SSR MINING INC

Critical Accounting Estimates

This MD&A is based on the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with US GAAP. The preparation of these statements requires that the Company makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The Company bases these estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that the Company considers reasonable under the circumstances; however, reported results could differ from those based on the current estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The areas requiring the use of management’s estimates are also discussed in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The policies identified as being critical to the understanding of the business and results of operations and that require the application of significant management judgment are outlined below.

Recoverable metal in stockpiles and leach pads

The Company estimates the quantity of recoverable metal in stockpiled ore and in leach pad inventories using surveyed volumes of material, ore grades determined through sampling and assaying of blast holes, and estimated recovery rates based on ore type. The quantity of recoverable metal and recovery rates varies based on ore mineralogy, ore grade, ore particle sizes and the percentage of cyanide soluble gold. The estimated recoverable gold ounces placed on the leach pads are periodically reconciled by comparing the related ore to the actual gold ounces recovered (metallurgical balancing). The ultimate recoverable metal or life-of-mine recovery rate is unknown until mining operations cease. Accounting for recoverable metal in stockpiled ore and in leach pad inventories represents a critical accounting estimate because (i) it is impracticable to determine metal contained in stockpiles and leach pads by physical count, thus requiring management to employ reasonable estimation methods and (ii) recovery rates from leach pads can vary significantly. A change in the recovery rate or the quantity of recoverable gold ounces in stockpiled ores on leach pad inventories could materially impact the financial statements.

Mineral reserves

Recoverable proven and probable reserves are the part of a mineral deposit that can be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. The determination of reserves involves numerous uncertainties with respect to the geology of the ore bodies, including quantities, grades and recovery rates. Estimating the quantity and grade of mineral reserves requires the Company to determine the size, shape and depth of the ore bodies by analyzing geological data, such as samplings of drill holes, tunnels and other underground workings. In addition to the geology of the Company’s mines, assumptions are required to determine the economic feasibility of mining these reserves, including estimates of future commodity prices and demand, the mining methods the Company uses and the related costs incurred to develop and mine reserves. The Company’s estimates of recoverable proven and probable mineral reserves are prepared by and are the responsibility of its employees. These estimates are reviewed and verified regularly by independent experts in mining, geology and reserve determination.

As discussed in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the Company depreciates its mineral properties and mine development costs using the units-of-production method based on the estimated recoverable ounces in proven and probable reserves. Because the economic assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves may change from period to period and additional geological data is generated during the course of operations, estimates of reserves may change, which could have a significant impact on the results of operations, including changes to prospective depreciation rates and impairments of long-lived asset carrying values.

Impairment of long-lived assets

The Company assesses the carrying value of its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts of such assets may not be recoverable. Events or circumstances that could indicate that the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable include, but are not limited to, significant adverse changes in the business climate including changes in future metal prices, significant changes to the extent or manner in which the asset is being used or its physical condition including significant decreases in production or mineral reserves, and significant decreases in the market price of the assets. In evaluating long-lived assets for recoverability, estimates of undiscounted future cash flows of the Company's mines are used. Estimates of future cash flows are derived from current business plans which are developed using short and long-term metal price assumptions; estimates of costs; resource, reserve and exploration potential estimates, including timing and costs to develop and produce the material; and the use of discount rates in the measurement of fair value. The Company believes its estimates and models used to determine fair value are similar to what a market participant would use.

Goodwill

Goodwill is allocated to reporting units and is tested for impairment annually as of December 31 or when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. In testing for goodwill impairment, the Company may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company does not elect to perform a qualitative assessment or it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, then a quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed by determining the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of a reporting unit is determined using either the income approach by utilizing estimates of discounted future cash flows or the market approach utilizing recent transaction activity for comparable properties. Estimates of future cash flows are derived from current business plans which are developed using short and long-term metal price assumptions; estimates of costs; resource, reserve and exploration potential estimates, including timing and costs to develop and produce the material; and the use of discount rates in the measurement of fair value.

