential risks and uncertainties related to these statements. I will now hand the call over to Artemis Gold's CEO, Dale Andres. Over to you, Dale.

Speaker #2: I will now hand the call over to Artemis Gold's CEO, Dale Andres. Over to you, Dale.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Meg, and thank you all for taking the time to join this call. In addition to myself on the call today, we have our new CFO, Eric Marchand; our Chief ESG Officer, Candace Alderson; our Chief Business Development Officer, Tony Scott; and, unfortunately, our President, Jeremy Langford, is on a plane right now and unable to join us, but he will be available for Q&A in the coming days as needed.

Dale Andres: Thanks, Meg, and thank you all for taking the time to join this call. In addition to myself, on the call today, we have our new CFO, Erik Marchand, our Chief ESG Officer, Candice Alderson, our Chief Business Development Officer, Tony Scott, and unfortunately, our President, Jeremy Langford, is on a plane right now and unable to join us, but he will be available for Q&A in the coming days as needed. As you can imagine, it is a busy time right now for Jeremy, and he and his team are making excellent progress. I will take you through the highlights of the quarter, then turn the call over to Erik to review the financials before we open up the call for your questions. On slide four, Q2 was a record quarter on many fronts, including record production, record revenue, and record operating cash flow.

Speaker #3: And as you can imagine, it's a busy time right now for Jeremy and he and his team are making excellent progress. I will take you through the highlights of the quarter, then turn the call over to Eric to review the financials before we open up the call for your questions.

Dale Andres: I will take you through the highlights of the quarter, then turn the call over to Erik to review the financials before we open up the call for your questions. On slide four, Q2 was a record quarter on many fronts, including record production, record revenue, and record operating cash flow.Of course, this was helped by a low all-in sustaining cost of $955 per ounce of gold sold.

Speaker #3: On slide 4, Q2 was a record quarter on many fronts. Including record production record revenue and record operating cash flow. And of course, this was helped by a low all-insustaining cost of $955 US per ounce of gold sold.

Dale Andres: Of course, this was helped by a low all-in sustaining cost of $955 per ounce of gold sold. We reached a remarkable milestone with declaration of an inaugural quarterly dividend yesterday, now rewarding our shareholders with capital returns and with more to come in the future. This is after just over a year of being in production and in the middle of executing on our transformational growth, I think this demonstrates our confidence in the strength and sustainability of our operating cash flows and our confidence in delivering the 1A and EP2 expansion projects as planned. Phase 1A is now 57% complete and on track for tie-in and commissioning before the end of the year, adding 33% capacity to the processing plant. That means that in only a few months, we will start delivering the benefits of that project.

Speaker #3: We reached a remarkable milestone with the declaration of an inaugural quarterly dividend yesterday, so now we are rewarding our shareholders with capital returns, and there is more to come in the future.

Dale Andres: We reached a remarkable milestone with declaration of an inaugural quarterly dividend yesterday, now rewarding our shareholders with capital returns and with more to come in the future. This is after just over a year of being in production and in the middle of executing on our transformational growth, I think this demonstrates our confidence in the strength and sustainability of our operating cash flows and our confidence in delivering the 1A and EP2 expansion projects as planned.

Speaker #3: This is after just over a year of being in production and in the middle of executing on our transformational growth, and I think this demonstrates our confidence in the strength and sustainability of our operating cash flows, and our confidence in delivering the 1A and EP2 expansion projects as planned.

Speaker #3: Phase 1A is now 57% complete and on track for tie-in and commissioning before the end of the year, adding 33% capacity to the existing plant.

Dale Andres: Phase 1A is now 57% complete and on track for tie-in and commissioning before the end of the year, adding 33% capacity to the processing plant. That means that in only a few months, we will start delivering the benefits of that project.The much larger EP2 project is progressing very well, we recently commenced the start of major works construction, that's ahead of schedule. We are in a very strong financial position as well, we did take prudent steps this quarter to further protect the balance sheet during the EP2 construction period.

Speaker #3: That means that in only a few months, we will start delivering the benefits of that project. The much larger EP2 project is progressing very well, and we recently commenced the start of major works construction—and that's ahead of schedule.

Dale Andres: The much larger EP2 project is progressing very well, we recently commenced the start of major works construction, that's ahead of schedule. We are in a very strong financial position as well, we did take prudent steps this quarter to further protect the balance sheet during the EP2 construction period. On slide five, the inaugural base quarterly dividend of CAD 0.05 per share announced yesterday, will be paid on 09 September to shareholders of record on 19 August. This is consistent with our progressive dividend policy that we announced and introduced earlier in the year, we expect the quarterly base dividend will increase to CAD 0.08 per share in 2027, taking that up to CAD 0.32 per share on an annual basis.

Speaker #3: We are in a very strong financial position as well, but we did take prudent steps this quarter to further protect the balance sheet during the EP2 construction period.

Speaker #3: On slide 5, the inaugural base quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share, announced yesterday, will be paid on September 9 to shareholders of record on August 19.

Dale Andres: On slide five, the inaugural base quarterly dividend of CAD 0.05 per share announced yesterday, will be paid on 09 September to shareholders of record on 19 August. This is consistent with our progressive dividend policy that we announced and introduced earlier in the year, we expect the quarterly base dividend will increase to CAD 0.08 per share in 2027, taking that up to CAD 0.32 per share on an annual basis.

Speaker #3: This is consistent with our progressive dividend policy that we announced and introduced earlier in the year, and we expect the quarterly base dividend will increase to $0.08 per share in 2027, taking that up to $32% $32 cents per share on an annual basis.

Speaker #3: Further, beginning in 2028, we expect to top up the quarterly base dividend by a variable amount, such that the total amount of dividends will approximate 40% of free cash flow.

Dale Andres: Further, beginning in 2028, we expect to top up the quarterly base dividend by a variable amount such that the total amount of dividends will approximate 40% of free cash flow. This positions Artemis Gold among leading peers who balance reinvestment for growth with shareholder returns, in our case, doing so halfway through our first full year in operation, which I think might be unprecedented. Either way, it's a great milestone. On slide six, this shows our operating highlights for the quarter. We achieved new records for grades, recoveries, production, and sales, demonstrating the potential of this asset to outperform. All of this was achieved with a record 8 million hours worked without a lost time incident.

Speaker #3: This positions Artemis Gold among leading peers who balance reinvestment for growth with shareholder returns—and in our case, doing so halfway through our first full year in operation, which I think might be unprecedented.

Speaker #3: Either way, it's a great milestone. On slide 6, this shows our operating highlights for the quarter. We achieved new records for grades, recoveries, production, and sales, demonstrating the potential of this asset to outperform.

Dale Andres: We achieved new records for grades, recoveries, production, and sales, demonstrating the potential of this asset to outperform. All of this was achieved with a record 8 million hours worked without a lost time incident.This is an outstanding result, reflects the strong safety culture that has been established across the entire organization, that's something I think we can all be proud of as the team here at Blackwater and Artemis. On slide seven, this shows a recent drone photo of the open pit, which is progressing well.

Speaker #3: All of this was achieved with a record $8 million hours worked without a lost time incident. This is an outstanding result and reflects the strong safety culture that has been established across the entire organization and that's something I think we can all be proud of as the team here at Blackwater and Artemis.

Dale Andres: This is an outstanding result, reflects the strong safety culture that has been established across the entire organization, that's something I think we can all be proud of as the team here at Blackwater and Artemis. On slide seven, this shows a recent drone photo of the open pit, which is progressing well. The first tranche of additional mining equipment to support higher mining and processing rates is being assembled on-site with a new shovel and 5 new haul trucks expected to be in service by September, three of those trucks are already in service. Recovery has reached a record 92.2% in the quarter as a result of ongoing improvements in ore blending and continued optimization of the mill circuit. We are well set up for the rest of the year from an ore delivery perspective.

Speaker #3: On slide 7, this shows a recent drone photo of the open pit, which is progressing well. The first tranche of additional mining equipment to support higher mining and processing rates is being assembled on site, with a new shovel and five new haul trucks expected to be in service by September.

Dale Andres: The first tranche of additional mining equipment to support higher mining and processing rates is being assembled on-site with a new shovel and 5 new haul trucks expected to be in service by September, three of those trucks are already in service. Recovery has reached a record 92.2% in the quarter as a result of ongoing improvements in ore blending and continued optimization of the mill circuit. We are well set up for the rest of the year from an ore delivery perspective.

Speaker #3: And three of those trucks are already in service. Recoveries reached a record $92.2% in the quarter as a result of ongoing improvements in ore blending, and continued optimization of the mill circuit.

Speaker #3: And we are well set up for the rest of the year from an ore delivery perspective. We are working to debottleneck and improve the performance of the existing crushing, grinding, and leach circuits, in anticipation of Phase 1A coming on stream later this year.

