Exhibit 10.1

 

Mining Tenements Transfer Agreement

 

 

Pegasus Gold Australia Pty Ltd

(Subject to Deed of Company Arrangement)

as Mortgagee Exercising Power of Sale

 

Vista Gold Australia Pty Ltd

 

Vista Gold Corp

 

 

Allens Arthur Robinson

Lawyers

Riverside Centre

123 Eagle Street

Brisbane  QLD  4000

Tel  61 7 3334 3000

Fax  61 7 3334 3444

www.aar.com.au

 

 

© Copyright Allens Arthur Robinson 2006

 

 

Mining Tenements Transfer Agreement

 

Table of Contents

 

1.	Definitions and Interpretation		1
	1.1	Definitions	1
	1.2	Interpretation	5
	1.3	Effect of void provisions	6
	1.4	Business Days	6
2.	Sale and Purchase		6
	2.1	Sale	6
	2.2	Excluded Plant and Equipment	6
3.	Conditions Precedent and Conditions to Completion		6
	3.1	Conditions Precedent	6
	3.2	Condition to Completion	7
	3.3	Satisfaction of Conditions	7
	3.4	Termination	7
	3.5	Approvals	7
	3.6	Mt Todd Project Agreement	7
4.	Deposit		8
	4.1	Deposit	8
	4.2	Investment of Deposit	8
	4.3	Party entitled to the Deposit	8
	4.4	Cheques	9
5.	Guarantee		9
	5.1	Guarantor’s Obligations	9
	5.2	Obligations Unconditional	9
	5.3	Continuing Guarantee	9
	5.4	Recourse to Purchaser Not Required	10
	5.5	Stamp Duty	10
6.	GST		10
	6.1	GST to be added to amounts payable	10
	6.2	Liability net of GST	10
	6.3	Payment of the GST Amount	10
	6.4	Tax Invoice	10
	6.5	GST obligations to survive termination	10
7.	Reservations & Encumbrances		10
	7.1	Mining Leases	10
	7.2	Encumbrances	10
8.	Plant and Equipment		11
	8.1	Acknowledgement by Purchaser	11
	8.2	Rights of Owners of Plant and Equipment	11
9.	Sale in “As is” Condition		12
	9.1	“As is” condition	12

 

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	9.2	Accepting Liability	12
10.	Representations and Undertaking		12
	10.1	No Warranties by the Vendor	12
	10.2	Purchaser Relies on its own Enquiries	13
	10.3	No reliance	14
	10.4	Warranties by the Purchaser	14
	10.5	Inspection	15
	10.6	Exclusion of implied warranties	15
	10.7	No Claim	15
11.	Native Title		16
	11.1	Disclosure by the Vendor	16
	11.2	No Warranty	16
	11.3	No Claim	16
12.	Risk		16
13.	Purchaser’s Requisitions And Objections		16
14.	Outgoings and Adjustments		16
	14.1	Liability to pay Royalties	16
	14.2	Adjustments	17
15.	Completion of the Asset Transfer		17
	15.1	Transfer Documents to be provided to the Vendor prior to the Completion Date	17
	15.2	Completion	17
	15.3	Place for Completion	17
	15.4	No Entitlements until the Effective Date	17
16.	Escrow		18
	16.1	The Deposit Holder	18
	16.2	Investment	18
	16.3	Best Endeavours	18
	16.4	Deed with the Northern Territory of Australia	18
	16.5	Prevent Registration of the Transfer	19
	16.6	Disbursement of the Mining Lease Rental Payment	19
	16.7	Disbursement of the Balance Purchase Price and GST Amount	19
	16.8	Refusal of Ministerial Consent	19
17.	Possession		19
	17.1	Possession Deemed Given and Taken	19
	17.2	Access between the Completion Date and the Effective Date	19
	17.3	Retention of Title	20
18.	Access to the Information		20
19.	Purchaser’s default		20
20.	Encumbrances		20
	20.1	Vendor not liable for damages or compensation	20
	20.2	Vendor will not be paying rental on Mining Leases	21
	20.3	Completion Date may be extended	21

 

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	20.4	Terminate 2 months after original Completion Date	21
	20.5	Consequences of Termination	21
21.	Late Completion		22
	21.1	Interest on Overdue Amounts	22
22.	Purchaser’s Indemnity		22
	22.1	Environmental Matters	22
23.	Security bonds		22
24.	Non-Disclosure		22
	24.1	Confidentiality	22
	24.2	Exceptions	22
	24.3	Additional disclosures by the Vendor	23
	24.4	Public announcements	23
25.	No Merger		23
26.	Subsequent sale, assignment or mortgage by Purchaser		23
27.	Notices		23
28.	Sale by the Vendor		24
	28.1	Contract with the Vendor	24
	28.2	Personal Benefit by the Administrators	25
29.	Further assurances		25
30.	Governing law		25
31.	Non-waiver		25
32.	Stamp duty and costs		25
33.	Entire Agreement		25
34.	Amendment		25
35.	Assignment		25
36.	Counterparts		26
Appendix 1 - Owners of Plant and Equipment			28
Appendix 2 – Mortgagors Plant and Equipment			29
Schedule 1 – Aussiequip Pty Ltd			30
Schedule 2 – Forrestania Gold NL / Oresearch NL			31
Schedule 3 – Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development			32
Schedule 4 – Environmental Deed			33

