Beiträge von GSP-Komet

    Coeur Completes Due Diligence Companies Committed to Closing Transaction in Fourth Quarter of 2007


    Last Update: 8:51 AM ET Jul 3, 2007


    COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho & SYDNEY, Australia & LONGUEUIL, Quebec, Jul 03, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation (CDE: Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation) (CA:CDM) , Bolnisi Gold NL (ASX:BSG) and Palmarejo Silver and Gold Corporation (TSX VENTURE:PJO) today announced that Coeur has completed its due diligence under the terms of the Merger Implementation Agreement with Bolnisi and that the companies expect to complete the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2007.
    The Joint Operating Committee has completed its work and a Project Development Committee responsible for daily management of the mine's construction consisting of professional staff from Coeur, Bolnisi and Palmarejo has been established. The companies have agreed to appoint an interim project manager to be a senior Coeur executive with substantial development and operational expertise.
    While the initial focus will be to develop the Rosario deposit using open pit mining methods, the Project Development Committee will complete a pre-feasibility study by the end of August, which will include a combined open-pit and underground mine development scenario.
    Based on a recently-completed scoping study and optimization work for this combined open-pit and underground mine development, the total estimated capital costs to bring the Palmarejo Project into production, including pre-stripping, underground development, mining fleet, power line, ongoing permitting, owner's costs and contingency, will be approximately US$200 million and initial production from open pit mining is expected in the fourth quarter of 2008.
    "We are pleased to have completed the due diligence process, and continue to believe that this transaction is in the best interests of Coeur's shareholders," said Dennis E. Wheeler, Coeur's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "With this transaction, the companies are establishing the new Coeur as the clear leader in the silver mining industry with the addition of this world-class silver/gold asset located in Mexico. In addition, we believe the combined company's balance sheet will sufficiently fund all three of our major development projects over the next two years -- San Bartolome, Kensington, and Palmarejo -- without a need to further access the capital markets."
    Norman A. Seckold, Chairman of Bolnisi and Palmarejo, said, "We continue to be very excited about this transaction, as it provides our shareholders with the opportunity to participate in the upside potential of what we believe will be the world's premier silver company. By leveraging Coeur's expertise in underground and open cut project development, we expect to realize the full value of the Palmarejo Project."
    The companies expect to begin mailing information to Coeur, Bolnisi, and Palmarejo shareholders in September. All three companies' shareholder meetings are expected to be held in October. Assuming timely completion of the required regulatory processes and receipt of the required shareholder and court approvals, the companies expect the transaction to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2007.
    About Coeur d'Alene Mines
    Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation is one of the world's leading primary silver producers and a growing gold producer. The company has mining interests in Alaska, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Chile, Nevada, and Tanzania.
    About Bolnisi
    Bolnisi Gold NL is an Australia-based company engaged in mining and exploration for gold and minerals. The Company's activities are all Mexican precious metals operations with an existing portfolio of projects, which include the Palmarejo Silver-Gold project (including Trogan), Chihuahua; the Yecora Gold-Silver project, Sonora, and the El Realito Gold-Silver project, Chihuahua.
    About Palmarejo
    Palmarejo Silver And Gold Corporation is a silver/gold exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "PJO." Palmarejo's principal activity is to explore and develop gold and silver properties located in the Temoris District of Chihuahua, Mexico within the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range.

    Last Update: 6:42 AM ET Jul 5, 2007


    NEW YORK, NY, Jul 05, 2007 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- AngloGold Ashanti's (AU: anglogold ashanti ltd sponsored adr) second quarter 2007 earnings conference call will take place on Tuesday, 31 July at 15.00 South Africa time (US EDT: 09.00; UK: 14.00; Sydney: 23.00). Participants can access the call by dialing one of the following numbers and referencing 'AngloGold Ashanti':


    From North America:
    Toll 1 412 858 4600
    Toll-free 1800 860 2442
    From the UK:
    Toll 020 7107 0611
    Toll-free 0800 917 7042
    From Australia:
    Toll-free 1800 350 100
    From South Africa:
    Toll 011 535 3600
    Toll-free 0800 200 648