Dale Andres: We are working to debottleneck and improve the performance of the existing crushing, grinding, and leach circuits in anticipation of Phase 1A coming on stream later this year. On slide eight, this shows a drone shot of the low and medium grade stockpile, which now sits at about 23 million tons. The grade control drilling reconciliation continues to show more low and medium grade ore tons than predicted in the mineral resource, and the stockpile capacity is being expanded to accommodate. On the right is a photo of one of our newly assembled 240-ton haul trucks, with three of the five additional trucks already in service. On slide nine, although we have put this slide up a few times showing our industry-leading growth profile over the next two years, I'd like to highlight again the Phase 1A expansion, which is now only a few months away from commissioning.

Speaker #3: On slide 8, this shows a drone shot of the low and medium-grade stockpile which now sits at about $23 million tons. The grade control drilling reconciliation continues to show more low and medium-grade ore tons than predicted in the mineral resource.

Speaker #3: And the stockpile capacity is being expanded to accommodate On the right is a photo of one of our newly assembled 240-ton haul trucks and again with three of the five additional trucks already in service.

Dale Andres: On the right is a photo of one of our newly assembled 240-ton haul trucks, with three of the five additional trucks already in service. On slide nine, although we have put this slide up a few times showing our industry-leading growth profile over the next two years, I'd like to highlight again the Phase 1A expansion, which is now only a few months away from commissioning.

Speaker #3: On slide 9, although we have put this slide up a few times showing our industry-leading growth profile over the next two years, I'd like to highlight again the Phase 1A expansion, which is now on the a few months away from commissioning.

Speaker #3: The Phase capital-efficient step change opportunity that we're executing on to upgrade the current Blackwater processing plant. We're increasing the nameplate capacity by 33% from 6 million ton per annum processed to 8 million ton per annum.

Dale Andres: The Phase 1A expansion represents a capital efficient step change opportunity that we're executing on to upgrade the current Blackwater processing plant. We're increasing the nameplate capacity by 33% from 6 million tons per annum process to 8 million tons per annum. Phase 1A will add materially to our production and cash flow profile starting in 2027. We do expect well above reserve grade material, until the much larger EP2 project comes online in 2028. Beyond EP2, we believe Blackwater offers tremendous potential and we continue to advance on all of these fronts. For Phase 1A, you would have seen our news release earlier this week detailing the progress being made. At the end of Q2 2026, Phase 1A was 57% complete and is on schedule for commissioning during Q4 2026.

Speaker #3: And Phase 1A will add materially to our production and cash flow profile starting in 2027. We do expect well above reserve-grade material until the much larger EP2 project comes online in 2028.

Speaker #3: Beyond EP2, we believe Blackwater offers tremendous potential, and we continue to advance on all of these fronts. For Phase 1A, you would have seen our news release earlier this week detailing the progress being made.

Dale Andres: Beyond EP2, we believe Blackwater offers tremendous potential and we continue to advance on all of these fronts. For Phase 1A, you would have seen our news release earlier this week detailing the progress being made. At the end of Q2 2026, Phase 1A was 57% complete and is on schedule for commissioning during Q4 2026.To date, we have completed a number of important construction milestones on this project, including significant progress on both the Vertimill installation and the new tanks in our CIL circuit.

Speaker #3: At the end of Q2 2026, Phase 1A was $57% complete, and is on schedule for commissioning during Q4 2026. To date, we have completed a number of important construction milestones on this project, including significant progress on both the vertical grinding mill installation and the new tanks in our CIL circuit.

Dale Andres: To date, we have completed a number of important construction milestones on this project, including significant progress on both the Vertimill installation and the new tanks in our CIL circuit. After finalizing the scope, including additional spares for operating, Phase 1A is now expected to be completed at a capital cost of CAD 120 million. This is up slightly from the previous CAD 110 million, but still represents a very low capital intensity of CAD 60 per additional annual ton of processing capacity and with clear potential for further optimization above 8 million tons per annum. Slide 11 shows the Vertimill building construction well underway, and on the right, you can see the foundations for our Shear Reactors, which are going to be located right next to our detox circuit.

Speaker #3: After finalizing the scope, including additional spares for operating, Phase 1A is now expected to be completed at a capital cost of $120 million. This is up slightly from the previous $110 million, but still represents a very low capital intensity of $60 per additional annual ton of processing capacity and with clear potential for further optimization above $8 million ton per annum.

Dale Andres: After finalizing the scope, including additional spares for operating, Phase 1A is now expected to be completed at a capital cost of CAD 120 million. This is up slightly from the previous CAD 110 million, but still represents a very low capital intensity of CAD 60 per additional annual ton of processing capacity and with clear potential for further optimization above 8 million tons per annum.

Speaker #3: Slide 11 shows the VertiMill building construction well underway. And on the right, you can see the foundations for our shear reactors which are going to be located right next to our detox circuit.

Dale Andres: Slide 11 shows the Vertimill building construction well underway, and on the right, you can see the foundations for our Shear Reactors, which are going to be located right next to our detox circuit.It is worth noting that the various upgrades to the plant, including the Shear Reactors, as well as the additional oxygen generators and the reagent system upgrades, are expected to help both throughput and recovery, as well as improve unit costs.

Speaker #3: It is worth noting that the various upgrades to the plant including the shear reactors as well as the additional oxygen generators and the reagent system upgrades are expected to help both throughput and recovery as well as improve unit costs.

Dale Andres: It is worth noting that the various upgrades to the plant, including the Shear Reactors, as well as the additional oxygen generators and the reagent system upgrades, are expected to help both throughput and recovery, as well as improve unit costs. Turning to EP2 on slide 12, this expansion represents a 13 million tons per annum increase to our plant capacity above 1A, growing from 8 million tons per annum at the end of this year to 21 million tons per annum by H2 2028. As a reminder, EP2 increases gold production to over 500,000 ounces per year, and the economies of scale provide for lower unit operating costs, which will cement Blackwater's position as one of the lowest cost and highest margin gold operations globally. So that will continue as it is today. Early works construction began in January and is nearing completion.

Speaker #3: Turning to EP2 on slide 12, this expansion represents a $13 million ton per annum increase to our plant capacity above 1A. Growing from $8 million ton per annum at the end of this year to $21 million ton per annum by the second half of 2028.

Dale Andres: Turning to EP2 on slide 12, this expansion represents a 13 million tons per annum increase to our plant capacity above 1A, growing from 8 million tons per annum at the end of this year to 21 million tons per annum by H2 2028. As a reminder, EP2 increases gold production to over 500,000 ounces per year, and the economies of scale provide for lower unit operating costs, which will cement Blackwater's position as one of the lowest cost and highest margin gold operations globally.

Speaker #3: And as a reminder, EP2 increases gold production to over 500,000 ounces per year, and the economies of scale provide for lower unit operating Blackwater's position as one of the lowest cost and highest margin gold operations globally.

Speaker #3: So that will continue as it is today. Early works construction began in January, and is nearing completion. Earlier this week, we announced the start of major works construction.

Dale Andres: So that will continue as it is today. Early works construction began in January and is nearing completion.Earlier this week, we announced the start of major works construction. This was ahead of schedule and with the first pour of concrete on our ball mill foundation complete. This was the largest single pour on the whole EP2 project at about 900 cubic meters of concrete, and this was successfully completed ahead of schedule.

Dale Andres: Earlier this week, we announced the start of major works construction. This was ahead of schedule and with the first pour of concrete on our ball mill foundation complete. This was the largest single pour on the whole EP2 project at about 900 cubic meters of concrete, and this was successfully completed ahead of schedule. Site clearing and bulk earthworks for the processing plant expansion is advancing ahead of plan, as shown in the drone photo on this slide, showing those earthworks. I think it's worth just pausing to reflect on that photo. I think you can see the sheer size and scale of the EP2 project compared to Phase 1A, which is in the middle of the photo there. All our long lead equipment has been ordered. Completion of the 612-bed construction camp expansion is nearing completion and expected to come online fully in the coming days.

Speaker #3: This was ahead of schedule, and with the first pour of concrete on our ball mill foundation complete. This was the largest single pour on the whole EP2 project, at about 900 cubic meters of concrete, and this was successfully completed ahead of schedule.

Speaker #3: Site clearing and bulk earthworks for the processing plant expansion is advancing ahead of plan. And as shown in the drone photo on this slide, showing those earthworks.

Dale Andres: Site clearing and bulk earthworks for the processing plant expansion is advancing ahead of plan, as shown in the drone photo on this slide, showing those earthworks. I think it's worth just pausing to reflect on that photo. I think you can see the sheer size and scale of the EP2 project compared to Phase 1A, which is in the middle of the photo there. All our long lead equipment has been ordered. Completion of the 612-bed construction camp expansion is nearing completion and expected to come online fully in the coming days.

Speaker #3: And I think it's worth just pausing to reflect on that photo. I think you can see the sheer size and scale of the EP2 project compared to Phase 1A, which is in the middle of the photo there.

Speaker #3: All our long lead equipment has been ordered. Completion of the 612-bed construction count expansion is nearing completion and expected to come online fully in the coming days.

