Theta Gold Mines Limited advised that the South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has informed the Company of its support for the Company's application to amend Mining Right 83 (MR83) to also permit open pit mining. MR83 is an approved and executed mining right and has an approved Environmental Authorisation for underground mining activities, as well as approval for processing of ore and deposition of residues onto an existing tailings dam. In a letter received from the DMRE on 26th October 2020, The DMRE confirmed that the application for Environmental Authorisation (EA) to permit open-pit mining on MR83 is being reviewed and the record of decision should be finalized on or before the end of November 2020. The DMRE confirmed its support for Theta Gold's investment and would do the necessary to ensure appropriate permits are processed and granted expeditiously. The DMRE acknowledged and appreciate the progress Theta Gold has made in relation to its mining investment which has potential benefits to the South African economy and the local municipal area in particular. The DMRE noted that the mining sector has been identified as one of the most important catalyst to stimulate economic growth in the country post Covid-19.