    A replay will be available two hours after the call on 31 July through14 August. To access the replay, dial one of the following numbers and reference the playback code 2645:


    From North America:
    Toll 1 412 317 0088
    Toll-free 1 877 344 7529
    From the UK:
    Toll-free 0808 234 6771
    From Australia:
    Toll-free 1800 091 250
    From South Africa:
    Toll 011 305 2030




    As usual, a live webcast of the call, as well as the company's full quarterly results, will be available on http://www.anglogoldashanti.com.
    Contacts: Michael Clements Phone: 011 27 11 637 6647 Email: Email Contact
    SOURCE: AngloGold Ashanti

    Last Update: 2:46 PM ET Jul 2, 2007


    BILLINGS, Mont., July 2, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- STILLWATER MINING COMPANY (SWC: Stillwater Mining Company) reported today that it has reached a tentative agreement with the USW International Union on the terms of a new labor agreement. As previously announced, the parties have agreed to extend the expiration of the existing agreement until 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2007, to allow adequate time to complete final drafting of the contract and present it to the union membership for consideration. In the meantime, the company's operations continue as normal.
    Although the company and the union have now reached a tentative agreement satisfactory to both parties, there can be no assurance at this time that the agreement will be approved by the union membership. If the agreement is not approved, the company's ability to continue its normal operations could be affected.
    Stillwater Mining Company is the only U.S. producer of palladium and platinum and is the largest primary producer of platinum group metals outside of South Africa and the Russian Federation. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWC. Information on Stillwater Mining can be found at its Website: http://www.stillwatermining.com.
    Some statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, therefore, involve uncertainties or risks that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements may contain words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "estimates" or similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of the Company's future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, comments regarding expansion plans, costs, grade, production and recovery rates, permitting, financing needs, the terms of future credit facilities and capital expenditures, increases in processing capacity, cost reduction measures, safety, timing for engineering studies, and environmental permitting and compliance, litigation, labor matters and the palladium and platinum market. Additional information regarding factors, which could cause results to differ materially from management's expectations, is found in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company intends that the forward-looking statements contained herein be subject to the above-mentioned statutory safe harbors. Investors are cautioned not to rely on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements.
    SOURCE Stillwater Mining Company

