PERPETUA RESOURCES CORP. - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021

OR

For the transition period from ___________ to __________

Commission File Number 001-39918

PERPETUA RESOURCES CORP.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (208) 901-3060

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Shares, no par value

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.   Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).   Yes ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes  ☐    No  ☒

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of the shares of common shares on The Nasdaq Stock Market on the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter 2021, was $379,454,445.

The registrant had 62,971,859 common shares outstanding as of March 11, 2022.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed within 120 days of the Registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

Unless the context otherwise indicates, references to the “Company,” “Perpetua Resources,” “Perpetua,” “we,” “us,” or “our” in this Annual Report refer to Perpetua Resources Corp. and its subsidiaries and the “Corporation” refers only to Perpetua Resources Corp.

See the “Glossary of Technical Terms” for more information regarding some of the terms used in this Annual Report.

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION

Unless otherwise indicated, references herein to “US$”,“$” or “dollars” are expressed in U.S. dollars . References in this Annual Report to Canadian dollars are noted as “C$.” Our consolidated financial statements that are included in this Annual Report are presented in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this Annual Report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this Annual Report, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this Annual Report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “outlook,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “can,” the negatives thereof, variations thereon and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Forward-looking statements are based on certain estimates, beliefs, expectations and assumptions made in light of management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that may be appropriate.

Forward-looking statements necessarily involve unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking information, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Factors that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects can be found in Item 1A, Risk Factors, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and elsewhere in this Annual Report. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

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Statements concerning mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking information to the extent that such statements involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if a property is developed.

With respect to forward-looking information contained herein, the Company has applied several material factors or assumptions including, but not limited to, certain assumptions as to production rates, operating cost, recovery and metal costs; that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies will be consistent with the Company’s expectations; that the current exploration, development, environmental other objectives concerning the Company’s Stibnite Gold Project (the “Project” or “Stibnite Gold Project”) can be achieved and that the Company’s other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the formal review process under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) (including a joint review process involving the United States Forest Service (“USFS” or “Forest Service”), the State of Idaho and other agencies and regulatory bodies) as well as the public comment period and environmental impact statements will proceed in a timely manner and as expected; that the progression of the litigation involving the Nez Perce Tribe will proceed in a timely manner and as expected; that the current price and demand for gold and other metals will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration, development and environmental protection activities on the Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; and that the continuity of economic and political conditions and operations of the Company will be sustained.

These risks are not exhaustive. Because of these risks and other uncertainties, our actual results, performance or achievement, or industry results, may be materially different from the anticipated or estimated results discussed in the forward-looking statements in this Annual Report. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors nor can we assess the effects of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in, or implied by, any forward-looking statements. Our past results of operations are not necessarily indicative of our future results. You should not rely on any forward-looking statements, which represent our beliefs, assumptions and estimates only as of the dates on which they were made, as predictions of future events. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even though circumstances may change in the future, except as required under applicable securities laws. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

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GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS

Conversion Factors

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The following is a glossary of certain terms used in this Annual Report:

Assay means, in economic geology, to analyze the proportions of metal in a rock or overburden sample; to test an ore or mineral for composition, purity, weight or other properties of commercial interest.

CERCLA means Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, referenced informally as “Superfund.”

CIM means the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.

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Deposit means a mineralized body which has been physically delineated by sufficient drilling, trenching, and/or underground work, and found to contain a sufficient average grade of metal or metals to warrant further exploration and/or development expenditures; such a deposit does not qualify as a commercially mineable ore body or as containing ore reserves, until final legal, technical, and economic factors have been resolved.

g/t Au means grams of gold per metric tonne of material.

Grade means the amount of valuable metal in each tonne of ore, expressed as grams per tonne (g/t) for precious metals and as percent (%) for antimony.

km means kilometre(s).

m means metre(s) (equivalent to 3.281 feet).

M means million.

Mineralization means the concentration of metals and their chemical compounds within a body of rock.

Mineral Reserve or mineral reserve means an estimate of tonnage and grade or quality of indicated and measured mineral resources that, in the opinion of the qualified person, can be the basis of an economically viable project. More specifically, it is the economically mineable part of a measured or indicated mineral resource, which includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined or extracted.

Mineral Resource or mineral resource means a concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality, and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction. A mineral resource is a reasonable estimate of mineralization, taking into account relevant factors such as cut-off grade, likely mining dimensions, location or continuity, that, with the assumed and justifiable technical and economic conditions, is likely to, in whole or in part, become economically extractable. It is not merely an inventory of all mineralization drilled or sampled.

Ore means a mineral reserve of sufficient value as to quality and quantity to enable it to be mined at a profit.

Ounce or oz means a troy ounce or twenty penny weights or 480 grains and is equivalent to 31.1035 grams.

Oz/t or oz/st means a troy ounce per short ton.

Plan of Restoration and Operations or PRO for a mining project on National Forest Lands is a summary of activities intended or proposed to occur on federal lands. The PRO provides the Forest Service with a list of the proponents’ contact and legal information, name of mining district or mineralized area, surface disturbance map, description of the type and magnitude of proposed operations, estimated timing of activities, and plans for reclamation of disturbed areas during and following mining related activities.

POx means pressure oxidation.

2016 PRO means the PRO that was filed by the Corporation with the U.S. Forest Service in September 2016.

Sampling means a technique for collecting representative sub-volumes from a larger volume of geological material. The particular sampling method employed depends on the nature of the material being sampled and the kind of information required.

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NOTICE REGARDING MINING PROPERTY DISCLOSURE RULES

The material scientific and technical information in respect of the Stibnite Gold Project in this Annual Report, unless otherwise indicated, is based upon information contained in the Technical Report Summary (the “TRS”), dated as of December 31, 2021, developed for the Stibnite Gold Project in accordance with the mining property disclosure rules specified in S-K 1300 (“S-K 1300”) promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The TRS summarizes, in accordance with the mining property disclosure rules specified in S-K 1300, the technical report titled “Stibnite Gold Project, Feasibility Study Technical Report, Valley County, Idaho” dated effective December 22, 2020 and issued January 27, 2021 (the “2020 Feasibility Study”), which was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. These standards differ from the mining property disclosure rules specified in S-K 1300. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits from the TRS set forth herein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with NI 43-101.

The technical data and economic conclusions of the TRS and the 2020 Feasibility Study are identical, with minor differences between the reports resulting only from (i) the respective disclosure requirements of S-K 1300 and NI 43-101 and (ii) differences in commodity prices at the respective effective dates. The notable differences are the following:

All other technical analyses, design information, capital and operating cost information, economic analyses, permitting and legal assumptions, conclusions and recommendations are consistent between the TRS and the 2020 Feasibility Study. The TRS is filed with the SEC as Exhibit 96.1 to this Annual Report. The 2020 Feasibility Study is available on the Company’s website and under the Company’s profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR").

The 2020 Feasibility Study was compiled by M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation (“M3”) in accordance with NI 43-101 under the direction of independent qualified persons (as defined in NI 43-101) (“Independent QPs”).

Independent QPs for the 2020 Feasibility Study include: Richard Zimmerman, SME-RM (onsite and offsite infrastructure, cost estimating and financial modeling) and Art Ibrado, P.E. (mineral processing) with M3; Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. (mineral resources) with Kirkham Geosystems Ltd.; Christopher Martin, C.Eng. (metallurgy) with Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd.; Grenvil Dunn, C.Eng. (hydrometallurgy) with Hydromet WA (Pty) Ltd.; Chris Roos, P.E. (mineral reserves) and Scott Rosenthal P.E. (mine planning) with Value Consulting, Inc.; and Peter Kowalewski, P.E. (tailings storage facility and closure) with Tierra Group International, Ltd.

The TRS was compiled by M3 in accordance with S-K 1300 promulgated by the SEC under the direction of Independent Qualified Persons (as defined in S-K 1300) (“QPs”). QPs for the TRS include: Richard Zimmerman, SME-RM (onsite and offsite infrastructure, cost estimating, mineral processing, financial modeling) with M3; Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. (mineral resources) with Kirkham Geosystems Ltd.; Christopher Martin, C.Eng. (metallurgy) with Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd.; Grenvil Dunn, C.Eng. (hydrometallurgy) with Hydromet WA (Pty) Ltd.; Scott Rosenthal P.E. (mine planning and mineral reserves) with Value Consulting, Inc.; and Peter Kowalewski, P.E. (tailings storage facility and closure) with Tierra Group International, Ltd.

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All disclosure contained in this Annual Report regarding the mineral reserves and mineral resource estimates and economic analysis on the property is fully qualified by the full disclosure contained in the 2020 Feasibility Study and the TRS.

Information of a scientific or technical nature in this Annual Report has been approved by Christopher Dail, AIPG CPG #10596, Exploration Manager for Perpetua Resources Idaho, Inc. and a qualified person (as defined in NI 43-101 and as defined in S-K 1300).

See also “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

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PART I

Item 1. Business

Overview

The Corporation was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) on February 22, 2011 under the name “Midas Gold Corp.” The Corporation changed its name to “Perpetua Resources Corp.” on February 15, 2021.

The Corporation’s head office is located at Suite 201 – 405 South 8^th Street, Boise, Idaho, U.S.A. 83702 and its registered and records office is located at Suite 400 – 725 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V7Y 1G5.

The Corporation is a development-stage company engaged in acquiring mining properties with the intention of exploring, evaluating and placing them into production, if warranted. Currently, its principal business is the exploration and, if warranted and subject to receipt of required permitting, redevelopment, restoration and operation of the Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho, USA (the "Project" or "Stibnite Gold Project"). The Corporation is currently undertaking an extensive permitting process for redevelopment and restoration of the Project.

Mineral exploration and development are expected to constitute the principal business of the Corporation for the coming years. In the course of realizing its objectives, it is expected the Corporation may enter into various agreements specific to the mining industry, such as purchase or option agreements to purchase mining claims and/or joint venture agreements.

The Corporation’s principal mineral project is the Stibnite Gold Project, which contains several gold, silver and antimony mineral deposits. The Corporation’s current focus is to explore, evaluate and potentially redevelop three of the deposits known as the Hangar Flats Deposit, West End Deposit and Yellow Pine Deposit, all of which are located within the Stibnite Gold Project as well as reprocess certain historical tailings located on the Project. These development activities would be undertaken in conjunction with a major restoration program designed to address impacts related to historical activities in the Project area.

The Corporation’s subsidiaries’ property holdings at the Stibnite Gold Project are comprised of a contiguous package of unpatented federal lode claims, unpatented federal mill sites, patented lode mining claims and patented mill sites.  As of December 31, 2021, this land position encompassed approximately 11,548 hectares held in 1,518 unpatented lode claims and mill sites and patented land holdings. A subsidiary of the Corporation acquired these rights through a combination of purchases and transactions and staking under the 1872 Mining Law and holds a portion under an option agreement. Bureau of Land Management claim rental payments and filings are current as of the date of this filing and the claims are all held in good standing. Normal maintenance and upkeep of the Project infrastructure continued during the year.

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Corporate Structure

The following chart shows the intra-corporate relationships between the Corporation and its subsidiaries.

Perpetua Resources Idaho, Inc. (“PRII”) has no ownership interest in the Stibnite Gold Project; rather, it is the operating entity and manages the activities on the Project site. The property holding entity, Idaho Gold Resources Company, LLC (“IGRCLLC”), is the surviving entity in a merger with Stibnite Gold Company (“SGC”) effective June 3, 2021 and is managed pursuant to an operating agreement by PRII. PRII and IGRCLLC are wholly owned by the Corporation.

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IGRCLLC holds title to the Yellow Pine, Hangar Flats, and West End deposits, all of the patented mill sites and all of the unpatented federal lode mining claims and unpatented mill sites.

Recent Developments

Perpetua Resources has determined that it no longer qualifies as a “foreign private issuer” as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Exchange Act. As a result, effective January 1, 2022, the Company is required to, among other things, (i) file periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the SEC and (ii) comply with U.S. proxy requirements with respect to solicitation materials, including those relating to the Company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Permitting and Environmental Matters

Perpetua Resources focuses on the exploration and mining of the Stibnite Gold Project, the reclamation of prior deposits and historical tailings, and the restoration of the area to address historical activities and legacy contamination. Our project is, therefore, subject to a number of environmental regulations, including federal, state, and local laws. Significantly, we are subject to formal review under NEPA and extensive permitting requirements. In 2016, the Forest Service began its formal review of the Stibnite Gold Project under NEPA. The Forest Service completed scoping in 2017 and from late 2020 through 2021, pursuant to the NEPA process, the United States Forest Service and cooperating agencies undertook extensive review of our project and proposed actions through a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. As a result of public comment and continued NEPA review, we anticipate the circulation of a preliminary Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (“SDEIS”) for cooperating agency review in the second quarter of 2022, with public release shortly thereafter in the third quarter of 2022. We continue to work on obtaining the required ancillary permits during this time.