Speaker #3: We have now secured supply assurances from BC Hydro that ensure the continued supply of low-cost renewable hydropower at the expanded throughput capacity. So that's a great outcome.

Dale Andres: We have now secured supply assurances from BC Hydro that ensure the continued supply of low-cost renewable hydropower at the expanded throughput capacity. That's a great outcome. On slide 13, this shows a couple of additional drone shots, including the bulk earthworks for the new primary crusher, which is progressing well, and the first concrete pour for the EP2 ball mill foundation, as I mentioned earlier. In summary, on EP2, I can say that although still at an early stage, EP2 is progressing extremely well. The EPCM contractor is in place. Our project delivery team has been expanded with several key additions, and they're great additions. Our early work strategy is definitely helping to set this project up for success and significantly de-risk the schedule going forward. I will now turn the call over to Erik Marchand, our recently appointed CFO, to talk about our quarterly financials.

Speaker #3: On slide 13, this shows a couple of additional drone shots, including the bulk earthworks for the new primary crusher, which is progressing well. And the first concrete pour for the EP2 ball mill foundation, as I mentioned earlier.

Speaker #3: In summary, on EP2, I can say that although still at an early stage, EP2 is progressing extremely well. The EPCM contractor is in place.

Dale Andres: The EPCM contractor is in place. Our project delivery team has been expanded with several key additions, and they're great additions. Our early work strategy is definitely helping to set this project up for success and significantly de-risk the schedule going forward. I will now turn the call over to Erik Marchand, our recently appointed CFO, to talk about our quarterly financials.

Speaker #3: Our project delivery team has been expanded with several key additions and they're great additions. Our early work strategy is definitely helping to set this project up for success.

Speaker #3: And significantly de-risk the schedule going forward. I will now turn the call over to Eric Marchand, our recently appointed CFO, to talk about our quarterly financials.

Speaker #3: Eric, over to you.

Dale Andres: Erik, over to you.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Dale. The second quarter delivered record financial results. We generated record revenue of $433.6 million, record adjusted net income of approximately $200 million, and record adjusted EBITDA of $285 million.

Erik Marchand: Thanks, Dale. The Q2 delivered record financial results. We generated a record revenue of CAD 433.6 million, record adjusted net income of approximately CAD 200 million, and record adjusted EBITDA of CAD 285 million. We sold a record 78,126 ounces of gold during the Q2. Approximately 49,000 ounces were sold into the spot market at an average realized price of CAD 6,119 per ounce, with the balance delivered under our stream and hedge commitments, including approximately 23,000 ounces delivered under the mandatory and discretionary hedge programs at a weighted average price of CAD 2,995. Looking ahead, we expect to deliver similar amounts in the Q3 on our hedge program, including the remaining 7,000 ounces outstanding under the discretionary hedge program.

Speaker #2: We sold a record 78,126 ounces of gold during the quarter. Approximately 49,000 ounces were sold into the spot market at an average realized price of C$6,119 per ounce, with the balance delivered under our stream and hedge commitments.

Erik Marchand: Approximately 49,000 ounces were sold into the spot market at an average realized price of CAD 6,119 per ounce, with the balance delivered under our stream and hedge commitments, including approximately 23,000 ounces delivered under the mandatory and discretionary hedge programs at a weighted average price of CAD 2,995. Looking ahead, we expect to deliver similar amounts in the Q3 on our hedge program, including the remaining 7,000 ounces outstanding under the discretionary hedge program.

Speaker #2: Including approximately 23,000 ounces delivered under the mandatory and discretionary hedge programs, at a weighted average price of C$2,995. Looking ahead, we expect to deliver similar amounts in the third quarter on our hedge program, including the remaining 7,000 ounces outstanding under the discretionary hedge program.

Speaker #2: As Phase 1A ramps up later this year, a significantly greater proportion of our production will be sold into the spot market, increasing our exposure to the current strong gold price environment.

Erik Marchand: As Phase 1A ramps up later this year, a significantly greater proportion of our production will be sold into the spot market, increasing our exposure to the current strong gold price environment. Additional details on our hedge commitments are provided in Note 16 to the financial statements. Even after the impact of our streaming and hedging commitments, we generated an AISC margin of 71%. While stronger gold prices certainly contributed, our low-cost operation remains the key differentiator, with AISC of just $955 per ounce during Q2. These margins translated into record operating cash flow of CAD 208 million in the quarter. Strong cash flows are expected to continue, providing the financial flexibility to fund both Phase 1A and EP2, all while commencing the return of capital to shareholders through the declaration of our inaugural quarterly dividend. Total growth capital was CAD 131.6 million during Q2.

Speaker #2: Additional details on our hedge commitments are provided in Note 16 to the financial statements. Even after the impact of our streaming and hedging commitments, we generated an ASIC margin of 71%.

Speaker #2: Contributed, our low-cost operation remains the key differentiator, with an AISC of just $955 US per ounce during the second quarter. These margins translated into record operating cash flow of $208 million in the quarter.

Erik Marchand: These margins translated into record operating cash flow of CAD 208 million in the quarter. Strong cash flows are expected to continue, providing the financial flexibility to fund both Phase 1A and EP2, all while commencing the return of capital to shareholders through the declaration of our inaugural quarterly dividend. Total growth capital was CAD 131.6 million during Q2.As planned, spending will increase in H2 2026 with the commencement of EP2 major works.

Speaker #2: Strong cash flows are expected to continue providing the financial flexibility to fund both Phase 1A and EP2, all while commencing the return of capital to shareholders through the declaration of our inaugural quarterly dividend.

Speaker #2: Total growth capital was $131.6 million during Q2. As planned, spending will increase in the second half of 2026 with the commencement of EP2 major works.

Erik Marchand: As planned, spending will increase in H2 2026 with the commencement of EP2 major works. I will discuss this further on the next slide covering our full-year capital guidance. This spending strategy was also a key driver of our decision to implement the put option strategy that Dale mentioned earlier. Turning now to guidance, we are maintaining our previously announced annual production and unit cost guidance at Blackwater. I will point out, as previously announced, AISC for 2026 is expected to trend towards the higher end of the annual guidance range, primarily due to general inflationary pressures, including higher oil prices, which the company expects to partially offset through continuous improvement initiatives.

Speaker #2: I'll discuss this further on the next slide covering our full-year capital guidance. And this spending strategy was also a key driver of our decision to implement the put option strategy that Dale mentioned earlier.

Erik Marchand: I will discuss this further on the next slide covering our full-year capital guidance. This spending strategy was also a key driver of our decision to implement the put option strategy that Dale mentioned earlier. Turning now to guidance, we are maintaining our previously announced annual production and unit cost guidance at Blackwater.

Speaker #2: Turning now to guidance, we are maintaining our previously announced annual production and unit cost guidance at Blackwater. I will point out, as previously announced, that ASIC for 2026 is expected to trend toward the higher end of the annual guidance range.

Erik Marchand: I will point out, as previously announced, AISC for 2026 is expected to trend towards the higher end of the annual guidance range, primarily due to general inflationary pressures, including higher oil prices, which the company expects to partially offset through continuous improvement initiatives.Turning to our annual capital guidance, there are no changes except for a CAD 10 million increase to the Phase 1A capital estimate as a result of scope review on this fast-track project, which now includes additional operating spares.

Speaker #2: Primarily due to general inflationary pressures, including higher oil prices. Which the company expects to partially offset through continuous improvement initiatives. Turning to our annual capital guidance, there are no changes except for a $10 million increase to the Phase 1A capital estimate as a result of scope review on this fast-track project, which now includes additional operating spares.

Erik Marchand: Turning to our annual capital guidance, there are no changes except for a CAD 10 million increase to the Phase 1A capital estimate as a result of scope review on this fast-track project, which now includes additional operating spares. We have approximately CAD 110 million to complete the CAD 120 million Phase 1A expansion in 2026. This increase is not material in relation to our total growth capital guidance of between CAD 685 and 755 million in 2026, which we expect to fund out of operating cash flows. Turning to the balance sheet, we ended the quarter with an exceptionally strong financial position. At quarter end, we had total available liquidity of approximately CAD 879 million, including CAD 179 million of cash and the full CAD 700 million available under a revolving credit facility.

Speaker #2: So, we have approximately $110 million remaining to complete the $120 million Phase 1A expansion in 2026. This increase is not material in relation to our total growth capital guidance of between $685 million and $755 million in 2026, which we expect to fund out of operating cash flows.

Erik Marchand: We have approximately CAD 110 million to complete the CAD 120 million Phase 1A expansion in 2026. This increase is not material in relation to our total growth capital guidance of between CAD 685 and 755 million in 2026, which we expect to fund out of operating cash flows. Turning to the balance sheet, we ended the quarter with an exceptionally strong financial position.

Speaker #2: Turning to the balance sheet, we ended the quarter with an exceptionally strong financial position. At quarter end, we had a total available liquidity of approximately $879 million, including $179 million of cash, and the full $700 million available under revolving credit facility.

