“Qualified Persons” (QPs) are integral to the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) standards for mineral project reporting. These professionals must have a minimum of five years of experience in the area of mineral exploration, mining, or project evaluation related to the deposit type and activity being reported on. Importantly, QPs are required to be members in good standing of a recognized professional association, such as the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC), among others across Canada and internationally that uphold similar professional standards and ethical codes.

The independence of QPs is critical to maintaining the credibility of NI 43-101 reports. To ensure impartiality:

Professional Ethics and Standards: As members of reputable professional associations, QPs adhere to strict ethical codes that mandate integrity and objectivity in their assessments.

Regulatory Criteria for Independence: NI 43-101 defines clear criteria to prevent conflicts of interest, ensuring that QPs do not have a vested interest in the projects they report on, beyond their professional fees for services rendered.

Mandatory Disclosure: QPs must disclose any potential conflicts of interest in their reports, including financial interests or any relationships with the company that could be perceived as compromising their independence.These measures guarantee that mineral resource estimates and technical evaluations are conducted following the highest standards of professional conduct, offering a reliable and unbiased perspective to investors and the public.