20-F 1 form20f.htm FORM 20-F Silver Standard Resources Inc.: Form 20-F - Filed by newsfilecorp.com

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

(Mark One)

[     ]     REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

[ x ]     ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

OR

[     ]     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

[     ]     SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring shell company report

For the transition period from ______________________ to _______________________

Commission file number 0-26424

SILVER STANDARD RESOURCES INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

___________________________________
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

British Columbia, Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Suite 1400 – 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2W2
(Address of principal executive offices)

Guy Davis, 604-689-3846, gdavis@silverstandard.com
604-689-3847, 1400 – 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W2 Canada
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares without par value Nasdaq Global Market

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None
(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None
(Title of Class)


Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common shares as of the close of the period covered by the annual report. 79,665,041

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
[ x ]  Yes [    ]  No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
[    ]  Yes [ x ]  No

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
[ x ]  Yes [    ]  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
[    ]  Yes   [    ]  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer [ x ] Accelerated filer [    ] Non-accelerated filer [    ]

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP [    ] International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by
the International Accounting Standards Board
[    ] Other [ x ]  

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the Registrant has elected to follow.
[    ] Item 17   [ x ]  Item 18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
[     ]  Yes [ x ]  No

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
[     ]  Yes   [     ]  No

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS V
     
GLOSSARY OF GEOLOGICAL TERMS IX
     
ITEM 1 IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS 1
     
     A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT 1
     B. ADVISERS 1
     C. AUDITORS 1
     
ITEM 2 OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE 1
     
ITEM 3 KEY INFORMATION 1
     A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 1
     B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS 3
     C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS 3
     D. RISK FACTORS 3
     
ITEM 4 INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY 15
     A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY 15
     B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW 16
     C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 33
     D. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 34
     
ITEM 4A UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 72
     
ITEM 5 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS 72
     A. OPERATING RESULTS 72
     B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 93
     C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC 105
     D. TREND INFORMATION 106
     E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS 106
     F. TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS 106
     G. SAFE HARBOR 106
     
ITEM 6 DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES 106
     A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT 106
     B. COMPENSATION 109
     C. BOARD PRACTICES 125
     D. EMPLOYEES 126
     E. SHARE OWNERSHIP 127
     
ITEM 7 MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 128
     A. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS 128
     B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 129
     C. INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL 129
     
ITEM 8 FINANCIAL INFORMATION 129
     A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION 129
     B. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES 131
     
ITEM 9 THE OFFER AND LISTING 131
     A. OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS 131
     B. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 133
     C. MARKETS 133
     D. SELLING SHAREHOLDERS 133
     E. DILUTION 133

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     F. EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE 133
     
ITEM 10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 133
     A. SHARE CAPITAL 133
     B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION 133
     C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS 135
     D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS AND INVESTMENT CANADA ACT 137
     E. TAXATION 139
     F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS 147
     G. STATEMENT BY EXPERTS 148
     H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY 148
     I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION 148
     
ITEM 11 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 148
     
ITEM 12 DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES 150
     
ITEM 13 DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES 150
     
ITEM 14 MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS  150
     
ITEM 15 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 150
     
ITEM 16 [RESERVED] 151
     
     A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT 151
     B. CODE OF ETHICS 151
     C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. 151
     D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES 152
     E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS 152
     F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT 152
     G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. 152
     
ITEM 17 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 152
     
ITEM 18 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 153
     
ITEM 19 EXHIBITS 153
     
     A. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 153
     B. EXHIBITS 154

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NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information under the provisions of Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) concerning the anticipated production and developments in our operations in future periods, our planned exploration, development and mining activities, the adequacy of our financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives”, “potential” or variations thereof, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:

  • uncertainty of production and cost estimates for the Pirquitas Mine;

  • uncertainty of future production at our mineral exploration properties;

  • risks and uncertainties associated with new mining operations, including start-up delays and operational issues;

  • risks related to our ability to obtain adequate financing for our planned development activities and to complete further exploration programs;

  • commodity price fluctuations;

  • our history of losses and expectation of future losses;

  • recent market events and conditions;

  • risks related to general economic conditions;

  • risks related to our covenants given with respect to our 4.5% convertible senior notes due 2028;

  • differences in U.S. and Canadian practices for reporting mineral resources and reserves;

  • risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of, and statistical inferences drawn from drill results and sampling, and the geology, grade and continuity of our mineral deposits;

  • unpredictable risks and hazards related to the development and operation of a mine or mine property that are beyond our control;

  • risks related to governmental regulations, including environmental regulations;

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  • risks related to the delay in obtaining or failure to obtain required land access agreements and permits, or non-compliance with land access agreements and permits we have obtained;

  • increased costs and restrictions on operations due to compliance with environmental laws and regulations;

  • regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change, as well as the physical impacts of climate change, could result in increased operating costs;

  • risks related to reclamation activities on our properties;

  • uncertainties related to title to our mineral properties and surface rights;

  • risks related to political instability and unexpected regulatory change;

  • our ability to successfully acquire additional commercially mineable mineral rights;

  • currency fluctuations;

  • increased costs affecting the mining industry, including risks associated with inflationary pressures in countries where we explore properties, develop projects or operate mines;

  • increased competition in the mining industry for properties, qualified personnel and management;

  • risks related to some of our directors’ and officers’ involvement with other natural resource companies;

  • our ability to attract and retain qualified management to grow our business;

  • risks related to estimates of future income tax assets and liabilities;

  • risks related to claims and legal proceedings;

  • our ability to maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting;

  • our potential classification as a “passive foreign investment company” under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code; and

  • the ability to monetize the full value of our interest in Pretium Resources Inc.

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and our actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in this Annual Report under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report and in the documents incorporated by reference herein. Our forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and we do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

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In this Annual Report, “we”, “us”, “our”, “Silver Standard” and “the Company” refer to Silver Standard Resources Inc., a company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), and its subsidiaries.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors

All disclosure about our exploration properties in this Annual Report conforms to the standards of United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) Industry Guide 7, Description of Property by Issuers Engaged or to be Engaged in Significant Mining Operations, other than disclosure of “Mineral Resources”, “Measured Mineral Resources”, “Indicated Mineral Resources” and “Inferred Mineral Resources”, which are Canadian geological and mining terms as defined in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 under the guidelines set out in the CIM Standards.

In this Annual Report references to “Canadian National Instrument 43-101” or “NI 43-101” are references to National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, of the Canadian Securities Administrators and references to “CIM Standards” are references to Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council on December 11, 2005 as may be amended from time to time by the CIM.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Measured Mineral Resources and Indicated Mineral Resources.

 

This Annual Report uses the terms “Measured Mineral Resource” and “Indicated Mineral Resource.” We advise U.S. investors that while such terms are recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize them. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the Mineral Resources in these categories will ever be converted into Mineral Reserves.

 

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources.

 

This Annual Report uses the term “Inferred Mineral Resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not generally form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures

We use certain non-GAAP financial performance measures in this Annual Report. For a detailed description of each of the non-GAAP measures used in this Annual Report, please refer to the discussion under Item 5.B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources” – “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures”.

In this Annual Report, we use the following non-GAAP financial performance measures: “Production cost per ounce”, “Cash operating cost per ounce” and “Total cost per ounce”. Production cost per ounce is used as a measure of cash production costs incurred directly at the mine before any deductions related to concentrate sales. This measure is used by management to measure the performance of plant and mill operations and we believe it is a useful measure to investors during our early stages of production. This measure is then adjusted for various sales-related, royalty and tax deductions to arrive at cash operating cost per ounce. This measure is commonly used within the industry and we believe provides investors with valuable information regarding our performance.

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Cash operating cost is aggregated with depletion, depreciation and amortization to arrive at the total cost per ounce, which provides investors with the total cost of producing an ounce of silver, which we believe to be a valuable measure for determining our future profitability. The inclusion of these measures are meant to provide additional information; however, these should not be used as a substitute for performance measures in accordance with GAAP as these are not necessarily standard and many differ among companies within the industry.

For additional information related to these non-GAAP performance measures, please refer to Item 5.B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources” – “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures”.

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GLOSSARY OF GEOLOGICAL TERMS
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

alteration - usually referring to chemical reactions in a rock mass resulting from the passage of hydrothermal fluids.

breccia - rock consisting of more or less angular fragments in a matrix of finer-grained material or cementing material.

claim - that portion of public mineral lands, which a party has staked or marked out in accordance with federal, provincial or state mining laws, to acquire the right to explore for the minerals under the surface.

cut-off grade - the minimum grade of mineralization that delimits mineralization that has a reasonable prospect of economic extraction from mineralization that does not have a reasonable prospect of economic extraction.

deposit - a natural occurrence of a useful mineral of sufficient extent and degree to warrant exploitation.

dilution - results from the mixing in of unwanted gangue or waste rock with the ore during mining.

dyke - a tabular body of igneous rock that cuts across the structure of adjacent rocks or cuts massive rocks.

fault - a fracture in a rock where there has been displacement of the two sides.

feasibility study - means a detailed study of a deposit in which all geological, engineering, operating, economic and other relevant factors are engineered in sufficient detail that it could reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a financial institution to finance the development of the deposit for mineral production.

g/t - grams per tonne.

gangue - term used to describe worthless minerals or rock waste mixed in with the valuable minerals.

geophysics - the study of the physical properties of rocks, minerals, and mineral deposits.

grade - the concentration of each ore metal in a rock sample, usually given as weight percent. Where extremely low concentrations are involved, the concentration may be given in grams per tonne (g/t) or ounces per ton (oz/ton). The grade of an ore deposit is calculated, often using sophisticated statistical procedures, as an average of the grades of a very large number of samples collected from throughout the deposit.

hectare - a square of 100 meters on each side.

host rock - the rock within which the ore deposit occurs.

igneous - means a rock formed by the cooling of molten material.

Indicated Mineral Resource - is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics, can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed. This definition is from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted on December 11, 2005.

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induced polarization method - the method used to measure various electrical responses to the passage of alternating currents of different frequencies through near-surface rocks or to the passage of pulses of electricity.

Inferred Mineral Resource - is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. This definition is from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted on December 11, 2005.

intrusion - general term for a body of igneous rock formed below the surface.

limestone - sedimentary rock that is composed mostly of carbonates, the two most common of which are calcium and magnesium carbonates.

Measured Mineral Resource - is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity. This definition is from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted on December 11, 2005.

Mineral Reserve - is the economically mineable part of a Measured or Indicated Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Preliminary Feasibility Study. This Study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. A Mineral Reserve includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined. This definition is from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted on December 11, 2005.

Mineral Resource - is a concentration or occurrence of diamonds, natural solid inorganic material, or natural solid fossilized organic material including base and precious metals, coal, and industrial minerals in or on the Earth’s crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. This definition is from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted on December 11, 2005.

mineralization - usually implies minerals of value occurring in rocks.

net profits interest royalty - a royalty based on the profit, allowing for costs directly related to production. The expenses that the operator deducts from revenue are defined in the royalty agreement. Payments generally begin after payback of capital costs. The royalty holder is not responsible for contributing to capital expenses, covering operating losses or environmental liabilities.

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net smelter return - means the amount actually paid to the mine or mill owner from the sale of ore, minerals and other materials or concentrates mined and removed from mineral properties.

net smelter return royalty - a royalty paid from cash flow that is free of any operating or capital costs and environmental liabilities.

outcrop - means an exposure of rock at the earth’s surface.

porphyry - a rock with conspicuous large grains in a fine grained ground mass.

oz/ton - ounces per ton.

plunge - the vertical angle between a horizontal plane and the line of maximum elongation of a body.

Preliminary Feasibility Study - is a comprehensive study of the viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a stage where the mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit configuration, in the case of an open pit, has been established and an effective method of mineral processing has been determined, and includes a financial analysis based on reasonable assumptions of technical, engineering, legal, operating, economic, social, and environmental factors and the evaluation of other relevant factors which are sufficient for a Qualified Person, acting reasonably, to determine if all or part of the Mineral Resource may be classified as a Mineral Reserve. This definition is from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted on December 11, 2005.

Probable Mineral Reserve - is the economically mineable part of an Indicated and, in some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Preliminary Feasibility Study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. This definition is from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted on December 11, 2005.

Proven Mineral Reserve - is the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Preliminary Feasibility Study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction is justified. This definition is from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted on December 11, 2005.

Qualified Person - means an individual who is an engineer or geoscientist with at least five years of experience in mineral exploration, mine development or operation or mineral project assessment, or any combination of these; has experience relevant to the subject matter of the mineral project and the technical report; and is a member or licensee in good standing of a professional association.

reclamation bond - a financial instrument or cash usually required when mechanized work is contemplated on a mineral claim. The bond may be used to reclaim any workings or put right any damage, if the reclamation of the mineral claim does not satisfy the requirements of the regulations.

sedimentary - a rock formed from cemented or compacted sediments.

sediments - are composed of the debris resulting from the weathering and breakup of other rocks that have been deposited by or carried to the oceans by rivers, or left over from glacial erosion or sometimes from wind action.

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sericite - a fine-grained variety of mica occurring in small scales, especially in schists.

shear zone - where a fault affects a width of rock rather than being a single clean break, the width of affected rock is referred to as the shear zone. The term implies movement, i.e. shearing.

sill - tabular intrusion which is sandwiched between layers in the host rock.

stockwork - a mineral deposit consisting of a three-dimensional network of closely spaced planar or irregular veinlets.

sulphide - a mineral compound characterized by the linkage of sulphur with a metal.

tailings - material rejected from a mill after recoverable valuable minerals have been extracted.

tailings pond - a pond in which tailings are disposed.

tuff - a finer grained pyroclastic rock made up mostly of ash and other fine grained volcanic material.

veins - the mineral deposits that are found filling openings in rocks created by faults or replacing rocks on either side of faults.

waste - rock which is not ore. Usually referred to that rock which has to be removed during the normal course of mining in order to get at the ore.

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Item 1 Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

  A. Directors and Senior Management

This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

  B. Advisers

This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

  C. Auditors

This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

Item 2 Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

Item 3 Key Information

  A. Selected Financial Data

The following table summarizes certain of our selected financial data. This information should be read in conjunction with the more detailed financial statements included in this Annual Report.

   Table No. 1     
  Selected Financial Data    
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share and number of shares data)  
          Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended  
          Dec 31, 2010     Dec 31, 2009     Dec 31, 2008     Dec 31, 2007     Dec 31, 2006  
1.   Revenues     $112,256     $5,442     Nil     Nil     Nil  
                                     
2.   Earnings (Loss) for year(1)   $346,239     ($13,193 )   ($5,946 )   ($33,965 )   $14,115  
                                   
3.
  Earnings (Loss) per common share(1)   Basic: $4.44
Diluted: $4.42
    ($0.19
($0.19
)
)
  ($0.09
($0.09
)
)
  ($0.55
($0.55
)
)
  $0.24
$0.24
 
                                     
4.   Total assets     $1,262,017     $749,925     $567,905     $504,851     $404,199  
                                     
5.   Net Assets     $1,031,772     $537,186     $389,597     $460,531     $374,642  
                                     
6.   Long term obligations and redeemable preferred shares(2)(3)     $118,203     $110,739     $104,046     Nil     Nil  
                                     
7.   Share capital     $671,542     $538,700     $389,655     $386,597     $370,196  

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          Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended  
          Dec 31, 2010     Dec 31, 2009     Dec 31, 2008     Dec 31, 2007     Dec 31, 2006  
8.
  Cash dividends per common share     Nil
  Nil
  Nil
  Nil
  Nil
                                     
9.   Number of shares     79,665,041     71,964,708     62,755,547     62,569,447     61,646,120  

(1)

All of our operations are continuing.

(2)

No preferred shares have been issued.

(3)

Excludes asset retirement obligations.

The selected financial data is presented in Table No. 1 above and in the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) prevailing in Canada as of the dates shown.

The selected financial data under U.S. GAAP for the above periods is indicated below in Table No. 2:

   Table No. 2     
  Selected Financial Data    
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share and number of shares data)  
          Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended  
          Dec 31, 2010     Dec 31, 2009     Dec 31, 2008     Dec 31, 2007     Dec 31, 2006  
1.   Revenues     $112,256     $5,442     Nil     Nil     Nil  
                                   
2.   Earnings (Loss) for year(1)   $344,818   ($47,909 )   ($29,768 )   ($68,143 )   ($10,340 )
                                     
3.   Earnings (Loss) per common share(1) – basic & diluted     Basic: $4.42
Diluted: $4.40
    ($0.70
($0.70
)
)
  ($0.47
($0.47
)
)
  ($1.10
($1.10
)
)
  ($0.18
($0.18
)
)
                                     
4.   Total assets     $991,270     $482,429     $348,554     $260,545     $229,258  
                                     
5.   Net Assets     $801,536     $306,488     $192,581     $241,782     $222,652  
                                     
6.   Long term obligations and redeemable preferred shares(2)(3)     $118,203   $110,739   $104,046   Nil   Nil
                                     
7.   Share capital     $670,592     $537,750     $388,705     $385,647     $369,247  
                                     
8.   Cash dividends per common share     Nil   Nil   Nil   Nil   Nil
                                     
9.   Number of shares     79,665,041     71,964,708     62,755,547     62,569,447     61,646,120  

(1)

All of our operations are continuing.

(2)

No preferred shares have been issued.

(3)

Excludes asset retirement obligations.

Reference is made to note 21 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of material differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP.

U.S./Canadian Dollar Exchange Rates

In this Annual Report, unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts are expressed in United States Dollars ($). In this Annual Report, all references to “$” refer to U.S. Dollars, all references to “C$” refer to Canadian Dollars and all references to “A$” refer to Australian Dollars.

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Table No. 3 below sets out the rate of exchange for the Canadian dollar at December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009, December 31, 2008, December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the average rates for each period, and the range of high and low rates for each period. Table No. 4 sets out the high and low rates of exchange for the Canadian dollar for each month during the previous six months.

For purposes of these tables, the rate of exchange means the Bank of Canada’s nominal noon exchange rate. The tables set out the number of Canadian dollars required under that formula to buy one U.S. dollar. The average rate in Table No. 3 means the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period.

Table No. 3
                       U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar Exchange Rates for Five Most Recent Financial Years
  Average High Low Close
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010 1.03 1.08 0.99 0.99
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009 1.14 1.31 1.03 1.05
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2008 1.07 1.30 0.97 1.22
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007 1.07 1.19 0.92 0.99
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2006 1.13 1.17 1.10 1.17

Table No. 4
U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar Exchange Rates for Previous Six Months
  September October November December January February
High 1.06 1.04 1.03 1.02 1.01 1.00
Low 1.02 1.00 1.00 0.99 0.98 0.97

On March 28, 2011, the exchange rate of Canadian dollars into United States dollars, based on the nominal noon rate for U.S. dollars reported by the Bank of Canada, was $1.00 equals C$0.98.

  B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

  C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

  D. Risk Factors

The production and cost estimates for the Pirquitas Mine may vary and/or not be achieved.

We have prepared estimates of future production, operating costs and capital costs for the Pirquitas Mine. We cannot give any assurance that such production or cost estimates will be achieved. Actual production and costs may vary from the estimates depending on a variety of factors, many of which are not within our control. These factors include, but are not limited to, actual ore mined varying from estimates of grade, tonnage, dilution, and metallurgical and other characteristics; short-term operating factors such as the need for sequential development of ore bodies and the processing of new or different ore grades from those planned; mine failures, slope failures or equipment failures; industrial accidents; natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods, droughts, rock slides and earthquakes; encountering unusual or unexpected geological conditions; changes in power costs and potential power shortages; exchange rate and commodity price fluctuations; shortages of principal supplies needed for operations, including explosives, fuels, chemical reagents, water, equipment parts and lubricants; labor shortages or strikes; high rates of inflation; civil disobedience and protests; and restrictions or regulations imposed by governmental or regulatory authorities or other changes in the regulatory environments. Failure to achieve production or cost estimates or material increases in costs could have a material adverse impact on our future cash flows, profitability, results of operations and financial condition.

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The Pirquitas Mine is currently our only mineral property in production.

The Pirquitas Mine is currently our only mineral property in production. The future development of any other properties found to be economically feasible and approved by our Board of Directors will require the construction and operation of mines, processing plants and related infrastructure. As a result, we are and will continue to be subject to all of the risks associated with establishing new mining operations including:

  • the availability and cost of skilled labor and mining equipment;

  • the availability and cost of appropriate smelting and refining arrangements;

  • the need to obtain and retain necessary environmental and other governmental approvals and permits and the timing of the receipt of those approvals and permits;

  • potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups or local groups which may delay or prevent development activities;

  • potential increases in cost structures due to changes in the cost of fuel, power, materials and supplies; and

  • the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of the construction and expansion of mining and processing facilities.

The costs, timing and complexities of operating the Pirquitas Mine and constructing and developing our other projects may be greater than we anticipate because the majority of our property interests are not located in developed areas, and, as a result, our property interests may not be served by appropriate road access, water and power supply and other support infrastructure. Cost estimates may increase as more detailed engineering work is completed on a project. It is common in new mining operations to experience unexpected costs, problems and delays during construction, development and mine start-up. In addition, delays in the early stages of mineral production often occur. Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance that our activities will result in profitable mining operations at the Pirquitas Mine or any of our other mineral properties.

We have limited revenue from operations.

We are a company transitioning from exploration and development to production and have only in 2010 started generating significant revenue from operations. Other than the Pirquitas Mine, which achieved commercial production on December 1, 2009, all of our properties are in the exploration stage. With the exception of our Pitarrilla and San Luis Projects we have not defined or delineated any proven or probable reserves on any of our exploration stage properties. Mineral exploration involves significant risk because few properties that are explored contain bodies of ore that would be commercially economic to develop into producing mines. If our current exploration programs do not result in the discovery of commercial ore, we may need to write-off part or all of our investment in our existing exploration stage properties, and we may need to acquire additional properties.

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The determination of whether any mineral deposits on our properties are economically viable is affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including:

  • the metallurgy of the mineralization forming the mineral deposit;

  • market fluctuations for metal prices;

  • the proximity and capacity of natural resource markets and processing equipment; and

  • government regulations governing prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection.

We may not have sufficient funds to develop our mineral properties or to complete further exploration programs.

We have recently secured a significant cash balance following the sale of the Snowfield and Brucejack properties, however we currently still generate limited operating cash flows, and must primarily finance our exploration activity and the development of our mineral properties by other means. In the future, our ability to continue our production, exploration and development activities, if any, will depend on our ability to generate sufficient operating revenue from the Pirquitas Mine and obtain additional external financing. Any unexpected costs, problems or delays during the early stages of production at the Pirquitas Mine could severely impact our ability to generate cash flows from production at the Pirquitas Mine and continue our exploration and development activities.

The sources of external financing that we may use for these purposes include project or bank financing, or public or private offerings of equity and debt. In addition, we may enter into one or more strategic alliances or joint ventures, decide to sell certain property interests, or utilize one or a combination of all of these alternatives. The financing alternative chosen by us may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. If additional financing is not available, we may have to postpone the development of, or sell, one or more of our principal properties.

Changes in the market price of silver and other metals, which in the past have fluctuated widely, will affect our operations.

Our profitability and long-term viability will depend, in large part, on the market price of silver, gold, tin, zinc, lead and copper. The market prices for these metals are volatile and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including:

  • global or regional consumption patterns;

  • the supply of, and demand for, these metals;

  • speculative activities;

  • the availability and costs of metal substitutes;

  • expectations for inflation; and

  • political and economic conditions, including interest rates and currency values.

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We cannot predict the effect of these factors on metal prices. A decrease in the market price of silver and other metals would affect the profitability of the Pirquitas Mine and could affect our ability to finance the exploration and development of any of our other mineral properties. The market price of silver and other metals may not remain at current levels. In particular, an increase in worldwide supply, and consequent downward pressure on prices, may result over the longer term from increased silver production from mines developed or expanded as a result of current metal price levels.

We have a history of losses and may continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future.

Due to our history as an exploration focussed company, we have a history of losses. Despite recording significant earnings in 2010 following the gain on sale of our Snowfield and Brucejack properties, we still incurred underlying losses, and incurred a loss of $13.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, and $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.

We expect the Pirquitas Mine to start generating sufficient revenues to fund continuing operations, however we may still continue to incur losses, and the exploration and development of our other mineral properties will still require the commitment of substantial financial resources that may not be available.

The amount and timing of expenditures will depend on a number of factors, including the progress of ongoing exploration and development, the results of consultants’ analyses and recommendations, the rate at which operating losses are incurred, the execution of any joint venture agreements with strategic partners and our acquisition of additional property interests, some of which are beyond our control. We cannot provide assurance that we will ever achieve profitability.

Market events and conditions may adversely affect our business and industry.

In 2007 and into 2008, the U.S. credit markets began to experience serious disruption due to a deterioration in residential property values, defaults and delinquencies in the residential mortgage market (particularly, sub-prime and non-prime mortgages) and a decline in the credit quality of mortgage-backed securities. These problems led to a slow-down in residential housing market transactions, declining housing prices, delinquencies in non-mortgage consumer credit and a general decline in consumer confidence. These conditions continued and worsened in 2008 and early 2009, causing a loss of confidence in the U.S. and global credit and financial markets and resulting in the collapse of, and government intervention in, major banks and other financial institutions and insurers, and creating a climate of greater volatility, less liquidity, widening of credit spreads, a lack of price transparency, increased credit losses and tighter credit conditions. Notwithstanding various actions by the U.S. and other governments, concerns about the general condition of the capital markets, financial instruments, banks, investment banks, insurers and other financial institutions caused the broader credit markets to further deteriorate and stock markets to decline substantially. In addition, general economic indicators, including employment levels, announced corporate earnings, economic growth and consumer confidence, have deteriorated. Any or all of these market events and conditions may adversely affect our business and industry.

- 6 -


General economic conditions may adversely affect our growth and profitability.

The unprecedented events in global financial markets in the past several years have had a profound impact on the global economy. Many industries, including the silver and gold mining industry, are impacted by these market conditions. Some of the key impacts of the current financial market turmoil include contraction in credit markets resulting in a widening of credit risk, devaluations, high volatility in global equity, commodity, foreign exchange and precious metal markets and a lack of market liquidity. A continued or worsened slowdown in the financial markets or other economic conditions, including but not limited to, consumer spending, employment rates, business conditions, inflation, fuel and energy costs, consumer debt levels, lack of available credit, the state of the financial markets, interest rates and tax rates, may adversely affect our growth and profitability. Specifically:

  • the global credit/liquidity crisis could impact the cost and availability of financing and our overall liquidity;

  • the volatility of silver and gold prices would impact our revenues, profits, losses and cash flow;

  • continued recessionary pressures could adversely impact demand for our production;

  • volatile energy, commodity and consumables prices and currency exchange rates would impact our production costs; and

  • the devaluation and volatility of global stock markets would impact the valuation of our equity and other securities.

These factors could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

An event of default under our 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 may significantly reduce our liquidity and adversely affect our business.

Under the indenture governing our 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 (the “Convertible Notes”), we made various covenants to the trustees on behalf of the holders of the Convertible Notes, including to make payments of interest and principal when due and, upon undergoing a fundamental change, to offer to purchase all of the outstanding Convertible Notes.

If there is an event of default under the Convertible Notes, the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, may be declared immediately due and payable. If such an event occurs, we could lose our properties, including the Pirquitas Mine, and our shareholders could lose their entire investment.

Recoverability of the investment in Pretium

Following the sale of the Snowfield and Brucejack properties to Pretium Resources Inc. (“Pretium”) we have a significant continuing ownership interest of approximately 40%. We will significantly rely on the performance of that company, the market performance of Pretium’s common shares and the liquidity of the market for those shares, in realizing the full value of the previous transaction. This may reduce our ability to execute our strategy and fund planned exploration and development opportunities.

We follow Canadian disclosure practices concerning our mineral reserves and resources which allow for more disclosure than is permitted for U.S. reporting companies.

Our resource estimates are not directly comparable to those made in filings subject to the SEC reporting and disclosure requirements, as we report resources in accordance with Canadian practices. These practices are different from the practices used to report resource estimates in reports and other materials filed with the SEC in that the Canadian practice is to report measured, indicated and inferred resources. In the United States, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into reserves. Further, “inferred resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Disclosure of “contained ounces” is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC only permits issuers to report “resources” as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

- 7 -


Accordingly, information concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources contained in this Prospectus or any applicable Prospectus Supplement, or in any document incorporated by reference herein, may not be comparable to information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.

Our reserve and resource estimates are based on interpretation and assumptions and may yield less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated.

In making determinations about whether to advance any of our projects to development, we must rely upon estimated calculations as to the mineral reserves and grades of mineralization on our properties. Until ore is actually mined and processed, mineral reserves and grades of mineralization must be considered as estimates only. These estimates are imprecise and depend upon geological interpretation and statistical inferences drawn from drilling and sampling which may prove to be unreliable. We cannot provide assurance that:

  • reserve, resource or other mineralization estimates will be accurate; or
  • mineralization can be mined or processed profitably.

Any material changes in mineral reserve estimates and grades of mineralization will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and a property’s return on capital. Our reserve and resource estimates have been determined and valued based on assumed future prices, cut-off grades and operating costs that may prove to be inaccurate. Extended declines in market prices for silver, gold, tin, zinc, lead and copper may render portions of our mineralization uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineral reserves.

Any material reductions in estimates of mineralization, or of our ability to extract this mineralization, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. We cannot provide assurance that mineral recovery rates achieved in small scale tests will be duplicated in large scale tests under on-site conditions or in production scale.

Mining is inherently risky and subject to conditions or events beyond our control.

The development and operation of a mine or mine property is inherently dangerous and involves many risks that even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome, including:

  • unusual or unexpected geological formations;

  • metallurgical and other processing problems;

  • metal losses;

  • environmental hazards;

  • power outages;

  • labor disruptions;

  • industrial accidents;

  • periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions;

  • flooding, explosions, fire, rockbursts, cave-ins and landslides;

  • mechanical equipment and facility performance problems; and

  • the availability of materials and equipment.

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These risks could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties, production facilities or other properties, personal injury or death, including to our employees, environmental damage, delays in mining, increased production costs, asset write downs, monetary losses and possible legal liability. We may not be able to obtain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums, or at all. Insurance against certain environmental risks, including potential liability for pollution and other hazards as a result of the disposal of waste products occurring from production, is not generally available to companies within the mining industry. We may suffer a material adverse effect on our business if we incur losses related to any significant events that are not covered by our insurance policies.

We are subject to significant governmental regulations.

The operation of the Pirquitas Mine, as well as our exploration activities, are subject to extensive federal, state, provincial, territorial and local laws and regulations governing various matters, including:

  • environmental protection;

  • the management and use of toxic substances and explosives;

  • the management of natural resources;

  • the exploration of mineral properties;

  • exports;

  • price controls;

  • taxation and mining royalties;

  • labor standards and occupational health and safety, including mine safety; and

  • historic and cultural preservation.

Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in civil or criminal fines or penalties or enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities enjoining or curtailing operations or requiring corrective measures, installation of additional equipment or remedial actions, or the imposition of additional local or foreign parties as joint venture partners, any of which could result in significant expenditures. We may also be required to compensate private parties suffering loss or damage by reason of a breach of such laws, regulations or permitting requirements. It is also possible that future laws and regulations, or more stringent enforcement of current laws and regulations by governmental authorities, could cause us to incur additional expense or capital expenditure restrictions or suspensions of our activities and delays in the exploration and development of our properties.

We require further permits in order to conduct our current and anticipated future operations, and delays in obtaining or failure to obtain such permits, or a failure to comply with the terms of any such permits that we have obtained, would adversely affect our business.

Our current and anticipated future operations, including continued production at the Pirquitas Mine, and further exploration, development and commencement of production on our other mineral properties, require permits from various governmental authorities. Obtaining or renewing governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process. The duration and success of efforts to obtain and renew permits are contingent upon many variables not within our control.

We cannot provide assurance that all permits that we require for our operations, including any for construction of mining facilities or conduct of mining, will be obtainable or renewable on reasonable terms, or at all. Delays or a failure to obtain such required permits, or the expiry, revocation or failure by us to comply with the terms of any such permits that we have obtained, would adversely affect our business.

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Our activities are subject to environmental laws and regulations that may increase our costs and restrict our operations.

All of our exploration, potential development and production activities in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru and the United States are subject to regulation by governmental agencies under various environmental laws. To the extent that we conduct exploration activities or undertake new mining activities in other countries, we will also be subject to environmental laws and regulations in those jurisdictions. These laws address emissions into the air, discharges into water, management of waste, management of hazardous substances, protection of natural resources, antiquities and endangered species and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining operations. Environmental legislation in many countries is evolving and the trend has been towards stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and increasing responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays on our behalf and may cause material changes or delays in our intended activities. Future changes in these laws or regulations could have a significant adverse impact on some portion of our business, causing us to re-evaluate those activities at that time.

Environmental laws in some of the countries in which we operate require that we periodically perform environmental impact studies at our mines. At present, environmental impact studies are being performed at the Pirquitas Mine and the San Luis Project. These studies are at an early stage and we are currently unable to discern the results of these studies. We cannot guarantee that these studies will not reveal environmental impacts that would require us to make significant capital outlays or cause material changes or delays in our intended activities, any of which could adversely affect our business.

Land reclamation requirements for our exploration properties may be burdensome.

Although variable depending on location and the governing authority, land reclamation requirements are generally imposed on mineral exploration companies (as well as companies with mining operations) in order to minimize long term effects of land disturbance. Reclamation may include requirements to:

  • control dispersion of potentially deleterious effluents; and
  • reasonably re-establish pre-disturbance land forms and vegetation.

In order to carry out reclamation obligations imposed on us in connection with our exploration, potential development and production activities, we must allocate financial resources that might otherwise be spent on further exploration and development programs. Certain of our projects have been subject to historic mining operations and certain of the properties that were historically mined by us are subject to remediation obligations. We have set up a provision for our reclamation bonds but this provision may not be adequate. If we are required to carry out unanticipated reclamation work, our financial position could be adversely affected.

Our properties may be subject to uncertain title.

We cannot provide assurance that title to our properties will not be challenged. We own, lease or have under option, unpatented and patented mining claims, mineral claims or concessions which constitute our property holdings. The ownership and validity, or title, of unpatented mining claims and concessions are often uncertain and may be contested. Also, we may not have, or may not be able to obtain, all necessary surface rights to develop a property. Title insurance is generally not available for mineral properties and our ability to ensure that we have obtained a secure claim to individual mining properties or mining concessions may be severely constrained. We have not conducted surveys of all of the claims in which we hold direct or indirect interests. A successful claim contesting our title to a property will cause us to lose our rights to explore and, if warranted, develop that property or undertake or continue production thereon. This could result in our not being compensated for our prior expenditures relating to the property.

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The sale of our concentrates will be subject to counterparty and market risks.

We have entered into supply arrangements to sell some of the silver, tin and zinc concentrates to be produced at the Pirquitas Mine to integrated mining and smelting companies. There is no assurance that in the future, where necessary, we will be successful in entering into such arrangements on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are not successful in entering into such arrangements, we may be forced to sell all of our concentrates, or greater volumes of them than we may from time to time intend, in the spot market, or we may not have a market for our concentrates. In addition, should any counterparty to any supply arrangement we may enter into not honour such arrangement, or should any of such counterparties become insolvent, we may incur losses for products already shipped and be forced to sell greater volumes of our concentrates than intended in the spot market or we may not have a market for our concentrates, and our future operating results may be materially adversely impacted as a result. Moreover, there can be no assurance that we will be able to renew any agreements we may enter into to sell concentrates when such agreements expire, or that our concentrates will meet the qualitative requirements under future concentrate agreements or the requirements of buyers.

Political or economic instability or unexpected regulatory change in the countries where our properties are located could adversely affect our business.

Certain of our properties are located in countries, provinces and states more likely to be subject to political and economic instability, or unexpected legislative change, than is usually the case in certain other countries, provinces and states. The operation of the Pirquitas Mine and our mineral exploration or potential development activities could be adversely affected by:

  • political instability and violence;

  • war and civil disturbance;

  • labor unrest;

  • expropriation or nationalization;

  • changing fiscal regimes and uncertain regulatory environments;

  • fluctuations in currency exchange rates;

  • high rates of inflation;

  • changes to royalty and tax regimes, including the elimination of tax exemptions;

  • underdeveloped industrial and economic infrastructure; and

  • the unenforceability of contractual rights and judgments.

Currently, Argentina, where our operating Pirquitas mine is located, is experiencing high rates of inflation, causing upward pressure on labor costs.

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We cannot provide assurance that we will successfully acquire additional commercially mineable mineral rights.

Most exploration projects do not result in the discovery of commercially mineable ore deposits, and no assurance can be given that any anticipated level of recovery of ore reserves will be realized or that any identified mineral deposit will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) ore body which can be legally and economically exploited. Estimates of reserves, resources, mineral deposits and production costs can also be affected by such factors as environmental permitting regulations and requirements, weather, environmental factors, unforeseen technical difficulties, unusual or unexpected geological formations and work interruptions.

Material changes in ore reserves, grades, stripping ratios or recovery rates may affect the economic viability of any project. Our future growth and productivity will depend, in part, on our ability to identify and acquire additional commercially mineable mineral rights, and on the costs and results of continued exploration and potential development programs. Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature and is frequently non-productive. Substantial expenditures are required to:

  • establish ore reserves through drilling and metallurgical and other testing techniques;

  • determine metal content and metallurgical recovery processes to extract metal from the ore; and

  • construct, renovate or expand mining and processing facilities.

In addition, if we discover ore, it would take several years from the initial phases of exploration until production is possible. During this time, the economic feasibility of production may change. As a result of these uncertainties, there can be no assurance that we will successfully acquire additional commercially mineable (or viable) mineral rights.

We may be adversely affected by future fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

We maintain our bank accounts primarily in U.S. and Canadian dollars and Argentine Pesos. Our revenues are in U.S. dollars, while certain of our costs will be incurred in other currencies. In particular, any appreciation in the currencies of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico or other countries where we carry out exploration or development activities against the U.S. dollar will increase our costs of carrying on operations in such countries. With the operation of the Pirquitas Mine, our costs denominated in the currency of Argentina have increased over past levels, and we have greater exposure to Argentinean currency fluctuations. In addition, any decrease in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar will result in a loss on our books to the extent we hold funds in Canadian dollars. As a result, our financial performance and forecasts can be significantly impacted by changes in foreign exchange rates.

High metal prices in recent years have encouraged increased mining exploration, development and construction activity, which has increased demand for, and cost of, exploration, development and construction services and equipment.

The relative strength of metal prices over the past five years has encouraged increases in mining exploration, development and construction activities around the world, which has resulted in increased demand for, and cost of, exploration, development and construction services and equipment. While recent market conditions have had a moderating effect on the costs of such services and equipment, increases in such costs may continue with the resumption of an upward trend in metal prices. Increased demand for services and equipment could result in delays if services or equipment cannot be obtained in a timely manner due to inadequate availability, and may cause scheduling difficulties due to the need to coordinate the availability of services or equipment, any of which could materially increase project exploration, development and/or construction costs.

- 12 -


We face industry competition in the acquisition of exploration properties and the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel.

We compete with other exploration and producing companies, many of which are better capitalized, have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than us or are further advanced in their development or are significantly larger and have access to greater mineral reserves, for the acquisition of mineral claims, leases and other mineral interests as well as for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees and other personnel. In particular, we face competition for qualified personnel for the Pirquitas Mine, which may increase our costs of operating the mine or result in delays. A significant number of expatriate employees are currently required in the early stages of production at the Pirquitas Mine to train the local workforce. If we require and are unsuccessful in acquiring additional mineral properties or qualified personnel, we will not be able to grow at the rate we desire, or at all.

Some of our directors and officers have conflicts of interest as a result of their involvement with other natural resource companies.

Some of our directors and officers are directors or officers of other natural resource or mining-related companies. Currently, John Smith, our Chief Executive Officer, and Tom Yip, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, both serve as directors of Pretium, and, as of the date of this Annual Report, we own over 40% of Pretium’s outstanding common shares. These associations may give rise to conflicts of interest from time to time. As a result of these conflicts of interest, we may miss the opportunity to participate in certain transactions, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

We are subject to claims and legal proceedings.

We are subject to various claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business activities. Each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties and it is possible that some of these matters may be resolved unfavorably to us. We carry liability insurance coverage and establish reserves for matters that are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In addition, we may be involved in disputes with other parties in the future that may result in litigation, which may have a material adverse impact on our future cash flows, profitability, results of operations and financial condition.

We may experience difficulty attracting and retaining qualified management to grow our business.

We are dependent on the services of key executives and other highly skilled and experienced executives and personnel focused on advancing our corporate objectives as well as the identification of new opportunities for growth and funding. Due to our relatively small size, the loss of any of these persons or our inability to attract and retain suitable replacements for them or additional highly skilled employees required for the operation of the Pirquitas Mine and our other activities may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

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We may fail to maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

During our five most recent fiscal years, we documented and tested our internal control procedures in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“SOX”). SOX requires an annual assessment by management of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and, for fiscal years commencing with our fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, an attestation report by our independent auditors addressing the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. We may fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, and we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude, on an ongoing basis, that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of SOX. Our failure to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of SOX on an ongoing, timely basis could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could harm our business and negatively impact the trading price or the market value of our securities. In addition, any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Future acquisitions of companies, if any, may provide us with challenges in implementing the required processes, procedures and controls in our acquired operations. No evaluation can provide complete assurance that our internal control over financial reporting will detect or uncover all failures of persons within our Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be reported. The effectiveness of our processes, procedures and controls could also be limited by simple errors or faulty judgments. In addition, as we continue to expand, the challenges involved in implementing appropriate internal control over financial reporting will increase and will require that we continue to improve our internal control over financial reporting. Although we intend to expend substantial time and incur substantial costs, as necessary, to ensure ongoing compliance, we cannot be certain that we will be successful in complying with Section 404 of SOX.

Risks Related to our Common Shares

Future sales or issuances of equity securities could decrease the value of any existing common shares, dilute investors’ voting power and reduce our earnings per share.

We may sell additional equity securities (including through the sale of securities convertible into common shares) and may issue additional equity securities to finance our operations, development, exploration, acquisitions or other projects. We cannot predict the size of future sales and issuances of equity securities or the effect, if any, that future sales and issuances of equity securities will have on the market price of our common shares. Sales or issuances of a substantial number of equity securities, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common shares. With any additional sale or issuance of equity securities, investors will suffer dilution of their voting power and may experience dilution in our earnings per share.

Our common shares are publicly traded and are subject to various factors that have historically made our common share price volatile.

The market price of our common shares has been, and may continue to be, subject to large fluctuations, which may result in losses to investors. The market price of our common shares may increase or decrease in response to a number of events and factors, including: our operating performance and the performance of competitors and other similar companies; volatility in metal prices; the public’s reaction to our press releases, material change reports, other public announcements and our filings with the various securities regulatory authorities; changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who track our common shares or the shares of other companies in the resource sector; changes in general economic and/or political conditions; the number of common shares to be publicly traded after an offering of our common shares; the arrival or departure of key personnel; acquisitions, strategic alliances or joint ventures involving us or our competitors; and the factors listed under the heading “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”.

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The market price of our common shares is affected by many other variables which are not directly related to our success and are, therefore, not within our control, including other developments that affect the market for all resource sector securities, the breadth of the public market for our common shares and the attractiveness of alternative investments. The effect of these and other factors on the market price of our common shares on the exchanges on which they trade has historically made our common share price volatile and suggests that our common share price will continue to be volatile in the future.

We do not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

We have not declared or paid any dividends on our common shares since 1955. We intend to retain earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business and do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common shares in the foreseeable future. Any return on an investment in our common shares will come from the appreciation, if any, in the value of our common shares. The payment of future cash dividends, if any, will be reviewed periodically by our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, conditions then existing including earnings, financial condition and capital requirements, restrictions in financing agreements, business opportunities and conditions and other factors.

Item 4 Information on the Company

  A. History and Development of the Company

General Background

We were incorporated as a company in British Columbia, Canada, on December 11, 1946 under the name “Silver Standard Mines, Limited (NPL)” and changed our name to “Silver Standard Mines Limited” on July 18, 1979. We changed our name to “Consolidated Silver Standard Mines Limited” and consolidated our common shares on a 1-for-5 basis on August 9, 1984. All references to the number of shares or per share data in this Annual Report refer to consolidated shares/data, unless otherwise indicated. We changed our name to “Silver Standard Resources Inc.” on April 9, 1990. On May 12, 2005, our shareholders adopted new articles as required by the new British Columbia Business Corporations Act and authorized an increase in our authorized capital from 100,000,000 common shares without par value to an unlimited number of common shares without par value.

Our head office and registered and records office is located at: Suite 1400 - 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 2W2. The contact person is Guy Davis, Assistant Corporate Secretary and Corporate Counsel. The telephone number is (604) 689-3846; the facsimile number is (604) 689-3847.

In February 2010, we completed the sale of all of our interest in the Silvertip Project to Silvercorp Metals Inc. (“Silvercorp”). See Item 4.B - “Business Overview – Mineral Properties – Silvertip Project”.

In December 2010, we completed the sale of our 100% interest in the Snowfield Project and Brucejack Project to Pretium. See Item 4.B – “Business Overview – Mineral Projects – Snowfield Project and Brucejack Project”.

On February 28, 2011, we entered into a letter agreement with Esperanza Resources Corp. (“Esperanza”) to purchase all of Esperanza’s remaining interest in the San Luis project. Upon closing of the transaction, which is scheduled for April 30, 2011, we will own 100% of the San Luis project, subject to a 1% net smelter returns royalty. See Item 4.B – “Business Overview – Mineral Projects – San Luis Project”.

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On March 23, 2011, Pretium Resources Inc. filed a preliminary prospectus in connection with a proposed sale by us of a portion of our equity interest in Pretium. The number of Pretium common shares that we will sell and the price at which we will sell such shares, are not determined as of March 28, 2011, and will be determined based on marketed efforts by the underwriters in connection with the proposed offering. The offering is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, and is scheduled to close in early April, 2011.

The information contained in this Annual Report is current as at December 31, 2010, other than where a different date is specified.

  B. Business Overview

All disclosure about our exploration properties in this Annual Report conforms to the standards of the SEC’s Industry Guide 7, Description of Property by Issuers Engaged or to be Engaged in Significant Mining Operations, other than disclosure of “Mineral Resources”, “Measured Mineral Resources”, “Indicated Mineral Resources” and “Inferred Mineral Resources”, which are geological and mining terms as defined in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 under the guidelines set out in the CIM Standards. U.S. investors in particular are advised to read carefully the definitions of these terms as well as the explanatory and cautionary notes in the Glossary, and the cautionary notes below, regarding use of these terms.

We are a silver resource company that has assembled a portfolio of silver dominant projects since 1994. Certain of our projects also contain significant gold resources. Our properties are located in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru and the United States. We continue to explore for, and acquire, if warranted, silver properties throughout the world. We are now focused on operating and producing silver from our Pirquitas Mine, and on advancing our other mineral projects and project pipeline. None of our properties, other than the Pirquitas Mine, are currently beyond the advanced exploration stage. A commercially viable mineral deposit may not exist on any of our exploration stage properties, and further exploration work may be required before a final evaluation as to the economic and legal feasibility of any property is determined. See Item 3.D – “Risk Factors”.

In addition to the Pirquitas Mine located in the Province of Jujuy, Argentina, we have several mineral projects: a 70% interest (which may be increased to 80% by funding certain expenditures) in the San Luis Project in the Ancash Department, Peru; the Pitarrilla and San Agustin Projects in Durango State, Mexico; and the Diablillos Project in Salta Province, Argentina. We have a large portfolio of mineral properties: the Berenguela Project in Peru; the Nazas Project in Durango State, Mexico; the Challacollo Project in Chile; the Candelaria Mine Project in west central Nevada, U.S.A.; a 55% interest in the Maverick Springs Project in northern Nevada, U.S.A., (representing all of the silver resources hosted in the project); the Bowdens Project in New South Wales, Australia; the Sunrise Lake Deposit in the Northwest Territories, Canada and the Veta Colorada Project in Chihuahua State, Mexico. Included in our mineral property projects is the San Marcial Project in Mexico, which is currently optioned to a third party (see Item 4.B -“Business Overview - Mineral Properties”). In categorizing our projects, we consider, among other things, the priority of the project for the ensuing year, proposed expenditures in respect of the project for the ensuing year and the stage of exploration of the project.

In addition, we have a number of other property holdings in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico and the United States, which are not described above.

In February 2010, we sold the Silvertip Project in northern British Columbia, Canada. See Item 4.B –“Business Overview – Mineral Properties – Silvertip Project”. In December, 2010, we sold all of our interest in the Snowfield Project and Brucejack Project in northern British Columbia to Pretium Resources Inc. In addition to receiving C$228 million in gross cash proceeds, we retained a 42.3% equity interest in Pretium. See Item 4.B – “Business Overview – Mineral Projects – Snowfield and Brucejack Projects”.

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On February 28, 2011, we entered into a letter agreement with Esperanza, pursuant to which we have agreed to purchase Esperanza’s remaining interest in the San Luis Joint Venture for the following consideration:

  • C$17 million payable on closing;

  • the transfer to Esperanza of the 6,459,600 shares in Esperanza that we currently own; and

  • a royalty equal to 1% of the net smelter returns on property, subject to the joint venture agreement.

On completion of the transaction, we will own 100% of the San Luis project, subject to the 1% net smelter returns royalty granted to Esperanza. The transaction is scheduled to be completed on or before April 30, 2011, and is subject to customary securities and other regulatory approvals.

Marketing

The Company began production at its Pirquitas Mine effective December 1, 2009, and prior to that produced only minimal amounts of silver. The Pirquitas Mine produced 6.3 million ounces of silver in 2010 and began producing zinc concentrates in the third quarter of 2010.

The Company began marketing concentrate during 2009 and, due to the early stage and variability of production in 2009 and throughout the first nine months of 2010, the Company markets its concentrate to a single trading counterparty. Sales of concentrate to this company amounted to 100% of total metal sales in 2010. Generally, the loss of a single trading counterparty would not adversely affect the Company due to the liquidity of the markets and the availability of alternative trading counterparties. There were no sales of zinc concentrates in 2010; the zinc concentrate sales will commence in 2011.

During 2011, the Company intends to review various marketing alternatives from a geographically diverse group of third party smelters and refiners, as we optimize our silver and zinc production. There were no sales of silver concentrate to third-party smelters for the year ended December 31, 2010. In the future, the loss of any one smelting and refining client may have a material adverse effect on the Company if alternate smelters and refiners are not available. The Company believes there is sufficient global capacity available to address the loss of any one smelter.

Silver Prices

The Company’s operating results will be substantially dependent upon the world market prices of silver. The Company has no control over silver prices, which can fluctuate widely. Silver traded between $30.70 and $15.14 per ounce during 2010 as reported on the London Metal Bulletin.

Mine Safety Disclosure

Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the recently enacted Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose in their periodic reports filed with the SEC information regarding specified health and safety violations, orders and citations, related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, the Company had no such specified health and safety violations, orders or citations, related assessments or legal actions, mining-related fatalities, or similar events in relation to the Company’s United States operations requiring disclosure pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.

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Operating Mine

Pirquitas Mine

Under an agreement dated June 21, 2002, we acquired from Stonehill Institutional Partners, L.P., Stonehill Offshore Partners Limited and Stonehill Capital Management, LLC a 43.4% interest in Sunshine Argentina, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the holder of the rights to the Pirquitas Mine located in the Province of Jujuy, Argentina. The total purchase price for the 43.4% interest was:

  • the payment at closing of $3,000,000 in cash; and

  • the issuance of a $1,340,000 convertible debenture, with a term of one year, an exercise price of C$5.80 per share and an interest rate of 10% per annum.

The debenture was fully converted by the holder by December 31, 2002 into 360,636 common shares in our capital. At the time of the acquisition of 43.4% interest in Sunshine Argentina, Inc., we became the operator of the Pirquitas Mine.

Under an agreement dated October 20, 2004, we acquired from Elliott International L.P., The Liverpool Limited Partnership and Highwood Partners, L.P. a 56.6% interest in Sunshine Argentina, Inc., for a 100% total interest, on the issuance of 2.663 million common shares in our capital.

We currently own 100% of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Sunshine Argentina, Inc. (now known as Mina Pirquitas, Inc.) for a 100% interest in the Pirquitas Mine.

In December 2009, the Pirquitas Mine achieved production status and in 2010, produced 6.3 million ounces of silver.

The Pirquitas mine has a fiscal stability agreement with the government of Argentina dating from 1998. In 2002, the government of Argentina implemented an export duty on concentrates that did not apply to companies with pre-existing fiscal stability agreements. In December 2007 the National Customs Authority of Argentina levied an export duty of 10% on concentrates for projects with fiscal stability agreements predating 2002. We have been advised that the project is subject to this export duty despite our rights under our fiscal stability agreement from 1998. The legality of the export duty has been challenged and is currently under review by the court in Argentina. In July 2010, we filed a claim in the Federal Court of Jujuy Province for the repayment of export duties paid to date and for an order to cease payment of the export duty until the matter is decided by the court. The court granted an order effective September 29, 2010 to cease payment of the export duty pending the court’s determination of the legality of export duty. Up to December 31, 2010 the Pirquitas mine has paid $6,646,000 in export taxes on concentrate sales and accrued for an additional $3,095,000 since we received the order to cease payment. The export tax expense has been recorded within cost of sales until a resolution is reached, if these duties are recovered in the future we will recognize a gain in the statement of earnings for the full amount.

Mineral Projects

San Luis Project

On March 22, 2005, we entered into an agreement with Esperanza Silver Corp. (“Esperanza”) for the evaluation of mineral prospects in central Peru. Under the evaluation agreement,

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  • we agreed to contribute $300,000; and

  • Esperanza agreed to contribute $200,000 and certain know-how;

to carry out agreed upon evaluation programs for mineral prospects, with Esperanza acting as operator. In the event Esperanza acquired or proposed to acquire any mineral property as a result of an evaluation program, we could elect to enter into a joint venture with Esperanza for the exploration of the mineral property on the following terms:

  • we would initially hold a 50% interest in the joint venture and Esperanza would initially hold a 50% interest in the joint venture;

  • we could elect on the formation of the joint venture to increase our interest in the joint venture to 55% by funding the first $500,000 in exploration expenditures;

  • once we incurred the first $500,000 in exploration expenditures or, if we did not elect to increase our interest to 55%, following the formation of the joint venture, we would incur with Esperanza $1.5 million in exploration expenditures in proportion to our respective interests in the joint venture;

  • once we incurred with Esperanza $1.5 million in exploration expenditures, we could elect to increase our interest in the joint venture to 70% by paying all costs required to be incurred to complete a feasibility study for the project; and

  • if we elected to increase our interest to 70% by completing a feasibility study, on completion of the feasibility study we could elect to increase our interest in the joint venture to 80% by paying all costs required to be incurred to place the property into commercial production.

