SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ: SSRM) (TSX: SSRM) reports consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020.

Paul Benson, President and CEO said, “We would like to thank our employees who have acted with care and focus as each operation addresses its own set of operating conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic during the first quarter of this year. Despite these challenges we had strong operating results for a near-record 107,000 gold-equivalent ounces and $58 million of operating cash flow. Our balance sheet strength, with nearly $400 million in cash, has continued to play an important role as we reduced debt, placed two operations on temporary care and maintenance and delivered encouraging exploration results all during the first quarter. As we look ahead our teams are reassessing the safe re-start of Seabee and Puna, and planning for production growth and exploration success to continue creating long-term value for our shareholders.

Importantly this week we announced a significant strategic development for SSR Mining, our zero-premium merger with Alacer Gold. This merger combines our portfolio of operations with a ‘Tier 1’ gold mine creating a free cash flow focused, diversified precious metals producer. This transaction aligns with investor interests for sector consolidation where both sets of shareholders benefit from being a part of a stronger company moving forward.”

First Quarter 2020 Highlights:
(All figures are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted)

• Strong financial performance: Reported positive income from mine operations totaling $44.8 million, net income of $24.0 million and adjusted attributable net income of $38.8 million, or $0.31 per share.⁽¹⁾
• Maintained strong balance sheet and liquidity: Cash balance at quarter end was $398.4 million and marketable securities of $50.3 million, while total convertible debt outstanding was reduced to $230 million during the quarter.
• Robust production to start the year: Achieved quarterly consolidated production of 107,331 gold equivalent ounces at cash costs of $824 per payable ounce of gold sold.⁽¹⁾
• High-grade production at Seabee Gold Operation: Produced 29,521 ounces of gold at cash costs of $544 per payable ounce of gold sold.⁽¹⁾ Mill throughput exceeded 1,050 tonnes per day during January and February 2020. The temporary suspension of Seabee in late March reduced quarterly throughput to 981 tonnes per day.
• Delivering at the Marigold mine: Produced 58,448 ounces of gold at cash costs of $824 per payable ounce of gold sold.⁽¹⁾ Total material mined was over 20 million tonnes, continuing to demonstrate strong and efficient operating practices.
• Consistent operating metrics at Puna Operations: Steady state mill throughput, silver feed grade and recovery led to 1.8 million ounces of silver production at cash costs of $13.49 per payable ounce of silver sold.⁽¹⁾ Mill throughput averaged 4,300 tonnes per day up to March 20, 2020.
• Temporary suspension of operations at Puna and Seabee: Announced the temporary suspension of operations at Puna and Seabee in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Marigold experienced only minor impacts from the pandemic and continued normal operations during the quarter.
• Continued exploration success: Drilling at Marigold and Seabee yielded positive results indicating potential increases to Mineral Resources. Drilling on greenfield targets yielded three resource grade intercepts at Fisher.
• Redeemed outstanding 2.875% senior convertible notes: Redeemed remaining outstanding 2013 Notes for $115 million in cash on March 30, 2020.
• Announced a zero-premium merger with Alacer Gold on May 11, 2020: Creates a leading intermediate precious metals producer with robust margins, strong free cash flow generation, and long mine lives led by highly experienced management with a track record of value creation.
• Divested SilverCrest equity position: On May 14, 2020, sold entire SilverCrest equity position of 9.0 million shares at a price of C$10.06 per common share for pre-tax gain of approximately C$55 million.

Marigold mine, U.S.

Mine production

In the first quarter of 2020, 20.3 million tonnes of material were mined, a 10% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 reflecting the impact of shorter haul distances associated with increased waste movement and some benefit from the new hydraulic loader commissioned during the first quarter.

During the first quarter of 2020, we delivered approximately 5.0 million tonnes of ore to the heap leach pads at a gold grade of 0.30 g/t. This compares to 6.7 million tonnes of ore delivered to the heap leach pads at a gold grade of 0.36 g/t in the fourth quarter of 2019. The gold grade delivered to the leach pad was 17% lower than the prior quarter and the strip ratio increased to 3.0:1 in the first quarter of 2020, a 76% increase compared to the prior quarter. The decrease in gold grade and increase in strip ratio are due to the completion of higher-grade ore deliveries from lower benches in the Mackay pit and the transition of mining equipment to stripping upper portions of the Mackay pit. Construction of the new leach pad is progressing per plan and on track to be completed during the year.