 

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Date		2006
Parties
1.		Pegasus Gold Australia Pty Limited (Subject to Deed of Company Arrangement) ACN 009 628 924 as mortgagee exercising power of sale under the Charges of c/- Ferrier Hodgson (Qld), Level 7, 145 Eagle Street, Brisbane in the State of Queensland ( the Vendor );
2.		Vista Gold Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 117 327 509) of c/- Whittens Lawyers, Level 30, Piccadilly Tower, 133 Castlereagh Street, Sydney in the State of New South Wales (the Purchaser ); and
3.		Vista Gold Corp , a company continued under the laws of the Yukon Territory, Canada and having its principal executive offices at Suite 5, 7961 Shaffer Parkway, Littleton, Colorado USA 80127, the registered office of which is situated at 200-204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada YIA 3T2 (the Guarantor ).
Recitals
A		The Vendor is the first registered mortgagee of the Mine Assets.
B		The Vendor has agreed to sell to the Purchaser, pursuant to its powers of sale under the Charges, and the Purchaser has agreed to buy from the Vendor, the Mine Assets on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.
C		The Guarantor has agreed to guarantee the due performance and observance of the covenants and agreements to be duly performed by the Purchaser hereunder.

 

IT IS AGREED as follows:

 

1.             Definitions and Interpretation

 

1.1           Definitions

 

The following definitions apply unless the context requires otherwise:

 

Administrators means Peter Ivan Felix Geroff and Gregory Michael Moloney as administrators of the Deed of Company Arrangement for the Vendor.

 

Agreement means this document, including all appendices and schedules to it.

 

Approvals means the agreements, approvals and consents referred to in clause 3.1.

 

Asset Transfer means the sale and purchase of the Mine Assets under this Agreement.

 

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Balance Purchase Price means the amount of the Purchase Price (exclusive of GST) less the amount of the Deposit.

 

Business Day means a day on which banks are generally open for business in Queensland.

 

Charges means the charges registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission as charges no.688175, 688176, 688177, 688178, 745272 and 745273 and registered with the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines of the Northern Territory as dealings numbered 6780, 6781, 6782, 6783, 90829 and 90831.

 

Claim against any person, means any claim, action, proceeding, judgment, damage, loss, cost, expense or liability whatsoever incurred or suffered by or brought or made or recovered against the person and however arising (whether or not presently ascertained, immediate, future or contingent).

 

Completion of the Asset Transfer means the time on the Completion Date that the sale and purchase of the Mine Assets under this Agreement is completed.

 

Completion Amounts means the payments to be made by the Purchaser to the Deposit Holder at the Completion of the Asset Transfer in accordance with clause 15.2(b).

 

Completion Date means:

 

(a)            the date being 5 Business Days after the date on which all the Approvals set out in clause 3.1 are satisfied or waived; or

 

(b)            such later date as may be determined by the Vendor in accordance with this Agreement.

 

Consideration has the meaning given by the GST Law.

 

Deed of Company Arrangement means the deed of company arrangement dated 1 May 1998 (as amended) between the Vendor and the Administrators.

 

Default Interest means interest payable at the rate of 11% per annum.

 

Denehurst Royalty Deed means the Royalty Deed dated 3 December 1992 between the Vendor and Denehurst Limited (as subsequently varied and assigned).

 

Deposit means an amount, exclusive of GST, equal to 10% of the Purchase Price.

 

Deposit Holder means Ferrier Hodgson (Qld).

 

Effective Date means the date upon which the Purchaser becomes registered as the owner, holder or proprietor of any of the Mining Leases, irrespective of whether the Purchaser has or has not entered into the Environmental Deed prior to such registration occurring.

 

Encumbrance means any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien or other encumbrance (excluding any lien arising by operation of law and any caveats lodged by the Purchaser, MTRP or any of the parties listed in column 1 of Appendix 1 to this Agreement).

 

Environmental Complaint means any communication or complaint, whether written or oral, order, directive, claim, citation or notice issued, sent or communicated by any Government Agency or any person, authority or other entity having jurisdiction in respect of the Property or by any other person with respect to any Hazardous Discharge or any other environmental matter affecting the Property.

 

Environmental Deed means the deed generally in the form of that contained in Schedule 4 to this Agreement.

 

Environmental Event means:

 

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(a)            the non-compliance with;

 

(b)            the breach of; or

 

(c)            any offence under,

 

any Environmental Law by the Purchaser, or any occupier of the Purchaser, in respect of the Property.

 

Environmental Law means a Law relating to environmental, mining or planning matters and includes all applicable standards and obligations under the common law.

 

Excluded Plant and Equipment means the Plant and Equipment described in Appendix 1.

 

Government Agency means any Government department, authority or statutory corporation which administers any Act, regulation or directive of the legislature having jurisdiction over the relevant matter.

 

GST means the goods and services tax as imposed by the GST Law together with any related interest, penalties, fines and other charges.