In August 2005, Esperanza advised us of the acquisition of certain mineral concessions, known as the San Luis Project, as the result of an evaluation program carried out under the evaluation agreement. On September 6, 2005, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Esperanza for the exploration of the San Luis Project (the “San Luis Joint Venture”) on the terms set out above and elected to increase our interest in the joint venture to 55% by funding the first $500,000 in exploration expenditures. During 2006, we earned a 55% interest in the joint venture and commenced incurring $1.5 million in exploration expenditures with Esperanza in proportion to our respective interests in the joint venture. In March 2006, we received notice from Esperanza that the joint venture had incurred $1.5 million in exploration expenditures on the San Luis Project. Following receipt of the notice, we elected to increase our interest in the San Luis Joint Venture to 70% by paying all costs required to be incurred to complete a feasibility study. In June 2010, we completed a feasibility study, and accordingly our interest automatically increased to 70%.

On February 28, 2011, we entered into a letter agreement with Esperanza, pursuant to which we have agreed to purchase Esperanza’s remaining interest in the San Luis Joint Venture for the following consideration:

  • C$17 million payable on closing;

  • the transfer to Esperanza of the 6,459,600 shares in Esperanza that we currently own; and

  • a royalty equal to 1% of the net smelter returns on property, subject to the joint venture agreement.

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On completion of the transaction, we will own 100% of the San Luis project, subject to the 1% net smelter returns royalty granted to Esperanza. The transaction is scheduled to be completed on or before April 30, 2011, and is subject to customary securities and other regulatory approvals.

Pitarrilla Project

We acquired by staking the original mineral claim covering the Pitarrilla Project in November 2002, acquired two contiguous claims by staking in 2003 and 2004 and acquired a fourth contiguous claim by staking in 2005. In addition, in 2004/2005 we acquired two adjoining claims, the Pena and Pena 1 claims, on payment of $300,000 and a third adjoining claim, the America claim, on payment of $250,000. Since then, we have acquired two additional claims by staking. We agreed to pay the following finder’s fee to La Cuesta International, Inc. in respect of our acquisition of the Pitarrilla Project:

  • $5,000 in cash following the staking of the property;

  • the greater of (i) $5,000 and (ii) 2% of our direct exploration expenditures on the property, payable every six months; and

  • a 0.25% net smelter returns royalty applicable to all gold and silver produced from the property;

provided that the maximum amount payable in respect of the finder’s fee was an aggregate of $500,000.

In 2007, we paid La Cuesta the remainder of the $500,000 finder’s fee. Accordingly, we currently own a 100% interest in the Pitarrilla Project.

Diablillos Project

As of November 1, 2001, we entered into a purchase agreement with Silver Standard (BVI) Inc. (our wholly-owned subsidiary), Pacific Rim Mining Corp. (“Pacific Rim”) and Pac Rim Cayman and Pac Rim Caribe (III) (wholly-owned subsidiaries of Pacific Rim). Under the agreement, we agreed to acquire all of Pacific Rim’s interest in the Diablillos Project located in Salta Province, Argentina through the acquisition of all of the shares of two indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Pacific Rim: Salta Gold Ltd. and Pacific Rim Mining Corporation Argentina S.A. Under the terms of the agreement, we agreed to pay Pacific Rim $3,400,000 in staged payments of:

  • $1,000,000 payable in cash on closing;

  • $500,000 payable in cash on December 31, 2001;

  • $500,000 payable in cash or our shares, at our election, on or before June 30, 2002;

  • $500,000 payable in cash or our shares, at our election, on or before December 31, 2002;

  • $500,000 payable in cash or our shares, at our election, on or before June 30, 2003; and

  • $400,000 payable in cash or our shares, at our election, on or before December 31, 2003.

On December 14, 2001, we completed the acquisition of the Diablillos Project and made the $1,000,000 cash payment due on closing. On December 31, 2001, we paid the $500,000 payment then due, and on January 18, 2002 issued 383,025 common shares in our capital in satisfaction of the payments due on June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002. On June 28, 2002, we issued 142,970 common shares in our capital in satisfaction of the payments due on June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2003. The total purchase price was C$5,433,000, with C$5,430,000 allocated for the property and C$3,000 allocated for a provision for reclamation.

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We currently own a 100% interest in the Diablillos Project.

San Agustin Project

We acquired by staking the mineral claims covering the San Agustin Project located in Durango State, Mexico in April 2003. We have agreed to pay the following finder’s fee to La Cuesta International, Inc. in respect of our acquisition of the San Agustin Project:

  • $5,000 in cash following the staking of the property (paid);

  • the greater of (i) $5,000 and (ii) 2% of our direct exploration expenditures on the property, payable every six months; and

  • a 0.25% net smelter returns royalty applicable to all gold and silver produced from the property;

provided that the maximum amount payable in respect of the finder’s fee is an aggregate of $500,000.

In August 2006, we granted an option to acquire a 100% interest in the San Agustin Project to Geologix under an agreement dated August 25, 2006 with Silver Standard Mexico S.A. de C.V., Geologix and Geologix Explorations Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (Silver Standard Mexico S.A. de C.V. and Geologix Explorations Mexico, S.A. de C.V. are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Silver Standard and Geologix, respectively). In order to maintain the option in good standing under the terms of the option agreement, Geologix was required to:

  • issue to us:

    • 500,000 shares of Geologix following the signing of the agreement (issued); and

    • 500,000 shares of Geologix on or before the first anniversary of the agreement (issued);

  • incur exploration expenditures of not less than $2 million on or before the second anniversary of the date of the agreement, which expenditures were to include:

    • exploration expenditures of not less than $500,000 on or before the first anniversary of the agreement; and

    • at least 15,000 meters of drilling completed in accordance with an agreed upon drill program on or before the second anniversary of the agreement; and

  • cause an estimate of the silver resource and gold resource for the property to be prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 within 27 months after the date of the agreement.

In order to exercise the option under the terms of the option agreement, Geologix was required to:

  • pay us in respect of the silver resource:

    • 10% of the gross value of the silver resource, if the price of silver was less than or equal to $10.00 per ounce, provided that if the silver price was less than $5.50 per ounce, the silver price was to be deemed to be $5.50 per ounce; or

    • $1.00 per ounce of silver resource, if the price of silver was greater than $10 per ounce, but less than or equal to $20 per ounce; or

    • $1.50 per ounce of silver resource, if the price of silver was greater than $20 per ounce;

  • pay us in respect of the gold resource:

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    • $15 per ounce of gold resource, if the price of gold was less than or equal to $750 per ounce; or

    • $20 per ounce of gold resource, if the price of gold is greater than $750 per ounce; less:

    • exploration expenditures incurred, up to a maximum of $2,000,000; and

    • the value of the shares of Geologix issued to us to maintain the option described above; and

  • grant us a royalty of 2.5% of net smelter returns applicable to all minerals produced from the San Agustin Project, that were not within the estimate of the silver resource and gold resource, up to a maximum of 2 million ounces of gold equivalent.

If the estimate of the silver resource was equal to or greater than 50 million ounces of silver and Geologix exercised the option, we had the right to elect to acquire a 50% interest in the San Agustin Project by incurring expenditures over two years equal to three times the exploration expenditures incurred by Geologix, provided that Geologix could have elected that we pay to Geologix up to 1.5 times their exploration expenditures in cash and incur the remaining 1.5 times their exploration expenditures on exploration.

In September 2007, we agreed with Geologix to amend the option agreement to provide for, among other things, Geologix to drill the required meterage in accordance with a revised drill program, an extension of one month to the time required to deliver the resource estimate (from 27 months to 28 months after the date of the option agreement) and the release of our rights to back-in for a 50% interest in the property.

On August 12, 2008, Geologix delivered to us notice that it had incurred the required expenditures under the option agreement. Under the terms of the option agreement, Geologix had four months following delivery of notice that it had incurred the required exploration expenditures to deliver to us the resource estimate. On December 12, 2008, Geologix delivered to us the resource estimate. Under the terms of the option agreement, Geologix had 60 days following delivery of the resource estimate (February 10, 2009) to pay us the option exercise payment, which based on then silver and gold prices was approximately $34 million. Geologix did not pay us the required amount to exercise the option on February 10, 2009 and the option and option agreement terminated.

We currently own a 100% interest in the San Agustin Project, subject to the above described finder’s fee capped at $500,000.

Snowfield Project and Brucejack Project

On December 21, 2010, we completed the sale of our 100% interest in the Snowfield Project and Brucejack Project located in northern British Columbia, Canada to Pretium Resources Inc. (“Pretium”), a newly formed company which completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) concurrently with the closing of the sale, for the following consideration:

  • $211.3 million in gross cash proceeds;

  • 32,537,833 common shares in Pretium, representing a 41.3% interest of the outstanding shares as of the closing of the transaction; and

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  • a non-interest bearing promissory note issued by Pretium in the principal amount of $39.1 million, automatically convertible into common shares of Pretium at a conversion rate of C$6 per share 40 days after closing, to the extent not repaid by Pretium.

On January 6, 2011, the underwriters in connection with the IPO of Pretium, exercised in part the over-allotment option granted to them in connection with the IPO. Pursuant to the terms of the promissory note, we received an additional $16.7 million. On January 31, 2011, the balance of the promissory note was automatically converted into an additional 3,625,500 common shares of Pretium in accordance with its terms. Following this conversion, our ownership interest in Pretium increased to 42.31% .

We no longer hold any interest in the Snowfield Project or the Brucejack Project, other than indirectly through our ownership of 42.31% of Pretium’s outstanding shares.

On March 23, 2011, Pretium Resources Inc. filed a preliminary prospectus in connection with a proposed sale by us of a portion of our equity interest in Pretium. The number of Pretium common shares that we will sell and the price at which we will sell such shares, are not determined as of March 28, 2011, and will be determined based on marketed efforts by the underwriters in connection with the proposed offering. The offering is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, and is scheduled to close in early April, 2011.

Mineral Properties

Berenguela Project

On March 31, 2004, we and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Silver Standard Peru S.A., entered into an option agreement with Sociedad Minera Berenguela S.A. (“SOMINBESA”), a Peruvian corporation and the holder of the rights to the Berenguela Project located in Peru, and Fossores Ltd. (“Fossores”) under which we acquired an option to acquire all of the in-ground silver resources contained in the Berenguela Project in Peru. In order to maintain the option in good standing, we were required to:

  • issue 17,500 of our common shares to SOMINBESA (issued);

  • substantially complete an exploration program on the Berenguela Project (completed); and

  • cause a silver resource estimate (the “Berenguela Resource Estimate”) for the Berenguela Project to be prepared using all existing data, including data generated in the exploration program (prepared).

In order to exercise the option, we were required to issue to SOMINBESA, on or before the expiry of a period of 60 days following the filing of the Berenguela Resource Estimate with the Canadian Securities Administrators, common shares in our capital that were equal to the value (at the time of exercise) of the measured, indicated and inferred silver resources in the Berenguela Resource Estimate. The silver resources were to be valued at:

  • $0.02 if the price of silver was less than or equal to $5.50 per ounce;

  • $0.025 if the price of silver was greater than $5.50 per ounce but less than or equal to $6.50 per ounce for each ounce of silver; or

  • $0.03 if the price of silver was greater than $6.50 per ounce.

Under the terms of the option agreement, we had the right on exercise of the option, among other things, to acquire and mine all silver resources in excess of those contained in the Berenguela Resource Estimate on payment of $0.10 per ounce and independently exploit the silver resources on the property if SOMINBESA had not completed a feasibility study and commenced the development of the property at the time the price of silver had exceeded $7.00 per ounce, averaged over a consecutive 130 day period.

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On March 31, 2004, we also entered into a funding agreement with Fossores, under which Fossores agreed to provide us with:

  • all the data in Fossores’ files concerning the Berenguela Project;

  • a computerized index of the data;

  • the metallurgical processes that can be used to recover the silver resources from the Berenguela Project; and

  • a pre-feasibility study that presents an economically viable plan for the development of the Berenguela Project, including silver recovery.

Under the funding agreement, we agreed to pay Fossores:

  • $20,000 on execution of the Berenguela option agreement (paid);

  • $180,000 following acceptance for filing of the Berenguela option agreement by the TSX Venture Exchange (paid); and

  • on exercise of the Berenguela option agreement:

    • if the price of silver was less than or equal to $5.50 per ounce, $0.02 for each ounce of measured, indicated and inferred silver resources in the Berenguela Resource Estimate;

    • if the price of silver was greater than $5.50 per ounce but less than or equal to $6.50 per ounce, $0.025 for each ounce of measured, indicated and inferred silver resources in the Berenguela Resource Estimate;

    • if the price of silver was greater than $6.50 per ounce, $0.03 for each ounce of measured, indicated and inferred silver resources in the Berenguela Resource Estimate.

The option was not exercised as we acquired all of the shares of SOMINBESA (the holder of the Berenguela Project) under a separate agreement in January 2006.

On December 30, 2005, we entered into an agreement for the acquisition of all of the shares of SOMINBESA. Under the purchase agreement, we agreed to pay to the vendors, Daniel Kappes, Michael Cassiday and Victor Raul Eyzaguirre, an aggregate payment of $2.0 million in cash, issue to the vendors common shares in our capital having a value of $8.0 million and grant to the vendors a 2% net smelter returns royalty on copper produced from the project capped at $3.0 million. On January 12, 2006, we completed the acquisition of the shares of SOMINBESA, and the Berenguela Project, and issued 530,504 shares in our capital to satisfy the obligation to issue shares in our capital having a value of $8.0 million.

We currently have a 100% interest in the Berenguela Project, subject to a royalty of 2% of net smelter returns on copper produced from the project capped at $3.0 million.

Nazas Project

The Nazas Project comprises three contiguous properties located in the Mexican state of Durango, being the Yerbabuena claim group, the San Rafael claim group and the Navidad property.

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Under the terms of a purchase agreement with Camino Minerals Corporation (“Camino”) dated March 18, 2010, we acquired from Camino the Yerbabuena claim group, which consists of four (4) mineral concessions. Two of the concessions (Ampliacion Nazas and Nazas 5) were held 100% by Camino, and the other two concessions (Nazas and Nazas 3) were held by Camino subject to an agreement dated July 11, 2003 (the “LCI Agreement”) with La Cuesta International, S.A. de C.V. (“LCI Mexico”), the wholly owned Mexican subsidiary of La Cuesta International, Inc. (“LCI”).

Pursuant to the purchase agreement, we are required to make the following payments to Camino:

  • $250,000 payable on signing of the agreement (paid); and

  • $250,000 payable on the one-year anniversary of the signing of the agreement (paid).

Having made the payments under the purchase agreement with Camino and therefore acquiring the Yerbabuena property, we are now required to make payments to LCI Mexico pursuant to the terms of the LCI agreement. According to this agreement, we are required to pay LCI Mexico $15,000 twice per year for as long as we maintain the Nazas and Nazas 3 claims in good standing. If we fail to maintain the Nazas and Nazas 3 claims in good standing, the ownership of such claims will revert back to LCI Mexico. In addition, if metal production is realized from either or both of the Nazas and Nazas 3 concessions, we would be required to pay to LCI Mexico a production royalty equal to 2% of net smelter returns, or $25,000 per calendar year, whichever is greater. Pursuant to the LCI Agreement, we may purchase the preproduction payment and 2% net smelter returns royalty from LCI Mexico for $2,000,000.

We own 100% of the two concessions (the San Rafael and San Rafael 2 claims) comprising the San Rafael property, subject to the terms of a Consulting and Finder’s Fee Agreement between us and LCI dated May 1, 2002, as amended. Pursuant to this agreement, we are required to pay LCI, on a semi-annual basis, a payment equal to 2% of direct exploration expenditures incurred by us, or $5,000, whichever is greater for as long as we maintain the property in good standing. We are also required to pay to LCI a 0.25% net smelter returns royalty on all gold, silver and all other valuable metals produced from these concessions. We may purchase from LCI the pre-production payments and production royalty for $2,000,000.

We entered into an option to purchase agreement with Minerales y Productos Metalurgicos S.A. de C.V (“MPM”) on April 26, 2010 in respect of the 25 concessions comprising the Navidad property. Pursuant to this agreement, we can exercise the option to acquire the property by making staged cash payments to MPM totalling $5,000,000 over a period of 36 months from the date of the agreement. Included in these staged payments are all payments to various governmental agencies in Mexico for maintenance of the concession licenses. In addition, under the agreement, MPM retains the right to mine any and all mineral bodies in which the industrial mineral fluorite constitutes greater than 90% of the potential ore. We can purchase MPM’s right to mine fluorite from the Navidad property for $1,000,000.

We currently own 100% of the Nazas Project, subject to the following:

  • The pre-production payments and 2% net smelter returns royalty on the Nazas and Nazas 3 concessions payable to LCI Mexico, which we may purchase at any time for $2,000,000;

  • The pre-production payments and 0.25% net smelter returns royalty on the San Rafael and San Rafael 2 claims payable to LCI, which we may purchase at any time for $2,000,000; and

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  • Our option to acquire the Navidad property by making $5,000,000 in aggregate payments to MPM, and the right granted to MPM to mine for fluorite on the Navidad property.

Challacollo Project

Under the terms of an option agreement dated November 16, 2001, we acquired from Sociedad Contractual Minera Septentrion (“Minera Septentrion”) an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Challacollo Project located in northern Chile. Under the terms of the option agreement, we made cash option payments totaling $1,500,000 over two years.

On August 1, 2003, we exercised the option and acquired a 100% interest in the Challacollo Project.

A five percent finder’s fee was included in the cash option payments. The project is subject to an existing 2% production royalty capped at $850,000 and a 2% production royalty to Minera Septentrion increasing to 3% once the existing 2% royalty is fully paid. The Minera Septentrion royalty may be purchased for $1,500,000 at any time.

In 2005, we agreed to acquire certain mineral claims adjacent to the Challacollo Project. In 2007, we completed the acquisition of these mineral claims on issuance of 9,285 of our common shares.

At the date of this Annual Report, we have a 100% interest in the Challacollo Project, subject to:

  • a 2% production royalty capped at $850,000; and

  • a 2% production royalty increasing to 3% once the above 2% royalty is fully paid, which may be purchased for $1,500,000 at any time.

Candelaria Mine Project

On November 1, 1999, we entered into an option agreement with Kinross Candelaria Mining Company, a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Kinross Gold Corporation, a Toronto Stock Exchange listed company (together “Kinross”), under which we acquired an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Candelaria Mine Project, located in Mineral and Esmeralda counties of the State of Nevada. Under the option agreement, in consideration of the issuance to Kinross of 50,000 of our common shares, we were granted the right to carry out a six month due diligence review of the Candelaria Mine Project. In order to exercise the option, we were required to:

  • make staged cash payments to Kinross totalling C$300,000 over a period of 12 months;

  • issue 600,000 units to Kinross (each unit to consist of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, with each warrant entitling Kinross to acquire one additional common share for a period of one year at a price of C$3.50); and

  • pay $1,000,000 to Kinross on commencement of commercial production.

In addition to the payments and share issuances, on exercise of the option:

  • Kinross could have elected to require us to purchase the processing facility located on the mine site for C$300,000; and

  • we were to assume all liabilities relating to the mine.

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On March 28, 2000, we entered into an amending agreement with Kinross, under which Kinross agreed to extend the term of the option by three months (to a nine-month term) on our payment to Kinross of C$50,000 and issuance to Kinross of 27,500 of our common shares. Under further amending agreements dated July 12, 2000, October 27, 2000 and November 29, 2000, the term of the option was extended, without payment of any further consideration, to March 31, 2001. On March 30, 2001, we delivered notice of exercise of the option to Kinross, which provided for the closing of the purchase on amended terms. On October 1, 2001, we acquired from Kinross Gold U.S.A., Inc. (“Kinross Gold”) all of the shares of Kinross Candelaria Mining Company, the owner of the Candelaria mine and related assets, on:

  • payment to Kinross Gold of $65,834;

  • issuance to Kinross Gold of 600,000 common shares in our capital and 600,000 common share purchase warrants, with each warrant entitling Kinross Gold to acquire one additional common share until October 1, 2002 at a price of C$3.50 per share;

  • delivery to Kinross Gold of a promissory note in the amount of C$300,000 payable on or before April 1, 2002 in cash or our shares, at our election, at a price equal to the 20-day average closing price of our shares on the Canadian Venture Exchange (we paid the full amount of the promissory note on March 26, 2002 by the issuance to Kinross Gold of 70,922 of our common shares);

  • reimbursement of Kinross Gold of $209,607 for expenses incurred by Kinross Gold in respect of the Candelaria mine from April 1, 2001 to September 30, 2001; and

  • the assumption of all liabilities associated with the Candelaria mine.

Under the purchase agreement, Kinross Gold agreed to maintain the reclamation bonding for the Candelaria mine in place until April 1, 2003, extendable to April 1, 2004 on our payment to Kinross Gold of $50,000. Reclamation bonding for the property was $1,679,435, and we pledged the shares of Kinross Candelaria Mining Company to Kinross Gold as collateral pending our arrangement of reclamation bonding. In March 2003, we paid the $50,000 for Kinross Gold to maintain the reclamation bonding in place until April 1, 2004. In March 2004, we filed a substitute reclamation bond and related documents with the Bureau of Land Management to assume the reclamation bonding for the Candelaria Mine. On July 30, 2004, the Bureau of Land Management processed our filing and, effective March 8, 2004, accepted our substitute reclamation bond and terminated the period of liability of the Kinross Gold reclamation bond. As a result, the shares of Kinross Candelaria Mining Company (now known as Candelaria Mining Company) are no longer pledged to Kinross Gold.

Under the terms of the purchase agreement, Kinross Gold was responsible for completing the reclamation of the mine (including the seeding of certain parts of the property), and we agreed, among other things, to assume all liabilities, including environmental monitoring, relating to the mine following the completion of reclamation by Kinross Gold. Kinross Gold completed the reclamation of the Candelaria mine in 2003. With the completion of the reclamation of the mine by Kinross Gold, we are responsible for the establishment of plant growth on the property. In the event the seeding by Kinross Gold on the property does not result in sufficient plant growth, we will be required to reseed the property at an estimated cost of $0.3 million; and, if reseeding does not establish sufficient plant growth, we will be required to place a soil cap on the heap leach pads at an estimated cost of $0.75 million. In addition, on reclamation of the mine, we were required to monitor the water quality of leach pad drainage at a total estimated cost of $25,500 over a five year period (completed).

We acquired the Candelaria mine for the large silver resource that remained on the property at the time of closure of the mine by Kinross Gold. Our due diligence review of the property included re-drilling nine holes in the Deep Diablo area, limited metallurgical studies, engineering scoping studies and a complete environmental audit. Our drilling confirmed the original resource estimate. Metallurgical and engineering studies demonstrated that conventional milling of the ore was feasible at higher silver prices. The environmental review did not identify any significant environmental issues and confirmed that the substantial amount of reclamation work completed to date satisfied state and federal guidelines.

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At the date of this Annual Report, we own all of the shares of Candelaria Mining Company, which owns a 100% interest in the Candelaria mine.

Maverick Springs Project

As required by a letter agreement dated November 7, 2002 among Vista Gold Corporation (“Vista”), Vista Nevada Corp. (“VNC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vista, and us, on June 9, 2003, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Maverick Silver Inc., entered into an exploration and development agreement with Vista and VNC, pursuant to which we acquired an option to acquire a 55% interest in the Maverick Springs Project located in northern Nevada, representing all of the silver resources hosted in the project, subject to underlying agreements and royalties described below. This option was exercisable on:

  • payment of $300,000 on execution of the exploration and development agreement (paid); and

  • incurring $1,200,000 over four years to fund required exploration expenditures, and payments and option payments (all of which was incurred before December 31, 2005).

Under an option agreement dated October 7, 2002 among Newmont Mining Corporation and Newmont Capital Limited (together, “Newmont”), Vista and VNC, Newmont granted Vista and VNC an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Maverick Springs Project. In order to maintain the option in good standing, Vista and VNC assumed responsibility for the following payments and expenditures that Newmont was required to make under its mining lease with the owner of the property:

  • payment of $15,000 on October 1, 2002 (paid);

  • payment of $50,000 on October 1, 2003 (paid);

  • payment of $100,000 on each October 1st thereafter (paid up-to-date);

  • a net smelter returns royalty ranging from 1.9% for gold and silver prices that are less than $250 and $4.50 per ounce, respectively, to 5.9% for gold and silver prices that are greater than $550 and $8.50 per ounce, respectively;

  • a net smelter returns royalty of 2.9% for all metals other than gold and silver; and

  • completion of a minimum of 6,400 feet of exploration drilling in each of the first three years of the agreement (completed).

In order for Vista and VNC to exercise their option from Newmont, they were required to:

  • pay Newmont $250,000 in cash (paid);

  • reimburse Newmont for 2003 federal maintenance fees of $37,300 (paid);

  • issue to Newmont 141,243 shares of Vista (issued) and 141,243 warrants of Vista (issued) (with each warrant exercisable for one share of Vista for a period of two years at $4.43 per share);

  • issue to Newmont, on the first anniversary of the option agreement, the number of shares of Vista determined by dividing $500,000 by the weighted average closing price of the shares of Vista on the American Stock Exchange averaged over the 10-day trading period ending on the day before the first anniversary of the agreement (the “Weighted Average Price”) and an equal number of share purchase warrants (with each warrant exercisable for a period of two years from the closing at a price equal to 125% of the Weighted Average Price) (on October 7, 2003, Vista issued 122,923 common shares and warrants to Newmont); and

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  • grant to Newmont a 1.5% net smelter returns royalty on production from the Maverick Springs Project.

In addition, following the fourth anniversary of the option agreement with Newmont, Newmont had the right, on payment of 200% of Vista’s expenditures on the Maverick Springs Project, to acquire a 51% interest in the project. If Newmont had elected to acquire a 51% interest in the Maverick Springs Project, expenditures by Vista, following the acquisition of 51% of the project by Newmont, would have been capped at $2,000,000 until a feasibility study was completed for the project.

In October 2005, we incurred the last of the $1.2 million in required expenditures and vested our interest in the Maverick Springs Project.

In January 2007, Newmont elected not to acquire a 51% interest in the Maverick Springs Project.

In May 2007, Vista assigned all of its rights and obligations in respect of the Maverick Springs Project to Allied Nevada Gold Corp.

We currently have a 55% interest in the Maverick Springs Project, representing all of the silver resources hosted in the project, subject to the net smelter returns royalties payable to the property owner and Newmont as described above.

Bowdens Project

We entered into an agreement on December 23, 1996 with Golden Shamrock Mines Limited, as amended by an amending agreement dated August 4, 1997, to acquire all of the issued shares of GSM Exploration Pty Limited (“GSM Exploration”) (now known as Silver Standard Australia Pty Limited) at a cost of $6,712,845. The acquisition of the shares of GSM Exploration was completed on August 22, 1997. At the time, the only asset of GSM Exploration was the Bowdens Project located in New South Wales, Australia, which it acquired from CRA Exploration Pty Limited (“CRA Exploration”) (now known as Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited) pursuant to the terms of a tenement sale agreement dated August 11, 1994. Under the terms of the tenement sale agreement, CRA Exploration had the right, among other things, to:

  • receive a payment of A$1,429,397 on GSM Exploration making a decision to mine in respect of the Bowdens Project;

  • reacquire up to a 51% interest in the Bowdens Project in the event gold and silver resources were delineated on the Bowdens Project in excess of A$800,000,000 or base metal resources were delineated on the Bowdens Project in excess of A$3,000,000,000 within the six month period following the decision to mine; and

  • reacquire a 100% interest in the Bowdens Project at no cost in the event GSM Exploration did not make a decision to mine in respect of the Bowdens Project by August 11, 1999.

On July 31, 1997, prior to completing the acquisition of the shares of GSM Exploration, we entered into an agreement with CRA Exploration under which CRA Exploration agreed to release all of its rights to reacquire an interest in the Bowdens Project in return for:

  • the issuance of 160,000 of our common shares (which have since been issued);

  • the payment of A$1,500,000 on the commencement of commercial production on the Bowdens Project; and

  • the granting of a royalty of 2% of net smelter returns reducing to 1% of net smelter returns after the payment of $5,000,000 in royalties.

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Accordingly, with the completion of the acquisition of the shares of GSM Exploration and the signing of the agreement with CRA Exploration, we own 100% of the shares of GSM Exploration for a 100% interest in the Bowdens Project, subject to the rights of CRA Exploration to receive:

  • the payment of A$1,500,000 on the commencement of commercial production on the Bowdens Project; and

  • a royalty of 2% of net smelter returns reducing to 1% of net smelter returns after the payment of $5,000,000 in royalties.

Sunrise Lake Deposit

Under an agreement dated June 9, 2003 with Northern Hemisphere Development Corp. (“Northern”) and Aber Diamond Corporation (“Aber”), we acquired a 100% interest in the Sunrise Lake Deposit located in the South MacKenzie District, Northwest Territories, Canada. Under the agreement:

  • we paid Northern $252,442 in cash and issued to Northern 42,938 of our common shares;

  • we paid Aber $235,558 in cash and issued to Aber 40,066 of our common shares; and

  • we assumed the remaining reclamation obligations associated with the property.

The claims comprised in the Sunrise Lake Deposit are subject to a 5% net profits interest royalty.

We currently own a 100% interest in the Sunrise Lake Deposit, subject to a 5% net profits interest royalty on claims comprised in the Sunrise Lake Deposit.

Veta Colorada Project

On July 27, 2005, we entered into agreements with Mexicana del Arco, S.A. de C.V. and Industrial Minera Mexico, S.A. de C.V. to acquire a 100% interest in the Veta Colorada Project located in the Parral District of Chihuahua State, Mexico. Under the purchase agreements, we agreed to pay $50,000 (paid) on signing the agreements and a further $3.45 million on satisfactory completion of due diligence within 120 days of signing the agreements. We also agreed to grant a royalty of 1% of net smelter returns to the vendors. In December 2005, the vendors agreed to extend the due diligence period to March 31, 2006 in consideration of an advance payment of $120,000 (paid) with the remaining $3.33 million due by March 31, 2006.

In March 2006, we advised Mexicana del Arco, S.A. de C.V. and Industrial Minera Mexico, S.A. de C.V. that we had completed our due diligence of the Veta Colorada Project and were ready to complete the acquisition of the project. In June 2006, we completed the acquisition of the Veta Colorada Project by paying $3.33 million.

We currently own a 100% interest in the Veta Colorada Project, subject to a 1% net smelter returns royalty payable to the vendors.

San Marcial Project

In January 2002, we acquired from Gold-Ore Resources Ltd. (“Gold-Ore”) an option to acquire up to a 100% interest in Gold-Ore’s option to acquire the San Marcial Project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Under the terms of the option:

  • we could earn a 50% interest by:

    • making cash payments totaling $29,000 by February 4, 2002 (paid); and

    • incurring exploration expenditures of at least $175,000 by April 30, 2002 (incurred).

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  • We could then earn up to a 100% interest in Gold-Ore’s option by, at our election, either:

    • issuing to Gold-Ore 200,000 of our common shares with a value of at least $350,000; or

    • paying to Gold-Ore $350,000 in a combination of cash and our common shares with at least $150,000 in cash.

In addition, if, following the exercise of the option, within three years of the date of the option agreement:

  • we outlined in excess of 50 million ounces of measured and indicated silver resources on the property, in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 using a 50 g/t silver cut- off grade, we were to pay to Gold-Ore, in cash or our common shares, at our election, $0.005 per ounce for each ounce of silver outlined in excess of 50 million ounces; and

  • the afternoon fix of the price of silver on the London Mercantile Exchange was greater than or equal to $6.50 per ounce for a minimum of 60 consecutive days, we were to pay to Gold-Ore, in cash or our common shares, at our election, $0.005 per ounce for each ounce of measured and indicated silver resources outlined on the property, in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101, using a 50 g/t silver cut-off grade.

To exercise Gold-Ore’s option and earn a 100% interest in the San Marcial Project pursuant to the underlying option agreement, we were required to:

  • make scheduled cash payments to the project vendor, Met-Sin Industriales, S.A. de C.V., totaling $462,500.

  • incur $400,000 in further exploration expenditures on the project by February 4, 2004 ($200,000 of which was required to be incurred by February 4, 2003);

  • pay $100,000 on commencement of commercial production to International American Resources Inc.; and

  • grant a 3% net smelter returns royalty to the project vendor, provided that each 1% of the royalty could be acquired for $600,000.

In August 2002, we exercised our option with Gold-Ore to acquire an option to acquire a 100% interest in the San Marcial Project by:

  • paying to Gold-Ore $150,000 in cash;

  • issuing to Gold-Ore 45,706 common shares in our capital; and

  • entering into an option agreement with the owner of the San Marcial Project to acquire a 100% interest in the San Marcial Project on the terms contained in the original option agreement between Gold-Ore and the owner of the project as described above.

In February 2004, we exercised our option to acquire a 100% interest in the San Marcial Project by making the final payment due under the option agreement of $387,500, for total payments of $462,500.

In March 2009, we entered into an option agreement with Silvermex Resources Ltd. (“Silvermex”), under which we granted to Silvermex an option to acquire a 100% interest in the San Marcial Project. Under the terms of the agreement, in order to maintain the option in good standing, Silvermex is required to:

  • issue to us:

    • 1,000,000 shares of Silvermex following the signing of the agreement (issued);

    • 1,000,000 shares of Silvermex on or before February 1, 2010 (issued); and

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    • 1,000,000 shares of Silvermex on or before February 1, 2011 (not issued); and

  • pay us $100,000 per month commencing 30 days after the commencement of commercial production; and

  • incur expenditures of $1,000,000 on the project on or before February 1, 2011.

In order to exercise the option under the terms of the option agreement, Silvermex must:

  • pay us $15 million in cash or common shares, at our election, on or before February 1, 2012;

  • less the value of the 3 million common shares issued to us to maintain the option; and

  • assume the obligation to pay the $100,000 due on commencement of commercial production to International American Resources Inc. and the 3% net smelter returns royalty.

At the date of this Annual Report, we have a 100% interest in the San Marcial Project, subject to:

  • paying $100,000 on commencement of commercial production to International American Resources Inc.;

  • a 3% net smelter returns royalty payable to Met-Sin Industriales, S.A. de C.V., provided that each 1% of the royalty could be acquired for $600,000; and

  • the option granted to Silvermex to acquire the property described above.

In January, 2011, Silvermex requested an extension to the payment of the 1,000,000 shares of Silvermex due on February 1, 2011, which were not issued to us. As of the date of this Annual Report, we are in discussions to re-negotiate certain terms related to the February 1, 2011 Silvermex share issuance.

Silvertip Project

In February 2010, we sold our 100% interest in the Silvertip Project, subject to a 5% net profits interest royalty on certain of the non-core claims comprised in the project, to Silvercorp Metals Inc. Under the Agreement:

  • we received a cash payment from Silvercorp of C$7.5 million; and

  • we were issued 1.2 million common shares of Silvercorp.

We no longer hold any interest in the Silvertip Project.

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Other Properties

Duthie Property

We acquired the Duthie Property in November 1978 for its then known silver reserve, based on the then prevailing price of silver, and functioning mill. The Duthie Property is located 12 kilometers west of Smithers, British Columbia and approximately 1.2 kilometers north of Aldrich Lake. It operated intermittently from 1923 to the mid-1980s. Over much of this period, some hand-picked direct-shipping ore was mined, especially in the early years. Of an estimated 80,000 tons mined, about 59,400 tons were milled. Concentrate shipments totalled 7,144 tons.

At the time of acquisition of the Duthie Property, we were not responsible for, and had no obligation in respect of, the reclamation of historical tailings. In the early 1990s, British Columbia adopted legislation which resulted in our becoming responsible for the reclamation of historical tailings on the Duthie Property. As a result, we submitted a reclamation proposal for the tailings impoundment area that contained three reclamation options to the Province of British Columbia in March 1994. The completed study, which defines the most appropriate reclamation option, was submitted to the Province of British Columbia in March, 1998. A reclamation option was accepted by the Province of British Columbia in June 1999, subject to possible refinements. During 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, we carried out reclamation work of $526,700, $634,200, $22,500 and $64,300, respectively. In 2011, reclamation work will continue at an estimated cost of $87,500, subject to weather conditions. Remaining reclamation obligations beyond 2011 include constructing a wetland and monitoring the results in subsequent years. Estimated costs for the remaining reclamation beyond 2011 are $935,500 which includes $25,000 per year for 10 years ongoing monitoring.

Silver Standard Mine Property

We acquired the Silver Standard Mine Property in 1947, placed the mine in production in 1948 and operated the property as a mine until 1958. As the former mine operator, we are responsible for the reclamation of the property.

Our environmental consultants have studied the property and have prepared a conceptual reclamation plan with possible reclamation alternatives for the reclamation of the property. In 2006, we submitted the conceptual reclamation plan to the appropriate government agencies for comment. With the finalization of the conceptual reclamation plan, we have estimated the fair value of the liability associated with the reclamation of the property to be $2.7 million. A reclamation permit was issued by the Province of British Columbia in July 2010. Estimated costs for reclamation total $2.7 million with $520,000 estimated expenditures in 2011, including $18,000 for monitoring.

During the years 2006 to 2010, we spent $169,100 completing required reclamation work on the property, which involved the closure of mine workings and preparations for reclamation.

Others

We have a number of other property holdings in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico and the United States, which are not considered our principal, secondary, tertiary or long-term properties. These property interests are being held for possible future exploration and development, reclamation work, sale, or joint venture. Interests in all of our properties are currently held through claims, leases and options and through working interests. We review such holdings on a regular basis to determine if they should be retained.

  C. Organizational Structure

We have four (4) significant subsidiaries. The following table sets out the name, jurisdiction of incorporation and incorporation date, date of our acquisition and our interest in each of our significant subsidiaries:

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 Table No. 5  
 Significant Subsidiaries  
       
  Jurisdiction of Incorporation    
Name of Subsidiary and Incorporation Date Date Acquired Our Interest
       
Reliant Ventures S.A.C. Peru; October 24, 2002 November 2007 55%(1)
       
Mina Pirquitas, Inc.
Delaware, USA; September 8, 1994 October 22, 2004
100%(2)
       
Pacific Rim Mining Corporation Argentina S.A. Argentina; October 1, 1993
December 14, 2001
100%
       
Silver Standard Durango S.A. de C.V. Mexico; January 21, 2004
January 21, 2004
100%

(1)

Pursuant to the joint venture agreement between us and Esperanza Resources Corp. (“Esperanza”), we earned a 70% interest in the San Luis Joint Venture by completing a feasibility study in June 2010, and accordingly, have earned the right to increase our ownership of the shares of Reliant Ventures S.A.C. to 70%. On February 28, 2011, we entered into a letter agreement with Esperanza to purchase Esperanza’s remaining interest in the San Luis project. Upon completion of the transaction, we will hold 100% of the shares of Reliant Ventures S.A.C. (see Item 4.B “Business Overview – Mineral Projects – San Luis Project”).

(2)

Formerly known as Sunshine Argentina, Inc. We acquired a 43.4% interest on June 27, 2001 and acquired the remaining 56.6% interest on October 22, 2004.


  D. Property, Plant and Equipment

Operating Mine

Pirquitas Project

Location, Access and Infrastructure

Our 100% owned Pirquitas Project is a primary silver deposit situated in the Puna de Atacama of northwestern Argentina, in the Province of Jujuy. The project is held by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Mina Pirquitas, Inc. (formerly known as Sunshine Argentina, Inc.), and the project site is located approximately 355 kilometers northwest of the city of San Salvador de Jujuy. Access to the site is by public roads. The project is located in mountainous terrain with elevations ranging from 4,100 to 4,400 meters above mean sea level. There are no nearby power lines or telecommunication lines; however, a natural gas pipeline is located approximately 36 kilometers to the south of the project. See the following Pirquitas Project, Location Map.

Land Tenure

The Pirquitas Project consists of 47 mineral concessions covering a total of 3,841 hectares. In order to maintain our rights to these concessions, we are required to make “canon” payments to the Argentine government.

The Pirquitas Project also includes surface rights covering an area of approximately 7,498 hectares, which can be used for purposes such as housing, infrastructure facilities, processing plants, waste and tailing disposal sites, and other facilities to support mining operations.

History

Pirquitas is the largest historical producer of tin and silver in Argentina. The following is a chronological description of mining on the Pirquitas Project:

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1932-1935 Tin placer deposits were first discovered in the area in 1932. Dredging of the tin placers commenced in 1933.

1935-1990 The source of the tin placers was discovered in 1935 and mining of the tin and silver lodes started in 1935. Twelve mines operated in the area and it was often found that mineralization from one mine would turn out to be the same zone as in another, leading to the eventual interconnecting of the mines. The largest mines were San Miguel, Chocaya, Llallagua, and Potosi. Reported total production during this time is estimated to be 777,600 kg of silver, 9,100 tonnes of tin from placer deposits, and 18,200 tonnes of tin mined from the vein systems.

1995-2003 Sunshine Argentina, Inc. (“Sunshine Argentina”) acquired the Pirquitas property in a bankruptcy auction in November 1995. Sunshine Argentina’s exploration program included survey control, geophysical surveys, geological mapping, sampling, and drilling. All accessible underground workings were sampled and mapped. Sunshine Argentina also conducted extensive diamond and reverse circulation drilling from the surface and core drilling from underground. A feasibility study was completed for the project by Sunshine Argentina in 1999-2000.

2004-2005 With the acquisition of a 100% interest in the Pirquitas Project, we commenced updating the feasibility study completed in 1999/2000 to take into account current economic conditions. We also commenced an underground ramp to (a) provide a platform area to allow underground drilling, if required, to better define the base of the open pit in the proposed 1999/2000 feasibility study and (b) access the Oploca vein mineralization, which is located outside the proposed open pit.

2006 In 2006, we announced the completion of the update of the feasibility study and proven and probable reserves for the Pirquitas Project as described below and announced our decision to proceed with the development of the Pirquitas mine. We also continued with the underground ramp to, and accessed, the Oploca vein mineralization.

2007-2008 We completed the majority of detailed engineering required to construct the Pirquitas mine, and during 2008, we constructed a substantial portion of the Pirquitas mine. The underground ramp to the Oploca vein was placed on care and maintenance prior to commencing construction of the Pirquitas mine.

2008-2010 During this time we completed the construction of the Pirquitas mine at a cost of $255 million for the mine equipment and plant facilities plus a further $79 million for capitalized pre-production costs. The Pirquitas mine achieved production status in December 2009, and produced 6.3 million ounces of silver in 2010.

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Geology and Mineralization

Geology in northwestern Argentina is divided into three subparallel north by northeasterly-oriented structural belts: the Sub-Andean Range, the Eastern Cordillera, and the Puna, in which Pirquitas is located. These belts are defined by differences in mineral deposits, tectonic activity, and rock types.

The Sub-Andean Range is approximately 110 kilometers wide, with elevations ranging from 300 to 2,500 meters. This belt is mostly void of known mineral deposits, and is characterized by thick sequences of sedimentary rocks that have large open folds. The rocks range from Proterozoic to Recent, have no sign of volcanic activity and very little intrusive activity.

The Eastern Cordillera is 70 to 130 kilometers wide, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 6,200 meters. Mineral deposits are mostly base metals. This belt contains granites intruding sedimentary rocks.

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Regional high angle reverse faulting and associated uplift are present, separating it from the Sub-Andean Range to the east.

The Puna is 90 to 240 kilometers wide, with elevations ranging from 3,900 to 6,700 meters. Mineral deposits are dominated by base and precious metals but sulfur and borax deposits also exist. Proterozoic rocks are dominant and include interbedded sandstone and shale. Pirquitas’ mineralization is located in the latter unit.

Mineralization is controlled by the dominant structural fabric and, to a lesser extent, by the permeability and porosity characteristics of the host rocks. Silver, tin, and zinc are spatially associated in a broad sense, but locally, the relationship is tenuous; there are veinlets with only one, all three, or any combination of the three metals. There are also veinlets devoid of any silver, tin, and zinc.

There appear to be three principal styles of mineralization: low-grade disseminated/weak, discontinuous stockwork, sheeted zones of microveinlets, and veins/veinlets. The broad, low-grade halo of silver mineralization is centered on San Miguel, but in general, also encompasses the Potosí vein. Isolated, discontinuous zones of higher-grade micro-stockwork sporadically occur within this broad halo of low-grade mineralization.

The tin mineralization includes a poorly defined, broad, low-grade zone of mineralization with very tight, narrow zones of higher grade veinlets and veins, similar to the silver mineralization. In the central core of the deposit these higher-grade zones exhibit good continuity and correlate well through the deposit.

Zinc mineralization has an inverted bowl-shaped geometry with a weakly to unmineralized core. Higher-grade zones also seem to trend east-southeast, but these merge into broad zones toward the west end of San Miguel. These broad zones of higher-grade mineralization are open-ended. Underground, veinlet mineralization occurs in a similar fashion to the silver and tin, but high-grade zinc is not confined to the narrow veinlets.

The Pirquitas mine has a fiscal stability agreement with the government of Argentina dating from 1998. In 2002, the government of Argentina implemented an export duty on concentrates that did not apply to companies with pre-existing fiscal stability agreements. In December 2007 the National Customs Authority of Argentina levied an export duty of 10% on concentrates for projects with fiscal stability agreements predating 2002. We have been advised that the project is subject to this export duty despite our rights under our fiscal stability agreement from 1998. The legality of the export duty has been challenged and is currently under review by the court in Argentina. In July 2010, we filed a claim in the Federal Court of Jujuy Province for the repayment of export duties paid to date and for an order to cease payment of the export duty until the matter is decided by the court. The court granted an order effective September 29, 2010 to cease payment of the export duty pending the court’s determination of the legality of export duty. Up to December 31, 2010 the Pirquitas mine has paid $6,646,000 in export taxes on concentrate sales and accrued for an additional $3,095,000 since we received the order to cease payment. The export tax expense has been recorded within cost of sales until a resolution is reached, if these duties are recovered in the future we will recognize a gain in the statement of earnings for the full amount.

Permitting

All material permits required to construct and operate the mine are in place.

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Production Status

Construction of the mine and all associated infrastructure was completed at the end of 2009. The mine reached production status in December 2009, and produced 1.1 million ounces of silver during that year. In 2010, the mine produced 6.3 million ounces of silver, and we shipped 5.9 million ounces of silver. Our cash production cost per ounce of silver in 2009 and 2010 were $8.98 and $12.16, respectively. After deductions, treatment and refining charges, inventory adjustments, and royalties and export taxes, total cash operating cost per ounce was $18.03 in 2010, compared to $16.57 in 2009 (See Item 5.B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources” – “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures”).

In the fourth quarter of 2010, the mill began processing continuous sulphide ore. Production in 2011 is planned to be 8.5 million ounces of silver.

Reserve Estimates

The following reserve estimates for the Pirquitas Project were prepared under the supervision of Paul MacRae, P.Eng., Project Manager of the Pirquitas Project, in accordance with the standards of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the definitions of the CIM Standards. Disclosure of “contained ounces” is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC only permits issuers to report “resources” as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources noted below may not be comparable to information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.

Table No. 6
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Pirquitas Project
Proven and Probable Reserves(1)



Ore
(Million
tonnes)
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Tin Grade
(%)
Zinc Grade
(%)
Silver
(Oz. in millions)
Proven 10.7 194.5 0.26 0.70 67.1
Probable 19.3 201.7 0.20 0.90 125.0
Jig Tails(2) (Probable) 0.4 234 0.37 0.13 3.0
Total Project Reserves 30.4 199.6 0.22 0.82 195.1

(1)

Reserve estimates are based on metal prices of $11.00 per ounce of silver, $5.00 per pound of tin and $1.05 per pound of zinc and a new whittle pit using total operating costs of $22 per tonne net smelter returns.

(2)

The jig tails are the product of previous mining operations at the Pirquitas Project.

Principal Projects

San Luis Project

Location, Access and Infrastructure

The San Luis Project in Peru is a newly discovered high-grade gold-silver project located in the Ancash Department of central Peru, approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Barrick Gold Corporation’s Pierina gold mine. We currently hold a 70% interest in the project through our joint venture with Esperanza. Property elevations range from 3,800 to 4,700 meters above sea level. The project can be accessed by two all-weather roads: to the west from Casma, Peru and to the east from Huaraz, Peru. Power will be conducted by on site diesel generation. See the following San Luis Property Location Map.

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Land Tenure

The San Luis Project is comprised of 40 mineral concessions covering an area of approximately 33,438 hectares. In order to maintain our rights to these concessions, we are required to pay a mining good standing fee in the aggregate of approximately $98,000 in respect of the concessions to the government of Peru.

History

The veins that form the San Luis Project were discovered in mid-2005 by an Esperanza field crew carrying out an evaluation program under the evaluation agreement between Esperanza and Silver Standard. Following the discovery in mid-2005, Esperanza, as the operator of the San Luis Joint Venture at that time, completed channel sampling of the Ayelén vein, one of the five veins that comprise the project. Channel samples were spaced approximately every 82 feet (25 meters) along the strike length of the Ayelén vein. Based on the results of the channel samples, a diamond drill program was commenced by Esperanza in late 2006. Diamond drilling utilizes a type of rotary drill in which the cutting is done by abrasion using diamonds embedded in a matrix with the drill cutting a core of rock which is recovered in long cylindrical sections. Diamond drilling provides a greater degree of information than reverse circulation drilling about the geology of a potential mineral deposit. Reverse circulation drilling utilizes a rotary percussion drill in which the drilling mud and cuttings return to the surface through the drill pipe.

On April 1, 2007, we assumed the role of operator for the San Luis Joint Venture and continued with the diamond drill program. During 2006, 2007 and 2008, the joint venture completed 33,600 meters of diamond drilling in 154 holes. In 2010, we completed a feasibility study for the development of the San Luis Project.

Geology and Mineralization

At the San Luis Project, gold and silver veins are hosted within Tertiary-age volcanic rocks. Five separate veins have been identified so far with a cumulative strike length of over 5,000 meters. The veins range from several hundreds of meters to over 2,000 meters in length and up to 10 meters or more in width.

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Mineralization within the veins is typical of quartz-adularia or low-sulfidation epithermal systems. Vein textures such as well developed banding and multiple brecciation indicate that repeated episodes of gold and silver deposition have occurred in the veins. Early investigations at the San Luis Project suggest that concentrations of precious metals tend to form ore shoots within the veins.

Status

In June 2010, we completed a feasibility study for the development of the project, and in the fall of 2010, we submitted our environmental impact assessment to the Peruvian government. We have also initiated negotiations with the local communities for long-term, land use agreements. On approval of the environmental impact assessment and entering into the land use agreements, we plan on commencing underground exploration and development of the Ayelén vein.

On February 28, 2011, we entered into a letter agreement with Esperanza, our joint venture in the San Luis Project, to purchase all of Esperanza’s remaining interest in the project. See Item 4.B – “Business Overview – Mineral Projects – San Luis Project”.

Reserve Estimates

The following reserve estimates for the San Luis Project were prepared by Steve L. Milne, P.E. of Tucson, AZ, in a technical report dated June 4, 2010, in accordance with the standards of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the definitions of the CIM Standards. Disclosure of “contained ounces” is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC only permits issuers to report “resources” as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources noted below may not be comparable to information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.

Table No. 7
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
San Luis Project
Proven and Probable Reserves(1)



Ore
(Tonnes)
Gold
Grade (g/t)
Silver
Grade
(g/t)
Gold
(ounces)
Silver
(ounces)
Proven 56,000 28.3 604.5 51,000 1,088,000
Probable 447,000 16.7 426.2 240,000 6,125,000
Total Project Reserves 503,000 18.0 446.14 291,000 7,213,000

(1) Reserve estimates are based on metal prices of $800 per ounce of gold and $12.50 per ounce of silver.

Pitarrilla Project

Location, Access and Infrastructure

Our wholly-owned Pitarrilla Project is located in the northern part of the State of Durango, Mexico. The Pitarrilla property is easily accessible year-round and can be reached by traveling along all-weather roads either from San Francisco de Asis or the village of Casas Blancas via the town of town of El Palmito. The required driving time from the city of Durango is about 5 hours (approximately 260 km).

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Being situated in a high-desert environment, the climate at Pitarrilla is generally an arid one. The hottest and driest months are from May through July, with day-time temperatures reaching 45°C. The wettest months are August through October, with most of the annual rainfall of some 500 mm coming during this period.

Supplies and resources, including fuel and groceries, are available in the town of Rodeo which is a two hour drive to the south. Limited supplies are available in San Francisco de Asis and no services are available in Casas Blancas. Company accommodations and warehouse are located in Casas Blancas. Most large items, assay laboratories and air transportation are available in the cities of Durango and Gomez Palico-Torreon. The power to the camp facilities is supplied from the existing power grid. Power to the mine is by diesel generation. Power alternatives for the Pitarrilla Project in connection with the preparation of a Feasibility Study are being evaluated. See the following Pitarrilla Project Location Map.

Land Tenure

The Pitarrilla Project is comprised of twelve mineral claims covering an area of approximately 136,192 hectares. In order to maintain our rights to these concessions, we are required to pay surface mining taxes to the Mexican government.

History

Consulting geologists P. Durning and F. Hillemeyer of La Cuesta International Inc. (LCI) first recognized the mineral potential at Pitarrilla in 1995 as part of a generative gold exploration program for Monarch Resources Ltd. In 2002, LCI entered into an agreement with SSRI to claim what is now the core area of the current property. Following programs of geological mapping, rock sampling and reverse circulation drilling, the Company reported in October, 2003 the discovery of the Cordon Colorado, Peña Dyke and Javelina Creek mineralized zones. Subsequent diamond drilling campaigns resulted in the discovery of two additional zones of silver mineralization, the South Ridge and Breccia Ridge zones. In the six years following the discovery at Cordon Colorado, the Company drilled 186 reverse circulation boreholes with a combined length of approximately 20,600 meters as well as 365 diamond drill-holes with a total length of approximately 185,700 meters. In addition, a decline ramp was developed underground during 2007 and 2008 in an effort to gain access to the sulphide-associated Ag-Pb-Zn mineralization of the Breccia Ridge Zone. Some 1,350 meters of decline were excavated, but the underground development was halted at the end of 2008 due to the global economic crisis, with the ramp ending short of its target depth.

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Geology and Mineralization

The Pitarrilla silver-zinc-lead deposit is characterized by iron oxide- and sulphide-associated mineralization, which together define a vertically stacked mineralized system centred on an intrusive complex of rhyolitic dikes and sills that constitute the feeder system for a rhyolitic flow-dome. These subvolcanic rocks are estimated to have formed roughly 30 million years ago (Oigocene period) and were emplaced into a sequence of somewhat older (Eocene period) volcaniclastic rocks.