Income taxes

Deferred income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined by applying the enacted statutory tax rates in effect at the end of a reporting period to the cumulative temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The effect on deferred taxes for a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company’s operations are in multiple jurisdictions where uncertainties arise in the application of complex tax regulations. Some of these tax regimes are defined by contractual agreements with the local government, while others are defined by general tax laws and regulations. The Company is subject to reviews of its income tax filings and other tax payments, and disputes can arise with the taxing authorities over the interpretation of its contracts or laws.

The Company recognizes potential liabilities and records tax liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on an estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These reserves are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances; however, due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the final resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the current estimate of the tax liabilities. If the estimated tax liabilities prove to be less than the final assessment, an additional charge to expense would result. If the estimated tax liabilities prove to be greater than the final assessment, a tax benefit would result. In certain jurisdictions, the Company must pay a portion of the disputed amount to the local government in order to formally appeal the assessment. Such payment is recorded as a receivable if the Company believes the amount is ultimately collectible.

A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is established when it is more likely than not that some portion of the benefit from deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining the amount of the valuation allowance, the Company considers estimated future taxable income or loss as well as feasible tax planning strategies in each jurisdiction. If the Company determines all or a portion of its deferred income tax assets will not be realized, the valuation allowance will be increased. Conversely, if the Company determines all or a portion of the related benefits for which a valuation allowance has been provided will ultimately be realized, all or a portion of the related valuation allowance will be reduced.

Reclamation liabilities

The Company recognizes a liability for the fair value of estimated future reclamation costs when incurred. Reclamation liabilities are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimated present value resulting from the passage of time and revisions to the estimates of either the timing or amount of reclamation costs. The estimated reclamation liability is based on when spending for an existing disturbance is expected to occur. The Company’s cost estimates are reflected on a third-party cost basis and comply with the Company’s legal obligation to retire long-lived assets in the period incurred. The Company reviews, on an annual basis, unless otherwise deemed necessary, the reclamation liability at each mine site.

Accounting for reclamation liabilities requires the Company to make estimates unique to each mining operation of the future costs we will incur to complete the reclamation work required to comply with existing laws and regulations. Any such changes, including but not limited to, changes in environment laws and regulations, which could increase the extent of reclamation work required; changes in future costs; changes in the timing of reclamation activities; and changes in the methods and technology utilized to do reclamation, could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Remediation costs are accrued when it is probable that an obligation has been incurred and the cost can be reasonably estimated. In addition to the remediation costs, estimates may include ongoing care, maintenance, and monitoring costs.

Accounting for remediation liabilities represents a critical accounting estimate because (i) changes to environmental laws and regulations and/or circumstances affecting the Company’s operations could result in significant changes to the Company’s estimates, (ii) the Company may be required to make estimates over a long period, (iii) calculating the discounted cash flows for certain of the Company’s liabilities may require management to estimate the amounts and timing of projected cash flows and make long-term assumptions about inflation rates, and (iv) changes in estimates used in determining the remediation liabilities could have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any remediation liabilities recorded; however, as a result of the Çöpler Incident the Company is in the process of evaluating the estimated remediation costs and anticipates recording a remediation liability during the first quarter of 2024.

Business combinations

The Company recognizes and measures the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. Any excess of the purchase consideration when compared to the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, if any, is recorded as goodwill. For material acquisitions, the Company engages third-party valuation specialists to assist with the determination of the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, non-controlling interest, if any, and goodwill, based on recognized business valuation methodologies. An income, market or cost valuation method may be utilized to estimate the fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and non-controlling interest, if any, in a business combination. These valuation procedures require management to make assumptions and apply significant judgment to estimate the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Estimates of future cash flows are developed using short and long-term metal price assumptions; estimates of costs; resource, reserve and exploration potential estimates, including timing and costs to develop and produce the material; and the use of discount rates in the measurement of fair value.