Erik Marchand: At quarter end, we had total available liquidity of approximately CAD 879 million, including CAD 179 million of cash and the full CAD 700 million available under a revolving credit facility.During the quarter, we also de-risked EP2 significantly by implementing a gold put option strategy to protect operating cash flows for the first year of EP2 major works construction.

Speaker #2: During the quarter, we also de-risked EP2 significantly by implementing a gold put option strategy to protect operating cash flows for the first year of EP2 major works construction.

Erik Marchand: During the quarter, we also de-risked EP2 significantly by implementing a gold put option strategy to protect operating cash flows for the first year of EP2 major works construction. The program covers 172,500 ounces at a strike price of CAD 5,300 per ounce from July 2026 through June 2027, providing downside protection should gold prices decline, all while retaining full upside exposure to higher gold prices. Overall, our balance sheet positions us to deliver self-funded growth while preserving substantial liquidity, all while continuing to return capital to shareholders. With that, I will turn the call back to Dale.

Speaker #2: The program covers 172,500 ounces at a strike price of $5,300 Canadian per ounce, from July 2026 through June 2027, providing downside protection should gold prices decline all while retaining full upside exposure to higher gold prices.

Erik Marchand: The program covers 172,500 ounces at a strike price of CAD 5,300 per ounce from July 2026 through June 2027, providing downside protection should gold prices decline, all while retaining full upside exposure to higher gold prices. Overall, our balance sheet positions us to deliver self-funded growth while preserving substantial liquidity, all while continuing to return capital to shareholders. With that, I will turn the call back to Dale.

Speaker #2: Overall, our balance sheet positions us to deliver self-funded growth while preserving substantial liquidity, all while continuing to return capital to shareholders. With that, I'll turn the call back to Dale.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Eric. In addition to Phase 1A and EP2, we are working on multiple fronts to show the full potential of Blackwater. Our resource expansion diamond drill program is progressing well, with two diamond drill rigs active in the second quarter, and a third rig now being mobilized to expand the program.

Dale Andres: Thanks, Erik. In addition to Phase 1A and EP2, we are working on multiple fronts to show the full potential of Blackwater. Our resource expansion diamond drill program is progressing well, with two diamond drill rigs active in Q2 and a third rig now being mobilized to expand the program. Blackwater is a very large mineralized system, we are testing well beyond the depths previously defined, with some holes extending beyond 1,000 meters. We will provide updates on this program as assay results come in, and as you can imagine, these are long holes, and it does take some time. A new resource model update will follow later in the year and incorporate this new information. On the mining side, we see various potential options for pushing our unit rate lower in the long term on costs.

Speaker #3: Blackwater is a very large mineralized system, and we are testing well beyond the depths previously defined, with some holes extending beyond 1,000 meters. We will provide updates on this program as assay results come in, and, as you can imagine, these are long holes and they do take some time.

Dale Andres: We will provide updates on this program as assay results come in, and as you can imagine, these are long holes, and it does take some time. A new resource model update will follow later in the year and incorporate this new information. On the mining side, we see various potential options for pushing our unit rate lower in the long term on costs.

Speaker #3: And a new resource model update will follow later in the year and will incorporate this new information. On the mining side, we see various potential options for pushing our unit rate lower.

Speaker #3: In the long term, on costs, and technology is changing on this front quite rapidly, and we are evaluating many different options, including electrification and automation options that may be able to take advantage of our cheap hydro cost.

Dale Andres: Technology is changing on this front quite rapidly, and we are evaluating many different options, including electrification and automation options that may be able to take advantage of our cheap hydro cost. On the processing side, the studies are more focused on growth beyond EP2, and the first step of that is to show what can be done to maximize both the 1A and EP2 builds and infrastructure. Then, beyond that, we'll see what the right size expansion for a potential phase three looks like. The regional exploration program has also resumed after a winter and spring break, with initial drilling this year planned in the Top Lake area with one reverse circulation rig, following up from previous anomalies identified in Q4 last year. The rig will then move on to targets in the Van Tyne area.

Speaker #3: On the processing side, the studies are more focused on growth beyond EP2, and the first step of that is to show what can be done to maximize the both the 1A and EP2 builds and infrastructure.

Speaker #3: And then beyond that, we'll see what the right size expansion for a potential Phase 3 looks like. The regional exploration program has also resumed after a winter and spring break.

Dale Andres: The regional exploration program has also resumed after a winter and spring break, with initial drilling this year planned in the Top Lake area with one reverse circulation rig, following up from previous anomalies identified in Q4 last year. The rig will then move on to targets in the Van Tyne area.To summarize and wrap things up, I would like to highlight again the record results and terrific progress we made on our Phase 1A and EP2 projects during the quarter.

Speaker #3: With initial drilling this year, planned in the top lake area with one reverse circulation rig, following up from previous anomalies identified in Q4 last year.

Speaker #3: And the rig will then move on to targets in the Van Tijn area. To summarize and wrap things up, I would like to highlight again the record results and terrific progress we made on our Phase 1A and EP2 projects during the quarter.

Dale Andres: To summarize and wrap things up, I would like to highlight again the record results and terrific progress we made on our Phase 1A and EP2 projects during the quarter. I think this speaks to both the performance and the quality of our operating and project execution teams. Our low all-in sustaining costs helped to drive record cash flows and liquidity. We further protected the balance sheet with the put options that Erik walked through, which provide downside price protection during the 12 months of high capital spend, the first year of EP2 spend, without giving away any upside. EP2 is off to a great start, and I'd like to remind everyone that Phase 1A is now just around the corner, which will significantly increase both production and cash flow in 2027.

Speaker #3: And I think this speaks to both the performance and the quality of our operating and project execution teams. Our low all-in sustaining costs helped to drive record cash flows and liquidity.

Dale Andres: I think this speaks to both the performance and the quality of our operating and project execution teams. Our low all-in sustaining costs helped to drive record cash flows and liquidity.

Speaker #3: And we further protected the balance sheet with the put options that Eric walked through, which provide downside price protection during the 12 months of high capital spend the first year of EP2 spend, without giving away any upside EP2 is off to a great start, and I'd like to remind everyone that Phase 1A is now just around the corner.

Dale Andres: We further protected the balance sheet with the put options that Erik walked through, which provide downside price protection during the 12 months of high capital spend, the first year of EP2 spend, without giving away any upside. EP2 is off to a great start, and I'd like to remind everyone that Phase 1A is now just around the corner, which will significantly increase both production and cash flow in 2027.

Speaker #3: This will significantly increase both production and cash flow in 2027. Importantly, we have now graduated to being a dividend-paying company, with plans to progressively increase the return of capital to shareholders in the near term.

Dale Andres: Importantly, we have now graduated to being a dividend-paying company with plans to progressively increase the return of capital to shareholders in the near term. That concludes our presentation, and now back to you, operator, for the Q&A.

Speaker #3: That concludes our presentation, and now back to you, operator, for the Q&A.

Speaker #1: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. To join the question queue, you may press star then one on your telephone keypad.

Operator 3: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. To join the question queue, you may press star, then one on your telephone keypad. You will hear a tone acknowledging your request. If you're using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing any keys. To withdraw your question, please press star, then two. The first question comes from Wayne Lam with TD Securities. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. To join the question queue, you may press star, then one on your telephone keypad. You will hear a tone acknowledging your request. If you're using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing any keys. To withdraw your question, please press star, then two. The first question comes from Wayne Lam with TD Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: You will hear a tone acknowledging your request. If you're using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing any question, please press star then two.

Speaker #1: The first question comes from Wayne Lamb with TD Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Yeah, thanks. Morning, guys. Congrats on the great quarter. Maybe just wanted to better understand the driver of the higher grades this quarter and whether you see potential for that to be kind of sustained over the coming quarters.

Wayne Lam: Yeah, thanks. Morning, guys. Congrats on a great quarter. Maybe just wanted to better understand the driver of the higher grades this quarter and whether you see potential for that to be kind of sustained over the coming quarters.

Speaker #3: Yeah, thanks. Thanks for the question, Wayne. Grade was, I would say, very high in the second quarter and for the first half of the year. We averaged just over 1.7 grams per ton.

Dale Andres: Yeah. Thanks for the question, Wayne. Grade was, I would say, very high in Q2. For H1 of the year, we averaged just over 1.7 gram per ton. We do have a lot of flexibility in the mine plan with our stockpiling strategy, and we were able to take advantage of that in H1 of the year, in particular in Q2. I do anticipate the grades to temper somewhat, so slightly less, still in that 1.5 gram per ton range for the remainder of the year. Higher throughput for H2 as well. Those two will offset each other and, yeah, we're very well positioned to meet our guidance for 2026.

Speaker #3: We do have a lot of flexibility in the mine plan with our stockpiling strategy, and we were able to take advantage of that in the first half of the year in particular in the second quarter.