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Our project is subject to ongoing litigation and could face further litigious challenges in the future. To address historical legacy impacts at the site of the Stibnite Gold Project, Perpetua Resources has voluntarily entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent (“ASAOC”) with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “U.S. EPA”) and the United States Department of Agriculture, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. Finalized on January 15, 2021, the ASAOC provides for a number of time critical removal actions (early cleanup actions) designed to improve water quality in several areas of the site. Upon signing of the ASAOC, the aggregate cost of the obligation was estimated to be approximately $7,473,805. In 2021, the total cost estimate to voluntarily address environmental conditions increased to $12,198,651. As of December 31, 2021, the corresponding environmental liability was estimated to be $9,888,200. See also Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Government and Environmental Regulations

Mining operations and exploration activities are subject to various national, state, and local laws and regulations in the United States, which govern prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, protection of the environment, mine safety, hazardous substances, disclosure requirements and other matters. Perpetua Resources plans to obtain the licenses, permits or other authorizations currently required to conduct its exploration or development programs and believes that it is currently in material compliances with applicable mining, health, safety and environmental statutes and the regulations passed thereunder in the United States and Idaho. Except as otherwise noted above, we are not subject to any orders or directions with respect to the foregoing laws and regulations. For a more detailed discussion of the various government laws and regulations applicable to our operations and potential negative effects of these laws and regulations, see section Item 1A, Risk Factors, below.

Our operations are subject to numerous environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. These laws and regulations may require us to take precautions with respect to threatened, endangered, or otherwise protected species and their habitat as well as other natural, historical, and cultural resources, perform environmental assessments or impact statements, implement siting and operational programs or best practices to minimize environmental impacts from our operations, perform investigatory remedial obligations, and obtain federal, state, and local permits, licenses, or other approvals. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the imposition of significant fines or penalties. Additionally, we could experience significant opposition from third parties to our application for such permits or during the administrative agency review and appeal process after the issuance of such permits. Delays or denial of permits, or the imposition of costly and difficult to comply with conditions, may impair the development of our project or curtail our planned operations. The following provides a summary of the more significant environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations which our operations are subject to and for which compliance with may have a material adverse impact on our business.

National Environmental Policy Act

Our project is subject to environmental review under NEPA. The federal law requires agencies to evaluate the environmental impact of their actions that may significantly affect the quality of the environment and can include the granting of a permit or similar authorization for the development of certain projects. As part of the review, agencies are required to consider numerous environmental impacts, such as impacts on air quality, water quality, cultural resources, wildlife, geology, aesthetics, as well as alternatives to the project. The review process can lead to significant delays in approval of such projects and the issuance of the requisite permits which, in turn, can impact both the cost and development of operations. As a result of NEPA review, agencies may decide to deny permits or other support for a project, or condition approvals on certain modifications or mitigation actions. Additionally, authorizations under NEPA are subject to litigation, protest, or appeal, which has the potential to lead to further delays.

Pursuant to NEPA, the United States Forest Service and cooperating agencies undertook extensive review of our project and proposed actions. As a result of this review, an SDEIS is anticipated for public release in the third quarter of 2022.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act

The site upon which our project is located has significant legacy contamination. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) can impose joint and several liability, without regard to fault or legality of conduct, on classes of persons who are statutorily responsible for the release of hazardous substances into the environment. These persons include current owners or operators of a site where a release has occurred. Under CERCLA, such current owners or operators may be subject to strict, joint and several liability for the entire cost of cleaning up hazardous substances and for other expenditures, such as response costs and damage to natural resources. Idaho also has environmental cleanup laws analogous to CERCLA.

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Voluntary early cleanup actions can be undertaken pursuant to settlement agreements under CERCLA. We have entered into the ASAOC with the U.S. EPA and the United States Department of Agriculture to conduct a number of timely critical removal actions focused on improving water quality in several areas of the site.

Protection of Species and Habitat

Our operations are subject to several environmental regulations and guidelines regarding various protected species and their habitats and include the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, alongside similar state laws. These laws impose significant civil and criminal penalties for violations, including injunctions limiting or otherwise prohibiting operations in certain areas where protected species or their habitat is located. The imposition of such restrictions, such as seasonal limitations, may result in additional costs and delays and could impact the feasibility of our project.

Clean Water Act

The Clean Water Act (“CWA”) and other similar federal and state laws and regulations may require us to obtain permits for water discharges or take mitigation actions with respect to loss of wetlands. Additionally, such regulations require us to implement a variety of best management practices to ensure that water quality is protected and the impacts of our operations are minimized. The CWA and analogous laws and regulations provide for administrative, civil and criminal penalties for unauthorized discharges of pollutants in reportable quantities and may impose substantial potential liability for the costs of addressing such discharges.

Mine and Safety Health Administration

Mining operations are regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine and Safety Health Administration (“MSHA”) which carries out the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006. MSHA enforces the health and safety rules for all U.S, mines and includes mine inspections regarding compliance with applicable laws and regulations. MSHA has the ability to issue citations and orders and assess penalties for health and safety violations.

District Exploration

No drilling was completed during the reporting period. Activities during the reporting period focused on studies to support permitting and design, engineering and environmental studies to support the ongoing activities related to the ASAOC.

Employees

At December 31, 2021, the Corporation had 31 full time employees and 1 part time employee. 29 employees were directly related to the mineral development activities of the Stibnite Gold Project and the remaining 3 employees were focused on executive management and administrative support of the Corporation. A total of 28 employees were employed in Idaho; however, in 2021, most of the Perpetua Resources team continued working remotely, when possible, to support a safer workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Corporation also contracts out certain activities with specific skills to assist with various aspects of the Project.

Competition

The gold exploration and mining business is a competitive business. The Corporation competes with numerous other companies possessing greater financial and technical research resources. Competition is particularly intense with respect to the acquisition of desirable undeveloped gold properties. In addition, we also encounter competition for the hiring of key personnel. This competition could adversely impact our ability to advance the Project, acquire suitable prospects for exploration in the future on terms we consider acceptable, attract necessary capital funding or acquire an interest in additional properties.

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Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”)

Our commitment to ESG practices is a core part of our business and has been since our inception, as formalized by our ESG Policy. Our operations are guided by responsible and sustainable mining practices and incorporate strong corporate governance values and stakeholder engagement. We engage regularly with key stakeholders and other interested parties, which allows us to better understand their interests, perspectives, and needs. We also believe in both transparency and accountability as key attributes of our governance strategy and seek to deliver information in an open and consistent manner, as denoted by our Environmental, Social Responsibility and Good Governance Report released in 2020. Our commitment to ESG is also incorporated into our conservation principles which govern the development of our Project and, ultimately, our operations.

Both our ESG Policy and our 2020 Environmental, Social Responsibility and Good Governance Report can be found on the Company’s website.

Availability of Raw Materials

The raw materials we require to carry on our business are readily available through normal supply or business contracting channels in the United States and Canada. Historically, we have been able to secure the appropriate equipment and supplies required to conduct our contemplated programs. As a result, we do not believe that we will experience any shortages of required equipment or supplies in the foreseeable future.

Gold Price History

The price of gold is volatile and is affected by numerous factors, all of which are beyond our control, such as the sale or purchase of gold by various central banks and financial institutions, inflation, recession, fluctuation in the relative values of the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, changes in global and regional gold demand, in addition to international and national political and economic conditions. The following table presents the annual high, low and average daily afternoon London Bullion Market Association (“LBMA”) gold price over the past five calendar years on the London Bullion Market ($/ounce):

Data Source: www.kitco.com

Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”) enacted in April 2012. Certain specified reduced reporting and other regulatory requirements are available to public companies that are emerging growth companies. These provisions include:

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We will continue to be an emerging growth company until the earliest of:

We have elected to take advantage of certain of the reduced disclosure obligations in this Annual Report and may elect to take advantage of other reduced reporting requirements in future filings. As a result, the information that we provide to our shareholders may be different than what you might receive from other public reporting companies in which you hold equity interests.

Available Information

We file or furnish annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other documents with the SEC under the Exchange Act. The SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including Perpetua, that file electronically with the SEC. We are also subject to requirements of the applicable securities laws of Canada, and documents that we file with the Canadian Securities Administrators may be found at www.sedar.com.

We make available free of charge through our website (www.perpetuaresources.com) our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and, if applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC or the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada. In addition to the reports filed or furnished with the SEC and the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada, we publicly disclose information from time to time in our press releases, investor presentations posted on our website and at publicly accessible conferences. Such information, including information posted on or connected to our website, is not a part of, or incorporated by reference in, this Annual Report or any other document we file with or furnish to the SEC or the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada.

We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy (the “Code of Conduct”) that applies to our management and to our other employees. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K relating to amendments to or waivers from any provision of our Code of Conduct applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and other persons performing similar functions by posting such information on our website (www.perpetuaresources.com). Our other policies and the charters of our Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees are available on our website. Information on our website is neither part of, nor incorporated into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Investing in our common shares involves a high degree of risk. An investment in our securities is speculative and involves a high degree of risk due to the nature of our business and the present stage of exploration and development of our mineral properties. You should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as the other information in this Annual Report, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and Part II, Item 7. entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in any documents incorporated in this Annual Report by reference, before deciding whether to invest in our common shares. The occurrence of any of the events or developments described below could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects and could cause them to differ materially from the estimates described in forward-looking statements in this Annual Report. In such an event, the market price of our common shares could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Although we have discussed all known material risks, the risks described below are not the only ones that we may face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. Certain statements below are forward-looking statements. See also “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Annual Report.

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Risks Related to Our Business

We have no history of commercially producing precious metals from our mineral properties and there can be no assurance that we will successfully establish mining operations or profitably produce precious metals.

The Project is not in production or currently under construction, and we have no ongoing mining operations or revenue from mining operations. Mineral exploration and development has a high degree of risk and few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. The future development of the Project will require obtaining permits and financing and the construction and operation of mines, processing plants and related infrastructure. As a result, we are subject to all of the risks associated with establishing new mining operations and business enterprises, including:

The costs, timing and complexities of mine construction and development are increased by the remote location of the Project, with additional challenges related thereto, including access, water and power supply, and other support infrastructure. Cost estimates may increase significantly as more detailed engineering work and studies are completed on a project. New mining operations commonly experience unexpected costs, problems and delays during development, construction, and mine start-up. In addition, delays in the commencement of mineral production often occur. Accordingly, there are no assurances that our activities will result in profitable mining operations, or that we will successfully establish mining operations, or profitably produce precious metals at the Project.

In addition, there is no assurance that our mineral exploration activities will result in any discoveries of new ore bodies. If further mineralization is discovered there is also no assurance that the mineralized material would be economical for commercial production. Discovery of mineral deposits is dependent upon a number of factors and significantly influenced by the technical skill of the exploration personnel involved. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit is also dependent upon a number of factors which are beyond our control, including the attributes of the deposit, commodity prices, government policies and regulation, and environmental protection requirements.

Perpetua Resources’ future exploration and development efforts may be unsuccessful.

Mineral resource exploration and, if warranted, development, is a speculative business, characterized by a number of significant risks, including, among other things, unprofitable efforts resulting not only from the failure to discover mineral deposits but also from finding mineral deposits, which, though present, are insufficient in volume and/or grade to return a profit from production. There is no certainty that the expenditures that have been made and may be made in the future by Perpetua Resources related to the exploration of its properties will result in discoveries of mineralized material in commercially viable quantities.

Most exploration projects do not result in the discovery of commercially viable mineral deposits and no assurance can be given that any particular level of recovery or Mineral Reserves will in fact be realized or that any identified mineral deposit will ever qualify as a commercially viable deposit which can be legally and economically exploited.

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Perpetua Resources’ mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates may not be indicative of the actual gold that can be mined.

Assay results from core drilling or reverse circulation drilling can be subject to errors at the laboratory analyzing the drill samples. In addition, reverse circulation or core drilling may lead to samples which may not be representative of the gold or other metals in the entire deposit. Mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates are based on interpretation of available facts and extrapolation or interpolation of data and may not be representative of the actual deposit. In the context of mineral exploration and future development, there is inherent variability between duplicate samples taken adjacent to each other and between sampling points that cannot be reasonably eliminated. There may also be unknown geologic details that have not been identified or correctly appreciated at the current level of delineation in these types of investigations. This results in uncertainties that cannot be reasonably eliminated from the estimation process. Some of the resulting variances can have a positive effect and others can have a negative effect on mining and processing operations. The calculations of amounts of mineralized material within Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves are estimates only. Actual recoveries of gold and other potential by-products from Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves may be lower than those indicated by test work. Any material change in the quantity of mineralization, grade, tonnage or stripping ratio, or the price of gold and other potential by-products, may affect the economic viability of a mineral property. In addition, there can be no assurance that the recoveries of gold and other potential by-products in small-scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in larger scale pilot plant tests under on-site conditions or during production. Notwithstanding the results of any metallurgical testing or pilot plant tests for metallurgy and other factors, there remains the possibility that the ore may not react in commercial production in the same manner as it did in testing.

