Mining’s old guard needs strong medicine
A new report details subpar investor returns in the mining industry over the last decade, particularly big cap diversified companies which have not adapted to new realities.
Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. (“Mountain Province”, the “Company”) (TSX: MPV, NYSE MKT: MDM) is pleased to confirm that joint venture operating partner, De Beers Canada Inc. (“De Beers”) has reported that the permitting of the Gahcho Kué diamond project is progressing on schedule. The 24-month environmental review is nearing completion with the final hearing scheduled in approximately four months.
Commenting, Mountain Province President and CEO, Patrick Evans, said: “Excellent progress is being made. All the participants in the environmental review have been focused on ensuring that the Gahcho Kué diamond mine meets the highest possible social and environmental standards”.
The Gahcho Kué project, which is the world’s largest and richest new diamond mine, is currently the subject of an environmental impact review (EIR) being managed by the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
Mountain Province is also pleased to announce that preparations for development under the Advance Program are also progressing on schedule. The Gahcho Kué joint venture partners approved an initial capital allocation of C$31.3M in June, 2012, for:
Finally, Mountain Province today announced that good progress is being made with the arrangement of the Company’s 49 percent share of the Gahcho Kué capital budget, which is estimated at approximately C$300M, inclusive of working capital.Mountain Province has received multiple proposals for project financing, off-take financing and a variety of other instruments which, if successfully concluded, would enable to the Company to substantially meet its capital requirements.
Mr. Evans commented: “We are gratified by the strong interest we have received from major participants in global mining finance. This reflects the robust economics of Gahcho Kué as well as the strength and experience of our operating partner; majority owned by Anglo American, one of the world’s largest diversified mining companies. As we consider the financing options available to us we will be keenly focused on minimizing shareholder dilution which could result from conventional equity issues. The interests of our longstanding shareholders will be paramount as we continue to explore financing options”.