During the first quarter of 2020, the Marigold mine produced 58,448 ounces of gold, consistent with the prior quarter. During the first quarter of 2020, there were fewer tonnes stacked at lower grades compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, while production levels were similar compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 due to a draw down in leach pad inventories and benefits of the newly commissioned leach pad. While lower than the fourth quarter of 2019, the ounces stacked during the first quarter of 2020 were in fact higher than planned.

Mine operating costs

Cash costs and AISC per payable ounce of gold sold are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures”.

In the first quarter of 2020, cash costs per payable ounce of gold sold were $824, a 6% increase compared to the prior quarter due to lower recoverable ounces stacked leading to higher unit inventory costs and an increase in royalty costs due to higher gold prices. Total mining costs of $1.64 per tonne in the first quarter of 2020 were 10% lower than in the previous quarter primarily due to 10% higher tonnes mined and 2% lower total mining costs, mainly due to lower per unit fuel costs. Processing and general and administrative unit costs were 18% and 33% higher, respectively, in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, due to 26% fewer ore tonnes mined.

In the first quarter of 2020, AISC per payable ounce of gold sold was $1,277, a 14% increase compared to the prior quarter due to higher planned sustaining capital expenditures on processing facility upgrades, deferred stripping and capitalized maintenance components.

Mine sales

Average realized gold price is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures”.

In the first quarter of 2020, we sold 58,028 ounces of gold, a 5% decrease compared to sales of 61,088 ounces of gold sold in the fourth quarter of 2019. We realized an average gold price of $1,588 per ounce during the first quarter of 2020, an increase of 7% compared to an average realized gold price of $1,478 per ounce during the fourth quarter of 2019.

Exploration

Our exploration plan for 2020 is focused on the discovery of additional Mineral Resources south of the currently producing Mackay Pit, including Trenton Canyon, Valmy, East Basalt and Crossfire. A minor amount of reverse circulation (“RC”) drilling for additional Mineral Reserves at Mackay Pit and extensions at Red Dot is underway.

The acquisition in 2019 of adjacent claims south and west of our mining activities provide latitude to systematically explore for extensions to existing near surface oxide deposits similar to those mined at Marigold, and for higher grade sulphide deposits associated with deep fault structures, intrusive rocks and favourable Comus Formation sedimentary rocks similar to those hosting the deposits at the Turquoise Ridge Mine. Our exploration plan for high-grade, sulphide gold mineralization in 2020 includes 4,300 meters of core drilling supported by seismic and gravity geophysical surveys.

During the quarter, exploration drilling results included significant sulphide results at Trenton Canyon. These results demonstrate width and grade conditions similar to operating underground gold operations elsewhere in Nevada, and importantly show the new zone remains open at depth. As a result, we will continue to test and expand this new zone of gold mineralization.

In addition, exploration for extensions to oxide mineralization were successful at both Trenton Canyon and Valmy.

For further information regarding sulphide and oxide drill results, see our news release dated May 14, 2020 (which is not incorporated by reference into this news release).

Looking ahead, we received approvals to build roads and construct drill sites along the identified mineralized corridors at Trenton Canyon. We anticipate moving the RC drill rigs to exploration areas in the second quarter of 2020.

Seabee Gold Operation, Canada

Mine production

In the first quarter of 2020, the Seabee Gold Operation produced 29,521 ounces of gold, a 34% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, largely due to higher gold mill feed grade.

In the first quarter of 2020, the operation milled 89,282 tonnes of ore compared to 87,394 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2019. The mill achieved an average throughput of 981 tonnes per day over the first quarter of 2020, a 3% increase compared to the prior quarter, mainly due to increased mill feed from the Santoy mine. During the first quarter of 2020, gold mill feed grade was 10.34 g/t, a 31% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Gold recovery for the first quarter of 2020 was 98.1%, consistent with the prior quarter.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our Seabee Gold Operation was voluntarily placed into temporary care and maintenance on March 25, 2020 as a precautionary measure intended to protect our employees, their families and our communities. The annual winter road campaign was completed prior to the suspension of operations with all required operating and capital items received at site. We continue to assess public health and government guidelines to determine options to restart operations. During the interim, we continue to manage required activities to ensure the safety of our employees and the environment, and to enable operational readiness for when the operation resumes.