 

GST Amount means in relation to a Taxable Supply the amount of GST payable in respect of that Taxable Supply.

 

GST Group has the meaning given by the GST Law.

 

GST Law has the meaning given by the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth), or, if that Act does not exist means any Act imposing or relating to the imposition or administration of a goods and services tax in Australia and any regulation made under that Act.

 

Hazardous Discharge means any emission, leak, spill, release, escape or discharge into or upon:

 

(a)            the air;

 

(b)            soil or any improvements located on or about the Property;

 

(c)            surface water or ground water from or onto the Property; or

 

(d)            the sewer, septic system or waste treatment, storage or disposal system servicing the Property,

 

of or from any Waste at or from the Property, other than a Hazardous Discharge which is permitted by an Environmental Law.

 

Information means all technical and other information in the possession or control of the Vendor in relation to the Mine Assets and which is charged in favour of the Vendor by means of the Charges, including (without limitation) all geophysical, geological or geochemical information, files, surveys, maps, aerial photographs, electromagnetic tapes, sketches, drawings, memoranda, drill cores, drill maps, sampling and assay reports, plans and statistics, feasibility studies, environmental reports and all other information relating to the Mine Assets.

 

Input Tax Credit has the meaning given by the GST Law and a reference to an Input Tax Credit entitlement of a party includes an Input Tax Credit for an acquisition made by that party but to which another member of the same GST Group is entitled under the GST Law.

 

Jawoyn Agreement (No. 1) means the agreement dated 28 January 1993 between the Northern Territory of Australia, the Vendor and Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation (as subsequently varied and assigned, including by Deeds of Variation dated 5 March 1993 and 22 July 1993).

 

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Jawoyn Agreement (No. 2) means the deed dated 11 November 1996 between Barnjarn Aboriginal Corporation, Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation and the Vendor (as subsequently varied and assigned).

 

Joint Venture Parties means Yimuyn Manjerr (Investments) Pty Ltd (Controller Appointed), Yilgarn Gold Limited (Controller Appointed), Vallance Holdings Pty Ltd (Controller Appointed) and, where applicable, the Vendor.

 

Law means a statute, ordinance, code, regulation, by-law, local law, official directive, order, instrument, undertaking, obligation or applicable judicial, administrative or regulatory decree judgment or order and includes the terms and conditions of any licence, permit, consent, certificate, authority or approval issued thereunder or any assurance or bond or similar requirements including all applicable standards and obligations under the common law.

 

Mine means the Yimuyn Manjerr Gold Mine (formerly the Mt Todd Gold Mine).

 

Mine Assets means the Mining Leases, the Mortgagors Plant and Equipment and the Information.

 

Mining Asset Transfer Agreement means the agreement so entitled dated 5 February 1999 between the Vendor, Yimuyn Manjerr (Investments) Pty Ltd, Yilgarn Gold Limited and Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd.

 

Mining Lease Rental Payment has the meaning given to that term in clause 3.2.

 

Mining Leases means:

 

(a)            MLN 1070;

 

(b)            MLN 1071; and

 

(c)            MLN 1127.

 

Minister means the Minister of the Northern Territory of Australia who for the time being is the Minister administering the Mining Act and includes any Ministers for the time being acting for or on behalf of the Minister.

 

Mortgagor means:

 

(a)            in the case of the Mining Leases, General Gold Operations Pty Ltd as the holder of the legal title in the Mining Leases pursuant to the Trust Deed; and

 

(b)            in the case of the Mortgagors Plant and Equipment and the Information, the Joint Venture Parties as the holders of the legal title in them.

 

Mortgagors Plant and Equipment means the Plant and Equipment described in Appendix 2 which is charged in favour of the Vendor by means of the Charges but does not include any Excluded Plant and Equipment.

 

MTRP means Mt Todd Rehabilitation Project Pty Ltd ACN 099 471 575 and/or any of its officers, employees and agents, including Mr Jack Savage.

 

Mt Todd Power Asset Sale Agreement means the agreement dated 3 April 1998 between the Vendor and NT Power Generation Pty Ltd.

 

Mt Todd Power Property Licence means the Licence to occupy and use a site situated at the Mine dated 3 April 1998 granted by the Vendor to NT Power Generation Pty Ltd in accordance with clause 2.1 of the Mt Todd Power Asset Sale Agreement (as subsequently varied and assigned).

 

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Mt Todd Project has the meaning given in the Mt Todd Project Agreement Ratification Act 1993.

 

Mt Todd Project Agreement means the agreement dated 2 March 1993 (as subsequently varied and assigned) which was ratified under the Mt Todd Project Agreement Ratification Act 1993.

 

Plant and Equipment means all of the plant, equipment, machinery, tools, furniture, trade utensils, implements and all other fixtures or chattels of any nature located on or affixed to the Property as at the Completion Date.

 

Property means all of the land subject to and underlying the Mining Leases.

 

Purchase Price (including the Deposit but exclusive of GST) means AUD$1,000,000.

 

Tax Invoice has the meaning given by the GST Law.

 

Taxable Supply has the meaning given by the GST Law excluding the reference to section 84-5 of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth).

