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home / news releases / AMX:CC - Amex Exploration Perron Gold Project Delivers Strong Economics in Updated PEA


AMX:CC - Amex Exploration Perron Gold Project Delivers Strong Economics in Updated PEA

  • Post-Tax IRR 70.1% and Post-Tax NPV C$1,085M at US$2,500/oz Au
  • Two Stage Production: 4-year toll milling operation followed by the construction of an on-site processing plant
  • Cumulative Undiscounted Post-Tax Cash Flow of C$1,768M, including C$1,273M over the first 10 years of production
  • Gold production to average 112,000 oz per year over the first 10 years of production

Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Amex Exploration Inc. (TSXV: AMX) (FSE: MX0) (OTCQX: AMXEF) ("Amex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA") for its wholly-owned Perron gold project (the "Project"), located near the towns of Normétal and Valcanton in the province of Quebec, Canada. The PEA was prepared in collaboration with independent engineering and geological firms Evomine, Bumigeme, P&E Mining Consultants, Norda Stelo, and Laurentia Exploration.

PEA Technical Presentation details

In connection with this news release, AMEX will hold a conference call and audio webcast on September 4, at 10 am EDT, followed by a question-and-answer session.

To access the call please register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__sFEtKfiT4mxtyFDhI0IcA

You may also access the conference call on a listen-only basis via webcast at our website www.amexexploration.com. The audio webcast will be archived on www.amexexploration.com.

All dollar ($) amounts in this news release are in Canadian dollar ($) unless otherwise indicated.

Perron updated Preliminary Economic Assessment Highlights:

The Perron PEA has been updated to incorporate the latest Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE - released May 21st, 2025) and a new project development strategy. The following assumes a gold price of US$2,500/ounce ("oz") and a C$/US$ exchange rate of 1.38:1.

  • Staged production strategy derisk the project, simplifies the permitting process, accelerates time to revenue (targeting 2028) and minimizes shareholder dilution, with Phase 2 mine construction financed from free cash flow.
  • Phase 1:
    • 4-year 1,000 tpd contract mining, toll-milling operation in the Abitibi region, where numerous processing plants are in operation;
    • Low initial capital cost estimate of $146.1M which is partially offset from pre-production revenues of $68.6M for a net Initial CAPEX of $77.5M;
    • Average annual gold production of 102,000 oz gold ("Au") at an All in Sustaining Cost ("AISC") of US$1,165/oz Au;
    • Average diluted head grade of 10.07 grams per tonne ("gpt") for 0.41 million oz Au
  • Phase 2
    • 13-year 2,000 tpd owner operated mine with on-site processing facility;
    • Growth capital of $191.6M;
    • Average annual production of 93,000 oz Au at an AISC of US$1,027/oz Au;
    • Average diluted head grade of 4.32 gpt for 1.25 million oz Au.
  • Life of Mine ("LOM") of 17.5 years;
  • Average annual production of 95,000 oz Au, or 1.66 million oz Au over LOM, including an average per year of 112,000 oz for the first 10 years.
  • LOM Average diluted grade of 5.07 gpt Au;
  • LOM AISC of US$1,061/oz Au;
  • LOM Sustaining Capex of $386.3M;
  • Pre-tax NPV of $1,885M and After-tax NPV of $1,085M;
  • Pre-tax IRR of 99.1% and After-tax IRR of 70.1%;
  • Cumulative Pre-tax Undiscounted Net Free Cash Flow of $3,010M and Cumulative After-tax Undiscounted Net Free Cash Flow of $1,768M;
  • Pre-tax payback period of 1.1 years and After-tax payback period of 1.4.

CEO Commentary:

Victor Cantore, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMEX Exploration commented, "This PEA is based on our latest Mineral Resource Estimate and reflects our new vision for developing the Perron Project. Our staged approach to production and construction is both fiscally and technically prudent, minimizing permitting and technical risk, reducing upfront capital and enabling early cash flow."

Cantore continued, "The economics of this project are incredibly strong and with gold prices at record highs, quick time to production allows us to capitalize on current market conditions. Our cost structure is one of the lowest globally and reflects the benefits of having a project with high grade, easily mined gold ounces that is surrounded by infrastructure and mining expertise."