Mining and metallurgy are an inexact science and, accordingly, there always remains an element of risk that a mine may not prove to be commercially viable. Until a deposit is actually mined and processed, the quantity of Mineral Reserves, Mineral Resources and grades must be considered as estimates only. In addition, the determination and valuation of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources is based on, among other things, assumed metal prices. Market fluctuations and metal prices may render Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves uneconomic. Any material change in quantity of Mineral Reserves, Mineral Resources, grade, tonnage, percent extraction of those mineral reserves recoverable by underground mining techniques or stripping ratio for those Mineral Reserves recoverable by open pit mining techniques may affect the economic viability of a mining project, including the Project and any future operations in which Perpetua Resources has a direct or indirect interest. Any or all of these factors may lead to mineral resource and/or mineral reserve estimates being overstated, the mineable gold that can be received from the Project being less than the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, and the Project not being a viable project.

If Perpetua Resources’ mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates for the Project are not indicative of actual grades of gold and other potential by-products, Perpetua Resources will have to continue to explore for a viable deposit or cease operations.

Perpetua Resources faces numerous uncertainties in estimating economically recoverable mineral reserves and mineral resources, and inaccuracies in estimates could result in lower than expected revenues, higher than expected costs and decreased profitability.

Information concerning our mining properties in Item 2, Properties has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of S-K 1300, which first became applicable to us for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. A mineral is economically recoverable when the price at which it can be sold exceeds the costs and expenses of mining, processing and selling the mineral. Mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates of the gold, silver and antimony in our mining properties are based on many factors, including engineering, economic and geological data assembled and analyzed by internal staff and third parties, which includes various engineers and geologists, the area and volume covered by mining rights, assumptions regarding extraction rates and duration of mining operations, and the quality of in-place mineral reserves and mineral resources. The mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates as to both quantity and quality are updated from time to time to reflect, among other matters, new data received.

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities and qualities of minerals and costs to mine recoverable mineral reserves and mineral resources, including many factors beyond the Company’s control. Estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources necessarily depend upon a number of variable factors and assumptions, any one of which may, if incorrect, result in an estimate that varies considerably from actual results. These factors and assumptions include:

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As a result, actual tonnage recovered from identified mining properties and estimated revenues, expenditures and cash flows with respect to mineral reserves and mineral resources may vary materially from estimates. Thus, these estimates may not accurately reflect the Company’s actual mineral reserves and mineral resources. Any material inaccuracy in estimates related to the Company’s mineral reserves or mineral resources could result in lower than expected revenues, higher than expected costs or decreased profitability and changes in future cash flow, which could materially and adversely affect the Company business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Additionally, reserve and resource estimates may be adversely affected in the future by interpretations of, or changes to, the SEC’s property disclosure requirements for mining companies.

Perpetua Resources has a history of net losses and expects losses to continue for the foreseeable future.

We have a history of net losses and we expect to incur net losses for the foreseeable future. The Project has not advanced to the commercial production stage and we have no history of earnings or cash flow from operations. We expect to continue to incur net losses unless and until such time the Project commences commercial production and generates sufficient revenues to fund continuing operations. The development of our mineral properties to achieve production will require the commitment of substantial financial resources. The amount and timing of expenditures will depend on a number of factors, including the progress of ongoing exploration and development, the results of consultants’ analyses and recommendations, the rate at which operating losses are incurred, the process of obtaining required government permits and approvals, the availability and cost of financing, the participation of our partners, and the execution of any sale or joint venture agreements with strategic partners. These factors, and others, are beyond our control. There is no assurance that we will be profitable in the future.

We have a limited property portfolio.

At present, our only material mineral property is the interest that we hold in the Project. Unless we acquire or develop additional mineral properties, we will be solely dependent upon this property. If no additional mineral properties are acquired by us, any adverse development affecting our operations and further development at the Project may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to continue the exploration, permitting, development, and construction of the Project, and to continue as a going concern, will depend in part on our ability to obtain suitable financing.

We have limited financial resources. We will need external financing to develop and construct the Project. According to the TRS, the total initial capital cost estimate for the Project is approximately $1,263 million. These cost estimates may change materially as our studies are updated. Our failure to obtain sufficient financing could result in the delay or indefinite postponement of exploration, development, construction, or production at the Project. The cost and terms of such financing may significantly reduce the expected benefits from development of the Project and/or render such development uneconomic. There can be no assurance that additional capital or other types of financing will be available when needed or that, if available, the terms of such financing will be favorable. Our failure to obtain financing could have a material adverse effect on our growth strategy and results of operations and financial condition.

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We are subject to NEPA review and may be unable to obtain or retain necessary permits which could adversely affect our operations.

Our mining and exploration development activities are subject to extensive permitting requirements which can be costly to comply with and involve extended timelines. Specifically, we are subject to NEPA review, the process of which is ongoing at this time. Formal review under NEPA is extensive and involves several actions, including public scoping, coordination with cooperating agencies, the release of environmental impact statements followed by public comment, and the issuance of a final record of decision. To the extent there are delays in the NEPA process, such as we are unable to timely obtain a record of decision from the United States Forest Service or fail to obtain requisite ancillary permits, this may adversely impact our operations. Additionally, to the extent that we are granted necessary permits, we may be subject to a number of requirements or conditions including the installation or undertaking of programs to safeguard protected species and their habitat, sites, or otherwise limit the impacts of our operations. Previously obtained permits may be suspended or revoked for a variety of reasons. While we strive to comply with and conclude the NEPA review process, and obtain and comply with all necessary permits and approvals, any failure to do so may have negative impacts upon our business or financial condition, such as increased delays, curtailment of our operations, increased costs, implementation of mitigation or remediation requirements, the potential for litigation or regulatory action, and damage to our reputation.

We are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations, with which failure to comply may impact our operations.

Our mining, exploration, and development operations are subject to extensive environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations in the jurisdiction in which we operate and include those relating to the discharge and remediation of materials in the environment, waste management, and natural resource protection and preservation. Numerous governmental authorities, such as the U.S. EPA, and analogous state agencies, have the power to enforce compliance with these laws and regulations and the permits issued thereunder, oftentimes requiring difficult and costly response actions. Certain environmental laws, such as CERCLA, impose strict, joint and several liability for costs required to remediate and restore sites where hazardous substances have been stored or released, including sites subject to legacy contamination. We may be required to remediate contaminated properties currently owned and operated by us regardless of whether such contamination resulted from our actions or from the conduct of others. Additionally, claims for damages to persons or property, including natural resources, may result from the environmental, health, and safety impacts of our operations.

We may incur substantial costs to maintain compliance with environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations and such costs could increase if existing laws and regulations are revised or reinterpreted or if new laws or regulations become applicable to our operations. Failure to comply with these environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations may result in the imposition of restrictions on our operations, administrative civil or criminal liabilities, injunctions, third-party property damage or personal injury claims, investigatory cleanup or other remedial obligations, or other adverse effects on our business, financial condition, or operations. Current and future legislative and regulatory action could result in changes to operating permits, material changes in operations, and increased capital and operating expenditures, among others.

Our operations are also subject to extensive laws and regulations governing worker health and safety and require us to ensure our employees receive adequate training and guidance to follow applicable environmental, health, and safety policies, procedures, and programs. Failure to comply with applicable legal requirements may cause us to incur significant legal liability, penalties, or fines, result in reputational damage, and negatively impact our employee retention. Our mines will be inspected on a regular basis by government regulators who may issue orders and citations if they believe a violation of applicable mining health and safety laws has occurred. In such cases, we may be subject to fines, penalties, or sanctions, and our operations temporarily shut down. Additionally, future changes in applicable laws and regulations, including more rigorous enforcement, could have an adverse impact on operations and result in increased material expenditures to achieve compliance.

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Our operations, including permitting, may be subject to legal challenges which could result in adverse impacts to our business and financial condition.

Our mining, exploration, and development operations, and the permits required for such activities, may be subject to legal challenges at the international, federal, state, and local level by various parties. Such legal challenges may allege non-compliance with laws and regulations. For example, in August 2019, the Nez Perce Tribe filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Idaho alleging our operations violated the Clean Water Act and seeking declaratory and injunctive relief. Following the entry of an ASAOC with the U.S. EPA and the United States Department of Agriculture, the parties agreed to stay the litigation and explore alternative dispute resolution. Legal challenges such as this may result in adverse impacts to our planned operations such as increased defense costs, the performance of additional mitigation, or remedial activities, or significant delays to our Project. We may also be subject to more localized opposition, including efforts by environmental groups, which could attract negative publicity or have an adverse impact on our reputation.

Additionally, our Project is located in a district with significant impacts from legacy mining operations prior to our acquisition of and tenure at the sites. Pursuant to CERCLA, we may be subject to liability and remediation responsibilities as current owners of certain areas of the sites under applicable law, consent decrees or similar agreements.

The implementation of the Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent may be costly, time and resource intensive, and result in adverse impacts on our planned operations.

The ASAOC with the U.S. EPA and the United States Department of Agriculture requires us to undertake numerous actions over the next several years and pay associated costs for future response activities pursuant to CERCLA. Such actions include site characterization reports, the development of health and safety plans, removal projects, bank stabilization, investigations of underlying baseline conditions, and feasibility evaluations, to name only a few. These actions require us to implement stringent schedules including meetings and approvals from key stakeholders, such as the U.S. EPA and the United States Forest Service, contractor procurement, site preparation, and construction. The implementation of the ASAOC, and the potential for significant deviations and changes to our projected schedules and plans, may result in increased costs and expenditures, affecting the feasibility of our project moving forward. Additionally, compliance with the ASAOC will be time intensive and resource intensive, and may lead to adverse impacts upon on our operations, our financial condition, and our business overall.

Our operations are subject to climate change risks.

Climate change may result in various physical risks, such as the increased frequency or intensity of extreme weather events or changes in meteorological and hydrological patterns, that could adversely impact our business. Such physical risks may result in damage to our facilities causing our operations to temporarily slow down or come to a stop.  Moreover, the physical risks associated with climate change could have financial implications for our business, such as increased capital or operating costs, and additional expenditures to maintain or increase the resiliency of our facilities and implement contingency measures.

Increasing attention to ESG matters and conservation measures may adversely impact our business.

Increasing attention to, and societal expectations on companies to address, climate change and other environmental and social impacts and investor and societal expectations regarding voluntary ESG disclosures may result in increased costs and reduced access to capital. While we may announce various voluntary ESG targets in the future, such targets are aspirational. Also, we may not be able to meet such targets in the manner or on such a timeline as initially contemplated, including, but not limited to, as a result of unforeseen costs or technical difficulties associated with achieving such results.

In addition, organizations that provide information to investors on corporate governance and related matters have developed ratings processes for evaluating companies on their approach to ESG matters. Unfavorable ESG ratings could lead to increased negative investor sentiment toward us and could impact our access to and costs of capital. Additionally, to the extent ESG matters negatively impact our reputation, we may not be able to compete as effectively to recruit or retain employees, which may adversely impact our business.

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Perpetua Resources’ title to its mineral properties and its validity may be disputed in the future by others claiming title to all or part of such properties.

The validity of mining rights may, in certain cases, be uncertain and subject to being contested. The Company’s mining rights, claims and other land titles, particularly title to undeveloped properties, may be defective and open to being challenged by governmental authorities and local communities.

Perpetua Resources’ properties consist of various mining concessions in the United States. Under U.S. law, the concessions may be subject to prior unregistered agreements or transfers, which may affect the validity of Perpetua Resources’ ownership of such concessions. A claim by a third party asserting prior unregistered agreements or transfer on any of Perpetua Resources’ mineral properties, especially where commercially viable Mineral Reserves have been located, could adversely result in Perpetua Resources losing commercially viable Mineral Reserves. Even if a claim is unsuccessful, it may potentially affect Perpetua Resources’ current activities due to the high costs of defending against such claims and its impact on senior management’s time. If Perpetua Resources loses a commercially viable Mineral Reserve, such a loss could lower Perpetua Resources’ revenues or cause it to cease operations if this Mineral Reserve represented all or a significant portion of Perpetua Resources’ operations at the time of the loss.

Certain of Perpetua Resources’ properties may be subject to the rights or the asserted rights of various community stakeholders, including federally-recognized tribes. The presence of community stakeholders may also impact on the Corporation’s ability to explore, develop or, in potentially the future, operate its mining properties. In certain circumstances, consultation with such stakeholders may be required and the outcome may affect the Corporation’s ability to explore, develop or operate its mining properties.

Certain of the Company’s mineral rights consist of unpatented mining claims. Unpatented mining claims present unique title risks due to the rules for validity and the opportunities for third-party challenge. These claims are also subject to legal uncertainty.

Perpetua Resources faces substantial competition within the mining industry from other mineral companies with much greater financial and technical resources and Perpetua Resources may not be able to effectively compete.

The mineral resource industry is intensively competitive in all of its phases, and Perpetua Resources competes with many companies possessing much greater financial and technical research resources. Competition is particularly intense with respect to the acquisition of desirable undeveloped gold properties. The principal competitive factors in the acquisition of such undeveloped properties include the staff and data necessary to identify, investigate and purchase such properties, and the financial resources necessary to acquire and develop such properties. Competition could adversely affect Perpetua Resources’ ability to advance the Project or to acquire suitable prospects for exploration in the future on terms it considers acceptable. Increased competition could adversely affect the Corporation’s ability to attract necessary capital funding or acquire an interest in additional properties.

Perpetua Resources depends on key personnel for critical management decisions and industry contacts but does not maintain key person insurance.