Mine operating costs

Cash costs and AISC per payable ounce of gold sold are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures”.

In the first quarter of 2020, cash costs per payable ounce of gold sold were $544, an 8% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 due to higher unit inventory costs. Mining unit costs were $68 per tonne mined in the first quarter of 2020, a 15% increase compared to the prior quarter due mainly to higher mobile equipment maintenance costs as a result of timing and increased operating development. Processing unit costs were $31 per tonne milled in the first quarter of 2020, a 7% increase compared to the prior quarter due to higher assay and compensation costs. General and administrative costs per tonne milled were 10% higher mainly due to costs related to the winter road operations, which saw more truck crossings than originally planned, as well as an increase in flight costs and timing of compensation payments.

In the first quarter of 2020, AISC per payable ounce of gold sold was $982, a 31% increase compared to the prior quarter due to higher cash costs, as described above, and higher planned sustaining capital expenditures relating to equipment delivered over the winter road, partially offset by higher ounces sold.

Mine sales

Average realized gold price is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures”.

In the first quarter of 2020, we sold 27,714 ounces of gold, a 14% increase compared to 24,362 ounces of gold sold in the fourth quarter of 2019. We realized an average gold price of $1,615 per ounce during the first quarter of 2020, an increase of 9% compared to an average realized gold price of $1,484 per ounce during the fourth quarter of 2019.

Exploration

Exploration at the Seabee Gold Operation for 2020 is focused on defining Mineral Reserves and adding Mineral Resources at Gap Hanging Wall (“Gap HW”) and adding Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources at Santoy 8A. Our exploration program is comprised of 50,000 meters of underground infill drilling and 10,000 meters of surface drilling. Planned exploration for 2020 also includes an additional 10,000 meters of surface drilling peripheral to the Santoy mine, but within proximity of infrastructure and access points.

During the first quarter of 2020, we completed over 11,400 meters of underground drilling and over 4,830 meters of surface drilling on near-mine targets. The majority of the work completed during the first quarter related to Gap HW.

We received positive results from infill and surface exploration holes at the Gap HW, including one surface hole drilled 210 meters down plunge from the existing Gap HW Mineral Resources, which included a resource grade intercept implying that Mineral Resources may extend to these depths.

We expect first quarter 2020 results to further expand Mineral Resources at Gap HW when estimated at year-end 2020.

Outside of the immediate mine area, we drilled over 3,450 meters in 13 holes at surface targets near Batman Lake, approximately 650 meters south of Santoy 8. Drilling at the Joker target included resource grade intercepts. These intercepts demonstrate the near-surface Mineral Resource potential of the Santoy mine complex proximal to existing mine infrastructure.

At the Fisher project, our 2020 objectives include exploring areas with the potential to add Mineral Resources. We have planned a 12,000 meter drilling program, augmented by soil sampling, mapping and prospecting. We identified and prioritized target exploration areas at Mac North and Abel Lake. During the first quarter of 2020, we completed over 9,460 meters of drilling in 31 core holes on four targets near Mac North and Abel Lake, with positive results identified at Abel Lake, Yin and Mac North targets.

For further information regarding Gap HW, Batman Lake and Fisher project drill results, see our news release dated May 14, 2020 (which is not incorporated by reference into this news release).

Exploration activities were completed in late-March 2020 and coincided with our voluntary suspension of operations at Seabee. We will resume our Seabee and Fisher project exploration activities after the safe restart of operations at Seabee to allow for added exploration personnel on site.

Puna Operations, Argentina
(amounts presented on 100% basis unless otherwise stated)

Mine production

In the first quarter of 2020, Puna Operations produced a total of 1.8 million ounces of silver, 5.5 million pounds of lead and 1.8 million pounds of zinc. Silver production decreased 17% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 mainly due to lower mill throughput and silver mill feed grade. Total material mined during the first quarter, while planned to be lower than the fourth quarter of 2019, was also impacted by weather events and the temporary suspension of operations commencing March 20, 2020. Existing ore stockpiles are sufficient to support milling activity for up to 4 months should a restart of operations be feasible in the near-term.