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Hundreds of meters below surface, the Eocene volcaniclastic rocks are underlain by folded marine sedimentary strata, mainly siltstones and sandstones, that are believed to be older than 60 million years. A conglomerate formation separates the sedimentary succession from the overlying younger volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks. The sulphide-associated Ag-Pb-Zn mineralization is rooted in the basement sedimentary strata and comprises a vertically extensive zone of disseminated and veinlet-forming Ag-Zn-Pb(-Cu-As-Sb) sulphide mineralization. In addition, replacement-style sulphide mineralization exists stratabound within the conglomerate formation. The sulphide mineralization that forms the Breccia Ridge Ag-Zn-Pb zone extends upwards into the overlying Eocene volcaniclastic strata and into Oligocene rhyolitic sills where it abruptly grades into a laterally more extensive zone of disseminated iron oxide-associated silver mineralization. The Cordon Colorado, Peña Dyke, Javelina Creek and South Ridge silver zones are marked by ubiquitous but minor amounts of iron and manganese oxides that are believed to have formed through the oxidation of disseminated sulphides. The main Ag-Zn-Pb mineralization event is interpreted to have occurred during or relatively soon after emplacement of the Oligocene rhyolitic dome.

Status

A NI 43-101 Technical Report Pitarrilla Property Prefeasibility Study on the Pitarrilla Property was completed by Wardrop, A Tetra Tech Company (“Wardrop”) in September, 2009. As presented in the Prefeasibility Study, the underground project has a 12-year mine life, mining 4,000 tonnes per day and producing approximately seven million ounces of silver per year. Capital costs are projected at $277 million with average operating costs of $33.81/tonne. Recoveries vary by rock type with expected weighted average recoveries of 88.4% for silver, 93.2% for zinc and 89.6% for lead.

Ore processing will produce two concentrates: lead and zinc. The lead concentrate is expected to average 60.7% lead and approximately 8,000 g/t silver. The zinc concentrate is expected to average 48.5% zinc and approximately 400 g/t silver.

The Pitarrilla Project Pre-feasibility Study capital cost estimate (CAPEX) was developed with an accuracy of ±25% and is suitable for project evaluation and client budgeting. The CAPEX consists of four main parts: direct costs, indirect costs, contingency, and Owner’s costs. As of April 2009, the CAPEX for the Project is $277 million. The estimate is subject to qualifications, assumptions, and exclusions, as detailed in the Prefeasibility Study. The economic evaluation of the Pitarrilla Project was prepared by Wardrop based on a pre-tax financial model. For the 12-year mine life and 16.7 Mt reserve, the following pre-tax financial parameters were calculated: 10.9% internal rate of return (IRR); 6.2 years payback on $277 million capital; $107.4 million net present value (NPV) at a 5% discount rate. The base case prices supplied by the Company were as follows: silver – $11.00/oz, zinc – $0.70/lb, lead – $0.50/oz. Sensitivity analyses were carried out to evaluate the project economics for 2-year, 5-year, and current metal prices. The financial outcomes for four metal price scenarios were tabulated for NPV, IRR and payback of capital. Discount rates of 10%, 8%, and 5% were applied to all cases identified by the following metal price scenarios: base case, 2-year average, 5-year average, and current prices. The five year average prices for silver, zinc, and lead were $11.16/oz, $0.99/lb and $0.72/lb, respectively. The two year average prices for silver, zinc, and lead were $14.06/oz, $1.01/lb and $1.02/lb, respectively, and the spot prices at the time of the study for silver, zinc, and lead were $14.02/oz, $0.71/lb and $0.77/lb, respectively, The results are presented below:

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Summary of Pre-tax NPV, IRR and Payback by Metal Price Scenario

   
  NPV at Selected Discount Rates
  (Million C$)
        IRR Payback
Scenario 10% 8% 5% (%) (Years)
5-year Average 163.6 214.7 310.5 20.3 3.8
Silver Standard (Base Case) 12.8 45.5 107.4 10.9 6.2
2-year Average 317.9 388.6 521.1 28.9 2.8
Spot 168.7 221.3 320.1 20.4 3.9

Wardrop adopted metal prices supplied by Silver Standard for the base case. The 3-year average approach was not used as the Company felt its Base Case was an appropriate measure. The prices provided are lower than the historical 3-year average metal prices.

Sensitivity analyses were carried out on the following parameters: silver prices, lead prices, zinc prices, initial capital expenditure, mine site operating costs. The project NPV (5% discount) is most sensitive to the silver price and, in decreasing order: zinc prices, capital cost, operating costs, and lead price.

A Feasibility Study to further evaluate the project economics of developing the Breccia Ridge Zone using underground mining methods has been initiated.

Reserve and Resource Estimates – Breccia Ridge Underground

Wardrop of Vancouver, British Columbia completed the following mineral reserve estimate for the Pitarrilla Project Breccia Ridge Underground Zone in accordance with the standards of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the definitions of the CIM Standards dated September 21, 2009. The entire reserve is categorized as Probable.

Table No. 8
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Pitarrilla Project
Breccia Ridge Underground
Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate
(Cutoff Grade(1))


Classification
Tonnes
(in millions)
Ag
(g/t)
Zn
(%)
Pb
(%)
Silver
(million oz)
Probable 16.7 171 2.57 1.12 91.7

(1) A Net Smelter Return (NSR) cutoff grade of $50/tonne was used to estimate the mineral reserve. The project was evaluated using metal prices of $11/oz silver, $0.70/lb Zn, and $0.50/lb Pb with recoveries varying by rock type.

P&E Mining Consultants Inc. of Brampton, Ontario completed the following resource estimates for the Pitarrilla Project in accordance with the standards of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the definitions of the CIM Standards dated August 3, 2008. Disclosure of “contained ounces” is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC only permits issuers to report “resources” as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources noted below may not be comparable to information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.

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Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Measured Mineral Resources.
  

Table No. 9 below uses the term “Measured Mineral Resource.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves.


Table No. 9
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Pitarrilla Project
Breccia Ridge Underground
Measured Mineral Resource Estimate
(Cutoff Grade(1))


Classification
Tonnes
(in millions)
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Zinc
(%)
Lead
(%)
Silver
(million oz)
Measured 18.5 91.6 1.24 0.70 54.5

(1) The above block model resource estimate is based on a cut-off grade of 65 grams of silver-equivalent per tonne for underground resources. Silver-equivalent grades were calculated using $11/oz silver, $1.05/lb zinc, $0.75/lb lead and $2.00/lb copper.

  

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Indicated Mineral Resources.

  

Table No. 10 below uses the term “Indicated Mineral Resource.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves.


Table No. 10
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Pitarrilla Project
Breccia Ridge Underground
Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate
(Cutoff Grade(1))


Classification
Tonnes
(in millions)
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Zinc
(%)
Lead
(%)
Silver
(million oz)
Indicated 48.5 89.2 1.68 0.66 139.1

(1) A cut-off grade of 65 grams of silver-equivalent per tonne for underground resources for Breccia Ridge Silver-equivalent grades were calculated using $11/oz silver, $1.05/lb lead and $2/lb Copper.

 
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 11 below uses the term “Inferred Mineral Resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

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Table No. 11
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Pitarrilla Project
Breccia Ridge Underground
Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate
(Cutoff Grade(1))


Classification
Tonnes
(in millions)
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Zinc
(%)
Lead
(%)
Silver
(million oz)
Inferred 19.3 51.3 1.12 0.54 31.8

(1)

A cut-off grade of 65 grams of silver-equivalent per tonne for underground resources for Breccia Ridge Silver-equivalent grades were calculated using $11/oz silver, $1.05/lb lead and $2/lb Copper.

Resource Estimates – Open Pit and Other Zones

Open Pit

While the Company’s primary focus remains completing a feasibility study for the Breccia Ridge Underground, additional testwork will be required to advance the open pit oxide deposits. A preliminary economic assessment on the open-pit, oxide material (PEA) may be completed in the future.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Indicated Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 12 below uses the term “Indicated Mineral Resource.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves.

 
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources.
 

Table No.12 below uses the term “Inferred Mineral Resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

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Table No. 12
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Pitarrilla Project
Breccia Ridge Open Pit Resource Summary
Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate
(Cutoff Grade(1))
 
Breccia Ridge Open Pit Resource Summary – August 2008


Classification
Tonnes
(in millions)
Silver
(g/t)
Zinc
(%)
Lead
(%)
Silver
(million oz)
Indicated 105.6 63.6 0.68 0.31 215.8
Inferred 5.5 72.5 0.67 0.24 12.9

(1) The above block model resource estimate is contained in is based on a cut-off grade of 20 grams of silver- equivalent per tonne for underground resources. Silver-equivalent grades were calculated using $11/oz silver, $1.05/lb zinc, $0.75/lb lead and $2.00/lb copper.

In addition to Breccia Ridge, engineering and testwork continues on the four other surface zones: Pena Dike, Cordon Colorado, Javelina Creek and South Ridge. These four zones contain approximately one-third of total Pitarrilla resources and will complement the contemplated underground and open-pit scenarios of Breccia Ridge. The Other Surface Zones mineral resource estimate was prepared by James A. McCrea in a report dated May, 2007.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Measured Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 13 below uses the term “Measured Mineral Resource.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves.

 
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Indicated Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 13 below uses the term “Indicated Mineral Resource.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves.

 
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources.
 

Table No.13 below uses the term “Inferred Mineral Resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

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Table No. 13
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Pitarrilla Project
Other Surface Zones Resource Summary
Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate
(Cutoff Grade(1))
 
Other Surface Zones Resource Summary – May 2007


Classification
Tonnes
(millions)
Silver
(g/t)
Silver
(million oz)
Measured 27.2 120.6 105.4
Indicated 35.6 112.5 128.7
Inferred 11.3 103.1 37.5

(1)

The above block model resource estimate is contained in the “Technical Report on the La Pitarrilla Property” prepared by James A. McCrea, P. Geo. and filed on www.sedar.com on May 25, 2007.

Diablillos Project

Location, Access and Infrastructure

Our wholly-owned Diablillos Project covers an area of 4,500 ha and is located in the Altiplano of northern Argentina about 160 kilometers southwest of the city of Salta, in the Province of Salta. The property is road accessible from Salta, with the drive requiring about 6 hours. The geographic coordinates at the centre of the property are 25°18' South latitude by 66°50' West longitude. Refer to the following Diablillos Project Location Map.

Land Tenure

The project consists of eight mining leases or “minas” totaling 4,500 hectares, and 2 cateos of 5,567 hectares, and is accessible by gravel road. In order to maintain our rights to these concessions, we are required to make “canon” payments to the Argentine government.

History

Discovered in the 1970s, the property was primarily explored from 1988 to 2001. Much of the recent work on the Oculto deposit at the Diablillos Project was complete d by Barrick Gold Corporation (“Barrick”) in 1999 and 2000. The Oculto deposit was initially defined by 17 diamond drill holes totalling 3,010 meters and 79 reverse circulation holes totalling 19,114 meters. Barrick drilled altogether 24 diamond drill holes and 150 reverse circulation holes. In 2003, we drilled 20 holes totaling 3,046 meters, chiefly to test geophysical anomalies outside of the Oculto deposit and to test for continuity of several high grade trends within the zone. The peripheral drilling intersected several areas with anomalous values. The drilling within the zone confirmed continuity of the target mineral trends. During 2006, a geological review of the project in preparation for an update of the Barrick pre-feasibility study determined that the previous reverse circulation drilling may have understated the gold and silver values. As a result, an approximately 17,600 meter diamond drilling program in 107 drill holes was completed in 2007 and 2008. The drill program was designed to investigate whether drill results obtained by the previous drilling campaigns understated values and also to test a number of gold targets separate from the Oculto Zone where a re-interpretation of the geology indicates potential for the discovery of new gold zones.

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Geology and Mineralization

The gold and silver deposit at the Diablillos Project is interpreted to be an example of the high-sulphidation subgroup of the epithermal class of precious metal deposits. The mineralization is predominantly hosted by volcanic tuffs, breccias and minor flows that have been intensely leached by acidic fluids which rendered these rocks to be highly porous. The acidic fluids that strongly altered the mineralized rocks are believed to have formed by two processes, in part by magmatic vapors reacting with meteoric waters during the primary mineralizing event, and then later by the near-surface oxidation of sulphide mineral grains had been deposited from the deposit-forming hydrothermal fluids. Directly below the sequence of volcanic rocks is a basal conglomerate formation that is contains pebbles and cobbles of older, underlying rocks, including Paleozoic granite and metamorphosed sedimentary rocks. The conglomerate is a particularly important host to the precious metal mineralization, especially zones with higher concentrations of gold, Two main sets of faults have affected the rocks at Diablillos; ENE-WSW trending structures appear to have been important conduits that channeled the hydrothermal fluids which deposited gold and silver, whereas N-S fault structures are interpreted to be younger than the ENE-WSW faults and define a downward-displaced structural block that includes the Oculto deposit.

The bulk of the Oculto gold-silver deposit is hosted by oxidized rocks containing abundant hematite, limonite and jarosite. Gold generally occurs as fine grains of native gold and electrum, while silver is found as fine grains of acanthite (silver sulphide), chlorargyrite (silver halide), matildite (Ag-Bi sulphide) as well as in electrum. Owing to the relatively high grades of gold and silver in the Oculto mineralization and the less than ideal recoveries of these metals by heap-leach processing methods, the Oculto deposit is being considered for a conventional milling and cyanide treatment operation.

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Status

We initiated a Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Diablillos Project in 2010 to evaluate the potential for placing the project in production. The results of the PEA are expected to be published in the first half of 2010.

Resource Estimate

As of the date of this report, the Diablillos Project is without known Mineral Reserves, and any activity carried out on the property is exploratory in nature.

Wardrop Engineering Inc. of Vancouver, British Columbia completed the following resource estimate for the Oculto deposit within the Diablillos Project in accordance with the standards of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the definitions of the CIM Standards, in a report dated July 27, 2009. The resource was evaluated using a Recovered Metal Value (“RMV”) cutoff grade of $10/tonne. The RMV was based on metal values of $11/oz Ag and $700/oz Au, and applied recoveries of 65% for gold and 40% for silver. Disclosure of “contained ounces” is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC only permits issuers to report “resources” as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources noted below may not be comparable to information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Indicated Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 14 below uses the term “Indicated Mineral Resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves.


Table No. 14
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Diablillos Project
Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate
($10 RMV Cutoff Grade(1))



Category

Tonnes
(millions)

Gold
(g/t)

Silver
(g/t)

Gold
(oz)
Silver
(oz in
millions)
Indicated 21.6 0.922 111 640,000 77.1

(1)

The cut-off grade is based on $10.00 recovered metal values (RMV) and the following metal prices and recoveries: gold ($700/oz, 65%); and silver ($11.00/oz., 40%).


Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 15 below uses the term “Inferred Mineral Resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

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Table No. 15
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Diablillos Project
Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate
(US $10 RMV Cutoff Grade(1))



Category

Tonnes
(millions)

Gold
(g/t)

Silver
(g/t)

Gold
(oz)
Silver
(oz in
millions)
Inferred 7.2 0.807 27 187,000 6.3

(1)

The cut-off grade is based on $10.00 recovered metal values (RMV) and the following metal prices and recoveries: gold ($700/oz, 65%); and silver ($11.00/oz., 40%).

San Agustin Project

The San Agustin Project comprises two mineral claims covering an area of approximately 575 hectares and is located approximately 4 kilometers north of the village of San Agustin de Ocampo and approximately 100 kilometers north of the city of Durango in the State of Durango, Mexico. The Company does not hold the surface rights to the property. Infrastructure is located nearby and paved Highway 45 passes 10 kilometers east of the property (refer to the San Agustin Location Map, shown below). In order to maintain our rights to these concessions, we are required to pay mineral license taxes to the Mexican government.

The local geology at San Agustin is dominated by a subvolcanic intrusive complex that was emplaced into a folded and faulted sequence of thinly bedded, fine-grained clastic sedimentary rocks that are believed to be more than 30 million years older than the intrusive rocks. The emplacement of the dacite porphyry intrusive rocks apparently resulted in the dense fracturing and local brecciation of the sedimentary rocks over a broad area, which facilitated the migration of metal-bearing hydrothermal fluids outwards from the intrusive stock into the enclosing sedimentary rocks. These fluids deposited pyrite and lesser amounts of sphalerite as disseminated grains and stringer veinlets in both the intrusive rocks and the fine-grained sedimentary rocks. In subsurface rocks that have not been oxidized, gold generally occurs as minute granules within pyrite grains, while silver is more associated with zinc and lead sulphides. Within 30 meters of surface, most of the rocks have been oxidized, with sulphides being converted to iron oxide minerals. In terms of gold recovery, the oxidized mineralization is more favourable than the sulphide-associated mineralization, especially considering the low-grade nature of the pyritic gold mineralization.

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Prior to our acquiring the property, exploration activities that were done on the property in the 1990’s consisted of geological mapping, soil sampling and the drilling of 69 reverse circulation boreholes totaling 10,400 meters which outlined the first gold-silver resource at San Agustin. In early 2004, we completed a reverse circulation drilling program, which totaled 3,890 meters in 24 holes. The assay results of this program, along with the earlier drill holes, were used to calculate a preliminary gold resource.

In 2006, Geologix Exploration (“Geologix”) entered into an option to acquire agreement with us for the San Agustin property. In the following two years, Geologix completed a 175-hole, 40,700 meter diamond drilling program in accordance with the terms of the option agreement (see Item 4.B - “Business Overview – Mineral Properties – San Agustin Project”). At the end of 2008, a mineral resource estimate was completed by Wardrop, a Tetra Tech Company. Two months later, in early 2009, Geologix was unable to meet its option payment obligations as defined by the agreement due to the global financial crisis that was taking place at that time, and as a consequence, the option was terminated. In 2010, we decided to resume our own exploration of the property, completing a program of multi-method geophysical surveying together with some re-logging of drill cores for a re-interpretation of the geological controls on the mineralization that constitutes the gold-silver(-zinc) deposit. Plans are to return to the project in 2011 and carry out another drilling to expand the known resources and to test some of the geophysical anomalies that were outlined by the surveying done in 2010.

As of the date of this report, the San Agustin Project is without known Mineral Reserves, and any activity carried out on the property is exploratory in nature.

Wardrop, A Tetra Tech Company of Vancouver, British Columbia completed the following mineral resource estimate for the San Agustin Project, in accordance with the standards of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the definitions of the CIM Standards, in a report dated March, 2009.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Indicated Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 16 below uses the term “Indicated Mineral Resource.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves.


Table No. 16
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
San Agustin Project
Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate
($3.40 RMV in oxide and $6.25 RMV in sulphide material cut-off grade)(1)


Category
Tonnes
(millions)
Gold Grade
(g/t)
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Zinc
(%)
Lead
(%)
Indicated 121.0 0.41 12.3 0.49 0.06

(1)

The cut-off grade is based on $3.40 recovered metal values (RMV) in oxide material and $6.25 (RMV) in sulphide material and the following metal prices and recoveries: gold ($631.97/oz, 72%); silver ($11.63, 74%); zinc ($1.11/lb., 50%); and lead $0.78/lb.; 62%).

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Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 17 below uses the term “Inferred Mineral Resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.


Table No. 17
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
San Agustin Project
Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate
($3.40 RMV in oxide and $6.25 RMV in sulphide material cut-off grade)(1)


Category
Tonnes
(millions)
Gold Grade
(g/t)
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Zinc
(%)
Lead
(%)
Inferred 91.2 0.36 12.6 0.48 0.07

(1)

The cut-off grade is based on $3.40 recovered metal values (RMV) in oxide material and $6.25 (RMV) in sulphide material and the following metal prices and recoveries: gold ($631.97/oz, 72%); silver ($11.63, 74%); zinc ($1.11/lb., 50%); and lead $0.78/lb.; 62%).

Snowfield Project

The Snowfield Project is located 65 kilometers north-northwest of Stewart, British Columbia along the eastern limit of the Coast Mountain Range. The simplest access to the project is via Stewart or Bell II, British Columbia by helicopter. The trip is approximately 30 minutes from Stewart and slightly less from Bell II by helicopter, but Stewart has an established year-round helicopter base. Heavy equipment, fuel and camp provisions can be driven along a gravel road in good condition to the Granduc staging site (north-northwest of Stewart) and then flown to Snowfield cutting the helicopter flight time from Stewart in half. See the following Snowfield Project Location Map. The project is adjacent to Seabridge Gold Inc.’s Mitchell Deposit. All essential services are available in Stewart, British Columbia, approximately 70 kilometres to the south. The town supplies most of the commonly needed materials and services for local camps. The towns of Terrace and Smithers are also located in the same general region as the Snowfield Project. Both are directly accessible by daily air service from Vancouver.

The project consists of one mineral claim totaling 1,267.4 hectares 4.89 square miles) and two overlapping placer claims. The mineral claims are in good standing until 2021 and, thereafter, can be maintained in good standing by carrying out additional work on the property or paying a fee to the Government of British Columbia.

During the year, we completed a 17,976-meter diamond drilling program at Snowfield, which was successful in expanding known mineralization to the south and southeast in an area of copper-dominant mineralization (see August 26, September 30 and October 14, 2010 new releases for details). Most of the newly defined mineralization was in areas previously classified as waste in the National Instrument 43-101 compliant Preliminary Assessment completed during the quarter and issued on September 13, 2010. The report, which did not include results from the 2010 drilling program, examined the benefits of a project combining the mineral resource from both Snowfield and the adjacent Brucejack property.

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On December 21, 2010, we sold our 100% interest in the Snowfield project (along with the Brucejack project) to Pretium Resources Inc. for aggregate consideration of $442.3 million (C$450.0 million). See 4B – “Business Overview – Mineral Projects – Snowfield Project and Brucejack Project”.

Brucejack Project

The Brucejack Project is located 65 kilometers north-northwest of Stewart, British Columbia along the eastern limit of the Coast Mountain Range. The simplest access to the project is via Stewart or Bell II, British Columbia by helicopter, with the flight requiring about 30 minutes. The helicopter airport in Stewart is operational year-round. Heavy equipment, fuel and camp provisions can be driven from Stewart along a seasonal gravel road to the site of the former mill and airstrip of the Granduc mine, a drive that requires about 90 minutes, where they can be loaded onto a helicopter and then flown into the Brucejack Lake field camp. See the following Brucejack Project Location Map.

The Brucejack Property consists of six mineral claims totaling 3,199.28 hectares in area and one overlapping placer claim. All mineral claims are in good standing until January 31, 2019. Claim ownership is registered to 0777666 B.C. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Silver Standard. The six mineral claims were converted from 28 older legacy claims to B.C’s Mineral Titles Branch new Mineral Titles Online system in 2005.

During the year we completed a 33,100-meter diamond drilling program that tested a number of gold zones on the property. This drilling campaign was successful in expanding the Bridge Zone, which is host to gold-silver porphyry-style mineralization, as well as expanding the high-grade Galena Hill and West Zones where high-grade gold and silver were first identified in the 2009 drill program.

On December 21, 2010, we sold our 100% interest in the Brucejack project (along with the Snowfield project) to Pretium Resources Inc. for aggregate consideration of $442.3 million (C$450.0 million). See 4B – “Business Overview – Mineral Projects – Snowfield Project and Brucejack Project”.

Mineral Properties

Berenguela Project

The Berenguela silver-copper-manganese project is located in the Altiplano of southern Peru about 5 kilometers northeast of the town of Santa Lucia in the Province of Puno (refer to the Berenguela Project Location Map, shown below).

The property comprises 13 mineral concessions covering an area of approximately 6,218 hectares. The project can be accessed from the small city of Juliaca by following a paved highway for about 65 kilometers to Santa Lucía from where a gravel road leads to the central part of the property. Electrical power is readily available and a main-line railway passes within five kilometers of the project.

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The silver-copper-manganese deposit at the center of the Berenguela Project is hosted by a strongly folded sequence of marine sedimentary rocks consisting of interbedded units of limestone, dolomite, marl (impure carbonate), sandstone and minor shale. A formation rich in gypsum, probably an evaporite, occurs in the lower part of the succession which is believed to have been deposited roughly 100 million years ago. Mineralization consists of massive replacement of limestone, dolomite and to a lesser extent marl beds by manganese oxide minerals which contain variable amounts of silver and copper. How silver and copper actually occur in the mineralization is not well understood, but mineral phases of silver and copper are rarely observed with the naked eye. Overall, the deposit consists of a few lenticular bodies of replacement mineralization that are grossly conformable with, and occur within 100 meters of the surface which lies at about 4,200 m.a.s.l. The deposit was mined intermittently between 1905 and 1965 by the Lampa Mining Company, principally for silver. In the 1960s, Charter Consolidated Mining Co. and then Asarco Inc. assessed the mining potential of the Berenguela deposit. The two companies completed a total of 6,600 meters of diamond drilling and channel-sampled underground workings at 1.5 -meter intervals for a total of 5,108 meters. In 1968, Charter Consolidated developed an open-pit plan, and calculated a mineable ore reserve for the project. Since the closure of the mine in 1965, no significant amount of ore has been recovered from the project. The ore reserve calculated by Charter Consolidated does not comply with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and CIM Standards; under these mining industry guidelines, Charter Consolidated’s ‘mineable reserve’ would be classified as a mineral resource only.

In the late 1960s, the Peruvian Government nationalized the Berenguela Project. SOMINBESA acquired the project from Minero Peru (a state owned mining company) in 1995 and completed engineering studies for the development of the project. Under our option agreement, we agreed to undertake additional drilling and prepare a resource estimate for the project in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the CIM Standards.

From late 2004 through mid-2005, we completed a reverse circulation drill program that totaled 19,029 meters in 222 holes. The program objectives were: (1) to twin historic, relatively wide-spaced drill-holes to verify the grade of mineralization, and (2) to complete sufficient in-fill drilling in two areas of deposit to determine the scope of future drilling requirements for a measured, indicated and inferred resource. In 2010, we undertook a broader assessment of the mineral potential of the property by completing a comprehensive program of geophysical surveying, a soil geochemistry survey and campaign of diamond drilling. The drilling program consisted of 16 boreholes, with a total of 5,546 meters being drilled. Only three of 2010 drill-holes tested the area of the known Ag-Cu-Mn deposit, with the remaining holes probing geophysical anomalies that were outlined to the east, west and south of the deposit.

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Resource Estimates

As of the date of this report, the Berenguela Project is without known Mineral Reserves, and any activity carried out on the property is exploratory in nature.

James A. McCrea, P. Geo., of Surrey, British Columbia completed the following resource estimate for the Berenguela Project, in accordance with the standards of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the definitions of the CIM Standards, in a report dated October 26, 2005.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Indicated Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 18 below uses the term “Indicated Mineral Resource.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves.


Table No. 18
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Berenguela Project
Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate
(50 g/t Silver Cutoff Grade – capped)

Classification
Tonnes
(millions)
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Copper
(%)
Indicated 15.6 132.0 0.924

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 19 below uses the term “Inferred Mineral Resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.


Table No. 19
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Berenguela Project
Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate
(50 g/t Silver Cutoff Grade – capped)

Classification
Tonnes
(millions)
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Copper
(%)
Inferred 6.0 111.7 0.74

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Nazas Project

The property that constitutes the Nazas Project consists of 31 contiguous mineral concessions located in north-central Durango State, Mexico, and lies just 15 kilometers east of our Pitarrilla project (refer to the Nazas Project Location Map, shown below). Covering a total of 23,591 hectares, the property is a collection of 4 claims purchased from Camino Resources Ltd., 2 of which were acquired through a prospecting agreement with La Cuesta International, Inc., and 25 small claims that are currently under an option to purchase agreement with Minerales y Productos Metalurgicos S.A. de C.V., a private Mexican mining company. The project can be accessed from the city of Torreon or the city of Durango by travelling paved highways to a point a few kilometers north of the town of Rodeo where a dirt road turns off to the northwest, eventually reaching the property as it passes along the Nazas River. The trip to the property from Torreon takes about 4 hours, and is about 5 hours from Durango.

Our exploration efforts at the Nazas Project are directed at discovering deposits of epithermal gold and silver mineralization. In 2010, only geological mapping and rock sampling was completed in the central part of the property where large epithermal quartz veins containing weak but significant gold mineralization are exposed at surface. The geochemical analyses obtained for the samples collected in 2010 have been combined with more than 1,000 assays from samples that had been previously collected by other companies. The plan for 2011 is to survey the northern half of the property with a variety of geophysical methods in preparation for a diamond drilling program that will test geologically defined targets that are coincident with geochemical and /or geophysical anomalies.

- 57 -


Challacollo Project

Our wholly-owned Challacollo Project is located in Region One in northern Chile about 130 kilometers southeast of the port of Iquique and 15 kilometers east of the Pan American Highway at an elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level (refer to the Challacollo Location Map, shown below). The property comprises approximately 37.5 square kilometers and essentially covers a range of high, rocky hills that is surrounded by sandy plains of the Atacama Desert. The project can be readily accessed by following a good dirt road that connects the site of the former Challacollo silver mine to the Pan American Highway. In order to maintain our rights to the concessions that comprise the project, we are required to pay annual patentes (taxes) to the Chilean government.

The Challacollo Project consists of four main north-south trending epithermal veins and silicified breccia structures that are hosted by volcanic tuffs and flows that were deposited on considerably older marine sedimentary rocks. The Lolón Vein is the largest and most productive vein; it is more than 3,500 meters in length, locally up to 13 meters wide, and was historically mined for silver along a 700 m-long section of the structure where multiple episodes of quartz deposition and brecciation can be observed. Below the zone of surficial oxidation, silver is associated with lead and zinc sulphides, but in the former underground mine the vein rock is oxidized, where primary sulphides have been replaced by iron oxides and silver occurs in supergene mineral phases.

During the two decades between the closure of the underground mine and us acquiring the Challacollo property in 2001, a number of mining companies held exploration options to explore the property. These companies completed underground sampling and drilled a total of 22 boreholes that tested a number of veins. Following our acquisition of the property, we completed an extensive sampling program of the underground workings at 25 meter intervals, collecting and analyzing more than 1,000 chip-channel samples. In addition, a seven-hole, 746-meter drill program was carried out and tested approximately 600 meters of strike length of the Lolón Vein. In 2003, a follow-up drilling program of 5,685 meters was completed for in-fill and step-out purposes. Combining the assay results obtained by the 2002 and 2003 drilling campaigns with assays obtained from underground channel samples, we were able to prepare a resource estimate for the project in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the CIM Standards. More recently, in 2007, we completed a 37-hole, 7,986-meter reverse circulation drill program with the objective of expanding resources along the known veins and to test for porphyry-related copper mineralization. In 2010, we contracted to have multiple geophysical surveys performed over the property, including airborne magnetics and radiometrics surveys. We also completed a grid-controlled rock-sampling survey, where samples were collected for geochemical analysis as well as mineralogical spectral analysis. The new geophysical and geochemical data have been used to identify several drill targets that will be tested in 2011.

- 58 -


As of the date of this report, the Challacollo Project is without known Mineral Reserves, and any activity carried out on the property is exploratory in nature.

We completed an updated polygonal estimate of the resources for the Challacollo Project in July 2003, which included the results of the 2001 and 2002 underground sampling and drill programs and the 2003 drill program. The resource estimate is based on a cut-off of 50 g/t of silver and was prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Sundance Ventures reviewed and confirmed our classification of Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources for the Challacollo Project, in a report dated September 17, 2003.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Indicated Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 20 below uses the term “Indicated Mineral Resource.” We advise U.S. investors that while such terms are recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves.


Table No. 20
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Challacollo Project
Silver Standard Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate
(50 g/t Silver Cutoff Grade)


Classification

Tonnes
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Indicated 3,390,000 170.6

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Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 21 below uses the term “Inferred Mineral Resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.


Table No. 21
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Challacollo Project
Silver Standard Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate with Sundance Review
(50 g/t Silver Cutoff Grade)


Classification

Tonnes
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Inferred 4,569,000 160.7

Candelaria Mine Project

Our wholly-owned Candelaria Mine Project is located in the Candelaria Hills in west central Nevada approximately 55 miles south of Hawthorne, Nevada and approximately five miles west of Highway 95, which connects Reno, Nevada to Las Vegas, Nevada. Access to the property is by paved road from Highway 95. The mine site is connected to the local power grid and has water wells and pumping equipment in place. See the following Candelaria Mine Project Location Map.

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The Candelaria District developed into the richest silver district in the State of Nevada, following discovery of high grade veins in 1864. From then until 1954, the property produced 22 million ounces of silver. The property was acquired by Occidental Minerals and later Nerco Minerals, who built a processing facility and operated the mine from 1980 until 1989. During that time they produced over 33 million ounces of silver. Kinross Candelaria Mining Company, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Kinross Gold, purchased the Candelaria mine in 1994 and operated the mine until January 1999. Kinross produced over 13 million ounces of silver, bringing the total historical production for the property to over 68 million ounces of silver.

Mineralization within the district is confined to the Candelaria Shear. High grade veins form along contacts of intrusive dikes within the host volcanics. Lower grade, bulk tonnage mineralization extends as a halo from the veins into the surrounding shear zone. The main ore bodies vary in width from 80 to 120 feet averaging 3.5 to 4.1 ounces of silver per ton.

Reclamation of the Candelaria mine has been ongoing for the past several years. The mine dumps have been recontoured and re-seeded, and both of the heap leach piles have been rinsed with fresh water and reseeded. Kinross completed re-contouring and re-seeding of the leach ponds in the first quarter of 2002. We have completed an environmental audit of the mine. The environmental audit did not identify any significant environmental issues and confirmed that the substantial amount of reclamation work completed to date met all state and federal guidelines. See Item 4.B - “Business Overview – Mineral Properties –Candelaria Mine Project”.

As of the date of this report, the Candelaria Mine Project is without known Mineral Reserves, and any activity carried out on the property is exploratory in nature.

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Maverick Springs Project

The Maverick Springs Project is located approximately half-way between Elko and Ely, Nevada and covers approximately 3,970 acres within the prospective region of gold/silver mineralization known as the Carlin Trend. We hold a 55% interest in the Maverick Springs Project, representing all of the silver mineral resources hosted in the project. The project can be accessed year-round by fifteen miles of gravel road from the Ruby Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, located west of the Maverick Springs Project. See the following Maverick Springs Project Location Map. The Carlin Trend is thought to mark a deep penetrating fault that separates relatively thick and stable continental crust to the east from a zone of thinned transitional crust to the west.

The Maverick Springs Project is underlain primarily by sediments covered by local basin-fill volcanic rocks. Limestones and sediments are the dominant hosts to the silver-gold mineralization at the Maverick Springs Project. The mineralization does not outcrop and has been delineated by programs of reverse circulation and diamond core drill holes. The mineralization trends north-northeast and occurs as a gently-folded sub-horizontal zone, of dimensions of approximately 8,000 feet in length and 2,500 feet wide. The zone of mineralization is approximately 200 feet thick and occurs at depths of 500 feet to 600 feet below surface.

Prior to Vista and VNC acquiring the option on the property from Newmont, geological mapping, soil and stream geochemical surveys, and a substantial amount of drilling were carried out on the property. A total of 130 drill holes were completed during this period, of which 37 were shallow conventional rotary or percussion holes, 39 were reverse circulation holes, and 54 were diamond core holes. Following the acquisition of the option from Newmont, Vista completed a wide-spaced seven hole reverse circulation drill program to test for continuation of the previously identified mineralized zone. In 2003 and 2004, Vista completed an additional 16 and 13, respectively, reverse circulation holes to further test for the continuation of mineralization. In 2006, an 18-hole, 16,035 foot reverse circulation drill program encountered additional silver mineralization at the north end of the mineralized zone. In 2008, we assumed the role of operator under the joint venture and completed a 5 hole, 5,330 foot reverse circulation drill program. We did not carry out any exploration activities in 2009 or 2010.

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As of the date of this report, the Maverick Springs Project is without known Mineral Reserves, and any activity carried out on the property is exploratory in nature.

Snowden Mining Industry Consultants of Vancouver, British Columbia completed the following resource estimate for the Maverick Springs Project in accordance with the standards of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the definitions of the CIM Standards, in a report dated April 13, 2004. We hold a 55% interest in the Maverick Springs Project, representing all of the silver mineral resources hosted in the project.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Indicated Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 22 below uses the term “Indicated Mineral Resource.” We advise U.S. investors that while such terms are recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does

not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves.

Table No. 22
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Maverick Springs Project
Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate
(1 oz/ton Silver-Equivalent Cutoff Grade)


Classification
Tons
(millions)
Silver Grade
(oz/ton)
Gold Grade
(oz/ton)
Indicated 69.63 1.0 0.010

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 23 below uses the term “Inferred Mineral Resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

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Table No. 23
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Maverick Springs Project
Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate
(1 oz/ton Silver-Equivalent Cutoff Grade)


Classification
Tons
(millions)
Silver Grade
(oz/ton)
Gold Grade
(oz/ton)
Inferred 85.55 1.0 0.008

Bowdens Project

Location and Access

Our wholly-owned Bowdens Project is located approximately 200 kilometers northwest of Sydney in eastern New South Wales, Australia, near latitude 32º 39’S, longitude 149º 52’E. Access is by the paved road between Mudgee (population 7,500) and Rylstone (population 750) and by numerous gravel and dirt roads that criss-cross the area. A high-tension power line crosses the property. See the following Bowdens Project General Location Map.

The Bowdens Project consists of one exploration tenement covering 93 square kilometers held 100 percent by Silver Standard Australia Pty. Ltd, our wholly-owned subsidiary. In order to maintain our interest in the property, we are required to make annual work expenditures on the property. For the years ended January 29, 2007, January 29, 2008 and January 29, 2009, minimum required expenditures are A$62,000 per year. We have also purchased three farms totalling 1,338 hectares that cover the known mineralization and proposed mine infrastructures sites.

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The original tenements covering the mineralization of the Bowdens Project were granted to CRA Exploration during 1989 and 1990. The following is a chronological description of mineral exploration on the Bowdens Project: 1989 - 1992 CRA Exploration completed rock chip and soil sampling, geological mapping, induced polarization surveys, 33 reverse circulation drill holes totalling 3,438 meters and five diamond drill core holes for 842 meters.

1994-1996 GSM Exploration acquired the project and completed 17 reverse circulation holes totalling 2,413 meters and five diamond drill holes for 665 meters. GSM Exploration also completed a scoping study, which included a mineral resource estimate, metallurgical testing and environmental studies. 1997-1998 We acquired GSM Exploration and carried out exploration programs over the two main prospects of the Bowdens Project and a regional reconnaissance program to expand on previous reconnaissance work. In May 1998, our board of directors approved a $2.7 million feasibility study of the economics of the Bowdens Project, and we commenced a reserve definition drill program to expand indicated and inferred silver resources and to provide additional geological and metallurgical information. A feasibility study is required to be completed for the Bowdens Project before any reserves can be designated for the project.

1999-2001 We completed preliminary resource modelling, which indicated that additional in-fill drilling was required prior to completion of the final reserve estimate, and prospecting in the area west of the known mineralization indicated the potential for locating additional tonnage. (A feasibility study is required to be completed for the Bowdens Project before any reserves can be designated for the project.) Drilling in this area was carried out in 2000. In 2001, we completed a two phase drilling program consisting of 19 reverse circulation drill holes totalling 2,711 meters on the Bowdens Project. Based on the results of the drill programs, we initiated an updated block model resource estimate for the Bowdens Project, which was completed in October 2001.

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2002 - 2004 We completed an in-fill drill program in order to better define silver resources on the property for completion of the feasibility study on the Bowdens Project and continued work on elements of the feasibility study.

2005 - 2007 We completed an airborne geophysics survey and two drill programs to follow up on drill targets identified by the airborne survey. No significant intersections were achieved in this regional drill program. We also completed additional metallurgical test work.

As of December 31, 2007, a total of 425 drill holes totalling 47,672 metres, including water exploration holes, have been completed on the Bowdens Silver Project since 1989. We have not carried out any significant activities since 2007.

The Bowdens Project is located within a shallow depression that formed during the Late Silurian to Middle Devonian ages. Other rocks exposed in the area include Devonian age marine sediments, Middle Carboniferous age granite intrusives and the Permian age Rylstone volcanics.

Outcropping along the eastern margin of the depression are volcanic rocks. Mineralization at Bowdens is hosted by the rocks near the base of this formation.

Our geologists have identified three styles of mineralization and alteration. First, a silica alteration that is best developed within the volcanics with pervasive silica forming up to 60 percent of the rock. Visible sulfides comprise five to seven percent of the rock and are composed of mainly fine-grained pyrite with minor galena and sphalerite. Occasionally quartz-sulfide veinlets form stockworks and sheeted zones within this style of mineralization. Second, a quartz vein or vein-breccia style of alteration is well developed in an area of mineralization. Vein widths range from 5.0 centimeters up to 1.5 meters and consist of fine layers of chalcedonic and crystalline quartz with thin rhodochrosite bands. Sulphides are associated with quartz and sometimes form bands of pyrite, sphalerite and galena. Third, a sericitic green clay alteration is best developed in the crystal tuff and ignimbrites and consists of sericite, carbonate, epidote, and minor one to two percent pyrite.

Resource Estimates

As of the date of this report, the Bowdens Project is without known Mineral Reserves, and any activity carried out on the property is exploratory in nature.

James A. McCrea, P. Geo., of Surrey, British Columbia completed the following resource estimate for the Bowdens Project in accordance with the standards of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the definitions of the CIM Standards in March 18, 2004.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Measured Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 24 below uses the term “Measured Mineral Resource.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves.

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Table No. 24
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Bowdens Project
Measured Mineral Resource Estimate
(40 g/t Silver-Equivalent Cutoff Grade – capped)

Classification
Tonnes
(millions)
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Lead
(%)
Zinc
(%)
Measured 22.9 50.4 0.33 0.46

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Indicated Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 25 below uses the term “Indicated Mineral Resource.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves.


Table No. 25
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Bowdens Project
Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate
(40 g/t Silver-Equivalent Cutoff Grade – capped)

Classification Tonnes
(millions)
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Lead
(%)
Zinc
(%)
Indicated 24.7 53.33 0.26 0.36

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 26 below uses the term “Inferred Mineral Resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.


Table No. 26
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Bowdens Project
Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate
(40 g/t Silver-Equivalent Cutoff Grade – capped)

Classification
Tonnes
(millions)
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Lead
(%)
Zinc
(%)
Inferred 13.4 40.9 0.21 0.32

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Silvertip Project

The Silvertip Project is located in northern British Columbia approximately 85 kilometers south of Watson Lake, Yukon Territory. The property can be accessed by a 25 kilometer dirt road that connects to the Alaska Highway. See the following Silvertip Property Location Map.

In February 2010, we sold our 100% interest in the Silvertip Project, located in northern British Columbia approximately 85 kilometers south of Watson Lake, Yukon Territory to Silvercorp Metals Inc. (See Item 4.B “Business Overview – Mineral Properties – Silvertip Property”.)

Sunrise Lake Deposit

The Sunrise Lake Deposit is located about 130 kilometers by air east-northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. Access to the property is typically by ski or float-equipped aircraft. The Sunrise Lake Deposit consists of 6 mining leases, which form a contiguous block with an aggregate area of 1,618 hectares.

The Sunrise Lake Deposit consists of a lens of polymetallic massive sulphides overlying stringer zones of low-grade mineralization. The massive sulphide lens is three meters to four meters thick and has a strike length of about 120 meters at the surface. At depth it is up to 190 meters long. The deposit remains open down plunge.

Hemisphere and Aber discovered the Sunrise Lake Deposit in October 1987. During 1987 and 1988, they drilled a total 18,951 meters in 65 diamond drill holes on the Sunrise Lake Deposit and 1,280 meters in 12 holes on peripheral targets. In 1998, they completed an additional seven diamond drill holes aggregating 1,543 meters. We have not carried out any exploration activities on the property since acquisition.

As of the date of this report, the Sunrise Lake Deposit is without known Mineral Reserves, and any activity carried out on the property is exploratory in nature.

We completed an updated polygonal estimate of the resources for the Sunrise Lake Deposit in August 2003. The resource estimate is based on a cut-off of 30 g/t of silver and was prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (now known as Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc.) reviewed and confirmed our classification of Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources for the Sunrise Lake Deposit in a report dated September 3, 2003.

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Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Indicated Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 27 below uses the term “Indicated Mineral Resource.” We advise U.S. investors that while such terms are recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves.


Table No. 27
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Sunrise Lake Deposit
Silver Standard Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate with Roscoe Postle Review
(30 g/t Silver Cutoff Grade - Uncut)


Classification

Tonnes
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Lead
(%)
Zinc
(%)
Copper
(%)
Gold Grade
(g/t)
Indicated 1,522,000 262 2.39 5.99 0.08 0.67

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 28 below uses the term “Inferred Mineral Resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.


Table No. 28
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
Sunrise Lake Deposit
Silver Standard Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate with Roscoe Postle Review
(30 g/t Silver Cutoff Grade - Uncut)


Classification

Tonnes
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Lead
(%)
Zinc
(%)
Copper
(%)
Gold Grade
(g/t)
Inferred 2,555,000 169 1.92 4.42 0.07 0.51

Veta Colorada Project

The Veta Colorada Project is located a few kilometers northwest of the city of Parral in Chihuahua State, Mexico, approximately 210 kilometers south of larger city of Chihuahua. Mining in the Parral mineral district commenced in the late 1500s when high-grade silver-gold mineralization was discovered in the Colorada vein, the principal quartzvein structure in the district. For nearly four centuries, dozens of small mines intermittently exploited the Veta Colorada. The property of the Veta Colorada Project consists of nine mining concessions covering an area of approximately 4,244 hectares. The project can be accessed from paved Highway 24 that connects the City of Hidalgo del Parral, Mexico and Durango City, Mexico. In order to maintain our rights to these concessions we are required to pay surface mining taxes to the Mexican government.

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The Veta Colorada vein structure is traceable for over 10 kilometers, striking north-south and dipping moderately to the east. The base of this impressive mineralized structure is represented by a planar fault that cuts through a sequence of volcanic rocks a few hundred meters thick as well as significantly older marine sediemntayr rocks that form the basement to the volcanic. Quartz veining, with textures that are typical of epithermal precious metal deposits, was deposited along sections of this major fault. The commonly banded and locally brecciated quartz veins attain thicknesses of one to four meters thick. The volcanic rocks in the immediate hanging wall of the veins are strongly brecciated, with the quartz-cemented breccias extending up to 30 meters from the veins. Silver mineralization in the breccias tends to be less concentrated than the vein-hosted mineralization and was generally left in place by previous miners.

Since acquiring the project, we have performed a limited amount of exploration work, including geological mapping, surface rock sampling, a limited amount of underground rock sampling and the diamond drilling of three boreholes for a combined length of 1,001 meters. This work was mainly done in 2006; no exploration was done on the property in 2010.

As of the date of this report, the Veta Colorada Project is without known Mineral Reserves, and any activity carried out on the property is exploratory in nature.

San Marcial Project

The San Marcial Project is located in Sinaloa State, Mexico 56 miles (90 kilometers) due east of Mazatlan in the Sierra Madre Mountains in west central Mexico and is comprised of two claims covering an area of 4.8 square miles (1,250 hectares). The concession is generally road accessible year round except during the rainy season when 4-wheel drive vehicles are required. See the following San Marcial Project Location Map. In order to maintain our rights to these concessions, we are required to pay surface mining taxes to the Mexican government.

The geology at the San Marcial Project can be sub-divided into two distinct underlying rock types, an upper volcanic group of rocks occurring in the higher and more mountainous portions of the project in the northeast, and the underlying lower volcanic group of rocks that occur at lower elevations. The known silver prospects at the San Marcial Project are hosted along what appears to be a narrow set of northwest trending fault structures in two known vein systems, both of which outcrop and can be identified by small historical diggings over a strike length of approximately 300 meters. Prior to our acquisition of the project, Gold-Ore carried out regional stream sediment sampling, geological mapping, rock sampling and trenching and completed the drilling of six holes totaling 601.7 meters. Following acquisition, we completed two drill programs totalling 2,526.8 meters in 14 holes.

As of the date of this report, the San Marcial Project is without known Mineral Reserves, and any activity carried out on the property is exploratory in nature.

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We completed an estimate of the resources for the San Marcial Project in August 2002. The resource estimate is based on a cut-off of 30 g/t of silver and was prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Sundance Ventures reviewed and confirmed our classification of Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources for the San Marcial Project in a report dated October 15, 2002.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources.
 

Table No. 29 below uses the term “Inferred Mineral Resources.” We advise U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and required under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

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Table No. 29
Silver Standard Resources Inc.
San Marcial Project
Silver Standard Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate with Sundance Review
(30 g/t Silver Cutoff Grade – uncapped)


Classification
Tonnes
(millions)
Silver Grade
(g/t)
Lead
(%)
Zinc
(%)
Inferred 2.31 191.79 0.32 0.66

Office Space

In April 2009, we agreed to sublease approximately 10,745 square feet at 1400, 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC for a 45 month period commencing July 1, 2009 and expiring on March 30, 2013. Under the terms of the sublease, we agreed to pay $19 per square foot per annum and a proportionate share of operating costs and operating taxes over the term of the sublease. Effective July 27, 2009, we moved our head office to 1400, 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC.

We continue to lease our former head office at 1180, 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, under two leases, both of which expire on March 31, 2013. Under the terms of one of the leases, we lease 8,361 square feet of office space for a five year period at rates increasing from $284,279 in the first year to $334,440 per year in the fifth year. Under the terms of the other lease, we lease 1,319 square feet of office space for a four year and five month period at rates increasing from $18,686 to $52,760 in the fifth year. We are also required to pay our proportionate share of operating costs and property taxes over the term of these leases.

Under a sublease dated June 16, 2009, we agreed to sublease approximately 6,000 square feet of the office space at 1180, 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC until March 30, 2013 for $22 per square foot per annum and a proportionate share of operating costs and property taxes.

Item 4A Unresolved Staff Comments

There are no unresolved SEC comments at this time.

Item 5 Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

  A. Operating Results

We are a mining company with a portfolio of silver-dominant projects predominantly in the Americas. Our strategic focus is on optimizing production of silver from our Pirquitas mine and on advancing our other mineral projects, including San Luis, Pitarrilla, Diablillos and San Agustin. We have a large in-ground silver position and look to exploit this for the value of our shareholders. Certain of our projects also contain significant gold resources. We will grow our business through the development of our core projects and monetize others to support our funding requirements. Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol SSRI and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol SSO.

This management discussion and analysis (MD&A) of the financial position and operating results of the company for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 is prepared as of February 28, 2011 and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). All dollar amounts referred to in this discussion and analysis are expressed in U.S. dollars except where indicated otherwise. We direct investors to the section “Risks and Uncertainties” and to page 41 for a cautionary statement on forward-looking information and non-GAAP financial performance measures included within this MD&A. Additional information relating to us, including our annual information form, is available free of charge on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) website at www.sedar.com, and on the EDGAR section of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) website at www.sec.gov.

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The MD&A contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws concerning the anticipated developments in our operations in future periods, our planned exploration activities, the adequacy of our financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management (see “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”). See Item 11 –“Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk” for a description of foreign exchange risk.

Pirquitas Mine, Argentina

During the year ended December 31, 2010, we processed 1,255,261 tonnes of ore at an average milling rate of 3,439 tonnes per day. This ore contained silver head grades of 233 grams/tonne and achieved recoveries of 65.2% . The average cash production cost per ounce, which includes direct production expenses net of by-products was $12.16. The average cash operating cost per ounce, which includes third party smelting, refining and transportation costs, royalties and production taxes, was $18.03. Total production cost per ounce including depreciation, depletion and amortization was $22.32.

We continued to see improved silver production at our Pirquitas Mine quarter over quarter in 2010 since the completion of the commissioning phase on December 1, 2009. During the fourth quarter, we produced 2,067,438 ounces of silver, compared to 1,932,978 ounces in the third quarter, 1,692,466 in the second quarter and 609,258 in the first quarter. This brought total production for the year to 6,302,140 ounces. The improving trend in production is due to improved recoveries and higher grade zones in the fourth quarter. With the increase in production and resulting silver sales, the Pirquitas mine reached an important milestone of being cash positive from the third quarter until the end of the year.

Cash production cost per ounce declined through 2010, from $29.32 per ounce for the first quarter down to $9.47 per ounce in the fourth quarter. This has been achieved through increased production and recoveries whilst maintaining consistent operating costs. Cash operating costs on a per ounce basis were higher in the third and fourth quarters than the second quarter primarily due to escalating deductions and refining charges driven by increased silver prices. Total production costs mirror this trend through 2010.

The open pit mine operated well with 4,360,000 tonnes (47,000 tonnes per day) being mined in the fourth quarter, which exceeded each of the first three quarters of the year which averaged approximately 43,000 tonnes per day. This is in line with the project design assumptions.

The mill feed consisted primarily of transitional ore until September when sulphide ore from the open pit was fed continuously into the process plant for the first time. This represented a key milestone for Pirquitas, as the pit sulphide ore represents the life of mine feed for the project. The metallurgical response to the sulphide ore has been in line with expectations and overall silver recovery rates are achieving feasibility study expectations.

Commissioning of the gravity pre-concentration stage commenced near the end of the third quarter and results have been encouraging. This has lifted the required crushing throughput rate from 4000tpd to 6000tpd, and the crushing circuit is in the process of being de-bottlenecked to consistently achieve the additional throughput, and the level of upgrading exhibited from the process is in line with expectations. Proof of concept for silver recovery has been achieved as a result.

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We expect production for 2011 to be approximately 8.5 million ounces of silver at an average cash production cost of $9.00 per ounce of silver (net of by product credits), average cash operating cost of $15.00 per ounce and $19.00 per ounce total production costs. Please refer to the cautionary note regarding forward looking statements and non-GAAP financial performance measures contained in this MD&A.

With the continuous processing of sulphide ore now established, the zinc flotation circuit was re-commissioned and we are now making separate silver and zinc concentrates, with the first sales of zinc concentrate expected in early 2011. We expect to produce approximately 10 million pounds of zinc in 2011. Please refer to the cautionary note regarding forward looking statements and non-GAAP financial performance measures contained in this MD&A.

The tin circuit has been proven capable of producing a tin concentrate but despite being able to produce a high grade saleable gravity tin, the tin recovery rate is low. Test work is being conducted at a number of laboratories globally, with the objective to improve the tin recovery while maintaining a good final concentrate tin grade. We will advise through 2011 progress on the tin circuit.

A total of $1,609,000 was spent on approximately 9,000 meters drilling at Pirquitas during the second half of 2010. The majority of the diamond drill holes tested for the continuation of silver-tin-zinc mineralization beneath the designed bottom of the current open pit. The results of the 2010 drilling campaign are deemed to be sufficiently positive to justify a follow-up drilling program in 2011, likely to be completed in the first half of the year. We will continue drilling at Pirquitas and include results in an updated reserves and resources statement in the second half of 2011.