Table 1: PEA Study Economic Analysis Highlights

Economic Analysis Highlights
Unit
Base Case
Spot
Gold Price
US$/Au oz
2,500
3,400
Exchange Rate
CA$/US$
1.38
1.38
Pre-Tax Phase 1 Free Cash Flow1
CA
655
1,175
Pre-Tax Phase 2 Free Cash Flow1
CA
2,355
3,879
Pre-Tax Total Free Cash Flow
CA
3,010
5,055
Pre-Tax NPV (5%)
CA
1,885
3,195
Pre-Tax IRR
%
99.1
148.7
Pre-Tax Payback Period
Yrs
1.1
0.2
Post-Tax Phase 1 Free Cash Flow1
CA
368
671
Post-Tax Phase 2 Free Cash Flow1
CA
1,400
2,276
Post-Tax Total Free Cash Flow
CA
1,768
2,947
Post-Tax NPV (5%)
CA
1,085
1,841
Post-Tax IRR
%
70.1
107.6
Post-Tax Payback Period
Yrs
1.4
0.4
Ratio Post-Tax NPV (5%) to Initial CAPEX2
CA/CA
7
13

 

Notes:
1 Growth CAPEX is attributed to Phase 2, even if incurred prior to Year 5
2 Initial capital expenditure estimate of $146.1M is partially offset from pre-production revenues of $68.6M for a net initial CAPEX of $77.5M.

Table 2: PEA Physical Highlights

Physical Highlights
Unit
Pre-prod
Phase 1
Phase 2
Total
Processing Rate
tpd

1,000
2,000

Mine Life
yrs

4.0
13.5
17.5
Avg. Diluted Grade
Au gpt
14.47
10.07
4.32
5.07
Avg. Gold Production
Au oz/yr

102
93
95
Total Gold Production
Au koz
20
409
1,251
1,680
Tonnes Processed
kt
46
1,329
9,468
10,843
Processing Recovery Rate
%
95
95
95
95

 

Table 3: PEA Study Financial Highlights

Financial Highlights
Unit
Phase 1
Phase 2
Total/avg.
Average Operating Cost
US$/oz
943
874
891
All-in Sustaining Cash Costs (''AISC'')
US$/oz
1,165
1,027
1,061
Initial Capital Expenditure3
CA
146.1

146.1
Growth Capital Expenditure
CA

191.6
191.6
LOM Sustaining Capital Expenditure
CA


386.3

 

Notes:
3 Initial capital expenditure estimate of $146.1M is partially offset from pre-production revenues of $68.6M for a net initial CAPEX of $77.5M.
- The PEA is preliminary in nature and is based, in part, on Inferred Mineral Resources. Inferred Mineral Resources are considered too geologically speculative to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. There is no certainty that the economic forecasts on which the PEA is based will be realized.
- The economic analysis of the project was carried out using a discounted cash flow approach on a pre-tax and after-tax basis with a discount rate of 5%.
- Revenue was based on a long-term gold price of $2,500/oz in USD.

  • Underpinned by world class infrastructure, the Perron PEA demonstrates a top-tier high margin gold mining operation in the stable jurisdiction of Quebec, Canada. The Project is located within the Abitibi region, one of the most prolific gold belts in the world.

  • The PEA results confirm that Perron has the potential to be a stand-alone and highly profitable operation with an excellent internal rate of return (IRR) and after-tax net present value (NPV) at a range of gold prices.

  • The PEA shows that Perron has the potential to be a mine with limited environmental impact, utilizing the mined out open pits to store tailings and therefore avoiding the construction of a tailings management facility.

Mining

The mine will be operated as a mechanized underground operation, which will be complemented by open pit production. The mine will have an overall average production rate of 1,000 tpd of mineralized material during Phase 1 and a capacity of 2,000 tpd of mineralized material during Phase 2. Production is preceded by a 21-month pre-production period.

The selected underground mining method is longitudinal longhole stoping with cemented rockfill. Stope dimensions average 17.5 m in length, 25 m in height, and 4.7 m in width (LOM average) with a minimum mining width of 3.0 m. The different sectors of mine will be accessed via ramps and drifts to allow the efficient circulation of mobile mining equipment and to satisfy ventilation and emergency egress requirements. Pre-production and Phase 1 mining activities will mostly be done by a contractor, while Phase 2 considers a fleet of owner-operated equipment that includes 10 tonne LHDs and 42 tonne haul trucks.

Seven open pits are included in the mine plan and utilize conventional truck and shovel mining that will be executed by a contractor. The pits will begin to be mined at the beginning of Phase 1, with material completely extracted by year 13 as the pits are sequenced such that they can be used to manage all tailings generated by the on-site mill during Phase 2 of the Project.