    Last Update: 8:00 AM ET Jul 6, 2007


    RENO, Nev., Jul 06, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Meridian Gold Inc. ("Meridian Gold" or the "Company") (MDG: Meridian Gold Inc) (CA:MNG) is pleased to announce operational highlights from the second quarter 2007.
    Highlights during the second quarter include:
    -- Consolidated gold production of 80,300 ounces of gold, 2.3 million ounces of silver, and 870 tonnes of zinc
    -- Commenced production at the Company's Rossi/Storm project with Barrick Exploration
    -- Entered into a fully underwritten US$300,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility with UniCredit Group
    -- Commenced work towards a pre-feasibility study at the Amancaya deposit south of El Penon
    -- Obtained two key environmental approvals at El Penon
    -- Continued Minera Florida expansion plans to bring total mill throughput to 65,000 tonnes per month and annual gold production to over 100,000 ounces by the end of 2008
    -- Began metallurgical testing at the Company's 56.7% Jeronimo JV project with CODELCO
    Consolidated gold production for the second quarter totaled 80,300 ounces of gold, 2.3 million ounces of silver and 870 tonnes of zinc. At El Penon, for the second consecutive quarter, production exceeded the Company's internal budgets. For the quarter production was 13% better than forecasted and year-to-date, production was 14% greater than forecasted. During the second quarter, the mine experienced its highest quarterly silver production since the commissioning of El Penon, reaching a record amount of 2.1 million ounces. During the second quarter, the Rossi/Storm mine poured its first gold, recorded approximately 8,200 ounces of gold (100% basis), and is on track to commence full production during the third quarter as planned. Minera Florida continued production on budget, producing 16,700 ounces of gold, 118,200 ounces of silver and 870 tonnes of zinc.
    In addition to the strong production results, further operational developments at El Penon were made during the second quarter. The mine received two key environmental permits for the planned expansion projects, including the authorization to increase mill processing up to 3,500 tonnes per day, and the authorization for full mining production at Fortuna. Also, during the month of June, 5,000 tonnes of ore were mined from the Fortuna vein. The processing plant operated at a record 2,845 tonnes per day, and the underground mine produced at a record 2,588 tonnes of ore per day. At the Amancaya deposit, which is located 120 kilometers south of the core El Penon area, the Company initiated a pre-feasibility study in order to evaluate the economical extraction methods for this deposit. Finally at El Penon, the exploration team drilled 13 holes into a potential vein system, Esmarelda.
    At Minera Florida, the expansion is on track, the environmental permits were submitted to the governmental agencies during the second quarter, and the new grinding mill and flotation cells were ordered and are expected to arrive on site in October.
    At Jeronimo, metallurgical testing commenced in full force in order to advance this project on a faster than planned schedule. Management is expecting to have indication results available for release during the third quarter.
    Edgar Smith, Meridian's Vice President of Operations, commented, "I am pleased to report that during the second quarter, the teams in Chile continued to make progress with the operational excellence initiatives at both El Penon and Minera Florida. It is extremely satisfying to see the initiatives underway and new production records being met. I am pleased with the progress on the expansion plans and am looking forward to an active remainder of the year."
    During the second quarter, the Company also entered into a fully underwritten Revolving Credit Facility with UniCredit Group for US 300,000,000. The facility term is set for 5 years and carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus an interest margin ranging from 120 basis points up to a maximum of 170 basis points. The facility will be used for general corporate purposes and additional liquidity as the Company continues to grow annual production to one million ounces per annum.
    "The second quarter was another quarter of operational success, as we continued our efforts towards operational efficiency and expansion at the operating mines. I am particularly pleased with the results from El Penon," commented Ed Dowling, Meridian's President and CEO. "We continue to work diligently towards creating the Premier Value Gold Company."
    Second Quarter Conference Call
    Meridian Gold is hosting a simultaneous live webcast of its conference call on Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. EDT through Thomson/CCBN. If you would like to listen to our conference call, you may dial (888) 825-3209 in the United States or Canada, and (617) 213-8061 from other international locations. Passcode No. 23121153. All participants will be required to register with the operator. If you would prefer to follow the presentation on the web, go to the Company's home page at http://www.meridiangold.com and click on the link under Calendar of Events. There will be a slide show available in conjunction with the call, which will also be available for viewing on the Meridian Gold website. You will need to have Windows Media Player installed on your computer and you will also be required to complete a registration page in order to log on to the webcast. For those whose schedules do not permit participation during the call, or for those who would like to hear the discussion again, a replay will be available for one week following the call by dialing toll-free (888) 286-8010 or internationally (617) 801-6888. Passcode No. 84056863. The webcast will be available for three months on Meridian Gold's website.
    Meridian Gold Inc. is a different kind of gold company. The focus is on profitability, and the quality of the ounces produced, not the quantity of ounces produced. The quality of these ounces is measured by the value delivered to all stakeholders during the process; including all shareholders, employees and the communities and environment in which Meridian lives and operates.