 

Trust Deed means the trust deed poll dated 22 February 1999 by General Gold Operations Pty Ltd.

 

Vendor’s Solicitors means Allens Arthur Robinson Lawyers of Level 31 Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane in the State of Queensland.

 

Waste includes but is not limited to:

 

(a)            any substance or material (whether of any value or not) produced by or as a result of the mining, processing or treatment of material on the Property;

 

(b)            dust;

 

(c)            garbage;

 

(d)            any other material or substance so characterised or listed or defined and regulated by any Environmental Law.

 

1.2           Interpretation

 

Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. The following rules of interpretation apply unless the context requires otherwise:

 

(a)            The singular includes the plural and conversely.

 

(b)            A gender includes all genders.

 

(c)            Where a word or phrase is defined, its other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning.

 

(d)            A reference to a person includes a body corporate, an unincorporated body or other entity and conversely.

 

(e)            A reference to a clause, appendix, annexure or schedule is a clause of or appendix, annexure or schedule to this Agreement.

 

(f)             A reference to any party to this  Agreement or any other agreement or document includes the party’s successors and permitted assigns.

 

(g)            A reference to any agreement or document is to that agreement or document as amended, novated, supplemented, varied or replaced from time to time, except to the extent prohibited by this Agreement or that other agreement or document.

 

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(h)            A reference to any legislation or to any provision of any legislation includes any modification to or re-enactment of it, any legislative provision substituted for it, and all regulations and statutory instruments issued under it.

 

(i)             A reference to dollars and $ is to Australian currency.

 

(j)             Each schedule and each certificate and document delivered under this Agreement forms part of this Agreement.

 

(k)            A reference to conduct includes, without limitation, any omission, representation, statement or undertaking, whether or not in writing.

 

(l)             Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, a reference to any Act is a reference to an Act of the Northern Territory of Australia.

 

(m)           Mentioning anything after include , includes or including does not limit what else might be included.

 

1.3           Effect of void provisions

 

If a court holds that:

 

(a)            any part of this Agreement is void, voidable, illegal or unenforceable; or

 

(b)            this Agreement is void, voidable, illegal or unenforceable unless any part of this Agreement is severed from this Agreement,

 

that part will be severed from this Agreement unless to do so would change the underlying principal commercial purposes of this Agreement.

 

1.4           Business Days

 

If anything is required to be done or if any condition is required to be satisfied on a day that is not a Business Day, it must be done or satisfied instead on the next Business Day unless this Agreement specifically provides otherwise.

 

2.             Sale and Purchase

 

2.1           Sale

 

The Vendor will sell the Mine Assets pursuant to its powers of sale under the Charges and the Purchaser will purchase the Mine Assets in accordance with this Agreement.

 

2.2           Excluded Plant and Equipment

 

The Excluded Plant and Equipment is excluded from sale under this Agreement.

 

3.             Conditions Precedent and Conditions to Completion

 

3.1           Conditions Precedent

 

This Agreement and the obligation of the parties to complete the sale and purchase of the Mine Assets under this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

 

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(a)            ( Jawoyn Agreements ) the consent of the Barnjarn Aboriginal Corporation, Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation and the Northern Territory of Australia is obtained to the assignment by the Joint Venture Parties and/or the Vendor of their rights and obligations under Jawoyn Agreement (No. 1) and Jawoyn Agreement (No. 2) to the Purchaser on such further terms and conditions as may be agreed between the Barnjarn Aboriginal Corporation, the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation and the Purchaser;

 

(b)            ( Mt Todd Power Property Licence ) the execution by NT Power Generation Pty Ltd of a deed terminating the Mt Todd Power Property Licence and releasing the Joint Venture Parties and the Vendor from the observance and performance of any obligations under the Mt Todd Power Property Licence;

 

(c)            ( Denehurst )

 

(i)             the consent of Denehurst Limited to the assumption by the Purchaser of the Joint Venture Parties’ and/or the Vendor’s obligations under the Denehurst Royalty Deed is obtained;

 

(ii)            a release by Denehurst Limited of the Joint Venture Parties’ and/or the Vendor’s obligations under the Denehurst Royalty Deed is obtained;

 

(d)            ( Environmental Deed ) the receipt by the Purchaser of a written confirmation from the Northern Territory of Australia that it will execute the Environmental Deed on or before the Effective Date.

 

3.2           Condition to Completion

 

The Purchaser must pay to the Deposit Holder any rent, taxes and outgoings (including any interest or penalties as a result of late payment) which remain unpaid in respect of the Mining Leases as at the Completion Date (the Mining Lease Rental Payment ).

 

3.3           Satisfaction of Conditions

 

The Vendor and the Purchaser shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure that the Approvals are satisfied as soon as practicable. The conditions must be satisfied on an unconditional basis or on conditions which are not materially prejudicial to either party.

 

3.4           Termination

 

If the Approvals are not satisfied or waived within three months of the date of this Agreement or such later date as agreed to by the Vendor in writing, either party may terminate this Agreement by notice in writing to the other.

 

3.5           Approvals

 

The Purchaser (and the Vendor if requested by the Purchaser) shall sign and lodge all necessary documents and undertakings and provide all information, testimonials and other documents and do all other things required of the Purchaser to enable the Approvals to be given at the earliest possible time.

