2017-06-26 10:00 ET - News Release
Mr. Terry Christopher reports
ZONTE METALS PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON THE GRAMALOTE TARGET APPLICATION, COLOMBIA
As press released on Feb. 21, 2017, Zonte Metals Inc. and a Colombian partner are proceeding with legal action against the Secretaria de Minas (Secretary of Mines) for the Department of Antioquia, Colombia, for not titling an exploration application. This case is now at the Consejo de Estado (special court) level and proceeding forward. The application in question sits over open areas between titles on top of the permitted Gramalote gold deposit, which is a joint venture between AngloGold Ashanti and B2Gold Corp. Presently, all documents have been filed at the special court by the company's Colombian partner, and the company is waiting for the outcome of this case.
The Company made the above noted application on July 2, 2013. Gramalote Colombia Limited (AngloGold Ashanti and B2Gold) also made an application (number QHQ-16081) over the area on or about August 26, 2015. In theory and according the mining code in Colombia, applications are processed on a first in first out basis. Despite this, the Secretary of Mines was processing Gramalote Colombia Limited's application even though Company's application was still active. Now that the case has been filed in Special Court, Gramalote Colombia Limited's application QHQ-16081 has been suspended by resolutions issued from the Consejo de Estado ("Special Court") and Gobernacion del Departamento de Antioquia (Government of Antioquia) until the outcome of the Company's Special Court legal proceedings. Until the conclusion of the Company's case it is our understanding that no development can happen over the contested area.
The Company will provide additional information as it becomes available. |
