On March 1, 2019, Gregor Goldfields purchased a mineral deposit for \(\$ 400,000\) that is expected to be in operation for 10 years. A geological report estimated the mineral deposit contained 125,000 tonnes of gold. Management expects the asset to have a zero residual value when fully amortized. During 2019, 34,000 tonnes of gold were mined. What is the amount of amortization expense at the company's year-end, December 31, 2019 ?

a. \(\$ 33,333\)

b. \(\$ 40,000\)

c. \(\$ 75,000\)

d. \(\$ 108,800\)