Aris Gold Corporation announced its project team has completed several Lower Mine optimizations with Wood PLC, the Company's EPCM contractor. Construction of the new camp and administrative areas is scheduled to begin in late November 2021 followed by the new portal and decline to begin in December 2021. The Lower Mine project includes a new decline and a 4,000 tonne per day (tpd) processing facility to expand on the existing Upper Mine operations. First gold production from the Lower Mine is expected in Fourth Quarter 2023. In addition, an updated mineral resource estimate has been completed with an effective date of June 30, 2021, representing a 42% increase in Measured and Indicated mineral resources to 5.8 million ounces of gold, comprised of 56.9 million tonnes at 3.2 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, compared to the previous estimate effective March 17, 2020. This growth in Measured and Indicated mineral resources includes an 81% increase of contained gold ounces in the Lower Mine. Marmato Exploration Drill Program and Mineral Resource Estimate: A 35,000-metre drill program began in May 2020, following completion of the Marmato Expansion; Pre-Feasibility Study led by SRK Consulting. The drill program had two objectives: (1) convert Inferred mineral resources to the Indicated category; and (2) test potential areas at depth and along strike. Between May 2020 and June 30, 2021, results were received for 43 holes totaling 27,737 metres, or approximately 80% of the total program. The new holes infilled existing drilling in the lower eastern half of the Marmato Lower Mine, converting Inferred mineral resources to Indicated, and expanded the mineral resource at depth and towards the east. The drill results demonstrate continuity of grades and widths and confirm the quality and interpretation of the mineralized zones, currently extending 800 metres vertically from 1,000 metres to 200 metres elevation, and along strike for over 950 metres. The drill program is ongoing and since June 30, 2021, eight more holes have been drilled and a further six holes are in progress. The Marmato deposit is still open with high-grade mineralization along strike and at depth with opportunities for further growth. Additional drill programs are in the planning stage. With an effective date of June 30, 2021, the updated mineral resource estimate is as follows: Measured and Indicated mineral resources of 5.8 Moz gold comprised of 56.9 million tonnes at 3.2 g/t gold, representing a 42% increase in contained gold ounces from the PFS MRE; and o Inferred mineral resources of 2.6 Moz gold comprised of 30.8 million tonnes at 2.6 g/t gold, representing an 18% increase in contained gold ounces from the PFS MRE. Additional details for the MRE are included in Table 1 below and comparisons to the PFS MRE.