During the first quarter of 2020, total mill throughput was 15% lower compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 as milling was impacted by the temporary suspension of operations. Prior to the temporary suspension, mill throughput averaged 4,300 tonnes per day, consistent with the previous quarter. Processed ore contained an average silver grade of 170 g/t, a 2% decrease compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, but consistent with the mine plan and average silver reserve grade. The average silver recovery in the first quarter of 2020 was 95.3% as mill performance continues to benefit from our Operational Excellence initiatives. The strip ratio during the first quarter was 6.0:1.

On March 20, 2020, we temporarily suspended operations at Puna Operations as a result of government-mandated restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On April 4, 2020, the Government of Argentina reinstated mining as an essential business activity. As a result, we are evaluating phased restart options that enable the operations to comply with government regulations and guidelines. During the interim, we continue to manage required activities to ensure the safety of our employees, the environment and to enable operational readiness for when operations resume.

Mine operating costs

Cash costs and AISC per payable ounce of silver sold are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures”.

In the first quarter of 2020, cash costs per payable ounce of silver sold were $13.49, a 52% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 mainly due to a non-cash $8.5 million write-down of ore stockpile inventories to net realizable value which increased this quarter’s cash costs per payable ounce of silver sold by $4.90. The write-down of ore stockpile inventories was primarily due to a significant drop in silver prices at the end of the quarter. Mining unit costs were $3.62 per tonne mined in the first quarter of 2020, a 38% increase compared to the prior quarter due mainly to lower tonnes mined as a result of seasonal impacts from weather that affected pit operations and the temporary suspension of operations in March due to COVID-19. Processing and general and administrative unit costs per tonne milled were consistent with the prior quarter.

In the first quarter of 2020, AISC per payable ounce of silver sold was $16.40, a 47% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 mainly due to higher cash costs for the period, combined with the impact of similar sustaining capital costs compared to the prior quarter and 30% fewer payable ounces of silver sold compared to the prior quarter.

Mine sales

In the first quarter of 2020, silver sales totaled 1.8 million ounces, a 29% decrease compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Lead and zinc sales totaled 6.4 million pounds and 2.2 million pounds, respectively, representing decreases of 32% and 29%, respectively, compared to the prior quarter. The decrease in concentrate sales is partially due to lower production in the first quarter of 2020 and partially due to higher sales in the fourth quarter of 2019 as inventories were drawn down.

Exploration

During the first quarter of 2020, we completed a 3,400 meter exploration drill program on the Granada target at the Pirquitas property. The drilling explored the projected intersection of the past producing Potosi vein and the Cortaderas Breccia vein, which hosts much of the current underground Mineral Resources at Pirquitas. Three holes were completed to depths ranging from 1,010 meters to 1,220 meters. For further information regarding these drill results, see our news release dated May 14, 2020 (which is not incorporated by reference into this news release). No further work is planned for the Granada target at this time.

Outlook

By news release dated March 25, 2020, we withdrew our 2020 operating guidance across all operations until further notice due to the uncertainty with respect to future developments of the coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) pandemic, including the duration, severity and scope of the outbreak, the actions taken to contain or treat the COVID-19 outbreak and potential impacts on mining operations.

Although we expect the COVID-19 pandemic to adversely impact production and operating income in the short term, particularly at our Seabee Gold Operation and Puna Operations where operations are currently suspended, we continue to monitor the situation closely. The Marigold mine continues to operate with limited impact from COVID-19 and we have implemented numerous measures intended to protect our employees, including ensuring physical distancing and providing additional protective equipment.

We expect monthly care and maintenance costs at the Seabee Gold Operation and Puna Operations to be approximately $4.2 million per month and $2.5 million per month, respectively. We also are assessing our qualification for announced support programs in each country where our operations have been impacted. We intend to apply for such support if and when we meet the qualifying criteria.

We continue to evaluate our care and maintenance strategies and associated holding and labour costs while developing phased restart plans consistent with the regulations in place where our mines operate.