Figure 1: Mine Design

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_2e5fd6dcc4235a69_002full.jpg

Table 4: Mine Physicals



Total
Yr -2
Yr -1
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
Yr 6
Yr 7
Yr 8
Mineralized material UG
kt
9,534
0
89
211
346
377
383
541
592
578
625
Waste rock mined - UG
kt
4,346
75
159
205
229
220
211
339
292
258
293
Subtotal - UG
kt
13,881
75.6
248
417
575
597
594
880
885
835
917
Mineralized material OP
kt
1,308
-
-
0
64
144
153
10
105
36
122
Waste rock mined OP
kt
11,044
-
-
0
745
1,067
980
133
924
366
1,033
Overburden mined OP
kt
7,298
28
-
1,087
762
529
316
1,305
736
1,428
666
Subtotal - OP
kt
19,651
28
0
1,087
1,571
1,741
1,448
1,448
1,764
1,830
1,821
Strip ratio - OP
-
14.0
-
-
-
23.5
11.1
8.5
143.2
15.9
49.7
13.9
Total mining
kt
33,531
104
248
1,503
2,146
2,337
2,042
2,328
2,649
2,665
2,739
Total mineralized material
kt
10,843
0
89
211
410
521
536
551
697
614
747

 



Total
Yr 9
Yr 10
Yr 11
Yr 12
Yr 13
Yr 14
Yr 15
Yr 16
Yr 17
Yr 18
Mineralized material UG
kt
9,534
564
535
650
653
626
658
660
658
647
141
Waste rock mined - UG
kt
4,346
236
204
280
302
275
252
257
189
71
0
Subtotal - UG
kt
13,881
800
739
930
955
901
910
916
847
718
141
Mineralized material OP
kt
1,308
71
115
201
191
96
0
0
0
0
0
Waste rock mined OP
kt
11,044
1,284
1,659
1,545
1,049
259
0
0
0
0
0
Overburden mined OP
kt
7298
425
16.3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Subtotal - OP
kt
19,651
1,781
1,791
1,746
1,240
355
0
0
0
0
0
Strip ratio - OP
-
14.0
24.1
14.6
7.7
5.5
2.7
0
0
0
0
0
Total mining
kt
33,531
2,581
2,530
2,676
2,196
1,256
910
916
847
717
140
Total mineralized material
kt
10,843
635
650
851
844
722
658
660
658
647
141

 

Processing

Phase 1 representing a 4-year 1,000 tpd contract mined, toll-milling operation in the Abitibi region, where numerous processing plants are in operation. Mineralized material will be loaded at the project site and transported by truck to the processing destination.

To date, AMEX has not entered into a toll milling arrangement with any third-party owner of a processing facility to treat its material. However, discussions were initiated and there are several parties that own processing facilities within the Abitibi region, with some permitted for toll milling and others that could be permitted upon arrangement, that could potentially treat the Perron mineralized material. Bumigeme inc., a mineral processing consultant based in Montréal (Canada), reviewed the flowsheets of these mills which are similar to the flowsheet developed in the PEA study for treating the Perron mineralized material. Bumigeme is confident that the recoveries anticipated from the toll treatment of ore from the Perron deposit will reach 94-95%, matching the expectations for the on-site processing plant (Phase 2). The Toll milling assumptions used in the PEA consists of an cost of CA$102.00 per tonne, covering for on-site crushing, transport and toll milling cost. A sensitivity analysis has been done on this cost and is presented in the Financial Analysis section.

Phase 2 consists of the construction and commissioning of a 2,000 tpd processing plant on-site at the Perron project. The plant will be in operation from year 5 to the end of the LOM. The flowsheet consists of primary crushing, followed by a grinding circuit consisting of a semi-autogenous grinding mill of 5.5 m diameter x 1.8 m long in an opened circuit and a ball mill of 4.0 m diameter x 6.7 m long in a closed circuit with cyclones - SABC circuit. A gravity circuit followed by leaching will recover coarse gold from the cyclone underflow, while the cyclone overflow, at a P80=74 microns, is treated in a six (6) tank carbon-in-leach circuit, followed by SO2/air cyanide destruction. Gold will be recovered in an adsorption-desorption-recovery circuit and electrowinning cells, with gold room recovery and production of bullion bars. The CIL tailings after the cyanide destruction will be pumped to a high-rate thickener to increase the slurry density to 62-64 % solid and pumped to empty pits.

Tests conducted in 2020 and 2024 on Perron ore achieved gold recoveries exceeding 95% using a gravity/cyanidation process. Based on these results and the treatment processes studied for four potential toll milling plants, an average recovery rate of 95% was considered for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the LOM. The process plant building will include a laboratory, mill offices, a dry and an electrical and mechanical shop.