The Pirquitas mine has a fiscal stability agreement with the government of Argentina dating from 1998. In 2002, the government of Argentina implemented an export duty on concentrates that did not apply to companies with pre-existing fiscal stability agreements. In December 2007 the National Customs Authority of Argentina levied an export duty of 10% on concentrates for projects with fiscal stability agreements predating 2002. We have been advised that the project is subject to this export duty despite our rights under our fiscal stability agreement from 1998. The legality of the export duty has been challenged and is currently under review by the court in Argentina. In July 2010, we filed a claim in the Federal Court of Jujuy Province for the repayment of export duties paid to date and for an order to cease payment of the export duty until the matter is decided by the court. The court granted an order effective September 29, 2010 to cease payment of the export duty pending the courts determination of the legality of export duty. Up to December 31, 2010 the Pirquitas mine has paid $6,646,000 in export taxes on concentrate sales and accrued for an additional $3,095,000 since we received the order to cease payment. The export tax expense has been recorded within cost of sales until a resolution is reached, if these duties are recovered in the future we will recognize a gain in the statement of earnings for the full amount.

Financial Summary for 2010

  • On December 21, 2010 we completed the sale of our 100% interest in the Snowfield and Brucejack properties located in British Columbia, Canada to Pretium Resources Inc. (“Pretium”) for total consideration of $442.3 million (C$450.0 million). Pretium became a publically traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange following the closing of its intial public offering (“IPO”) on December 21, 2010. Under the terms of the transaction we received a total of 32,537,833 common shares of Pretium, representing 41.27% of its issued and outstanding common shares with a fair value of $191.9 million (C$195.2 million) based on the IPO price of C$6.00 per share. We also received cash proceeds of $211.3 million (C$215.0 million) (before underwriters’ fees of $12.4 million (C$12.6 million)) and a non-interest bearing promissory note in the principal amount of $39.1 million (C$39.8 million), which was automatically convertible into common shares of Pretium at C$6.00 per share 40 days after closing to the extent not repaid by Pretium. Our sale of the Snowfield and Brucejack properties resulted in a gain on disposal of $388.8 million, and $360.6 million after tax.

    On January 6, 2011 the underwriters exercised in part the over-allotment option granted to them in connection with the IPO. Pursuant to the terms of the promissory note, we received $16.7 million (C$17.0 million), after underwriters’ fees, from partial repayment of the note. On January 31, 2011 the balance of the promissory note was automatically converted into 3,625,500 common shares of Pretium in accordance with its terms. Following this conversion our ownership interest in Pretium increased to 42.31%.

    On March 23, 2011, Pretium Resources Inc. filed a preliminary prospectus in connection with a proposed sale by us of a portion of our equity interest in Pretium. The number of Pretium common shares that we will sell and the price at which we will sell such shares, are not determined as of March 28, 2011, and will be determined based on marketed efforts by the underwriters in connection with the proposed offering. The offering is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, and is scheduled to close in early April, 2011.

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  • On February 28, 2011 we reached an agreement to acquire the remaining interest in the San Luis project from our joint venture partner Esperanza Resources Corp. (“Esperanza”). Upon completion of the acquisition we will own 100% of the project. Under the terms of the agreement we will pay C$17 million in cash, transfer to Esperanza the 6.459 million shares of Esperanza that we own, and grant to Esperanza a 1% net smelter return royalty on future revenues.

  • Net earnings of $346.2 in 2010 million compared to a net loss of $13.2 million in 2009 or $4.44 per share in 2010 compared to a loss of $0.19 per share in 2009.

  • The Pirquitas mine generated earnings from operations of $10.0 million comprising:

    • Revenue of $112.3 million;

    • Cost of sales of $76.0 million; and

    • Non-cash depletion, depreciation and amortization of $26.3 million.

  • At Pirquitas we milled 1,255,261 tonnes of ore with silver grades of 233 grams/tonne at recoveries of 65.2%, producing a total of 6,302,140 ounces of silver. We sold 5,936,657 ounces at a weighted average silver price of $20.92 per ounce for total revenues of $112.3 million.

  • Pirquitas mined a continuous feed of sulphide ores from September until the end of the year, with silver and zinc recoveries achieving designed rates. The commissioning of the gravity pre- concentration circuit during the year helped to confirm the processing concept for silver recovery. During the year Pirquitas produced 4.6 million lbs of zinc with a sales value of approximately $3.5 million, which will be delivered during the first quarter of 2011.

  • We incurred total exploration expenditures of $54.8 million to advance our other key properties during the year. Significant expenditures included:

    • $17.7 million at the Pitarrilla project in Mexico;

    • $6.4 million at the San Luis project in Peru;

    • $2.6 million at the Berenguela project in Peru;

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    • $2.2 million at the Diablillos project in Argentina;

    • $1.3 million at the Nazas project in Mexico;

    • $1.1 million at the San Agustin project in Mexico; and

    • $21.5 million at the Snowfield and Brucejack projects in Canada, which were subsequently sold in December 2010 to Pretium.

  • In February we sold the Silvertip project for $15.0 million for an after tax gain of $13.1 million.

  • In February we closed a public share offering of 6,729,000 common shares at a price of $17.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $114.4 million. After deducting underwriting fees, net of tax credits, and expenses, net proceeds were approximately $109.6 million.

  • During 2010 we spent $12.6 million in capital expenditures at the Pirquitas Mine.

SUMMARIZED ANNUAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL RESULTS
(thousands of dollars, except production data and per share amounts)

The following table sets forth selected financial data from our audited consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with those statements:

    2010     2009(1)   2008     2007  
                         
Production Data                        
                         
Tonnes milled   1,255,261     410,454     N/A     N/A  
Silver head grades (grams/tonne)   233     185     N/A     N/A  
Silver recoveries   65.2%     45.0%     N/A     N/A  
Silver produced (ounces)   6,302,140     1,114,300     N/A     N/A  
Silver sold (ounces)   5,936,657     602,400     N/A     N/A  

(1)

We entered production at our Pirquitas mine in Argentina on December 1, 2009. As a result, 2009 is our first year of reported revenues and production data. Production during 2009 included processing historical jig tailings to prove the mechanical operation of the plant; since December 1, 2009, the tonnes milled were primarily oxide ore


    2010     2009     2008     2007  
Cash cost per ounce of silver (1)                        
        Cash production cost $ 12.16   $ 8.98     N/A     N/A  
        Cash operation cost $ 18.03   $ 16.57     N/A     N/A  
        Total cost $ 22.32   $ 20.30     N/A     N/A  
Revenues (2) $ 112,256   $ 5,442   $ -   $ -  
Average realized silver price (per ounce) $ 20.92   $ 17.49     N/A     N/A  
Average London spot silver price (per ounce) $ 20.16   $ 17.67     N/A     N/A  
Other financial information                        
Net earnings (loss) $ 346,239   $ (13,193)   $ (5,946)   $ (33,965)  
Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 4.44   $ (0.19)   $ (0.09)   $ (0.55)  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 4.42     ($0.19)   $ (0.09)   $ (0.55)  
Cash and cash equivalents $ 232,311   $ 26,659   $ 72,013   $ 81,600  
Total assets $ 1,262,017   $ 749,925   $ 567,905   $ 504,851  
Working capital $ 303,844   $ 24,515   $ 41,486   $ 118,680  
Long-term convertible notes $ 118,203   $ 110,739   $ 104,046   $ -  
Cash dividends declared $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -  

(1)

The calculation of cash production cost, cash operating cost and total cost per ounce of silver is net of by-product sales revenue (by- product credit were $nil in 2009). We use cash costs per ounce of silver, a non-GAAP measure, to manage and evaluate operating performance at our Pirquitas mine. See the description of non-GAAP financial performance measures in this Item 5.

(2)

Revenues are reported net of deductions, treatment and refining charges.

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Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as revenues and expenses. Our accounting policies are described in note 2 of our 2010 audited annual consolidated financial statements.

Review of asset carrying values and impairment

We regularly review the net carrying value of each mineral property for conditions that suggest impairment. This review requires significant judgment where we do not have any proven and probable reserves that would enable us to estimate future cash flows to be compared to the carrying values. Factors considered in the assessment of asset impairment include, but are not limited to, whether there has been a significant decrease in the market price of the property; whether there has been a significant adverse change in the legal, regulatory, accessibility, title, environmental or political factors that could affect the property’s value; whether there has been an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amounts originally expected for the property’s acquisition, development or cost of holding; whether exploration activities produced results that are not promising such that no more work is being planned in the foreseeable future and whether the company has the necessary funds to be able to maintain its interest in the mineral property.

Where we do have proven and probable reserves, as is now the case at our Pirquitas property, the expected undiscounted future cash flows from an asset are compared to its carrying value. These future cash flows are developed from models using assumptions that reflect the long-term operating plans for an asset given our best estimate of the most probable set of economic conditions. Commodity prices used reflect market conditions at the time the models are developed. These models are updated from time to time, and lower prices are used should market conditions deteriorate. Inherent in these assumptions are significant risks and uncertainties.

Stock-based compensation

We provide compensation benefits to our employees, directors, officers and consultants through a stock option plan. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of our share price. We utilize historical data to estimate option exercises and forfeiture behaviour with the valuation model. The risk-free rate for the expected term of the option is based on the Government of Canada yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.

Asset Retirement Obligations

The amounts recorded for asset retirement costs are based on estimates included in closure and remediation plans. These estimates are based on engineering studies of the work that is required by environmental laws or public statements by management which results in an obligation. These estimates include an assumption on the rate at which costs may inflate in future periods. Actual costs and the timing of expenditures could differ from these estimates.

Income and Resource Taxes

The determination of our future tax liabilities and assets involves significant management estimation and judgment involving a number of assumptions. In determining these amounts we interpret tax legislation in a variety of jurisdictions and make estimates of the expected timing of the reversal of future tax assets and liabilities. We also make estimates of our future earnings which affect the extent to which potential future tax benefits may be used. We are subject to assessment by various taxation authorities, which may interpret tax legislation in a manner different from our view. These differences may affect the final amount or the timing of the payment of taxes. When such differences arise we make provision for such items based on our best estimate of the final outcome of these matters.

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Determination of ore reserve and mineral resource estimates

The Company estimates its ore reserves and mineral resources based on information compiled by Competent Persons as defined by NI 43-101. Reserves determined in this way are used in the calculation of depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges, and for forecasting the timing of the payment of close down and restoration costs. In assessing the life of a mine for accounting purposes, mineral resources are only taken into account where there is a high degree of confidence of economic extraction. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating ore reserves, and assumptions that are valid at the time of estimation may change significantly when new information becomes available. Changes in the forecast prices of commodities, exchange rates, production costs or recovery rates may change the economic status of reserves and may, ultimately, result in reserves being restated. Such changes in reserves could impact on depreciation and amortisation rates, asset carrying values and provisions for close down and restoration costs.

Determination of useful lives of property, plant and equipment

The Company uses the units of production method to depreciate mineral property expenditure, whereby depreciation is calculated using the tonnage of ore extracted from the mine in the period as a percentage of the total tonnage of ore expected to be extracted in current and future periods based on proven and probable reserves. As noted above there are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating ore reserves which is fundamental to this calculation.

Valuation of inventory

Stockpiled ore, work in process and finished goods are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value (“NRV”). NRV is calculated as the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing and future metal prices less estimated future production costs to convert the inventory into saleable form. The determination of both estimated future sales price and production costs requires significant assumptions that may significantly imapct the stated value of the Company’s inventory.

Valuation of financial instruments

Under generally accepted accounting principles we are required to determine the valuation of our convertible debenture receivable, convertible notes (at inception), and the embedded derivatives within our sales contracts. The convertible debenture and notes required discounted cash flow analyses and option pricing models that involve various estimates and assumptions, whilst the valuation of the revenue derivatives requires estimates of settlement dates and forward commodity prices.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The following report is provided by management in respect of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in the rules of the CSA and the SEC):

(1)

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

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(2)

Our management has used the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) framework to evaluate the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

   
(3)

As at December 31, 2010, management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures and concluded that such internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures were effective and that there were no material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2010, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in Accounting Policies

Business combinations and related sections

Effective January 1, 2010, we elected to adopt Chartered Accountants Handbook (“CICA”) Handbook Sections 1582, “Business Combinations”, 1601, “Consolidated Financial Statements”, and 1602 “Non-Controlling Interests” on a prospective basis. The adoption of these standards required us to record our investment in Pretium initially at fair value, and present non-controlling interest within shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet.

Financial Instruments

Amendments to Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants Handbook (“CICA”) Handbook Section 3855, “Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement”, related to clarification on the recognition of prepayment options embedded in a debt instrument and on the calculation of interest on a financial asset after recognition of an impairment loss are effective January 1, 2011 on a prospective basis, with early adoption permitted. We have elected to adopt this standard on a prospective basis effective January 1, 2010. The adoption of these amendments did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent accounting pronouncements issued which may impact us in the future are as follows:

International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)

In February 2008, the CICA announced that publicly accountable enterprises will be required to transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS for interim and annual financial statements effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. This includes a requirement to present comparative financial information in accordance with IFRS for 2010. Accordingly, our first interim consolidated financial statements will be presented in accordance with IFRS for the three months ending March 31, 2011 with 2010 comparative results.

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The following table provides a summary of our changeover plan, the key activities involved, and the current status of these tasks:

Key Activities Current Status
Financial Reporting    
  • Analyze and select accounting policies where alternatives are permitted, including IFRS 1 elections
  • Company has completed selection of accounting policies and IFRS 1 elections, pending audit committee approval.
           
  • Quantify key differences for opening balance sheet
  • Quantification of key differences for opening balance sheet is in the process of being finalised (see below).
  • Identify and quantify impact on taxation  
       
  • We have completed a preliminary quantification of tax impacts, pending finalisation of the opening balance sheet.
  • Prepare IFRS consolidated financial statements, including IFRS 1 reconciliations
           
  • Quantify key differences for 2010 quarterly comparatives
  • Draft consolidated financial statement disclosures are subject to finalization of final policies.
           
  • IFRS 1 reconciliations drafted and awaiting completion of final quantification of differences.
           
  • Quantification of key differences for comparatives is in progress.
    Training    
  • Provide technical training to key finance personnel and accounting personnel at all site locations
  • Training program complete including Audit Committee members, and sufficient internal expertise available.
           
  • Specific training will be provided on an as-needed basis during 2011 and thereafter.
    Business Activities    
  • Assess impact of conversion on budgeting and forecasts
  • Internal reviews are underway and will be concluded in 2011 once all differences are finalised.
    Control Environment    
  • Maintain effective controls throughout the IFRS conversion process
  • Controls have been maintained through the conversion process.
           
  • Revise control environment for changes in processes and controls as a result of transition to IFRS
  • Assessment of controls surrounding IFRS conversion process regarding SOX compliance is underway and being documented.
    Financial Information Systems    
  • Determine and implement solution for capturing IFRS information throughout 2010 while still reporting in Canadian GAAP (i.e. for comparative period)
  • IFRS information will be maintained on spreadsheets through 2010 for opening balances and comparatives.
           
  • Identify impact on financial systems and changes required
  • Our system for recording stock based compensation expense has had an IFRS module implemented and tested.
           
  • No additional system requirements needed at current time.

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    As at December 31, 2010, we have completed our scoping, planning, design, solution development and implementation.

    We have identified key areas where changes in accounting policy are required on our transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS listed below. This list is intended to highlight the areas that we have determined to be the most significant that will result from the transition to IFRS. We have not yet finalised the impact of these changes on our consolidated statement of income (loss), consolidated balance sheet, or cash flow statement and will only be reporting quantified differences once approved by the Audit Committee. The IASB has significant ongoing projects that could affect the ultimate differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS and these changes may have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

    First-time adoption of IFRS

    IFRS 1, “First time adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards”, generally requires that all IFRS standards and interpretations be accounted for on a retrospective basis. IFRS 1 provides for certain optional exemptions and other mandatory exceptions to this general principal. The most significant IFRS optional exemptions which we expect to be applying are:

    Exemption Summary of exemption and decision
    IFRS 2, Share-based payments Full retrospective application is avoided for certain share-based instruments depending on the grant date, vesting terms and settlement of any related liabilities.
    IFRS 3, Business Combinations Allows an entity that has conducted prior business combinations to apply IFRS 3 on a prospective basis from the date of transition. This avoids the requirement to restate prior business combinations.
    IAS 21, Cumulative Translation Differences Allows an entity to deem all cumulative translation differences to be zero at the date of transition.
    IAS 23, Borrowing Costs This exemption allows a first time adopter to apply IAS 23(revised) from the date of transition to IFRS for all qualifying assets for which the capitalization start date is on or after that date.
    IFRIC 1, Decommissioning liabilities This exemption allows a first time adopter to utilize a more straightforward methodology for measuring the liability and cost of the related asset.
    Fair value as deemed cost An entity can elect to measure an asset at the date of transition to IFRS at its fair value, and use that fair value as its deemed cost at that date.

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    Functional currency and foreign currency exchange translation

    Canadian GAAP requires an entity to determine the functional currency of the parent company and then determine whether a subsidiary is an integrated or self-sustaining entity. This determination dictates the method of foreign exchange translation for the consolidated financial statements.

    IFRS requires functional currency to be assessed independently for each entity within a consolidated group and introduces the concept of primary and secondary factors to help determine the functional currency.

    This difference of approach resulted in differences for three of our subsidiaries, which will have an impact on foreign exchange gains or losses recognized in income and equity. Further, we have elected to apply the exemption above, such that the cumulative translation account will be reclassified to retained earnings on the date of transition. The impact is an increased property, plant and equipment balance of approximately $5 million, with the difference being credited to retained earnings.

    Fixed assets at deemed cost

    We have made a preliminary determination that it is appropriate to elect that the fair value of all the assets relating to the Pirquitas mine be the deemed cost upon transition to IFRS. At December 31, 2010 we are in the process of finalising our assessment of the fair value; any difference between the carrying amounts under Canadian GAAP and the IFRS deemed cost will be taken to retained earnings at the transition date.

    Asset Impairment

    Both Canadian GAAP and IFRS require an entity to undertake impairment testing where there is an indication of impairment. Annual impairment tests are required for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

    Canadian GAAP provides a two-step approach to testing a long-lived asset for impairment if an indication of impairment exists. The first step is a test for recoverability whereby the carrying value is compared to the undiscounted cash flows that the asset is expected to generate. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying amount, then no impairment charge is necessary. If the undiscounted cash flows are lower than the carrying amount of the asset, then the asset is written down to the estimated fair value, determined based on the discounted cash flows.

    Under IFRS, if there is an indication of impairment the entity must compare the carrying value of the asset or cash generating unit (“CGU”) to the recoverable amount. Recoverable amount is defined as the higher of an asset or CGU’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. Value in use is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from an asset or CGU. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount. Unlike Canadian GAAP, IFRS requires impairment charges to be reversed if the circumstances leading to the impairment no longer exist.

    We have assessed impairment indicators under IFRS as at the date of transition for all of our exploration projects and concluded that there were no such indicators, which was consistent with Canadian GAAP.

    Provision for reclamation and rehabilitation

    The primary differences between IFRS and Canadian GAAP for reclamation and rehabilitation provisions include the basis of estimation for undiscounted cash flows, the discount rate used, the frequency of liability re-measurement, and recognition of a liability when a constructive obligation exists.

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    Canadian GAAP requires the estimate of undiscounted cash flows to be based on the amount that a third party would demand to assume the obligation, whereas IFRS focuses on the use of management’s best estimate of the expenditures required to settle the obligation. The recognition principle is also broadened with the implementation of IFRS, which requires that a liability be recorded if there is a legal or constructive obligation, where Canadian GAAP requires a liability to be recognized when there is a legal obligation. These GAAP difference have not had a significant impact on our estimates.

    The discount rate used to determine the present value of the expenditures for Canadian GAAP is the credit-adjusted risk free rate for the entity. IFRS requires the use of a discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability.

    In accordance with Canadian GAAP, our provision for reclamation and rehabilitation is re-measured when there is a change in the amount or timing of cash flows required to settle the obligation. IFRS requires the re-measurement of the liability at each reporting date. Although this calculation will occur more frequently, it will result in a simplification of the process due to the removal of the layering effect under Canadian GAAP. The impact is expected to decrease the liability by approximately $1 million.

    Convertible notes

    Under Canadian GAAP the convertible notes were considered to have an embedded share purchase option which was valued separately from the debt component and the value attributed to shareholders’ equity. Following assessment of the terms of the convertible notes under IFRS it was concluded that the embedded share purchase option should be classified as a derivative liability. This change in accounting methodology impacts the classification and measurement of the instrument. We are in the process of finalizing our determination of the valuation of the instrument.

    Share based payments

    Canadian GAAP requires that share based payments are measured at fair value and an expense recorded over the vesting period of the instrument. Our accounting policy under IFRS is largely consistent with Canadian GAAP except for the initial inclusion of a forfeiture rate in the fair value estimation, and small changes to the initial valuation of tranches of options that vest over different periods. We have determined the impact of these changes on our consolidated financial statements at the date of transition to IFRS is not significant.

    Income Taxes

    There are a number of GAAP differences related to income taxes, the most significant being the calculation of temporary differences on non-monetary items and the initial recognition exemption on an asset acquisition.

    Under Canadian GAAP, deferred tax balances are calculated in the currency in which the taxes are denominated and then converted to the accounting presentation currency at the current rate. IFRS requires that deferred taxes be determined in an entity’s functional accounting currency. The different treatment under IFRS results in a measurement difference for deferred taxes on monetary items where an entity’s tax and accounting functional currencies differ. This GAAP difference has impacted several of our subsidiaries.

    IFRS provides an initial recognition exemption such that a deferred tax asset or liability is not recognized in the event it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability acquired outside of a business combination. This exemption does not exist in Canadian GAAP. The difference is expected to result in the derecognition of the deferred tax liability and corresponding asset in the range of $35 – $40 million, the future income tax impact on the aforementioned expected adjustments which are currently under review are not quantifiable at this time.

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    The discussion above on IFRS outlines to the reader our IFRS conversion project and the potential effect on the consolidated financial statements. This information does not represent the official adoption of IFRS by the Company and is intended only to provide an indication of the major differences identified to date based on current IFRS guidance. The proposed IFRS 1 optional exemptions, the selection of IFRS accounting policies and any related adjustments to the consolidated financial statements are in the process of being finalised and audited. As a result, the discussion noted above is subject to change and any resulting impact to current reported amounts may be significantly different from preliminary assessments.

    Outstanding Share Data

    The authorized capital consists of unlimited common shares without par value. As at March 30, 2011, the following common shares, options and share purchase warrants were outstanding:

        Number of     Exercise     Remaining  
        Shares     Price     Life  
              C$     (years)  
    Capital stock   80,051,403              
    Stock options   4,044,171     $11.50 - $40.62     0.32 - 9.63  
                       
    Fully diluted   84,095,574              

    Subsequent Events

    On January 6, 2011, with respect to the sale of Snowfield/Brucejack properties to Pretium, the underwriters exercised in part the over-allotment option granted to them in connection with the December 2010 IPO. Pursuant to the terms of the promissory note, proceeds from the over-allotment option of $16.7 million (C$17.0 million), after underwriters’ fees was partial repayment of the note. On January 31, 2011 the balance of the promissory note was automatically converted into 3,625,500 common shares of Pretium in accordance with its terms. Following this conversion our ownership interest in Pretium increased to 42.31% .

    On February 28, 2011, we entered into a letter agreement with Esperanza Resources Corp. (“Esperanza”) our joint venture partner in respect of the San Luis joint venture, to purchase all of Esperanza’s remaining interest in the San Luis project. Upon completion of the transaction, which is scheduled to occur on or before April 30, 2011, we will own 100% of the San Luis Project, subject to the 1% net smelter returns royalty granted to Esperanza. See Item 4.B – “Business Overview – Mineral Projects – San Luis Project”.

    On March 23, 2011, Pretium Resources Inc. filed a preliminary prospectus in connection with a proposed sale by us of a portion of our equity interest in Pretium. The number of Pretium common shares that we will sell and the price at which we will sell such shares, are not determined as of March 28, 2011, and will be determined based on marketed efforts by the underwriters in connection with the proposed offering. The offering is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, and is scheduled to close in early April, 2011.

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    Review of Annual Financial Statements/Results

    For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded net earnings of $346,239,000, ($4.44 per share) compared to a net loss of $13,193,000 ($0.19 per share) in 2009 and a net loss of $5,946,000 in 2008 ($0.09 per share). The following is a summary and discussion on significant components of income and expenses recorded during the year compared to the prior year.

    2010 Compared to 2009

        2010     2009  
      $(000 ) $(000 )
                 
    Revenue   112,256     5,442  
    Cost of sales   (75,971 )   (5,926 )
    Depletion, depreciation and amortization   (26,327 )   (2,039 )
    Earnings (loss) from mine operations   9,958     (2,523 )

    During the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded sales revenue of $112,256,000 on shipment of 11,161 tonnes of silver concentrate containing 5,936,657 ounces of silver with a weighted average realized price of $20.92 per ounce, compared to sales revenue of $5,442,000 on shipment of 2,893 tonnes of silver concentrate containing 460,100 ounces of silver in 2009 with a weighted average realized price of $17.49. We commissioned the plant at our Pirquitas mine on December 1, 2009 and as result, operating results for the prior year are only applicable to the month of December in 2009.

    Cost of sales related to concentrate sold during the year ended December 31, 2010 was $102,298,000, including non-cash depletion, depreciation and amortization of $26,327,000. Cost of sales includes export duties imposed by the Argentine government for our silver concentrate sales of $8,739,000 (2009 -$685,000) which are considered to be in substance a cost of sale rather than income tax as they are calculated based on a percentage of revenue. Cost of sales related to concentrate sold during the month of December 2009 was $7,965,000 including non-cash depletion, depreciation and amortization for $2,039,000. Net inventory write-down for the year ended December 31, 2010 included in cost of sales was $6,700,000 compared to $1,022,000 in the prior year.

    The improvement in margins from 2009 is due to the improved operational efficiency at the mine, a focus on increasing plant throughput and recoveries resulting in higher production together with higher silver prices.

        2010     2009  
      $(000 ) $(000 )
                 
    General and administration   20,853     10,287  
    Stock-based compensation   8,868     6,319  
    Property examination and exploration   2,400     459  
    Reclamation and accretion   1,669     366  
        33,790     17,431  

    General and administration expenses during 2010 were $20,853,000 compared to $10,287,000 in 2009. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily driven by an increase in staff as we build up our development and production capability, the components being an increase in aggregate salaries, employee benefits and bonuses of $3,585,000, recruiting costs of $794,000, as well as certain termination benefits of $1,788,000. Other contributing factors to the increase in general and administrative expenses were one off incentive payments of $1,215,000 for staff for participation in the Pretium IPO, the incremental valuation of directors’ DSU’s of $660,000, additional travel and project consulting together comprising an increase of $691,000.

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    Stock-based compensation expense for 2010 was $8,868,000 compared to $6,319,000 in 2009. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the options granted. The increase in total stock-based compensation from the prior year is due to the amount and timing of options awards and in particular reflects options awarded in December 2009, and during 2010, to new employees. Stock-based compensation assigned to mineral properties during the year was $331,000 compared to $228,000 during 2009. The increase in the amount assigned to mineral properties in 2010 compared to 2009 is the result of an increase in stock options granted to employees working on exploration projects during 2010.

    Property and examination and exploration expense was $2,400,000 compared to $459,000 in 2009. During 2010, in line with our accounting policy, we recorded $1,609,000 of exploration costs at our operating Pirquitas mine; no exploration work had been done there in 2009.

    Reclamation and accretion expense in 2010 was $1,669,000 compared to $366,000 in 2009. The increase over the prior year is mainly attributed to higher accretion expense for the Pirquitas mine following an upward revision of the reclamation liability estimate at the end of 2010.

        2010     2009  
      $(000 ) $(000 )
                 
    Investment income   1,400     1,100  
    Foreign exchange gain   1,239     4,993  
    Interest expense   (13,916 )   (1,095 )
    Share of loss of equity investee   (77 )   -  
        (11,354 )   4,998  

    Investment income, which comprises interest and accretion expense on the convertible note receivable and other bank interest, was $1,400,000 for 2010 compared to $1,100,000 in 2009. This is primarily comprised on interest income and accretion income on the convertible debenture receivable from Aurcana totalling $1,253,000 (2009 - $999,000), the balance relates to bank interest earned.

    The foreign exchange gain for 2010 was $1,239,000 compared to a gain of $4,993,000 in 2009. Our main exposure to foreign exchange risk is related to our net monetary assets denominated in Canadian dollars and Argentinean pesos. Following the sale of the Snowfield and Brucejack properties in December 2010 we have a significant amount of Canadian dollar cash which generated gains due to the strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar. This was offset to an extent due to a weakening Argentine Peso against the U.S. dollar, on a net Peso asset balance.

    We incurred interest and accretion expense in relation to the convertible notes of $13,674,000 in 2010 compared to $12,903,000 in 2009. During 2009, interest and accretion expense incurred until the start of commercial production on December 1, 2009 of $11,808,000 was capitalized to construction in progress and thereafter $1,095,000 was recognized as an expense; whereas during 2010 the full amount was recognised as an expense.

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    The share of equity investee’s loss in 2010 is from our investment in Pretium and relates to the period from December 21, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

        2010     2009  
      $(000 ) $(000 )
                 
    Gain on sale of mineral property and property, plant and equipment   402,009     167  

    We recorded a gain on sale of mineral properties of $402,009,000 compared to $167,000 in 2009. The gain in 2010 was primarily due to the sales of the Snowfield and Brucejack properties in December 2010, and the Silvertip property in February 2010; the gain in 2009 was the result of the sale of our remaining interest in the San Juan property located in Mexico.

    On December 21, 2010 we completed the sale of our 100% interest in the Snowfield and Brucejack properties located in British Columbia, Canada to Pretium for total consideration of $442,260,000 (C$450,000,000). Under the terms of the transaction we received a total of 32,537,833 common shares of Pretium with a fair value of $191,869,000 (C$195,227,000), cash proceeds of $211,322,000 (C$215,020,000) (before costs of $12,427,000 (C$12,645,000)) and a non-interest bearing convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $39,069,000 (C$39,753,000). This resulted in a gain of $388,761,000 gain (after tax $360,612,000).

    During February 2010, we completed the sale of our 100% interest in the Silvertip property located in British Columbia, Canada to Silvercorp. Under the terms of the agreement, Silvercorp paid us total consideration of $14,957,000, comprising cash of $7,125,000 and 1,200,000 common shares of Silvercorp with a fair value of $7,832,000, for a gain of $13,073,000.

    The $167,000 gain on sale of mineral properties in the prior year was the result of the disposal of our remaining 25% interest in the San Juan property located in Durango State, Mexico to Orko Silver Corp. (“Orko”). Under the terms of the agreement we received total consideration of $202,000, in the form of 306,000 shares of Orko.

        2010     2009  
      $(000 ) $(000 )
                 
    Gain (loss) on sale of marketable securities and other investments   3,114     (1,279 )
    Unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments held-for-trading   (102 )   412  
    Write-down of marketable securities and other investments, net of interest received   -     534  
    Write-down of convertible debenture   -     (2,002 )
    Write down of mineral property   (238 )   (377 )
    Other expenses   (61 )   -  
        2,713     (2,712 )

    In 2010 we recorded a gain on the sale of marketable securities and other investments of $3,114,000, compared to a loss of $1,279,000 in 2009. The gain in the current year is due to the disposal of 1,200,000 common shares of Silvercorp Metals Inc. (“Silvercorp”) for a gain of $741,000 and the disposal of 500,000 common shares of Canplats Resources Corporation (“Canplats”) for a gain of $2,373,000. The loss in the prior year was the result of the disposal of our Class A-1 and A-2 asset-backed commercial paper (‘ABCP’) investments for a loss of $3,103,000, which was partially offset by a gain of $1,824,000 from the sale of 3,300,000 common shares of Minco Silver Corporation (“Minco”), and 135,429 common shares of Allied Nevada Corporation (“Allied Nevada”).

    - 87 -


    The revaluation of the conversion feature on our convertible debenture receivable generated an unrealized loss on financial instruments held-for-trading during the year of $102,000 compared to a gain of $412,000 in the prior year.

    Write-down of marketable securities and other investments, net of interest received was $nil in 2010 compared to $534,000 in 2009. During 2009, we were unable to receive a reasonable bid for the remaining ABCP notes upon sale of our Class A-1 and A-2 notes and as a result, the remaining carrying value of $2,113,000 (net of interest and principal repayments received of $2,647,000) was written off.

    During 2009, we renegotiated the terms of our convertible debenture with Aurcana Corporation (“Aurcana”) resulting in a reduction in the coupon rate from 3% per year to 1.5% in the first year and an increase to 4% per year thereafter. As a result, a $2,002,000 write-down of our accrued interest and convertible debenture from Aurcana was recorded during 2009 to reflect the fair value of the restructured debenture. There were no similar write-downs during 2010.

    Write-down of mineral properties was $238,000 in 2010 following the write off of assets at Pirquitas compared to $377,000 in 2009 during which year we allowed our mineral rights for La Bandera project in Mexico and Veca project in Peru to lapse.

        2010     2009  
      $(000 ) $(000 )
                 
    Current income tax recovery (expense)   (2,600 )   2,221  
    Future income tax recovery (expense)   (20,697 )   2,087  
        (23,297 )   4,308  

    For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded a current income tax expense of $2,600,000 compared to a recovery of $2,221,000 in 2009. The tax expense during the current year relates to mining operations at Pirquitas. During 2009, we generated sufficient loss pools to reverse taxes payable of $2,006,000 which was recorded in the prior years. We also finalized our tax filing related to the sale of the Shafter Silver project during 2009, which resulted in a reduction in our original estimate of income tax expense by $900,000.

    Future income tax expense during the year was $20,697,000 compared to a recovery of $2,087,000 in 2009. During 2010, we recognized a future income tax expense of $28,149,000 in relation to the common shares and convertible note received as consideration for the sale of the Snowfield and Brucejack properties, which was offset from future income tax recoveries of $8,526,000 from various other investments. We also recorded a future income tax recovery of $1,883,000 (2009 –$1,034,000), which reflects the tax effects of unrealized gains (losses) on our marketable securities during the respective years.

    - 88 -


    2009 Compared to 2008

        2009     2008  
      $(000 ) $(000 )
                 
    Revenue   5,442     -  
    Cost of sales   (5,926 )   -  
    Depletion, depreciation and amortization   (2,039 )   -  
    Loss from mine operations   (2,523 )   -  

    On December 1, 2009 we commenced commercial production at the Pirquitas mine. We recorded sales revenue of $5,442,000 on the shipment of 2,893 tonnes of silver concentrate containing 460,100 ounces of silver with a weighted average realized price of $17.49. There were no sales recorded in 2008.

    Cost of sales related to concentrate sold during the month of December 2009 was $7,965,000 including non-cash depletion, depreciation and amortization for $2,039,000. Net inventory write-down for the period ended December 31, 2009 included in cost of sales was $1,022,000.

        2009     2008  
      $(000 ) $(000 )
                 
    General and administration   10,287     9,031  
    Stock-based compensation   6,319     9,601  
    Property examination and exploration   459     340  
    Reclamation and accretion   366     318  
        17,431     19,290  

    General and administration expenses during 2009 were $10,287,000 compared to $9,031,000 in 2008. The increase in general and administrative expenses was the result of office relocation costs, recruiting fees and an increase in aggregate salaries and employee benefits related to hiring additional senior staff as we were transitioning to a producing mining company.

    Stock-based compensation expense for 2009 was $6,319,000 compared to $9,601,000 in 2008. The decrease in total stock-based compensation from prior year was due to fewer unvested stock options outstanding during 2009. Stock-based compensation assigned to mineral properties during 2009 was $228,000 compared to $61,000 during 2008. The increase in the amount assigned to mineral properties in 2009 compared to 2008 is the result an increase in stock options granted to employees working on the Pitarrilla and San Luis projects during 2009.

    - 89 -



        2009     2008  
      $(000 ) $(000 )
                 
    Investment income   1,100     3,039  
    Foreign exchange gain   4,993     200  
    Interest expense and financing fees   (1,095 )   (6,499 )
        4,998     (3,260 )

    Investment income was $1,100,000 for 2009 compared to $3,039,000 in 2008. The decrease in investment income is due to a combination of factors, including less funds being available for investment and lower yields on investments. As a result of significant volatility in the credit markets, we opted to mitigate credit risk by investing the majority of our cash and cash equivalents in U.S. and Canadian government treasury bills. These treasuries are considered to be lower risk and as a result have lower yields.

    Foreign exchange gain for 2009 was $4,993,000 compared to $200,000 in 2008. With the change in our functional currency from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars effective January 1, 2009, our main exposure to foreign exchange risk is related to our net monetary assets denominated in Canadian dollars and Argentinean pesos. The foreign exchange gain in 2009 reflects the strengthening of the Canadian dollar and Argentinean peso against the U.S. dollar. In 2008, our functional currency was the Canadian dollar and the foreign exchange gain reflects the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Canadian dollar on our net monetary assets denominated in U.S. dollars.

    We incurred interest and financing fees of $1,095,000 in 2009 compared to $6,499,000 in 2008. Interest and accretion cost of $11,808,000 related to our convertible notes was capitalized to construction in progress until the start of production on December 1, 2009. During 2008, we recorded $2,726,000 of interest and accretion expense to net loss and $3,773,000 of financing fees related to our convertible notes financing.

        2009     2008  
      $(000 ) $(000 )
                 
    Gain (loss) on sale of marketable securities and other investments   (1,279 )   2,090  
    Unrealized gain on financial instruments held-for-trading   412     114  
    Gain on sale of mineral property   167     31,463  
    Write-down of marketable securities and other investments   534     (22,794 )
    Write-down of convertible debenture   (2,002 )   -  
    Write down of mineral property   (377 )   -  
    Gain on sale of silver bullion   -     23,699  
        (2,545 )   34,572  

    We recorded a loss on sale of marketable securities and other investments of $1,279,000 in 2009 compared to a gain of $2,090,000 in 2008. In November 2009, we sold our Class A-1 and A-2 asset-backed commercial paper investments for net proceeds of $20,107,000 (C$21,215,000) resulting in a loss on sale of $3,103,000. We also recorded a gain on sale of certain marketable securities of $1,824,000 in 2009 compared to a gain of $2,090,000 in 2008.

    - 90 -


    The unrealized gain on financial instruments held-for-trading during 2009 was $412,000 compared to $114,000 in 2008. The unrealized gain during 2009 was the result of revaluation of the conversion feature on our convertible debenture. The gain in 2008 consisted primarily of $1,429,000 gain on mark-to-market adjustment of foreign exchange options net of $1,389,000 loss on revaluation of the conversion feature on our convertible debenture.

    We recorded a gain on sale of mineral properties of $167,000 in 2009 compared to $31,463,000 in 2008. The gain in 2009 was the result of the sale of the San Juan property. The gain in 2008 was the result of the sale of the Shafter Silver Project in Presidio County, Texas, to Aurcana. The sale resulted in a gain on sale of mineral property of $31,463,000 (after-tax gain of $18,120,000).

    Write-down of marketable securities and other investments, net of interest received resulted in income of $534,000 in 2009 compared to a write-down of $22,794,000 in 2008. The write-down of marketable securities and other investments in 2009 was the result of writing off the carrying value of our Class A-1 and Class A-2 asset backed commercial paper, net of interest and principal repayments received. This compares to a write-down of our other investments of $17,903,000 in 2008. In 2008, we also recorded a write-down of available-for-sale marketable securities of $4,891,000 related to a decline in fair values determined to be other-than-temporary.

    During 2009, we recorded a $2,002,000 write-down of our accrued interest and convertible debenture from Aurcana to reflect the fair value of the restructured debenture.

    We recorded a write-down of mineral properties of $377,000 during 2009 as we allowed certain of our mineral rights to lapse.

    In March 2008, we sold our silver bullion for cash proceeds of approximately $39,648,000, resulting in an after-tax gain of $23,699,000. No tax expense was recorded as we had sufficient tax pools to offset the taxable gain on the sale.

        2009     2008  
      $(000 ) $(000 )
                 
    Current income tax expense   2,221     (14,575 )
    Future income tax expense   2,087     (3,393 )
        4,308     (17,968 )

    For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded a current income tax recovery of $2,221,000 compared to an expense of $14,575,000 in 2008. The majority of the income tax expense recorded in 2008 relates to the sale of the Shafter Silver project.

    Future income tax recovery during 2009 was $2,087,000 compared to an expense of $3,393,000 in 2008. During 2009, we recorded a future income tax recovery of $1,053,000 resulting from a current period loss from our Pirquitas operations, which can be used against future taxable income in Argentina. We also recorded a future income tax recovery of $1,034,000 (2008 – expense of $3,393,000), which reflects the tax effects of unrealized gains (losses) on our marketable securities during the respective years.

    - 91 -


    Selected Quarterly Data

        2010     2009  
        31-Dec     30-Sep     30-Jun     31-Mar     31-Dec     30-Sep     30-Jun     31-Mar  
      $(000 ) $(000 ) $(000 ) $(000 ) $(000 ) $(000 ) $(000 ) $(000 )
    Revenue   45,077     41,557     14,091     11,531     5,442     -     -     -  
    Earnings (loss) from mine operations   23,949     9,950     (1,575 )   (16,704 )   (2,523 )   -     -     -  
    Gain on sale of mineral properties   388,936     (65 )   -     13,138     -     -     167     -  
    Earnings (loss)   376,575     (7,500 )   (15,199 )   (7,637 )   (9,126 )   (95 )   (1,374 )   (2,598 )
    Basic earnings (loss) per share   4.75     (0.10 )   (0.19 )   (0.10 )   (0.13 )   (0.00 )   (0.02 )   (0.04 )
    Dliuted earnings (loss) per share   4.72     (0.10 )   (0.19 )   (0.10 )   (0.13 )   (0.00 )   (0.02 )   (0.04 )

    Sales of silver concentrate commenced in December 2009 resulting in revenues of $5,442,000 being recorded in the fourth quarter of 2009. For the year ended December 31, 2010 quarterly revenues have gradually increased as the mine has increased production, with noticeable increases in output in the third and fourth quarters as well as a significant increase in silver prices in the fourth quarter of 2010.

    The related cost of sales was $7,965,000 for the month ended December 31, 2009 and mine operating margins have consistently been increasing through the year ended December 31, 2010 which resulted in positive earnings from mine operations for third and fourth quarters.

    The main factor impacting earnings (loss) each quarter has been significant gains on disposals of mineral properties; we sold Silvertip in the first quarter of 2010, and Snowfield and Brucejack in the fourth quarter of 2010.

    We sold our Silvertip property in February 2010 for total consideration of $14,957,000 resulting in a gain of $13,073,000, and sold our Snowfield and Brucejack properties in December 2010 for a gain of $388,761,000.

    We also sold marketable securities during the first and third quarters of 2010 for proceeds of $2,437,000 and $8,578,000 resulting in gains of $2,373,000 and $741,000, respectively. Interest and accretion expense was consistent each quarter through 2010 but significantly in excess of 2009 due to the fact that most had been capitalised in 2009.

    Fourth Quarter Results

    During the fourth quarter of 2010, we recorded net earnings of $376,575,000 ($4.75 per share) compared to a net loss of $9,126,000 ($0.13 per share) for the same quarter of 2009. The net earnings is primarily the result of the significant gain on sale of the Snowfield and Brucejack properties of $388,761,000, but also supported by earnings from mine operations of $23,949,000 (2009 – loss of $2,523,000).

    General and administrative expenditure was $6,819,000 (2009 - $2,909,000) due to an increase in staff, bonus payments and termination benefits. In the fourth quarter of 2009 we recorded a loss on the sale of other investments of $3,103,000, and a write-down of other investments of $2,113,000, with no corresponding recognition in 2010. Non-cash stock based compensation of $2,521,000 (2009 - $1,549,000) was consistent with the trend throughout 2010, and we recorded current and future income tax expense of $29,028,000 (2009 – expense of $3,341,000) which was due largely to the sale of the Snowfield and Brucejack properties in the fourth quarter.

    - 92 -


    During the fourth quarter of 2010 we spent $7,633,000 (2009 - $5,669,000) on total sustaining capital expenditures on the Pirquitas project. Other significant mineral property expenditures include $1,811,000 (2009 -$752,000; 2008 - $3,576,000) for Pitarrilla, $781,000 (2009 - $339,000; 2008 - $1,912,000) for Diablillos, $781,000 (2009 - $1,677,000; 2008 - $1,698,000) for San Luis and $1,509,000 (2009 -$466,000; 2008 - $nil) for Snowfield and Brucejack.

      B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

    At December 31, 2010, we held $232,311,000 (2009 - $26,659,000) in cash and cash equivalents and $33,465,000 (2009 - $17,863,000) in marketable securities. Working capital at December 31, 2010 was $303,844,000 (2009 - $24,515,000).

    The increase in cash from 2009 to 2010 is mainly attributed to cash inflows of:

    • $204,491,000 proceeds from the sale of mineral properties, net of costs;
    • $107,758,000 proceeds from equity financings, net of costs;
    • $95,800,000 cash receipts from sales;
    • $16,318,000 proceeds from share option exercises; and
    • $11,015,000 proceeds from the sale of marketable securities.

    Offset by cash outflows of:

    • $122,820,000 spent on exploration properties, property plant and equipment and construction payables (including VAT);
    • $102,260,000 payments to suppliers and employees for goods and services; and
    • $6,210,000 interest paid on long term notes

    Summary Cash Flow Information

        2010     2009     2008  
      $(000 ) $(000 ) $(000 )
                       
    Cash (used in) operating activities   (11,110 )   (39,943 )   (19,093 )
    Cash generated by financing activities   124,076     146,413     138,719  
    Cash generated by (used in) investing activities   92,686     (151,824 )   (129,213 )
    Cash balance, beginning of year   26,659     72,013     81,600  
    Cash balance, end of year   232,311     26,659     72,013  

    Operating Activities

    At December 31, 2010, we had cash resources of $232,311,000 compared to $26,659,000 in 2009 and $72,013,000 in 2008.

    Cash flow used in operations decreased $28,833,000 from $39,943,000 in 2009 to $11,110,000 in 2010. We achieved positive cash flows from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010, in particular during the third and fourth quarters due to increasing production and concentrate sales from Pirquitas. Production costs reduced through the course of the year due to continued optimization of production, which along with improved silver prices enabled the mine to generate positive cash flows. This was in part offset by higher administration and corporate costs due to recruiting additional employees, termination payments and bonuses paid to officers and employees during the year.

    - 93 -


    The increase in cash flow used in operations from 2008 to 2009 was mainly attributed to higher administration and corporate costs as we continued the development and construction of the Pirquitas mine. Also, we incurred a loss from mine operations during December 2009 after the commencement of production.

    Financing Activities

        2010     2009     2008  
      $(000 ) $(000 ) $(000 )
                       
    Shares issued for cash   130,707     155,578     2,192  
    Share issue costs   (6,631 )   (9,165 )   -  
    Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes   -     -     138,000  
    Financing costs related to equity portion of convertible notes financing   -     -     (1,473 )
    Cash generated by financing activities   124,076     146,413     138,719  

    We raised a total of $124,076,000 in 2010 through financing activities as compared to $146,413,000 in 2009 and $138,719,000 in 2008.

    During 2010, we closed a public share offering of 6,728,755 of our common shares at a price of $17.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $114,389,000. After deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses net of tax credits of $4,821,000, net proceeds were $109,568,000. Net proceeds from the offering have been, and will continue to be, used to fund the development of our mineral properties, for working capital requirements, to repay indebtedness outstanding and for other general corporate purposes.

    In 2010, a total of 971,578 (2009 - 385,632; 2008 – 186,100) shares were issued on the exercise of stock options for total proceeds received of $16,318,000 (2009 - $5,578,000; 2008 – $2,192,000). The weighted average exercise price of options exercised was C$17.00 (2009 - C$15.63; 2008 - C$12.46) per share.

    Investing Activities

        2010     2009     2008  
      $(000 ) $(000 ) $(000 )
                       
    Expenditures on mineral properties   (52,912 )   (25,157 )   (36,756 )
    Settlement of payables for property, plant and equipment   (50,564 )   (127,037 )   (132,919 )
    Increase in value added tax recoverable (net)   (19,344 )   (23,763 )   (24,401 )
    Proceeds from sale of marketable securities   11,015     24,133     2,780  
    Proceeds from sale of silver bullion   -     -     39,648  
    Net proceeds from sale of mineral properties   204,491     -     22,435  
    Cash generated by (used in) investing activities   92,686     (151,824 )   (129,213 )

    - 94 -


    A summary of the exploration expenditures by mineral property follows:

        2010     2009     2008  
      $(000 ) $(000 ) $(000 )
                       
    Berenguela   2,559     620     72  
    Candelaria   289     271     282  
    Challacollo   711     336     213  
    Diablillos   2,217     1,656     5,663  
    Pitarrilla   17,684     4,304     17,866  
    San Agustin   1,109     466     -  
    San Luis   6,414     5,364     6,549  
    Snowfield   11,071     10,345     4,643  
    Brucejack   10,469     -     -  
    Nazas   1,336     -     -  
    Other   910     963     1,815  
    Change in non-cash working capital   (1,857 )   832     (347 )
                       
        52,912     25,157     36,756  

    The above table reflects cash expenditures incurred by property. It does not include non-cash charges.

    During 2010 we spent $50,564,000 (2009 - $127,037,000; 2008 - $132,919,000) for development, construction and mining equipment.

    Of the total amount spent during the year, approximately $12,631,000 was spent in sustaining capital at the Pirquitas mine and $37,933,000 was spent in reducing construction related liabilities incurred in the previous year. During 2009, approximately $76,968,000 million was incurred on construction and mining equipment and $50,069,000 million in development costs at the Pirquitas mine.

    We incurred $19,344,000 in value added tax (“VAT”) primarily in Argentina related to the Pirquitas mine for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to $23,763,000 in the prior year. During the year, we submitted our initial applications to the fiscal authorities to begin the process of recovering our VAT receivable. As we continue to export our concentrates to market, additional VAT applications will be submitted on an ongoing basis to recover the remaining balance of VAT receivable.

    We received proceeds of $11,015,000 for the sale of marketable securities (2009 - $24,133,000; 2008 -$2,780) from the sale of Silvercorp and Canplats shares.

    We received proceeds of $204,491,000 from the sale of mineral properties during the year. In December we sold our Snowfield and Brucejack properties to Pretium for cash consideration of $211,322,000 (total of C$215,020,000) with net proceeds of $197,564,000 (C$201,021,000) after fees; and in February 2010, we completed the sale of our Silvertip Project to Silvercorp for cash consideration of $7,125,000 (C$7,500,000) with net proceeds of $6,927,000.

    We have established internal policies to mitigate our exposure to credit risk, including limiting the concentration of credit risk, ensuring a minimum credit worthiness of customers and monitoring liquidity of available funds. We manage our credit risk on cash and cash equivalents by investing only in government obligations and the credit risk associated with these investments is considered to be low

    - 95 -


    Operations

    Pirquitas Mine, Argentina

    During the year ended December 31, 2010, we processed 1,255,261 tonnes of ore at an average milling rate of 3,439 tonnes per day. This ore contained silver head grades of 233 grams/tonne and achieved recoveries of 65.2% . The average cash production cost per ounce, which includes direct production expenses net of by-products was $12.16. The average cash operating cost per ounce, which includes third party smelting, refining and transportation costs, royalties and production taxes, was $18.03. Total production cost per ounce including depreciation, depletion and amortization was $22.32.

    The following information was recorded in each of the quarters ended:

                                2010     2009  
        YTD     31-Dec     30-Sep     30-Jun     31-Mar     31-Dec*  
                                         
    Tonnes milled   1,255,261     313,051     320,174     345,661     276,375     110,767  
    Silver head grades (g/t)   233     267     283     240     129     262  
    Silver recoveries   65.2%     76.3     66.3     63.7     53.2     58.4  
    Silver produced (ounces)   6,302,140     2,067,438     1,932,978     1,692,466     609,258     545,600  
    Silver sold (ounces)   5,936,657     1,621,363     2,316,447     1,091,911     906,936     460,100  
                                         
    Revenue (000s) $ 112,256     45,077     41,557     14,091     11,531     5,442  
                                         
    Average realized silver price (per ounce) $  20.92     26.93     19.43     18.12     17.43     17.49  
    Average London spot silver price (per ounce) $  20.16     26.43     18.96     18.32     16.76     17.67  
                                         
                                         
    Cash production cost (per oz) $ 12.16     9.47     10.42     11.27     29.32     8.98  
    Cash operating cost (per oz) $ 18.03     16.07     16.94     14.98     36.61     16.57  
    Total production cost (per oz) $ 22.32     18.82     20.76     19.24     47.69     20.30  

    * statistics for December 31, 2009 are for only the month of December 2009, following the commencement of commercial production.

    We continued to see improved silver production at our Pirquitas Mine quarter over quarter in 2010 since the completion of the commissioning phase on December 1, 2009. During the fourth quarter, we produced 2,067,438 ounces of silver, compared to 1,932,978 ounces in the third quarter, 1,692,466 in the second quarter and 609,258 in the first quarter. This brought total production for the year to 6,302,140 ounces. The improving trend in production is due to improved recoveries and higher grade zones in the fourth quarter. With the increase in production and resulting silver sales, the Pirquitas mine reached an important milestone of being cash positive from the third quarter until the end of the year.

    Cash production cost per ounce declined through 2010, from $29.32 per ounce for the first quarter down to $9.47 per ounce in the fourth quarter. This has been achieved through increased production and recoveries whilst maintaining consistent operating costs. Cash operating costs on a per ounce basis were higher in the third and fourth quarters than the second quarter primarily due to escalating deductions and refining charges driven by increased silver prices. Total production costs mirror this trend through 2010.

    - 96 -


    The open pit mine operated well with 4,360,000 tonnes (47,000 tonnes per day) being mined in the fourth quarter, which exceeded each of the first three quarters of the year which averaged approximately 43,000 tonnes per day. This is in line with the project design assumptions.

    The mill feed consisted primarily of transitional ore until September when sulphide ore from the open pit was fed continuously into the process plant for the first time. This represented a key milestone for Pirquitas, as the pit sulphide ore represents the life of mine feed for the project. The metallurgical response to the sulphide ore has been in line with expectations and overall silver recovery rates are achieving feasibility study expectations.

    Commissioning of the gravity pre-concentration stage commenced near the end of the third quarter and results have been encouraging. This has lifted the required crushing throughput rate from 4000tpd to 6000tpd, and the crushing circuit is in the process of being de-bottlenecked to consistently achieve the additional throughput, and the level of upgrading exhibited from the process is in line with expectations. Proof of concept for silver recovery has been achieved as a result.

    We expect production for 2011 to be approximately 8.5 million ounces of silver at an average cash production cost of $9.00 per ounce of silver (net of by product credits), average cash operating cost of $15.00 per ounce and $19.00 per ounce total production costs. Please refer to the cautionary note regarding forward looking statements and non-GAAP financial performance measures contained in this MD&A.