At the end of April 2020, the Province of Saskatchewan, where our Seabee Gold Operation is located, announced a five phase re-opening plan for the economy. Consistent with this plan, we have increased the size of our care and maintenance crew to advance maintenance work on fixed and mobile plant and equipment that was scheduled for later in the year. Based on the continued success of our mitigation strategies, we intend to commence underground development followed by underground mining, and then restart milling operations, in June 2020 at the earliest.

At Puna Operations, the initial restart phase contemplates re-activating the transport of ore that is currently stockpiled at the Chinchillas mine site to the Pirquitas plant site. Based on the continued success of our mitigation strategies, we would then start processing stockpiled ore, followed by a final phase of ramp up of mining activities at the Chinchillas mine. We expect that the earliest we would achieve steady state plant and mine operations is June 2020 and July 2020, respectively.

We expect to update production, cost and capital guidance once we have sufficient clarity on external guidelines and regulations and the potential timing and success of restart activities.

We are working closely with communities and regulators as we implement operating protocols at each of our operating sites to contain and mitigate the risk of spread of COVID-19. Additionally, we are providing up to $350,000 of monetary support and in-kind contributions for medical supplies, food and other materials in relation to community requirements for the COVID-19 response.

See “Risks and Uncertainties” in Section 7 of our MD&A and “Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures” for more information on the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our business and the actions we are taking in response.

Consolidated financial summary
(presented in thousands of USD, except for per share value)

Quarterly financial summary

Realized gold price is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures”.

Revenue in the first quarter of 2020 increased by 30% compared to the first quarter of 2019, mainly due to a higher realized gold price at the Marigold mine and Seabee Gold Operation and higher silver ounces sold at Puna Operations.

Income from mine operations of $44.8 million in the first quarter of 2020 generated a gross margin of 27% compared to income from mine operations of $30.2 million and a gross margin of 24% in the first quarter of 2019. Relative to the comparative quarter of 2019, income from mine operations was higher at the Marigold mine and Seabee Gold Operation mainly due to 22% and 24% increases in realized gold prices, respectively. In the first quarter of 2020, we generated net income of $24.0 million, an increase of $18.2 million compared to net income of $5.7 million in the first quarter of 2019.

Cash generated from operating activities in the first quarter of 2020 increased to $58.7 million compared to cash used in operating activities of $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2019. All of our mine operations generated higher revenue in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2019, driven primarily by higher realized gold prices at the Marigold mine and Seabee Gold Operation and higher silver ounces sold and realized silver price at Puna Operations.  Cash generated from operating activities was also significantly higher in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2019 due to stronger operating results, combined with large non-cash working capital impacts on the first quarter of 2019 as we completed our ramp up at Puna Operations and achieved steady-state operations.

Cash used in investing activities in the first quarter of 2020 increased to $49.4 million compared to cash used in investing activities of $33.8 million in the first quarter of 2019. In the first quarter of 2020, we invested $37.2 million in plant and equipment, $13.0 million in capitalized stripping and $3.1 million in underground mine development.

Cash used in financing activities was $114.0 million in the first quarter of 2020, compared to cash generated by financing activities of $77.4 million in the first quarter of 2019. In the first quarter of 2020, we redeemed our remaining outstanding 2013 Notes for $115.0 million. We also received proceeds from stock option exercises of $1.4 million.

Corporate summary

SSR Mining has an experienced management team of mine-builders and operators with proven capabilities. We have a strong balance sheet with $398.4 million in cash and cash equivalents as at March 31, 2020. We are committed to delivering safe production through relentless emphasis on Operational Excellence. We are also focused on growing production and Mineral Reserves through the exploration and acquisition of assets for accretive growth, while maintaining financial strength.

We announced on May 11, 2020, that we and Alacer Gold Corp. entered into a definitive arrangement agreement pursuant to which we agreed to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Alacer in a share-for-share transaction. The transaction would create a combined company with a market capitalization of approximately $4.0 billion as of May 8. Under the terms of the Agreement, we will acquire each Alacer share for 0.3246 of an SSR Mining share. At closing, SSR Mining and Alacer shareholders will collectively own approximately 57% and 43% of SSR Mining, respectively, on an issued and outstanding share basis.