    Last Update: 9:45 PM ET Jul 4, 2007


    TORONTO, ONTARIO, Jul 04, 2007 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- YAMANA GOLD INC. (CA:YRI) (AUY: yamana gold inc com) (UK:YAU) and Northern Orion Resources Inc. (CA:NNO) (NTO: northern orion res inc com) today responded to Meridian Gold Inc.'s public announcement of July 3, 2007.
    Yamana has consistently communicated its willingness to engage in friendly, constructive discussions with Meridian and this has not changed. Toward this end, Yamana continues to encourage discussions that, among other things, would allow for due diligence to be completed and to properly consider value to all shareholders.
    Yamana and Northern Orion have been very encouraged by the positive response the proposed transaction has received from shareholders of all three companies, including several of Meridian's institutional shareholders. Yamana and Northern Orion believe that this strategic business combination makes sense if it can be done on an expedited basis and further believe that the premium to Meridian shareholders in its cash and share offer of approximately 23% based on closing prices the day of Yamana's original announcement represents full and fair value for Meridian. Shareholders, including those of Meridian, will also benefit from the expected valuation increase following the combination.
    The combination of Yamana, Northern Orion and Meridian creates a powerful cash flow generating company that will be the pre-eminent intermediate gold producer with a leading resource, production growth and cash cost profile. It maintains a Latin American focus for each of the companies yet provides geographic diversification from the countries in which they are currently active. The New Yamana will be a stronger company with a diversified asset base and a leading presence in Latin America.
    Yamana will continue to evaluate the best course of action for shareholders and consider any approach that would maximize value and encourage an open dialogue.
    Yamana has prepared an updated presentation and a frequently asked questions document which shareholders may access on its corporate website by clicking on the link provided on the home page ( http://www.yamana.com).
    About Northern Orion
    Northern Orion Resources Inc. is a mid-tier copper and gold producer focused on the development of its Agua Rica project and engaged in the exploration for copper and associated by-product metals in Argentina. Northern Orion principal mineral properties and assets are a 12.5% indirect ownership interest in Minera Alumbrera Limited, which owns and operates the Bajo de la Alumbrera mine, a copper/gold mine in Catamarca Province, Argentina, and a 100% interest in the Agua Rica project (a copper/gold/molybdenum development property) also in Catamarca Province, Argentina. Northern Orion recently completed an update to the feasibility study for the development of the Agua Rica project.
    About Yamana
    Yamana is a Canadian gold producer with significant gold production, gold development stage properties, exploration properties, and land positions in Brazil, Argentina and Central America. Yamana is producing gold at intermediate company production levels in addition to significant copper production. Yamana's management plans to continue to build on this base through the advancement of its exploration properties and by targeting other gold consolidation opportunities in Brazil, Argentina and elsewhere in the Americas.

    Last Update: 5:01 PM ET Jul 3, 2007


    RENO, Jul 03, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Meridian Gold Inc. ("Meridian Gold" or the "Company") (MDG: Meridian Gold Inc) (CA:MNG) has considered the announcement by Yamana Gold Inc. ("Yamana") regarding its unsolicited proposal to acquire all of the common shares of Meridian Gold. Yamana had concurrently announced that it had entered into a business combination agreement with Northern Orion Resources Inc. ("Northern Orion"), which is conditional upon the acquisition of 66 2/3% of the shares of Meridian Gold by Yamana. The Board has reviewed the proposal with its management team and financial and legal advisors and, based on the information available to date, the Board has determined that the announced proposal does not provide a basis to enter into discussions with Yamana. The Board noted that no formal offer has been made; if and when an offer is commenced, the Board will review such offer in due course and communicate with Meridian Gold shareholders as appropriate.
    Meridian Gold's Board of Directors noted that the 14.9% premium to Meridian's undisturbed share price implied by Yamana's closing share price on Tuesday, July 3rd does not reflect the value of Meridian Gold's proven, high-quality, precious metals-focused asset base. In addition to the heavy base metals weighting in the proposed combined entity, the complexity of the three-way structure creates further risks and uncertainties. Meridian Gold's Board of Directors remains committed to delivering superior value for all of its shareholders. Furthermore, the Company will continue to pursue all initiatives that will drive shareholder value.
    Goldman, Sachs & Co. and BMO Capital Markets are acting as financial advisors to the Company. Canadian legal counsel to the Company is Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP and U.S. legal counsel is Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
    About Meridian Gold
    A unique mid-tier gold producer, with world-class mining operations in Chile and Nevada and a pipeline of promising exploration projects throughout the Americas, Meridian's success to date has been based on grassroots gold discoveries and a low-cost strategy, resulting in a better approach to adding value and balancing growth. Meridian strives to be "The Premier Value Gold Mining Company," while building a better future for all of its stakeholders.

