Dolores Mine - Sierra Madre

A New Mid-Tier Gold & Silver Producer - Mexico

Free
Message: Minefinders Subsidiary Commences Binding Arbitration Seeking US$10 Million in Da

Minefinders Subsidiary Commences Binding Arbitration Seeking US$10 Million in Da

posted on May 27, 2008 05:21AM

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/...





Minefinders Corporation Ltd. (the "Company") (TSX: MFL)(AMEX: MFN), a precious metals mining and exploration company, announced today that a subsidiary company has commenced a binding arbitration process seeking approximately US$10 million in damages from Ausenco International PTY of Brisbane, Australia and a related company, Ausenco Americas LLC.

The binding arbitration was launched on May 22, 2008 by Minefinders' subsidiary, Compania Minera Dolores S.A. de CV. ("CMD"), before the International Centre for Dispute Resolution of the American Arbitration Association. In addition to the damages, CMD seeks to recover the costs of the arbitration and its legal fees.

Separately, CMD has assumed responsibility for the final stages of commissioning the multi-million ounce Dolores gold and silver mine in Mexico. Minefinders continues to expect the mine will commence commercial production in mid-2008, based on the updated reserves and economics study disclosed on February 14, 2008. Minefinders believes it has adequate funds in place and available from its revolving credit line to meet its cash needs for the commissioning of the Dolores Mine until the mine reaches full commercial production.

The claim for damages relates to breaches by Ausenco of contracts between CMD and the Ausenco companies, under which Ausenco Americas was to provide engineering and design services for the Dolores mine and Ausenco International was to act as construction manager. In the arbitration Minefinders alleges that the Ausenco companies were responsible for a number of engineering, design and construction problems and delays that increased the cost of developing the Dolores mine compared with expectations prior to the February 14, 2008 study. A portion of this additional cost will be recouped should Minefinders be successful in the arbitration.

Minefinders is aware that Ausenco International filed a writ of summons in Supreme Court of British Columbia on May 9, 2008, against Minefinders and CMD for allegedly not paying US$1.9 million under the construction management agreement. The writ of summons has not been served, and all disputes under the construction management agreement and the engineering services agreement between the parties must be decided by binding arbitration. CMD has demanded that the writ against CMD be withdrawn based upon the mandatory arbitration clause and as against Minefinders because Minefinders is not a party to any of the relevant agreements. CMD intends to vigorously defend against any such claims by Ausenco International or Ausenco Americas.


May 27, 2008 05:32AM
Share
New Message
Please login to post a reply