The combined entity will continue as SSR Mining Inc. and will be headquartered in Denver, Colorado with a corporate office in Vancouver, B.C. and will be led by Rod Antal as President & CEO and Michael Anglin as Chairman. Following the completion of the transaction, the new board of directors will be comprised of five directors from each of the current SSR Mining and Alacer boards of directors for a total of 10 directors, including the CEO.

The zero-premium merger of SSR Mining and Alacer is expected to create a leading intermediate gold producer with robust margins, strong free cash flow generation, and long mine lives across four mining-friendly jurisdictions. In addition, the increased financial strength of the combined business will allow us to leverage the proven project execution capabilities of the combined management team to continue delivering on the extensive organic growth portfolio and compete for attractive assets as they arise. The complementary nature of the assets and the cultural alignment of the organizations are expected to facilitate an effective integration and allow us to continue to deliver value to our shareholders.

The board of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction, including in our case, based on the unanimous recommendation of a special committee of independent directors of SSR Mining. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2020. Closing of the transaction is subject to: approval by the shareholders of both companies, court approval, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. During the first quarter of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted major economic and financial markets. Most industries have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are facing operating challenges associated with the regulations and guidelines resulting from efforts to contain it. The pandemic has also significantly impacted the prices of the primary metals we produce and caused significant price volatility. The overall impact has resulted in the price of gold increasing and the price of silver declining.

As a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we temporarily suspended operations at our Puna Operations and Seabee Gold Operation on March 20, 2020 and March 25, 2020, respectively. During the suspension at Puna Operations and Seabee Gold Operation, we are performing care and maintenance activities. Costs incurred during the suspensions associated with these activities have been separately identified and accounted for as care and maintenance costs within operating income in the condensed consolidated interim statements of income. The Marigold mine continues to operate with limited impact from COVID-19 and we have implemented numerous measures intended to protect our employees, including ensuring physical distancing and providing additional protective equipment.

Holders of our 2.875% senior convertible notes issued in 2013 (the “2013 Notes”) had the right to surrender their 2013 Notes for purchase by us at their option (the “Put Option”) pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 2013 Notes, dated as of January 16, 2013 entered into with The Bank of New York Mellon any time before January 31, 2020. As of the expiration of the Put Option, $49,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2013 Notes were put to us and redeemed, and $4,000 of 2013 Notes were converted to equity.

The remaining outstanding 2013 Notes were callable by us at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon. On February 13, 2020, we provided notice of redemption to call the remaining outstanding 2013 Notes. On March 30, 2020, we redeemed all of our remaining outstanding 2013 Notes consisting of an aggregate principal amount of $114,947,000 plus accrued interest of $542,000 in exchange for payment of cash of $115,487,000 and equity of $2,000.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release relating to the Marigold mine has been reviewed and approved by Greg Gibson, P.E., and James N. Carver, each of whom is a SME Registered Member and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Gibson is our General Manager and Mr. Carver is our Exploration Manager at the Marigold mine. The scientific and technical information contained in this news release relating to the Seabee Gold Operation has been reviewed and approved by Samuel Mah, P.Eng., and Jeffrey Kulas, P. Geo., each of whom is a qualified person under NI 43-101. Mr. Mah is our Director, Mine Planning, and Mr. Kulas is our Manager Geology, Mining Operations at the Seabee Gold Operation. The scientific and technical information contained in this news release relating to Puna Operations has been reviewed and approved by Robert Gill, P.Eng. and F. Carl Edmunds, P. Geo., each of whom is a qualified person under NI 43-101. Mr. Gill is our General Manager at Puna Operations and Mr. Edmunds is our Vice President, Exploration.

About SSR Mining

SSR Mining Inc. is a Canadian-based precious metals producer with three operations, including the Marigold mine in Nevada, U.S., the Seabee Gold Operation in Saskatchewan, Canada and Puna Operations in Jujuy, Argentina. We also have two feasibility stage projects and a portfolio of exploration properties in North and South America. We are committed to delivering safe production through relentless emphasis on Operational Excellence. We are also focused on growing production and Mineral Reserves through the exploration and acquisition of assets for accretive growth, while maintaining financial strength.