    Last Update: 8:21 AM ET Jul 6, 2007


    Jul 06, 2007 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
    Meridian Gold Inc. (MDG) said its consolidated second-quarter production was 80,300 ounces of gold, 2.3 million ounces of silver and 870 tonnes of zinc.
    The Reno, Nev., company said teams in Chile continued to make operational progress at El Penon, and its expansion at Minera Florida is on track.
    -Josee Rose; 201-938-5400; AskNewswires@dowjones.com
    Order free Annual Report for Meridian Gold Inc.

    Last Update: 6:25 AM ET Jul 5, 2007


    LONDON, Jul 05, 2007 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- Edited Press Release
    Yamana Gold and Northern Orion Resources Thursday responded to Meridian Gold Inc.'s public announcement of July 3, 2007.
    Yamana said it has consistently communicated its willingness to engage in friendly, constructive discussions with Meridian and this has not changed. Toward this end, Yamana continues to encourage discussions that, among other things, would allow for due diligence to be completed and to properly consider value to all shareholders.
    Yamana and Northern Orion said they have been very encouraged by the positive response the proposed transaction has received from shareholders of all three companies, including several of Meridian's institutional shareholders. Yamana and Northern Orion believe that this strategic business combination makes sense if it can be done on an expedited basis and further believe that the premium to Meridian shareholders in its cash and share offer of approximately 23% based on closing prices the day of Yamana's original announcement represents full and fair value for Meridian. Shareholders, including those of Meridian, will also benefit from the expected valuation increase following the combination.
    The company said the combination of Yamana, Northern Orion and Meridian creates a powerful cash flow generating company that will be the pre-eminent intermediate gold producer with a leading resource, production growth and cash cost profile. It maintains a Latin American focus for each of the companies yet provides geographic diversification from the countries in which they are currently active. The New Yamana will be a stronger company with a diversified asset base and a leading presence in Latin America.
    Yamana said it will continue to evaluate the best course of action for shareholders and consider any approach that would maximize value and encourage an open dialogue.

    Last Update: 5:14 PM ET Jul 3, 2007


    Jul 03, 2007 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
    Meridian Gold Inc.'s (MDG) board has reviewed Yamana Gold Inc.'s (AUY) unsolicited proposal for Meridian and has determined that the announced proposal doesn't provide a basis to enter into discussions with Yamana Gold.
    As reported, Yamana and Northern Orion Resources Inc. (NTO) have agreed to merge, contingent upon Yamana's purchase of two-thirds of Meridian's shares. Meridian shareholders would get 2.235 of a Yamana share plus C$3.15 in cash for each share held and Northern Orion shareholders would get 0.543 of a Yamana share for each share held.
    Meridian said that no formal offer has been made; if and when an offer is commenced, the board will "review such offer in due course and communicate with Meridian Gold shareholders as appropriate."
    Meridian's board believes that the "14.9% premium to Meridian's undisturbed share price implied by Yamana's closing share price on Tuesday doesn't reflect the value of Meridian Gold's proven, high-quality, precious metals-focused asset base."
    Goldman, Sachs & Co. and BMO Capital Markets are acting as financial advisors to the company. Canadian legal counsel to the Company is Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP and U.S. legal counsel is Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
    Reno, Nev.-based Meridian is a mid-tier gold producer. Yamana and Northern Orion are also gold companies.

    I wonder how the acquisitions of Meridian Gold (MDG) and Northern Orion Resources (NTO) by Yamana Gold (AUY) and the resultant share dilution as AUY issues more stock, apparently mostly to holders of the bought-out companies, will impact the stock price of AUY.


    Will these acquisitions cause AUY some short-term costs and result in a short-term price drop? Any expected bounce separate from the price of gold?

    SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Meridian Gold Inc. (MDG: Meridian Gold Inc) (CA:MNG: meridian gold inc com) said late Tuesday that Yamana Gold Inc.'s (AUY: yamana gold inc com) unsolicited acquisition proposal does not provide a basis to enter into merger talks. Last week, Yamana said it had entered into a business combination agreement with Northern Orion Resources Inc. (NTO: northern orion res inc com) that was conditional upon the acquisition of 66.6% of the shares of Meridian Gold by Yamana. Reno-based Meridian noted that no formal offer has been made by Yamana, and that it will review any offer that is made.

