Morien Resources Corp. announced that the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration ("LSI"), upon which Morien has a 2% to 4% royalty interest, has lifted the Mine's Stop Work Order ("SWO"). The SWO was in effect since July 15, 2023. According to LSI, Kameron Collieries ("Kameron"), owner and operator of the Donkin Mine, has met the Phase 1 requirements to lift the SWO, specifically: updating the Mine's hazard assessment classification system; and adding further monitoring measures in the Mine's access tunnel. A return to production is not expected to be imminent and will be contingent in part on satisfying the remaining Phase 2 conditions as outlined by LSI as well as other regulatory processes that ensure long-term, stable production. In September 2023, LSI hired an independent, local engineer to complete a technical review of the Donkin Mine. In
consideration of the prolonged SWO, Kameron idled the Mine on November 10. The independent engineering report, released on November 15, included a two-phase approach to address potential safety issues. While Phase 1 conditions are now met, Phase 2 conditions are not. The Phase 2 conditions require Kameron to hire an independent, third-party engineer with experience in mining and tunnelling to review Kameron's ground control plan to
ensure it considers the third-party report's findings and appropriately prepares the Mine for seasonal changes and periods of high humidity. The deadline for this study is February 29, 2024. Morien continues to work diligently to advocate for a potential return to production and will provide further updates to its shareholders as to the status of operations at the Mine as they become available.