Figure 2: Flowsheet

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_2e5fd6dcc4235a69_003full.jpg

Table 5: Gold Production by Source (Underground (UG) and Open Pit (OP))



Total
Yr -2
Yr -1
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
Yr 6
Yr 7
Yr 8
UG Grade Processed
g/t
5.5
-
14.5
8.1
10.8
9.6
11.3
10.8
6.6
5.6
5.8
UG Gold Recovered
oz
1,593
-
20
63
113
107
126
190
120
99
110
OP Grade Processed
g/t
2.2
-
-
-
5.0
-
-
2.7
2.9
2.8
2.2
OP Gold Recovered
oz
87
-
-
-
0
-
-
2
12
13
7
Total Grade Processed
g/t
5.1
-
14.5
8.1
10.7
9.6
11.3
10.5
5.9
5.0
5.3
Total Gold Recovered
oz
1,680
-
20
63
113
107
126
191
132
112
117

 



Total
Yr 9
Yr 10
Yr 11
Yr 12
Yr 13
Yr 14
Yr 15
Yr 16
Yr 17
Yr 18
UG Grade Processed
g/t
5.5
4.6
3.2
3.6
4.7
3.1
2.8
3.5
4.3
3.1
3.3
UG Gold Recovered
oz
1,593
80
52
71
94
60
57
71
87
62
14
OP Grade Processed
g/t
2.2
2.3
2.0
1.8
1.2
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
-
OP Gold Recovered
oz
87
12
12
5
3
6
4
4
4
3
-
Total Grade Processed
g/t
5.1
4.1
2.9
3.4
4.3
3.0
2.8
3.3
4.1
3.0
3.3
Total Gold Recovered
oz
1,680
91
64
75
97
66
61
75
91
65
14

 

Figure 3: Gold Production per Year

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_figure3.jpg

Infrastructure

The Project is approximately 6.5 kilometers from the town of Normétal, Quebec and is accessible via a well-maintained forestry road. The Project will require construction of the supporting infrastructure items, such as:

Phase 1
- Gatehouse and service and haulage roads;
- Temporary buildings to be used by the mining contractor (maintenance shop, warehouses, offices, dry, etc.);
- 6.5 kilometers of 25kV transmission line and an on-site substation;
- Surface water management facilities including final effluent water treatment plant, ditches, pond and pumping stations;
- Underground mine portal, mine ventilation systems (intake and exhaust) and waste dump and overburden storage facilities;
- Mineralized material loading facilities;

Phase 2
- 2,000 tpd process plant complex;
- Required infrastructures to pump the plant tailings to emptied open-pits;
- Maintenance shop;
- Administration building;
- Warehouse
- Additional surface water management facilities;
- Additional service and haulage roads;

These infrastructures and facilities will require different authorizations and permits prior to being built and operated. No camp will be required considering the nearby qualified labor pool.

Figure 4: Suggested Infrastructure Arrangement

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_2e5fd6dcc4235a69_005full.jpg

Figure 5: General site arrangement

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_2e5fd6dcc4235a69_006full.jpg

Workforce

During steady state operations, the number of employees (mine, process plant and G&A) is expected to peak at 272 people during Phase 1 of mine operation and at 335 people during Phase 2, including contractors (open pit mining, underground mining, contract services, etc.).

Tailings

During Phase 1, the tailings will be managed off-site at the toll mill facility. During Phase 2, the tailings storage plan will take advantage of open pits that will be mined in the first 13 years of mine operations. Process plant rejects will be thickened and pumped to the mined-out pits sequentially for permanent storage. Tailings will then consolidate over time and excess water will either be used for processing requirements or discharged to the environment once quality conditions are met. This concept aims to limit the environmental impact of the Perron Project, to limit the risks related to traditional Tailings Management Facility (TMF) stability, to simplify short-term and long-term monitoring and to greatly reduce the capital and operating costs related to tailings management.

Figure 6: Visual of in-pit tailings disposal

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_2e5fd6dcc4235a69_007full.jpg

Capital Expenditure

The total initial construction capital expenditure ("Initial CAPEX"), which is to bring Phase 1 of the Project into operation, is estimated at $146.1M, which will be partially offset from $68.6M in pre-production gold sales credits for an initial net CAPEX of $77.5M. It accounts for site development, the construction of a 25kV powerline connecting to the existing electrical substation in Normétal and the initial development of the underground mine. The Initial CAPEX estimate includes $7.4M of EPCM and indirect costs and a contingency of $9.2M.

The total growth capital expenditure ("Growth CAPEX"), to bring Phase 2 of the Project into operation, is estimated at $191.6M. It includes the costs of building a 2,000 tpd mill on site and acquiring an underground mobile equipment fleet. It also accounts for further site development, including a truck shop, warehouse and an administration facility. Additionally, the Growth CAPEX estimate includes $30.5M of EPCM and indirect costs and a contingency of $22.3M.