Speaker #3: I do anticipate the grades to temper somewhat, so slightly less—still in that 1.5 gram-per-ton range for the remainder of the year.

Dale Andres: I do anticipate the grades to temper somewhat, so slightly less, still in that 1.5 gram per ton range for the remainder of the year. Higher throughput for H2 as well.Those two will offset each other and, yeah, we're very well positioned to meet our guidance for 2026.

Speaker #3: And higher throughput for the second half as well. So those two will offset each other. And yeah, we're very well positioned to meet our guidance for 2026.

Speaker #4: Okay, perfect. And just wondering, on the work being done around the upcoming resource update, obviously, you guys already have a very large resource in the long mine life.

Wayne Lam: Okay, perfect. Just wondering on the work being done around the upcoming resource update. Obviously, you guys already have a very large resource and a long mine life. Just wondering if that additional material on a lower cutoff just adds to the low and medium grade ounces that will be processed in the later years to extend out the mine life. Does that also give you a bit more flexibility and upside to process grades in the medium term in being able to front load a bit more of that higher grade bucket?

Speaker #4: So just wondering if that additional material on a lower cutoff just adds to the low and medium grade ounces that we've been processed in the later years to extend out the mine life, or does that also give you a bit of a bit more flexibility and upside to process grades in the medium term in being able to front load a bit more of that higher grade bucket?

Speaker #3: Yeah, that's a good question, Wayne. And for the additional for the additional resources and low and medium grade, as I mentioned, we do have optimization potential beyond the 8 million ton per annum rate with 1A and beyond the 21 million ton per annum rate with EP2.

Dale Andres: Yeah. It's a good question, Wayne. For the additional resources and low and medium grade, as I mentioned, we do have optimization potential beyond the 8 million tons per annum rate with 1A and beyond the 21 million tons per annum rate with EP2. The additional resources and stockpiled material definitely play into that and allow us to further optimize production. It does provide additional flexibility, and I think I may have mentioned this before, but if we're able to segregate as we expand the foundation and the footprint for our low and medium grade stockpile and segregate the highest grade portions of that really does open up opportunities in the near term for production optimization, even at the stated capacities, the nameplate capacities of both Phase 1A and EP2 without further optimization on throughput rates.

Speaker #3: So the additional resources and stockpiled material definitely play into that. And allow us to further optimize production. It does provide additional flexibility. And I think I may have mentioned this before, but if we're able to segregate as we expand the foundation and the footprint for our low and medium grade stockpile and segregate the highest grade portions of that, that really does open up opportunities in the near term for production optimization, even at the stated capacities, you know, the nameplate capacities of both Phase 1A and EP2 without further optimization on throughput rates.

Dale Andres: The additional resources and stockpiled material definitely play into that and allow us to further optimize production.It does provide additional flexibility, and I think I may have mentioned this before, but if we're able to segregate as we expand the foundation and the footprint for our low and medium grade stockpile and segregate the highest grade portions of that really does open up opportunities in the near term for production optimization, even at the stated capacities.

Dale Andres: The nameplate capacities of both Phase 1A and EP2 without further optimization on throughput rates.There's a bunch of different levers that we're looking to pull as we optimize our plans over the next number of months. Yeah, we'll update the market as we complete those.

Speaker #3: So there's a bunch of different levers that we're looking to pull as we optimize our plans over the next number of months. And yeah, we'll update the market as we complete those.

Dale Andres: There's a bunch of different levers that we're looking to pull as we optimize our plans over the next number of months. Yeah, we'll update the market as we complete those.

Speaker #4: Okay, great. Thanks. And then maybe just lastly on the scope changes with the upgrades to the Phase 1A expansion. Like the VertaMill, does that need to be replicated for Phase 2 as well, given the two designs we're supposed to be pretty similar?

Wayne Lam: Okay, great. Thanks. Maybe just lastly on the scope changes with the upgrades to the Phase 1A expansion, like the Vertimill, does that need to be replicated for Phase 2 as well, given the two designs were supposed to be pretty similar? Would that be accounted for within the EP2 budget?

Speaker #4: And would that be accounted for within the EP2 budget?

Speaker #3: Yeah, again, and I'll make the comment—I think I mentioned it in my comments—but Phase 1A was a fast-track project that we put in advance of the announcement of EP2.

Dale Andres: Yeah. Again, I'll make the comment, I think I mentioned it in my comments, but Phase 1A was a fast-track project that we put in in advance of the announcement of EP2. There was limited upfront engineering on that. We went straight into ordering the equipment required and execution of 1A in a very quick way. When we talk about scope changes, a lot of it was the additional operating spares. Those have been fully accounted for in EP2. Just a reminder, EP2 is similar but a slightly different processing train than for Phase 1. It will have a 2-stage crushing with a SABC circuit, so a sag mill, ball mill, and pebble crusher, which is a bit different than our Phase 1A and Phase 1 design, which has 3-stage crushing and a single ball mill without any pebble crusher. There is differences.

Speaker #3: There was limited upfront engineering on that, and so we went straight into ordering the equipment required and execution of 1A in a very quick way.

Speaker #3: So when we talk about scope changes, a lot of it was the additional operating spares. Those have been fully accounted for in EP2. Just a reminder, EP2 is similar, but slightly different processing train than for Phase 1.

Speaker #3: It will have a two-stage crushing with a SABC circuit. So a sag mill, ball mill, and pebble crusher. Which is a bit different than our Phase 1A and Phase 1 design, which has three-stage crushing and a single ball mill without any pebble crusher.

Dale Andres: It will have a 2-stage crushing with a SABC circuit, so a sag mill, ball mill, and pebble crusher, which is a bit different than our Phase 1A and Phase 1 design, which has 3-stage crushing and a single ball mill without any pebble crusher. There is differences.There is no read-through at all from the CAD 10 million increase on 1A to EP2. We're still very comfortable with our budget and schedule on EP2.

Speaker #3: So there is differences there is no read-through at all from the 10 million dollar increase on 1A to EP2. We're still very comfortable with our budget and schedule on EP2.

Dale Andres: There is no read-through at all from the CAD 10 million increase on 1A to EP2. We're still very comfortable with our budget and schedule on EP2.

Speaker #4: Okay, perfect. Looks like things are humming along quite nicely. Congrats on a good quarter, and best of luck in the months ahead.

Wayne Lam: Okay, perfect. Looks like things are humming along quite nicely. Congrats on a good quarter and best of luck in the months ahead.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Wayne.

Dale Andres: Thanks, Wayne.

Speaker #1: The next question comes from Harrison Reynolds with RBC. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question comes from Harrison Reynolds with RBC. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Harrison Reynolds with RBC. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hi, good morning, Artemis team. Congrats on a good quarter. Appreciate the detail provided and great to see the project's progressing. On 1A, when do you expect to see the 30% throughput lift come into effect once it's commissioned and tied in?

Harrison Reynolds: Hi, good morning, Artemis team. Congrats on a good quarter. Appreciate the detail provided and great to see the projects progressing. On 1A, when do you expect to see the 30% throughput lift come into effect once it's commissioned and tied in? What's the timeline on ramping up that capacity to the new nameplate?

Speaker #5: What's the timeline on ramping up that capacity to the new nameplate?

Speaker #3: Yeah, thanks, Harrison. Q4 is when we plan to commission and ramp up Phase 1A. I think, as we flagged previously, there is an eight-day shutdown that's currently planned for the tie-in.

Dale Andres: Yeah. Thanks, Harrison. Q4 is when we plan to commission and ramp up Phase 1A. I think as we flagged previously, there is an eight-day shutdown that's currently planned for the tie-in of that upgrade of the vertimill and the new cyclone cluster that's required to feed it. We'll start to commission. It should be a fairly quick ramp-up. The vertimill and the additional tanks and other upgrades are fairly straightforward. That means those two will offset each other with the downtime required to tie in and then starting the ramp-up of the throughput. We expect to see the full benefit in 2027, so full year at that eight million ton per annum rate or above that if we're able to optimize.

Speaker #3: ...of that upgrade of the VertiMill and the new cyclone pack that's required to feed it. Then we'll start commissioning. It should be a fairly quick ramp-up.

Speaker #3: The VertiMill and the additional tanks and other upgrades are fairly straightforward. And so that means the full—so those two will offset each other with the downtime required to tie in, and then starting the ramp-up of the throughput.

Dale Andres: That means those two will offset each other with the downtime required to tie in and then starting the ramp-up of the throughput.We expect to see the full benefit in 2027, so full year at that eight million ton per annum rate or above that if we're able to optimize.

Speaker #3: We expect to see the full benefit in 2027. So full year at that 8 million ton per annum rate or above that if we're able to optimize.

Speaker #5: That's helpful, thanks. And maybe just a follow-up on 1A. You mentioned these options to debottleneck above the consolidated 21 million tons per annum.

