Currently the operation is dependent on a higher percentage of lower grade development ore than is planned once the operation reaches steady state. During the fourth quarter of 2008 overall grade significantly improved with all ore coming from the Rice Lake mine rather than SG1. The recovered grade for the quarter was 0.127 OPT (4.354 g/t).

During the fourth quarter of 2008 the Mill ran on an alternating two week on and two week off schedule. The Mill is expected to transition to a seven day a week operation in the second quarter of 2009 as mine production rates from the Rice Lake mine and the new Hinge mine are increased.