 

3.6           Mt Todd Project Agreement

 

The Vendor and the Purchaser acknowledge that:

 

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(a)            by a letter dated 5 May 2005 from The Honourable Kon Vatskalis MLA, Minister for Mines and Energy to the Vendor, the Northern Territory of Australia gave 180 days notice of its intention to terminate the Mt Todd Project Agreement;

 

(b)            as at the date of this Agreement, the Mt Todd Project Agreement has been terminated by the Northern Territory of Australia.

 

4.             Deposit

 

4.1           Deposit

 

The Purchaser must pay the Deposit to the Deposit Holder by bank cheque in part payment of the Purchase Price on or before the date of this Agreement.

 

4.2           Investment of Deposit

 

(a)            If both parties direct the Deposit Holder by notice in writing to invest the Deposit then (where the Deposit Holder is lawfully able) the Deposit Holder will invest the Deposit with any financial institution permitted by law for the investment of trust monies.

 

(b)            If this Agreement is completed all interest accruing on the investment of the Deposit will be paid to the party entitled to the Balance Purchase Price in accordance with clause 16.7, at the same time as any payment is made pursuant to clause 16.7.

 

(c)            If this Agreement is not completed for any reason, the interest accruing on the Deposit will be paid to the party entitled to the Deposit upon the termination of this Agreement.

 

(d)            The Deposit and any accrued interest will be invested at the risk of the party to whom the Deposit and accrued interest is ultimately payable and the Deposit Holder will not be liable for any loss suffered by the parties in consequence of an investment pursuant to clause 4.2(a).

 

(e)            To facilitate the investment of the Deposit, each party will notify any tax file number to the Deposit Holder at the time of giving written notice to the Deposit Holder in accordance with clause 4.2(a).

 

(f)             The parties authorise the Deposit Holder to prepare and lodge any tax return necessary in respect of the Deposit and any accrued interest and to pay any tax assessed out of the Deposit and any accrued interest.

 

(g)            The Vendor and the Purchaser will be deemed to be presently entitled in equal shares to any interest accrued for the purposes of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

 

4.3           Party entitled to the Deposit

 

(a)            If Completion of the Asset Transfer occurs under this Agreement, the Deposit shall be paid to the party entitled to the Balance Purchase Price in accordance with clause 16.7, at the same time as any payment is made pursuant to clause 16.7.

 

(b)            If Completion of the Asset Transfer does not occur under this Agreement, the Deposit shall be paid:

 

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(i)             to the Purchaser if Completion of the Asset Transfer does not occur because:

 

(A)           of a default of the Vendor under this Agreement and the Purchaser terminates this Agreement;

 

(B)           either party terminates this Agreement under clause 3.4; or

 

(C)           the Agreement terminates under clause 20.4;

 

(ii)            to the Vendor if Completion of the Asset Transfer does not occur because the Purchaser defaults under this Agreement and the Vendor terminates this Agreement.

 

4.4           Cheques

 

If the Deposit or any part of it is paid by cheque which is post-dated or not honoured on presentation, it will be deemed not to have been paid.

 

5.             Guarantee

 

5.1           Guarantor’s Obligations

 

The Guarantor, as a principal obligor and not merely as surety, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees to the Vendor (and indemnifies the Vendor in respect of) the due and punctual performance of all the obligations of the Purchaser under or arising out of this Agreement including (without limitation):

 

(a)            the prompt payment of all amounts payable by the Purchaser under this Agreement;

 

(b)            the prompt performance of all other obligations of the Purchaser under this Agreement; and

 

(c)            the prompt payment of all amounts for which the Purchaser may become liable in respect of any breach of this Agreement.

 

5.2           Obligations Unconditional

 

The Guarantor agrees that the Guarantor’s obligations under this clause 5 will be unconditional irrespective of:

 

(a)            the validity, regularity and enforceability of any provision of this Agreement;

 

(b)            the absence of any action by the Vendor or the Purchaser to enforce this Agreement;

 

(c)            the waiver or consent of the Vendor in respect of any provision of this Agreement;

 

(d)            the recovery of any judgment against the Purchaser;

 

(e)            any action to enforce judgment against the Purchaser;

 

(f)             any variation of the terms of this Agreement;

 

(g)            any time or indulgence granted to the Purchaser by the Vendor;

 

(h)            the dissolution of the Purchaser;

 

(i)             any change in the status, function, control or ownership of the Purchaser;

 

(j)             any consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer by the Purchaser;

 

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(k)            any other dealing, transaction or arrangement between the Vendor and the Purchaser; or

 

(l)             any other circumstances which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of or defence to a surety.

 

5.3           Continuing Guarantee

 

The obligations of the Guarantor under this clause 5 shall continue and will not be discharged except by complete performance of all of the obligations of the Purchaser under or arising out of this Agreement.

 

5.4           Recourse to Purchaser Not Required

 

The Vendor may require the Guarantor to make a payment or perform any other obligation of the Purchaser under or arising out of this Agreement:

 

(a)            without first asking the Purchaser to do so; and

 

(b)            irrespective of whether such payment or other obligation would be enforceable against the Purchaser.