The Sustaining CAPEX ("SUSEX") is estimated to be $386.3M, including $11.4M of closure and rehabilitation costs. Underground mining SUSEX is earmarked for mining development, additional equipment, replacement units, and major repairs. Other SUSEX captures in-pit tailings storage, infrastructure and G&A.

Quotations from reputable suppliers were obtained for most of the large and high-cost equipment required for the plant, mine and site infrastructure. For other equipment and supplies, cost estimates were based on comparable projects, historical data or derived through consultants' in-house databases.

Table 6: Capital Expenditures

Item
Unit
Phase 1
Phase 22
Sustaining
Total
Site Preparation
CA
3.0
5.7
-
8.7
Infrastructure
CA
6.0
13.2
0.6
19.8
Power & Electrical
CA
6.7
4.3
-
11.0
Water Management
CA
9.6
6.0
-
15.6
Process Plant
CA
-
61.8
-
61.8
Mining Fleet
CA
5.1
44.8
47.3
97.2
Underground Development
CA
46.4
-
316.2
362.7
Tailings Management

-
3.0
10.8
13.8
Closure and Rehabilitation
CA
-
-
11.4
11.4
Pre-production OPEX
CA
52.6
-
-
52.6
Indirects
CA
7.4
30.5
-
40.9
Contingency
CA
9.2
22.3
-
42.3
Sub-Total
CA
146.1
191.6
386.3
724.0
Pre-Production Revenues1
CA
-68.6


-68.6
Total
CA
77.5
191.6
386.3
655.4

 

Notes
1 Consists of mineralized material mined and sold during the pre-production period, ie., before the mined is developed at a point where a constant mining rate of 600 tonnes per day is sustainable (60% of the planned rate of 1,000 tonnes per day).
2 Phase 2 CAPEX represents the investment needed to build a processing plant on site and to increase the mining rate at 2,000 tonnes per day.

  • As per the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines, working capital is reported separately to CAPEX in the economic model.

Operating Costs

LOM total operating cost is estimated at US$891 per ounce of gold produced, as summarized below. The LOM total AISC is estimated to be US$1,061 per ounce of gold produced based on a total gold production of 1,660,000 ounces over the 17.5 years of mine life. This cost structure places the Project in the bottom quartile of the global gold cost curve, which is mostly due to the high-grade nature of the mineralized material and to the simplicity of mining.

Table 8: Operating Costs

Item
Phase 1
Phase 2
LOM
CA
US$/Au oz
CA
US$/Au oz
CA
US$/Au oz
Mining Cost (UG + OP)
318.2
567
927.5
540
1,245.6
547
Off-Site Transport
53.2
95
-
-
53.1
23
Off-Site Processing
82.4
147
-
-
82.4
36
On-Site Processing
-
-
277.9
162
277.9
122
Water Management
1.3
2
7.1
4
8.4
4
General and Administration
50.6
90
217.8
127
268.4
118
Selling Costs
2.3
4
6.9
4
9.2
4
Royalty (1.5%)
21
37
64.2
37
85.3
37
Total Operating Costs
529.0
943
1,501.4
874
2,030.4
891
Sustaining Capital
125
222
261.7
152
386.3
170
All-in Sustaining Costs (''AISC'')
653.6
1,165
1,763.1
1,027
2,416.7
1,061

 

Table 8: Unit Operating Costs

Item
Unit
Phase 1
Phase 2
Underground Mining
CA/mined
199.1
97.2
Open-Pit Mining
CA/mined
9.6
10.0
Off-Site Transport
CA/milled
40.0
-
Crushing & Off-Site Processing
CA/milled
62.0
-
On-Site Processing
CA/milled
-
29.4
Water Management
CA/milled
1.0
0.8
General & Administration
CA/milled
38.1
23.0
Selling Costs
CA/milled
1.7
0.7
Royalty (1.5%)
CA/milled
15.8
6.8

 

Financial Analysis

At base case gold price of US$2,500/oz and exchange rate of 1.38, the Project generates a post-tax Net Present Value ("NPV") of $1,085M using 5% discount rate and a post-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 70.1% with a payback period of 1.4 years from the commencement of commercial production. The Project generates cumulative post-tax free cash flow of $1,768M over the 17.5-year production period. Total taxes payable over LOM at the base case gold price is $1,243M.

Figure 7: After-Tax FCF

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_figure7.jpg

The PEA financial economic analysis is significantly influenced by gold prices. At spot prices of US$3,400/Au oz and exchange rate of 1.38, the Project generates an after-tax NPV of $1,841M and an after-tax IRR of 107.6% with a payback period of 0.4 years. A sensitivity analysis was performed on the gold price, operating costs, total CAPEX and Phase 1 off-site transport and processing.