    With the continuous processing of sulphide ore now established, the zinc flotation circuit was re-commissioned and we are now making separate silver and zinc concentrates, with the first sales of zinc concentrate expected in early 2011. We expect to produce approximately 10 million pounds of zinc in 2011. Please refer to the cautionary note regarding forward looking statements and non-GAAP financial performance measures contained in this MD&A.

    The tin circuit has been proven capable of producing a tin concentrate but despite being able to produce a high grade saleable gravity tin, the tin recovery rate is low. Test work is being conducted at a number of laboratories globally, with the objective to improve the tin recovery while maintaining a good final concentrate tin grade. We will advise through 2011 progress on the tin circuit.

    A total of $1,609,000 was spent on approximately 9,000 meters drilling at Pirquitas during the second half of 2010. The majority of the diamond drill holes tested for the continuation of silver-tin-zinc mineralization beneath the designed bottom of the current open pit. The results of the 2010 drilling campaign are deemed to be sufficiently positive to justify a follow-up drilling program in 2011, likely to be completed in the first half of the year. We will continue drilling at Pirquitas and include results in an updated reserves and resources statement in the second half of 2011.

    The Pirquitas mine has a fiscal stability agreement with the government of Argentina dating from 1998. In 2002, the government of Argentina implemented an export duty on concentrates that did not apply to companies with pre-existing fiscal stability agreements. In December 2007 the National Customs Authority of Argentina levied an export duty of 10% on concentrates for projects with fiscal stability agreements predating 2002. We have been advised that the project is subject to this export duty despite our rights under our fiscal stability agreement from 1998. The legality of the export duty has been challenged and is currently under review by the court in Argentina. In July 2010, we filed a claim in the Federal Court of Jujuy Province for the repayment of export duties paid to date and for an order to cease payment of the export duty until the matter is decided by the court. The court granted an order effective September 29, 2010 to cease payment of the export duty pending the courts determination of the legality of export duty. Up to December 31, 2010 the Pirquitas mine has paid $6,646,000 in export taxes on concentrate sales and accrued for an additional $3,095,000 since we received the order to cease payment. The export tax expense has been recorded within cost of sales until a resolution is reached, if these duties are recovered in the future we will recognize a gain in the statement of earnings for the full amount.

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    Exploration

    San Luis, Peru

    A total of $6,414,000 was spent at the San Luis Joint Venture Project in Peru during the year compared to $5,364,000 in 2009 and $6,549,000 in 2008. The feasibility study on placing the project into production was completed in June 2010.

    With the completion of the feasibility study, we had vested a 70% interest in the San Luis Joint Venture. On February 28, 2011 we reached an agreement to acquire the remaining interest in the project from our joint venture partner Esperanza Resources Corp. Upon completion of the acquisition we will own 100% of the San Luis project.

    During the year, we continued to negotiate long-term land access agreements; submitted the Environmental Impact Study (“EIS”); and worked on the strategy for project execution. In 2011, we will finalize the long-term land access agreements and the EIS to enable a construction decision. Presently, the San Luis project comprises proven and probable mineral reserves of 0.21 million ounces of gold and 5.1 million ounces of silver.

    Pitarrilla, Mexico

    A total of $17,684,000 was spent in 2010 at the wholly-owned Pitarrilla Project located in Durango, Mexico, compared to $4,304,000 in 2009 and $17,866,000 in 2008. As with the San Luís Project, most of this amount was spent on a feasibility study that was initiated in the first quarter of 2010 to evaluate the economic viability of sulphide mineralization extraction.

    A diamond drilling program was completed in the first half of the year to provide geotechnical information that was incorporated in the feasibility study. The only other exploration work that was completed on the property in 2010 consisted of a program of multiple-method geophysical surveying over the area covering the known silver deposits. Four different methods of geophysical analysis were employed by the surveys, with the objective being to determine which methods are able to detect deeply buried, sulphide-associated silver mineralization of the form and extent found at Pitarrilla. Not only were some of the survey methods successful in outlining the the main body of sulphide mineralization of the Breccia Ridge deposit, but they also identified two additional zones of anomalous geophysical response which may represent untested bodies of sulphide-associated mineralization that will be targeted by future drilling, possibly to be done in 2011.

    Beginning in the first quarter of 2011, we will be conducting a re- evaluation of the technical and economic merits associated with the mining and processing of oxidized silver resources that exist in four of the mineralized zones at Pitarrilla. The ultimate goal of the program is to define sufficient near-surface reserves to support a staged development of the Pitarrilla mineral system, where open-pit mining and ore processing of the oxide reserves would be conducted concurrently with the development of the Breccia Ridge underground sulphide reserves.

    Pitarilla has probable mineral reserves of 91.7 million ounces of silver, measured and indicated resources of 643.5 million ounces of silver and inferred resources of 82.2 million ounces of silver.

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    Diablillos, Argentina

    A total of $2,217,000 was spent at the wholly-owned Diablillos silver-gold project located 275 kilometers south of the Pirquitas Mine in northwestern Argentina, compared to $1,656,000 in 2009 and $5,663,000 in 2008.

    These expenditures were spent primarily on engineering and metallurgical studies done as part of a preliminary economic assessment (“PEA”) of the project that is to be completed in the first quarter of 2011. We are evaluating the economic viability of an open-pit mining scenario with a conventional milling operation and heap-leach processing of some portion of the deposit. A preliminary metallurgical program to assess the heap-leaching characteristics of the mineralization at Diablillos has already been completed and additional leach test work has been planned for 2011.

    Diablillos has indicated mineral resources that total 640,000 ounces of gold and 77.1 million ounces of silver, with additional inferred resources totalling 187,000 ounces of gold and 6.3 million ounces of silver. These resources are based on a $10 recovered metal values cut-off, a gold price of $700/oz with a recovery rate of 65%, and a silver price of $11/oz with a recovery rate of 40%.

    San Agustin, Mexico

    A total of $1,109,000 was spent at the wholly-owned San Agustin project located in Durango State, Mexico compared to $466,000 in 2009 and $nil in 2008. A comprehensive program of geophysical surveying was completed over most of the property; the main objective was to outline zones of anomalous geophysical response that could indicate the lateral and downwards continuation of known low-grade gold-zinc-silver mineralization. The geophysical surveys were also designed to assess the property’s potential for hosting bodies of relatively high-grade polymetallic mineralization.

    In addition, a study to evaluate the economic potential of heap-leach processing of oxidized, near-surface gold mineralization was completed in 2010. A portion of the 5,000-meter diamond drilling program that has been planned for 2011 is designed with the objective of expanding the ‘oxide’ gold resource. Detailed metallurgical studies will also be undertaken in 2011 and will focus on the gold recovery characteristics of the oxide mineralization.

    Presently, the San Agustin project comprises indicated mineral resources of 1.59 million ounces of gold and 47.9 million ounces of silver along with inferred resources of 1.06 million ounces of gold and 37.0 million ounces of silver.

    Nazas, Mexico

    A total of $1,336,000 was spent during 2010 ($nil in 2009 and 2008) at our 100% owned Nazas project which is centered about 18 kilometers east of our Pitarrilla project. A major portion of this amount is represented by acquisition costs for mineral rights to four claims and the initial cash payment made towards an option-to-purchase deal covering the Navidad claim that lies at the core of this large property (236 square kilometers). The center of our interest at Nazas is an extensive system of epithermal quartz veins, several of which are mineralized with gold and/or silver, as well as the potential at depth for sulphide-associated silver mineralization similar to that found at the Pitarrilla project.

    Our exploration of the Nazas property was initiated in the second half of 2010 and involved geological mapping, rock sampling and a comprehensive program of geophysical surveying with four different survey methods being performed. The geophysical surveying will continue into the first quarter of 2011, and will be followed by a 7,500- meter diamond drilling campaign.

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    Snowfield and Brucejack, Canada

    The Snowfield and Brucejack projects, which are both located in northwestern British Columbia, were wholly-owned by the Company until their sale on December 21, 2010 to Pretium for total consideration of C$450 million. We retained an ownership interest of 41.27% as at December 31, 2010 (which subsequently increased to 42.31% following the conversion of the unpaid portion of the promissory note on January 31, 2011).

    Prior to their sale in December 2010, a combined total of $21,540,000 was spent at both projects in 2010, compared to $10,345,000 in 2009 and $4,643,000 in 2008.

    During the year, we completed a 17,976-meter diamond drilling program at Snowfield, which was successful in expanding known gold-copper mineralization to the south and southeast where higher copper concentrations were encountered (see August 26, September 30 and October 14, 2010 press releases for details). Most of the newly defined mineralization occurs in areas previously classified as waste in the National Instrument 43-101 compliant Preliminary Assessment that was completed during the third quarter and issued on September 13, 2010. This report, which did not include results from the 2010 drilling program, examined the benefits of a mining project that combined the mineral resources outlined at Snowfield with those delineated on the adjacent Brucejack property.

    Last year we also completed a 33,100-meter diamond drill program on the Brucejack property which lies immediately south of the Snowfield claim group. This drilling program was successful in expanding the Bridge Zone, a major zone of gold- and electrum-bearing disseminated and stringer pyrite mineralization. In addition, the 2010 drilling was able to expand zones of relatively high-grade, quartz vein-associated gold mineralization previously identified at the Galena Hill and West Zones.

    Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures

    We use the non-GAAP measures of cash production cost per ounce, cash operating cost per ounce of silver, total cash cost per ounce of silver and total production cost per ounce of silver to manage and evaluate operating performance. Although these measures are widely reported in the silver mining industry as benchmarks for performance, they do not have a standardized meaning and are non-GAAP measures. We believe that these measures, in addition to GAAP measures, will be used by investors to evaluate our performance and future ability to generate cash flows.

    The following tables set forth selected financial and operating data from our consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with those statements:

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        2010     2009  
              December (1)
                 
    Production Data (2)            
    Tonnes milled   1,255,261     110,767  
    Silver head grades (grams/tonne)   233     262  
    Silver recoveries   65.2%     58.4%  
    Silver produced (ounces)   6,302,140     545,600  
    Silver sold (ounces)   5,936,657     460,100  
                 
    Revenues (3) ($000s) $  112,256   $  5,442  
                 
                 
    Average realized silver price (per ounce) $  20.92   $  17.49  
                 
    Average London spot silver price (per ounce) $  20.16   $  17.67  
                 
    Cash cost per ounce of silver (4)            
                 
         Cash production cost $  12.16   $  8.98  
         Cash operating cost $  18.03   $  16.57  
         Total production cost $  22.32   $  20.30  

    (1)

    The Pirquitas mine commenced production on December 1, 2009. As a result, 2009 was our first year of reported revenues and production data.

    (2)

    Since December 1, 2009, the tonnes milled were primarily oxide and sulphide ore until September 2010 after which tonnes milled were primarily sulphide ore.

    (3)

    Revenues are reported net of deductions, treatment and refining charges.

    (4)

    The calculation of cash production cost, cash operating cost and total production cost per ounce of silver is net of by-product sales for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $204,000 (2009: $nil). See Item 5.B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources” – “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures”.


        2010     2009     2008  
    Other financial information $(000 ) $(000 ) $(000 )
    Revenue   112,256     5,442     -  
    Net earnings (loss)   346,239     (13,193 )   -  
    Basic earnings (loss) per share   4.44     (0.19 )   (0.09 )
    Diluted earnings (loss) per share   4.42     (0.19 )   (0.09 )
                       
    Cash and cash equivalents   232,311     26,659     72,013  
    Total assets   1,262,017     749,925     567,905  
    Working capital   303,844     24,515     41,486  
    Long-term convertible notes   118,203     110,739     104,046  
    Cash dividends declared   -     -     -  

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    The following table provides a reconciliation to cost of sales, as reported in our Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss):

        2010     2009  
      $(000 ) $/oz   $(000 ) $/oz  
                             
    Cost of Sales   75,971           5,926        
    Inventory adjustment   879           (1,022 )      
    Direct production expenses   76,850     12.19     4,904     8.99  
    By-product credits   (204 )   (0.03 )   (3 )   (0.01 )
    Cash production costs   76,646     12.16     4,901     8.98  
    Third party smelting, refining and transportation costs   26,792     4.25     3,452     6.33  
    Royalties & production taxes   10,192     1.62     685     1.26  
    Cash operating costs   113,630     18.03     9,038     16.57  
    Depreciation per income statement   18,733     2.97     -     -  
    Depletion/amortization per income statement   7,594     1.20     2,039     3.74  
    Depletion, depreciation and amortization in inventory adjustments   (431 )   (0.07 )   -     -  
    Reclamation   1,149     0.18     -     -  
    Total production costs   140,675     22.32     11,077     20.30  
                             
    Production (ounces)   6,302,140           545,600        

    Financial Instruments

    Our activities expose us to a variety of financial risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk. From time to time, we may use foreign exchange contracts, commodity price contracts and interest rate swaps to manage exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange, metal prices and interest rates. We do not have a practice of trading derivatives. In the past, our use of derivatives was limited to specific programs to manage fluctuations in foreign exchange risk, which are subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors.

    Credit Risk

    Credit risk arises from the non-performance by counterparties of contractual financial obligations. Our credit risk arises primarily with respect to our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, convertible debenture receivable and value added tax recoverable. We have established internal policies to mitigate our exposure to credit risk, including limiting the concentration of credit risk, ensuring a minimum credit worthiness of customers and monitoring liquidity of available funds.

    We manage our credit risk on cash and cash equivalents by investing only in government obligations and the credit risk associated with these investments is considered to be low. At December 31, 2010, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk outside of government bonds and no amounts were held as collateral.

    - 102 -


    During 2010, we sold all of our concentrate production to one customer. Our customer is a large international organization and our credit risk associated with trade receivables is considered to be low. We have not experienced any bad debts with this customer.

    During the year ended December 31, 2009, we negotiated a revision to the coupon rate on the Aurcana debenture receivable from 3% per year to 1.5% in the first year and 4% per year thereafter. As a result of this restructuring, we recorded a write-down of $2,002,000 during the year ended December 31, 2009, including $118,000 of accrued interest and $1,884,000 on our convertible debenture receivable. All interest payments have been received in 2010 so no further write-downs have been recorded.

    Argentinean law states that valued added tax (“VAT”) paid is recoverable once the company reaches the production stage. We commenced production at our Pirquitas property on December 1, 2009 and as a result, we have applied to the Argentinean government to begin to recover our VAT.

    Our maximum exposure to credit risk in thousands of USD at December 31, 2010 is as follows:

        2010     2009  
      $    $   
     Cash and cash equivalents   232,311     26,659  
     Accounts receivable   30,323     6,238  
     Convertible debenture receivable   6,794     5,606  
     Value added tax recoverable   70,782     54,095  
        340,210     92,598  

    Liquidity Risk

    Liquidity risk is the risk that we will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities. We have in place a rigorous planning and budgeting process to assist in determining the funds required to support our normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis as well as our expansion plans. We manage liquidity risk by ensuring sufficient resources are available to meet short-term business requirements, taking into account our anticipated cash flows from operations and our cash and cash equivalent balances.

    We ensure that there is sufficient capital to meet our long-term obligations by continuously monitoring and reviewing actual and forecasted cash flows, and match the maturity profile of financial assets to development, capital and operating needs. If necessary, we may raise funds through the issuance of debt, equity, or monetization of non-core assets. We believe our sources will be sufficient to cover our short-term and long-term cash requirements.

    Contractual obligations

    We enter into contracts that give rise to commitments for future minimum payments in the normal course of business. The following table summarizes the remaining undiscounted contractual maturities of our financial liabilities and operating and capital commitments, in thousands of USD, at December 31:

    - 103 -



        Less than     1 to 3     4 to 5     Over 5        
        1 year     years     years     years     Total  
               
                                   
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   32,132     -     -     -     32,132  
    Asset retirement obligations   952     2,595     1,674     21,421     26,642  
    Long-term convertible note repayments i)   -     138,000     -     -     138,000  
    Interest on convertible notes i)   6,210     15,525     -     -     21,735  
    Capital expenditure commitments ii)   874     210     -     -     1,084  
    Operating expenditure commitments   8,332     8,854     -     -     17,186  
    Minimum rental and lease payments   520     678     -     -     1,198  
        49,020     165,862     1,674     21,421     237,977  

    i)

    Convertible notes are due in 2028 but are expected to be repaid in 2013. The notes bear an interest rate of 4.5% per annum and are convertible into common shares at a fixed conversion rate upon specified events.

    ii)

    Subsequent to year end we have entered into a capital expenditure commitment for $11.4 million which is expected to be paid during 2011.

    Our operating expenditure commitments relate to contracts entered into in the normal course of business for ongoing mining operations at our Pirquitas mine.

    Market Risk

      i) Foreign Exchange Risk

    We operate projects in seven different countries and therefore, foreign exchange risk exposures arise from transactions denominated in currencies other than our functional currency which is the United States dollar. Our foreign exchange risk arises primarily with respect to the Canadian dollar and Argentine peso.

    As at December 31, our exposure to foreign exchange risk in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, in thousands of USD, is as follows:

        December 31, 2010  
        Cash and cash                 Accounts  
        equivalents and     Convertible     Value added     payable and  
        restricted cash     debenture     tax recoverable     accrued liabilities  
      $    $    $    $   
    Argentinean peso   9,588     -     70,775     (13,044 )
    Australian dollar   151     -     -     (12 )
    Canadian dollar   164,557     7,180     -     (5,984 )
    Mexican peso   487     -     7     (219 )
    Peruvian soles   278     -     -     (638 )
        175,061     7,180     70,782     (19,897 )

    During the year, we recognized a foreign exchange gain of $1,239,000 (2009 – $4,993,000; 2008 -$200,000). Based on the above net exposures at December 31, 2010, a 10% depreciation or appreciation of the above currencies against the U.S. dollar would result in a decrease or increase, respectively, in our net earnings by $23,313,000.

    - 104 -



      ii) Interest Rate Risk

    Our interest rate risk mainly arises from the interest rate impact on our cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents earn interest based on market rates. Our convertible debenture receivable and long-term notes have fixed interest rates and are not therefore exposed to significant interest rate risk.

    As at December 31, 2010, the weighted average interest rate of our cash equivalents investment was 0.89% (2009 - 0.08%) . With other variables unchanged, a 1% increase (decrease) in the interest rate would increase (decrease) our net earnings by $613,000 (2009 - $643,000).

      iii) Commodity Price Risk

    Our profitability and long-term viability will depend, in large part, on the market price of silver, tin, and zinc. The market prices for these metals are volatile and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including:

    • global or regional consumption patterns;

    • the supply of, and demand for, these metals;

    • speculative activities;

    • the availability and costs of metal substitutes;

    • expectations for inflation; and

    • political and economic conditions, including interest rates and currency values.

    We cannot predict the effect of these factors on metal prices. A decrease in the market price of silver and other metals would affect the profitability of the Pirquitas Project and could affect our ability to finance the exploration and development of any of our other mineral properties. The market price of silver and other metals may be subject to significant fluctuations. In particular, an increase in worldwide supply, and consequent downward pressure on prices, may result over the longer term from increased silver production from mines developed or expanded as a result of current metal price levels.

      C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

    We are a mineral exploration and development company with only one producing property, which achieved production status on December 1, 2009 and, as such, the information required by this item is inapplicable.

      D. Trend Information

    We are a mineral exploration and development company with only one producing property, which achieved production status on December 1, 2009 and, as such, there is no trend information yet for comparison.

    - 105 -



      E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

    We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.

      F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

    See Item 5.B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources” – “Contractual Obligations”.

      G. Safe Harbor

    See “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”.

    Item 6 Directors, Senior Management and Employees

      A. Directors and Senior Management

    The following table lists, as of March 30, 2011, the names of our directors and senior management. Each of the directors and senior officers has served in his or her respective capacity since his or her election and/or appointment and each director will serve until the next annual general meeting of shareholders or until a successor is duly elected, unless the office is vacated in accordance with our Articles.

    Table No. 30
    Our Directors and Senior Management

      Position with Silver Date of First  
    Name Standard Appointment Age
     A.E. Michael Anglin (5) Director August 2008 56
    John R. Brodie, FCA (1)(2)(3) Director January 2006 66
    Richard C. Campbell, MBE (1)(4)(5) Director August 2008 64
    David L. Johnston (1)(4)(5) Director May 2000 71
    Richard D. Paterson (2)(3) Director August 2008 68
    Peter W. Tomsett (1)(2) Director and Chairman November 2006 53
    John Smith
    Director, President and Chief
    Executive Officer
    August 2010
    54
    Joe Phillips
    Senior Vice President,
    Operations and Development
    March 2011
    59
    Tom S.Q. Yip (1) Vice President, Finance and CFO July 2007 53
    W. John DeCooman (1)    Vice President, Business Development June 2009 41
    David L. Smith (1) Vice President, Human Resources December 2009 45
    Kristen G. Riddell (1) Vice President, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel October 2009 39

    - 106 -



    (1)

    Resident of Canada

    (2)

    Member of the Audit Committee

    (3)

    Member of the Compensation Committee

    (4)

    Member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

    (5)

    Member of the Safety and Sustainability Committee

    Our Board of Directors and Senior Management

    The following is a brief description of the business experience and principal business activities of our directors and senior management:

    A.E. Michael Anglin

    Mr. Anglin has been a member of our Board of Directors since August 2008, and from January 19, 2010 until August 6, 2010, served as our interim President and CEO. Mr. Anglin graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Mining Engineering from the Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, London in 1977 and later attained a Master of Science degree from the Imperial College in London in 1985. Mr. Anglin spent 22 years with BHP, most recently serving as Vice President Operations and Chief Operating Officer of the Base Metals Group based in Santiago, Chile, before retiring in 2008.

    John R. Brodie, FCA

    Mr. Brodie is our audit committee financial expert and the Chair of our Audit Committee. Mr. Brodie has been the President of John R. Brodie Capital Inc., a private consulting firm, since 2003. From 1975 to 2003, Mr. Brodie was a partner at KPMG LLP and from 1987 to 1995 served as a director of KPMG LLP. Mr. Brodie graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1967 and attended the Stanford Executive Program at Stanford University in 1982. He is a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, British Columbia Institute of Chartered Accountants and a lifetime member of Certified Fraud Examiners. Mr. Brodie was elected a Fellow and awarded the FCA designation by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia in 2003 for distinguished service to the accounting profession. Mr. Brodie is also a director of Ag Growth International Inc., Far West Mining Inc., Western Coal Corp. and Wildcat Silver Corp.

    Richard C. Campbell, MBE

    Mr. Campbell is the Chair of our Safety and Sustainability Committee. Mr. Campbell graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Geology from Glasgow University in 1969. He spent the following 32 years with British Petroleum (“BP”), most recently serving as President of BP Alaska before retiring in 2001. Mr. Campbell was awarded membership of the Order of British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1994 for his contribution to British commercial interests in Colombia while serving as President of BP in Colombia.

    David L. Johnston

    Mr. Johnston is a registered member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia with a lengthy career in senior management at several major Canadian mining companies. Prior to his election to our Board, Mr. Johnston was president and general manager from 1996 to 1999 of Highland Valley Copper Corporation, operator of North America’s third largest open pit copper mine. From 1990 to 1996, he served as vice president of Cominco Metals, and from 1985 to 1990, he was president of Pine Point Mines Ltd., operator of a significant open pit lead-zinc mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Mr. Johnston is also a director of Copper Canyon Resources Ltd. and Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. Mr. Johnston graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Mining Engineering in 1963 and a Master of Science degree in Mineral Engineering in 1969.

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    Richard D. Paterson

    Mr. Paterson is the Chair of our Compensation Committee. Mr. Paterson graduated from Concordia University, Montreal with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1964. Mr. Paterson has been a Managing Director of Genstar Capital, a private equity firm specializing in leveraged buyouts, since 1988. Before founding Genstar Capital, Mr. Paterson served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Genstar Corporation, a NYSE-listed company, where he was responsible for finance, tax, information systems and public reporting.

    Peter W. Tomsett

    Mr. Tomsett is the Chair of our Board. Mr. Tomsett graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree in Mining Engineering from the University of New South Wales, later attaining a Master of Science (Distinction) degree in Mineral Production Management from the Imperial College in London. Mr. Tomsett spent 20 years at Placer Dome Inc., most recently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer until its acquisition by Barrick Gold Corporation. Mr. Tomsett is also Chairman of Equinox Minerals Limited and a director of North American Energy Partners Inc. and Talisman Energy Inc.

    John Smith

    Mr. Smith has over 30 years of varied experience in the resources industry. He started his career in the North Sea oil industry and has spent the last 18 years with BHP Billiton, most recently as Vice President, Resourcing and Development, based in Melbourne, Australia. He has worked in various operational, strategic, M&A, and commercial roles within BHP Billiton, including over three years as CEO of the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, which operates one of the world’s largest coal operations in the Bowen Basin of Queensland, consisting of nine mines, a port, and 4,000 employees. Under his leadership, four of the mines completed significant expansion projects, one new mine was brought into operation, and a tenth mine was developed to within a year of production. He has a BA, Commerce degree from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland, and an MBA with Distinction from Aberdeen University

    Joe Phillips

    Mr. Phillips is an international mining executive with over 38 years of experience in development and operation of mining projects. He has lived and worked in 12 countries on four continents and has worked in the large scale development and production of gold, silver, phosphate, coal and aggregates. Most recently, as the Senior Vice President of Project Development for Pan American Silver, Mr. Phillips directed the construction, startup and operation of three mines and expansion of a fourth. Mr. Phillips graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in Geological Engineering and did graduate studies in Business Administration at the University of South Florida. He is a registered Professional Engineer and a former director of the Chamber of Mines of both Mexico and Chile.

    - 108 -


    Tom S.Q. Yip

    Mr. Yip has served as our Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer since July 2007. Prior to joining Silver Standard, Mr. Yip held the position of Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer at Asarco, LLC from May 2006 to June 2007. He also worked for 20 years at Echo Bay Mines Ltd. and served as its Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer before the company merged with Kinross Gold Corporation in 2003. Mr. Yip is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Business Administration from the University of Alberta.

    W. John DeCooman

    Mr. DeCooman’s experience prior to joining Silver Standard in 2009 includes over 15 years of mining project finance and advisory responsibilities at Deutsche Banc, Alex Brown and Standard Bank, as well as corporate positions in finance, business development and exploration. Mr. DeCooman holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science degree from the Colorado School of Mines.

    David L. Smith

    Mr. Smith has served as our Vice President, Human Resources since December 2009. Prior to joining Silver Standard, Mr. Smith held the position of Director of Human Resources – Russia for Kinross Gold Corporation. Mr. Smith has also held management positions with Barrick Gold Corporation and Motorola Inc. Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brock University.

    Kristen G. Riddell

    Prior to joining Silver Standard, Ms. Riddell held the positions of Corporate Secretary with Skye Resources Inc. and Legal Counsel and Corporate Secretary with Pan American Silver Corp. She has served as legal counsel for other public companies, including Placer Dome Inc., and Westport Innovations Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba, and is a member of the Society of Corporate Secretaries and Governance Professionals.

      B. Compensation

    Named Executive Officers

    Set out below are particulars of compensation paid to the following persons (the “Named Executive Officers”):

    (a)

    the Company’s chief executive officer (“CEO”);

       
    (b)

    the Company’s chief financial officer (“CFO”);

       
    (c)

    each of the three most highly compensated executive officers, or the three most highly compensated individuals acting in a similar capacity, other than the CEO and CFO, at the end of the most recently completed financial year whose total compensation was, individually, more than $150,000 for that financial year; and

       
    (d)

    each individual who would be a Named Executive Officer under paragraph (c) but for the fact that the individual was neither one of our executive officers nor acting in a similar capacity at the end of that financial year.

    As at December 31, 2010, the end of the most recently completed financial year of the Company, we had five Named Executive Officers, whose names and positions held with us are set out in the summary compensation table below. In addition, we have included in the tables, Dr. Robert A. Quartermain, who served as our President and Chief Executive Officer until January 19, 2010, and A.E. Michael Anglin who served as our interim President and Chief Executive Officer from January 19, 2010 until August 6, 2010.

    - 109 -


    Compensation Discussion & Analysis

    Compensation Philosophy and Principles

    The Company recognizes that people are our primary asset and our principal source of competitive advantage. The success of the Company depends upon a group of highly qualified and motivated executives dedicated to the consistent operation and strong long-term performance of the Company. Highly skilled and motivated executives greatly enhance the Company’s ability to produce superior results for its shareholders and to be a leader within its industry. In 2010, the Company adopted an Executive Compensation Philosophy, the purpose of which is to detail the Company’s goals, principles and limitations in regard to executive compensation. This philosophy is intended to guide the Company in establishing a foundation for executive compensation decisions. Executive compensation at the Company is performance-based, driven by the achievements of the individual and the Company.

    The goal for the Company’s executive compensation program is to provide a total compensation package that is competitive in the industry, flexible, and attracts, motivates and retains experienced and qualified executive leadership. The mining industry is very labor competitive and this situation may continue for the foreseeable future as the talent pool ages and the supply of experienced talent declines. As the Company transitions from an exploration stage company to an operating mining company, the necessary experienced talent will primarily be drawn from mid-tier and senior producer companies within the mining industry.

    In order to accomplish its goals and to ensure that the Company’s executive compensation program is consistent with its stated mission and strategy, the Board of Directors has approved the following philosophy statements: (1) The Company will provide a competitive and flexible compensation program that will attract, motivate and retain the highly qualified individuals necessary to grow our business. Our desire is to motivate employees to achieve higher levels of performance and to appropriately reward those employees for their efforts; and (2) Compensation programs will emphasize a “pay-for-performance” system, in which an individual’s long-term compensation and career advancement are dependent upon both individual and Company performance, with an objective of increasing long-term shareholder value. If the individual or the Company does not meet its objectives, awards will be adjusted in accordance with pre-established metrics/formulae.

    There are four components to the Company’s “pay-for-performance” system: base salary; short term incentive compensation; long-term incentive compensation; and non-cash compensation.

    Base Salary – Annual base salary must be considered in the context of the total compensation package. Generally, we will target to be competitive within the defined peer group and market place where we compete for talent. Salaries are reviewed annually and base salary may be adjusted based on changes within the competitive market of our peer group, an individual’s evaluated performance and his or her direct manager’s assessment.

    Short-term Incentive – The objective of the short term incentive program at the Company is to put variable pay at risk, motivate the executive to achieve pre-determined objectives and provide a means to reward achievement of the annual business plan. The short-term incentive plan is based on the achievement of both corporate and individual goals. Corporate goals are derived from the Company’s annual business plan and are typically 5 - 7 in number. Bonuses are scaled depending on actual performance compared to the business plan expected performance. Individual goals for senior management are developed by the CEO for his direct reports and are typically 2 – 3 in number. Individual goals for the CEO are developed by the Board of Directors. As we continue our transition to an operating company, we will continue to strive to provide superior compensation for employees who deliver superior results.

    - 110 -


    Long-Term Incentive (LTI) – The objective of the LTI program is to ensure the appropriate level of long-term reward/risk to motivate executive performance and provide retention of senior management. Previously our LTI program consisted of only Company stock options. In 2010 our Board of Directors approved a new LTI program, commencing in January of 2011. The new LTI program for our executive participants includes Performance Share Units (PSU’s) in addition to stock options. The PSU’s are intended to bring better alignment of executive risk/rewards measured by total returns to the Company’s shareholders relative to our defined peer group. Under the new LTI plan, executive participants will be eligible for PSU grants on an annual basis, subject to Board approval. The PSU's will have a three year cliff-vesting period and the potential payout, at the end of the period, will range from 0 to 200% of the initial grant, depending on results. The payout will be based on a “Total Shareholder Return” calculation, at the end of the three year vesting period, measured against the Total Shareholder Return of our defined peer group. The peer group has been established by the Board of Directors and will be reviewed annually for continued appropriateness.

    Under the Company’s Stock Option Plan, grants are made annually at market price of the underlying stock and the options vest one-third annually on the first, second and third anniversaries of grant. The Board currently grants stock options with a term of seven years.

    Under the Company’s new LTI plan, both PSU and stock option grants will be equal in dollar terms and the total value will be based on the individual’s position in the Company and the individual’s base salary.

    Non-cash Compensation – In addition to the programs outlined above, executives at the Company will be eligible to participate in company provided Health and Welfare benefits, annual medical screenings, Retirement Savings Programs (Defined Contribution), paid time off and other perquisites. The Company reviews these benefits to ensure competitiveness on a periodic basis.

    Named Executive Officer Compensation

    Compensation for each of our Named Executive Officers is comprised of a base salary, a short term incentive award and a long-term incentive award and non-cash compensation. We have commenced transitioning from an exploration company to an operating mining company and have not traditionally had revenue; accordingly, our prior compensation program was developed for a company without revenue and was designed to provide maximum flexibility in determining executive compensation. In general terms, our new compensation program is intended to operate in an integrated manner to meet our objectives. Previously, in circumstances where we considered it prudent to conserve cash by paying salaries and awarding short term incentive bonuses in lower amounts than would otherwise be the case, we paid higher long term incentives through stock option awards to ensure that the recruitment, retention and reward objectives of the compensation program continued to be met.

    The production and related revenue from Pirquitas in 2010 demonstrates our transitioning towards that of an operating mining company. With the assistance of external compensation consultants, in 2010 we designed a new compensation program which combines elements of our existing program and components appropriate for companies of similar size and scope of operations. Our goal is to align our compensation plan closer to that of similar sized producers to ensure we can attract and retain executive level talent. This new plan is comprised of the same core elements and adds new elements in LTI, but adjusts the balance of each element, while improving appropriate levels of risk / reward for both the Company and participants. The components of our 2010 Named Executive Officer Compensation Program are described below.

    - 111 -


    Base Salary

    The base salary of our Named Executive Officers is designed to attract and retain Named Executive Officers that can contribute to our growth and to our transition from an exploration company to an operating mining company. During the last several years, competition among resource companies for skilled executive officers has been intense and the base salaries of newly hired Named Executive Officers have been established through negotiation in the market place. Base salary levels for each year are determined in March and are used to retain Named Executive Officers that contribute throughout the year to our growth and transition to an operating mining company. For 2010, base salaries for each Named Executive Officer were reviewed by our Compensation Committee and changes were approved by the independent members of the Board, in consultation with our CEO and based on discussion, analysis and review of data provided by the Hay Group on our relative peer group of companies and the PwC Canadian mining survey. In 2010, our Compensation Committee established and reviewed our peer group of companies, with which to benchmark the base salaries of our Named Executive Officers. In mid-2010, a base salary increase was awarded to our newly appointed COO, George Paspalas to reflect the elevation of his role within the Company. In March 2010, base salary increases were awarded to the Named Executive Officers to reflect changes in the labor market, changes in our compensation structure and our transition to an operating mining company. The Company will continue to monitor relevant market data and our peer group, to ensure competitiveness of our base salaries for Named Executive Officers.

    On August 1, 2010, the Board of Directors appointed John Smith as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and determined Mr. Smith’s compensation to include a base salary of C$625,000 annually and a short-term incentive target of 100% of base salary (actual payout will range from 0% to 200% of target based on results). Mr. Smith’s annual long-term incentive target will be 200% of base salary, comprised of 50% in Stock Options and 50% in Performance Share Units. Mr. Smith will be a member of the board of directors but will not receive any fees for his role as a director.

    Short Term Incentive Award

    Short-term incentive awards are used to reward Named Executive Officers for their performance during the year and to incentivize such individuals for the following year. The awards are comprised of cash bonuses in amounts determined by the Compensation Committee, in consultation with our CEO. The target annual short term incentive award ranges from 50% to 100% of base salary (actual payouts can range from 0 to 200% of Target) for the Named Executive Officers. Cash bonuses were awarded to our Named Executive Officers, based on the Company’s achievement of corporate objectives as well as their own personal objectives that were established at the start of the year, as determined by our CEO and the Compensation Committee. For the Named Executive Officers, the short term incentive awards are weighted 70% for corporate objectives and 30% for personal objectives.

    The Company’s corporate targets for 2010 were measured and based on the following factors: production of ounces of silver at the Pirquitas Mine; budgeted production costs; completion of feasibility studies and financing plans for certain of our mineral projects; exploration reserves increase; implementation of our “Safe for Life” program across the Company; and a reduction in environmental and community relations incidents. In 2010, it was determined that the Company achieved 84.8% of its corporate objectives out of a possible 100%. The Company overachieved on its safety and exploration objectives, but did not achieve full expectations on production, production cost, feasibility study and financing plans preparation, community relations and environmental objectives. The Named Executive Officers achievement of personal objective ranged from 75% to 200% of target.

    For 2010, the Compensation Committee monitored and made improvements to the established short-term incentive award program that sets objective and subjective corporate performance goals and personal performance goals for all Named Executive Officers. These improvements focused on timing of the objectives-setting process and the format of how goals are measured. Annual performance objectives are established through consultation amongst the CEO, Named Executive Officers and the Compensation Committee, for final approval by the Board. The Compensation Committee will also review personal objectives for the CEO and recommend them to the board of directors for approval.

    - 112 -


    Long Term Incentive Awards

    In 2010, the Compensation Committee approved a new long-term incentive approach which, as described above, utilizes both stock options and Performance Share Units. Stock options are used to retain our Named Executive Officers while aligning their interest with those of our shareholders by providing incentive to grow the Company and increase the wealth of our shareholders, through an increase in our share price. The vesting schedule for our stock options is currently as follows: 1/3 of options granted vest one year after the date of grant; 1/3 of options vest two years after the date of grant; and the final 1/3 of options vest three years after the date of grant. Also in 2010, the Compensation Committee amended the term of the stock options granted on a going-forward basis from 10 years to 7 years to better align with market practices. The changes to our compensation program were designed to reflect our transition to an operating mining company and to provide a more balanced approach to compensation as well as establish an appropriate level of risk/reward for executive participants and the Company.

    In January of 2011, stock options and PSU’s were granted to our Named Executive Officers. The number of options granted to each Named Executive Officer was reviewed by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board, in consultation with our CEO. The Compensation Committee recommended the grant of options after discussion without formal objectives, criteria or analysis, but with taking into account individual performance, targets under our new approach to LTI, participant’s ability to contribute to our long term growth and the need to retain our Named Executive Officers. The Compensation Committee also approved a one-time transition award of PSU’s for executive participants, to address the transition to the new LTI approach and differences in vesting schedules for PSU’s from stock options. This one-time award was granted in Performance Share Units, with a two year cliff vesting schedule and the grant amount was amount equal to 100% of each participant’s base salary.

    Performance Graph

    The following chart compares the total cumulative shareholder return for $100 invested in common shares of the Company since December 31, 2006, with the cumulative total return of the S&P/TSX Composite Index for the five most recently completed fiscal years of the Company.

    - 113 -



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Comparison of Five Year Total Common Shareholder’s Return
    (as at December 31 of each year)

        2006     2007     2008     2009     2010  
    For the financial years ended                              
    Common Shares of Silver Standard Resources Inc.   100.00     100.70     54.33     64.25     77.68  
    S&P / TSX Composite Total Returns Index   100.00     109.83     73.58     99.38     116.87  

    Under our existing compensation program, base salary and short-term incentive awards for each year are determined in March in conjunction with the assessment of our previous year-end results. Long-term incentive awards for each year are determined in January for all executive participants, to align with the start of the measurement period for PSU’s and adhere to appropriate taxation regulations. From 2004 to mid-2007, of our Named Executive Officers, only Dr. Robert A. Quartermain, Joseph J. Ovsenek and Kenneth C. McNaughton were employed by us. During this period their compensation (base salary, short term incentive awards and long term incentive awards) increased with the trend for this period in the above graph. Midway through 2007, Tom S.Q. Yip and George N. Paspalas became executive officers and their base salary and long term incentive awards were determined by competitive compensation levels then prevailing in the market place. In December 2007, the base salaries of our Named Executive Officers increased due to the continued competition for skilled executive officers though the trend of the above graph remained flat. For this period, short term incentive awards and long term incentive awards decreased from prior years for Dr. Robert A. Quartermain, Joseph J. Ovsenek and Kenneth C. McNaughton (George N. Paspalas and Tom S.Q. Yip were not employed during the comparative period), while the trend line in the above graph remained flat. In December 2008, base salaries for our Named Executive Officers were not increased and short term incentive awards were decreased due to the global financial crisis in keeping with the downward trend of the above graph.

    - 114 -


    In order to retain key employees through the global financial crisis, long term incentive awards were increased during that period in contrast to the downward trending graph. In mid-2009, base salary increases were awarded to the VP Exploration and the Senior VP Corporate Development in keeping with the upward trend in the graph. In December 2009, base salary increases were not awarded to the Named Executive Officers as the Company was in the process of reviewing its total executive compensation program and establishing a compensation peer comparator group. This group of peer companies is evaluated on a periodic basis by the CEO, with input from the Company’s operations leadership, corporate development group, independent compensation consultants, the VP of Human Resources and the Compensation Committee, who, in turn, recommend the peer group for approval by the Board. In 2010, the salaries of Named Executive Officers were increased to reflect our changing status and the increasingly competitive market for talent.

    Option-Based Awards

    Prior to adapting our new compensation program, the granting of stock options was based on discussion by our Compensation Committee, in consultation with our CEO, taking into account market conditions and prior option grants. The Compensation Committee, in consultation with our CEO, periodically assesses our stock option plan and recommends any proposed amendments to our Board of Directors for approval. In accordance with the Toronto Stock Exchange requirements, our shareholders are required to reapprove the stock option plan every three years.

    Summary Compensation Table

    The following table is a summary of compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers for our most recently completed fiscal year. The salaries for the Named Executive Officers are stated in US dollars, but are paid in Canadian dollars.

    - 115 -



    Name and principal
    position
    Year
    Salary
    ($) (1)
    Option-based
    awards
    ($) (11)
    Non-equity incentive
    plan compensation
    ($)
    All other
    compensation(8)
    ($)
    Total
    compensation
    ($)
    Annual
    incentive
    plans(7)
    Long-
    term
    incentive
    plans
    John Smith
    President and CEO
    2010
    2009
    2008
    252,856
    N/A
    N/A
    5,243,314(3)
    N/A
    N/A
    291,290
    N/A
    N/A
    Nil
    N/A
    N/A
    48,548
    N/A
    N/A
    5,836,008
    N/A
    N/A
    A.E. Michael Anglin (9)
    Interim President and CEO
    2010
    2009
    2008
    288,004
    N/A
    N/A
    Nil
    N/A
    N/A
    Nil
    N/A
    N/A
    Nil
    N/A
    N/A
    165,064(9)
    N/A
    N/A
    453,068
    N/A
    N/A
    Dr. Robert A. Quartermain
    President and CEO
    2010
    2009
    2008
    122,264
    372,154
    398,687(2)
    Nil
    1,480,736(5)
    1,167,917(6)
    Nil
    Nil
    93,809
    Nil
    Nil
    Nil
    1,156,223(10)
    11,837
    12,117
    1,278,487
    1,864,727
    1,672,530
    Tom S.Q. Yip
    Vice President, Finance and CFO
    2010
    2009
    2008
    268,958
    227,671
    243,902(2)
    Nil
    473,730(5)
    233,583(6)
    172,754
    60,967(7)
    23,452
    Nil
    Nil
    Nil
    59,229
    10,552
    10,347
    500,941
    772,920
    511,284
    George N. Paspalas
    Senior Vice President, Operations
    2010
    2009
    2008
    349,953
    280,210
    300,188
    443,339(4)
    1,274,080(5)
    934,334(6)
    109,719
    190,280(7)
    79,737
    Nil
    Nil
    Nil
    590,633(10)
    21,804
    20,828
    1,493,644
    1,766,374
    1,335,087
    Joseph J. Ovsenek
    Senior Vice President, Corporate Development
    2010
    2009
    2008
    316,536
    251,022
    257,974(2)
    Nil
    1,274,080(5)
    934,334(6)
    238,849
    131,320(7)
    79,737
    Nil
    Nil
    Nil
    107,777
    9,030
    9,674
    663,162
    1,665,452
    1,281,719
    Kenneth C. McNaughton
    Vice President, Exploration
    2010
    2009
    2008
    252,452
    186,806
    187,617(2)
    Nil
    888,791(5)
    389,306(6)
    186,234
    70,041
    46,904
    Nil
    Nil
    Nil
    109,962
    11,675
    11,944
    548,648
    1,157,313
    635,771

    (1)

    Named Executive Officers are remunerated in Canadian dollars and amounts contained in this table are converted to US dollars using the average US dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate of 1.0299 for 2010, 1.142 for 2009 and 1.006 for 2008. Base salaries were: Mr. Smith C$260,000 (2009 and 2008 – nil); Mr. Anglin C$297,000 (2009 and 2008 – nil); Mr. Quartermain C$126,000 (2009 - $425,000; 2008 - $425,000); Mr. Yip C$277,000 (2009 – C$260,000; 2008 - C$260,000); Mr. Paspalas C$360,000 (2009 – C$320,000; 2008 – C$320,000); Mr. Ovsenek C$326,000 (2009 - C$286,667; 2008 - C$275,000) and Mr. McNaughton C$260,000 ($2009 – C$213,333; 2008 – C$200,000). Base salaries for Messrs. Smith, Anglin and Quartermain represent amounts paid for their period of service during the year.

    (2)

    A portion of the salaries of certain of the Named Executive Officers was recovered from a related company under a management services agreement. The management services agreement was terminated during the year ended December 31, 2008

    (3)

    Option-based compensation is valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with a grant date of August 13, 2010 with a grant price of C$17.38/share, an expected volatility of 53%, an average risk-free interest rate of 2.96% and an expected life of the option of 6.5 years. We selected the Black-Scholes model because it is widely used in estimating option based compensation values by Canadian public companies. Awards vest one-third per year commencing on the first anniversary of the award and have a ten year term.

    (4)

    Option-based compensation is valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with a grant date of June 4, 2010 with a grant price of C$18.99/share, an expected volatility of 53%, an average risk-free interest rate of 2.85% and an expected life of the option of 6.5 years. We selected the Black-Scholes model because it is widely used in estimating option based compensation values by Canadian public companies. Awards vest one-third per year commencing on the first anniversary of the award and have a ten year term.

    (5)

    Option-based compensation is valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with a grant date of December 16, 2009 with a grant price of C$24.41/share, an expected volatility of 55%, an average risk-free interest rate of 2.8% and an expected life of the option of 6.1 years. We selected the Black-Scholes model because it is widely used in estimating option based compensation values by Canadian public companies. Awards vest one-third per year commencing on the first anniversary of the award and have a ten year term.

    (6)

    Option-based compensation is valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with a grant date of December 11, 2008 and a grant price of C$11.50/share, an expected volatility of 61%, an average risk-free interest rate of 3.0% and an expected life of the option of 6.5 years. We selected the Black-Scholes model because it is widely used in estimating option based compensation values by Canadian public companies. Awards vest one-third per year commencing on the first anniversary of the award and have a ten year term.

    (7)

    Includes the payment of special recognition bonus payments in 2009 of C$92,000 to Mr. Paspalas for the construction completion of the Pirquitas Mine, and C$20,000 to Mr. Ovsenek and C$7,500 to Mr. Yip for financing activities. Annual Incentive bonus awards for the 2010 fiscal year were determined and paid to the Named Executive Officers in 2011.

    (8)

    All Other Compensation for Named Executive Officers is comprised of payments for membership fees, car allowance, term life insurance payments and group registered retirement savings plan (“RRSP”) payments made by us on their behalf, as applicable. In 2010 includes payments with respect to participation in the Pretium Resources Inc (“Pretium”) Initial Public Offering whereby the company matched the executives purchase of Pretium common shares at a rate of 1 for 2 shares purchased up to a limit of C$50,000 for Messrs. Smith, Yip and Paspalas and up to C$100,000 for Messrs. Ovsenek and McNaughton.

    - 116 -



    (9)

    Mr. Anglin was the interim CEO from January 19, 2010 until August 6, 2010, when Mr. Smith joined the Company. Mr. Anglin received $288,004 for services as interim CEO and $165,064 for services as a Director, which is disclosed under Directors’ Compensation, below.

    (10)

    Includes termination or resignation payment per agreement, vacation payout, memberships and group registered savings plan.

    (11)

    There were no general option-based awards made in 2010 to Named Executive Officers as the Company transitioned to the new LTI program commencing on January 1, 2011.

    Incentive Plan Awards

    Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option Based Awards

    The following table sets out all option-based awards outstanding for each Named Executive Officer at December 31, 2010. Our Named Executive Officers do not have any outstanding share-based awards.




    Name
    Number of securities
    underlying unexercised
    options
    (#)


    Option exercise price
    (C$)



    Option expiration date

    Value of unexercised in-
    the-money options(1)
    ($)
    John Smith 500,000 17.38 Aug 13, 2020 5,243,314(4)
    A.E. Michael Anglin 50,000 29.02 Aug. 7, 2013 -
    Dr. Robert A. Quartermain



    200,000
    400,000
    100,000
    100,000
    125,000
    21.30
    35.34
    36.14
    11.50
    24.41
    July 27, 2011
    Dec. 12, 2011
    Jan. 19, 2012(5)
    Jan. 19, 2012(5)
    Jan. 19, 2012(5)
    1,309,069
    -
    -
    1,639,855(2)
    427,307(3)
    Tom S.Q. Yip


    150,000
    50,000
    30,000
    40,000
    38.88
    36.14
    11.50
    24.41
    July 17, 2012
    Dec. 18, 2012
    Dec. 11, 2018
    Dec. 16, 2019
    -
    -
    491,957(2)
    136,738(3)
    George N. Paspalas



    200,000
    50,000
    95,000
    107,500
    50,000
    40.62
    36.14
    11.50
    24.41
    18.99
    Dec. 31, 2011(5)
    Dec. 31, 2011(5)
    Dec. 31, 2011(5)
    Dec. 31, 2011(5)
    Dec. 31, 2011(5)
    -
    -
    1,557,862(2)
    367,484(3)
    443,394(4)
    Joseph J. Ovsenek



    4,800
    200,000
    50,000
    120,000
    107,500
    21.30
    35.34
    36.14
    11.50
    24.41
    Mar. 17, 2011(6)
    Mar. 17, 2011(6)
    Mar. 17, 2011(6)
    Mar. 17, 2011(6)
    Mar. 17, 2011(6)
    31,418
    -
    -
    1,967,826(2)
    367,484(3)
    Kenneth C. McNaughton


    100,000
    30,000
    33,334
    75,000
    35.34
    36.14
    11.50
    24.41
    Mar. 17, 2011(6)
    Mar. 17, 2011(6)
    Mar. 17, 2011(6)
    Mar. 17, 2011(6)
    -
    -
    546,629(2)
    256,384(3)

    (1)

    Calculated based on the difference between the market price of our shares on the TSX on December 31, 2010 (C$27.81) and the exercise price of the option. Converted to US dollars using the US dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate of 0.9946 at December 31, 2010.

    (2)

    Options awarded during the year ended December 31, 2008 vest one-third per year commencing on December 11, 2009 and have a ten year term

    (3)

    Options awarded during the year ended December 31, 2009 vest one-third per year commencing on December 16, 2010 and have a ten year term.

    (4)

    Options awarded during the year ended December 31, 2010 vest one-third per year commencing on August 13, 2011 and June 4, 2011 and have a ten year term.

    (5)

    Options expiry date determined by contractual termination benefits.

    (6)

    Options expiry date determined following resignation.

    - 117 -


    Incentive Plan Awards – Value Vested or Earned During the Year

    The following table sets out the value of incentive plan awards vested or earned during the year ended December 31, 2010.




    Name

    Option-based awards – Value
    vested during the year
    ($)

    Share-based awards – Value
    vested during the year
    ($)
    Non-equity incentive plan
    compensation – Value earned
    during the year
    ($)
    John Smith Nil N/A 291,290
    A.E. Michael Anglin Nil 58,258(3) Nil
    Dr. Robert A. Quartermain
    831,682(1)
    90,301(2)
    N/A
    Nil
    Tom S.Q. Yip
    166,336(1)
    28,896(2)
    N/A
    172,754
    George N. Paspalas
    665,346(1)
    77,658(2)
    N/A
    109,719
    Joseph J. Ovsenek
    665,346(1)
    77,658(2)
    N/A
    238,849
    Kenneth C. McNaughton
    277,233(1)
    54,180(2)
    N/A
    186,234

    (1)

    Calculated based on the difference between the market price of our shares on the TSX on December 10, 2010 (C$28.29) and the exercise price of the option (C$11.50). Converted to US dollars using the US dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate of 1.0094 at December 11, 2010.

    (2)

    Calculated based on the difference between the market price of our shares on the TSX on December 16, 2010 (C$26.59) and the exercise price of the option (C$24.41). Converted to US dollars using the US dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate of 1.0059 at December 16, 2010.

    (3)

    Share-based award was in the form of DSU’s in Mr. Anglin’s capacity as a director.

    Termination and Change of Control Benefits

    Termination Agreement with George Paspalas, Former Chief Operating Officer

    On December 10, 2010, George Paspalas resigned as Chief Operating Officer. Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Paspalas’ termination agreement, Mr. Paspalas was paid an amount equivalent to one times his current annual base salary of C$389,400 and C$113,000 for payment in lieu of bonus, based on the average annual bonus earned in the three immediately preceding years. Pursuant to the terms of the termination agreement with Mr. Paspalas, the Company will continue to pay for his BlackBerry expenses for a period of two months from the date of termination and health club membership fees until December 31, 2011. The Company will also provide Mr. Paspalas with BC Medical Services Plan, Extended Health and Life Insurance until December 31, 2011, unless Mr. Paspalas obtains new employment. Upon obtaining new employment, the continuation of the existing medical, health and life insurance benefits will cease immediately. Under the terms of the transition agreement, Mr. Paspalas’ existing stock options shall continue to vest and be exercisable until the end of the termination period, which concludes on December 31, 2011, after which all of Mr. Paspalas’ stock options shall expire. In the event of a merger or a take-over of the Company, the Stock Option Plan currently in effect at the time of the merger or take-over shall govern the rights and obligations in respect of Mr. Paspalas stock options.

    Resignations of Joseph Ovsenek, Former Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Ken McNaughton, Former Senior Vice President, Exploration

    In January of 2011, Mr. Joseph Ovsenek and Mr. Ken McNaughton resigned as our Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Senior Vice President, Exploration, respectively from Silver Standard Inc. Mr. Ovsenek was paid amount for 20 days of vacation owing in 2009 and 2010 and he also received a payment of C$245,991 for his 2010 short-term incentive earned. Mr. McNaughton was paid C$191,802 for his 2010 short-term incentive earned.