    DALLAS, Jun 26, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Pilgrim Petroleum Corporation (PINK SHEETS: PGPM), an independent oil and gas company, is pleased to announce it has retained Gustavson Associates, LLC, a Colorado-based engineering firm to assist in the assessment of prospective opportunities on Pilgrim's latest acquisitions, as the Company set in motion an aggressive campaign to source and identify new projects to develop. Gustavson Associates, LLC, is a global consulting firm consisting of geologists, geophysicists, engineers, land and contracts managers as well as economists and financial experts on all aspects of natural resource evaluations. Gustavson's work ranges from the first steps of prospecting to design and assessment of production facilities. The firm has performed consulting services to companies such as Vista Gold Corp. (VGZ: vista gold corp com new) , among others.
    Pilgrim Petroleum Corporation President Rafael Pinedo said, "We are excited to continue working with Gustavson Associates, LLC. With over 25 years experience serving the domestic and international resource evaluation, we are confident that our exploration team will benefit greatly from working with consultants at Gustavson." The company is working towards initiating more specific exploration as soon as targets are clearly defined.

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 27, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Gold Fields Limited (NYSE, JSE, DIFX:GFI) announced that on June 22, 2007 its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Gold Fields Exploration B.V. ("Gold Fields Exploration") exercised warrants to acquire 1,200,000 common shares of GoldQuest Mining Corp (TSXV:GQC) ("GoldQuest") for an exercise price of US$0.30 per common share. The 1,200,000 common shares acquired represent approximately 2.43% of the outstanding common shares of GoldQuest. Following its exercise of the warrants, Gold Fields Exploration holds approximately 10.85% of the outstanding common shares of GoldQuest.
    The warrants of GoldQuest were originally acquired by Gold Fields Exploration on August 8, 2005 as part of a private placement. While Gold Fields Exploration has no current intention to acquire additional securities of GoldQuest in the immediate future, it may increase or decrease its interest in GoldQuest at prices which it determines to be attractive at any time.
    GoldQuest is an exploration company focused on the Dominican Republic. Through regional grass-roots generative exploration and new geological models the company has built a portfolio of new gold and copper discoveries
    Gold Fields Limited is one of the world's largest unhedged producers of gold, with attributable production of 4.2 million ounces per annum, ore reserves of 94 million ounces and mineral resources of 251 million ounces. The company is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange (primary listing), NYSE, LSE, DIFX, Euronext in Paris and Brussels, as well as on the Swiss Exchange.
    SOURCE Gold Fields Limited

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 25, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Gold Fields Limited (Gold Fields) (NYSE, JSE, DIFX: GFI) is pleased to announce that Tommy McKeith will replace Craig Nelsen as Executive Vice President and Head of Exploration with effect 1 October 2007.
    Prior to his position as Chief Executive Officer at Troy Resources NL, Mr McKeith was employed at Gold Fields as Vice President, Business Development. His experience includes sixteen years in business development and mine and exploration geology in the international mining sector.
    http://www.goldfields.co.za
    SOURCE Gold Fields Limited

    JOHANNESBURG, Jun 27, 2007 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- Edited Press Release
    Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI) has raised its stake in GoldQuest Mining Corp., an exploration company focused on the Dominican Republic, to 10.85%, the South African gold producer said Wednesday.
    Gold Fields wholly-owned subsidiary Gold Fields Exploration B.V. exercised warrants to acquire 1.2 million common shares of GoldQuest, represent about 2.43% of the outstanding shares in the company, at $0.30 a share.
    The warrants of GoldQuest were originally acquired by Gold Fields Exploration on Aug. 8, 2005, as part of a private placement.
    Gold Fields said that while it has no current intention to acquire additional securities of GoldQuest in the immediate future, "it may increase or decrease its interest in GoldQuest at prices which it determines to be attractive at any time."