Perpetua Resources is dependent on a relatively small number of key personnel, the loss of any of whom could have an adverse effect on the operations of Perpetua Resources. Perpetua Resources’ success is dependent to a great degree on its ability to attract and retain highly qualified management personnel. The loss of any such key personnel, through incapacity or otherwise, would require Perpetua Resources to seek and retain other qualified personnel and could compromise the pace and success of its exploration and permitting activities. Perpetua Resources does not maintain key person insurance in the event of a loss of any such key personnel.

Perpetua Resources does not have a full staff of technical people and relies upon outside consultants to provide critical services.

Perpetua Resources has a relatively small staff and depends upon its ability to hire consultants with the appropriate background and expertise as such persons are required to carry out specific tasks. Perpetua Resources’ inability to hire the appropriate consultants at the appropriate time could adversely impact Perpetua Resources’ ability to advance its exploration and permitting activities. See section Item 1A, Risk Factors - Perpetua Resources faces substantial competition within the mining industry from other mineral companies with much greater financial and technical resources and Perpetua Resources may not be able to effectively compete.

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Certain Perpetua Resources directors and officers also serve as officers and/or directors of other mining companies, which may give rise to conflicts.

Certain Perpetua Resources directors and officers are also directors, officers or shareholders of other companies that are similarly engaged in the business of acquiring, developing and exploiting natural resource properties. Such associations may give rise to conflicts of interest from time to time. Directors and officers of the Corporation with conflicts of interest are subject to and are required to follow the procedures set out in applicable corporate and securities legislation, regulations, rules and policies.

Perpetua Resources’ business involves risks for which Perpetua Resources may not be adequately insured, if it is insured at all.

In the course of exploration and development of, and production from, mineral properties, certain risks, and in particular, unexpected or unusual geological operating conditions including landslides, ground failures, fires, flooding and earthquakes may occur. It is not always possible to fully insure against such risks. Perpetua Resources does not currently have insurance against all such risks and may decide not to take out insurance against all such risks as a result of high premiums or other reasons. Should such liabilities arise, they could reduce or eliminate any future profitability and result in increasing costs and a decline in the value of the securities of Perpetua Resources.

Additionally, the Corporation is not insured against most environmental risks. Insurance against all environmental risks (including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result of the disposal of waste products by third parties occurring as part of historic exploration and production) has not been generally available to companies within the industry. The Corporation periodically evaluates the cost and coverage of the insurance that is available against certain environmental risks to determine if it would be appropriate to obtain such insurance. Without such insurance, or with limited amounts of such insurance, and if the Corporation becomes subject to environmental liabilities, the payment of such liabilities would reduce or eliminate its available funds or could exceed the funds the Corporation has to pay such liabilities and result in bankruptcy. Should the Corporation be unable to fully fund the remedial cost of an environmental problem, it might be required to enter into interim compliance measures pending completion of the required remedy.

A shortage of supplies and equipment could adversely affect Perpetua Resources’ ability to operate its business.

Perpetua Resources is dependent on various supplies and equipment to carry out its activities. The shortage of such supplies, equipment and parts could have a material adverse effect on Perpetua Resources’ ability to carry out its activities and therefore have a material adverse effect on the cost of doing business.

Risks Related to Our Industry

Resource exploration and development is a high risk, speculative business.

Resource exploration and development is a speculative business, characterized by a high number of failures. Substantial expenditures are required to discover new deposits and to develop the infrastructure, mining and processing facilities at any site chosen for mining. Resource exploration and development also involves a high degree of risk, which even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to adequately mitigate. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines, and there is no assurance that commercial quantities of ore will be discovered on any of Perpetua Resources’ exploration properties. There is also no assurance that, even if commercial quantities of ore are discovered, a mineral property will be brought into commercial production, or if brought into production, that it will be profitable. The discovery of mineral deposits is dependent upon a number of factors, including the technical skill of the exploration personnel involved. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit is also dependent upon, among a number of other factors, its size, grade, proximity to infrastructure, current metal prices, and government regulations, including regulations relating to required permits, royalties, allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but any one of these factors, or the combination of any of these factors, may prevent Perpetua Resources from receiving an adequate return on invested capital. In addition, depending on the type of mining operation involved, several years can elapse from the initial phase of drilling until commercial operations are commenced. Some ore reserves may become unprofitable to develop if there are unfavourable long-term market price fluctuations in gold or other metals, or if there are significant increases in operating or capital costs. Most of the above factors are beyond the Corporation’s control, and it is difficult to ensure that the exploration or development programs proposed by Perpetua Resources will result in a profitable commercial mining operation. Please also see, among other things, the risk factor found under the subheading “Perpetua Resources’ future exploration and development efforts may be unsuccessful” below.

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Mineral exploration and development is subject to numerous industry operating hazards and risks, many of which are beyond Perpetua Resources’ control and any one of which may have an adverse effect on its financial condition and operations.

The Project, and any future operations in which Perpetua Resources has a direct or indirect interest, will be subject to all the hazards and risks normally incidental to resource companies and mining in general. Environmental hazards, unusual or unexpected geological operating conditions, such as rock bursts, structural cave-ins and landslides, fires, earthquakes and flooding, power outages, labor disruptions, industrial accidents such as explosions, unexpected mining dilution, metallurgical and other processing issues, metal losses and periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions, and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labor, are some of the industry operating risks involved in the conduct of exploration programs and the operation of mines. If any of these events were to occur, they could cause injury or loss of life, environmental damage, operational delays, monetary losses and/or severe damage to or destruction of mineral properties, production facilities or other properties. As a result, Perpetua Resources could be the subject of a regulatory investigation, potentially leading to penalties and suspension of operations. In addition, Perpetua Resources may have to make expensive repairs and could be subject to legal liability as an outcome of regulatory enforcement. The occurrence of any of these operating risks and hazards may have an adverse effect on Perpetua Resources’ financial condition and operations, and correspondingly on the value and price of Perpetua Resources’ common shares.

Perpetua Resources may not be able to obtain insurance to cover these risks at affordable premiums or at all. Insurance against certain environmental risks, including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result of operations or other mining activities, is not generally available to Perpetua Resources or to other companies within the mining industry. Perpetua Resources may suffer a materially adverse effect on its business if it incurs losses related to any significant events that are not covered by its insurance policies. Please also see, among other things, the risk factor found under the subheading “Perpetua Resources’ business involves risks for which Perpetua Resources may not be adequately insured, if it is insured at all” above.

Metal prices have fluctuated widely in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future, which may adversely affect the amount of revenues derived from the future commercial production.

The commercial feasibility of the Project and Perpetua Resources’ ability to arrange funding to conduct its planned exploration projects is dependent on, among other things, the price of gold, silver, antimony and other potential by-products. Depending on the price to be received for any minerals produced, Perpetua Resources may determine that it is impractical to commence or continue commercial production. A reduction in the price of gold, silver, antimony or other potential by-products may prevent the Project from being economically mined or result in the write-off of assets whose value is impaired as a result of low precious metals prices.

Future revenues, if any, are expected to be in large part derived from the future mining and sale of gold and other potential by-products or interests related thereto. The prices of these commodities fluctuate and are affected by numerous factors beyond Perpetua Resources’ control, including, among others:

The effect of these factors on the price of gold, silver, antimony and other potential by-products cannot be accurately predicted. If the price of gold and other potential by-products decreases, the value of Perpetua Resources’ assets would be adversely affected, thereby adversely impacting the value and price of Perpetua Resources’ common shares.

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While the price of gold has recently been strong, there can be no assurance that gold prices will remain at such levels or be such that the Project, and any future operations in which Perpetua Resources has a direct or indirect interest, will be mined at a profit. Some credible industry experts are predicting that gold will continue to increase in price during 2022 and the next several years. However, other credible industry experts expect that the price of gold has generally peaked during the recent pandemic and resulting economic crisis, and that as economies slowly recover over the next few years, the price of gold will decrease and be worth much less per ounce than it is today.

Rising metal prices encourage mining exploration, development, and construction activity, which in the past has increased demand for and cost of contract mining services and equipment.

Increases in metal prices tend to encourage increases in mining exploration, development, and construction activities. During past expansions, demand for and the cost of contract exploration, development and construction services and equipment have increased as well. Increased demand for and cost of services and equipment could cause project costs to increase materially, resulting in delays if services or equipment cannot be obtained in a timely manner due to inadequate availability, and increased potential for scheduling difficulties and cost increases due to the need to coordinate the availability of services or equipment, any of which could materially increase project exploration, development, or construction costs, result in project delays, or both. There can be no assurance that increased costs may not adversely affect the exploration and/or development of our mineral properties in the future.

Global financial markets can have a profound impact on the global economy in general and on the mining industry in particular.

Many industries, including the precious metal mining industry, are impacted by global market conditions. Some of the key impacts of financial market turmoil can include contraction in credit markets resulting in a widening of credit risk, devaluations and high volatility in global and specifically mining equity markets, commodity, foreign exchange and precious metal markets, and a lack of market liquidity. A slowdown in the financial markets or other economic conditions, including but not limited to, reduced consumer spending, increased unemployment rates, deteriorating business conditions, inflation, deflation, volatile fuel and energy costs, increased consumer debt levels, lack of available credit, lack of future financing, changes in interest rates and tax rates may adversely affect Perpetua Resources’ growth and profitability potential. Specifically:

Longstanding legal certainty about aspects of the 1872 Mining Law is being challenged in Federal Court.

A changing legal environment and court rulings related to the use of unpatented lode mining claims now being reviewed in federal courts may cause the Company to make modifications to its current claims management program and strategy.

On July 31, 2019, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona issued a decision vacating the Forest Service’s approval of the plan of operations for the proposed Rosemont Mine. See Center for Biological Diversity et al. v. United States Fish and Wildlife Service et al. The court found that the Forest Service erred when it applied its surface management regulations to approve the proposed mine’s tailings storage facility and waste rock dumps on National Forest lands. According to the District Court, the agency should have considered those facilities under its special use permit regulations. The Forest Service made that error, according to the court, because it did not confirm under the Mining Law that the unpatented mining claims under the ancillary facilities were “valid,” as defined by the court. According to the District Court’s reasoning, only activities on “valid” claims are regulated under the Forest Service mining regulations and ancillary facilities require a special use permit.

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An appeal of the District Court decision in Rosemont Mine was heard February 1, 2021 in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. In the briefing filed by the Department of Justice, the United States is defending the decision of the Forest Service to approve the Rosemont Mine. The Company has closely followed the Rosemont Mine legal proceedings. While the case was working its way through the appeal to the Ninth Circuit, the Company directed a thorough analysis of its claims management program to support the Project Plan of Restoration and Operations. While the precise impact of the ruling on the Company’s Project has yet to be determined, should the lower court decision be upheld by the Ninth Circuit, the Company’s claims management program and strategy will be adjusted accordingly to comply with the decision.

Risks Related to Our Common Shares

The requirements of being a public company in the United States and Canada and maintaining a dual listing on both Nasdaq and the TSX, including compliance with the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”) and applicable securities laws of Canada, may strain our resources, increase our costs, and require significant management time and resources.

As a public company in the United States, we need to comply with federal and state laws, regulations and requirements, certain corporate governance provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley, related regulations of the SEC and the requirements of Nasdaq, with which we are not otherwise required to comply as a public company in Canada listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”). These additional requirements may strain our resources, increase our costs and require significant management time and resources. Specifically, we may incur significant additional accounting, legal, reporting and other expenses in order to maintain a dual listing on both Nasdaq and the TSX, including the costs of listing on two exchanges. Complying with these statutes, regulations and requirements, as well as any applicable securities laws of Canada, occupies a significant amount of time of our Board of Directors (the “Board”) and management and increases our costs and expenses, including an increased reliance on outside counsel and accountants. We also prepare and distribute periodic public reports in compliance with our obligations under the U.S. federal securities laws, in addition to applicable securities laws of Canada.

Shareholder activism, the current political environment and the current high level of government intervention and regulatory reform may lead to substantial new regulations and disclosure obligations, which could then result in additional compliance costs and affect the manner in which we operate our business. Moreover, any new regulations or disclosure obligations may increase our legal and financial compliance costs and may make some activities more time-consuming and costly.

Furthermore, while we generally must comply with Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, we are not required to have our independent registered public accounting firm attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting until our first annual report subsequent to our ceasing to be an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Exchange Act. Once it is required to do so, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event the independent registered public accounting firm concludes that there is one or more material weaknesses in the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Compliance with these requirements may strain our resources, increase our costs and use significant management time and resources, and we may be unable to comply with these requirements in a timely or cost-effective manner.

For as long as we are an “emerging growth company,” or a “smaller reporting company” we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements that apply to some other public companies, and such reduced disclosures requirement may make our Common Shares less attractive.

As an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, we may take advantage of exemptions from certain disclosure requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. We are an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenues of $1.07 billion or more; (ii) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the first sale of common equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; (iii) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt; or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the rules of the SEC.

