Mexico’s proposed higher mining royalties could block nearly $7bn in investments
The Mexican government proposed raising mining royalties under the argument that metal prices have risen in recent years.
Golden Arrow Resources Corp. (GRG:TSX.V; GAC:FSE; GARWF:OTCQB) and Silver Standard Resources Inc. (SSO:TSX; SSRI:NASDAQ) entered into a business combination agreement in October 2015 for the joint development of Golden Arrow’s Chinchillas project and “an agreement to combine the producing Pirquitas Mine and the Chinchillas project, located approximately 35 kilometres apart in Jujuy Province of Argentina, into a single new operation.” The joint venture would be 75% owned by Silver Standard and 25% owned by Golden Arrow.
During the 18-month preliminary period, Silver Standard would invest up to approximately US$12.6 million “at Chinchillas to advance the project and evaluate the feasibility of developing a combined mining business with its existing Pirquitas operation.”
Development has advanced at Chinchillas since that time. On Dec. 20, 2016, Joseph Grosso, chairman, president and CEO of Golden Arrow, noted that “as of the end of September 2016, Silver Standard has invested approximately $11M USD to advance the project towards pre-feasibility. In 2016, work completed included: a Phase VI drill program, an upgraded resource estimate, metallurgical studies, engineering studies, environmental monitoring, and community relations programs. The Environmental Report, which is the major mine permit application, was submitted to the authorities in September.”
Grosso also noted that “currently at Chinchillas, there are two drills working to complete detailed geo-mechanical and hydrogeological programs in and around the designed open pit by mid-December. Exploration work is also continuing both at Chinchillas and regionally, to delineate additional potential ore feed for the proposed operation.”
Investors are awaiting Silver Standard’s decision. Byron King, in the Jan. 10 issue of Jim Rickards’ Gold Speculator, stated, “We’re now on the countdown to March, by which time Silver Standard will have to announce a decision on its smelter in northern Argentina. If the smelter is to remain open, Silver Standard will need ore, and that ore will most likely come from a nearby site owned by Golden Arrow. Golden Arrow offers significant upside in a rising environment for gold-silver.”
Disclosure:
1) Patrice Fusillo compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee. She owns, or members of her immediate household or family own, shares of the following companies mentioned in this article: None. She is, or members of her immediate household or family are, paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None.
2) The following companies mentioned in this article are sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Golden Arrow Resources Corp. Streetwise Reports does not accept stock in exchange for its services. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers.
4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports’ terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports.
5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise during the up-to-four-week interval from the time of the interview or article until after it publishes.
Source: The Gold Report (1/17/17)