    - 118 -


    Contract with Dr. Robert A. Quartermain, Former President and CEO

    On January 19, 2010, Dr. Quartermain resigned as President and CEO. Pursuant to the terms of Dr. Quartermain’s Agreement, Dr. Quartermain was paid an amount equivalent to two times his current annual base salary of C$425,000 (C$850,000), C$250,000 for payment in lieu of bonus based on the average annual bonus earned in the three immediately preceding years, and a lump sum severance payment of C$125,000 (total C$1,225,000). In addition, Dr. Quartermain was paid an amount for 12 days vacation pay owing for 2009 and 2010, and a C$11,000 matching RRSP contribution for 2010. Pursuant to the terms of the transition agreement with Dr. Quartermain, the Company will continue to pay for his BlackBerry expenses for a period of two years from the last date of employment up to a maximum of C$6,000, certain club membership dues and fees until January 31, 2012, excluding all food and beverage charges or fees. The Company will also provide Dr. Quartermain with BC Medical Services Plan, Extended Health and Life Insurance, and the use of the services provided by Corporate Planning Associates or another counseling services provider up to a maximum of C$10,000, until January 31, 2012, unless and until, Dr. Quartermain obtains new employment. Upon obtaining new employment, the continuation of the existing medical, health and life insurance benefits and planning services will cease immediately. Under the terms of the transition agreement, Dr. Quartermain’s existing stock options shall continue to vest and be exercisable until the end of the severance period, which concludes on January 19, 2012, after which all of Dr. Quartermain’s stock options shall expire with the exception of the December 2009 grant of stock options which stock options shall continue to vest and be exercisable until December 31, 2012, whereupon such options shall expire. In the event of a merger or a take-over of the Company, the Stock Option Plan currently in effect at the time of the merger or take-over shall govern the rights and obligations in respect of Dr. Quartermain’s stock options.

    Named Executive Officer Termination and Change of Control Benefits

    We have entered into employment agreements with each of our Named Executive Officers. Under the terms of the employment agreements, our Named Executive Officers are entitled to compensation, based on their remuneration at the time, in the event of termination without cause and on a change of control. No Named Executive Officer is entitled to compensation on resignation, retirement or termination for cause. A change of control, in general, occurs when a person or group of persons acting together through a transaction or series of transactions beneficially acquire or exercise control or direction over 25% or more of our common shares. Any such compensation payable to a Named Executive Officer is required to be paid to him within 30 days of the termination of the Named Executive Officer’s employment. The events selected for triggering payment in connection with termination without cause and on a change of control were determined by the Compensation Committee, with advice from independent consultants, based on industry standards at the time the agreements were entered into with the Named Executive Officers.

    In respect of termination without cause, each of our Named Executive Officers is entitled to a lump sum payment equal to 24 months of (i) base salary, and (ii) the average annual bonus earned by the Named Executive Officer in the three immediately preceding years. The table below sets out the estimated incremental payments, payables and benefits due to each of the Named Executive Officers on termination without cause assuming termination on December 31, 2010.

    - 119 -





    Name

    Base Salary(1)(3)
    ($)

    Bonus(2)(3)
    ($)
    Option-Based
    Awards
    ($)
    All Other
    Compensation
    ($)

    Total
    ($)
    John Smith 1,243,250 513,877 - - 1,757,127
    Tom S.Q. Yip 557,008 177,655 - - 734,663
    George N. Paspalas(4) 724,747 278,370 - - 1,003,117
    Joseph J. Ovsenek(5) 655,540 322,380 - - 977,920
    Kenneth C. McNaughton(5) 522,823 215,691 - - 738,514

    (1)

    24 months’ base salary for all Named Executive Officers.

    (2)

    Two times the average annual bonus earned by the Named Executive Officers in the three immediately preceding years.

    (3)

    Lump sum payments are paid in Canadian dollars, amounts are converted using the US dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate of 0.9946 at December 31, 2010.

    (4)

    George Paspalas resigned effective as of January 7, 2011.

    (5)

    Joseph Ovsenek and Kenneth McNaughton resigned effective as of February 15, 2011.

    If within 12 months following a change of control, a Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated without cause, or a Named Executive Officer terminates his employment for Good Reason (as described below), each of our Named Executive Officers, is entitled to a lump sum payment equal to 24 months of (i) base salary, and (ii) the average annual bonus earned by the Named Executive Officer in the three immediately preceding years. In addition, if on a change of control, the acquiring company does not exchange options held by a Named Executive Officer for the acquiring company’s stock options without a material financial loss to the Named Executive Officer, any outstanding unvested options granted to the Named Executive Officer under our stock option plan shall become 100% vested and exercisable on the Named Executive Officer’s last day of employment.

    “Good Reason” will arise within 12 months following a change of control where a Named Executive Officer is induced to resign or terminate his employment for, amongst other reasons, an adverse change in his position, duties, or responsibilities, or reporting relationship that is inconsistent with his title or position, a reduction of his base salary, or aggregate level of benefits, or relocation of his principal office outside of Vancouver, British Columbia.

    Each Named Executive Officer is required to (a) not disclose or use for any purpose any of our confidential information following termination and (b) sign a full release acceptable to us prior to receiving any payment as a result of termination following a change of control.

    The table below sets out the estimated incremental payments, payables and benefits due to each of the Named Executives Officers for termination on a change of control assuming termination on December 31, 2010.



    Name

    Base Salary(1)(4)
    ($)

    Bonus(2)(4)
    ($)
    Option-Based
    Awards(3)(4)
    ($)
    All Other
    Compensation
    ($)

    Total
    ($)
    John Smith 1,243,250 513,877 5,243,314 - 7,000,441
    Tom S.Q. Yip 557,008 177,655 628,695 - 1,363,358
    George N. Paspalas(5) 724,747 278,370 1,925,347 - 2,928,464
    Joseph J. Ovsenek(6) 655,540 322,380 2,366,728 - 3,344,648
    Kenneth C. McNaughton(6) 522,823 215,691 803,014 - 1,541,528

    (1)

    24 months’ base salary for Named Executive Officers.

    (2)

    Two times the average annual bonus earned by all Named Executive Officers in the three immediately preceding years.

    - 120 -



    (3)

    Assumes no exchange of options held by Named Executive Officers for acquiring company’s stock options and the vesting of all outstanding options. Calculated based on the difference between the market price of our shares on the TSX on December 31, 2010 (C$27.81) and the exercise price of the option.

    (4)

    Lump sum payments are paid in Canadian dollars, amounts are converted using the US dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate of 0.9946 at December 31, 2010.

    (5)

    George Paspalas resigned effective as of January 7, 2011.

    (6)

    Joseph Ovsenek and Kenneth McNaughton resigned effective as of February 15, 2011.

    Director Compensation

    2010 Director Compensation Table

    The following table sets out all amounts of compensation provided to our directors, other than Mr. John Smith, our President and CEO and Dr. Robert A. Quartermain our former President and CEO, for the year ended December 31, 2010.



    Name

    Fees earned
    ($)(1)
    Share-based
    awards(1)(2)
    ($)
    Option-based
    awards
    ($)
    All other
    compensation
    ($)(4)

    Total
    ($)(1)
    A.E. Michael Anglin 58,258 58,258 - 48,548 165,064
    John R. Brodie, FCA 72,823 58,258 - 48,548 179,629
    Richard C. Campbell, MBE 61,365 58,258 - 48,548 168,201
    R.E. Gordon Davis(3) 21,126 29,129 - - 50,255
    David L. Johnston 53,403 58,258 - - 111,661
    Richard D. Paterson 58,258 58,258 - 48,548 165,064
    Peter W. Tomsett 121,371 116,516 - 48,548 286,435

    (1)

    All amounts are paid in Canadian dollars. Directors are remunerated in Canadian dollars and amounts contained in this table were converted to US dollars using the average US dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate of 1.0299 for 2010.

    (2)

    Our board of directors adopted a deferred share unit plan effective July 1, 2008.

    (3)

    Mr. Davis retired from the Board on May 11, 2010.

    (4)

    Payments with respect to the participation by the directors in the initial public offering (“IPO”) of Pretium Resources Inc. (“Pretium”), whereby for every two shares of Pretium a director purchased in the IPO, the Company would purchase one share on the director’s behalf, up to a maximum number of shares purchased by the Company equal to C$50,000.

    Our Board of Directors adopted a deferred share unit (“DSU”) plan effective July 1, 2008 to more closely align the interests of our directors with the interests of our shareholders. With the adoption of the DSU plan, our directors will no longer receive option awards, other than a one-time grant on appointment to the board of directors at the discretion of our Compensation Committee. Under our DSU plan, (a) directors are awarded annual DSU grants and directors may elect to receive all or a portion of their annual retainer fees in DSUs, (b) the number of DSUs to be received is calculated by dividing the dollar value of the DSUs to be received by the market price of our common shares on the date the DSUs are credited to a director’s account, (c) DSUs are credited to a director’s account pro rata on a quarterly basis and (d) DSUs cannot be redeemed until the director ceases to be a member of the board of directors. Upon redemption of DSUs, we will pay to a director a lump sum cash amount equal to the aggregate number of DSUs that have been credited to the account of that director multiplied by the market price of our common shares at the time of redemption.

    The following table provides a breakdown of fees earned by our directors, other Mr. John Smith, our President and CEO, for the year ended December 31, 2010. The directors may elect to have their fees paid in cash or DSUs.

    - 121 -






    Name

    Retainer
    Fee
    ($)(2)
    Committee
    Retainer
    Fee
    ($)(2) (4)
    Committee
    Chair
    Retainer Fee
    ($)(2) (4)
    Lead
    Director/Board
    Chair Fee
    ($)(2)

    Total Fees
    Earned
    ($)(2)

    Fees taken
    in DSUs
    ($)(1) (2)
    Fees
    Taken in
    Cash
    ($)(2)
    A.E. Michael Anglin 43,694 14,564 - - 58,258 58,258 -
    John R. Brodie, FCA 43,694 14,564 14,565 - 72,823 21,847 50,976
    Richard C. Campbell, MBE 43,694 7,962 9,709 - 61,365 30,682 30,683
    R.E. Gordon Davis(3) 15,845 1,760 3,521 - 21,126 10,563 10,563
    David L. Johnston 43,694 9,709 - - 53,403 26,701 26,702
    Richard D. Paterson 43,694 4,855 9,709 - 58,258 58,258 -
    Peter W. Tomsett - - 14,565 106,806 121,371 121,371 -
    Robert A. Quartermain(5) 13,661 - - - 13,661 13,661 -

    (1)

    Under our deferred share unit plan, a director may elect to receive all or a portion of his annual retainer fees as DSUs.

    (2)

    Directors are remunerated in Canadian dollars and amounts contained in this table were converted to US dollars using the average US dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate of 1.0299 for 2010.

    (3)

    Mr. Davis resigned as a director as of May 11, 2010 and redeemed his DSU’s on September 20, 2010.

    (4)

    Search Committee Fees were also paid to John R. Brodie (C$10,000), A.E. Michael Anglin (C$10,000) and Peter W. Tomsett (C$15,000).

    (5)

    Dr. Quartermain was granted DSU’s as a non-executive Board Member until his resignation on May 11, 2010 and redeemed his DSU’s on September 9, 2010.

    For 2010, each of our directors, save for Mr. Tomsett, received an annual director retainer of C$45,000; each committee member, excluding the committee chair, received an annual retainer of C$5,000; the Audit Committee chair received an annual retainer of C$15,000; and the other committee chairs received an annual retainer of C$10,000. Mr. Tomsett, as the chair of our board of directors, receives an annual board chair retainer fee of C$110,000, in place of the annual director retainer fee, annual committee member retainer fee and annual committee chair retainer fee.

    The Compensation Committee reviews board compensation on an annual basis and recommends revisions to the annual retainers paid to the board of directors when warranted in the circumstances. In addition, the Board of Directors may award special remuneration to any director undertaking any special services on our behalf other than services ordinarily required of a director.

    Outstanding Option Based Awards

    The following table sets out all option-based awards outstanding for each of our directors, other than Mr. John Smith, our President and CEO (who in 2010 received no additional compensation for his service as a director) at December 31, 2010.

      Option-based Awards  



    Name
    Number of securities
    underlying unexercised
    options
    (#)


    Option exercise price
    (C$)



    Option expiration date

    Value of unexercised in-
    the-money options(1)
    ($)
    A.E. Michael Anglin 50,000 29.02 August 7, 2013 -
    John R. Brodie, FCA

    30,000
    50,000
    14,000
    21.30
    35.34
    36.14
    July 27, 2011
    December 12, 2011
    December 18, 2012
    196,360
    -
    -
    Richard C. Campbell, MBE 50,000 29.02 August 7, 2013 -
    R.E. Gordon Davis

    30,000
    50,000
    14,000
    21.30
    35.34
    36.14
    July 3, 2011 (2)
    July 3, 2011 (2)
    July 3, 2011 (2)
    196,360
    -
    -

    - 122 -



      Option-based Awards  



    Name
    Number of securities
    underlying unexercised
    options
    (#)


    Option exercise price
    (C$)



    Option expiration date

    Value of unexercised in-
    the-money options(1)
    ($)
    David L. Johnston

    30,000
    50,000
    14,000
    21.30
    35.34
    36.14
    July 27, 2011
    December 12, 2011
    December 18, 2012
    196,360
    -
    -
    Richard D. Paterson 50,000 29.02 August 7, 2013 -
    Peter W. Tomsett

    90,000
    50,000
    14,000
    27.78
    35.34
    36.14
    November 7, 2011
    December 12, 2011
    December 18, 2012
    2,715
    -
    -

    (1)

    Calculated based on the difference of the market price of our shares on the TSX on December 31, 2010 (C$27.81) and the exercise price of the option. Converted to US dollars using the US dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate of 0.9946 at December 31, 2010.

    (2)

    Option expiry determined following the resignation of Mr Davis.

    Outstanding Share-Based Awards

    The following table sets out the value of share based awards outstanding for each of our directors, other than Mr. John Smith our current President and CEO (who received no additional compensation for his services as a director), as at December 31, 2010.


    Name
    Number of Deferred Share Units
    (“DSUs”)(#)
    Value of DSUs
    ($)(1)
    A.E. Michael Anglin 13,042 364,663
    John R. Brodie, FCA 9,535 266,600
    Richard C. Campbell, MBE 10,974 306,851
    David L. Johnston 11,696 327,022
    Richard D. Paterson 14,452 404,088
    Peter W. Tomsett 30,663 857,362

    (1)

    DSUs are only redeemable into cash upon a director ceasing to be a member of the board. Calculated based on the market price of our shares on the TSX on December 31, 2010 (C$27.81). Converted to US dollars using the US dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate of 0.9946 at December 31, 2010.

    Incentive Plan Awards - Value Vested or Earned During the Year

    The following table sets out the value of incentive plan awards for each of our directors, other than Mr. John Smith our current President and CEO (who received no additional compensation for his services as a director), vested or earned during the year ended December 31, 2010.




    Name

    Option-based awards – Value
    vested during the year
    ($)

    Share-based awards – Value
    vested during the year
    ($) (1)
    Non-equity incentive plan
    compensation – Value earned
    during the year
    ($)
    A.E. Michael Anglin - 116,516 N/A
    John R. Brodie, FCA - 80,105 N/A
    Richard C. Campbell, MBE - 88,940 N/A
    R.E. Gordon Davis(2) - 39,692 N/A
    David L. Johnston - 84,959 N/A
    Richard D. Paterson - 116,516 N/A

    - 123 -






    Name

    Option-based awards – Value
    vested during the year
    ($)

    Share-based awards – Value
    vested during the year
    ($) (1)
    Non-equity incentive plan
    compensation – Value earned
    during the year
    ($)
    Peter W. Tomsett - 237,877 N/A
    Robert A. Quartermain(3) - 25,489 N/A

    (1)

    Deferred share units vest immediately and are credited to each directors’ account pro-rata on a quarterly basis.

    (2)

    R. E. Gordon Davis redeemed his DSU’s on September 2, 2010. The market value at the date of redemption was C$18.78, for total proceeds of USD$156,052 (C$164,161.61).

    (3)

    Robert A. Quartermain redeemed his DSU’s on September 9, 2010. The market value at the date of redemption was C$19.06, for total proceeds of USD$24,678 (C$25,488.75).

    Options to Purchase Securities from Company or Subsidiaries

    Options Outstanding

    Stock options to purchase our securities are granted to our directors (upon their appointment) and employees on terms and conditions acceptable to the regulatory authorities in Canada. At our annual general meeting held on May 14, 2008, our shareholders approved a stock option plan that reserves 10% of our issued and outstanding shares for issuance on exercise of stock options, including previously granted stock options.

    Under our stock option plan, (a) the maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the plan is 10% of our issued and outstanding shares, (b) stock options in favor of any one individual may not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of common shares, (c) no stock option is transferable by the optionee other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, (d) a stock option is exercisable during the lifetime of the optionee only by such optionee, (e) the maximum term of each stock option is ten years, with the vesting period determined at the discretion of the board of directors and (f) the minimum exercise price for a stock option is equal to the greater of the (i) closing price of the Company’s shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the day preceding the date of grant; and (ii) the volume weighted average trading price of the common shares of the Company on the Toronto Stock Exchange, calculated by dividing the total value by the total volume of common shares traded, for the five trading days immediately preceding the granting of the option.

    The number of stock options and the number of common shares subject to such stock options granted to officers and senior management as a group, to directors who are not officers or senior management as a group and employees and consultants as a group are set out below as of December 31, 2010. The exercise price of the stock options is stated in Canadian dollars.

    Table No. 31
    Outstanding Stock Options

      Number of Options    
      Outstanding Exercise Price Expiry Date
    Officers and
    Senior Management



    204,800
    700,000
    200,000
    150,000
    280,000
    378,334
    $21.30
    $35.34
    $40.62
    $38.88
    $36.14
    $11.50
    July 27, 2011
    December 12, 2011
    May 3, 2012
    July 17, 2012
    December 18, 2012
    December 11, 2018

    - 124 -



      Number of Options    
      Outstanding Exercise Price Expiry Date





    56,667
    25,000
    85,000
    470,000
    50,000
    500,000
    $23.57
    $21.07
    $24.61
    $24.41
    $18.99
    $17.38
    May 15, 2019
    November 10, 2019
    December 14, 2019
    December 16, 2019
    June 4, 2020
    August 13, 2020
    Directors who are not
    Officers or
    Senior Management

    90,000
    90,000
    200,000
    56,000
    150,000
    $21.30
    $27.78
    $35.34
    $36.14
    $29.02
    July 27, 2011
    November 7, 2011
    December 12, 2011
    December 18, 2012
    August 7, 2013
    Employees and Consultants 231,500
    232,500
    20,000
    95,000
    46,000
    30,000
    84,069
    50,000
    10,000
    164,000
    35,000
    20,000
    $21.30
    $35.34
    $40.62
    $34.71
    $36.14
    $32.08
    $11.50
    $23.57
    $21.07
    $24.41
    $17.38
    $26.55
    July 27, 2011
    December 12, 2011
    May 3, 2012
    September 7, 2012
    December 18, 2012
    March 28, 2013
    December 11, 2018
    May 15, 2019
    November 10, 2019
    December 16, 2019
    August 13, 2020
    November 12, 2010
    Total: 4,703,870    

    As at December 31, 2010, we did not have any share purchase warrants outstanding.

      C. Board Practices

    Our directors are elected annually and hold office until the next annual general meeting of our shareholders or until their successors in office are duly elected or appointed. We do not have an executive committee. All directors are elected for a one-year term. See Table No. 30 under Item 6.A under the heading “Directors and Senior Management” for the length of time our directors have served on the board. All officers serve at the pleasure of the board. The next annual general meeting of our shareholders has been called for May 11, 2011.

    Our Board of Directors has four committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Safety and Sustainability Committee. The members of these committees do not have any fixed terms for holding their positions, are appointed and replaced from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors and receive separate remuneration for acting as members of the committees (other than our Chair of the Board of Directors).

    - 125 -


    The Audit Committee, comprised of John R. Brodie FCA, Chair, Richard D. Paterson and Peter W. Tomsett, has the responsibility of, among other things, recommending the Company’s independent auditor to the Board; determining the extent of involvement of the independent auditor in reviewing unaudited quarterly financial results; evaluating the qualifications, performance and independence of the independent auditor; reviewing and recommending approval to the Board of our annual and quarterly financial results and management discussion and analysis and overseeing the establishment of “whistle-blower” and related procedures. Each member of the Audit Committee is an independent director. The full text of the Audit Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website.

    The Compensation Committee, comprised of Richard D. Paterson, Chair, John R. Brodie FCA, and Richard C. Campbell, MBE, has the responsibility for recommending approval of executive and management direct remuneration and stock options to the independent members of the Board. The President and Chief Executive Officer’s function in relation to the Compensation Committee is to make specific recommendations on remuneration with supporting commentary on individual performance and industry standards. Each member of the Compensation Committee is an independent director. The full text of the Compensation Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website.

    The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, comprised of Peter W. Tomsett, Chair, Richard C. Campbell, MBE and David L. Johnston, has the responsibility of, among other things, recommending to the Board, on an annual basis, nominees for election as directors for the next annual meeting of shareholders and nominees for appointment to committees of the Board and analyzing the needs of the Board when vacancies arise on the Board and recommending nominees who meet such needs. Each member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is an independent director.

    The Safety and Sustainability Committee comprised of Richard C. Campbell, MBE, Chair, A.E. Michael Anglin and David L. Johnston, has the responsibility of, among other things monitoring our safety, health, security, environment and community relations performance on behalf of the Board and assessing the effectiveness of our safety, health, security, environment and community relations policies and practices. Each member of the Safety and Sustainability Committee is an independent director, other than A.E. Michael Anglin who was appointed Interim President and Chief Executive Officer on January 19, 2010.

    Currently, we do not have service contracts with any of our directors or those of our subsidiaries providing for benefits upon termination of employment. (see Item 6.B – “Compensation – Termination and Change of Control Benefits”).

      D. Employees

    At our corporate head office in Vancouver, we had 39 full and 1 part-time employees as at December 31, 2010, including the members of senior management, 2 of whom was involved in shareholder and investor communications, 12 of whom were responsible for project exploration and development, 11 of whom provided financial, legal and community relations expertise, 10 who carried out our management and executive functions and 5 full-time and 1 part-time of whom provided administrative support. Including members of senior management, we had 36 full and 2 part-time employees as of December 31, 2009 and 27 full-time and 3 part-time employees as of December 31, 2008. We have an aggregate in excess of 700 employees at our various projects.

    - 126 -



      E. Share Ownership

    The following table sets out, as of March 30, 2011 the number of our common shares beneficially owned by senior management and directors, whom, to our knowledge, possess sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.

    Table No. 32  
    Senior Management and Directors Share Ownership  
    Name of Beneficial         Number of        
    Owner   Title of Class     Securities of Class*     Percent of Class  
    John Smith   Common     Nil     Nil  
    Joe Phillips   Common     Nil     Nil  
    Tom S.Q. Yip   Common     233,333     0.0029%  
    David L. Smith   Common     28,333     0.0004%  
    W. John DeCooman   Common     16,666     0.0002%  
    Kristen G. Riddell   Common     9,999     0.0001%  
    A.E. Michael Anglin   Common     50,000     0.0006%  
    John R. Brodie, FCA   Common     94,000     0.0012%  
    Richard C. Campbell, MBE   Common     50,000     0.0006%  
    David L. Johnston   Common     66,000     0.0012%  
    Richard D. Paterson   Common     50,000     0.0006%  
    Peter W. Tomsett   Common     154,000     0.0019%  

    *includes options exercisable within 60 days.

    As at March 30, 2011, our directors and senior management held, as a group, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of 2,000 common shares and 750,331 options exercisable within 60 days.

    The total number of exercisable and unexercisable stock options and the number of common shares subject to such stock options granted to the senior management and our directors are set out below as of February 28, 2011.

    - 127 -



    Table No. 33  
    Senior Management and Directors Stock Options  
                     
        Number of Options            
    Name   Outstanding   Exercise Price     Expiry Date  
    John Smith   500,000   $ 17.38     August 13, 2010  
        54,500   $ 23.14     January 27, 2018  
                     
    Tom S.Q. Yip   150,000   $ 38.88     July 17, 2012  
        50,000   $ 36.14     December 18, 2012  
        30,000   $ 11.50     December 11, 2018  
        40,000   $ 24.41     December 16, 2019  
        12,100   $ 23.14     January 27, 2018  
                     
    David L. Smith   85,000   $ 24.61     December 14, 2019  
        9,900   $ 23.14     January 27, 2018  
                     
    W. John DeCooman   16,667   $ 23.57     May 15, 2019  
        10,000   $ 24.41     December 16, 2019  
        9,900   $ 23.14     January 27, 2018  
                     
    Kristen G. Riddell   25,000   $ 21.07     November 10, 2019  
        5,000   $ 24.41     December 16, 2019  
        7,700   $ 23.14     January 27, 2018  
                     
    A.E. Michael Anglin   50,000   $ 29.02     August 7, 2013  
                     
    John R. Brodie, FCA   30,000   21.30     July 27, 2011  
        50,000   35.34     December 12, 2011  
        14,000   36.14     December 18, 2012  
                     
    Richard C. Campbell, MBE   50,000   $ 29.02     August 7, 2013  
                     
    David L. Johnston   20,000   21.30     July 27, 2011  
        50,000   35.34     December 12, 2011  
        14,000   36.14     December 18, 2012  
                     
    Richard D. Paterson   50,000   29.02     August 7, 2013  
                     
    Peter W. Tomsett   90,000   27.78     November 7, 2011  
        50,000   35.34     December 12, 2011  
        14,000   36.14     December 18, 2012  

    Item 7 Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

      A. Major Shareholders

    To the best of our knowledge at the date of this Annual Report, no shareholder directly or indirectly owns more than 5% of our issued shares, other than Van Eck Associates Corporation, which reported owning 5,768,729 common shares (7.23% of our issued and outstanding shares) as at February 14, 2011, Royce & Associates, LLC, which reported owning 8,831,025 of our common shares (11.07% of our issued and outstanding shares) as at February 3, 2011, and FMR LLC, which reported owning 5,448,283 of our common shares (6.83% of our issued and outstanding shares) as at February 11, 2011. Royce & Associates, LLC reported owning 10,449,825 of our common shares (14.52% of our issued and outstanding shares) as at February 9, 2010, 9,544,300 of our common shares (15.21% of our issued and outstanding shares) as at January 29, 2009, 8,463,500 of our common shares (13.52% of our issued and outstanding shares) as at February 6, 2008 and 7,875,300 of our common shares (12.78% of our issued and outstanding shares) as at January 25, 2007. Royce & Associates, LLC, Van Eck Associates Corporation and FMR LLC do not have voting rights that are different from the voting rights of the other holders of our common shares.

    - 128 -


    To the best of our knowledge at the date of this Annual Report, we are not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation, by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal person severally or jointly.

    Our common shares are issued in registered form and the following information is taken from the records of Computershare Investor Services Inc. (located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), the registrar and transfer agent for our common shares.

    On December 31, 2010, the shareholders’ list for our common shares showed 2,166 registered shareholders and 79,665,041 shares outstanding. 774 of these registered shareholders were US residents, owning 47,973,238 shares representing 60.22% of our issued and outstanding shares.

      B. Related Party Transactions

    Since January 1, 2010, we have entered or have proposed to enter into the following transactions that have materially affected or will materially affect us in which any director, executive officer, or beneficial holder of more than 10% of the outstanding common shares, or any of their respective relatives, spouses, associates or affiliates has had or will have any direct or material indirect interest:

    We currently provide administrative and technical services under a transition services agreement to Pretium Resources Inc., a publicly-traded company with one common director (John Smith), and of which our Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Yip is a director. Under this arrangement, we are reimbursed for providing administrative and technical services, including the salaries and benefits of senior officers and staff.

      C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

    This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

    Item 8 Financial Information

      A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

    Our audited consolidated financial statements are stated in United States dollars and are prepared in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), which differ in certain respects from those principles that we would have followed had our audited consolidated financial statements been prepared in accordance with US GAAP. The major measurement differences between Canadian and US GAAP, as they affect us, are disclosed in note 19 to the audited consolidated financial statements.

    - 129 -


    Effective January 1, 2009, we changed our reporting currency from the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar. The change in reporting currency is to better reflect our business activities and to provide investors with comparability to other companies in the mining industry. Prior to January 1, 2009, we reported our annual and quarterly consolidated financial statements in Canadian dollars.

    Exhibited hereto are audited consolidated financial statements prepared by our management, audited by an independent auditor and accompanied by an audit report:

    (a)

    Auditors’ Report, dated March 1, 2011.

       
    (b)

    Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

       
    (c)

    Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

       
    (d)

    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

       
    (e)

    Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

       
    (f)

    Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

       
    (g)

    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

    100% of our sales are export sales, the total of which was $112.3 million in 2010.

    The Pirquitas mine has a fiscal stability agreement with the government of Argentina dating from 1998. In 2002, the government of Argentina implemented an export duty on concentrates that did not apply to companies with pre-existing fiscal stability agreements. In December 2007 the National Customs Authority of Argentina levied an export duty of 10% on concentrates for projects with fiscal stability agreements predating 2002. We have been advised that the project is subject to this export duty despite our rights under our fiscal stability agreement from 1998. The legality of the export duty has been challenged and is currently under review by the court in Argentina. In July 2010, we filed a claim in the Federal Court of Jujuy Province for the repayment of export duties paid to date and for an order to cease payment of the export duty until the matter is decided by the court. The court granted an order effective September 29, 2010 to cease payment of the export duty pending the court’s determination of the legality of export duty. Up to December 31, 2010 the Pirquitas mine has paid $6,646,000 in export taxes on concentrate sales and accrued for an additional $3,095,000 since we received the order to cease payment. The export tax expense has been recorded within cost of sales until a resolution is reached, if these duties are recovered in the future we will recognize a gain in the statement of earnings for the full amount.

    We have not paid dividends in the past five years and do not expect to pay dividends in the near future. Our present policy is to retain future earnings for use in our operations and the expansion of our business.

    - 130 -



      B. Significant Changes

    There were no significant changes that have occurred, other than those disclosed in note 20 to our consolidated financial statements as at December 31, 2009, since the date of our most recent audited consolidated financial statements.

    Item 9 The Offer and Listing

      A. Offer and Listing Details

    On November 4, 2004, our common shares commenced trading in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSE”) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, under the trading symbol “SSO” and CUSIP #82823L-10-6. Prior to November 4, 2004, our shares were listed in Canada on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSX-V”) (formerly known as the Canadian Venture Exchange Inc., the successor exchange resulting from the merger of the Vancouver Stock Exchange and Alberta Stock Exchange effective November 29, 1999) (together the TSE and TSX-V are referred to as the “TSX”). Our common shares commenced trading on the Vancouver Stock Exchange in 1947.

    On October 12, 2004, our common shares commenced trading in the United States on the Nasdaq Global Market (“NGM”, formerly known as the Nasdaq National Market) with the symbol “SSRI”. Prior to October 12, 2004, our shares were traded in the United States on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market (“NSM”) (together the NGM and NSM are referred to as “Nasdaq”). Our common shares were first quoted on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market on August 1, 1996.

    The following tables set out the reported high and low prices on each of TSX and Nasdaq for (a) the five most recent fiscal years; (b) each quarterly period for the past two fiscal years; and (c) each month for the past six months.

    Table No. 34
    High and Low Prices for the Five Most Recent Fiscal Years on the TSX (C$’s)
         
    Fiscal Year Ended High Low
    December 31, 2010 $30.07 $16.21
    December 31, 2009 $26.75 $15.59
    December 31, 2008 $40.30 $6.87
    December 31, 2007 $45.58 $27.80
    December 31, 2006 $36.59 $17.17

    Table No. 35
    High and Low Prices for the Five Most Recent Fiscal Years on Nasdaq ($’s)
         
    Fiscal Year Ended High Low
    December 31, 2010 $29.95 $15.61
    December 31, 2009 $24.67 $12.04
    December 31, 2008 $40.72 $5.35
    December 31, 2007 $48.16 $27.52
    December 31, 2006 $31.63 $14.93

    - 131 -



    Table No. 36
         High and Low Prices for each Quarterly Period for the Past Two Fiscal Years on the TSX
      (C$’s)  
    Period Ended High Low
    December 31, 2010 $29.50 $20.73
    September 30, 2010 $21.30 $16.39
    June 30, 2010 $20.87 $18.15
    March 31, 2010 $24.79 $17.31
    December 31, 2009 $25.70 $18.96
    September 30, 2009 $24.84 $18.87
    June 30, 2009 $26.75 $18.57
    March 31, 2009 $25.46 $15.59

     Table No. 37 
    High and Low Prices for each Quarterly Period for the Past Two Fiscal Years on Nasdaq ($’s)
         
    Period Ended High Low
    December 31, 2010 $29.32 $20.32
    September 30, 2010 $20.59 $15.80
    June 30, 2010 $20.58 $16.92
    March 31, 2010 $24.02 $16.54
    December 31, 2009 $24.54 $17.50
    September 30, 2009 $23.34 $16.89
    June 30, 2009 $24.67 $14.96
    March 31, 2009 $20.52 $12.04

    Table No. 38
    High and Low Prices for each Month for the Past Six Months on the TSX (C$’s)
    Month Ended High Low
    February 28, 2011 $26.63 $23.30
    January 31, 2011 $26.04 $22.27
    December 31, 2010 $29.50 $26.53
    November 30, 2010 $26.67 $24.30
    October 31, 2010 $25.38 $20.73
    September 30, 2010 $21.30 $18.47

    - 132 -



    Table No. 39
    High and Low Prices for each Month for the Past Six Months on Nasdaq ($’s)
    Month Ended High Low
    February 28, 2011 $27.14 $23.55
    January 31, 2011 $27.24 $22.35
    December 31, 2010 $29.32 $26.31
    November 30, 2010 $26.44 $23.93
    October 31, 2010 $25.00 $20.32
    September 30, 2010 $20.59 $17.53

      B. Plan of Distribution

    This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

      C. Markets

    See Subsection A of this Item 9.

      D. Selling Shareholders

    This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

      E. Dilution

    This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

      F. Expenses of the Issue

    This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

    Item 10 Additional Information

      A. Share Capital

    This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

      B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

    Incorporation

    We were incorporated in British Columbia, Canada, under Certificate of Incorporation number 21492 on December 11, 1946. We do not have any stated “objects” or “purposes” as such are not required by the corporate laws of the Province of British Columbia. Rather, we are, by such corporate laws, entitled to carry on any activities whatsoever, which are not specifically precluded by other statutory provisions of the Province of British Columbia.

    - 133 -


    Powers and Functions of the Directors

    The powers and functions of the directors are set out in our Articles, which were adopted by our shareholders on May 12, 2005. They provide:

    (a)

    a director is obligated to disclose his potential interest in a proposal, arrangement or contract being considered by us, and may not vote on any proposal, arrangement or contract proposed, but such director shall be counted in the quorum at the meeting of the directors at which the proposal, arrangement or contract is approved;

       
    (b)

    the directors may, in the absence of an independent quorum, vote compensation to themselves;

       
    (c)

    there are no limitations on the exercise by the directors of our borrowing powers;

       
    (d)

    there are no provisions for the retirement or non-retirement of directors under an age limit; and

       
    (e)

    there is no requirement for a director to hold any of our shares.

    Rights and Restrictions Attached to the Shares

    As all of our authorized and issued shares are of one class there are no special rights or restrictions of any nature or kind attached to any of the shares. All authorized and issued shares rank equally in respect to the declaration and receipt of dividends, the rights to share in any profits or surplus on our liquidation, dissolution or winding. Each share has attached to it one non-cumulative vote.

    Alteration of Share Rights

    To alter the rights of holders of our issued shares such alteration must be approved by the majority vote of two-thirds of our issued shares attending and voting at a meeting of our shareholders.

    Annual General Meetings

    Annual general meetings are called and scheduled upon decision by the board of directors. The directors may convene an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders. The holders of not less than 5% of our issued shares may requisition an extraordinary meeting of the shareholders. All meetings of the shareholders may be attended by registered shareholders or persons who hold powers of attorney or proxies given to them by registered shareholders.

    Foreign Ownership Limitations

    Our Articles do not contain limitations prohibiting shares being held by non-residents, foreigners or any other group.

    Change of Control

    There are no provisions in our Articles that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control, or that would operate with respect to any proposed merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring.

    - 134 -


    Share Ownership Reporting Obligations

    There are no provisions in our Articles requiring share ownership to be disclosed. The securities laws of the Province of British Columbia require disclosure of shareholdings by:

    (a)

    persons who are our directors or senior officers; and

       
    (b)

    a person who has direct or indirect beneficial ownership of, control or direction over, or a combination of direct or indirect beneficial ownership of and control or direction over our securities carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all of our outstanding voting securities.

    Differences from U.S. Law

    The threshold of share ownership percentage requiring disclosure of ownership is higher in the home jurisdiction of British Columbia (a 10% threshold) than the United States where U.S. securities law prescribes a 5% threshold for ownership disclosure.

      C. Material Contracts

    The following is a summary of each material contract, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party, for the two years immediately preceding publication of the document, including dates, parties, general nature of the contracts, terms and conditions, and amount of any consideration passing to or from us or any other member of the group.

    1.           Convertible Note Purchase Agreement dated February 27, 2008 with UBS Securities LLC, Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Blackmont Capital Inc., GMP Securities L.P., National Bank Financial Inc. and Salman Partners Inc., as initial purchasers. Under the terms of the Convertible Note Purchase Agreement, we issued $138 million of convertible notes (the “Convertible Notes”) due March 1, 2028 and bearing interest at a rate of 4.5% per year. The Convertible Notes will be convertible into our common shares at a fixed conversion rate, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments, only in the event that (i) during specified consecutive trading periods, the market price of our common shares exceeds 130% of the conversion price of the Convertible Notes, (ii) the trading price of the Convertible Notes falls to 97% or less of the amount equal to the then prevailing price of our common shares, multiplied by the applicable conversion rate, (iii) the Convertible Notes are called for redemption, (iv) upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions, or (v) during specified periods in early 2013 and 2028. On conversion, holders of the Convertible Notes will receive cash and, if applicable, common shares (or, at our election, in lieu of such common shares, cash or any combination of cash and common shares). In addition, if certain fundamental changes occur to us, holders of the Convertible Notes may be entitled to an increased conversion rate. The Convertible Notes will be convertible into our common shares at an initial conversion rate of 23.0792 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes converted, representing an initial conversion price of approximately $43.33 per common share, which is approximately 130% of the closing price of our common shares on the Nasdaq Global Market on February 21, 2008. Holders of the Convertible Notes will have the right to require us to repurchase all or part of their Convertible Notes on March 1 of each of 2013, 2018 and 2023, and upon certain fundamental corporate changes. The repurchase price will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes being converted, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date. Subject to specified conditions, we shall pay the purchase price in cash. On and after March 5, 2013, we may redeem all or part of the Convertible Notes for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. See Item 5.B under the heading “Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

    - 135 -


    2.           Sale Agreement dated July 16, 2008 with Aurcana Corporation in respect of the sale of our interest in the Shafter Silver Project. See Item 4.B under the heading “Shafter Silver Project” of the Company’s Form 20F for the year ended December 31, 2008, as amended, for a description of the sale agreement.

    3.           An Underwriting Agreement dated February 24, 2009 with UBS Securities Canada Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Dahlman Rose & Co., LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Scotia Capital Inc., Blackmont Capital Inc., GMP Securities L.P., National Bank Financial Inc. and Salman Partners Inc., as Underwriters and Deutsche Bank Securities Limited and Credit Suisse Securities (Canada), Inc. as Sub-Underwriters. Under the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, we issued 5,450,000 common shares with an over-allotment option of up to 817,500 common shares, exercisable to March 29, 2009. Pursuant to the over-allotment option, the Underwriters purchased an additional 375,713 common shares. We received gross proceeds from the offering of of $99.0 million and paid underwriting commission to the underwriters in the amount of $5.6 million.

    4.           An Underwriting Agreement dated August 12, 2009 with UBS Securities Canada Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Dahlman Rose & Co. LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., Blackmont Capital Inc., GMP Securities L.P., National Bank Financial Inc. and Salman Partners Inc., as Underwriters and Deutsche Bank Securities Limited and Credit Suisse Securities (Canada), Inc. as Sub-Underwriters. Under the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, we issued 2,725,288 common shares with an over-allotment option of up to 272,528 common shares, exercisable to September 17, 2009. Pursuant to the over-allotment option, the Underwriters purchased an additional 272,528 common shares. We received gross proceeds from the offering of $51.0 million and paid underwriting commission to the underwriters in the amount of $3.1 million.

    5.           An Underwriting Agreement dated February 12, 2010 with UBS Securities Canada Inc., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Dahlman Rose & Co. LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Scotia Capital Inc., GMP Securities L.P., National Bank Financial Inc. and Salman Partners Inc., as Underwriters and Deutsche Bank Securities Limited and Credit Suisse Securities (Canada), Inc. as Sub-Underwriters. Under the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, we issued 5,882,353 common shares with an over-allotment option of up to 882,352 common shares, exercisable to March 20, 2010. Pursuant to the over-allotment option, the Underwriters purchased an additional 846,402 common shares. We received gross proceeds from the offering of $114.4 million and paid underwriting commission to the underwriters in the amount of $6.4 million.

    6.           Sale Agreement dated February 19, 2010 with Silvercorp Metals Inc. in respect of the sale of our interest in the Silvertip Project. See Item 4.B “Business Overview” under the heading “Silvertip Project” for a description of the Sale Agreement.

    7.           Acquisition Agreement dated October 28, 2010, as amended November 4, 2010, with Pretium Resources Inc. (“Pretium”) in respect of the sale of our interest in the Snowfield and Brucejack Projects. See Item 4.B “Business Overview” under the heading “Snowfield Project and Brucejack Project”.

    8.           An Underwriting Agreement dated December 9, 2010 with Pretium, CIBC World Markets Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Canada Inc., UBS Securities Canada Inc., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (Canada) Inc., Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC, GMP Securities L.P. and Salman Partners Inc. Under the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, Pretium issued an aggregate of 80,323,333 common shares, including 36,163,333 common shares to us, as partial consideration for the sale of the Snowfield and Brucejack Projects. See Item 4.B “Business Overview” under the heading “Snowfield Project and Brucejack Project”.

    - 136 -


    9.           A letter agreement dated February 28, 2011, with Esperanza Resources Corp. (“Esperanza”) pursuant to which we have agreed to purchase all of Esperanza’s interest in the San Luis Project. See Item 4.B. “Business Overview” under the heading “San Luis Project”.

      D. Exchange Controls and Investment Canada Act

    Canada has no system of exchange controls. There are no exchange restrictions on borrowing from foreign countries or on the remittance of dividends, interest, royalties and similar payments, management fees, loan repayments, settlement of trade debts, or the repatriation of capital. Any such remittances to United States residents, however, may be subject to a withholding tax pursuant to the Canadian Income Tax Act as modified by the reciprocal tax treaty between Canada and the United States. See “Item 10.E, “Taxation”.

    The Investment Canada Act (the “Act”), enacted on June 20, 1985, requires, depending on the circumstances and subject to certain exceptions, either pre-closing review by, or post-closing notification to, the Government of Canada on the “acquisition of control” of “Canadian businesses” by “non-Canadians”, as such terms are defined in the Act. The term “acquisition of control” is defined as any one or more non-Canadian persons acquiring all or substantially all of the assets used in the Canadian business, the acquisition of the voting shares of a Canadian corporation carrying on the Canadian business or the acquisition of the voting interests of an entity controlling or carrying on the Canadian business. The acquisition of the majority of the outstanding shares is deemed to be an “acquisition of control” of a corporation. The acquisition of less than a majority, but one-third or more, of the voting shares of a corporation is presumed to be an “acquisition of control” of a corporation unless it can be established that the purchaser will not control the corporation.

    Investments requiring review are all direct acquisitions of Canadian businesses with assets of $5,000,000 or more (subject to the comments below on WTO investors), and all indirect acquisitions of Canadian businesses (subject to the comments below on WTO investors) with assets of more than $50,000,000 or with assets of between $5,000,000 and $50,000,000 which represent more than 50% of the value of the total international transaction. In addition, specific acquisitions or new businesses in designated types of business activities related to Canada’s cultural heritage or national identity could require review following notification if the Government of Canada considers that it is in the public interest to do so.

    Furthermore, all investments (regardless of transaction size or whether control has been acquired) may be reviewed either prior to or after closing of the transaction on national security grounds, despite the fact that such investments may not otherwise be reviewable. The relevant test is whether the investment is “injurious to national security”, however, the Act does not define “national security”, nor does it identify the relevant factors that may be taken into account for purposes of this review. The definition of “Canadian business” that applies under national security reviews is also significantly broader than otherwise applies under the Act, which expands the number of transactions that may be subject to this form of review.

    The Act was amended with the implementation of the Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (“WTO”) to provide for special review thresholds for “WTO investors”, as defined in the Act. “WTO investor” generally means (i) an individual, other than a Canadian, who is a national or a WTO member (such as, for example, the United States), or who has the right of permanent residence in relation to that WTO member, (ii) governments of WTO members, and (iii) entities that are not Canadian controlled, but which are WTO investor controlled, as determined by rules specified in the Act. If the WTO investor rules apply, an investment in our shares by or from a WTO investor will be reviewable only if (i) it is direct investment to acquire control of Silver Standard and (ii) the book value of our assets is equal to or greater than a specified amount (the “WTO Review Threshold”). The WTO Review Threshold is adjusted annually by a formula relating to increases in the nominal gross domestic product of Canada.

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    The 2010 WTO Review Threshold is $299,000,000. However, both the special WTO Review Threshold and the exemption from review for indirect investments by and from WTO investors do not apply to WTO investors, and the general rules described in the preceding paragraph do apply, to the acquisition of control of certain types of businesses specified in the Act, including a business that is a “cultural business”. In addition, upon certain amendments to the Act made in March 2009 taking effect, the $299,000,000 threshold for direct acquisitions by WTO investors will be replaced with an “enterprise value” threshold initially set at $600,000,000, which will subsequently increase first to $800,000,000 two years after the new threshold is adopted, and later to $1 billion, to be adjusted annually by a formula relating to increases in the nominal gross domestic product of Canada.

    If any non-Canadian, whether or not a WTO investor, acquires control of Silver Standard by the acquisition of shares where the transaction is not reviewable as described above, the non-Canadian is required to notify the Canadian government and to provide certain basic information relating to the investment. A non-Canadian, whether or not a WTO investor, is also required to provide a notice to the government on the establishment of a new Canadian business. If our business is then a prescribed type of business activity related to Canada’s cultural heritage or national identity, and if the Canadian government considers it to be in the public interest to do so, then the Canadian government may give notice in writing within 21 days requiring the investment to be reviewed.

    For non-Canadians (other than WTO investors), an indirect acquisition of control, by the acquisition of voting interests of an entity that directly or indirectly controls Silver Standard, is reviewable if the book value of our assets is then $50,000,000 or more. If the WTO investor rules apply, then this requirement does not apply to a WTO investor, or to a person acquiring the entity from a WTO investor. Special rules specified in the Act would apply if the value of our assets is more than 50% of the value of the entity so acquired. By these special rules, if the non-Canadian (other than a WTO investor) were to acquire indirect control of Silver Standard, and the value of our assets and all other entities carrying on business in Canada, calculated in the manner provided in the Act and the regulations under the Act, is more than 50% of the value, calculated in the manner provided in the Act and the regulations under the Act, of the assets of all entities, the control of which is acquired, directly or indirectly, in the transaction of which the acquisition of control of Silver Standard forms a part, then the thresholds for a direct acquisition of control as discussed above will apply, that is, a threshold of $5,000,000 for a non-Canadian other than a WTO investor. If the value exceeds that level, then the transaction must be reviewed in the same manner as if the transaction were a direct acquisition of control.

    If an investment is reviewable, an application for review in the form prescribed by the regulations is required to be filed with the Director appointed under the Act (the “Director”) prior to the investment taking place and the investment may not be consummated until the review has been completed. There are, however, certain exceptions. Applications concerning reviewable investments in culture-sensitive sectors are required upon receipt of a notice for review. In addition, the Minister (a person designated as such under the Act) may permit an investment to be consummated prior to completion of the review if he is satisfied that delay would cause undue hardship to the acquirer or jeopardize the operations of the Canadian business that is being acquired. The Director will submit the application to the Minister, together with any other information or written undertakings given by the acquirer and any representation submitted to the Director by a province that is likely to be significantly affected by the investment.

    The Minister will then determine whether the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada, taking into account the information provided and having regard to certain factors of assessment where they are relevant. Some of the factors to be considered are (i) the effect of the investment on the level and nature of economic activity in Canada, including the effect on employment, on resource processing, and on the utilization of parts, components and services produced in Canada; (ii) the effect of the investment on exports from Canada; (iii) the degree and significance of participation by Canadians in the Canadian business and in any industry in Canada of which it forms a part; (iv) the effect of the investment on productivity, industrial efficiency, technological development, product innovation and product variety in Canada; (v) the effect of the investment on competition within any industry or industries in Canada; (vi) the compatibility of the investment with national industrial, economic and cultural policies taking into consideration industrial, economic and cultural objectives enunciated by the government or legislature of any province likely to be significantly affected by the investment; and (vii) the contribution of the investment to Canada’s ability to compete in world markets.

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    The Act sets certain time limits for the Director and the Minister. Within 45 days after a completed application has been received, the Minister must notify the acquirer that (a) he is satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada, or (b) he is unable to complete his review, in which case he shall have 30 additional days to complete his review (unless the acquirer agrees to a longer period), or (c) he is not satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada.

    Where the Minister has advised the acquirer that he is not satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada, the acquirer has the right to make representations and submit undertakings within 30 days of the date of the notice (or any further period that is agreed upon between the acquirer and the Minister). On the expiration of the 30 day period (or the agreed extension), the Minister must quickly notify the acquirer (i) that he is now satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada or (ii) that he is not satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada. In the latter case, the acquirer may not proceed with the investment or, if the investment has already been consummated, must divest itself of control of the Canadian business.

    The Act provides civil remedies for non-compliance with any provision. There are also criminal penalties for breach of confidentiality or providing false information.

      E. Taxation

    A brief description of certain provisions of the tax treaty between Canada and the United States is included below, together with a brief outline of certain taxes, including withholding provisions, to which United States security holders are subject under existing laws and regulations of Canada. The consequences, if any, of provincial, state and local taxes are not considered.

    The Company recommends security holders seek the advice of their own tax advisors, tax counsel or accountants with respect to the applicability or effect on their own individual circumstances of the matters referred to herein and of any provincial, state or local taxes.

    Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences

    The discussion under this heading summarizes the principal Canadian federal income tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of shares of common shares of the Company for a shareholder of the Company who is not a resident of Canada but is a resident of the United States and who will acquire and hold shares of common shares of the Company as capital property for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Canadian Tax Act”). This summary does not apply to a shareholder who carries on business in Canada through a “permanent establishment” situated in Canada or performs independent personal services in Canada through a fixed base in Canada if the shareholder’s holding in the Company is effectively connected with such permanent establishment or fixed base. This summary is based on the provisions of the Canadian Tax Act and the regulations thereunder and on an understanding of the administrative practices of the Canada Revenue Agency, and takes into account all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act or regulations made by the Minister of Finance of Canada as of the date hereof. It has been assumed that there will be no other relevant amendment of any governing law although no assurance can be given in this respect. The Company recommends shareholders seek the advice of their own Canadian and U.S. tax advisors.

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    The provisions of the Canadian Tax Act are subject to income tax treaties to which Canada is a party, including the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), as amended (the “Convention”).

    Dividends on Common Shares and Other Income

    Under the Canadian Tax Act, a non-resident of Canada is generally subject to Canadian withholding tax at the rate of 25% on dividends paid or deemed to have been paid to him or her by a corporation resident in Canada. The Convention limits the rate to 15% if the shareholder is a resident of the United States and the dividends are beneficially owned by and paid to such shareholder, and to 5% if the shareholder is also a corporation that beneficially owns at least 10% of the voting shares of the payor corporation.

    The amount of a stock dividend (for tax purposes) would generally be equal to the amount by which the paid up or stated capital of the Company had increased by reason of the payment of such dividend. The Company will furnish additional tax information to shareholders in the event of such a dividend.

    The Convention generally exempts from Canadian income tax dividends paid to a religious, scientific, literary, educational or charitable organization or to an organization constituted and operated exclusively to administer a pension, retirement or employee benefit fund or plan, if the organization is a resident of the United States and is exempt from income tax under the laws of the United States.

    Dispositions of Common Shares

    Under the Canadian Tax Act, a taxpayer’s capital gain or capital loss from a disposition of a common share of the Company is the amount, if any, by which his or her proceeds of disposition exceed (or are exceeded by, respectively) the aggregate of his or her adjusted cost base of the share and reasonable expenses of disposition. The capital gain or loss must be computed in Canadian currency using a weighted average adjusted cost base for identical properties. One-half of a capital gain (the “taxable capital gain”) is included in income, and one-half of a capital loss in a year (the “allowable capital loss”) is deductible from taxable capital gains realized in the same year. The amount by which a shareholder’s allowable capital loss exceeds the taxable capital gain in a year may be deducted from a taxable capital gain realized by the shareholder in the three previous years or any subsequent year, subject to certain restrictions in the case of a corporate shareholder and subject to adjustment when the capital gains inclusion rate in the year of disposition differs from the inclusion rate in the year the deduction is claimed.

    If a common share of the Company is disposed of to the Company other than in the open market in the manner in which shares would normally be purchased by the public, the proceeds of disposition will, in general terms, be considered as limited to the paid-up capital of the share and the balance of the price paid will be deemed to be a dividend. In the case of a shareholder that is a corporation, the amount of any capital loss otherwise determined may be reduced, in certain circumstances, by the amount of dividends previously received in respect of the shares disposed of, unless the corporation owned the shares for at least 365 days prior to sustaining the loss and (together with corporations, persons and other entities, with whom the corporation was not dealing at arm’s length) did not own more than five percent of the shares of any class of the corporation from which the dividend was received. These loss limitation rules may also apply where a corporation is a member of a partnership or a beneficiary of a trust that owned the shares disposed of.

    Under the Canadian Tax Act, a non-resident of Canada is subject to Canadian tax on taxable capital gains, and may deduct allowable capital losses, realized on a disposition of “taxable Canadian property.” Shares of common shares of the Company will constitute taxable Canadian property of a shareholder at a particular time if (i) the shareholder used the shares in carrying on business in Canada, or if at any time in the five years immediately preceding the disposition 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series in the capital stock of the Company belonged to one or more persons in a group comprising the shareholder and persons with whom the shareholder did not deal at arm’s length and (ii) the value of the shares is derived principally from real property situated in Canada, Canadian resource property or timber resource property. Non-residents disposing of taxable Canadian property must file a Canadian tax return to report the disposition.