For so long as we remain an “emerging growth company,” we will not be required to, among other things:

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Notwithstanding the above, we are also currently a “smaller reporting company,” meaning that we are not an investment company, an asset-backed issuer, or a majority-owned subsidiary of a parent company that is not a smaller reporting company and have either: (i) a public float of less than $250 million, or (ii) annual revenues of less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and: (A) no public float, or (B) a public float of less than $700 million. In the event that we are still considered a “smaller reporting company,” at such time we cease being an “emerging growth company,” the disclosure we will be required to provide in our SEC filings will increase but will still be less than it would be if we were not considered either an “emerging growth company” or a “smaller reporting company”. Specifically, similar to “emerging growth companies,” “smaller reporting companies” are able to provide simplified executive compensation disclosures in their filings; are exempt from the provisions of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requiring that independent registered public accounting firms provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting; and have certain other decreased disclosure obligations in their SEC filings, including, among other things, only being required to provide two years of audited financial statements in annual reports. Decreased disclosures in our SEC filings due to our status as an “emerging growth company” or “smaller reporting company” may make it harder for investors to analyze the Company’s results of operations and financial prospects.

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Because of these disclosure exemptions, some investors may find our common shares less attractive, which may result in a less active trading market for our common shares, and our share price may be more volatile.

Provisions in the Company’s corporate charter documents and Canadian law could make an acquisition of the Company, which may be beneficial to its shareholders, more difficult and may prevent attempts by the shareholders to replace or remove the Company’s current management and/or limit the market price of the Common Shares.

We are governed by the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (“BCBCA”) and other relevant laws. Provisions in Perpetua Resources’ articles, as well as certain provisions under the BCBCA and Competition Act (Canada) may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of Perpetua Resources that shareholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which they might otherwise receive a premium for their Common Shares. These provisions could also limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for Perpetua Resources’ Common Shares, thereby depressing the market price of Perpetua Resources’ Common Shares.

The Competition Act (Canada) permits the Commissioner of Competition of Canada, or “Commissioner”, to review any acquisition of a significant interest in Perpetua Resources. This legislation grants the Commissioner jurisdiction to challenge such an acquisition before the Canadian Competition Tribunal if the Commissioner believes that it would, or would be likely to, result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition in any market in Canada. The Investment Canada Act subjects an acquisition of control of a company by a non-Canadian to government review if the value of the Company’s assets, as calculated pursuant to the legislation, exceeds a threshold amount. A reviewable acquisition may not proceed unless the relevant minister is satisfied that the investment is likely to result in a net benefit to Canada. Any of the foregoing could prevent or delay a change of control and may deprive or limit strategic opportunities for our shareholders to sell their shares.

In addition, because the Board is responsible for appointing the members of the Company’s management team, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by Perpetua Resources’ shareholders to replace or remove current management by making it more difficult for shareholders to replace members of the Board. Among other things, these provisions include the following:

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Because we are a corporation incorporated in British Columbia and some of our directors and officers may reside, now or in the future, in Canada, it may be difficult for investors in the United States to enforce civil liabilities against us based solely upon the federal securities laws of the United States. Similarly, it may be difficult for Canadian investors to enforce civil liabilities against our directors and officers that reside outside of Canada.

The Company is a corporation existing under the BCBCA. Some of the directors and officers named in this Annual Report may reside, now or in the future, in Canada or otherwise reside outside the United States, and all or a substantial portion of their assets may be located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for United States investors to effect service of process within the United States upon the Company or experts who are not residents of the United States or to enforce judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the Company’s civil liability and the civil liability of its experts under the United States federal securities laws.

Similarly, some of our experts, directors and officers reside outside of Canada or, in the case of companies, are incorporated, continued or otherwise organized under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction. Purchasers are advised that it may not be possible for investors to enforce judgments obtained in Canada against any person or company that is incorporated, continued or otherwise organized under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction, or resides outside of Canada, even if the party has appointed an agent for service of process.

Perpetua Resources has no history of paying dividends, does not expect to pay dividends in the immediate future and may never pay dividends.

Since incorporation, neither Perpetua Resources nor any of its subsidiaries have paid any cash or other dividends on its common shares, and the Corporation does not expect to pay such dividends in the foreseeable future, as all available funds will be invested primarily to finance its mineral exploration programs.

Perpetua Resources will need to raise additional capital through the sale of its securities or other interests, resulting in potential for significant dilution to the existing shareholders and, if such funding is not available, Perpetua Resources’ operations would be adversely affected.

Perpetua Resources has limited financial resources and has financed its activities primarily through the sale of Perpetua Resources’ securities, such as common shares and convertible notes. Perpetua Resources expects that it will need to continue its reliance on the sale of its securities for future financing, including that required to complete the permitting process or begin construction, resulting in dilution to existing shareholders.

Future sales of Perpetua Resources’ common shares into the public market by holders of Perpetua Resources options and warrants may lower the market price, which may result in losses to Perpetua Resources’ shareholders.

Sales of substantial amounts of Perpetua Resources’ common shares into the public market by shareholders, Perpetua Resources’ officers or directors or pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants, or even the perception by the market that such sales may occur, may lower the market price of the Corporation’s common shares.

Our largest shareholder has significant influence on us and may also affect the market price and liquidity of our securities.

Paulson & Co. Inc. (“Paulson”) holds in the aggregate 39.3% of the outstanding shares in Perpetua as of March 11, 2022. Accordingly, Paulson will have significant influence in determining the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to the shareholders for approval, including mergers, consolidations, and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets and other significant corporate actions. Unless full participation of all shareholders takes place in such shareholder meetings, Paulson may be able to approve such matters itself. The concentration of ownership of the common shares by Paulson may: (i) delay or deter a change of control of the Company; (ii) deprive shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common shares as part of a sale of the Company; and (iii) affect the market price and liquidity of the common shares. Pursuant to the terms of the investor rights agreement dated March 17, 2016, as amended and restated on March 17, 2020, Paulson has the right to designate two Board members so long as Paulson holds not less than 20% of our common shares and the right to designate one Board member so long as Paulson holds not less than 10% of our common shares. Christopher Papagianis and Marcelo Kim are Paulson’s nominees to the Board and Marcelo Kim was appointed Chairman of our Board in March of 2020.

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As long as Paulson maintains its shareholdings in the Company, Paulson will have significant influence in determining the members of the Board. Without the consent of Paulson, we could be prevented from entering into transactions that are otherwise beneficial to us. The interests of Paulson may differ from or be adverse to the interests of our other shareholders. The effect of these rights and Paulson’s influence may impact the price that investors are willing to pay for our shares. If Paulson or its affiliates sell a substantial number of our common shares in the public market, the market price of the common shares could fall. The perception among the public that these sales will occur could also contribute to a decline in the market price of our common shares.

We are subject to taxation both in Canada and the United States, and shareholders may be subject to Canadian and U.S. withholding and certain other taxes.

We are treated as a Canadian resident company (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) subject to Canadian income tax. We are also treated as a U.S. corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax on our worldwide income pursuant to Section 7874 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As a result, we are subject to taxation both in Canada and the United States, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

It is unlikely that we will pay any dividends on our common shares in the foreseeable future. However, if we decide to pay any dividends, dividends received by shareholders who are not “United States persons” (within the meaning of the Code) will be subject to U.S. withholding tax. Shareholders who are residents of Canada (for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) may not qualify for a reduced rate of withholding tax under the United States-Canada income tax treaty. In addition, a foreign tax credit or a deduction in respect of any U.S. federal withholding tax may not be available under Canadian law.

Dividends received by shareholders who are not residents of Canada will be subject to Canadian withholding tax. Shareholders who are United States persons may not qualify for a reduced rate of withholding tax under the United States-Canada income tax treaty. Dividends paid by us will be characterized as U.S.-source income for purposes of the foreign tax credit rules under the Code. Accordingly, United States persons generally will not be able to claim a credit for any Canadian tax withheld on dividends unless, depending on the circumstances, they have an excess foreign tax credit limitation due to other foreign-source income of the same category that is subject to a low or zero rate of foreign tax.

Dividends received by shareholders who are neither United States persons nor residents of Canada will be subject to U.S. and Canadian withholding taxes. These dividends may not qualify for a reduced rate of withholding tax under any income tax treaty.

We believe we currently are, and anticipate remaining, a “United States real property holding corporation” (within the meaning of the Code) on account of owning substantial U.S. real property interests. As a result, a shareholder who is not a United States person generally will be subject to U.S. tax on any gain recognized on a sale or other disposition of our common shares if that shareholder owned (or is treated as having owned) more than 5% of our common shares within five years of the date of the sale or other disposition, or our common shares are not treated as “regularly traded on an established securities market” (within the meaning of U.S. Treasury regulations). In addition, if our common shares are not treated as regularly traded on an established securities market, a 15% U.S. withholding tax generally would apply to the gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our common shares by any shareholder who is not a United States person, which withholding can be credited against the applicable tax liability (described in the preceding sentence) on any gain recognized.

Because our common shares are treated as shares of a U.S. corporation, the U.S. gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer tax rules may be relevant to shareholders who are not United States persons.

Each shareholder should seek tax advice, based on the shareholder’s particular circumstances, from an independent tax advisor.

General Risk Factors

We are required to develop and maintain proper and effective internal controls over financial reporting. We may not complete our analysis of our internal controls over financial reporting in a timely manner, or these internal controls may not be determined to be effective, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the value of our common stock.

We are required, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. This assessment will need to include disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by our management in our internal controls over financial reporting. Additionally, we are required to disclose changes made in our internal controls and procedures on a quarterly basis.

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However, for as long as we are an emerging growth company, or a smaller reporting company that is a non-accelerated filer, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b). At such time this attestation will be required, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event the independent registered public accounting firm concludes that there is one or more material weaknesses in the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our remediation efforts may not enable us to avoid a material weakness in the future. We may need to undertake various actions, such as implementing new internal controls and procedures and hiring additional accounting or internal audit staff.

If we are unable to assert that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls to the extent required, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline, and we may be subject to investigation or sanctions by the SEC.

If securities or industry analysts do not continue to publish research or reports about our business, or if they issue an adverse or misleading opinion regarding our stock, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our common stock is influenced by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If analysts who cover us downgrade our common stock or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business model or our stock performance, or if our results of operations fail to meet the expectations of analysts, the price of our common stock would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn might cause the price of our common stock and trading volume to decline.

A cyber security incident could adversely affect Perpetua Resources’ ability to operate its business.

Information systems and other technologies, including those related to the Corporation’s financial and operational management, and its technical and environmental data, are an integral part of the Corporation’s business activities. Network and information systems related events, such as computer hacking, cyber-attacks, computer viruses, worms or other destructive or disruptive software, process breakdowns, denial of service attacks, or other malicious activities or any combination of the foregoing or power outages, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or other similar events could result in damages to the Corporation’s property, equipment and data. These events also could result in significant expenditures to repair or replace damaged property or information systems and/or to protect them from similar events in the future.

Furthermore, any security breaches such as misappropriation, misuse, leakage, falsification, accidental release or loss of information contained in the Corporation’s information technology systems including personnel and other data that could damage its reputation and require the Corporation to expend significant capital and other resources to remedy any such security breach. Insurance held by the Corporation may mitigate losses, however, in any such events or security breaches may not be sufficient to cover any consequent losses or otherwise adequately compensate the Corporation for any disruptions to its business that may result. The occurrence of any such events or security breaches could have a material adverse effect on the business of the Corporation. There can be no assurance that these events and/or security breaches will not occur in the future or not have an adverse effect of the business of the Corporation.

The COVID-19 pandemic may affect our operations.

The Company faces risks related to health epidemics/pandemics, and other outbreaks of communicable diseases, which could significantly disrupt its operations and may materially and adversely affect its business and financial conditions.

The Company’s business could be adversely impacted by the effects of COVID-19 or other epidemics/pandemics. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Company’s business, including its operations and the market for its securities, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time, and include the duration, severity and scope of the pandemic and the actions taken to contain or treat COVID-19. In particular, the continued spread of COVID-19 could materially and negatively impact the Company’s business including without limitation, employee health, workforce productivity, insurance premiums, ability to travel, the availability of industry experts and personnel, restrictions or delays to future drill and work programs and/or the timing to process drill and other metallurgical testing, and other factors that will depend on future developments beyond the Company’s control, which may have a material and adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Perpetua Resources has implemented precautionary measures and management practices at its corporate offices, including introducing a “work from home” policy at its offices, limiting visits, reducing travel for its personnel, transitioning to virtual meetings where feasible and ensuring proper protocols around sanitation and social distancing. There can be no assurance that the Company’s personnel will not be impacted by these epidemic/pandemic diseases and ultimately see its workforce productivity reduced and incur increased medical costs or insurance premiums due to these health risks.

The Corporation’s management will continue to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 and may take actions under best management practices that alter the Corporation’s business operations as may be required by federal, state or local authorities, or that management determines are in the best interests of the Corporation’s employees, suppliers, shareholders and other stakeholders. Such alterations or modifications could cause substantial interruption to the Corporation’s business, any of which could have a material adverse effect on, among other things, the Corporation’s operations or financial results. The extent to which COVID-19 and any other pandemic or public health crisis impacts the Corporation’s business, affairs, operations, financial condition (including the Corporation’s ability to raise funds), liquidity, availability of credit and results of operations will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of and the actions required to contain the COVID-19 pandemic or remedy its impact, among others. It continues to be difficult to predict the duration and extent of the impact of COVID-19 on the Corporation’s business and operations, both in the short and long-term.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

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Item 2. Properties.

