Austin Gold Corp.

**11.1 Surface Sampling

Each company used different geochemical laboratories, analytical methods, and quality control procedures for samples submitted for analysis. Table 11-2 summarizes this information for surface sampling programs.

Table 11-2 Project Sampling Campaign - Surface Samples

**11.1.1 1990 BHP - Utah International

A total of 320 rock chip samples were collected by BHP. Of these, 42 samples were analyzed by Chemex Labs in Sparks, Nevada for 32 elements using ICP, with gold analyzed on 30 g samples by fire assay with an AAS finish. The remaining samples were analyzed by Bondar-Clegg in Sparks, Nevada for gold at a 5 ppb detection limit. Sample preparation included crushing and splitting followed by pulverizing to -150 mesh (prep codes 255, 295) (Spatz, 1991).

A total of 1,065 soil samples were collected by BHP and submitted to Geochemical Services Inc. (GSI) in Rocklin, California for analysis. The soil survey was preceded by a 100 feet by 100 feet orientation survey that involved sampling different soil horizons and analyzing separate mesh sizes down to -200 mesh. Based on the orientation study, the -80 mesh fraction was selected for analysis. Samples were collected well into the B horizon where possible, typically at a depth of approximately 14 inches. Soil analyses were performed on 30 g samples using a strong oxidizing acid and a selective organic extraction. Ultra- trace gold, with a detection limit of 0.2 ppb, was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption, and an additional 14 elements were analyzed by ICP (Spatz, 1991).

A bulk-leach extractable gold (BLEG) survey comprising 36 samples was also conducted. Stream sediment samples were screened in the field to obtain 4 lb. of material passing -2 mm and were subsequently subjected to cyanide leach for 24 hours by American Assay Labs. Gold was analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (Spatz, 1991).

No information was found regarding sample security measures or chain of custody procedures employed by BHP-Utah International. There is also no record of the inclusion of blanks, standards, or duplicate samples. Assay results for gold were reported in ppb, and assay certificates are available for most samples.

The certification status of Chemex during the period 1987-1990 is not documented; however, it was a well-known commercial laboratory and was independent of BHP.

**11.1.2 1990 - 1992 Phelps Dodge

There were no descriptions found of sample preparation methods, sample security measures, or chain of custody procedures utilized by Phelps Dodge in the collection of surface samples at the Stockade Mountain Project.

Phelps Dodge collected a total of 405 rock chip samples and 75 soil samples on the Property and surrounding areas. The samples were submitted to Bondar-Clegg in Sparks, Nevada for analysis of gold by 30 g fire assay (reported in ppb), along with Ag, Cu, Mo, Pb, Zn, As, Sb, and Hg.

There is no record of the analytical methodology used by Bondar-Clegg for these samples. Duplicate samples were included in the sample stream. Assay results for gold were reported in ppb, and assay certificates are available for most samples.

**11.1.3 1993 Placer Dome

There were no descriptions found of sample preparation methods, sample security measures, or chain of custody procedures utilized by Placer Dome in the collection of surface samples at the Stockade Mountain Project.

Placer Dome collected a total of 68 rock chip samples on the Property. The samples were submitted to Bondar-Clegg in Sparks, Nevada for analysis of gold by 30 g fire assay (reported in ppb), along with Ag, Cu, Mo, Pb, Zn, As, Sb, and Hg.

There is no record of the analytical methodology used by Bondar-Clegg for these samples. Duplicate samples were included in the sample stream. Assay results for gold were reported in ppb, and assay certificates are available for most samples.

**11.1.4 2014-2016 La Cuesta International for The Electrum Group

Between 2014 and 2016, LCI collected a total of 128 rock chip samples in the Stockade Mountain area (Hillemeyer & Durning, Sept 2014), (Hillemeyer & Durning, Sample Designations and Summary of the 3rd Quarter 2015 Reconnaissance Exploration Program, Oregon and Nevada, March 2016), (Hillemeyer & Durning, September 2016).

La Cuesta International, Inc. and The Electrum Group geologists collected representative, semi- representative, and, in some instances, selective rock chip samples. Samples were collected primarily from rock outcrops, and locally from float boulders. Sample weights generally ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 kg and were placed in 7 x 12 inch cambric sample bags marked with the sample number in two locations on the bag. Sample locations were recorded using handheld GPS units, and detailed notes were recorded in field books. No sample tags were placed on the ground at sample locations. Samples were transported by La Cuesta and Electrum geologists directly from the project site to the ALS Minerals laboratory located at 4977 Energy Way, Reno, Nevada for analysis.

Upon receipt at the ALS facility, samples were sorted, bar-coded, and logged into the ALS system. The samples were then dried and weighed. Sample preparation followed ALS method CRU-31, consisting of fine crushing to better than 70% passing 2 mm (Tyler 9 mesh), followed by splitting using a riffle splitter (SPL-21). A split of up to 250 g was pulverized in a ring mill using a chrome steel ring set to at least 85% passing 75 µm (Tyler 150 mesh; method PUL-31).

Samples were assayed by an ICP method (ME-ICP61) for a suite of 33 elements: Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, W, and Zn. This method combines a four-acid digestion with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) instrumentation. A four-acid digestion quantitatively dissolves nearly all minerals in the majority of geological materials. Prepared sample (0.25 g) is digested with perchloric, nitric, hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids. The residue is leached with dilute hydrochloric acid and diluted to volume. The final solution is then analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Results are corrected for spectral inter-element interferences.

Gold was analyzed by fire assay with AAS finish (ALS code Au-AA23) using a 30 g sample weight. The method offers detection limits from 0.005 to 10 ppm. A prepared sample was fused with a mixture of lead oxide, sodium carbonate, borax, silica and other reagents as required, inquarted with 6 mg of gold- free silver and then cupelled to yield a precious metal bead. The bead was digested in 0.5 mL dilute nitric acid in the microwave oven. Concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.5 mL) was then added and the bead was further digested in the microwave at a lower power setting. The digested solution was cooled, diluted to a total volume of 4 mL with de-mineralized water, and analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy against matrix-matched standards

Assay results for Au were reported in ppm. Assay certificates are available for these samples.

**11.1.5 2016-2020 The Electrum Group

Between 2016 and 2017, a total of 230 samples were collected during outcrop mapping by L. Buchanan, with field assistance by X. Buchanan (Buchanan & Buchanan, October 2017). Sample collection procedures are described in Section 11.1.4. Samples were submitted to ALS Minerals in Reno, Nevada for analysis.

Sample preparation and analytical procedures, including crushing, splitting, pulverization, multi-element analysis by ICP (ME-ICP61), and gold analysis by fire assay with AAS finish (Au-AA23), were consistent with those described above for La Cuesta International in Section 11.1.4.

Standards and blanks were included in the sample stream. Assay results for gold were reported in ppm, and assay certificates are available for most samples. These procedures are consistent with accepted industry practices at the time the work was conducted (2016-2017).