Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 26, 2024) - East Africa Metals (TSXV: EAM) ("East Africa Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company is currently working to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with JinJiu Hong Kong International Investment Ltd. ("JinJiu") for the development of the Magambazi mining project in Tanzania.
In October 2020, the Company signed a Share Purchase Agreement and Gold Purchase Agreement an with a Tanzanian private company, PMM Mining Company Limited ("PMM") to develop the Magambazi mining project. In December 2022 due to PMM's lack of performance, non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the Mining License Agreement and a litany of breaches to PMM's agreements with the Company, the Tanzanian Ministry of Mines suspended PMM's operations at the project site and the renewal of the mining licenses. Since that time EAM's management has been engaged with the Tanzanian government and PMM to resolve issues inhibiting the development of commercial mining operations at Magambazi.
In July 2024, the Minister of Mines announced formal action would be taken to intervene to resolve the issues, recognizing the government's obligations to participate based on the government mediation that resulted in EAM's partnership with PMM.
Following meetings with EAM management and the Minister of Mines on June 20, 2024, the Minister called for a meeting of all parties to discuss the non-compliance of mining operations at Magambazi and the significant breaches to PMM's agreements with the Company for the acquisition and development of the project.
At the conclusion of that meeting, the Minister announced the government would intervene to mediate a resolution of the issues to allow the development of the project to move forward. To that end, a Ministerial Hearing was held from July 10 - 13, 2024 to determine the best way forward. This Hearing included inspection of the site by government representatives of the Ministry of Mines.
The formal directives of the Ministry based on the results of the Hearings are pending but the Hearings concluded with the government foreshadowing a request for the parties to develop and present a "rescue plan" for the project.
EAM has engaged with JinJiu to develop an MOU in anticipation of meeting the Ministry's request to present a rescue plan for the project.
The terms of the proposed MOU are based on a previous MOU drafted in January 2023 after the suspension of PMM's mining operations. In this expired MOU, JinJiu agreed to acquire a 100% interest in the project through the purchase of shares of Canaco Tanzania Limited ("CTL") held by EAM for a total consideration of US $2,000,000. EAM has invested approximately US $60,000,000 in exploration, resource establishment and mine planning.
Additionally, JinJiu committed to producing a minimum of 10,000 ounces of gold in the first year increasing to at least 40,000 ounces annually from the fourth year onwards. EAM will receive 30% of the gold produced from the project at the production cost plus 15% pursuant to a Gold Purchase Agreement to be signed by the parties. JinJiu will be responsible for all investment funds required for mine development and production and CTLs operating costs of until the project becomes self-sustaining.
The terms of any transaction between EAM and JinJiu will be subject to approval by the Tanzanian Mining Commission and other relevant government authorities.
Andrew Lee Smith, CEO of East Africa Metals, commented, "We are excited by the possibility to partner with JinJiu on the development of commercial mining operations at the Magambazi project. The proposed MOU represents a significant step forward in unlocking the value of our Tanzanian assets and establishing commercial production at Magambazi. JinJiu's commitment to invest and develop the project aligns with our strategic objectives, and we look forward to working together to realize the full potential of the Magambazi mining project for all stakeholders."
About East Africa Metals
The Company's principal assets include a 30% Net Profits Interest in the Mato Bula and Da Tambuk mines (collectively "Adyabo Property") and a 70% project interest in the Harvest polymetallic VMS Exploration Project in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. In addition, the Company has a 30% Net Streaming Interest in the Magambazi Mine in the Tanga Region of Tanzania.
EAM has invested US$66.8M in African exploration since 2005 and has identified a total of 2.8 million ounces of gold and gold-equivalent resources representing an average discovery cost per ounce of US$24.
More information on the Company can be viewed at the Company's website: www.eastafricametals.com.
On behalf of the Board of Directors: Andrew Lee Smith, P.Geo., CEO
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified using forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "forecast", "project", "budget", "schedule", "may", "will", "could", "might", "should", "indicate" or variations of such words or similar words or expressions. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by East Africa as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of East Africa to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: timing of receipt of mining permit; timing of mining development; projected heap leach recoveries ; early exploration; the closing of the agreement with the exploration and development company to advance the Magambazi Project or identify any other corporate opportunities for the Company; mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of East Africa's projections and estimates, including the initial mineral resource for the Adyabo, Harvest and Magambazi Properties; interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; foreign taxation risks; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; the speculative nature of strategic metal exploration and development including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves; contests over title to properties; and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, as well as those risk factors set out in in East Africa's management's discussion and analysis for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and for the year ended December 31, 2023, and East Africa's listing application dated July 8, 2013. Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The contained gold, copper and silver figures shown are in situ. No assurance can be given that the estimated quantities will be produced. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the timely closing of the financing; the timely closing of the Handeni Property definitive agreement; the price of gold, silver, copper and zinc; the demand for gold, silver, copper and zinc; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the renewal or extension of exploration Licenses; the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although East Africa has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. The Company does not update or revise forward looking information even if new information becomes available unless legislation requires the Company do so. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