Summary Disclosure

The Company has only one material mining property, the Stibnite Gold Project, a formerly abandoned, brownfield mine site in rural Idaho, USA.  We hold the Stibnite Gold Project through our wholly-owned subsidiary Idaho Gold Resources Company, LLC.

The Project consists of mining the Yellow Pine, Hangar Flats and West End deposits using conventional open pit methods, conventional processing methods to extract gold, silver and antimony, and on-site production of gold (“Au”) and silver (“Ag”) doré and an antimony (“Sb”) concentrate. The Project also entails an extensive reclamation and restoration program for historical impacts to the site including the recovery and reprocessing of historical tailings, restoration of fish passage during and after operations, relocation of historical mining wastes to engineered storage facilities, stream restoration, and reforestation of impacted areas. Perpetua Resources’ plans for decommissioning the site include progressive and concurrent remediation, reclamation, and restoration activities, beginning at the start of construction and continuing beyond the operations phase, through Project reclamation and closure. We are currently undertaking an extensive permitting process for redevelopment and restoration of the Project.

Technical Report Summary

The disclosures in this Item 2, Properties regarding Perpetua Resources’ 100% interest in the Stibnite Gold Project have been prepared in accordance with the mining property disclosure rules specified in S-K 1300. Except for subsequent events or as otherwise noted, the disclosure in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of a scientific or technical nature for the Stibnite Gold Project is derived from, and in some instances is an extract from, the Technical Report Summary (“TRS”), dated as of December 31, 2021, which is included as Exhibit 96.1 of this Annual Report. The TRS summarizes, as of December 31, 2021, in accordance with the mining property disclosure rules specified in S-K 1300, the information presented in the technical report titled “Stibnite Gold Project, Feasibility Study Technical Report, Valley County, Idaho” dated effective December 22, 2020 and issued January 27, 2021 (the “2020 Feasibility Study”), which was prepared in accordance with mining property disclosure standards set forth in NI 43-101.

The technical data and economic conclusions of these reports are identical, with minor differences between the reports resulting only from (i) the respective disclosure requirements of S-K 1300 and NI 43-101 and (ii) differences in commodity prices at the respective effective dates. The notable differences are the following:

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The TRS was compiled by M3 in compliance with S-K 1300 promulgated by the SEC under the direction of Independent Qualified Persons (as defined in S-K 1300) (“QPs”). QPs for the TRS include: Richard Zimmerman, SME-RM (onsite and offsite infrastructure, cost estimating, mineral processing, financial modeling) with M3; Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. (mineral resources) with Kirkham Geosystems Ltd.; Christopher Martin, C.Eng. (metallurgy) with Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd.; Grenvil Dunn, C.Eng. (hydrometallurgy) with Hydromet WA (Pty) Ltd.; Scott Rosenthal P.E. (mine planning and mineral reserves) with Value Consulting, Inc.; and Peter Kowalewski, P.E. (tailings storage facility and closure) with Tierra Group International, Ltd.

The 2020 Feasibility Study was compiled by M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation (“M3”) in accordance with NI 43-101 under the direction of independent qualified persons (as defined in NI 43-101) (“Independent QPs”).

Independent QPs for the 2020 Feasibility Study include: Richard Zimmerman, SME-RM (onsite and offsite infrastructure, cost estimating and financial modeling) and Art Ibrado, P.E. (mineral processing) with M3; Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. (mineral resources) with Kirkham Geosystems Ltd.; Christopher Martin, C.Eng. (metallurgy) with Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd.; Grenvil Dunn, C.Eng. (hydrometallurgy) with Hydromet WA (Pty) Ltd.; Chris Roos, P.E. (mineral reserves) and Scott Rosenthal P.E. (mine planning) with Value Consulting, Inc.; and Peter Kowalewski, P.E. (tailings storage facility and closure) with Tierra Group International, Ltd.

The TRS was filed on EDGAR on January 3, 2022 and on SEDAR on January 4, 2022. The 2020 Feasibility Study was filed on SEDAR on January 28, 2021. See Exhibit 96.1 of this Annual Report and “Note Regarding Mining Property Disclosures Rules”.

Certain capitalized terms in this section not otherwise defined have the meanings ascribed to them in the TRS.

Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., an independent Qualified Person, has approved the disclosure concerning mineral reserves and mineral resources in this Annual Report on Form 10-K related to the 2020 Feasibility Study and the TRS.

Assumptions

Portions of the information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the information contained in the TRS rely on a number of estimates and assumptions, including estimates and assumptions which are inherently subject to significant scientific, business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that could be material should those assumptions be incorrect. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, certain assumptions as to capital costs, production rates, operating costs, recovery and timing of construction and production; assumptions that the current price and demand for gold and other metals will be sustained or will improve; assumptions that the equipment and personnel required for permitting, construction and operations will be available on a continual basis; there are no significant errors in calculations and information used in mineral resource and reserve estimates, there will be no unforeseen delays, unexpected geological or other effects, equipment failures, or significant permitting delays. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant factors, please review the TRS, which is included as an exhibit to, and incorporated by reference into, this Form 10-K. See “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of additional industry and business risks and assumptions.

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TRS Highlights

The Stibnite Gold Project economics, as contemplated in the TRS, are summarized in the table below.

Notes:

Property Description and Location

The Project location is in central Idaho, USA approximately one hundred (100) miles (“mi”) northeast of Boise, Idaho, thirty-eight (38) mi east of McCall, Idaho, and approximately ten (10) mi east of Yellow Pine, Idaho. Mineral rights controlled by Perpetua Resources include patented lode claims, patented mill sites, unpatented federal lode mining claims, and unpatented federal mill sites and encompass approximately 28,480 acres (forty-five (45) square miles). The claims are 100% owned, except for twenty-seven (27) patented lode claims that are held under an option to purchase. The Project is subject to a 1.7% net smelter return royalty on gold only; there is no royalty on silver or antimony.

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Stibnite Gold Project Location

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Land Status Map

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Patented Lands

On June 11, 2009, a predecessor to SGC acquired and exercised an option to purchase (“OTP”) the Meadow Creek group of nine patented lode claims totaling approximately 184 acres from Bradley Mining Co. (“Bradley”).

A predecessor to IGRCLLC secured an OTP agreement from the J.J. Oberbillig Estate on June 2, 2009, to acquire 30 patented mill site claims totaling approximately 149 acres and six patented lode claims totaling approximately 124 acres. The Oberbillig OTP agreement was exercised and title to property rights were acquired on June 2, 2015. An associated transaction included the purchase and extinguishment of a 5% Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) royalty to the Oberbillig estate covering certain lands within the Project area. Most of the mineralization constituting the West End Deposit is located within portions of these patented lode claims. Hecla Mining Company (Hecla) retains some surface rights on portions of six of the patented mill sites, but no mineral rights and IGRCLLC has a right to use the surface for the purposes of mining.

An OTP for patented lode mining claims covering portions of the Yellow Pine Deposit was conveyed to Perpetua Resources in 2011 by way of a company merger between a predecessor to IGRCLLC and a subsidiary of Vista Gold Corp. that was agreed to February 22, 2011. The OTP for the subject patented claims was exercised on November 28, 2012. As a result of the merger, the predecessor to IGRCLLC became a wholly owned subsidiary of Perpetua Resources. The Yellow Pine claim group includes 17 patented lode mining claims totaling approximately 301 acres and eight unpatented lode mining claims (included in the unpatented total below).

On April 28, 2011, a predecessor to SGC purchased 6 patented lode claims east of the Project area. This group of claims is referred to as the Fern claim group, totaling approximately 100 acres.

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Notes:

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Unpatented Federal Lode Mining Claims and Unpatented Mill Site Claims

A subsidiary of a predecessor to IGRCLLC acquired 229 federal unpatented claims by purchase from previous owners in 2009 and 2011. These included 46 federal mill site claims and 183 federal unpatented lode mining claims. In addition to the purchased claims, IGRCLLC predecessors or subsidiaries acquired by staking an additional 36 federal unpatented lode mining claims in 2009, 217 lode claims in 2010 and 901 federal unpatented lode-mining claims in 2011, and one federal unpatented lode mining claim in 2012. An additional 126 unpatented lode claims were staked in 2015. Minor modifications and amended claim locations have occurred since original staking and/or acquisition.

In 2021, SGC merged with IGRCLLC becoming the sole surviving entity and landowner of patented and unpatented mining claims and mill sites and various optioned properties. Currently, IGRCLLC owns 1,472 unpatented lode mining and 46 mill sites totaling approximately 28,483 acres (11,527 hectares).

Maintenance of unpatented federal claims requires that IGRCLLC provide a list of claims and serial numbers to the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) along with annual maintenance fees, currently $165 for each lode-mining claim or mill site on or before September 1st each year. This was completed for the most recent filing year. There is no underlying royalty on these federal lode-mining claims and mill sites other than the Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco-Nevada”) royalty. None of the claims are subject to back-in rights; however, Franco-Nevada holds a right of first refusal should mining claims, mill sites or other mineral properties be relinquished.

Stibnite Gold Logistics Facility

On September 9, 2016, IGRCLLC agreed to purchase an undeveloped 25-acre property in fee simple from private interests. The property is situated in Section 7, Township 14N, Range 5E, Boise Meridian. The sale was closed on October 26, 2016. The property’s metallic and non-metallic mineral rights, apart from aggregate materials needed for construction purposes on the property, were retained by the previous owners.

The property, in an area known locally as Scott Valley, has frontage on the Cascade-Warm Lake Highway and was purchased to serve as a project logistics facility. The agreement provides for maintenance of certain pre-existing rights-of-way, easements and rights, none of which would be expected to inhibit use of the property for the intended purposes. IGRCLLC applied for a Conditional Use Permit from the Valley County Planning and Zoning Commission that was granted on October 5, 2020.

Royalties, Option Agreements and Encumbrances

Option Agreements

On May 3, 2011, a predecessor to SGC entered into an option to purchase (“OTP”) 27 patented lode claims totaling approximately 485 acres from the J.J. Oberbillig Estate (the Cinnabar option claims). This agreement was modified in an Amended and Restated Real Property Purchase Agreement effective December 1, 2016. The amended agreement also includes an option on a Right of First Refusal to purchase the surface rights associated with portions of certain patented mill site claims that J.J. Oberbillig Estate sold to Hecla under a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement dated effective as of December 30, 2002. The agreement also includes granting of a renewable easement for a communications tower. Perpetua Resources is obligated to make payments to maintain the OTP to obtain title to these claims. The agreement includes an option to extend up to 10 years after the original term of the agreement expires, through 2037.

On December 10, 2019, a Perpetua Resources subsidiary entered into an option agreement to purchase 3.74 acres from private interests for an electrical switching station site. The OTP has biannual payments of US$2,500 through 2033.

Royalty Agreement

Effective May 9, 2013, Perpetua Resources and its subsidiaries granted a perpetual 1.7% NSR royalty on future gold production from the Project properties to Franco Nevada, subject to adjustment based on final permitted capacity. The royalty does not apply to production of antimony and silver. The royalty agreement applies to all patented and unpatented mineral claims, except for the Cinnabar option claims where Perpetua Resources holds an OTP. Under the agreement, Franco Nevada has the right, but not the obligation, to extend the property subject to the royalty to the Cinnabar option claims upon notice that the OTP is exercised by Perpetua.

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Geologic Setting and Mineralization

Bedrock in the region can be subdivided into the pre-Cretaceous metasedimentary “basement,” the Cretaceous Idaho Batholith, Tertiary intrusions and volcanics, and Quaternary unconsolidated sediments and glacial materials. The SGP is situated along the eastern edge of the Idaho Batholith, on the western edge of the Thunder Mountain caldera complex and within the Central Idaho Mineral Belt.

Large, north-south striking, steeply dipping structures exhibiting pronounced gouge and multiple stages of brecciation occur in the district and are often associated with east-west and northeast-southwest trending splays and dilatant structures.

The Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats deposits are hosted primarily by intrusive phases of the Idaho Batholith along the Meadow Creek Fault Zone. The West End Deposit is hosted primarily by Neoproterozoic to Paleozoic metasedimentary rocks of the Stibnite roof pendant along the West End Fault Zone.

Mineralization and alteration in the district are associated with multiple hydrothermal alteration events occurring through the Paleocene and early Eocene epochs. Main-stage gold mineralization and associated potassic alteration typically occurs in structurally prepared zones. The gold is associated with very fine grained disseminated arsenical pyrite and arsenopyrite to a lesser extent. The gold almost exclusively exists in solid solution in these minerals. Antimony mineralization occurs primarily as the mineral stibnite. Additional gold mineralization affecting rocks of the Stibnite roof pendant (West End deposit) is associated with epithermal quartz-adularia-carbonate veins.

Deposits of the district are not readily categorized based on a single generic deposit model due to complexities associated with multiple overprinting mineralization events and uncertainties regarding sources of mineralizing hydrothermal fluids.