Harrison Reynolds: That's helpful. Thanks. Maybe just to follow up on 1A, you mentioned these options to debottleneck above the consolidated 21 million tons per annum. Do you see any bottlenecking opportunities at 1A concurrently before EP2 comes online? Are there any studies you could look to put in place in 2027 or 2028 to get more throughput out of 1A?

Speaker #5: Do you see any bottlenecking opportunities at 1A concurrently before EP2 comes online? Are there any studies you could look to put in place in 2027 or 2028 to get more throughput out of 1A?

Speaker #3: Yeah, well, definitely, first and foremost, is to get it up and running at design capacity. We think that should be straightforward and fairly quick to do.

Dale Andres: Yeah. We'll definitely, first and foremost is to get it up and running at design capacity. We think that should be straightforward and fairly quick to do. In 2027, we'll be driving that, we won't be waiting for EP2 to drive optimization efforts above eight million ton per annum. I would make some comments around the 1A. We're primarily making upgrades to the wet side of the circuit, the dry side really is just straight debottlenecking. Didn't need any major capital upgrades. We're already pursuing those optimization opportunities at the front end and making sure that we have the crushing capacity to go at first eight million ton per annum and to go above that, we're seeing really good progress on that work. I'm feeling good about, at this stage, our ability to try and drive higher than eight million tons as 2027 progresses.

Speaker #3: In 2027, we'll be driving that, and we won't be waiting for EP2 to drive optimization efforts above 8 million tons per annum. I would make some comments around the 1A. We're primarily making upgrades to the wet side of the circuit.

Speaker #3: And the dry side really is just straight debottle. I didn't need any major capital upgrades. And we're already pursuing those optimization opportunities at the front end.

Dale Andres: We're already pursuing those optimization opportunities at the front end and making sure that we have the crushing capacity to go at first eight million ton per annum and to go above that, we're seeing really good progress on that work. I'm feeling good about, at this stage, our ability to try and drive higher than eight million tons as 2027 progresses.Stay tuned. We first have to get it built, up and running and commissioned, and then that'll be our main focus together with finishing EP2.

Speaker #3: And making sure that we have the crushing capacity to go at first 8 million ton per annum and to go above that. And we're seeing really good progress on that work.

Speaker #3: So, I'm feeling good about, at this stage, our ability to try and drive higher than 8 million tons as 2027 progresses. But stay tuned.

Dale Andres: Stay tuned. We first have to get it built, up and running and commissioned, and then that'll be our main focus together with finishing EP2.

Speaker #3: We first have to get it built, up and running, and commissioned, and then that'll be our main focus, together with finishing EP2.

Speaker #5: That's great. Thanks for taking my questions.

Harrison Reynolds: That's great. Thanks for taking my questions.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Harrison.

Dale Andres: Thanks, Harrison.

Speaker #1: The next question comes from Don DeMarco with National Bank Financial. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question comes from Don DeMarco with National Bank Financial. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Don DeMarco with National Bank Financial. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Thank you, operator. And good morning to Steven and Dale and the rest of the team. Steven, I'll start with an update that was provided earlier this week.

Don DeMarco: Thank you, operator, and good morning to Steven and Dale and the rest of the team. Steven, I'll start with an update that was provided earlier this week. BC Hydro provided assurance to provide power for the two run rates. I'm just curious, what does this entail? Will they be increasing power distribution in mind? Does it require upgrading their power facilities? What will the company be doing as part of the EP2 CapEx to ensure to move up to that higher power delivery?

Speaker #6: BC Hydro provided assurance to provide power for two run rates. I'm just curious, what does this entail? I mean, does BC Hydro will they be increasing power distribution in mind?

Don DeMarco: Will they be increasing power distribution in mind? Does it require upgrading their power facilities? What will the company be doing as part of the EP2 CapEx to ensure to move up to that higher power delivery?

Speaker #6: Does it require upgrading their power facilities? And what will the company be doing as part of the EP2 capex to ensure it can move up to that higher power delivery?

Speaker #3: Yeah, thanks, Don. Maybe I'll kick in, and I'll ask Candace to comment if she thinks she can add to that. I would state that BC Hydro is twinning the line.

Dale Andres: Yeah. Thanks, Tom. Maybe I'll kick in, and I'll ask Candice to comment if she thinks she can add to that. I would state that BC Hydro is twinning the line, the North Coast transmission line, that's scheduled for completion to 2030. We have contracted power out to when that twinning of the line will be in place for the EP2 run rate. The assurances we were looking for from BC Hydro extend beyond that. If there is any delay in putting in that infrastructure, which is on BC Hydro, that's not us doing that work. They've given us those assurances, so that's the assurances we're referring to. Just from a power delivery perspective, we're still running the final details on BC Hydro's Glen Allen substation. We don't think there's anything major to be done on that.

Speaker #3: The North Coast Transmission line. And that's scheduled for completion to 2030. We have contracted power. Out to when that twinning of the line will be in place for the EP2 run rate.

Speaker #3: The assurances we were looking for from BC Hydro extend beyond that. If there is any delay in putting in that infrastructure, which is on BC Hydro—that's not us doing that work.

Speaker #3: And they've given us those assurances, so that's the assurances we're referring to. Just from a power delivery perspective, we're still running the final details on BC Hydro's Glenannan substation.

Dale Andres: They've given us those assurances, so that's the assurances we're referring to. Just from a power delivery perspective, we're still running the final details on BC Hydro's Glen Allen substation. We don't think there's anything major to be done on that.

Speaker #3: We don't think there's anything major to be done on that. And our transmission line that we put in for Phase 1 is fully capable of wheeling in the power we need for EP2.

Dale Andres: Our transmission line that we put in for Phase One is fully capable of wheeling in the power we need for EP2. There's no upgrade to that transmission line that we need. Everything's, on our end, it's really at the mine site itself, not with the power delivery to site. Hopefully that gives you some color.

Speaker #3: So, there's no upgrade to that transmission line that we need, so everything's just on our end. It's really at the mine site itself, not with the power delivery to site.

Speaker #3: Hopefully, that gives you some color.

Speaker #6: Yeah, that's helpful. Thank you. Now, I also saw the commentary in the Q2 print about the variable dividend—40% of free cash flow after 2028.

Don DeMarco: Yeah, that's helpful. Thank you. Now, I also saw the commentary in the Q2 print about the variable dividend, 40% of free cash flow after 2028. Are you also considering buybacks? How do you plan to deploy free cash flow and capital allocation after the hedge has come off before 2028?

Speaker #6: Are you also considering buybacks? And how do you plan to deploy free cash flow and capital allocation after the hedge has come off—before 2028?

Speaker #3: Yeah, appreciate that. And if you look at the slide we walk through, we did flag a potential for an NCIB or potential share buybacks as early as 2027.

Dale Andres: Yeah. Appreciate that. If you look at the slide we walked through, we did flag a potential for an NCIB or potential share buybacks as early as 2027. We just declared our first quarterly inaugural dividend. We do plan to increase that dividend starting in 2027, update cents a share from the current CAD 0.05, we will look at that. The board will look at that as things progress, both our 1A ramp up and progression on our project build with EP2. They'll look at that in 2027. As we head into 2028, we're just flagging that in addition to the base quarterly dividend, we will target 40% of free cash flow.

Speaker #3: I think it's that we just declared our first quarterly inaugural dividend. We do plan to increase that dividend starting in 2027, updates to share from the current $0.05.

Speaker #3: And we will look at that. The board will look at that as things progress, both our 1A ramp-up and progression on our project build with EP2.

Speaker #3: They'll look at that in 2027. As we head into 2028, we're just flagging that, in addition to the base quarterly dividend, we will target 40% of free cash flow.

Dale Andres: They'll look at that in 2027. As we head into 2028, we're just flagging that in addition to the base quarterly dividend, we will target 40% of free cash flow.To show that disciplined development, we are continuing to look at what's beyond EP2, we'll weigh those opportunities for further growth and investment, both organically and maybe beyond, in addition to paying 40% of that free cash flow back to shareholders.

Speaker #3: So, to show that disciplined development, we are continuing to look at what's beyond EP2, and we'll weigh those opportunities for further growth and investment—both organically and maybe beyond. In addition to paying 40% of that free cash flow back to shareholders, if there is nothing that we want to invest back into growth at that time, we will consider additional dividends and/or share buybacks, on top of that 40% distribution of free cash flow.

Dale Andres: To show that disciplined development, we are continuing to look at what's beyond EP2, we'll weigh those opportunities for further growth and investment, both organically and maybe beyond, in addition to paying 40% of that free cash flow back to shareholders. If there is nothing that we want to invest back into growth at that time, we will consider additional dividends and/or share buybacks in addition to that 40% distribution of free cash flow. That's what's articulated in our dividend policy and our shareholder return framework that we outlined earlier this year, Don.

Dale Andres: If there is nothing that we want to invest back into growth at that time, we will consider additional dividends and/or share buybacks in addition to that 40% distribution of free cash flow. That's what's articulated in our dividend policy and our shareholder return framework that we outlined earlier this year, Don.

