Criminal activity in Mexico, including violence between the drug cartels and authorities and incidents of
violent crime, theft, kidnapping for ransom and extortion by organized crime, is an ongoing concern. The Mexican government has had limited effectiveness in addressing such criminal activity, which can give rise to uncertainty. Although Equinox Gold
has implemented measures to protect its employees, contractors, property and production facilities from these security risks, there can be no assurance that security incidents will not have an adverse effect on the Companys operations.
The Companys mining and development properties in Brazil expose the Company to various socioeconomic conditions as well as to local laws governing the
mining industry. The Brazilian government has a history of economic interventionism that can give rise to uncertainty.
Changes, if any, in mining or
investment policies or shifts in political attitude in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates may adversely affect the Companys operations or profitability. Operations may be affected in varying degrees by government regulations with
respect to, but not limited to, restrictions on production, price controls, export controls, currency remittance, importation of parts and supplies, income and other taxes, expropriation of property, foreign investment, maintenance of claims,
environmental legislation, land use, land claims of local people, water use and mine safety. Operations can also be affected by government actions against third parties, such as artisanal miners, which can indirectly impact community perception of
large mining companies and increase the risk of blockades and other interruptions to operations.
In May 2023, Mexico enacted comprehensive changes to its
mining and water laws that contain several ambiguities, including how existing mining and water concessions will be treated. Supplementary regulations to the new laws have not yet been released. In addition, Mexicos president proposed a number
of constitutional reforms in February 2024, including a prohibition on granting new open-pit mining concessions. The proposed reforms, together with the new mining laws, create significant uncertainty for the
regulation of mining in Mexico.
Uncertainty over whether the United States, Mexican or Brazilian governments will implement changes in policy or
regulation may contribute to economic uncertainty. Historically, politics in these regions have affected the performance of the economy and past political crises have affected the confidence of investors and the public, generally resulting in an
economic slowdown. In September 2024, Mexicos senate approved judicial reforms which fundamentally amend the structure and organization of the Mexican judiciary, including the introduction of popular election of judges. The reforms increase
uncertainty regarding the independence of the Mexican judicial system.
Operational Risks
Equinox Golds principal business is the mining, processing of, and exploration for precious metals. Equinox Golds mining operations and processing
and related infrastructure facilities are subject to risks normally encountered in the mining and metals industry. Although adequate precautions to minimize risk will be taken, operations are subject to hazards that could have an adverse effect on
the business, results of operations and financial position of Equinox Gold.
Such risks include, without limitation, actual ore mined varying from
estimates of grade or tonnage, metallurgical or other characteristics, environmental hazards, tailings risks, industrial accidents, labor disputes, changes in laws, technical difficulties or failures, late delivery of supplies or equipment, unusual
or unexpected geological formations or pressures, cave-ins, pit-wall failures, rock falls, unanticipated ground, grade or water conditions, seismic events, climate
change related events such as flooding, fires and droughts, interruptions in or shortages of electrical power or water, periodic or extended interruptions due to the unavailability of materials and force majeure events.
Additionally, Equinox Golds operations are subject to seasonal weather conditions. As a result of potentially heavy rainfall, pit access and the ability
to mine ore may be lower at certain times of the year and may increase
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