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    The Convention relieves United States residents from liability for Canadian tax on capital gains derived on a disposition of shares unless:

    (a)

    the value of the shares is derived principally from “real property” in Canada, including the right to explore for or exploit natural resources and rights to amounts computed by reference to production;

       
    (b)

    the shareholder was resident in Canada for 120 months during any period of 20 consecutive years preceding, and at any time during the 10 years immediately preceding, the disposition and the shares were owned by him when he or she ceased to be resident in Canada; or

       
    (c)

    the shares formed part of the business property of a “permanent establishment” that the holder has or had in Canada within the 12 months preceding the disposition.

    Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

    The following is a general summary of certain material anticipated U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder, as defined below, of the ownership and disposition of Common Shares in the Company. This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code (“Treasury Regulations”), administrative pronouncements or practices, judicial decisions, and the Income Tax Convention between the U.S. and Canada (the “Tax Convention”), all as of the date hereof. Future legislative, judicial, or administrative modifications, revocations, or interpretations, which may or may not be retroactive, may result in U.S. federal income tax consequences significantly different from those discussed herein. This discussion is not binding on the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). No ruling has been or will be sought or obtained from the IRS with respect to any of the U.S. federal tax consequences discussed herein. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge any of the conclusions described herein or that a U.S. court will not sustain such a challenge.

    This discussion does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders subject to special rules, including U.S. Holders that (i) are banks, financial institutions, or insurance companies, (ii) are regulated investment companies or real estate investment trusts, (iii) are brokers, dealers, or traders in securities or currencies, (iv) are tax-exempt organizations, (v) hold Common Shares as part of hedges, straddles, constructive sales, conversion transactions, or other integrated investments, (vi) acquire Common Shares as compensation for services or through the exercise or cancellation of employee stock options or warrants, (vii) have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, (viii) own or have owned directly, indirectly, or constructively 10% or more of the voting power of the Company, or (ix) are subject to the alternative minimum tax. In addition, this discussion does not address any U.S. federal estate, gift, or other non-income tax, or any state, local, or non-U.S. tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Common Shares.

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    As used herein, “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of Common Shares that is (i) an individual that is a citizen or resident of the U.S. for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (ii) a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes) created or organized under the laws of the U.S. or any political subdivision thereof, including the States and the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust that (a) is subject to the primary jurisdiction of a court within the U.S. and for which one or more U.S. persons have authority to control all substantial decisions or (b) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

    If a pass-through entity, including a partnership or other entity taxable as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes, holds Common Shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an owner or partner generally will depend on the status of such owner or partner and on the activities of the pass-through entity. A U.S. person that is an owner or partner of a pass-through entity holding Common Shares is urged to consult its own tax advisor.

    This discussion assumes that Common Shares are held as capital assets (generally, property held for investment), within the meaning of the Code, in the hands of a U.S. Holder at all relevant times.

    A U.S. HOLDER OF COMMON SHARES IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS TO ITS PARTICULAR SITUATION AND ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S., OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION.

    Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) Considerations

    Special and generally unfavorable U.S. federal income tax rules may apply to a U.S. Holder if its holding period in its Common Shares includes any period during a taxable year of the Company in which the Company is a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”). A non-U.S. corporation is a PFIC for each taxable year in which (i) 75% or more of its gross income is passive income or (ii) 50% or more of the average value (or, in certain circumstances, the adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes) of its assets are assets that either produce or are held for the production of passive income. Special rules apply where a non-U.S. corporation owns, directly or indirectly, at least 25% by value of the shares of another corporation (the “lower-tier corporation”). For purposes of determining whether the Company is a PFIC, it will be treated as if it held its proportionate share of the assets of any lower-tier corporation and received directly its proportionate share of the income of any lower-tier corporation.

    For purposes of the PFIC rules, and subject to certain exceptions, passive income includes, in part, dividends, interest, royalties, rents, and net gains from certain transactions in commodities. Net gains from transactions in commodities will not be passive income for purposes of the PFIC rules if (i) they are active business gains or losses from the sale of commodities, and (ii) substantially all of the taxpayer’s commodities are (a) shares in trade or inventory of it, (b) property used in its trade or business, or (c) supplies regularly used or consumed by it in the ordinary course of its trade or business.

    Under these PFIC rules, the Company believes that (i) it was a PFIC for its 2009 taxable year, (ii) based on the Company’s current and anticipated operations, that it will not be a PFIC for its 2011 and subsequent taxable years. In addition, the Company believes that certain of its subsidiaries were PFICs for their 2009 and 2010 taxable years and will be PFICs for their 2011 and subsequent taxable years (“PFIC Subsidiaries”). However, with respect to any PFIC Subsidiaries, the PFIC rules generally will apply to a U.S. Holder only during years in which the Company itself is a PFIC. There can be no assurance regarding the PFIC classification of the Company or its subsidiaries for their 2011 and subsequent taxable years, because PFIC classification is fundamentally factual in nature, is determined annually, and generally cannot be determined until the close of the taxable year in question.

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    In the absence of a timely election described below, if a U.S. Holder’s holding period in its Common Shares includes any period during a taxable year of the Company in which the Company is or will be a PFIC, the rules described below in “The ‘No Election’ Alternative” generally apply to gain realized on a disposition of Common Shares and certain distributions received with respect to Common Shares. If certain requirements are met, a U.S. Holder may mitigate certain of the consequences of those rules by timely making an election to mark its Common Shares to market, described below in “The Mark-to-Market Election Alternative”, or to treat the Company and any PFIC Subsidiary each as a “qualified electing fund” (a “QEF”), described below in “The QEF Election Alternative”.

    If a U.S. Holder owns Common Shares during any year in which the Company is a PFIC, such U.S. Holder must also file IRS Form 8621.

    The QEF Election Alternative

    A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective QEF election (an “Electing U.S. Holder”) generally would not be subject to the rules discussed below in “The ‘No Election’ Alternative”. However, an Electing U.S. Holder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such Electing U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of the Company’s (a) net capital gain, which will be taxed as long-term capital gain to such Electing U.S. Holder, and (b) ordinary earnings, which will be taxed as ordinary income to such Electing U.S. Holder, in each case regardless of whether such amounts are actually distributed to such Electing U.S. Holder. However, an Electing U.S. Holder may, subject to certain limitations, elect to defer payment of current U.S. federal income tax on such amounts, subject to an interest charge. If such Electing U.S. Holder is not a corporation, any such interest paid will be treated as “personal interest,” which is not deductible.

    A QEF election applies only to the non-U.S. corporation for which it is made. If the Company were a PFIC, a U.S. Holder likely would remain subject to the excess distribution rules discussed below in “The ‘No Election’ Alternative” in respect of its indirectly owned shares in each PFIC Subsidiary regardless of a QEF election in respect of the Company, unless such U.S. Holder has made a QEF election in respect of such PFIC Subsidiary.

    An Electing U.S. Holder generally (a) may receive a tax-free distribution from the Company to the extent that such distribution represents “earnings and profits” that were previously included in income by the Electing U.S. Holder because of such QEF election and (b) will adjust such Electing U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Common Shares to reflect the amount included in income or allowed as a tax-free distribution because of such QEF election. In addition, an Electing U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares.

    The procedure for making a QEF election, and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of making a QEF election, will depend on whether such QEF election is timely. A QEF election will be treated as “timely” if such QEF election is made for the first taxable year in the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares in which the Company is a PFIC. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF election after the first taxable year in the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares in which the Company is a PFIC, then in addition to filing the QEF election documents, a U.S. Holder may elect to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules discussed below in “The ‘No Election’ Alternative”) as if the Common Shares were sold on the qualification date. The “qualification date” is the first day of the first taxable year in which the Company is a QEF with respect to such U.S. Holder. The election to recognize such gain can only be made if such U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares includes the qualification date. By electing to recognize such gain, such U.S. Holder will be deemed to have made a timely QEF election. In addition, under very limited circumstances, a U.S. Holder may make a retroactive QEF election if such U.S. Holder failed to file the QEF election documents in a timely manner. If a U.S. Holder fails to make a QEF election for the first taxable year in the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares in which the Company is a PFIC, and does not elect to recognize gain as if the Common Shares were sold on the qualification date, such holder will not be treated as having made a “timely” QEF election and will continue to be subject to the special taxation rules discussed below in “The ‘No Election’ Alternative”.

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    A QEF election will apply to the taxable year for which such QEF election is made and to all subsequent taxable years, unless such QEF election is invalidated or terminated or the IRS consents to revocation of such QEF election. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF election and, in a subsequent taxable year, the Company ceases to be a PFIC, the QEF election will remain in effect (although it will not be applicable) during those taxable years in which the Company is not a PFIC. Accordingly, if the Company becomes a PFIC in another subsequent taxable year, the QEF election will be effective and the U.S. Holder will be subject to the QEF rules described above during any such subsequent taxable year in which the Company qualifies as a PFIC.

    Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a QEF election. A U.S. Holder cannot make and maintain a valid QEF election unless the Company provides certain U.S. tax information necessary to make such an election. The Company expects to provide U.S. Holders with timely and accurate information as to its status as a PFIC and will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide to U.S. Holders holding Common Shares all information that a U.S. Holder making a QEF election with respect to the Company is required to obtain for U.S. federal income tax purposes. U.S. Holders should be aware that, with respect to any PFIC Subsidiary, there can be no assurance that the Company will satisfy record keeping requirements that apply to a QEF or that the Company will supply U.S. Holders with information that such U.S. Holders require to report under the QEF rules, in the event that the Company is a PFIC and a U.S. Holder wishes to make a QEF election with respect to such PFIC Subsidiary. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a QEF election.

    The Mark-to-Market Election Alternative

    A U.S. Holder that holds “marketable stock” in a PFIC may avoid the imposition of the additional tax and interest described below by making a mark-to-market election in the first year of its holding period in such PFIC’s shares. The Common Shares will be marketable securities if they are regularly traded on a qualifying exchange that is either (i) a national securities exchange which is registered with the SEC or the national market system established pursuant to the Exchange Act, or (ii) any exchange or other market that the U.S. Treasury Department determines is adequate. The Company believes that the TSX and Nasdaq meet this test, and accordingly, provided that the Common Shares are regularly traded on the TSX or Nasdaq, a U.S. Holder should be able to make a mark-to-market election with respect to the Common Shares if the Company is classified as a PFIC.

    If a U.S. Holder were to make a timely mark-to-market election with respect to Common Shares that it will own at the close of its taxable year, such electing U.S. Holder would include as ordinary income in that taxable year any excess of the fair market value of its Common Shares as of the close of such year over its adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares. In addition, the U.S. Holder may claim an ordinary loss deduction for the excess, if any, of its adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares over the fair market value of the Common Shares at the close of the taxable year, but only to the extent of any prior net mark-to-market gains. An electing U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its Common Shares will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss. Any gain or loss on the sale of Common Shares will be ordinary income or loss, except that any loss will be ordinary loss only to the extent of the previously included net mark-to-market gain. An election to mark-to-market applies to the year for which the election is made and to subsequent years unless the PFIC shares cease to be marketable or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election. If the Company were to cease being a PFIC, a U.S. Holder that marked its Common Shares to market would not include mark-to-market gain or loss with respect to its Common Shares for any taxable year that the Company was not a PFIC.

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    A mark-to-market election applies only to the non-U.S. corporation for which it is made. If the Company were a PFIC, a U.S. Holder would remain subject to the excess distribution rules with respect to its indirectly owned shares in any PFIC Subsidiary even if such U.S. Holder has made a mark-to-market election in respect of the Company.

    The “No Election” Alternative

    If a U.S. Holder does not make a timely mark-to-market election or a timely QEF election (a “Non-Electing U.S. Holder”) and the Company is a PFIC, then special taxation rules will apply to (i) gains realized on the disposition (or deemed to be realized by reason of a pledge) of such U.S. Holder’s Common Shares and (ii) certain “excess distributions” (generally, distributions received in the current taxable year that are in excess of 125% of the average distributions received during the three preceding years or, if shorter, such U.S. Holder’s holding period) by the Company.

    Pursuant to these rules, a Non-Electing U.S. Holder generally would be required to pro rate all gains realized on the disposition of any of its Common Shares and all excess distributions on its Common Shares over its entire holding period. All gains or excess distributions allocated to prior years of a U.S. Holder (other than any year before the first taxable year of the Company during such U.S. Holder’s holding period for which it was a PFIC) would be taxed at the highest tax rate for each such prior year applicable to ordinary income. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder also would be liable for interest on the foregoing tax liability for each such prior year calculated as if such liability had been due with respect to each such prior year but had not been paid until the taxable year within which the gains or excess distributions have occurred. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder that is not a corporation would be required to treat this interest charge as “personal interest” which would be wholly nondeductible. The balance of the gain or the excess distribution would be treated as ordinary income in the year of the disposition or distribution, and no interest charge would be incurred with respect to such balance.

    If the Company is a PFIC, a U.S. Holder would be deemed to own an interest in each of the Company’s PFIC Subsidiaries for purposes of the PFIC rules, and therefore may be subject to the excess distribution rules on (i) a distribution with respect to the indirectly owned shares by a PFIC Subsidiary to the Company, (ii) a disposition by the Company of the indirectly owned shares in a PFIC Subsidiary, and (iii) a disposition by the U.S. Holder of Common Shares that reduces or terminates the U.S. Holder’s indirect ownership of shares in a PFIC Subsidiary.

    If the Company is a PFIC for any taxable year during which a Non-Electing U.S. Holder holds Common Shares, then for purposes of applying the rules described above, the Company will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such U.S. Holder’s Common Shares throughout such U.S. Holder’s entire holding period in its Common Shares, even if it is no longer a PFIC in subsequent years. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status by electing to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules for a Non-Electing U.S. Holder) as if its Common Shares had been sold on the last day of the last taxable year for which the Company was a PFIC.

    Each U.S. Holder is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the Company’s PFIC classification, the consequences to such U.S. Holder of the Company’s PFIC classification, and the availability and the consequences of making a mark-to-market or QEF election.

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    Distributions on Common Shares

    Subject to the discussion under “Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) Considerations” above, the gross amount of any distribution paid by the Company will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax as dividend income to the extent paid out of the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Such amount will be includable in gross income by a U.S. Holder as ordinary income on the date such U.S. Holder actually or constructively receives the distribution. Dividends paid by the Company will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to corporations.

    Subject to applicable exceptions with respect to short-term and hedged positions, certain dividends received by non-corporate U.S. Holders prior to January 1, 2013from a “qualified foreign corporation” may be eligible for reduced rates of taxation (“qualified dividends”). A qualified foreign corporation includes a foreign corporation that is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the U.S. Treasury Department determines to be satisfactory for these purposes and that includes an exchange of information provision. The U.S. Treasury has determined that the Tax Convention meets these requirements, and the Company believes it is eligible for the benefits of the Tax Convention. Dividends received by U.S. investors from a foreign corporation that was a PFIC in either the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year will not constitute qualified dividends. As discussed above in “Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) Considerations,” the Company believes that it was not a PFIC for its 2010 taxable year and that it likely will not be a PFIC for its 2011 taxable year (and possibly subsequent taxable years). Accordingly, dividends paid on the Common Shares are not expected to constitute qualified dividends.

    Dividends received by a U.S. Holder with respect to Common Shares will constitute foreign source income, which may be relevant in calculating the holder’s foreign tax credit limitation. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. For this purpose, dividends paid by the Company with respect to the Common Shares will, depending on a U.S. Holder’s circumstances, be “passive category” or “general category” income.

    Subject to certain limitations, any Canadian tax withheld with respect to distributions made on the Common Shares may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. Alternatively, a U.S. Holder may, subject to applicable limitations, elect to deduct the otherwise creditable Canadian withholding taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex and their application depends on each taxpayer’s particular circumstances. Accordingly, U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.

    To the extent that a distribution exceeds the amount of the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, it will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction in the U.S. Holder’s adjusted basis in the Common Shares held by such U.S. Holder (thereby increasing the amount of gain, or decreasing the amount of loss, to be recognized by such U.S. Holder upon a subsequent disposition of the Common Shares), with any amount that exceeds the adjusted basis being taxed as a capital gain recognized on a sale or exchange (as discussed under “Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares” below). However, the Company does not intend to maintain calculations of earnings and profits in a manner necessary to enable U.S. Holders to determine the extent to which a distribution would be treated as a dividend. Each U.S. Holder should therefore assume that any distribution by the Company with respect to the Common Shares will constitute ordinary dividend income.

    - 146 -


    The gross amount of distributions paid in any foreign currency will be included by each U.S. Holder in gross income in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the day the distributions are paid, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If the foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of the payment, the U.S. Holder should not be required to recognize any foreign currency gain or loss with respect to the receipt of the foreign currency distributions. If instead the foreign currency is converted at a later date, any currency gains or losses resulting from the conversion of the foreign currency will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss.

    Additional Tax and Passive Income

    Certain U.S. holders, who are individuals, estates or trusts, will be required to pay a 3.5 percent tax on, among other things, dividends and capital gains from the sale of common shares for taxable years beginning as of December 31, 2012.

    Sale, Exchange, or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares

    Subject to the discussion above under “Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) Considerations,” a U.S. Holder generally will recognize gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Common Shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the disposition and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares. Such gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder held the Common Shares for more than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Preferential tax rates may apply to long-term capital gains or losses of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, trust or estate. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant limitations.

    If a U.S. Holder receives any foreign currency on the sale of Common Shares, such U.S. Holder may recognize ordinary income or loss as a result of currency fluctuations between the date of the sale of Common Shares and the date the sale proceeds are converted into U.S. dollars.

    U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Tax

    Under U.S. federal income tax law and regulations, certain categories of U.S. Holders must file information returns with respect to their investment in, or involvement in, a foreign corporation. Penalties for failure to file certain of these information returns are substantial. U.S. Holders of the Common Shares should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing information returns.

    Dividends and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of Common Shares that are paid in the United States or by a U.S.-related financial intermediary will be subject to U.S. information reporting rules, unless a U.S. Holder is a corporation or other exempt recipient. In addition, payments that are subject to information reporting may be subject to backup withholding (currently at a 28% rate) if a U.S. Holder does not provide its taxpayer identification number and otherwise comply with the backup withholding rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are available to be credited against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may be refunded to the extent they exceed such liability, provided the required information is provided to the IRS in a timely manner.

      F. Dividends and Paying Agents

    This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

    - 147 -



      G. Statement by Experts

    This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

      H. Documents on Display

    Any of the documents referred to above can be viewed at our registered office, which is located at Suite 1400 - 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. All of these documents are in English.

      I. Subsidiary Information

    This information is not required for reports filed in the United States.

    Item 11 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

    Our primary market risk exposures are interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. We are exposed to interest rate risk on our cash and cash equivalents.

    Our reporting currency is the United States dollar. We are exposed to foreign exchange risk associated with purchases of goods and equipment denominated in U.S. dollars, cash and cash equivalents. Gains and losses resulting from the effects of changes in the U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar exchange rate are recorded in income.

    Market Risk

    i)

    Foreign Exchange Risk

       

    We operate projects in seven different countries and therefore, foreign exchange risk exposures arise from transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Our foreign exchange risk arises primarily with respect to the Canadian dollar and Argentine peso.

       

    During the year, we recognized a foreign exchange gain of $1,239,000 (2009 - $4,993,000, 2008 - $200,000). As at December 31, our exposure to foreign exchange risk in currencies other than the U.S. dollar is stated in the table below. Based on the net exposures at December 31, 2009, a 10% depreciation or appreciation of the currencies against the U.S. dollar would result in a decrease or increase, respectively, in our net earnings by $23,313,000 as set out in more detail in the table below.


          December 31, 2010     -10% Income     +10% Income  
          Amount     (Loss)     (Loss)  
          ($'000 )   ($'000 )   ($'000 )
                         
      Cash and cash equivalents                  
               Canadian dollar   164,557     (349 )   349  
               Mexican peso   487     (22 )   21  
               Argentinean peso   9,588     (409 )   409  
               Australian dollar   151     (13 )   13  
               Peruvian soles   278     (4 )   4  
          175,061     (797 )   796  
      Convertible debenture                  
               Canadian dollar   7,180     (608 )   608  
      Value added tax recoverable                  
               Mexican peso   7     (52 )   52  

    - 148 -



               Argentinean peso   70,775     (5,405 )   5,405  
          70,782     (5,457 )   5,457  
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                  
               Canadian dollar   (5,984 )   164     (163 )
               Mexican peso   (219 )   16     (17 )
               Argentinean peso   (13,044 )   1,700     (1,700 )
               Australian dollar   (12 )   2     (2 )
               Peruvian soles   (638 )   19     (18 )
          (19,897 )   1,901     (1,900 )
          233,126     (4,961 )   4,961  

    ii)

    Interest Rate Risk

         

    Our interest rate risk mainly arises from the interest rate impact on our cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents earn interest based on market interest rates. Our long-term note receivable and long-term debt have fixed interest rates and are not exposed to interest rate risk.

         

    As at December 31, 2010, the weighted average interest rate of our cash equivalents investment was 6.89% (2008 – 0.081%). With other variables unchanged, a 1% increase (decrease) in the interest rate would increase (decrease) our net earnings by $613,000 (2008 - $643,000).

         
    iii)

    Commodity Price Risk

         

    Our profitability and long-term viability will depend, in large part, on the market price of silver, gold, tin, zinc, lead and copper. The market prices for these metals are volatile and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including:

         
  • global or regional consumption patterns;

         
  • the supply of, and demand for, these metals;

         
  • speculative activities;

         
  • the availability and costs of metal substitutes;

         
  • expectations for inflation; and

         
  • political and economic conditions, including interest rates and currency values.

    We cannot predict the effect of these factors on metal prices. A decrease in the market price of silver and other metals would affect the profitability of the Pirquitas Project and could affect our ability to finance the exploration and development of any of our other mineral properties. The market price of silver and other metals may be subject to significant fluctuations. In particular, an increase in worldwide supply, and consequent downward pressure on prices, may result over the longer term from increased silver production from mines developed or expanded as a result of current metal price levels.

    Limitations

    The above discussion includes only those exposures that exist as of December 31, 2010 and as a result, does not consider exposures or positions that could arise after that date. Our ultimate realized gain or loss with respect to interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations would depend on the exposures that arise during the period and interest and foreign exchange rates. Reference is made to note 6(d) to the consolidated financial statements for a description of financial risk management. See also Item 5.B “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for a discussion of credit risk, liquidity risk and capital risk.

    - 149 -



    Item 12 Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

    This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act, and as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.

    PART II

    Item 13 Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

    Not applicable.

    Item 14 Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

    Not applicable.

    Item 15 Controls and Procedures

    Our management, with the participation of the President and Chief Executive Officer (our principal executive officer) and Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer (our principal financial officer), has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the rules of the Canadian Securities Administrators and the SEC) as at December 31, 2010, and has concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

    The following report is provided by management in respect of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in the rules of the Canadian Securities Administrators and the SEC):

    (1)

    Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

       
    (2)

    Our management has used the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) framework to evaluate the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

       
    (3)

    As at December 31, 2010, management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and concluded that such internal control over financial reporting was effective and that there were no material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of that date.

       
    (4)

    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, who has audited our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, has also issued a report on our financial statements and internal controls under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). See Item 19.A - “Financial Statements”.

    - 150 -


    There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2010, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

    It should be noted that while our principal executive officer and principal financial officer believe that our disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting provide a reasonable level of assurance that they are effective, they do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.

    Item 16 Reserved

      A. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

    Our Board of Directors has determined that we have an audit committee financial expert, John R. Brodie, FCA. Mr. Brodie, FCA is the Chair of our Audit Committee and independent as that term is defined in the listing standards of the Nasdaq Global Market. Our Audit Committee consists of the following independent and financially literate directors; John R. Brodie, FCA, Richard D. Paterson and Peter W. Tomsett.

    For more information regarding relevant education and experience for Messrs. Brodie, Paterson and Tomsett, see Item 6.A – “Directors and Senior Management”.

    The Company’s Audit Committee Charter is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report.

      B. Code of Ethics.

    We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and other senior financial officers performing similar functions. Our Code of Business Conduct is available for viewing on our website at www.silverstandard.com.

    In 2010, no waivers from the Code were granted to members of senior management or directors of the Company.

      C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

    The following is a summary of the aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years by our principal accountant.

    Principal Accountant Fiscal year    
    Fees and Services ended Fiscal year Fiscal year
      December 31, ended December ended December
      2010(1) 31, 2009(1) 31, 2008(1)
      C$ $ $
    Audit Fees(2) 428,482 218,153 188,785
    Audit-Related Fees(3) 191,530 212,259 171,965
    Tax-Related Fees - - -
    All Other Fees - - -
    Total 620,012 430,412 360,750

    - 151 -



      (1)

    Fees that are paid in Canadian dollars and amounts in the above table have been translated at the average US/Cdn exchange rate of 1.0346 for 2010 and 1.142 for 2009, and 1.066 for 2008.

      (2)

    Audit fees were paid for professional services rendered by the auditor for the integrated audit of our annual financial statements, including its audit of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, and the financial statement audits of our subsidiaries.

      (3)

    Audit-related fees were paid for assurance and related services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings and engagements related to prospectuses and other offering documents.

    Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

    Our Audit Committee has established policies and procedures that are intended to control the services provided by our auditors and to monitor their continuing independence. Under these policies, no services may be undertaken by our auditors unless the engagement is specifically approved by our Audit Committee or the services are included within a category which has been pre-approved by our Audit Committee. The maximum charge for services is established by the Audit Committee when the specific engagement is approved or the category of services pre-approved. Management is required to notify the Audit Committee of the nature and value of pre-approved services undertaken.

    Our Audit Committee will not approve engagements relating to, or pre-approve categories of, non-audit services to be provided by our auditors (i) if such services are of a type the performance of which would cause our auditors to cease to be independent within the meaning of applicable SEC or Nasdaq rules, and (ii) without consideration, among other things, of whether our auditors are best situated to provide the required services and whether the required services are consistent with their role as auditor.

    All services provided by our principal accountant in 2010 were pre-approved by our audit committee.

      D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees.

    Not applicable.

      E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.

    Not applicable.

      F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.

    Not applicable.

      G. Corporate Governance.

    We are subject to a variety of corporate governance guidelines and requirements enacted by the TSX, the Nasdaq and by the SEC under its rules and those mandated by the U.S. Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. Today, we are in compliance with the corporate governance legal requirements in Canada and the United States. We are listed on the Nasdaq and, although we are not required to comply with all of the Nasdaq’s corporate governance requirements to which we would be subject if we were a U.S. corporation, our governance practices comply with the Nasdaq’s requirements as if we were a U.S. domestic issuer.

    PART III

    Item 17 Financial Statements

    Not applicable.

    - 152 -



    Item 18 Financial Statements

    Effective January 1, 2009, we changed our functional and reporting currency to the United States Dollar (U.S. Dollars). The change in reporting currency is to better reflect our business activities and to improve investors’ ability to compare our financial results with other publicly traded businesses in the industry. We expect to conduct most of our business transactions in U.S. Dollars.

    Our audited consolidated financial statements are stated in U.S. Dollars and are prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP, which differs in certain respects from those principles that we would have followed had our audited consolidated financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The major differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP, as they affect us, are disclosed in note 21 to the audited consolidated financial statements.

    The financial statements and notes thereto as required under Item 18 are attached to this Annual Report, are individually listed under Item 19, and are found immediately following the text of this Annual Report. The audit report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is included in this Annual Report immediately preceding the financial statements.

    Item 19 Exhibits

    All financial statements and exhibits referred to in this Item 19 are incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.

      A. Financial Statements

    Document Page
    Consolidated Financial Statements as at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 F-1
    Auditors’ Report, dated February 28, 2011 F-3
    Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 F-5
    Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 F-6
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 F-7
    Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 F-8
    Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 F-9
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 F-10

    - 153 -



      B. Exhibits

    Exhibit
    Number
    Description
    1.1

    Memorandum, Articles and Certificate of Incorporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit 1.1 to Registration Statement under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on Form 20-F, file no. 0-26424 filed on July 13, 1995.

    1.2

    Notice of Articles and Articles filed under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) incorporated by reference from Exhibit 1.2 to Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on Form 20- F, file no. 0-26424 filed on March 31, 2006.

    2.1

    Indenture, dated as of February 27, 2008, between the Company and the Bank of New York, as trustee, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on Form 20-F, file no. 0-26424 filed on March 31, 2008.

    4.1

    Underwriting Agreement dated August 12, 2009 incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to Report of Foreign Private Issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on Form 6-K, file no. 0-26424 filed on August 13, 2009.

    4.2

    Underwriting Agreement dated February 12, 2010 incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to Report of Foreign Private Issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on Form 6-K, file no. 0-26424 filed on February 12, 2010.

    4.3

    Acquisition Agreement dated October 28, 2010 between the Company and Pretium Resources Inc.

    4.4

    Underwriting Agreement dated December 9, 2010.

    8.1

    List of Significant Subsidiaries (as defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X) included under Item 4.C, Organizational Structure.

    12.1

    Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

    12.2

    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

    13.1

    Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

    - 154 -



    Exhibit
    Number
    Description
    13.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    99.1 Audit Committee Charter

    - 155 -


    SIGNATURES

    The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

        Silver Standard Resources Inc.
        (Company)
         
         
      By: /s/ John Smith
        John Smith, President and Chief Executive
        Officer and Director
         
    Date: March 31, 2011  

    - 156 -


    Silver Standard Resources Inc.

    Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

    F-1


    Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

    The preparation and presentation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements, Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) and all financial information in the Annual Report are the responsibility of management and have been approved by the Board of Directors.

    The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Financial statements, by nature, are not precise since they include certain amounts based upon estimates and judgments. When alternative methods exist, management has chosen those it deems to be the most appropriate in the circumstances. The financial information presented elsewhere in the Annual Report is consistent with that in the consolidated financial statements.

    Management, under the supervision of and the participation of the President and Chief Financial Officer, have a process in place to evaluate disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting as required by Canadian and U.S. securities regulations. We, as President and Chief Financial Officer, will certify our annual filings with the CSA and SEC as required in Canada by National Instrument 52-109 and in the United States as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

    The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting and is ultimately responsible for reviewing and approving the consolidated financial statements. The Board carries out this responsibility principally through its Audit Committee which is independent from management.

    The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors and reviews the consolidated financial statements and MD&A; considers the report of the external auditors; assesses the adequacy of our internal controls, including management’s assessment described below; examines the fees and expenses for audit services; and recommends to the Board the independent auditors for appointment by the shareholders. The independent auditors have full and free access to the Audit Committee and meet with it to discuss their audit work, our internal control over financial reporting and financial reporting matters. The Audit Committee reports its findings to the Board for consideration when approving the consolidated financial statements for issuance to the shareholders and management’s assessment of the internal control over financial reporting.

    Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

    Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.

    Management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 using criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2010.

    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our auditor, has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, as stated in their report which appears herein.

    “John Smith” “Tom S.Q. Yip”
    John Smith Tom S.Q. Yip
    President Chief Financial Officer
       
    February 28, 2011  

    F-2


    Independent Auditor’s Report

    To the Shareholders of Silver Standard Resources Inc.

    We have completed integrated audits of Silver Standard Resources Inc.’s (“ the Company”) December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 consolidated financial statements and an audit of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2010. Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

    Report on the consolidated financial statements
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Silver Standard Resources Inc., which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, and the consolidated statements of earnings (loss), comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, and the related notes including a summary of significant accounting policies.

    Management’s responsibility for the consolidated financial statements
    Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and for effective internal control over financial reporting to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

    Auditor’s responsibility
    Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. Canadian generally accepted auditing standards require that we comply with ethical requirements.

    An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence, on a test basis, about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Company’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting principles and policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

    We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

    Opinion
    In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Silver Standard Resources Inc. as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and the results of its operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

    F-3


    Report on internal control over financial reporting
    We have also audited Silver Standard Resources Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).

    Management’s responsibility for internal control over financial reporting
    The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting.

    Auditor’s responsibility
    Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

    An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances.

    We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our audit opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

    Definition of internal control over financial reporting
    A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

    Inherent limitations
    Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

    Opinion
    In our opinion, Silver Standard Resources Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2010 based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

    Signed “PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP”

    Chartered Accountants
    February 28, 2011
    Vancouver, Canada

    F-4



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    As at December 31, 2010 and 2009
    (expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

        Note   2010     2009  
          $    $   
    Assets                
    Current assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents       232,311     26,659  
    Accounts receivable       30,323     6,238  
    Marketable securities   6b   33,465     17,863  
    Inventories   5   40,176     20,565  
    Prepaid expenses and deposits       5,779     2,013  
    Asset held for sale   10b (ii)   -     1,859  
            342,054     75,197  
                     
    Restricted cash   12   2,071     1,934  
    Convertible debenture receivable   6c   7,180     6,081  
    Value added tax recoverable   8   70,782     54,095  
    Investment accounted for under the equity method   9   226,271     -  
    Mineral properties and property, plant, and equipment   10   613,659     612,618  
                     
            1,262,017     749,925  
    Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                
    Current liabilities                
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities       32,132     48,265  
    Accrued interest on convertible notes   11   2,076     2,076  
    Current portion of future income tax liability   16   3,047     -  
    Current portion of asset retirement obligations   12   955     341  
            38,210     50,682  
                     
    Asset retirement obligations   12   12,768     11,150  
    Taxes payable       3,672     3,370  
    Future income tax liability   16   57,392     36,798  
    Long-term convertible notes   11   118,203     110,739  
            230,245     212,739  
                     
                     
    Shareholders' Equity                
    Share capital   13   671,542     538,700  
    Value assigned to stock options   13   42,660     40,417  
    Value assigned to convertible notes   11   37,383     37,383  
    Contributed surplus       510     510  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)       1,515     (11,747 )
    Retained earnings (deficit)       277,666     (68,573 )
    Equity attributable to Silver Standard shareholders       1,031,276     536,690  
                     
    Non-controlling interest       496     496  
                     
    Total Shareholders' Equity       1,031,772     537,186  
                     
            1,262,017     749,925  

    Subsequent events (note 10b (i) and 20)
    Commitments (note 6d)

    Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors

    “John R. Brodie” “John Smith”
    John R. Brodie, FCA John Smith
    (Chairman of the Audit Committee) (Director)

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

    F-5



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss)
    For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)

        Note     2010     2009     2008  
            $    $    $   
                             
    Revenue         112,256     5,442     -  
                             
    Cost of sales         75,971     5,926     -  
    Depletion, depreciation and amortization         26,327     2,039     -  
    Earnings (Loss) from mine operations         9,958     (2,523 )   -  
                             
    General and administration expense         20,853     10,287     9,031  
    Stock-based compensation expense   13b     8,868     6,319     9,601  
    Property examination and exploration expense         2,400     459     340  
    Reclamation and accretion expense   12     1,669     366     318  
                    -     -  
    Loss from operations         (23,832 )   (19,954 )   (19,290 )
                             
    Other income (expenses)                        
       Investment income         1,400     1,100     3,039  
       Foreign exchange gain         1,239     4,993     200  
       Gain on sale of mineral properties and property, plant and equipment   10b     402,009     167     31,463  
       Other income (expense)   18     2,713     (2,712 )   3,109  
       Interest expense and financing fees   11     (13,916 )   (1,095 )   (6,499 )
       Share of loss of equity investee   9     (77 )   -     -  
              393,368     2,453     31,312  
                             
    Earnings (loss) before income taxes         369,536     (17,501 )   12,022  
                             
    Income tax recovery (expense):                        
    Current income taxes   16     (2,600 )   2,221     (14,575 )
    Future income taxes   16     (20,697 )   2,087     (3,393 )
                             
              (23,297 )   4,308     (17,968 )
                             
    Earnings (Loss) for the year         346,239     (13,193 )   (5,946 )
                             
    Weighted average shares outstanding (thousands)                        
       Basic         77,972     68,845     62,694  
       Diluted         78,356     68,845     62,694  
                             
    Earnings (Loss) per share   13d                    
       Basic         4.44     (0.19 )   (0.09 )
       Diluted         4.42     (0.19 )   (0.09 )

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

    F-6



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

        Note     2010     2009     2008  
            $    $    $   
                             
    Operating activities                        
    Earnings (loss) for the year         346,239     (13,193 )   (5,946 )
       Items not affecting cash                        
             Depletion, depreciation and amortization         26,609     2,268     288  
             Stock-based compensation         8,868     6,319     9,601  
             Asset retirement obligations accretion         1,503     346     335  
       Gain on sale of mineral properties and property, plant and equipment   10     (402,009 )   (167 )   (31,463 )
             Loss (gain) on sale of investments and assets         (3,114 )   1,279     (25,789 )
             Unrealized (gain) loss on held-for-trading financial instruments         102     (412 )   (114 )
             Accretion expense on convertible notes         7,464     571     1,283  
             Accrued interest on convertible debenture         (865 )   (703 )   (339 )
             Write-down of mineral properties         238     377     -  
             Write-down of investments and convertible debenture         -     4,115     22,794  
             Share of loss of equity investee         77     -     -  
             Future income tax (recovery) expense         17,650     (2,087 )   3,393  
             Increase in non-current taxes payable         -     -     3,180  
             Foreign exchange (gain) loss         2,325     (3,653 )   (9,163 )
    Increase (decrease) in non-cash working capital items   17     (16,197 )   (35,003 )   12,847  
    Cash used in operating activities         (11,110 )   (39,943 )   (19,093 )
                             
    Financing activities                        
    Shares issued for cash         130,707     155,578     2,192  
    Share issue cash costs         (6,631 )   (9,165 )   -  
    Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes         -     -     138,000  
    Financing costs related to equity portion of convertible notes financing       -     -     (1,473 )
    Cash generated by financing activities         124,076     146,413     138,719  
                             
    Investing activities                        
    Expenditures on mineral properties         (52,912 )   (25,157 )   (36,756 )
    Settlement of payables for property, plant and equipment         (50,564 )   (127,037 )   (132,919 )
    Increase in value added tax recoverable (net)         (19,344 )   (23,763 )   (24,401 )
    Proceeds from sale of marketable securities and other investments       11,015     24,133     2,780  
    Proceeds from sale of silver bullion         -     -     39,648  
    Net proceeds from sale of mineral properties         204,491     -     22,435  
    Cash generated (used in) investing activities         92,686     (151,824 )   (129,213 )
                             
    Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents         205,652     (45,354 )   (9,587 )
                             
    Cash and cash equivalents - Beginning of year         26,659     72,013     81,600  
                             
    Cash and cash equivalents - End of year         232,311     26,659     72,013  

    Supplementary cash flow information (note 17)

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

    F-7



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

        Note     2010     2009     2008  
            $    $    $   
                             
    Earnings (loss) for the year         346,239     (13,193 )   (5,946 )
    Other comprehensive income (loss)                        
          Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax   6b     14,790     7,367     (14,785 )
          Realized gain on sale of marketable securities
                recycled to net earnings (loss), net of tax
      6b     (2,645 )   (1,513 )   (1,734 )
           Foreign exchange gain on marketable securities         1,117     1,968     -  
           Translation adjustment on foreign operations         -     -     (97,587 )
    Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year         13,262     7,822     (114,106 )
    Comprehensive income (loss) for the year         359,501     (5,371 )   (120,052 )

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

    F-8




    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
    For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

        Common Shares     Values     Values           Accumulated                          
                    assigned     assigned to           other     Retained                    
        Number of           to stock     convertible     Contributed     comprehensive      earnings           Non-controlling     Total  
        shares     Amount      options      notes     Surplus     income (loss)      (deficit)     Total     interest     Equity  
        (thousands)                    
                                                                 
                                                                 
    Balance, December 31, 2007   62,569     386,597     27,706     -     510     94,537     (49,434 )   459,916     496     460,412  
                                                                 
    Issued for cash:                                                            
     Exercise of options   186     2,192     -     -     -     -     -     2,192     -     2,192  
    Stock based compensation expense   -     -     9,662     -     -     -     -     9,662     -     9,662  
    Value of options exercised   -     866     (866 )   -     -     -     -     -     -     -  
    Value assigned to convertible notes   -     -     -     37,383     -     -     -     37,383     -     37,383  
    Other comprehensive loss   -     -     -     -     -     (114,106 )   -     (114,106 )   -     (114,106 )
    Loss for the year   -     -     -     -     -     -     (5,946 )   (5,946 )   -     (5,946 )
                                                                 
    Balance, December 31, 2008   62,755     389,655     36,502     37,383     510     (19,569 )   (55,380 )   389,101     496     389,597  
                                                                 
    Issued for cash:                                                            
     Public offering   8,824     150,000     -     -     -     -     -     150,000     -     150,000  
     Share issue costs   -     (9,165 )   -     -     -     -     -     (9,165 )   -     (9,165 )
     Exercise of options   386     5,578     -     -     -     -     -     5,578     -     5,578  
    Stock based compensation expense   -     -     6,547     -     -     -     -     6,547     -     6,547  
    Value of options exercised   -     2,632     (2,632 )   -     -     -     -     -     -     -  
    Other comprehensive income   -     -     -     -     -     7,822     -     7,822     -     7,822  
    Loss for the year   -     -     -     -     -     -     (13,193 )   (13,193 )   -     (13,193 )
                                                                 
    Balance, December 31, 2009   71,965     538,700     40,417     37,383     510     (11,747 )   (68,573 )   536,690     496     537,186  
                                                                 
    Issued for cash:                                                            
     Public offering   6,729     114,389     -     -     -     -     -     114,389     -     114,389  
     Share issue costs   -     (4,821 )   -     -     -     -     -     (4,821 )   -     (4,821 )
     Exercise of options   971     16,318     -     -     -     -     -     16,318     -     16,318  
    Stock based compensation expense   -     -     9,199     -     -     -     -     9,199     -     9,199  
    Value of options exercised   -     6,956     (6,956 )   -     -     -     -     -     -     -  
    Other comprehensive income   -     -     -     -     -     13,262     -     13,262     -     13,262  
    Earnings for the year   -     -     -     -     -     -     346,239     346,239     -     346,239  
    Balance, December 31, 2010   79,665     671,542     42,660     37,383     510     1,515     277,666     1,031,276     496     1,031,772  

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

    F-9



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    1

    NATURE OF OPERATIONS

       

    We are a mining company that has assembled a portfolio of silver-dominant projects since 1994. These projects are located predominantly in the Americas. Prior to December 1, 2009, we were a development stage company. With the Pirquitas Project entering production December 2009, we are now focused on operating and producing silver from our Pirquitas Mine, and on advancing our other principal projects and project pipeline. These include the San Luis, Pitarrilla, San Agustin and Diablillos projects. In addition to our principal projects, we hold a geologically-diverse portfolio of other predominantly silver projects in various stages of exploration. Certain of our projects also contain significant gold resources.

       

    The recoverability of the amounts shown for mineral properties and related deferred costs is dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable reserves, our ability to obtain necessary financing to complete the development of those properties, our ability to dispose of them on an advantageous basis, and upon future profitable production. The amounts shown as mineral properties represent net costs to date, less amounts amortized and/or written-off, and do not necessarily represent present or future values.

       
    2

    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

       

    Generally accepted accounting principles

       

    These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“Canadian GAAP”). The significant differences between these principles and those that would be applied under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and requirements promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (collectively “U.S. GAAP”), as they affect the company, are disclosed in note 21.

       
      Basis of presentation
       

    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the most significant of which are presented in the following table:


    Subsidiary Location Ownership Project
           
    Candelaria Mining Company Delaware 100% Candelaria
    Mina Pirquitas, Inc. Delaware 100% Pirquitas
    Maverick Silver Inc. Nevada 100% Maverick Springs
    Sociedad Minera Berenguela S.A. Peru 100% Berenguela
    Reliant Ventures S.A.C. Peru 70% San Luis(1)
    Minera Silver Standard Chile S.A. Chile 100% Challacollo
    Pacific Rim Mining Corporation Argentina, S.A. Argentina 100% Diablillos
    Silver Standard Australia Pty Limited Australia 100% Bowdens
    Silver Standard Durango S.A. de C.V. Mexico 100% Pitarrilla
    Silver Standard Mexico S.A de C.V Mexico 100% San Marcial, Nazas and
          others
    Silver Standard Exploraciones S.A. de C.V. Mexico 100% Veta Colorada and others

    (1)See also note 20 “subsequent events”

    All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation.

    F-10



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    2

    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont’d)

       

    Use of estimates

       

    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes. Significant areas where management’s judgment is applied are accounts receivable, inventories, convertible debenture receivable, accrued liabilities, convertible notes, depreciation, the assessment of asset impairment, stock-based compensation, future income tax valuation reserves, ore reserve determinations and asset retirement obligations. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

       

    Reclassifications

       

    Certain reclassifications of prior year balances have been made to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications have had no impact on previously reported total current assets, total assets and working capital position, and do not affect previously reported cash flows from investing and financing activities.

       

    Foreign currency translation

       

    Effective January 1, 2009, we determined that our functional currency had changed from the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar as a result of a change in the nature of our operations. As a result of the change in our functional currency, effective January 1, 2009, our integrated foreign currency operations have been translated to U.S. dollars using the temporal method on a prospective basis. Under the temporal method, monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date; non- monetary items are translated at historic exchange rates; and income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Translation gains and losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss).

       

    Financial Instruments

       

    Our financial instruments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, restricted cash, convertible debenture receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and convertible notes.

       

    Cash and cash equivalents

       

    Cash and cash equivalents include cash, bank balances and short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Cash equivalents are composed of short-term investments held with provinces of Canada, and federally with Canada or the United States of America or their respective agencies. Cash and cash equivalents are designated as loans and receivables.

       

    Accounts receivable

       

    Accounts receivable are designated as loans and receivables and are stated at carrying values, which approximate fair values due to their short-term maturity or capacity of prompt liquidation.

    F-11



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    2

    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont’d)

       

    Marketable securities

       

    Marketable securities are reported at their fair market value based on quoted market prices. Marketable securities are designated as available-for-sale financial instruments.

       

    Restricted cash

       

    Restricted cash is designated as available-for-sale.

       

    Convertible debenture receivable

       

    Convertible debenture receivable consists of a note receivable component and a conversion feature component. The note receivable component is designated within loans and receivable and is recorded at amortized cost. The conversion feature is a derivative and is recorded at fair value based on the Black- Scholes model, with changes in fair value reflected in earnings.

       

    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

       

    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are designated as other liabilities and are stated at carrying values, which approximate fair value due to their short-term maturity.

       

    Convertible notes

       

    The fair value of the convertible notes was initially allocated between debt and equity (note 11). The debt component of the convertible notes is designated as an other liability and related transaction costs on the debt component were expensed as incurred. Interest expense related to development expenditures incurred on the Pirquitas Project was capitalized to construction in progress until the commencement of production in December 2009.

       

    Inventories

       

    Stockpiled ore and finished goods inventories are valued at the lower of cost and estimated net realizable value (“NRV”). Cost includes all direct costs incurred in production including direct labour and materials, freight, depreciation and amortization and directly attributable overhead costs. Production stripping costs are included in inventories as incurred. NRV is calculated as the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing and future metal prices less estimated future production costs to convert the inventories into saleable form and the estimated costs to sell.

       

    Any write-downs of inventory to NRV are recorded as cost of sales in the Statement of Earnings (Loss). If there is a subsequent increase in the value of inventories, the previous write-downs to NRV are reversed to the extent that the related inventory has not been sold.

       

    Stockpiled ore inventory represents ore that has been extracted from the mine and is available for further processing and includes fine ore stockpile, after crushing. Costs added to stockpiled ore inventory are valued based on current mining cost per tonne incurred up to the point of stockpiling the ore and are removed at the average cost per tonne. Stockpiled ore tonnages are verified by periodic surveys.

    F-12



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    2

    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont’d)

       

    Finished goods inventory includes concentrates at our Pirquitas mine and in transit inventory.

       

    Materials and supplies inventories are valued at the lower of average cost and NRV. Costs include acquisition, freight and other directly attributable costs.

       

    Mineral property costs and property, plant and equipment

       

    Mineral property costs

       

    We record our interests in mineral properties at cost. Where applicable, cost includes acquisition costs, exploration and development expenditures, interest expense and finance costs allocable to the cost of mine development and construction, and holding costs to maintain a property. These costs are amortized using the units-of-production method against future production or are written-off if the properties are sold, allowed to lapse or abandoned. Development costs incurred after the commencement of commercial production are capitalised to the extent they are expected to give rise to future economic benefits. General exploration is expensed in the period incurred.

       

    Option payments received are treated as a reduction of the carrying value of the related mineral property and deferred costs until the payments are in excess of costs incurred, at which time they are then credited to income. Option payments are at the discretion of the optionee, and accordingly, are accounted for on a cash basis or when receipt is reasonably assured.

       

    Our management regularly reviews the recoverability of the carrying value of each mineral property. Where information and conditions suggest impairment, estimated future cash flows are calculated using estimated future prices, proven and probable reserves, weighted probable outcomes and operating capital and reclamation costs on an undiscounted basis. If it is determined that the future cash flows are less than the carrying value, a write-down to the estimated fair value is expensed for the period. Where estimates of future net cash flows are not available and where other conditions suggest impairment, management assesses if carrying values can be recovered. If the carrying values exceed estimated recoverable values, then the costs are written-down to fair values with the write-down expensed in the year.

       

    Management’s estimates of future mineral prices, recoverable resources, initial and operating capital and reclamation costs are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may affect the recoverability of mineral property costs. Although management has made its best estimate of these factors, it is possible that changes could occur that could adversely affect management’s estimate of the net cash flows to be generated from its properties.

    F-13



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    2

    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont’d)

       

    Property, plant and equipment

       

    Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the asset, ranging from two to fourteen years, once the asset is put in service. Construction in progress is recorded at cost and transferred to building, mining equipment and machinery when the related asset becomes available for use. Depreciation for mining equipment and machinery is calculated on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the equipment, or the life of mine, when it becomes available for use. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives and the lease term plus lease renewals, if any, only when such renewals are reasonably assured. Depreciation charges on assets that are directly related to mineral properties are allocated to that mineral property.

       

    Where an item of property, plant and equipment comprises major components with different useful lives, the components are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment.

       

    We assess if an impairment loss exists when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. The amount of the loss is measured as the amount by which the long-lived asset’s carrying value exceeds its fair value.

       

    Revenue recognition

       

    Revenue is recognized upon delivery when title and risk of ownership of metal bearing concentrate passes to the buyer and when collection is reasonably assured. This occurs when title and insurance risk have passed to the customer and the goods have been delivered to a contractually agreed location.

       

    Concentrate sales are provisionally priced, such that the price is not settled until a predetermined future date, typically one month after delivery to the customer, based on the market price at that time. The contract provides for a provisional payment based upon provisional assays and quoted metal prices. Revenues are initially recorded under these contracts at the time title passes to the buyer based on the prevailing market price at the date of the provisional invoice, with final settlement generally from one to three months after delivery. As a result, the value of our concentrate receivables changes as the underlying commodity market prices vary. This component of the contract is an embedded derivative, which is recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in revenues. Adjustments to revenue for metal prices are recorded at each reporting date and other adjustments related to the final settlement of weights and assays are recorded on final settlement. Revenue from the sale of metal concentrate is recorded net of charges for treatment, refining and smelting.

       

    Revenues from the sale of material by-products are included within revenue. Where a by-product is not regarded as significant, sales proceeds may be credited against cost of sales.

       

    Stripping costs

     
    Stripping costs comprise the removal of overburden and other waste material from the mine. Stripping costs incurred during the development of a mine are capitalized and depleted on a unit-of production basis, using estimated total proven and probable reserves as the depletion base.

    F-14



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    2

    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont’d)

       

    Stripping costs incurred during the production phase are variable production costs that are included in the costs of production during the period that the stripping costs are incurred. Stripping costs resulting in a future benefit to the mineral property by providing access to additional ore reserves are capitalized and amortized over the relevant mineral reserves.

       

    Asset retirement obligations

       

    We recognize a liability for our legal obligations associated with the retirement of property, plant and equipment when the liability is incurred. A liability is recognized initially at fair value and the resulting amount is capitalized as part of the asset’s carrying value unless the asset has been previously written-off, in which case the amount is expensed. The liability is accreted over time through periodic charges to earnings. In subsequent periods, we adjust the carrying amounts of the asset and the liability for changes in estimates of the amount or timing of underlying future cash flows. The fair value of the legal obligation for asset retirement is assessed each reporting period.

       

    It is reasonably possible that our estimates of our ultimate reclamation and site restoration liability could change as a result of changes in regulations or cost estimates. The effect of changes in estimated costs is recognized on a prospective basis.

       

    Stock-based compensation

       

    Compensation expense for stock options granted to employees or non-employees is measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model and is recognized over the vesting period of the options granted. In situations where stock options are granted in exchange for services directly related to specific mineral properties, the expense is capitalized against that mineral property. The value assigned to stock options shown on the balance sheet is subsequently reduced if the options are exercised and the amount so reduced is then credited to share capital. Any values assigned to stock options that have expired are transferred to contributed surplus.

       

    Units issued under the Deferred Share Unit plan (“DSU plan”) are initially recorded at fair value and classified as accrued liabilities and subsequently remeasured at each reporting date.

    Income taxes

    The liability method of income tax allocation is used and is based on differences between the accounting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Temporary differences arising from the difference between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its carrying amount are used to calculate future income tax liabilities or assets. Future income tax liabilities or assets are calculated using the tax rates anticipated to apply in the periods that the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Future tax assets are recognized to the extent that they are considered more likely than not to be realized.

    Borrowing costs

    Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of qualifying assets are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset until the asset is substantially ready for its intended use. Other borrowing costs are recognized as an expense in the period incurred.

    F-15



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    2

    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont’d)

       

    Earnings (loss) per share

       

    Earnings (loss) per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares issued and outstanding during the year. We follow the treasury stock method in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Under this method, the weighted average number of shares includes the potential net issuances of common shares for “in-the-money” options assuming the proceeds are used to repurchase common shares at the average market price during the period, if dilutive.

       
    3

    CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES

       

    Business combinations and related sections

       

    Effective January 1, 2010, we elected to adopt Chartered Accountants Handbook (“CICA”) Handbook Sections 1582, “Business Combinations”, 1601, “Consolidated Financial Statements”, and 1602 “Non- Controlling Interests” on a prospective basis. The adoption of these standards required us to record our investment in Pretium initially at fair value, and present non-controlling interest within shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet.

       

    Financial Instruments

       

    Amendments to Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants Handbook (“CICA”) Handbook Section 3855, “Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement”, related to clarification on the recognition of prepayment options embedded in a debt instrument and on the calculation of interest on a financial asset after recognition of an impairment loss are effective January 1, 2011 on a prospective basis, with early adoption permitted. We have elected to adopt this standard on a prospective basis effective January 1, 2010. The adoption of these amendments did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

       
    4

    SILVER BULLION

       

    In March 2008, we sold our silver bullion for cash proceeds of $39,648,000, which resulted in a gain of $23,699,000 during the year ended December 31, 2008. No tax expense was recorded as we had sufficient tax pools to offset the taxable gain on the sale.