Table 9: Sensitivity Analysis

Gold price sensitivity

Variation
Gold price
 (US$/oz)
Post-tax
 NPV
(CA)
Post-tax
IRR
Post-tax
Payback
period
(years)
-40%
1,500
219
20.7%
5.1
-20%
2,000
659
47.0%
2.0
0%
2,500
1,085
70.1%
1.4
+20%
3,000
1,507
91.5%
0.9
+40%
3,500
1,924
111.5%
0.3
+60%
4,000
2,340
130.6%
0.2

 

Operating costs sensitivity

Variation
LOM average
operating
costs 
(CA$/tonne milled)
Post-tax
NPV
(CA)
Post-tax
IRR
Post-tax 
Payback
period
 (years)
-40%
112.83
1,354
82.8%
1.1
-30%
131.64
1,288
79.7%
1.2
-20%
150.45
1,221
76.6%
1.3
-10%
169.25
1,153
73.4%
1.3
0%
188.06
1,085
70.1%
1.4
+10%
206.86
1,016
66.8%
1.5
+20%
225.67
948
63.4%
1.6
+30%
244.47
879
59.8%
1.7
+40%
263.28
811
56.1%
1.9

 

Capital expenditures sensitivity

Variation
Total capital
 expenditures
 (CA)
Post-tax 
NPV 
(CA)
Post-tax
IRR
Post-tax 
Payback
period
(years)
-40%
393.2
1,201
102.1%
0.9
-30%
458.8
1,173
91.9%
1.1
-20%
524.3
1,143
83.4%
1.2
-10%
589.8
1,114
76.3%
1.3
0%
655.4
1,085
70.1%
1.4
+10%
720.9
1,055
64.7%
1.5
+20%
786.4
1,026
59.9%
1.6
+30%
852.0
996
55.6%
1.7
+40%
917.5
966
51.8%
1.8

 

Phase 1 Transport and Toll Milling cost sensitivity

Variation
Phase 1 Transport 
and Toll Milling 
Cost (CA$/tonne)
Post-tax 
NPV 
(CA)
Post-tax 
IRR
Post-tax 
Payback 
period 
(years)
-40%
61.20
1,110
73.3%
1.3
-30%
71.40
1,104
72.5%
1.3
-20%
81.60
1,097
71.7%
1.4
-10%
91.80
1,091
70.9%
1.4
0%
102.00
1,085
70.1%
1.4
+10%
112.20
1,079
69.3%
1.4
+20%
122.40
1,072
68.5%
1.4
+30%
132.60
1,066
67.7%
1.4
+40%
142.80
1,060
67.0%
1.5

 

Permitting and Environment

According to the Regulation respecting the environmental impact assessment and review of certain projects (chapter Q-2, r. 23.1, last updated on April 1 2025), work required for the operation of a new mine is included in the list of projects subject to the environmental impact assessment and review procedure (Schedule 1). In the regulation, a "mine" is defined as all the surface and underground infrastructures forming part of a mineral substance operation, except surface mineral substances within the meaning of the Mining Act (chapter M-13.1). The scope of the environmental impact assessment will be defined by the directive (guideline) issued by the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) subsequent to the filing of the Project Notice by Amex, in accordance with section 31.2 of the Environment Quality Act (EQA).

An environmental and social scoping study is currently underway to identify the key environmental and social risks and issues associated with the project construction and operation and to more accurately define the scope of the environmental baseline studies required. The acquisition of baseline environmental knowledge on the Perron property began several years ago and is still ongoing today. The environmental baseline studies and early public consultations, help characterize the receiving environment and identify areas that are more ecologically or socially rich or sensitive. This information will be used as part of the environmental assessment process and the feasibility studies to further develop and optimize the project with the objective of ensuring the project environmental and social acceptability.

Once the environmental assessment and review procedure is completed and the project is approved, the various project components will require specific provincial and federal permits and authorizations. At the provincial level, this will include ministerial authorizations that must be electronically filed with the appropriate forms to comply with the EQA and the Regulation respecting the regulatory scheme applying to activities on the basis of their environmental impact (REAFIE) (Q-2, r. 17.1), the Mining Act (chapter M-13.1), as well as other provincial acts and regulations. At the federal level, some project components and impacts may require specific authorizations according to federal legal and regulatory framework, including authorizations under the Fisheries Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. F-14, the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (SOR/2002-222) and other federal acts and regulations.

Stakeholder Engagement

The aboriginal community affected by Amex's activities is the Abitibiwinni First Nation which is an Algonquin First Nation residing primarily in the community of Pikogan in the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region. The Pikogan community, also called Abitibiwinni, is located three (3) kilometers from the town of Amos on the west bank of the Harricana River. The Perron project is located on a part of the ancestral territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation. A relationship of trust and respect has been built with the Abitibiwinni First Nation Council over the years through consistent transparency and consultation. With respect to local communities near the project, Normétal, Valcanton and Saint-Lambert are the main municipalities surrounding the Perron project.