    Jun 25, 2007 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
    Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI) named Tommy McKeith executive vice president and head of exploration, effective Oct. 1.
    McKeith, most recently chief executive of Troy Resources N.L. (TRY.AU), succeeds Craig Nelson who left the company May 30 to become chief executive of a new business venture in Denver.
    Gold Fields is a Johannesburg-based gold exploration company.

    MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Jun 29, 2007 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Osisko Exploration Ltee (CA:OSK) (FRANKFURT: EWX) is pleased to report that it has concluded the previously announced acquisition of the East Amphi property and related surface equipment from Richmont Mines Inc.
    In consideration for the sale of the East Amphi property, Richmont Mines received (i) a cash payment of a $2.45 million, (ii) 909,000 common shares of Osisko (being that number of common shares of Osisko equivalent to a cash value of $5 million, based on the average closing price of the common shares of Osisko for the five trading days prior to the closing date) and (iii) 200,000 additional common shares of Osisko. Richmont Mines will retain a 2 percent net smelter return royalty on a certain portion of the East Amphi property and an equivalent royalty on future production of up to 300,000 ounces of gold on another portion of the property.
    Osisko will immediately proceed with the acquisition and compilation of Richmont's East Amphi data base with the objective of defining drill targets for potential bulk tonnage gold mineralization.
    Osisko's 100%-owned Canadian Malartic gold deposit and adjacent areas are being evaluated for a large-scale open pit, bulk-tonnage mining operation. A preliminary NI 43-101 compliant, inferred gold resource estimate on the main deposit was released on December 6, 2006 and the full report is available on SEDAR. Ongoing drilling is leading to an upgraded inferred resource calculation, which is slated to be released in early July 2007.

    MONTREAL, CANADA, Jun 29, 2007 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Richmont Mines Inc. (CA:RIC) (RIC: richmont mines inc com) is pleased to announce that it completed today the previously-announced sale of its East Amphi property and related surface equipment to Osisko Exploration Ltd. (CA:OSK: news, chart, profile) (Deutsche Boerse:EWX).
    In consideration for the sale of the East Amphi Property, Richmont Mines received (i) a cash payment of approximately $2,450,000, (ii) 909,000 common shares of Osisko (being that number of common shares of Osisko equivalent to a cash value of $5,000,000, based on the average closing price of the common shares of Osisko for the five trading days prior to the closing date) and (iii) 200,000 additional common shares of Osisko. Richmont Mines will retain a royalty of 2% of net smelter return on a certain portion of the East Amphi property and an equivalent royalty on future production of up to 300,000 ounces of gold on another portion of the property.
    An amount of $2,000,000 will be held under escrow until full closure of the mining concession located on the East Amphi property is completed by Richmont Mines. Richmont Mines expects full mine closure to be complete by the end of July 2007. Blackmont Capital acted as financial advisor for Richmont Mines in this transaction.
    Martin Rivard
    President and Chief Executive Officer.
    About Richmont Mines Inc.
    Richmont Mines is a gold exploration, development and mining company. Since it started production in 1991, the Company has produced approximately one million ounces of gold from its holdings in Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland. Richmont Mines' strategy is to cost effectively develop its mining assets, exploit mineralized reserves on properties owned and acquired, or develop partnerships to expand its reserve base.
    More information on Richmont Mines can be found on its website at: http://www.richmont-mines.com.

    VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Jun 25, 2007 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Silver Wheaton Corp. ("Silver Wheaton") (CA:SLW) (SLW:
    silver wheaton corp com) is pleased to announce that Goldcorp Inc. ("Goldcorp") has released updated reserves and resources for their Penasquito Project located in Zacatecas, Mexico. Proven and probable silver reserves have increased by 50% to 864 million ounces, while measured and indicated silver resources, exclusive of reserves, have increased by 67% to 413 million ounces. The calculation is based on assays from an additional 240 drill holes (including condemnation drill holes) completed since the previous reserve update in June, 2006.