 

5.5           Stamp Duty

 

The Guarantor agrees to pay and indemnify the Vendor against all stamp duty (if any) in respect of the guarantee and indemnity contained in this clause 5.

 

6.             GST

 

6.1           GST to be added to amounts payable

 

If GST is payable on a Taxable Supply made under, by reference to or in connection with this Agreement, the party providing the Consideration for that Taxable Supply must also pay the GST Amount as additional Consideration. This clause does not apply to the extent that the Consideration for the Taxable Supply is expressly stated to be GST inclusive.

 

6.2           Liability net of GST

 

Any reference in the calculation of Consideration under this Agreement to a cost, expense or other liability incurred by a party, must exclude the amount of any Input Tax Credit entitlement of that party in relation to the relevant cost, expense or other liability.

 

6.3           Payment of the GST Amount

 

The Purchaser shall pay the GST Amount to the Deposit Holder at the Completion of the Asset Transfer by bank cheque.

 

6.4           Tax Invoice

 

The Vendor must provide the Purchaser a Tax Invoice for the Purchase Price and the GST Amount as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date.

 

6.5           GST obligations to survive termination

 

This clause will continue to apply after expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

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7.             Reservations & Encumbrances

 

7.1           Mining Leases

 

The Mining Leases are held subject to the Mining Act and are sold subject to the provisions of that Act and to the reservations and conditions expressed or implied under it.

 

7.2           Encumbrances

 

The Mine Assets are sold free from all Encumbrances, but subject to the rights, entitlements, privileges and interests referred to in clauses 8.1 and 8.2.

 

8.             Plant and Equipment

 

8.1           Acknowledgement by Purchaser

 

The Purchaser unconditionally acknowledges and agrees that:

 

(a)            the Excluded Plant and Equipment does not form part of the Mine Assets;

 

(b)            the parties listed in column 1 of Appendix 1 are the owners of the Excluded Plant and Equipment described in the adjacent row of column 2 of Appendix 1;

 

(c)            the Purchaser will acquire no right, title or interest in the Excluded Plant and Equipment under the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (whether before or after severance of the Excluded Plant and Equipment from the Property);

 

(d)            the parties listed in column 1 of Appendix 1 are entitled, to the extent permitted by law, to protect their rights, entitlements, privileges and interests in the Plant and Equipment described in column 2 of Appendix 1 by the lodgement and registration of caveats over the Mining Leases;

 

(e)            the Purchaser will not make any objection, requisition or Claim and will not be entitled to any damages or compensation or to terminate this Agreement if the Excluded Plant and Equipment has not been removed from the Property prior to the Completion of the Asset Transfer.

 

8.2           Rights of Owners of Plant and Equipment

 

The Purchaser unconditionally acknowledges and agrees that, on and from the Completion of the Asset Transfer:

 

(a)            the Purchaser must not cause or permit anything to be done or omitted which shall:

 

(i)             cause the Vendor to be in breach of the Vendor’s agreements for the sale of the Excluded Plant and Equipment to the parties listed in column 1 of Appendix 1;

 

(ii)            prevent the Vendor from conferring upon the parties listed in column 1 of Appendix 1, or prevent the parties listed in column 1 of Appendix 1 having, exercising and/or giving effect to, any of the benefits which are conferred, or which are sought to be conferred, by the agreements for the sale of the Excluded Plant and Equipment, including the benefit of the Excluded Plant and Equipment itself;

 

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(b)            the Purchaser must permit the parties listed in column 1 of Appendix 1 to do whatever may lawfully be done pursuant to the relevant agreements for the sale of the Excluded Plant and Equipment and to give effect to the sale of the Excluded Plant and Equipment in accordance with the terms of those agreements including allowing those parties access to the Mining Leases unless such access would be contrary to any order, notice or direction given by any Governmental Agency;

 

(c)            in the event of any failure by the Purchaser to comply with its obligations under clauses 8.2(a) and (b):

 

(i)             the Vendor and the parties listed in column 1 of Appendix 1 cannot be adequately compensated by way of damages for the breach;

 

(ii)            the Vendor shall be entitled to apply for, and the Purchaser shall consent to, any form of injunctive relief (including mandatory injunctions) which gives effect to the obligations imposed upon the Purchaser by clauses 8.2(a) and (b); and

 

(iii)           the Purchaser shall indemnify the Vendor and the Administrators against any costs, expenses or other detriment incurred by the Vendor and/or the Administrators by reason of the failure of the Purchaser to comply with its obligations under clauses 8.2(a) and (b).

 

9.             Sale in “As is” Condition

 

9.1           “As is” condition

 

The Mine Assets are sold in an “as is” condition as at the date of this Agreement, with all faults or defects (if any), whether or not apparent. The Vendor is not responsible for any damage to the Mine Assets after the date of this Agreement.

