"Based on market valuation of Apoquinto, Corriente, Exeter and Norsemont with average valuation parameter of 0.037 USD per Copper lb resource Minera Andes 49% in Los Azules which is 5.5 bln lb of copper resource has "Implied valuation" of 203 mln USD.
This valuation will put Implied valuation of TNR Gold's back in right 12.5% (25% in half of the deposit) at 51.8 mln USD."
This valuation will put Implied valuation of TNR Gold's back in right 12.5% (25% in half of the deposit) at 51.8 mln USD."
TNR Gold has provided update on Los Azules.
Xstrata decided not to back in into the project and Minera Andes received 100% of the property subject to TNR Gold back in right 25% in the Northern half of the deposit.
Maybe even there could be a speculation in Xstrata Copper statement that TNR Gold's strong legal position on its back in right and ownership of strategically positioned Escorpio IV contributed to this decision.
Xstrata decided not to back in into the project and Minera Andes received 100% of the property subject to TNR Gold back in right 25% in the Northern half of the deposit.
Maybe even there could be a speculation in Xstrata Copper statement that TNR Gold's strong legal position on its back in right and ownership of strategically positioned Escorpio IV contributed to this decision.
By Communiqué de presse - October 02, 09 at 19:23
Xstrata Copper announces that it has elected not to exercise its option to acquire a 51% interest in the Los Azules project in San Juan province, Argentina. Xstrata Copper recognises the potential of Los Azules, as identified by Minera Andes during its evaluation, however considers that the terms and conditions of the Option Agreement do not present a viable back-in opportunity. Xstrata Copper wishes to re-affirm its interest in developing a regional presence in San Juan, and in continuing to contribute to Argentine national development. This includes activities related to updating the feasibility studies into its major El Pachón project in San Juan, as well as its ongoing management of the world class Minera Alumbrera mine in north-west Argentina."
Xstrata Copper announces that it has elected not to exercise its option to acquire a 51% interest in the Los Azules project in San Juan province, Argentina. Xstrata Copper recognises the potential of Los Azules, as identified by Minera Andes during its evaluation, however considers that the terms and conditions of the Option Agreement do not present a viable back-in opportunity. Xstrata Copper wishes to re-affirm its interest in developing a regional presence in San Juan, and in continuing to contribute to Argentine national development. This includes activities related to updating the feasibility studies into its major El Pachón project in San Juan, as well as its ongoing management of the world class Minera Alumbrera mine in north-west Argentina."
All agreements of Minera Andes regarding the property of TNR Gold are subject to underlining agreements between TNR Gold and Xstrata, so TNR Gold maintains its back in right into the property regardless of Xstrata's further involvement into this project.
Xstrata still has a right of first refusal in case of Los Azules being sold by Minera Andes.
Now we have a chance of a more amicable cooperation between TNR Gold and Robert McEwen with Minera Andes instead of Xstrata, who from the beginning has taken position of a "strong hand" and apparently led to decision to bring them to court to defend TNR Gold's property right.
With this development we believe that Los Azules will receive necessary attention from Major companies of the world involved in Copper and Robert McEwen will be able to manage it advance with appropriate focus and dedication.
Could he be any different? Time will tell...
"I am a big believer in the company where management owns a big part of the company: if I am making money - you are making money, I am making money only from capital gains." Robert McEwen.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Oct. 2, 2009) - TNR Gold Corp. ("TNR" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:TNR - News) is pleased to provide the following update on the status of its Los Azules property located in the San Juan Province of western central Argentina.
Minera Andes Inc. ("MAI") has today announced that Xstrata PLC has not given notice of exercise of its right to back-in to its Los Azules Copper Project (the "Project") for a 51% interest prior to the expiry of the time period for giving such notice under the terms of its back-in.
Gary Schellenberg, President of TNR, commented that, "Xstrata's decision does not affect TNR's own back-in right with respect to certain of the properties located in the Project. We are confident in the viability of the project therefore fully intend to exercise our back-in at the appropriate time and look forward to a mutually beneficial working relationship with MAI."
