Para officials said RPM, which commenced its work last October, also reviewed the project’s infrastructure to confirm sufficiency. In the end, the contractor found the mill in 'excellent condition' and, as it is currently functional, no repairs or upgrading is needed.

RPM said it projects the company will need about C$500,000 to return it to production, which includes an initial chemical supply as well as grinding media.

Previous data shows expected gold recovery from the mill is 95% at an estimated operating cost of about C$27.50/t. The facility’s capacity is 40,000 ounces per year, with a daily production rate of 500t/d.

Para president Ian Harris called the return of the report 'an important step' for the mine as it prepares for operations.

“The report by RPM validates the work and analysis we did in due diligence and will be an integral part of the PEA expected to be completed in Q1 2018,” he said.

Para owns 88% of the Gold Road mine, located in Arizona’s Oatman District.