 

9.2           Accepting Liability

 

Except to the extent that the Purchaser agrees with any Government Agency to the contrary (whether in the Environmental Deed or otherwise), the Purchaser accepts any liabilities, obligations, requisitions, directions and notices which may  in the future be outstanding regarding the Mine Assets including, without in any way limiting the foregoing, any environmental liabilities or obligations. The Purchaser indemnifies the Vendor, the Administrators and the Mortgagor against any Claim, costs, expenses or liabilities incurred by any of them in respect of each of the liabilities, obligations, requisitions, directions and notices accepted by the Purchaser under this clause.

 

10.           Representations and Undertaking

 

10.1         No Warranties by the Vendor

 

The Vendor and the Administrators do not warrant that:

 

(a)            any requisitions, directions or recommendations delivered by any Government Agency have been complied with;

 

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(b)            any permissions, consents and approvals required from a Government Agency in relation to the Mine Assets have been obtained, or having been obtained have been complied with in all respects;

 

(c)            any consents, approvals, permits or licences desirable or required to be held for the present use of the Mine Assets have been granted by any Government Agency or other authority;

 

(d)            the Vendor and/or the Mortgagor and/or the Joint Venture Parties have complied with, and have not committed any offence under, any Environmental Law in relation to the use and occupation of the Property;

 

(e)            the Property is free from contamination, or that there is no condition of the Property which would entitle any person to require the Mortgagor and/or the Joint Venture Parties to decontaminate or take other remedial or rehabilitation action in or around the Property or contribute to the act of doing so;

 

(f)             the means of access to and egress from the Property and all terms of all easements and licences benefiting the Property are adequate;

 

(g)            the Property is not subject to any unregistered easements, rights or permits to pass;

 

(h)            the Mine Assets are of a particular quality, suitability or fitness for any specified purpose;

 

(i)             the Property is safe and without risk to the health and safety of any user;

 

(j)             the Vendor and/or the Mortgagors and/or the Joint Venture Parties have complied with any requirements relating to workplace health and safety in respect of the Mine Assets and the Property;

 

(k)            the Mine Assets and/or the Property will comply with any requirements relating to workplace health and safety following the Completion of the Asset Transfer.

 

10.2         Purchaser Relies on its own Enquiries

 

The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that, in entering into this Agreement, the Purchaser relies on its own enquiries and has satisfied itself as to the following matters:

 

(a)            Encumbrances affecting the Mine Assets;

 

(b)            the condition, state of repair, suitability, quality, sufficiency, viability, profitability or potential of the Mine Assets;

 

(c)            the value of the Mine Assets, based upon the Purchaser’s own independent valuations, reports or other advice;

 

(d)            any environmental hazard or contamination affecting the Mine Assets;

 

(e)            any latent or patent defect in the Mine Assets;

 

(f)             whether or not any requisitions, directions or recommendations delivered by any Government Agency in respect of the Mine Assets and/or the Property have been complied with;

 

(g)            whether or not any permissions, consents and approvals required from a relevant Government Agency for the use of any part of the Property have been obtained, or having been obtained have been complied with in all respects;

 

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(h)            whether or not any consents, approvals, permits or licences desirable or required to be held for the present use of the Mine Assets have been granted by any Government Agency;

 

(i)             the rights and privileges pertaining to the Mine Assets;

 

(j)             any agreements or arrangements with the owners or occupiers of the Excluded Plant and Equipment;

 

(k)            the historical, current and forecast profitability or return from the Mine Assets;

 

(l)             the existence of, and any occupational health and safety issues resulting from the presence of, any plant and equipment (whether partially removed or otherwise) in, or present on, the Property;

 

(m)           the Vendor’s and/or the Joint Venture Parties’ compliance with any laws relating to the workplace health and safety requirements in respect of the Mine Assets;

 

(n)            the Mortgagor’s and/or the Joint Venture Parties’ compliance with any Environmental Laws or the status of any contamination of the Property arising from any previous use of the Property;

 

(o)            the compliance by Aussiequip Pty Ltd or Forrestania Gold NL / Lionore Australia (Wildara) NL (formerly known as Oresearch NL) with the requirements of any Government Agency relating to the removal of any Excluded Plant and Equipment, Environmental Laws and workplace health and safety requirements;

 

(p)            any matter in respect of which the Vendor does not give any warranty; and

 

(q)            any other matter (past, present, future or anticipated) relevant to the Mine Assets, except as set out in this Agreement.

 

10.3         No reliance

 

The Purchaser unconditionally acknowledges and agrees that:

 

(a)            at no time has:

 

(i)             the Vendor, or any person on the Vendor’s behalf (including, without limitation, the Vendor’s employees, agents and representatives, the Administrators, Ferrier Hodgson (Qld), Allens Arthur Robinson and all of their employees, agents and representatives), made or given; or

 

(ii)            the Purchaser relied on,

 

any representation, warranty, promise or forecast except those contained in this Agreement;

 

(b)            no other statement or representations:

 

(i)             have induced or influenced the Purchaser to enter into this Agreement or agree to any or all of its terms;

 

(ii)            have been relied on in any way as being accurate by the Purchaser;

 

(iii)           have been warranted to the Purchaser as being true; or

 

(iv)           have been taken into account by the Purchaser as being important to the Purchaser’s decision to enter into this Agreement or agree to any or all of its terms;

 