Speaker #3: So that's how— that's what's articulated in our dividend policy and our shareholder return framework that we outlined earlier this year, Don.

Speaker #6: Okay, thank you very much, Dale. That's all from me. Thanks for taking my question.

Don DeMarco: Okay. Thank you very much, Dale. That's all for me. Thanks for taking my question.

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Dale Andres: Thank you.

Speaker #1: The next question comes from Jeremy Hoy with Canaccord Genuity. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question comes from Jeremy Hoy with Canaccord Genuity. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Jeremy Hoy with Canaccord Genuity. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Hi, Dale and team. Thanks for taking my questions. I think I'll focus on the EP2 expansion. The contingency in the $1.44 billion budget— is that enough to absorb any current inflationary pressures we're seeing that are impacting operating costs?

Jeremy Hoy: Hi, Dale and team. Thanks for taking my questions. I think I'll focus on the EP2 expansion. The contingency in the CAD 1.44 billion budget, is that enough to absorb any current inflationary pressures we're seeing that are impacting operating costs?

Speaker #3: Yeah, thanks, Jeremy. And I would flag a bunch of things that we've done a very clear strategy we had with EP2 that slotted in nicely with executing on our phase 1A project to get immediate cash flow and immediate production increase.

Dale Andres: Yeah. Thanks, Jeremy. I would flag a bunch of things that we've done, a very clear strategy we had with EP2 that slotted in nicely with executing on our Phase 1A project to get immediate cash flow and immediate production increase. It was doing our early works program, and if you recall, we ordered a ball mill that was already manufactured and a SAG mill back in September when we announced the Phase 1A project. Pricing was locked in then. Our early works program advanced engineering and procurement, and we did state in our recent release that we've ordered all the long-lead equipment. Again, that de-risks us from an inflationary perspective, having those orders and pricing locked in. Obviously, we're still faced with inflationary pressures along with everyone else, and that would be primarily related to fuel price, transportation, things like that.

Speaker #3: But it was during our early works program. And if you recall, we ordered a ball mill that was already manufactured, and a SAG mill, back in September when we announced the Phase 1A project.

Speaker #3: So pricing was locked in then. Our early works program advanced engineering and procurement. And we did state in our recent release that we've ordered all the long-lead equipment.

Dale Andres: Pricing was locked in then. Our early works program advanced engineering and procurement, and we did state in our recent release that we've ordered all the long-lead equipment. Again, that de-risks us from an inflationary perspective, having those orders and pricing locked in. Obviously, we're still faced with inflationary pressures along with everyone else, and that would be primarily related to fuel price, transportation, things like that.

Speaker #3: So again, that de-risks us from an inflationary perspective, having those orders and pricing locked in. I mean, obviously, we're still faced with inflationary pressures, along with everyone else.

Speaker #3: And that would be primarily related to fuel price, transportation, things like that. But we've got sufficient contingency in our capital estimate at this stage.

Dale Andres: We've got sufficient contingency in our capital estimate at this stage to absorb that we've planned for that with the contingency, and we're continuing to look for cost improvement opportunities to absorb any areas in the project that may be seeing inflationary pressures. At this stage, we're very comfortable with the CAD 1.44 billion estimate that we've put out there, and importantly, the schedule. As you know, on these projects, keeping to schedule is your best way to control cost, and things are going really well on that front to date, very pleased.

Speaker #3: To absorb that, we've planned for that with the contingency, and we're continuing to look for cost improvement opportunities to absorb any areas in the project that may be seeing inflationary pressures.

Speaker #3: So, at this stage, we're very comfortable with the $1.44 billion estimate that we've put out there, and, importantly, the schedule. As you know, on these projects, keeping to the schedule is your best way to control cost.

Speaker #3: And things are going really well on that front to date, so very pleased.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Dale, for the color.

Jeremy Hoy: Thanks, Dale, for the color. Sort of pushing on that same theme, you highlighted the scale of this expansion, and that earthworks were well advanced. Can you just remind us with the degree of investigation for geotech was done, I guess the degree of certainty of earth quantities and how far you are through earth moving, percentage-wise?

Speaker #3: Yeah.

Speaker #5: Sort of pushing on that same theme, you highlighted the scale of this expansion, and that earthworks were well advanced. Can you just remind us what degree of investigation for geotech was done?

Speaker #5: And so, I guess, the degree of certainty of earth quantities and how far you are through earth moving, percentage-wise?

Speaker #3: Yeah, Jeremy and his team did a lot of work on this, and optimization together with our contractors and consultants. I think we did a great job optimizing the earthworks.

Dale Andres: Yeah. Jeremy and his team did a lot of work on this and optimization together with our contractors and consultants, I think we did a great job optimizing the earthworks. We're planning to finish all the bulk earthworks by the end of Q3, so that's over the next two months. I don't have the exact percentage on that, but the majority of the bulk earthworks are done, and we're well advanced. I think you can see in the photos that we showed the plant site. We've already excavated for the SAG mill, a big concrete pour that'll be poured we expect this quarter, as well as the ball mill raft pour that we flagged. The SAG mill is the second biggest pour on the project, so just getting those two out of the way.

Speaker #3: We're planning to finish all the bulk Earthworks by the end of the third quarter. So that's over the next two months. I don't know if the exact percentage on that, but it's we're the majority of the bulk Earthworks are done.

Speaker #3: And we're well advanced. I think you can see in the photos that we showed the plant site. We've already excavated for the SAG mill—big concrete pour—that'll be poured.

Dale Andres: We've already excavated for the SAG mill, a big concrete pour that'll be poured we expect this quarter, as well as the ball mill raft pour that we flagged. The SAG mill is the second biggest pour on the project, so just getting those two out of the way.Typically, the ball and SAG mills are the biggest pieces of equipment, we've taken that right off the critical path, I think that's great.

Speaker #3: We expect this quarter as well as the ball mill raft pour that we flagged. And the sag mill is the second biggest pour on the project.

Speaker #3: So just getting those two out of the way typically the ball and sag mills are the biggest pieces of equipment. And we've taken that right off the critical path.

Dale Andres: Typically, the ball and SAG mills are the biggest pieces of equipment, we've taken that right off the critical path, I think that's great. We showed another photo showing the earthworks around the crushing system with the new primary crusher, that's progressing well. I don't have that exact percentage. We can follow up with you, Jeremy. Yeah, it should all be finished by the end of September.

Speaker #3: And so I think that's great. Then we showed another photo, showing the earthworks around the crushing system with the new primary crusher, and that's progressing well.

Dale Andres: We showed another photo showing the earthworks around the crushing system with the new primary crusher, that's progressing well. I don't have that exact percentage. We can follow up with you, Jeremy. Yeah, it should all be finished by the end of September.

Speaker #3: So, I don't have that exact percentage. We can follow up with you, Jeremy. But yeah, it should all be finished by the end of September.

Speaker #5: No, that's great detail. Thanks very much. Final one for me is on throughput rates. There's been a deep borrowing program ongoing. You've mentioned crushing and milling circuits are the focus.

Jeremy Hoy: No, that's great detail. Thanks very much. Final one from me is on throughput rates. There's been a debottlenecking program ongoing. You've mentioned the crushing, milling circuits are the focus. Grades went in the back H2, you said about 1.5. Could I ask, what's critical to getting to nameplate in terms of throughput? What was I going to ask now? Yeah, what's critical to getting to nameplates and, oh, yeah, what are you running at currently?

Speaker #5: Grades, one, in the back half of the year—you said about 1.5. Could I ask what's critical to getting to nameplate, in terms of throughput?

Speaker #5: And is there what was I going to ask now? So yeah, what's critical to getting to nameplate? And oh yeah, what are you running at currently?

Speaker #3: Yeah. And if you would have seen in our Q2 results, we're running at an annualized rate of about 5.5 million tons.

Dale Andres: Yeah. As you would've seen in our Q2 results, we're running at about, in Q2, at an annualized rate of about 5.5 million tonnes, so that's slightly less than our design of 6 million tonnes. We obviously offset that with much higher grade and a significant improvement to recoveries, so we were over 92% on our recoveries. Actually made up for a very strong production and sales quarter as a result of those higher grades. We flagged earlier in the year some of the unplanned downtime that we've had. Some of this is back to design challenges and flaws in, as one example, the CIL circuit with our tanks and particular our agitators and gearboxes that drive those agitators. This is a concrete example. We're needing to change out all of those agitators and gearboxes to bigger units.

Speaker #3: So that's slightly less than our design of 6 million tons. Obviously, we offset that with much higher grade and significant improvement to recoveries.

Speaker #3: So we were over 92% on our recoveries, and it actually made for a very, very strong production and sales quarter as a result of those higher grades.

Speaker #3: We flagged earlier in the year some of the unplanned downtime that we've had. Some of this is back to design challenges and flaws in as one example, the CIL circuit with our tanks and particular our agitators.