    F-16



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    5 INVENTORIES

        2010     2009  
      $    $   
                 
    Finished goods   6,919     6,141  
    Stockpiled ore   26,327     9,310  
    Materials and supplies   6,930     5,114  
        40,176     20,565  

    During the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded net inventory write-downs totalling $6,700,000 (2009 - $1,022,000; 2008 - $nil) resulting from inventory cost exceeding NRV of inventory.

    6 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

    As at December 31, 2010, the carrying and fair values of our financial instruments by category are as follows:

          2010  
          Held for     Loans &      Available      Other financial     Carrying     Fair  
          trading      receivables      for sale     liabilities     value     value  
      Financial assets $    $    $    $    $    $   
      Cash and cash equivalents   -     232,311     -     -     232,311     232,311  
      Marketable securities (note 6b)   -     -     33,465     -     33,465     33,465  
      Accounts receivable   15,409     14,914     -     -     30,323     30,323  
      Restricted cash (note 12)   -     -     2,071     -     2,071     2,071  
      Convertible debenture (note 6c) (1)   386     6,794     -     -     7,180     7,302  
          15,795     254,019     35,536     -     305,350     305,472  
      Financial liabilities                                    
      Accounts payable and and accrued liabilities   -     -     -     32,132     32,132     32,132  
      Convertible notes (note 11) (2)   -     -     -     120,279     120,279     143,506  
          -     -     -     152,411     152,411     175,638  

      (1)

    The fair value of our convertible debenture receivable is estimated using the discounted cash flow method at market rates on the balance sheet date. The fair value of the conversion feature is estimated using an option pricing model.

      (2)

    The fair value of our convertible notes is estimated using average market quoted prices provided by market makers in the over-the-countermarket on the balance sheet date.

    F-17



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    6

    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Cont’d)

         
    (a)

    Fair value hierarchy

         

    CICA Handbook Section 3862 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.


                Fair Value at December 31, 2010  
          Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
        $    $    $    $   
      Assets:                        
         Marketable securities   33,465     33,465     -     -  
         Trade receivables from provisional invoices   15,409     -     15,409     -  
         Restricted cash   2,071     2,071     -     -  
         Embedded conversion option   386     -     386     -  
          51,331     35,536     15,795     -  

    The three levels of the fair value hierarchy established by Section 3862 are as follows:

    Level 1:

    Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities.

         

    Restricted cash is valued using quoted market prices. Marketable securities, consisting of available-for–sale investments with no trading restrictions, are valued using a market approach based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in an active market obtained from securities exchanges. As a result, these financial assets have been included in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

         
    Level 2:

    Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full contractual term.

         

    Trade receivables from provisional invoices for concentrate sales are included within Level 2, as they are valued using commodity quoted market prices as a basis for the valuation.

         

    The embedded conversion option within the convertible debenture is included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as it is valued using an option pricing model. This model requires a variety of inputs, including, but not limited to, contractual terms, market prices, forward price curves, yield curves and credit spreads.

         
    Level 3:

    Inputs for the asset or liability are not based on observable market data. We include our investments in asset-backed commercial paper as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because they trade infrequently. We review these instruments periodically and estimate an impairment charge based on management’s best estimates, which are unobservable inputs. As at December 31, 2010 and 2009, the fair value was considered to be $nil.

    F-18



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    6

    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Cont’d)

         
    (b)

    Marketable Securities

         

    At December 31, 2010, we held marketable securities designated as available-for-sale with total fair value of $33,465,000 (2009 - $17,863,000; 2008 - $10,923,000) which had a total cost of $8,604,000 (2009 - $7,732,000; 2008 - $8,533,000). The mark-to-market gain (loss) for these instruments at December 31 is as follows:


      Available for sale   Mark-to-market gain (loss) in OCI  
          2010     2009     2008  
        $    $    $   
      Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities   17,142     8,712     (22,713 )
      Future tax expense (recovery) in OCI   (2,352 )   (1,345 )   3,503  
          14,790     7,367     (19,210 )
      Realized gains recycled to net loss, net of tax
         $469 (2009 - $311; 2008 - $356)
      (2,645 )   (1,513 )   (1,734 )
      Reclassification adjustment for unrealized impairment losses included
         in net loss, net of tax - $nil (2009 - $nil; 2008 - $466)
      -
      -
      4,425
          12,145     5,854     (16,519 )

      Held for trading         Mark-to-market loss in net loss  
          2010     2009     2008  
        $    $    $   
      Loss on warrants held   -     -     (27 )

     

    Our warrants designated as held-for-trading expired in February 2009. At December 31, 2008, the warrants had a fair value of $nil, resulting in a mark-to-market loss of $27,000.

         
      (c)

    Convertible debenture receivable

         
     

    In July 2008, we received a C$10 million convertible debenture from Aurcana Corporation (“Aurcana”) as part of the consideration we received for the sale of the Shafter Silver Project. In July 2009, Aurcana negotiated a revision to the coupon rate on the debenture from 3% per year to 1.5% in the first year and 4% per year thereafter. We received our first coupon payment of $134,000 on July 15, 2009. As a result of this restructuring, we recorded a write-down of $2,002,000 during the year ended December 31, 2009, including $118,000 of accrued interest and $1,884,000 on our convertible debenture receivable.

         
     

    At December 31, 2010, the carrying value of the debenture was $7,180,000 (2009 - $6,081,000). Of this amount, $6,794,000 (2009 - $5,606,000) represents the carrying value of the note receivable component estimated using a discounted cash flow model method and $386,000 (2009 - $475,000) represents the fair value of the conversion feature.

         
     

    For the year ended December 31, 2010, interest and accretion income of $1,253,000 (2009 - $999,000; 2008 - $493,000) was recorded in earnings in relation to the note receivable component and an unrealized loss of $102,000 (2009 - unrealized gain of $412,000; 2008 – unrealized loss of $1,389,000) was recorded in relation to adjusting the fair value of the conversion feature (note 18).

    F-19



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    6

    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Cont’d)

         
    (d)

    Financial Risk Management

         

    Our activities expose us to a variety of financial risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk. From time to time, we may use foreign exchange contracts, commodity price contracts and interest rate swaps to manage exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange, metal prices and interest rates. We do not have a practice of trading derivatives. In the past, our use of derivatives was limited to specific programs to manage fluctuations in foreign exchange risk, which are subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors.

         

    Credit Risk

         

    Credit risk arises from the non-performance by counterparties of contractual financial obligations. Our credit risk arises primarily with respect to our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, convertible debenture receivable and value added tax recoverable. We have established internal policies to mitigate our exposure to credit risk, including limiting the concentration of credit risk, ensuring a minimum credit worthiness of customers and monitoring liquidity of available funds.

         

    We manage our credit risk on cash and cash equivalents by investing only in government obligations and the credit risk associated with these investments is considered to be low. At December 31, 2010, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk outside of government bonds and no amounts were held as collateral.

         

    During 2010, we sold all of our concentrate production to one customer. Our customer is a large international organization and our credit risk associated with trade receivables is considered to be low. We have not experienced any bad debts with this customer.

         

    During the year ended December 31, 2009, we renegotiated the terms associated with our convertible debenture receivable (note 6(c)).

         

    Argentinean law states that valued added tax (“VAT”) paid is recoverable once the company reaches the production stage. We commenced production at our Pirquitas property on December 1, 2009 and as a result, we have begun the process of applying to the Argentinean government to recover our VAT.

         

    During the year ended December 31, 2010 we incurred $8,740,000 in export duties from the sale of silver concentrate for which repayment is being claimed. Owing to uncertainty over the recoverability of these duties the amount has been accrued in full and no receivable recognised, if these duties are recovered in the future we will recognize a gain in the statement of earnings for the amount recovered.

    F-20



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    6 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Cont’d)

    Our maximum exposure to credit risk at December 31, 2010 is as follows:

          2010     2009  
        $    $   
      Cash and cash equivalents   232,311     26,659  
      Accounts receivable   30,323     6,238  
      Convertible debenture receivable   6,794     5,606  
      Value added tax recoverable   70,782     54,095  
          340,210     92,598  

    Liquidity Risk

    Liquidity risk is the risk that we will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities. We have in place a planning and budgeting process to assist in determining the funds required to support our normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis as well as our expansion plans. We manage liquidity risk by ensuring sufficient resources are available to meet short-term business requirements, taking into account our anticipated cash flows from operations and our cash and cash equivalent balances.

    We ensure that there is sufficient capital to meet our long-term obligations by continuously monitoring and reviewing actual and forecasted cash flows, and match the maturity profile of financial assets to development, capital and operating needs. If necessary, we may raise funds through the issuance of debt, equity, or monetization of non-core assets. We believe our sources will be sufficient to cover our short-term and long-term cash requirements.

    We enter into contracts that give rise to commitments for future minimum payments in the normal course of business. The following table summarizes the remaining undiscounted contractual maturities of our financial liabilities and operating and capital commitments at December 31, 2010:

          Less than     1 to 3     4 to 5     Over 5        
          1 year     years     years     years     Total  
                 
                                     
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   32,132     -     -     -     32,132  
      Asset retirement obligations   952     2,595     1,674     21,421     26,642  
      Long-term convertible note repayments i)   -     138,000     -     -     138,000  
      Interest on convertible notes i)   6,210     15,525     -     -     21,735  
      Capital expenditure commitments ii)   874     210     -     -     1,084  
      Operating expenditure commitments   8,332     8,854     -     -     17,186  
      Minimum rental and lease payments   520     678     -     -     1,198  
          49,020     165,862     1,674     21,421     237,977  

      i)

    Convertible notes are due in 2028 but are expected to be repaid in 2013. The notes bear an interest rate of 4.5% per annum and are convertible into common shares at a fixed conversion rate upon specified events.

      ii)

    Subsequent to year end we have entered into a capital expenditure commitment for $11.4 million which is expected to be paid during 2011.

    F-21



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    6 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Cont’d)

    Market Risk

      i) Foreign Exchange Risk

    We operate projects in seven different countries and therefore, foreign exchange risk exposures arise from transactions denominated in currencies other than our functional currency. Our foreign exchange risk arises primarily with respect to the Canadian dollar and Argentine peso.

    As at December 31, our exposure to foreign exchange risk in currencies other than the U.S. dollar is as follows:

          December 31, 2010  
          Cash and cash                 Accounts  
          equivalents and     Convertible     Value added     payable and  
          restricted cash     debenture     tax recoverable     accrued liabilities  
        $    $    $    $   
      Argentinean peso   9,588     -     70,775     (13,044 )
      Australian dollar   151     -     -     (12 )
      Canadian dollar   164,557     7,180     -     (5,984 )
      Mexican peso   487     -     7     (219 )
      Peruvian soles   278     -     -     (638 )
          175,061     7,180     70,782     (19,897 )

    During the year, we recognized a foreign exchange gain of $1,239,000 (2009 – $4,993,000; 2008 –$200,000). Based on the above net exposures at December 31, 2010, a 10% depreciation or appreciation in all of the above currencies against the U.S. dollar would result in a decrease or increase, respectively, in our net earnings by $23,313,000.

      ii) Interest Rate Risk

    Our interest rate risk mainly arises from the interest rate impact on our cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents earn interest based on market interest rates. Our convertible debenture receivable and long-term notes have fixed interest rates and are not exposed to interest rate risk.

    As at December 31, 2010, the weighted average interest rate of our cash equivalents investment was 0.89% (2009 - 0.08%) . With other variables unchanged, a 1% increase (decrease) in the interest rate would increase (decrease) our net earnings by $613,000 (2009 - $643,000).

    F-22



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    6 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Cont’d)

      iii) Commodity Price Risk

    Our profitability and long-term viability will depend, in large part, on the market price of silver, gold, tin, and zinc. The market prices for these metals are volatile and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including:

     

             •

    global or regional consumption patterns;

     

             •

    the supply of, and demand for, these metals;

     

             •

    speculative activities;

     

             •

    the availability and costs of metal substitutes;

     

             •

    expectations for inflation; and

     

             •

    political and economic conditions, including interest rates and currency values.

     

    We cannot predict the effect of these factors on metal prices. A decrease in the market price of silver and other metals would affect the profitability of the Pirquitas Project and could affect our ability to finance the exploration and development of any of our other mineral properties. The market price of silver and other metals may be subject to significant fluctuations. In particular, an increase in worldwide supply, and consequent downward pressure on prices, may result over the longer term from increased silver production from mines developed or expanded as a result of current metal price levels.


    7 OTHER INVESTMENTS

    As at December 31, 2008, we had a total of $46,629,000 (C$57,102,000) invested in Canadian asset-backed commercial paper (“ABCP”). At the dates at which we acquired the investments, the non-bank sponsored ABCP was rated R-1 high by DBRS Limited, the highest credit rating for commercial paper. In August 2007, the ABCP market experienced liquidity problems and was subsequently frozen.

    At December 31, 2008 we estimated the fair values of our ABCP investments using a valuation technique which incorporated a probability weighted approach applied to discounted future cash flows, which resulted in a write-down to fair value of $21,803,000. We recorded an impairment of $17,903,000 in 2008.

    On January 28, 2009, we received restructured notes with a face value of C$57,142,000. At the time of receipt of the restructured notes, we also received a retroactive interest payment on our original notes covering the period from August 2007 to August 2008 of $1,630,000. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we received additional retroactive interest payments totalling $624,000 covering the period from September 2008 to January 2009 and $393,000 in interest payments on the restructured notes.

    In November 2009, we sold our Class A-1 and A-2 ABCP notes for net proceeds of $20,107,000 (C$21,215,000) resulting in a loss on sale of $3,103,000. The carrying value of our remaining ABCP investment of $2,113,000 was written off during that year.

    F-23



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    8

    VALUE ADDED TAX RECOVERABLE

       

    We have recorded the value added tax (“VAT”) paid in Argentina and related to the Pirquitas property as a recoverable asset. Argentinean law states that VAT paid is recoverable once the company reaches the production stage. We commenced production at our Pirquitas property on December 1, 2009 and as a result, we have applied to the Argentinean government to begin to recover the VAT. The amount recoverable at December 31, 2010 is estimated to be $71,442,000 (2009 - $54,095,000) of which $667,000 is expected to be recovered within one year (2009 - $nil).

       

    In countries where we have paid VAT and where there is uncertainty of the recoverability, the VAT payments have either been deferred within mineral property costs or expensed if it relates to mineral exploration. If we ultimately recover amounts that have been deferred, the amount received will be applied to reduce mineral property costs.

       
    9

    INVESTMENT ACCOUNTED FOR UNDER THE EQUITY METHOD


      Pretium Resources Inc.      
             
          December 31, 2010  
        $   
         Common shares   187,202  
         Promissory note   39,069  
          226,271  

    On December 21, 2010 we completed the sale of our Snowfield and Brucejack projects to Pretium Resources Inc. (“Pretium”), in exchange for cash and common shares of Pretium, which represented a 41.27% ownership interest in Pretium as at December 31, 2010 (note 10b (i)). The Company’s interest in Pretium has been accounted for using the equity method.

    As part of the sale proceeds we also received a promissory note. As at December 31, 2010 this promissory note has been included in the carrying value of the investment in Pretium as this most accurately reflects the substance of the instrument. The note is convertible into common shares of Pretium to the extent unpaid 40 days after closing and bears no interest (note 10b (i)).

    These exploration stage properties have no current operations. The carrying amount represents the fair value of our investment in Pretium at initial recognition, adjusted for subsequent earnings or losses of Pretium from the date of ownership.

    Share of loss of equity investee for the period from December 21, 2010 to December 31, 2010 was $4,669,000; of which $4,592,000 represents our share of stock based compensation charged by Pretium following the conversion of a preferred share with a carrying value of $1,500,000 into 2.5% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Pretium on a fully diluted basis at the date of the transaction. This expense was contingent upon the closing of the acquisition and has therefore been included as a transaction cost and reduces the gain on disposal of mineral properties in the consolidated statement of earnings (loss). The balance of $77,000 is presented as share of loss of equity investee.

    F-24



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    10 MINERAL PROPERTIES AND PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

                December 31, 2010           December 31, 2009  
                Accum. Net Book           Accum. Net Book  
          Cost     Amort.     Value     Cost     Amort.     Value  
        $    $    $    $    $    $   
                                           
      Mineral properties                                    
         Depletable producing properties   179,774     (8,212 )   171,562     180,636     (618 )   180,018  
         Non-depletable exploration properties   205,557     -     205,557     191,047     -     191,047  
          385,331     (8,212 )   377,119     371,683     (618 )   371,065  
      Construction in progress                                    
         Pirquitas, Argentina   8,695     -     8,695     8,015     -     8,015  
                                           
      Property, plant and equipment                                    
         Building, mining equipment and machinery   259,890     (33,427 )   226,463     247,214     (15,431 )   231,783  
         Other   3,405     (2,023 )   1,382     3,268     (1,513 )   1,755  
          263,295     (35,450 )   227,845     250,482     (16,944 )   233,538  
                                           
          657,321     (43,662 )   613,659     630,180     (17,562 )   612,618  

    The allocation of depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was as follows:

          2010     2009     2008  
        $    $    $   
      Consolidated Balance Sheets                  
             Inventory   18,100     1,515     -  
             Mineral properties   124     13,224     735  
          18,224     14,739     735  
                         
      Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss)                  
             General and administration   282     229     288  
                         
      Total property, plant and equipment depreciation   18,506     14,968     1,023  

    In addition, during the year we recorded $7,594,000 (2009 - $618,000; 2008 - $nil) of depletion on producing properties which was allocated to inventory.

    F-25



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    10 MINERAL PROPERTIES AND PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Cont’d)

    At December 31, mineral property costs are as follows:

          December 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
          Acquisition     Exploration     Future tax     Total     Total  
          costs     costs     effects              
      Exploration projects $    $    $    $    $   
                                     
      Diablillos, Argentina   4,516     14,250     -     18,766     16,532  
      Bowdens, Australia   8,902     7,726     3,999     20,627     19,840  
      Snowfield, Canada b(i)   -     -     -     -     18,062  
      BruceJack, Canada b(i)   -     -     -     -     2,979  
      Sunrise, Canada   1,008     66     -     1,074     1,072  
      Challacollo, Chile   2,659     5,101     -     7,760     7,049  
      Pitarrilla, Mexico   17,745     60,090     5,125     82,960     62,739  
      San Marcial, Mexico   633     464     124     1,221     1,608  
      Veta Colorada, Mexico   3,688     1,155     285     5,128     4,690  
      Nazas, Mexico   504     919     -     1,423     -  
      San Agustin, Mexico   10     1,644     129     1,783     597  
      Berenguela, Peru   10,618     5,862     6,939     23,419     21,109  
      San Luis, Peru a   559     26,121     2,160     28,840     22,090  
      Candelaria, United States   2,434     3,588     348     6,370     6,061  
      Maverick Springs, United States   565     2,063     41     2,669     2,581  
      Other exploration projects   1,012     2,505     -     3,517     4,038  
                                     
          54,853     131,554     19,150     205,557     191,047  
                                     
      Exploration project held for sale                              
                                     
      Silvertip, Canada b(ii)   -     -     -     -     1,859  

      a)

    The non-controlling interest results from the consolidation of the Reliant Ventures S.A.C in 2007 for the San Luis property in Peru, after we took control of the project.

         
      b)

    Disposition of mineral properties


      i)

    On December 21, 2010 we completed the sale of our 100% interest in the Snowfield and Brucejack properties located in British Columbia, Canada, to Pretium. Pretium became a publically traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) following the closing of its initial public offering (“IPO”) on December 21, 2010. Under the terms of the transaction, we received a total of 32,537,833 common shares of Pretium, representing 41.27% of its issued and outstanding common shares with a fair value of $191,869,000 (C$195,227,000) based on the IPO price of C$6.00 per share. We also received cash proceeds of $211,322,000 (C$215,020,000) before underwriters’ fees of $12,427,000 (C$12,645,000) and a non-interest bearing promissory note in the principal amount of $39,069,000 (C$39,753,000) which was to be automatically converted into common shares of Pretium at C$6.00 per share 40 days after closing to the extent not repaid by Pretium. Total consideration was $442,260,000 (C$450,000,000).

    F-26



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    10 MINERAL PROPERTIES AND PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Cont’d)

     

    On January 6, 2011 the underwriters exercised in part the over-allotment option to them in connection with the IPO. Pursuant to the terms of the promissory note, we received $16,673,000 (C$16,965,000), after underwriters’ fees, from partial repayment of it. On January 31, 2011 the balance of the promissory note was automatically converted into 3,625,500 common shares of Pretium in accordance with its terms. Following this conversion our ownership interest in Pretium was 42.31%.

         
     

    In the year ended December 31, 2010 we recognised a gain on disposal of the mineral properties from this transaction of $388,761,000 net of selling costs of $5,922,000 (after tax gain $360,612,000). We are entitled to appoint two of Pretium’s five board members and have the right to maintain our ownership interest. Our interest in Pretium has been accounted for using the equity method (note 9).

         
      ii)

    In February 2010 we completed the sale of our 100% interest in the Silvertip property located in British Columbia, Canada to Silvercorp Metals Inc. (“Silvercorp”). Under the terms of the agreement, Silvercorp paid total consideration of $14,957,000, comprising cash of $7,125,000 and 1,200,000 common shares of Silvercorp with a fair value of $7,832,000, for an after tax gain of $13,073,000. This asset was classified as held for sale at December 31, 2009.

         
      iii)

    In June 2009, we sold our remaining 25% interest in the San Juan property located in Durango State, Mexico to Orko Silver Corp. (“Orko”). Under the terms of the agreement, Orko paid us total consideration of $202,000, consisting of 306,000 shares of Orko. The sale resulted in a gain of $167,000.


      c)

    Write-down of mineral properties

         
     

    During the year ended December 31, 2009, we allowed our mineral rights for the La Bandera project ($58,000) in Mexico and Veca project ($319,000) in Peru to lapse. As a result, a $377,000 write-down of mineral property was recorded to loss for the year (note 18).


    11

    LONG-TERM CONVERTIBLE NOTES

       

    In February 2008, we sold $138,000,000 in senior unsecured convertible notes (“Notes”) for net proceeds of $132,753,000 after payment of commissions and expenses related to the offering. The unsecured Notes mature on March 1, 2028 and bear an interest rate of 4.5% per annum, payable semi-annually. A portion of the Notes will be convertible into our common shares at a fixed conversion rate, subject to certain anti- dilution adjustments, only in the following events:


      a.

    during specified consecutive trading periods, if the market price of our common shares exceeds 130% of the conversion price of the Notes,

      b.

    the trading price of the Notes falls to 97% or less of the amount equal to the then prevailing price of our common shares, multiplied by the applicable conversion rate,

      c.

    the Notes are called for redemption,

      d.

    upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions, or

      e.

    during specified periods in early 2013 and 2028.

    F-27



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    11

    LONG-TERM CONVERTIBLE NOTES (Cont’d)

       

    On conversion, holders of the Notes will receive cash and, if applicable, common shares (or, at our election, in lieu of such common shares, cash or any combination of cash and common shares). In addition, if certain fundamental changes occur to us, holders of the Notes may be entitled to an increased conversion rate. The principal amount will be repaid in cash and any excess value will be settled at the Company’s election in either cash or shares or a combination of the two. Any portion of the Notes not settled in cash will be convertible into the Company’s common shares at an initial conversion rate of 23.0792 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes converted, representing an initial conversion price of approximately $43.33 per common share.

       

    Holders of the Notes will have the right to require us to repurchase all or part of their Notes on March 1 of each of 2013, 2018 and 2023, and upon certain fundamental corporate changes. The repurchase price will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes being converted, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date. Subject to specified conditions, we shall pay the purchase price in cash. On and after March 5, 2013, we may redeem all or part of the Notes for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. All principal and interest payments are denominated in U.S. Dollars. The face value of the Notes was allocated between debt and equity components at initial recognition for accounting purposes. The fair value of the debt portion of $99,144,000 was estimated using a discounted cash flow model method. The fair value of the equity component of $38,856,000 was estimated using the residual value method. The debt component of the Notes is accreted over an expected life of 5 years using the effective interest method. Total financing fees associated with the transaction were $5,246,000, of which $3,773,000 was charged to loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 and $1,473,000 was charged to equity.

       

    At December 31, 2010, the carrying value of accrued interest related to the Notes was $2,076,000 (2009 - $2,076,000) and the long-term portion was $118,203,000 (2009 - $110,739,000).

       

    During 2010, accretion expense and interest expense related to the convertible notes was $7,464,000 (2009 - $6,693,000) and $6,210,000 (2009 - $6,210,000) respectively. In aggregate, interest and accretion expense of $nil (2009 – $11,808,000) was capitalized to construction in progress and $13,674,000 (2009 - $1,095,000) was recognized as expense.

       
    12

    ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

       

    Our asset retirement obligations relate to legal obligations associated with site restoration and clean-up costs of our various mineral properties. The properties that comprise the majority of the obligations are the Duthie and Silver Standard Mine properties located in British Columbia, Canada, Pitarrilla and Veta Colorada properties located in Mexico, San Luis in Peru and the Pirquitas property located in Argentina.

       

    During the year ended December 31, 2010, we expensed $1,669,000 (2009 - $366,000; 2008 - $318,000) in on-going, non-legally required environmental and reclamation costs, accretion of asset retirement obligations and changes in the provision for asset retirement obligations.

    F-28



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    12

    ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Cont’d)

       

    A reconciliation of the provision for asset retirement obligations at December 31 is as follows:


          2010     2009  
        $    $   
                   
      Balance, beginning of year   11,491     3,463  
                   
      Liabilities settled during the year   (223 )   (23 )
      Accretion expense   1,646     300  
      Foreign exchange (loss) gain   (84 )   426  
      Revisions and new estimated cash flows   893     7,325  
                   
      Balance, end of year   13,723     11,491  
                   
      Balance sheet presentation            
             Current portion   955     341  
             Long-term portion   12,768     11,150  
                   
      Balance, end of year   13,723     11,491  

    The provision for asset retirement obligations is based on the following key assumptions:

     

    Present value of total asset retirement obligations is $13,723,000 (2009 - $11,491,000), reflecting expenditures over approximately the next 13 years

      Total undiscounted value of these payments is $26,642,000 (2009 - $24,366,000)
     

    Present value was determined using a credit adjusted risk-free rate of 9% - 12%

      At December 31, 2010, we have lodged $2,071,000 (2009 - $1,934,000) in security deposits with various government agencies in relation to our reclamation obligations. Of the amount lodged, $328,000 (2009 -$191,000) is in the form of cash deposits and $1,743,000 (2009 - $1,743,000) as security for a reclamation bond for the Candelaria property.
    13 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      (a)

    Capital Stock

         
     

    At December 31, 2010, we had unlimited authorized common shares and 79,665,041 common shares issued and outstanding (2009 – 71,964,708). During the year, we closed public share offerings of 6,728,755 common shares at a price of $17.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $114,389,000. After deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses net of tax credits of $4,821,000, net proceeds were $109,568,000.

         
     

    During the year ended December 31, 2009, we closed public share offerings of 8,823,529 common shares at a price of $17.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $150,000,000. After deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses of $9,165,000, net proceeds were $140,835,000.

    F-29



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    13 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Cont’d)

      (b)

    Stock Options

         
     

    We have a stock option plan for our employees, officers and self-employed consultants. The plan provides for the issuance of incentive options to acquire up to a total of 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the company. The exercise price of each option shall not be less than the closing market price of the company’s stock on the award date. The options can be granted for a maximum term of 10 years with vesting provisions determined by the company. Currently, the vesting periods range up to three years. New shares from treasury are issued on the exercise of stock options.

         
     

    The changes in stock options issued are as follows:


                2010           2009           2008  
          Number      Weighted      Number     Weighted     Number     Weighted  
          of options     average     of options     average     of shares     average  
                exercise           exercise           exercise  
                price           price           price  
                (C$/option)           (C$/option)           (C$/option)  
                                           
      Outstanding, beginning of year   5,271,118     26.40     5,016,250     26.37     4,419,350     27.77  
           Granted   605,000     17.82     889,500     24.18     810,000     15.47  
           Exercised   (971,578 )   17.00     (385,632 )   15.63     (186,100 )   12.46  
           Forfeited   (200,670 )   27.72     (249,000 )   34.65     (27,000 )   24.31  
      Outstanding, end of year   4,703,870     27.18     5,271,118     26.40     5,016,250     26.37  
      Exercisable, end of year   3,324,175     30.31     3,881,933     28.41     2,962,250     29.03  

    As of December 31, 2010, incentive stock options represent 5.9% (2009 – 7.3%) of issued and outstanding common capital. The aggregate intrinsic values of vested share options (the market value less the exercise value) at December 31, 2010 and 2009 were $20,242,000 (C$20,104,000) and $11,859,000 (C$12,412,000), respectively.

    The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2010:

        Options outstanding     Options exercisable  
              Weighted     Weighted average           Weighted  
              average     remaining           average  
    Exercise prices   Options     exercise price       contractual life     Options     exercise price    
    (C$)   outstanding     (C$/option)     (years)     exercisable     (C$/option)  
                                   
    11.50 – 17.38   997,403     14.65     8.8     270,393     11.50  
    18.99 – 24.61   1,436,967     22.95     6.4     804,282     22.31  
    26.55 – 32.08   290,000     28.78     2.5     270,000     28.95  
    34.71 – 40.62   1,979,500     36.32     1.3     1,979,500     36.32  
        4,703,870     27.18     4.4     3,324,175     30.31  

    F-30



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    13 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Cont’d)

    During the year ended December 31, 2010, 605,000 (2009 - 889,500) options were granted to employees and consultants at a weighted average strike price of C$17.82 (2009 - C$24.18) . The average fair value of the options granted in 2010 and 2009 were $9.40 (C$9.35) and $12.04 (C$12.60), respectively, based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We amortize the fair value of stock options on a graded basis over the respective vesting period of the stock options. At December 31, 2010, the non-vested stock option expense not yet recognized was $8,939,000 (2009 - $12,374,000) and this expense is expected to be recognized over the next 3 years.

    The allocation of fair value of options was as follow:

          2010     2009     2008  
        $    $    $   
      Consolidated Balance Sheets                  
             Mineral property costs   331     228     61  
      Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss)                  
             Stock based compensation   8,868     6,319     9,601  
                         
      Total stock based compensation   9,199     6,547     9,662  

    The fair value of stock options for all options issued was estimated at the grant date based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, using the following weighted average assumptions:

          2010     2009     2008  
                         
      Expected dividend yield (%)   Nil     Nil     Nil  
      Average risk-free interest rate (%)   2.9     2.7     3.1  
      Expected life (years)   6.5     6.1     5.8  
      Expected volatility (%)   53     57     56  

    Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions. The expected life of the options considered such factors as the average length of time similar option grants in the past have remained outstanding prior to exercise and the vesting period of the grants. Volatility was estimated based upon historical price observations over the expected term. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the estimated fair value of the options.

      (c)

    Deferred Share Units

         
     

    The Company has a Deferred Share Unit (“DSUs”) plan for non-executive Directors. DSUs are issued at the market value of our common shares at the date of grant. In addition, directors may elect to receive a portion of their annual compensation in the form of DSUs which are issued at the market value of our common shares on a quarterly basis. The DSUs vest immediately and are redeemable in cash on the date the director ceases to be a director of the Company. For the year ended December 31, 2010, a total of 39,398 (2009 – 38,000) DSUs were granted with a grant date fair value of $772,000 (2009 - $681,000). During the year ended December 31, 2010, 8,741 (2009 - 1,000) DSUs, with a weighted average fair value of $18.18 were exercised after the resignation of one of our directors.

    F-31



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    13 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Cont’d)

    As a result of the increase in our share price during the year, a fair value increase of $518,000 (2009 –$140,000) was recorded to general and administration expense. As at December 31, 2010, 90,361 (2009 – 59,704,) DSUs were outstanding with a fair value of $2,560,000 (2009 – $1,312,000) recorded in accrued liabilities.

      (d)

    Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

         
     

    The following table reconciles our basic and diluted earnings per share:


      (expressed in thousands of US$, except per share amounts)   2010     2009     2008  
                         
      Basic earnings (losses)   346,239     (13,193 )   (5,946 )
      Diluted earnings (losses)   346,239     (13,193 )   (5,946 )
                         
      Weighted average shares outstanding (000s)   77,972     68,845     62,694  
      Effect of dilutive securities                  
         Incremental shares from share options   384     -     -  
      Weighted average diluted shares outstanding   78,356     68,845     62,694  
                         
      Basic earnings (loss) per share   4.44     (0.19 )   (0.09 )
      Diluted earnings (loss) per share   4.42     (0.19 )   (0.09 )

    The shares issuable pursuant to the terms of the convertible debenture have not been included in the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share as the impact would be anti-dilutive.

    For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 the effect of potential issuances of shares under options and warrants would have been anti-dilutive as a loss was reported and therefore basic and diluted loss per share were the same.

    14

    RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

       

    During the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded administrative, technical services and expense reimbursements of $31,000 (2009 - $453,000; 2008 - $1,276,000) from companies related by common directors or officers including our equity accounted investee. At December 31, 2010, accounts receivable include $22,000 (2009 - $35,000) from these related parties. Any amounts due from related parties are non- interest bearing and without specific terms of repayment. Any transactions for expense reimbursement with related parties are at normal business terms.

    F-32



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    15

    CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT

         

    Our objectives when managing capital are:

         
  • to safeguard our ability to continue as a going concern in order to pursue the development of our mineral properties

  • to provide an adequate return to shareholders

  • to maintain a flexible capital structure which optimizes the cost of capital

  • to meet our long term debt obligations

         

    In order to facilitate the management of our capital requirements, we prepare annual expenditure budgets and continuously monitor and review actual and forecasted cash flow. The annual and updated budgets are approved and monitored by the Board of Directors.

         

    To maintain the capital structure, we may, from time to time, attempt to issue new shares, issue new debt or dispose of non-core assets. We expect our current capital resources will be sufficient to carry out our strategic plans and support operations through the current operating period.

         
    16

    INCOME TAXES

         

    The income taxes shown on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) differ from the amounts obtained by applying statutory rates due to the following:


          2010     2009     2008  
      Statutory tax rate   28.50%     30.00%     31.00%  
        $    $    $   
      Earnings (loss) for the year before income taxes   369,536     (17,501 )   12,022  
                         
      Provision for income taxes based on statutory rates   105,318     (5,250 )   3,727  
      Differences in foreign tax rates   (2,893 )   (88 )   2,432  
      Foreign exchange   (2,157 )   868     (1,033 )
      Capital gain on disposal of mineral properties   (60,324 )   -     -  
      Tax benefits not recognized (recognized) and other   (16,647 )   162     12,842  
          23,297     (4,308 )   17,968  

    F-33



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    16

    INCOME TAXES (Cont’d)

         
    ii)

    Future income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of our future tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows:


          2010     2009  
        $    $   
      Future tax assets            
                   
      Property, plant and equipment and resource properties   -     95  
                   
      Capital and non-capital loss carry-forwards   3,119     16,492  
      Foreign resource pools   618     586  
      Share issuance costs   3,734     3,353  
      Other investments   10,849     10,602  
      Total future tax assets   18,320     31,128  
                   
      Future tax liabilities            
      Resource properties   (40,710 )   (44,534 )
      Marketable securities   (32,083 )   (1,263 )
      Total future tax liabilities   (72,793 )   (45,797 )
                   
      Valuation allowance for future tax assets   (5,966 )   (22,129 )
      Future income tax liability   (60,439 )   (36,798 )
                   
      Current   3,047     -  
      Non-current   57,392     36,798  
      Total   60,439     36,798  

    Future tax assets have been recognized to the extent the future taxable amounts related to taxable temporary differences for which a future tax liability is recognized can be offset. We believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowance at December 31, 2010.

    At December 31, the company has the following estimated tax operating losses:

          2010     2009  
        $    $   
                   
      Argentina   8,635     23,546  
      Australia   12,091     10,225  
      Canada   354     28,110  
      Chile   144     131  
      Mexico   53,962     45,043  
      Peru   1,222     439  
      U.S.A.   4,680     4,370  

    The operating losses expire between 2011 and 2029, with the exception of those for Chile and Australia which are available indefinitely to reduce future taxable income.

    F-34



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    17

    SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION

       

    The following table summarizes the changes in operating working capital items, non-cash investing activities and interest and taxes paid during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:


    Decrease (increase) in non-cash working   2010     2009     2008  
       capital activities $    $    $   
                       
    Accounts receivable   (16,478 )   (3,584 )   (373 )
    Prepaid expenses and deposits   (3,767 )   (907 )   (1,692 )
    Inventory   (20,245 )   (22,501 )   -  
    Restricted cash   (201 )   -     -  
    Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and current portion of asset retirement obligation   21,447     3,985     1,345  
    Accrued interest on convertible debt   -     10     2,229  
    Current portion of future income tax liability   3,047     (12,006 )   11,338  
        (16,197 )   (35,003 )   12,847  
                       
    Non-cash investing activities                  
         Promissory note received for sale of Snowfield and Brucejack properties   39,069     -     -  
         Shares received for sale of mineral properties   187,202     388     -  
        226,271     388     -  
                       
    Interest and taxes paid                  
         Interest paid   6,210     6,210     3,117  
         Taxes paid   -     9,100     -  
        6,210     15,310     3,117  

    18 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

        Note     2010     2009     2008  
            $    $    $   
                             
    Gain (loss) on sale of marketable securities and other investments   6b, 7     3,114     (1,279 )   2,090  
    Unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments held-for-trading   6c     (102 )   412     114  
    Write-down of marketable securities and other investments, net of interest received   6b, 7     -     534     (22,794 )
    Write-down of convertible debenture receivable   6c     -     (2,002 )   -  
    Write down of mineral property and property, plant and equipment   10     (238 )   (377 )   -  
    Gain on sale of silver bullion   4     -     -     23,699  
    Other expenses         (61 )   -     -  
              2,713     (2,712 )   3,109  

    F-35



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    19

    SEGMENTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

       

    All of our operations are within the mining industry and our major product is silver concentrate. Our activities include the exploration and development of silver-dominant mineral properties located in seven countries and the production of silver concentrate at the Pirquitas mine in Argentina. The reported segments are those operations whose operating results are reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer on a regular basis. Our exploration activities have been aggregated and reported as a non-operating segment because total exploration assets exceeded 10% of our total consolidated assets.

       

    Our reportable segments for the year ended December 31, 2010 are as follows:


                December 31, 2010  
                      Exploration and              
                Pirquitas     Development     Corporate and          
                Mine     Properties     Other     Total  
              $    $    $    $   
                                     
      Revenue from external customers   (a)     112,256     -     -     112,256  
      Cost of sales         (75,971 )   -     -     (75,971 )
      Depletion, depreciation and amortization         (26,327 )   -     -     (26,327 )
      General and administration         -     -     (20,853 )   (20,853 )
      Interest expense and financing fees         (242 )   -     (13,674 )   (13,916 )
      Gain on sale of mineral properties, and properties, plant and equipment       -     -     402,009     402,009  
      Other   (b)     (6,240 )   (582 )   (840 )   (7,662 )
      Loss before income taxes         3,476     (582 )   366,642     369,536  
      Income tax expense         (1,271 )   -     (22,026 )   (23,297 )
                                     
      Net earnings (loss)         2,205     (582 )   344,616     346,239  
                                     
      Mineral properties, and property, plant and equipment         407,196     204,689     1,773     613,659  

      (a)

    All revenues are attributed to sales in Argentina.

      (b)

    Other includes stock-based compensation, property examination and exploration, reclamation and accretion, investment income, foreign exchange gain (loss), other income (expenses) and share of loss of equity investee.

    F-36



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    19 SEGMENTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Cont’d)

                December 31, 2009  
                      Exploration and              
                Pirquitas     Development     Corporate and        
                Mine     Properties     Other     Total  
              $    $    $    $   
                                     
      Revenue from external customers   (a)     5,442     -     -     5,442  
      Cost of sales         (5,926 )   -     -     (5,926 )
      Depletion, depreciation and amortization         (2,039 )   -     -     (2,039 )
      General and administration         (2 )   (17 )   (10,268 )   (10,287 )
      Interest expense and financing fees         -     -     (1,095 )   (1,095 )
      Gain on sale of mineral properties, and properties, plant and equipment       -     -     167     167  
      Other   (b)     110     (638 )   (3,235 )   (3,763 )
      Loss before income taxes         (2,415 )   (655 )   (14,431 )   (17,501 )
      Income tax recovery (expense)         (685 )   -     4,993     4,308  
      Net loss         (3,100 )   (655 )   (9,438 )   (13,193 )
                                     
      Mineral properties, and property, plant and equipment         420,257     169,277     23,084     612,618  

      (a)

    All revenues are attributed to sales in Argentina.

      (b)

    Other includes stock-based compensation, property examination and exploration, reclamation and accretion, investment income, foreign exchange gain (loss), and other income (expenses).

    During the year ended December 31, 2010, 100% of our silver concentrate production was sold to one customer (note 6(d)).

    Segmented assets by geographic location are as follows:

          December 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
          Mineral property           Mineral property        
          costs and           costs and        
          property, plant           property, plant        
          and equipment     Total assets     and equipment     Total assets  
        $    $    $    $   
                               
      Argentina   425,962     570,752     436,789     518,493  
      Australia   20,841     20,992     20,054     20,191  
      Canada   1,773     502,038     23,084     76,111  
      Chile   8,116     8,131     7,868     7,875  
      Mexico   95,330     96,964     72,598     73,832  
      Peru   52,572     53,812     43,584     44,498  
      United States   9,065     9,328     8,641     8,925  
          613,659     1,262,017     612,618     749,925  

    F-37



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    20

    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

       

    On February 28, 2011 we reached an agreement to acquire the remaining 30% interest in the San Luis project from our joint venture partner, Esperanza Resources Corp. (“Esperanza”). Upon completion of the acquisition we will own 100% of the project. Under the terms of the agreement we will pay C$17 million in cash, transfer to Esperanza the 6.459 million shares of Esperanza that we own, and a 1% net smelter return royalty on future revenues. The full financial impact of this transaction has yet to be fully determined.

       
    21

    MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP)

    Consolidated summarized balance sheets:

                      2010                 2009  
                                           
          Canadian      Adjustments      U.S.     Canadian     Adjustments       U.S.  
          GAAP           GAAP     GAAP           GAAP  
        $    $    $    $    $    $   
                                           
      Assets                                    
      Current assets (a)i)   342,054     -     342,054     75,197     (1,859 )   73,338  
      Convertible debenture   7,180     -     7,180     6,081     -     6,081  
      Value added tax recoverable   70,782     -     70,782     54,095     -     54,095  
      Mineral property costs (a)i)   377,119     (273,467 )   103,652     371,065     (269,111 )   101,954  
      Other property, plant and equipment (a)vi)   236,540     2,720     239,260     241,553     3,474     245,027  
      Other assets   2,071     -     2,071     1,934     -     1,934  
      Investment accounted for under the equity method   226,271     -     226,271     -     -     -  
                                           
          1,262,017     (270,747 )   991,270     749,925     (267,496 )   482,429  
                                           
      Liabilities                                    
      Current liabilities   38,210     -     38,210     50,682     -     50,682  
      Long-term convertibles notes (a)vi)   118,203     -     118,203     110,739     -     110,739  
      Other liabilities (a)i)   73,832     (40,511 )   33,321     51,318     (36,798 )   14,520  
                                           
          230,245     (40,511 )   189,734     212,739     (36,798 )   175,941  
                                           
      Shareholders’ Equity                                    
      Share capital (a)iii)   671,542     (950 )   670,592     538,700     (950 )   537,750  
      Value assigned to:                                    
       Long-term convertible notes (a)vi)   37,383     -     37,383     37,383     -     37,383  
      Stock options (a)v)   42,660     (4,186 )   38,474     40,417     (4,186 )   36,231  
      Contributed surplus   510     -     510     510     -     510  
      Accumulated other comprehensive income (a)ii)   1,515     8,147     9,662     (11,747 )   6,264     (5,483 )
      Deficit (a)i), (a)ii), (a)iii), (a)vi)   277,666     (233,247 )   44,419     (68,573 )   (231,826 )   (300,399 )
                                           
          1,031,276     (230,236 )   801,040     536,690     (230,698 )   305,992  
                                           
      Non-controlling interest   496     -     496     496     -     496  
                                           
          1,262,017     (270,747 )   991,270     749,925     (267,496 )   482,429  

    F-38



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    21 MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP) (Cont’d)

    Consolidated summarized statements of loss and other comprehensive income (loss):

          2010     2009     2008  
        $    $    $   
                         
      Earnings (loss) in accordance with Canadian GAAP   346,239     (13,193 )   (5,946 )
      Mineral property costs for the year (a)i)   (47,695 )   (27,997 )   (37,763 )
      Operating costs (a)i)   -     (5,142 )   -  
      Adjustment for depletion, depreciation and amortization (a)i)   3,370     (30 )   -  
      Future income tax expense (recovery) on marketable securities (a)ii)   (1,883 )   (1,034 )   3,393  
      Reversal of future income tax expense (recovery), net of foreign exchange (a)i)   1,101     (985 )   -  
      Financing fees on convertible notes (a)vi)   (754 )   (126 )   3,600  
      Gain on sale of mineral property (a)i)   44,440     221     6,948  
      Mineral costs written-off during the year (a)i)   -     377     -  
                         
      Earnings (loss) in accordance with U.S. GAAP   344,818     (47,909 )   (29,768 )
                         
      Other comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with Canadian GAAP   13,262     7,822     (114,106 )
      Translation adjustment   -     -     48,948  
      Future income tax recovery (expense) on marketable securities (a)ii)   1,883     1,034     (3,393 )
                         
      Other comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with U.S. GAAP   15,145     8,856     (68,551 )
                         
      Total comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with U.S. GAAP   359,963     (39,053 )   (98,319 )
                         
      Weighted-average common shares (000’s)                  
      Basic   77,972     68,845     62,694  
      Diluted   78,356     68,845     62,694  
                         
      Earnings (loss) per share, expressed in U.S. dollars                  
      Basic   4.42     (0.70 )   (0.47 )
      Diluted   4.40     (0.70 )   (0.47 )

    F-39



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    21 MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP) (Cont’d)

    Consolidated summarized statements of cash flows:

          2010     2009     2008  
        $    $    $   
      Cash flows from operating activities                  
      Pursuant to Canadian GAAP   (11,110 )   (39,943 )   (19,093 )
      Mineral property costs (a)i)   (52,912 )   (25,157 )   (37,763 )
      Financing fees on convertible notes (a)vi)   -     -     3,600  
      Pursuant to U.S. GAAP   (64,022 )   (65,100 )   (53,256 )
                         
      Cash flows from financing activities                  
      Pursuant to Canadian GAAP   124,076     146,413     138,719  
      Financing fees on convertible notes (a)vi)   -     -     (3,600 )
      Pursuant to U.S. GAAP   124,076     146,413     135,119  
                         
      Cash flows from investing activities                  
      Pursuant to Canadian GAAP   92,686     (151,824 )   (129,213 )
      Mineral property costs (a)i)   52,912     25,157     37,763  
      Pursuant to U.S. GAAP   145,598     (126,667 )   (91,450 )

      a)

    We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada (“Canadian GAAP”), which differ in certain respects from those principles that we would have followed had our consolidated financial statements been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and requirements promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (collectively “U.S. GAAP”). The major differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP and their effect on the consolidated financial statements are summarized below:

           
      i)

    Under Canadian GAAP, the costs of acquiring mineral properties and related development expenditures are deferred. Exploration expenditures are deferred if they are considered to meet the definition of an asset.

           
     

    For U.S. GAAP purposes, all mineral property costs incurred during the exploration stage are expensed as incurred. Periodic option payments that meet the definition of a mineral property right, as defined in EITF 04-2, "Whether Mineral Rights are Tangible or Intangible Assets” (Codified within ASC 930), are viewed as a tangible asset and capitalized.

           
     

    When proven and probable reserves have been determined for a property and a final feasibility study is prepared, any subsequent development costs incurred on the property such as those relating to constructing infrastructure necessary to extract the reserves and preparing the mine for production are capitalized. Any subsequent exploration expenditures associated with efforts to search for and establish mineral reserves beyond those already found, are expensed. Once in the production stage, all costs incurred to maintain the mine and the related equipment and facilities are expensed as incurred.

    F-40



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    21 MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP) (Cont’d)

     

    In early April 2006, a Feasibility Study Update for the Pirquitas property was completed. This study defined proven and probable reserves and, as a consequence, subsequent development costs have been deferred under U.S. GAAP.

         
     

    The commencement of production under Canadian GAAP is based on criteria pre-determined by management in regards to when the asset is considered to be available for use. The U.S. GAAP definition is not as broad, with production considered to be achieved with the extraction/production of saleable minerals from an ore body, regardless of the level of production. As a result of applying the U.S. GAAP definition, we have determined that production commenced for purposes of U.S. GAAP on November 1, 2009. Due to the timing of title transfer on shipments, there was no resulting GAAP difference related to revenues; however, additional operating costs of $5,142,000 have been recorded related to the month of November 2009.

         
     

    On July 17, 2008, we closed the sale of the Shafter project (note 10). For Canadian GAAP, the sale resulted in a gain of $31,463,000 after deducting the carrying value of disposed assets and liabilities and transaction costs. For U.S. GAAP, the gain on sale of mineral property was increased by $6,948,000, reflecting the lower carrying value of mineral property costs under U.S. GAAP.

         
     

    In February 2010 the Company completed the sale of the Silvertip property (note 10). For Canadian GAAP, the sale resulted in a gain of $13,073,000 after deducting the carrying value of disposed assets and liabilities and transaction costs. For U.S. GAAP, the gain on sale of mineral property was increased by $1,859,000, reflecting the lower carrying value of mineral property costs under U.S. GAAP.

         
     

    During December 2010 we sold the Brucejack and Snowfield properties to Pretium resources Inc. We recognised a gain on disposal under Canadian GAAP for $388,761,000 ($360,612,000 after tax), net of selling costs of $5,922,000. For U.S. GAAP, the gain on sale of mineral properties was increased by $42,581,000, reflecting the lower carrying value of mineral property costs under U.S. GAAP.

         
     

    For Canadian GAAP, cash flows relating to mineral property exploration and land use costs are reported as investing activities. For U.S. GAAP, these costs are characterized as operating activities.

         
      ii)

    Under Canadian GAAP, effective September 30, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of EIC- 172, “Income Statement Presentation of a Tax Loss Carryforward Recognized Following an Unrealized Gain in Other Comprehensive Income”, which required the tax benefits recognized consequent to the recording of unrealized gains in comprehensive income to be recognized in net income. Under U.S. GAAP, no similar provisions exist and such tax benefits would be recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). For U.S. GAAP purposes, other comprehensive income would increase and income tax recovery would decrease by $1,883,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010 and $1,034,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to an increase of other comprehensive loss and a decrease of income tax expense of $3,393,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008.

    F-41



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    21 MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP) (Cont’d)

      iii)

    Under Canadian GAAP, before the introduction of CICA 1581 and 1582, “Business Combinations”, the fair value of shares issued by an acquirer to effect a business combination was based on the quoted market price of shares at the date of acquisition. Under U.S. GAAP, the fair value of shares issued is based on the market price surrounding the date the business combination agreement is agreed to and announced.

         
      iv)

    Canadian GAAP provides for investments in jointly controlled entities to be accounted for using proportionate consolidation. Under U.S. GAAP, investments in incorporated joint ventures are to be accounted for using the equity method. Under an accommodation of the SEC, the accounting for joint ventures need not be reconciled from Canadian to U.S. GAAP. The different accounting treatment affects only the presentation and classification of financial statement items and not net income or shareholders’ equity.

         
      v)

    For U.S. GAAP purposes, we previously accounted for employee stock-based compensation arrangements using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board “APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related interpretations. Accordingly, since stock options are granted at exercise prices that are at or above the quoted market value of our common shares at the date of grant, there is no compensation cost recognized by the company for options granted to employees. We adopted the fair value based method of accounting for employee stock-based compensation under U.S. GAAP effective January 1, 2005 using the modified prospective transition method. Under this method, we recognized employee stock-based compensation beginning January 1, 2005 as if the fair value method had been used to account for all employee awards granted, modified, or settled in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1994.

         
     

    For Canadian GAAP purposes, we adopted, as of January 1, 2004, the CICA’s amendments to Section 3870, “Stock-Based Compensation and other Stock-Based Payments”, which required the fair value method to be applied to employee stock-based compensation.

         
     

    Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 123R, “Share Based Payment”, (“SFAS 123R”, Codified within ASC 718) for all employee stock- based awards granted, modified or settled after the effective date using the fair value measurement method. Compensation cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award – the requisite service period. For unvested awards outstanding as of the effective date, compensation was recognized based upon the grant-date fair value determined under SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”. Upon adoption of SFAS 123R using the modified prospective method, there was no cumulative effect adjustment required and no differences exist between the accounting for employee stock-based compensation expense between Canadian and U.S. GAAP.

    F-42



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    21 MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP) (Cont’d)

      vi)

    The adoption of FASB Staff Position Accounting Principles Board 14-1 (“FSP APB 14-1”, Codified within ASC 470 and ASC 825) on January 1, 2009 resulted in the elimination of the Canadian and U.S. GAAP difference on all convertible debt balances with the exception of financing costs, which are expensed under Canadian GAAP and capitalized and amortized in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, under U.S. GAAP, related financing costs are classified as financing activities. Accordingly, financing fees charged to net loss would decrease by $3,600,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008 and amortization of financing fees would increase by $126,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009, and $754,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010, representing amortization recorded to the income statement since the commencement of production on November 1, 2009.

         
     

    The results of adopting this standard have been retrospectively applied in these consolidated financial statements.


      b)

    Other disclosures

         
     

    The following additional information would be presented if these consolidated financial statements were presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP:

         
     

    i)           Accounts receivable


        2010     2009  
      $    $   
                 
    Value added tax recoverable   901     19  
    Other receivables   29,422     6,219  
        30,323     6,238  

      ii)

    Income Tax Uncertainty

         
     

    The Company and its subsidiaries file federal income tax returns in Canada, the US, and several other foreign jurisdictions; the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries also file U.S. state tax returns where required by law. With few exceptions, the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries are no longer subject to Canadian federal, U.S. federal, state and local examinations by the tax authorities for years prior to 2005. The Company’s subsidiaries in other foreign jurisdictions, with few exceptions, are no longer subject to examination by the respective authorities for years prior to 2003.

    F-43



    Silver Standard Resources Inc.
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
    (tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated)

    21 MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP) (Cont’d)

    A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

          2010     2009  
        $    $   
                   
      Opening balance   3,150     347  
      Increases based on tax positions related to the current year   (177 )   2,803  
          2,973     3,150  

    If recognized, none of the unrecognized tax benefits would affect the effective tax rate due to the existence of valuation allowances against the related deferred tax assets.

    The Company has not recognized interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits due to the forecasted loss carry forward amounts in relevant jurisdictions.

    F-44