Permits

The Project is subject to formal review under NEPA, which is still ongoing. Following the release of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (“DEIS”) on August 14, 2020, followed by a public comment period, the USFS indicated it plans to issue a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (“SDEIS”) focused on the refined Project proposed action. On February 22, 2022, Perpetua announced that it expected publication of the SDEIS for public review and comment in the third quarter of 2022. A final EIS and draft Record of Decision will follow in due course.  Work on other required ancillary permits and management plans continues.

Exploration

The district has been the subject of exploration and development activities for nearly 100 years, yet much of the area remains poorly explored due to its remote location, poor level of outcrop and extensive glacial cover. Perpetua Resources has completed extensive exploration work over the last decade that has included: geophysics; rock, soil and stream sampling and analysis; geologic mapping; mineralogical and metallurgical studies; and drilling.

This newer data has been integrated with datasets from previous operators and provides a comprehensive toolkit for future exploration. These efforts have led to the identification of over 75 prospects with varying levels of target support. These prospective areas include targets within, under, and adjacent to existing deposits; bulk mineable prospects along known or newly identified mineralized trends; high grade underground targets and early-stage greenfield prospects and conceptual targets based on geophysics or geologic inference.

Exploration targets include conceptual geophysical targets, geochemical targets from soil, rock and trench samples, and results from widely spaced drill holes; as a result, the potential size and tenor of the targets are conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define mineral resources on these prospects and this data may not be indicative of the occurrence of a mineral deposit. Such results do not provide assurance that further work will establish sufficient grade, continuity, metallurgical characteristics, and economic potential to be classed as a category of mineral resource. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

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The Project area, including the three main deposits, has been drilled by numerous operators, totaling 793,769 ft in 2,723 drill holes, of which Perpetua Resources drilled 637 holes totaling over 344,465 ft since 2009. Pre-Perpetua Resources drilling was undertaken by a wide variety of methods and operators while Perpetua Resources employed a variety of drilling methods including core, reverse circulation, auger, and sonic throughout the district, but with the primary method being core. Operators who conducted significant exploration and/or mineral extraction during this era included: United Mercury Mines. Yellow Pine Company, Bradley Mining Company, Louisiana Land and Exploration Company, Canadian Superior Mining (U.S.) Ltd., El Paso Oil and Gas, Rancher’s Exploration Company, Twin Rivers Exploration, MinVen Corporation, Pioneer Metals Corporation, Hecla Mining Company, Barrick Gold Corporation (formerly American Barrick Resources), Stibnite Mine Inc., and Dakota Mining Company.

No drilling was completed during the reporting period.

Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Estimates

The tables below present the estimated Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves for the Project at December 31, 2021 presented in accordance with S-K 1300. As described in “Technical Report Summary”, the only differences in the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves presented as at December 22, 2020 in the 2020 Feasibility Study and as at December 31, 2021 in the TRS are related to (i) the respective disclosure requirements of S-K 1300 and NI 43-101 and (ii) differences in commodity prices at the respective effective dates. See “Notice Regarding Mining Property Disclosure Rules” for more information regarding these differences.

Economic Criteria, Assumptions and Pit Optimizations for Mineral Resources

S-K 1300 requires that Mineral Resources have “reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction” requiring that mineralization meet certain grade and material volume thresholds under reasonable production and recovery scenarios at reasonable cut-off grades and was assessed using an open-pit optimization with assumptions noted as discussed in Section 11.7 of the TRS. The potential for eventual economic extraction was assessed using an open-pit optimization Pseudoflow algorithm in MineSight® Version 15.10 software. Input parameters were developed on the basis of advanced cost estimates, metallurgical recoveries indicated by bench and pilot scale test work and from feasibility level design engineering studies, as shown in table below. Section 8.7 in the TRS contains assumptions regarding the validity of historical sample collection, preparation, analysis for pre-Perpetua Resources exploration programs. Section 11.9 in the TRS describes assumptions made to address areas of uncertainty related to mineral resource estimation, mineral resource classification, and parameters used to estimate reasonable prospects of economic extraction. The Mineral Resource estimates were developed using parameters that describe lithology, in-situ density, estimated metal recoveries from in situ materials and after processing and refining, ore and waste percentage, oxidation, and metal grades, as explained in detail in Section 11. Metallurgical recovery functions and costs were applied to gold, silver, and antimony as presented in Sections 11 and 14 in the TRS.

Assumptions used to derive the cut-off grades and define the resource-limiting pits were estimated to meet the S-K 1300 requirement for mineral resource estimates to demonstrate “reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction” and vary from those used to limit the mineral reserves reported herein. Section 13.12.3 in the TRS contains procedures used for validation of cost assumptions applied to estimate the cut-off values in the pit optimization analyses. Based on these parameters, cut-off grades for Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine were calculated based on a $1,500/oz gold selling price and was selected based on the three-year trailing average at the time of resource reporting and is below the current spot and trailing average gold prices. Based on these parameters, cut-off grades for Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine were calculated to be approximately 0.40 g/t Au and an open pit oxide cut-off grade of approximately 0.35 g/t Au. Because of the flat and shallow geometry of the Historical Tailings deposit, and due to potential use of the overlying material in conceptual construction scenarios, economic criteria were not assessed using a pit optimization. Instead, cost estimates for removing the overlying Spent Ore Disposal Area (“SODA”) material were compared to potential revenue from processing the tailings material and were shown to be positive.

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As permitted by S-K 1300, the Company uses different gold prices to prepare its Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves estimates. The Company selected a conservative gold price of $1,500/oz when estimating Mineral Resources for the TRS. The Mineral Reserves in the TRS were calculated at a gold price of $1,600/oz, which was the three year trailing average gold price used to calculate Mineral Reserves for the 2020 Feasibility Study and which the Company determined was a reasonable and conservative gold price based on market prices at the time that the TRS was prepared.

The Mineral Resource estimates for the Project were estimated in conformity with Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (“CRIRSCO”) “International Reporting Template for the public reporting of Exploration Targets, Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves” as adopted by the International Council on Mining & Metals in November 2019. The mineral resources are reported in accordance with S-K 1300.

The Mineral Resource estimates for each of the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, and the Historical Tailings, were prepared using commercial mine-modeling and geostatistical software, consider relevant modifying factors, and have been verified by an Independent QP. The consolidated Mineral Resource statement for the Project in metric tonnes (t) is shown in the table below based on a gold selling price of US$1,500/troy ounce limiting pit shell.

Mineral Resource Estimates

The following table presents the estimated Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources for the Project at December 31, 2021 based on $1,500/oz gold price and presented in accordance with S-K 1300. While the 2020 Feasibility Study includes both Measured and Indicated Mineral Reserves, all Measured Mineral Reserves presented in the 2020 Feasibility Study were reclassified as Indicated Mineral Reserves in the TRS due to differences in calculation standards under S-K 1300 compared to NI 43-101.

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Consolidated Mineral Resource Statement for the Stibnite Gold Project at December 31, 2021, based on $1,500/oz gold:

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Notes:

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The Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats deposits contain zones with substantially elevated antimony-silver mineralization, defined as containing greater than 0.1% antimony, relative to the overall Mineral Resource. The existing Historical Tailings Mineral Resource also contains elevated concentrations of antimony. Antimony Mineral Resources are reported only if they lie within gold Mineral Resource estimates.

Antimony Sub-Domains Consolidated Mineral Resource Statement at December 31, 2021 based on $1,500/oz gold:

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Notes:

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Economic Criteria, Assumptions and Pit Optimizations for Mineral Reserves

The Mineral Reserve Estimates for the Project were estimated in conformity with CRIRSCO “International Reporting Template for the public reporting of Exploration Targets, Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves” and are reported in accordance with S-K 1300. The Mineral Reserve estimates for each of the Yellow Pine, Hangar Flats, and West End deposits, and the Historical Tailings, were prepared to industry standards and best practices and take into consideration modifying factors including mining, processing, metallurgical, environmental, location and infrastructure, market factors, legal, economic, social, and governmental factors. The Mineral Reserve estimates are based on a mine plan and pit design developed using modifying parameters including metal price, metal recovery based on performance of the processing plant, and operating cost estimates. Operating cost estimates and other parameters are described in Section 12 of the TRS. Metallurgical data used to estimate the recovery of gold, silver, antimony (where present) and sulfur from expected processing plant feed material were derived from extensive metallurgical test work on representative materials and pilot plant-scale testing and further described in Section 14 of the TRS. Recoveries include assumptions regarding dilution of in situ material, mining losses and reductions for losses during processing and refining.

The Mineral Reserve estimates were developed by allowing only Indicated Mineral Resource blocks to contribute positive economic value and is a subset of the Mineral Resource comprised of the Probable Mineral Reserve that is planned for processing over the life-of-mine plan, with assumptions summarized in Sections 12 and 13 of the TRS. No economic credit has been applied to Inferred mineralization in the development of the Mineral Reserve, even if they lie within the Mineral Reserve pit.

The general mine planning sequence to produce the SGP Mineral Reserve estimates and associated mill feed schedule consisted of an ultimate pit limit analysis, pit shell selection, ultimate pit designs, internal pit phase design, mining sequence schedule, and mill feed optimization. A suite of nested pit shells for each deposit was generated using Geovia Whittle™ and a gold selling price ranging from $100 to $2,000 per troy ounce in $50 increments. The pit limit analysis was performed based on gold recovery only, to ensure the ultimate pit geometries would not be dependent on silver or antimony values. Mining costs used for the pit limit analysis are based on a first principles cost buildup for equipment requirements, labor estimates, and consumables price quotes. Selection of the optimal pit shells for each deposit was based on discounted cash flow analysis. For Yellow Pine and West End, the incremental change in discounted pit value (net present value) and strip ratio between potentially optimal pit shells is gradual, and pit shells representing gold selling prices of $1,250/oz and $1,300/oz respectively were selected. For Hangar Flats, the pit limit analysis suggested selecting the $1,150/oz pit shell but, due to additional technical considerations, the $750/oz pit shell was selected.

The ultimate pit designs were based on the selected pit shells, design parameters for 150-ton haul trucks, geotechnical design criteria, and additional mine sequencing and haulage considerations. Cut-off determination utilized a NSR methodology to account for varying ore types and separate process streams with unique process costs. The cut-off strategy applies elevated cut-off values to ensure the highest-grade ore available in the mine plan is processed preferentially and lower grade ore is stored in ore stockpiles for processing later in the Project life.

Cutoff grades for Mineral Reserves were developed assuming long term metal prices of $1,600/oz gold, $20.00/oz silver, and $3.50/lb antimony for material lying within the pit designs based on the pit shells selected above ($1,250, $750 and $1,300/oz Au for Yellow Pine, Hangar Flats and West End, respectively). This results in a Life-of-Mine (“LOM”) average gold cut-off grade of 0.48 g/t for open-pit mining.

As permitted by S-K 1300, the Company uses different gold prices to prepare its Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves estimates. The Company selected a conservative gold price of $1,500/oz when estimating Mineral Resources for the TRS. The Mineral Reserves in the TRS were calculated at a gold price of $1,600/oz, which was the three year trailing average gold price used to calculate Mineral Reserves for the 2020 Feasibility Study and which the Company determined was a reasonable and conservative gold price based on market prices at the time that the TRS was prepared.

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Mineral Reserve Estimates

The following table presents the estimated Mineral Reserves for the Project at December 31, 2021 based on $1,600/oz gold price and presented in accordance with S-K 1300. While the 2020 Feasibility Study includes both Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves, all Proven Mineral Reserves presented in the 2020 Feasibility Study were reclassified as Probable Mineral Reserves in the TRS due to differences in calculation standards under S-K 1300 compared to NI 43-101. Under S-K 1300, a Proven Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of an indicated and, in some cases, a measured mineral resource and a Probable Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource and can only result from conversion of a measured mineral resource.

Mineral Reserves Summary (Metric Units) at December 31, 2021 based on $1,600/oz gold:

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Notes:

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Mining Methods

The mine plan developed for the Project incorporates the mining of the three in situ deposits: Yellow Pine, Hangar Flats, and West End and their related development rock; and the re-mining of Historical Tailings along with its cap of spent heap leach ore. The general sequence of open pit mining would be Yellow Pine deposit first, Hangar Flats deposit second, and West End deposit last. This sequence generally progresses from mining highest value ore to lowest value ore and accommodates the sequential backfilling the Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats open pits with material mined from West End open pit. Lower grade ore extracted during mining of the three pits is stockpiled and then processed during the operating life of the mill. The spent ore that overlies the Historical Tailings would be used as tailings storage facility (“TSF”) construction material and is treated as stripping. Most development rock would be sent to one of five destinations: the TSF embankment, the TSF buttress, the Yellow Pine pit as backfill, the Hangar Flats pit as backfill, or the Midnight area within the West End pit as backfill. The Historical Tailings would be hydraulically transferred to the process plant during the first four years of operation, concurrent with mining ore from the Yellow Pine open pit.

