Spanish Mountain Gold and Lhtako Dene Nation Announce Signing of Cooperation Agreement for Spanish Mountain Project
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 09/12/12 -- Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. ("SMG") (TSX VENTURE: SPA) is pleased to announce the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (the "Agreement") with Lhtako Dene Nation ("Lhtako Dene"). The Agreement addresses the involvement of Lhtako Dene during the environmental assessment and permitting review process in relation to the development of SMG's Spanish Mountain gold project (the "Project") located near Likely, British Columbia.
Under the Agreement, SMG recognizes and respects Lhtako Dene's asserted aboriginal rights and title in the area of the Spanish Mountain gold project and Lhtako Dene recognizes and respects SMG's rights and interests in the exploration and development of the Project. The Agreement also reflects a commitment by both SMG and Lhtako Dene for continued engagement in a respectful and collaborative manner.
The Agreement provides capacity support to Lhtako Dene for its ongoing involvement in the environmental assessment and permitting review process as well as training, employment, and business opportunities. Additionally, the Parties have committed to negotiate a more detailed agreement regarding the impacts and benefits associated with the construction, operation and reclamation of a large scale mine development.
Lhtako Dene Chief Clifford LeBrun states:
"Lhtako Dene Nation is pleased with the relationship that has been initiated with Spanish Mountain Gold in respect of our shared territories. It is extremely important to the Lhtako people that there is an honest and transparent relationship that is developed between us, with consistent communications and substantive consultation. We look forward to future production and anticipate that our interest will be recognized and the benefits shared equitably."
Brian Groves, President and CEO of SMG remarks:
"We are pleased to have signed this agreement and to formalize our developing relationship with Lhtako Dene. The company places a high priority on the building and maintaining of positive working relationships with those First Nations in whose Traditional Territories we operate. This agreement provides a framework for open communication, consultation and discussion at each stage of the ongoing development of the Spanish Mountain project."
The Company wishes to acknowledge the support of Catana Consulting, a Vancouver-based consultancy specializing in First Nation engagement activities, whose assistance was instrumental in the successful completion of the Agreement.
About Spanish Mountain Gold
Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd is focused on the responsible development of its flagship Spanish Mountain gold project in southern central British Columbia, Canada. The Company has no debt and owns 100% of four gold properties located in British Columbia. Additional information about the Company is available on its website: www.spanishmountaingold.com
On Behalf of the Board,
SPANISH MOUNTAIN GOLD LTD.
Brian Groves, President and CEO
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.
Colin Clancy
(604) 601-3651
info@spanishmountaingold.com
www.spanishmountaingold.com