Amex has always prioritized engaging stakeholders and implementing communication and consultation plans. Communication plans include a summary of the work completed on the property every six months as well as the company's exploration and development plans for the coming months. Active community participation in the development and implementation of the project is one of Amex's core values and aids in fostering good long-term relationships. Amex will continue consulting, supporting and informing all stakeholders at all stages of the project development. With this in mind, Ames aims to establish various working and consultation committees by the end of 2025.

Exploration Update

With the recent acquisition of the Perron West property (see press release dated March 25, 2025) quadrupling Amex's land holdings along the Normétal-Burntbush greenstone belt, the Company's exploration plans are significantly expanding to cover the vast, new area of prospective geology. Amex's constant evolution of knowledge of the mineralization styles and structures with the Beaupré Block on Perron will provide invaluable insight into guiding exploration on the Company's expanded land package.

Currently, Amex has multiple teams conducting surface exploration work on the 15,192-hectare Perron West project. Teams of technicians are completing large and widespread soil sampling programs to find and/or further define gold-in-soil anomalies, while teams of geologists are completing surface prospecting work, including mapping, grab sampling, structural measurements of outcrops, etc. The work is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, with the results to help further define the existing anomalies on the property and further solidify drill planning for a maiden program on Perron West in 2026.

In addition, structural geology specialists from consultant Norda Stelo are continuing work on a thoroughly detailed 3D lithostructural model on the Perron property. This project is nearing completion and will help guide drill planning for the remainder of the year and into 2026 at Perron. The outcomes from this model will also improve Amex's understand and build upon a larger scaled regional structural framework, that will aid drill planning efforts on the Perron West property.

The Company will update the market with more in-depth details on drill planning for Perron in the near future.

Mineral Resource Estimate

The updated PEA was based on the NI 43-101 compliant Perron Project MRE, with an effective date of May 21, 2025 (please see the linked press release). The mineral resources that have flowed to the mine plan at Perron come from multiple zones, with major contributions from the Champagne, Denise, Team, Grey Cat and Gratien zones.

Table 1: Summary of total Mineral Resources at the Perron Project

Zone
Class
OPEN PIT (CoG 0.40 gpt Au)
UNDERGROUND (CoG 1.40 gpt Au)
TOTAL
Tonnes
Au
Au
Tonnes
Au
Au
Tonnes
Au
Au
k
g/t
koz
k
g/t
koz
kt
g/t
koz
Total
Meas
48
1.1
2
333
14.2
152
382
12.54
154
Ind
2,520
3.16
256
5,281
7.1
1,205
7,801
5.83
1,461
M&I
2,569
3.12
258
5,614
7.52
1,357
8,183
6.14
1,615
Inf
1,044
2.02
68
4,000
4.9
631
5,044
4.31
698

 

Perron Gold project Mineral Estimate notes:

  • The Mineral Resource Estimate is compliant with CIM 2019 Best Practices Guidelines for reporting Mineral Resources and Reserves.
  • Mineral Resources are presented undiluted and in situ and are considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The Mineral Resources near surface are constrained by pit optimization surfaces and the underground Mineral Resources are constrained by potentially mineable stope shapes.
  • The database is comprised of a total of 1,807 drill holes for 608492.30 metres of drilling (which includes historical drilling completed by previous operators, abandoned and exploration holes) in the extent of the Mineral Resource, of which (359 087.40 metres) 305,523 samples were assayed as of March 31, 2025, grid spacing is variable.
  • All NQ core assays reported by Amex were obtained by analytical methods described below under "QA/QC".
  • Geological interpretation of the zones was based on lithologies, mineralized zones orientation and cut-off grade considerations. Each zone has its own characteristic of mineral occurrence and amount of recoverable gold.
  • Geological wireframe interpretation was initially made from cross-sections at intervals in GEMSTM, and then completed in LeapfrogTM where selections of mineralized intervals were combined to generate mineralized wireframes. Wireframes are generally subvertical with various plunges.
  • The Mineral Resource Estimate encompasses a total of 115 wireframes, sub-vertical gold-bearing domains, each defined by individual wireframes with a minimum downhole width of 2.0 m.
  • Assay Samples were composited within the mineralization envelopes into 1.0 m length composites. A value of 0.001 g/t Au was applied in cases of drill core not assayed.
  • High-grade capping was done on composite data and established using a statistical analysis on a per-zone basis for gold. Capping varied from 5 g/t Au to 500 g/t Au and was applied on composites within each specific wireframe.
  • Bulk density values were applied on the different mineralized zones varied from 2.7 to 2.8 t/m3 based on site drill core measurements.
  • Inverse distance cubed grade interpolation was used.
  • Grade estimates are based on a parent block dimension of 5m x 5m x 5m with sub-cells down to 1m x 1m x 1m. Search parameters were determined by variography.
  • The Perron Mineral Resource Estimate is classified as Measured, Indicated and Inferred as follows:
    • The Measured Mineral Resource classification is defined by areas where drill hole sample spacing is less than 10 m, blocks are informed by a minimum of three drill holes, and reasonable geological and grade continuity is shown.
    • The Indicated Mineral Resource classification is defined by areas where drill spacing is less than 30 m (except Champagne Zone at 40 m), blocks are informed by a minimum of two drill holes, and reasonable geological and grade continuity is shown.
    • The Inferred Mineral Resource classification is defined by the limits of the constraining wireframes, blocks are informed by a minimum of one drill hole, and reasonable, however, not verified, geological and grade continuity is observed.
  • Grade estimates use metric units (metres, tonnes and g/t). Metal contents are presented in troy ounces (metric tonnes x grade / 31.10348).
  • The QPs are not aware of any known environmental, permitting, legal, title-related, taxation, socio-political or marketing issues, or any other relevant issues that could materially affect the Mineral Resource Estimate.