Mining at the SGP would be accomplished using conventional open pit hard rock mining methods with a production fleet consisting of two 28-yd3 hydraulic shovels, one 28-yd3 wheel loader, and a fleet of approximately eighteen 150 ton haul trucks. Mining is planned to deliver 7.30 Mt of ore to the crusher per year (nominally 20 kt per day) and approximately 22.1 Mt of development rock per year to DRSFs. Pre-stripping the open pits would begin two years prior to ore processing and open pit mining would continue until year 12 of operation. Once open pit mining is completed, the mining fleet will continue to provide ore to the mill from ore stockpiles until approximately the end of the first quarter in year 15. A total of 102 Mt of ore would be mined from the three open pits and an additional 2.7 Mt of historic tailings would be mined. Approximately 254 Mt of development rock would be mined from the three open pits for a total of 356 Mt mined from the open pits and an average strip ratio (waste:ore) of 2.5.

Long-term lower-grade ore stockpiles have been incorporated into the PFS mine plan located for the most part within the footprint of the TSF buttress, thereby minimizing their incremental disturbance. The primary benefits to adding ore stockpile capacity is increased potential to optimize process ore feed value throughout the mine life, improved utilization of the Mineral Resource, reduced peak water treatment needs, reduced development rock tonnage and associated mining impacted water management. The stockpiling strategy is particularly significant during the first half of the mine life when Yellow Pine high value ore is mined at a rate greater than process plant throughput capacity. If stockpile capacity is not available, either the period-based cut-off value must increase resulting in ore converted to waste, or the mining rate reduced to align with process plant throughput capacity resulting in deferred access to high-value ore deeper in the open pit. The addition of long-term ore stockpiles allows for relatively high value ore mined from Yellow Pine open pit to be stockpiled and made available to process when lower value ore is being mined in West End open pit.

Recovery Methods

The process flowsheet for most of the Yellow Pine, Hangar Flats, and West End material uses bulk sulfide flotation to maximize recovery of gold to a sulfide concentrate amenable to treatment by pressure oxidation for materials assaying less than 0.1% antimony. High antimony materials would be first subject to a selective antimony flotation process, thereby producing a shippable antimony concentrate, with a gold-bearing bulk sulfide rougher concentrate to be floated from the antimony flotation tailings. Some of the oxidized West End ores are more transitional or free milling in nature, and an ore leaching process was developed to treat these materials. Testing was also conducted on samples of the historical (Bradley) tailings. This work showed the historical tailings could be processed using the same flowsheet as, and most likely as a blend with, fresh sulfide ores.

Projected gold flotation recoveries for low-antimony materials to a concentrate assaying 6.5% sulfur are estimated at 93.8% for Yellow Pine and 92.1% for Hangar Flats. Silver recoveries are estimated as 90.1% for Yellow Pine and 89.1% for Hangar Flats. Gold and silver flotation recoveries are independent of gold or sulfur grade. For high-antimony materials from the Yellow Pine deposit, gold misplacement to the antimony concentrate and overall gold recoveries to POx are functions of pyritic sulfur grade and gold recoveries are estimated to range from 83.6% to 95.5%. Constant gold and silver recoveries are projected for Hangar Flats high-antimony material at 89.7% for gold and 43.2% for silver. West End sulfide material is highly refractory while transition material has a significant free milling gold content. Sulfide material will be processed by flotation, concentrate POx and cyanide leaching of the concentrate; transition material will be treated similarly, however the flotation tailings will also be leached; oxide materials will just be leached.

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Pressure oxidation testing results demonstrated that neutralization of acid inside the autoclave, or “in-situ acid neutralization” (“ISAN”) facilitates stabilization of arsenic in the POx residue. Neutralization of acid inside the autoclave was accomplished by adding ground limestone in the POx feed to control free acid and sulfate concentrations and limit the formation of jarosite and basic iron sulfates. Higher ferric concentrations available for scorodite formation and lower sulfate concentrations were found to inhibit pitticite (an unstable arsenic compound) formation. However, subsequent environmental geochemical testing completed on commingled flotation and detoxified cyanide leach tailings from the pilot plant indicated that arsenic destabilized at some point downstream of the POx process. Further ISAN POx tests with a terminal free acid of 8 to 13 mg/L of H2SO4, atmospheric arsenic precipitation, and a two-step neutralization procedure at an elevated temperature (92°C) by progressively adding limestone to achieve a pH of approximately 2 with a retention time of 4 to 5 hours produced a stable scorodite precipitate.

The POx testing confirmed consistent gold recoveries in the 96.5-99.0% range.

The Project’s process plant has been designed to process sulfide, transition and oxide material from the Yellow Pine, Hangar Flats, and West End deposits. The processing facility is designed to treat an average of 20,000 t/d, or 7.3 Mt/y. Additionally, the Historical Tailings would be reprocessed early in the mine life to recover precious metals and antimony, and to provide space for the TSF embankment and buttress.

The process operations include crushing, grinding, antimony and gold flotation, pressure oxidation, POx leaching and carbon-in-pulp (“CIP”) recovery, cyanide detoxification, carbon handling and pressure stripping, precious metal electrowinning, mercury retort removal, and doré bar production. Auxiliary operations include a plant to supply oxygen to the autoclave and mining, crushing, grinding, and calcining to provide limestone and lime for neutralization and pH adjustment for the process. A leaching, CIP recovery, and detoxification process is planned for late in the mine life to process crushed and ground oxide material and recover gold from the tailings of transitional (mixed oxide-sulfide) material. Two finished products from the Stibnite Gold Project ore processing facility will be doré bars and antimony‐silver concentrate.

Infrastructure

The Project will require upgrades to existing offsite infrastructure such as roads and power supply, as well as onsite and offsite infrastructure additions such as worker accommodations, water management systems, and tailings management systems.

Site Access

The site is currently accessed by the Stibnite Road, National Forest (NF-412), from the village of Yellow Pine, with three alternative routes up to that point. Alternative access via the Burntlog Route was developed over several other possible alternatives because it provides safer year round access for mining operations, reducing the proximity of roads to major fish-bearing streams, and this route respects the advice and privacy of community members close to the Project location. The route originates from the intersection of Highway 55 and Warm Lake Road and is approximately 71 miles long. The route consists of 34 miles of existing highway (Warm Lake Road), 23 miles of upgraded road, and 14 miles of new road. The 37 miles of new and upgraded road has a design speed of 20 mph, maximum 10% grade, a 21 foot width, and intermediate-sized tractor trailer loading criteria. A maintenance facility along the route is designed for a location on the southern section.

A through-site public access route will replace the current access through the SGP site during mine operations. A new 12-foot-wide gravel road is planned to provide public access from Stibnite Road to Thunder Mountain Road through the mine site.

Logistics Facility

The offsite administrative offices, transportation hub, warehousing and assay laboratory needed for the Project, referred to as Stibnite Gold Logistics Facility (“SGLF”), will be located on private land in Valley County, with easy access to State Highway 55. The SGLF will include offices for managers, safety and environmental services, human resources, purchasing and accounting personnel. Operating supplies for the mine will be staged and consolidated at the SGLF to reduce traffic to the site.

Power Supply and Transmission

Grid power planned for the Project needs to be upgraded to support the 50- to 60-megawatt load including upgrading approximately 63 miles of existing powerlines to 138 kV and approximately 9 miles of new 138 kV line. The 138-kV line would be routed to the Project’s main electrical substation where transformers would step the voltage down to the distribution voltage of 34.5 kV.

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Worker Accommodations

A new worker housing facility (camp) is planned approximately 2 miles south of the ore processing plant area to provide accommodations for most of the construction workforce and for the operations workforce. Leased accommodation units are planned during peak construction activity and would be demobilized following construction since the peak construction accommodation requirements (approximately 1,000 workers) are much greater than the operations requirements of approximately 350 workers on the site.

Water Management

Perpetua Resources has planned a water management system that protects or improves water quality in Project-area streams and provides water for ore processing, fire protection, exploration activities, surface mining (dust control), and potable water needs.

The key water management consideration for the Project site is the large amount of snowmelt runoff during the months of April through June, making spring melt the critical time for water management, storage, and treatment. Surface water that has the potential to introduce mining- and process-related contaminants (contact water) is kept separate from surface water that originates from undisturbed, uncontaminated ground (non-contact water). This is accomplished by diverting clean water around mine facilities and collecting and reusing, evaporating, or treating and discharging contact water.

The water needed for ore processing is planned to come from meteoric and tailings consolidation water reclaimed from the TSF, water from pit dewatering, contact water, groundwater wells, and a surface intake near the upstream portal of the East Fork South Fork Salmon River (“EFSFSR”) diversion tunnel. Contact water from the pits, stockpiles, TSF buttress, truck shop, ore processing facilities, and legacy materials exposed during construction would be collected in lined ponds or in-pit sumps for later use in ore processing, dust control, or treatment for discharge. Excess dewatering water not used for ore processing would be treated, if required, and discharged to a surface outfall.

Major water diversions include construction of a tunnel and fishway to divert the EFSFSR and provide fish passage around the Yellow Pine pit, and surface diversions of Meadow Creek at the TSF, TSF Buttress, and Hangar Flats pit.

Tailings Management

The Project is projected to produce approximately 120 million tons of tailings solids. The tailings would contain trace amounts of cyanide and metals (including arsenic and antimony), so a fully lined containment facility utilizing a composite liner is proposed to isolate the tailings and process water.

The TSF would consist of a rockfill embankment, a fully lined impoundment, and appurtenant water management features including a surface diversion of Meadow Creek and its tributaries around the facility. A rockfill buttress abutting the TSF embankment would substantially enhance embankment stability. Historical spent heap leach ore would be reused in TSF construction, in locations isolated from interaction with water, but the majority of the rockfill would be development rock sourced from the open pits. Design criteria were established based on the facility size and risk using applicable dam safety and water quality regulations and industry best practice for the TSF embankment on a standalone basis; the addition of the buttress substantially increases the safety factor for the design to at least double the minimum requirements. The TSF impoundment, embankment, and associated water diversions would occupy approximately 420 acres at final buildout, with an approximately 475-foot ultimate height.

Capital and Operating Costs

Capital expenditures or capital costs (“CAPEX”) and operating expenditures or operating costs (“OPEX”) estimates were developed based on third quarter 2020, un-escalated U.S. dollars. Vendor quotes were obtained for all major equipment and operating consumables. Most costs were developed from first principles, although some were estimated based on factored references and experience with similar projects elsewhere. Reclamation financial assurance costs are not included in the capital costs. Additional assumptions that were used to estimate CAPEX are presented in Section 18.1 of the TRS.

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Capital Costs

The Project CAPEX estimate includes four components: (1) the initial CAPEX to design, permit, pre-strip, construct, and commission the mine, plant facilities, ancillary facilities, utilities, operations camp, and pre-production on and off site restoration and environmental mitigation; (2) the sustaining CAPEX for facilities expansions, mining equipment replacements, expected replacements of process equipment and ongoing concurrent restoration and environmental mitigation activities during the operating period; (3) working capital to cover delays in the receipts from sales and payments for accounts payable and financial resources tied up in inventory; and (4) closure CAPEX to cover post operations reclamation and restoration and water treatment costs. Initial and working capital are the two main categories that need to be available to construct the Project.

The CAPEX estimate includes direct mining equipment and pre-stripping costs, process plant costs, on-site infrastructure such as the TSF and the operations camp, and off-site infrastructure such as the power transmission line, the mine access road, the SGLF, and reclamation and closure costs. The initial CAPEX also includes indirect costs for detailed design and engineering, land acquisition, some environmental mitigation, and other costs. Initial CAPEX also includes an estimate of contingency based on the accuracy and level of detail of the cost estimate. The purpose of the contingency provision is to make allowance for uncertain cost elements that may occur but are not included in the cost estimate. These cost elements include uncertainties concerning completeness, accuracy and characteristics or nature of material takeoffs, accuracy of labor and material rates, accuracy of labor productivity expectations, and accuracy of equipment pricing. The CAPEX estimates are considered to have an accuracy range of -10% to +15%.

The table below provides a summary of CAPEX estimates for the Project.

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Operating Costs and All-In Costs

The Project OPEX estimate includes mine operating costs, process plant operating costs, and general and administrative (“G&A”) costs. Cash costs, expressed in dollars per short ton ($/st) milled or dollars per troy ounce of gold ($/oz Au) produced, are typically expressed before and after by-product credits (from antimony concentrate sales). Total cash costs include smelting and refining charges, transportation charges, and royalties. The All-In Sustaining Costs (“AISC”) and the All-In Costs (“AIC”) include non-sustaining CAPEX, and closure and reclamation CAPEX, respectively. A summary of these Project costs is presented below. Assumptions that were used to estimate OPEX are presented in Section 18.2 of the TRS.

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Economic Analysis

The economic model is not a true cash flow model as defined by financial accounting standards but rather a representation of Project economics at a level of detail appropriate for the Company’s level of engineering and design. The first year of analysis starts with the decision point of the Project, the completion of the Environmental Impact Statement, and preliminary permit approval (Year -3 or three years before the start of commercial production). Taxation was taken into account using current federal, state, and county rates but the overall tax calculation is approximate and uses rudimentary depletion and depreciation estimates.

Financial Assumptions used in the Economic Analyses

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Four cases were run in the economic model to present a range of economic outcomes using varying metal prices. The metal prices used in the economic model are shown in the table below. There is no guarantee that any of the metal prices used in the five cases are representative of future metals prices. Table 1-11 and Section 19.1of the TRS contain assumptions used in the construction of the financial model.

Pre- and After-Tax Economic Results by Case

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