TNR retains a conditional 25% back-in right to certain of the properties within the Project through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Solitario Argentina S.A. ("Solitario") under an exploration and option agreement (the "Exploration and Option Agreement") between MIM Argentina Explorationes S.A. ("MIM"), a subsidiary of Xstrata PLC, and Solitario dated May 15, 2004, which is one of the underlying agreements to which MAI's interest is subject. TNR's back-in option is currently the subject of a legal dispute, with a court date set for the fall of 2010.
In the legal proceedings, TNR is seeking rectification of the Exploration and Option Agreement to the extent that it purports to terminate Solitario's back-in rights if a feasibility study is not completed within three years of MIM exercising its option. TNR's position is that the true intent of the parties is reflected in a letter of understanding which provided that Solitario's back-in right subsists until 120 days after completion of a feasibility study. TNR is also seeking confirmation of ownership of its Escorpio IV claim, which is located adjacent to the Project; and a declaration that the Escorpio IV property is excluded from the Exploration and Option Agreement.
There can be no assurances as to the outcome of this litigation or of any related claim that TNR may have with respect to the Exploration and Option Agreement. At this time, the likelihood of the outcome is not determinable and no recoverability or liability has been recorded in connection with these legal actions.
ABOUT TNR GOLD CORP.
TNR is a diversified metals exploration company focused on identifying and exploring existing properties and new prospective projects globally. TNR has a total portfolio of 32 projects, of which 16 will be included in the proposed spin-off of International Lithium Corp.
The recent acquisition of lithium projects in Argentina, Canada, USA and Ireland confirms the company's commitment to project generation, market diversity, and building shareholder value.
The recent acquisition of lithium projects in Argentina, Canada, USA and Ireland confirms the company's commitment to project generation, market diversity, and building shareholder value.
ABOUT THE LOS AZULES PROJECT
Information concerning the resources and pre-economics of the Los Azules Project can be obtained by reference to MAI's press releases dated October 2, 2009 and February 5, 2009 and to the technical report entitled "Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report in Support of the Preliminary Assessment on the Development of the Los Azules Project, San Juan Province, Argentina" dated March 19, 2009. Each of these documents is available at http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=Aq_sP22Nsgkov2_54rj8Z1Ctcq9_;_ylu=X3oDMTE1Zmwza29tBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNuZXdzQXJ0Qm9keQRzbGsDd3d3c2VkYXJjb20-/SIG=10q41mvbm/**http%3A//www.sedar.com/.
On behalf of the board,
Gary Schellenberg, President
TORONTO, ONTARIO, Oct 02, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- MNEAF Quote Chart News PowerRating -- MINERA ANDES INC. (TSX: MAI)(OTCBB: MNEAF Quote Chart News PowerRating) (the "Corporation" or "Minera Andes") is pleased to confirm its 100% earn-in interest in the Los Azules copper project in Argentina.
As previously announced, Minera Andes exercised its 100% earn-in option with respect to the Los Azules project effective June 1, 2009. The Los Azules project was subject to a back-in right by Xstrata Copper. This right expired on October 1, 2009, without being exercised.
As previously announced, Minera Andes exercised its 100% earn-in option with respect to the Los Azules project effective June 1, 2009. The Los Azules project was subject to a back-in right by Xstrata Copper. This right expired on October 1, 2009, without being exercised.
"With the expiry of the back-in right we can now turn our attention to aggressively continuing to explore and develop this property in order to deliver value to our shareholders" said Rob McEwen, President, CEO and Chairman (and the Corporation's largest individual shareholder)
Minera Andes expects the transfer of all the Los Azules properties from certain Xstrata affiliates to be completed shortly.
This news release is submitted by James K. Duff, Chief Operating Officer of Minera Andes Inc.
About Minera Andes
Minera Andes is a gold, silver and copper exploration company focused in Argentina. The Corporation holds three significant assets:
1. 49% interest in Minera Santa Cruz SA, the company that operates the San Jose Mine, one of the world's largest primary silver mines;
2. 100% earned-in interest in the Los Azules copper project;
3. A portfolio of exploration properties near and around its existing assets. Drilling on three of these properties will begin in November.
For further information, please contact: Helen Bilhete in the Toronto office. Visit our Web site: www.minandes.com.
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