Further details regarding the 2025 updated Mineral Resource Estimate, key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the Mineral Resources of the Perron Gold Project are available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Corporation's issuer profile in accordance with NI 43-101.

Qualified Persons

The qualified persons independent of the issuer, responsible for the technical information in this Press Release are Stephen Coates, P.Eng. of Evomine, Alexandre Burelle, P.Eng. of Evomine, Florent Baril, P.Eng. of Bumigeme, Antoine Yassa P.Geo. of P&E, Charles Spath, M.Sc., P.Geo. of P&E, Yungang Wu, M.Sc., P.Geo. of P&E, Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET of P&E, Denys Vermette, P.Geo. of Norda Stelo and Jérôme Augustin, Ph.D., P.Geo. of Laurentia Exploration. They declare that they have read this press release and that the scientific and technical information relating to the resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment presented therein are correct.

Disclosure

Non-GAAP financial measures

The Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures in this document. These financial measures are not defined under IFRS and should not be considered in isolation. The Company believes that these financial measures, together with financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS, provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. The inclusion of these financial measures is meant to provide additional information and should not be used as a substitute for performance measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. These financial measures are not necessarily standard and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers.

All-in sustaining cost

All in sustaining cost is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated based on guidance published by the World Gold Council ("WGC"). The WGC is a market development organization for the gold industry and is an association whose membership comprises leading gold mining companies. Although the WGC is not a mining industry regulatory organization, it worked closely with its member companies to develop these metrics. Adoption of the all-in sustaining cost metric is voluntary and not necessarily standard, and therefore, this measure presented by the Company may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The Company believes that the all-in sustaining cost measure complements existing measures and ratios reported.

All-in sustaining cost includes both operating and capital costs required to sustain gold production on an ongoing basis. Sustaining operating costs represent expenditures expected to be incurred that are considered necessary to maintain production. Sustaining capital represents expected capital expenditures comprising mine development costs, including capitalized waste, and ongoing replacement of mine equipment and other capital facilities, and does not include expected capital expenditures for major growth projects or enhancement capital for significant infrastructure improvements.

About Amex Exploration Inc.

Amex Exploration Inc. has made significant high-grade gold discoveries, along with copper-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) zones, at its 100%-owned Perron Gold Project, located approximately 110 kilometres north of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. The Project comprises 117 contiguous claims (45.18 km²) and hosts both bulk-tonnage and high-grade gold mineralization styles.

When combined with the adjacent Perron West Project, which includes 48 claims (17.37 km²) in Quebec and 35 claims (134.55 km²) in Ontario, the consolidated land package spans a district-scale 197.52 km². This extensive property lies within highly prospective geology favourable for both high-grade gold and VMS mineralization.

The Project benefits from excellent infrastructure: it is accessible by a year-round road, located just 20 minutes from an airport, and approximately 8 km from the Town of Normétal. It is also in close proximity to several process plants owned by major gold producers.

For further information, please contact:

Victor Cantore
President and Chief Executive Officer
Amex Exploration: +1-514-866-8209

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265097

Stock Information

Company Name: Amex Exploration Inc.
Stock Symbol: AMX:CC
Market: TSXVC
Website: amexexploration.com

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