Dale Andres: Some of this is back to design challenges and flaws in, as one example, the CIL circuit with our tanks and particular our agitators and gearboxes that drive those agitators. This is a concrete example. We're needing to change out all of those agitators and gearboxes to bigger units.We're needing to put in some structural steel upgrades on our tanks. Obviously, the new tanks that are going in for Phase 1A are already at that bigger size and have the appropriate steel and structure in place.

Speaker #3: And gearboxes that drive those agitators. We're needing—so this is a concrete example—we're needing to change out all of those agitators and gearboxes to bigger units.

Speaker #3: We're needing to put in some structural steel upgrades on our tanks. Obviously, the new tanks that are going in for phase 1A are already at that bigger size.

Dale Andres: We're needing to put in some structural steel upgrades on our tanks. Obviously, the new tanks that are going in for Phase 1A are already at that bigger size and have the appropriate steel and structure in place. We're needing to methodically go through our existing 11 tanks that were built with Phase 1. That's everything from our pre-aeration, our leach tanks, our 6 CIL tanks, and our 2 detox tanks, and replace those, do some structural upgrades to allow for bigger agitators and gearboxes. That's being done. We're working our way through that. It's taking a little bit longer because we have to order this equipment, we have to wait till it comes in, you can't take the whole circuit down. We're still operating, and we're operating well. That's one concrete example of what we're doing.

Speaker #3: And have the appropriate steel and structure in place. But we're needing to methodically go through our existing 11 tanks that were built with Phase 1.

Dale Andres: We're needing to methodically go through our existing 11 tanks that were built with Phase 1. That's everything from our pre-aeration, our leach tanks, our 6 CIL tanks, and our 2 detox tanks, and replace those, do some structural upgrades to allow for bigger agitators and gearboxes. That's being done. We're working our way through that. It's taking a little bit longer because we have to order this equipment, we have to wait till it comes in, you can't take the whole circuit down.

Speaker #3: So that's everything from our pre-aeration, our leach tanks, our 60 IL tanks, and our two detox tanks. And replace those, do some structural upgrades.

Speaker #3: To allow for bigger agitators and gearboxes. So that's being done. We're working our way through that. It's taking a little bit longer because we have to order this equipment.

Speaker #3: We have to wait until it comes in, but you can't take the whole circuit down. We're still operating, and we're operating well. But that's one concrete example of what we're doing.

Dale Andres: We're still operating, and we're operating well. That's one concrete example of what we're doing.We do expect that work to be done largely complete before the end of the year. We do get the additional tanks with Phase 1A, we don't anticipate. I think it's just a steady improvement from where we are today, right through to the startup of Phase 1A over the next four or five months.

Speaker #3: We do expect that work to be done largely complete before the end of the year. And then we do get the additional tanks with 1A.

Dale Andres: We do expect that work to be done largely complete before the end of the year. We do get the additional tanks with Phase 1A, we don't anticipate. I think it's just a steady improvement from where we are today, right through to the startup of Phase 1A over the next four or five months.

Speaker #3: So we don't anticipate any kind of I think it's just a steady improvement from where we are today right through to the startup of 1A over the next four or five months.

Speaker #5: Understood. Okay. Well, thanks for taking my questions and the detailed answers. I'll step back in the queue.

Jeremy Hoy: Understood. Okay. Well, thanks for taking my questions and the detailed answers. I'll step back in the queue.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Jeremy.

Dale Andres: Thanks, Jeremy.

Speaker #1: The next question comes from Andrew McKitichuk with BMO Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Operator 3: The next question comes from Andrew Mikitchook with BMO Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Andrew Mikitchook with BMO Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hi, team. Congratulations on a really strong Q2 and a great trajectory. Just one circumstantial question. We're all facing across Canada and the US variations on fire risk from forest fires.

Andrew Mikitchook: Hi, team. Congratulations on a really strong Q2 and a great trajectory. Just one circumstantial question we're all facing across Canada and the US, variations on fire risk from forest fires. I'm sure everyone on the call remembers that the last couple of summers, you guys have dealt with that. I think from memory, the site itself is now fairly burnt around it, so there's no further likely risk around the site. What are you seeing in terms of risk to your access road and risk to your power line, in terms of what you're seeing in terms of fire activity in the region?

Speaker #5: And I'm sure everyone on the call remembers that the last couple of summers you guys have dealt with that. So I think from memory, the site itself is now fairly burnt around it.

Speaker #5: So there's no further likely risk around the site. But what are you seeing in terms of risk to your access road and risk to your power line in terms of what you're seeing in terms of fire activity in the region?

Speaker #3: Yeah, thanks, Andrew. And I think that's an insightful comment and question in the sense that, at the site—and especially with our EP2 project—quite a bit of the area is cleared and, as you pointed out, we did get impacted by fires for a couple of seasons. Not last year, but the previous two years.

Dale Andres: Yeah, thanks, Andrew. I think that's an insightful comment and question in the sense that at the site, and especially with our EP2 project, quite a bit of the area is cleared, and it has, as you pointed out, we did get impacted by fires for a couple of seasons, not last year, but the previous two years. I'll find some wood around me here because I'll try and knock on it, to date, we've made out very well. You'll see a lot of comments in Canada and the US with big fires. We haven't been faced with those kind of fires in our immediate vicinity. There's been a couple of small ones 20km away that were handled and put out very quickly. I don't want to say we're out of the woods yet. Things can change.

Speaker #3: And I'll find some wood around me here, because I'll try and knock on it. But to date, we've made out very well. You'll see a lot of comments in Canada and the U.S. with big fires.

Speaker #3: We haven't been faced with those kinds of fires in our immediate vicinity. There have been a couple of small ones 20 kilometers away that were handled and put out very quickly.

Dale Andres: There's been a couple of small ones 20km away that were handled and put out very quickly. I don't want to say we're out of the woods yet. Things can change.It was a dry winter, low snowpack, and a quick melt. Things can dry up in a hurry. Through June and July, we made out very well. We've actually had cooler weather and rain, and if anything, some of the rain has impacted our mining, our roads, and our traction and things like that, as opposed to worrying about fires at the current time.

Speaker #3: I don't want to say we're out of the woods yet. Things can change. It was a dry winter, with low snowpack and a quick melt.

Dale Andres: It was a dry winter, low snowpack, and a quick melt. Things can dry up in a hurry. Through June and July, we made out very well. We've actually had cooler weather and rain, and if anything, some of the rain has impacted our mining, our roads, and our traction and things like that, as opposed to worrying about fires at the current time. That can change. We're well-prepared. We're in regular contact with the BC Wildfire Service. They know us well. We've worked closely together. I think we're well prepared to manage anything that we may face over the next couple of months. So far, so good, and I think we've made out really well compared to, unfortunately, some other areas in the province and the region that haven't been as lucky. Yeah, so far so good.

Speaker #3: And so things can dry up in a hurry. But through June and July, we made out very well, and we've actually had cooler weather and rain.

Speaker #3: And if anything, some of the rain has impacted our mining and our roads and our traction and things like that, as opposed to worrying about fires at the current time.

Dale Andres: That can change. We're well-prepared. We're in regular contact with the BC Wildfire Service. They know us well. We've worked closely together. I think we're well prepared to manage anything that we may face over the next couple of months. So far, so good, and I think we've made out really well compared to, unfortunately, some other areas in the province and the region that haven't been as lucky. Yeah, so far so good.

Speaker #3: That can change. We're well prepared. We're in regular contact with the BC Wildfire Service. They know us well. We work closely together. And I think we're well prepared to manage anything that we may face over the next couple of months.

Speaker #3: But so far, so good. And I think we've made out really, really well compared to, unfortunately, some other areas in the province and the region that haven't been as lucky.

Speaker #3: So yeah, so far, so good.

Speaker #5: Okay, well, thanks for that update. And again, congratulations on the great trajectory here. Keep doing the right things. I'll sign off.

Andrew Mikitchook: Okay. Well, thanks for that update. Again, congratulations on the great trajectory here. Keep doing the right things. I'll sign off.

Speaker #3: Appreciate that. Thanks, Andrew.

Dale Andres: Appreciate that. Thanks, Andrew.

Operator 3: This concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Dale Andres for any closing remarks. Please go ahead.

Operator: This concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Dale Andres for any closing remarks. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: This concludes the question-and-answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Dale Anders for any closing remarks. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Thank you, operator. And thanks again to everyone who joined the call. I hope we've been able to answer all your questions. We are available if there are any follow-up questions, including Jeremy.

Dale Andres: Thanks again to everyone who joined the call. I hope we've been able to answer all your questions. We are available if there are any follow-up questions, including Jeremy, and we do look forward to reporting on our optimization and growth progress. Thank you all.

Speaker #3: And we do look forward to reporting on our optimization and growth progress. Thank you all.

Operator 3: This brings to a close today's conference call. You may disconnect your lines. Thank you for participating and have a pleasant day.

Operator: This brings to a close today's conference call. You may disconnect your lines. Thank you for participating and have a pleasant day.

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