Los Azules lawsuit: Minera Andes MD&A: "TNR Gold claims properties underlying the Solitario Agreement should be returned to TNR" tnr.v, mai.to, tck, cuu.v, czx.v, lun.to, bwr.to, cs.to, imn.to, ncu.to, tko.to, wrn.to, qux.to, bls.to, bhp, fcx

Minera Andes Los Azules deposit could be major copper mine - McEwen

Minera Andes CEO Rob McEwen says the company's Los Azules property lies among the world's copper giants. A preliminary assessment suggests it also may be a candidate.

MineWeb 17 December 2010.

  Minera Andes is busy drilling on the Los Azules property these days and came out with the idea of spinning out the Los Azules in the new company recently. TNR Gold lawyers must have been busy drilling Xstrata and Minera Andes documents related to Los Azules - during discovery stage in preparation to the trial to be held in June - and came out with some interesting intersections. Today we have another surprise turn in this litigation: according to Minera Andes MD&A released today, in addition to the claims to 25% back-in in the Northern Part of the deposit:

"TNR has also subsequently claimed that Xstrata (and Minera Andes) did not complete the required exploration expenditures pursuant to exercise the option to acquire the properties underlying the Solitario Agreement. TNR, by consequence, claims properties underlying the Solitario Agreement should be returned to TNR."

"Properties underlying Solitario Agreement" are called "Xstrata" on the map below.

From Minera Andes MD&A:

"TNR Dispute

On April 1, 2010, the Company (and certain subsidiaries) filed a Statement of Claim in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against TNR Gold Corp and its subsidiary, Solitario Argentina S.A. (together “TNR”). This claim was subsequently consolidated with a related matter between TNR and MIM Argentina Exploraciones S.A. (Xstrata Copper) commenced by TNR against Xstrata in the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 2008. These claims, in part, pertain to a purported 25% back-in right (or in the alternative, damages) by TNR to certain properties comprising the Company’s Los Azules copper project.


Certain of the properties formerly held by Xstrata and transferred to the Company pursuant to the (Los Azules) Option Agreement remain subject to an underlying option agreement between Xstrata and Solitario Argentina S.A. (“Solitario”), whereby Solitario had the right to back-in up to 25% of the properties covered by the underlying option agreement (the “Solitario Agreement”), exercisable by Solitario upon the satisfaction of certain conditions within 36 months of Xstrata exercising the option, including the production of a feasibility study. Xstrata exercised the option pursuant to the Solitario Agreement effective April 23, 2007. The 36-month period expired on April 23, 2010, without a feasibility study having been completed. TNR has also subsequently claimed that Xstrata (and Minera Andes) did not complete the required exploration expenditures pursuant to exercise the option to acquire the properties underlying the Solitario Agreement. TNR, by consequence, claims properties underlying the Solitario Agreement should be returned to TNR.

The Company rejects the alleged right of TNR to back-in to any portion of the Los Azules Copper Project and its assertion that the Solitario Agreement option was not validly exercised. At this time, the Company is not able to estimate the potential financial impact of this claim. However, if resolved adversely to the Company, this litigation could materially adversely affect the value of the Company’s interest in the Los Azules Project and its ability to develop the Los Azules Project."

Judgement related to Los Azules litigation is published on the website of the Supreme Court of British Columbia

"TNR Gold Corp. v. MIM Argentina Exploraciones S.A., 2011 BCSC 243 - 2011/02/28 Supreme Court

[1] These motions concern applications brought by the defendants Minera Andes Inc. and related companies pursuant to Rule 6-1(1)(b)(i) of the Supreme Court Civil Rules (the “Rules”) for leave to amend their Response to Civil Claim, Counterclaim and Third Party Notice and for an order pursuant to Rule 22-5 that Supreme Court action, Vancouver Registry No. S-103104 (the “Solicitors’ Action”), be tried at the same time as this action.
[2] The third parties (“TNR’s Lawyers”) seek an order striking out the Third Party Notice on the ground it discloses no reasonable cause of action. The plaintiffs support this application.


Summary


[51] Accordingly the defendants’ applications to amend its Third Party Notice and to join this action with Supreme Court Action No. S103104 are dismissed.

[52] The defendants’ application to amend its Response to Civil Claim and to amend its Counterclaim is allowed.

[53] TNR’s Lawyers’ application to strike the Third Party Notice is allowed.

[54] TNR’s Lawyers and the plaintiffs will recover costs for these applications."

Now we can have a better understanding of the recent news from Minera Andes:

Minera Andes to spin out Los Azules.

Background on Los Azules litigation, TNR Gold, Minera Andes and Xstrata.

goldandsilverlinings.com: More insight into Minera andes and TNR Legal Issues

Please, do not forget, that we own stocks we are writing about and have position in these companies. We are not providing any investment advise on this blog and there is no solicitation to buy or sell any particular company here. Always consult with your qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

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