(c)            that it will make no Claim against the Vendor, the Administrators, Ferrier Hodgson (Qld), Allens Arthur Robinson or any of their employees, agents and representatives about:

 

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(i)             the size, condition, working order or any particular quality of the Mine Assets;

 

(ii)            the suitability or fitness of the Mine Assets for their purpose;

 

(iii)           the economic viability of the Mine Assets or the prospect of the successful exploitation of any of the Mine Assets;

 

(iv)           the current or future environmental or rehabilitation obligations or liabilities in respect of the Mine Assets;

 

(v)            the profits or losses resulting from any activities which might be conducted through the use of the Mine Assets;

 

(vi)           any statements made by them concerning the Mine Assets;

 

(vii)          any implied warranty or condition whether statutory or otherwise and whether as to quality, state, condition or fitness for any particular purpose or as to any other matter or thing whatsoever; or

 

(viii)         any loss, damage or liability of any kind or nature incurred directly or indirectly by the Purchaser of the Mine Assets or any inadequacy of the Mine Assets for any purpose or any defect in or by the use of the Mine Assets by the Purchaser.

 

10.4         Warranties by the Purchaser

 

The Purchaser warrants that:

 

(a)            it has the power and authority to execute and enter into this Agreement and perform and observe all its terms without the consent of any person;

 

(b)            the entry into this Agreement will not breach the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) or the Foreign Acquisition and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth);

 

(c)            it requires no regulatory approvals (unless they have been obtained prior to the date of this Agreement) to enter into and complete this Agreement, including for the avoidance of doubt a written advice from the Australian Treasurer under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth) to the effect that the Commonwealth Government has no objection to the acquisition by the Purchaser of the Mine Assets under this Agreement;

 

(d)            it has duly executed this Agreement; and

 

(e)            each person signing this Agreement on behalf of the Purchaser, whether as an officer, agent, trustee or otherwise has full authority to execute this Agreement in that capacity.

 

10.5         Inspection

 

The Purchaser acknowledges that the Vendor has offered the Purchaser the opportunity to inspect the Mine Assets and to conduct its own enquiries concerning the Mine Assets, before the Purchaser entered into this Agreement. The Purchaser acknowledges that it has been allowed unfettered access to the Mine Assets and unfettered access to all of the books and records (including the Information) regarding the Mine Assets.

 

10.6         Exclusion of implied warranties

 

To the extent permitted by law, any condition or warranty which, but for this clause, would be implied by statute into this Agreement, is excluded from this Agreement.

 

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10.7         No Claim

 

The Purchaser shall not be entitled to:

 

(a)            make any Claim for compensation or damages or seek any reduction in the Purchase Price;

 

(b)            make any objection; or

 

(c)            be discharged from the purchase or otherwise terminate this Agreement,

 

in respect or because of:

 

(d)            any liability, obligation, requisition, direction, recommendation or notice relating to the Property or the Mine Assets which may be given, issued or incurred after the Completion of the Asset Transfer;

 

(e)            any matter referred to in clause 11;

 

(f)             any matter upon which:

 

(i)             the Vendor gives no warranty pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; or

 

(ii)            the Purchaser states that it has not relied, including any statement, representation or warranty,

 

as set out in this Agreement;

 

(g)            any liability, Claim, loss or expense of any kind caused directly or indirectly by the Mine Assets or any inadequacy of or defect in them.

 

11.           Native Title

 

11.1         Disclosure by the Vendor

 

The Purchaser acknowledges that the Vendor has disclosed to the Purchaser native title claim D6018/00 which was filed with the National Native Title Tribunal on 5 December 2000. The Mine Assets are sold subject to any native title or similar rights which may be held to exist in relation to the Mine Assets.

 

11.2         No Warranty

 

The Vendor makes no warranty or representation as to:

 

(a)            whether native title exists over or in respect of any of the Mine Assets;

 

(b)            whether native title is claimed to exist or will be claimed to exist over or in respect of any part of the Mine Assets;

 

(c)            whether any places of importance or significance to persons of Aboriginal descent exist within the Property.

 

11.3         No Claim

 

The Purchaser shall not be entitled to:

 

(a)            make any Claim for compensation or damages or seek any reduction in the Purchase Price;

 

(b)            make any objection; or

 

(c)            be discharged from the purchase or otherwise terminate this Agreement,

 

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in respect or because of:

 

(d)            any claim to native title over or in respect of the Mine Assets (or any part thereof) whether disclosed to, or known by, the Purchaser;

 

(e)            any other native title or similar rights in the nature of those detailed in clause 11.2 which may be held to exist over, or effect or impact upon, the Mine Assets.

 

12.           Risk

 

The Mine Assets are at the risk of the Purchaser in all respects from the date of this Agreement.

 

13.           Purchaser’s Requisitions And Objections

 

The Purchaser waives the right to deliver to, or to have answered by, the Vendor all objections and requisitions on title in relation to the Mine Assets and this Agreement.

 

14.           Outgoings and Adjustments

 

14.1         Liability to pay Royalties

 

Any liability to pay royalties under the Denehurst Royalty Deed shall be the responsibility of:

 

(a)            the Joint Venture Parties for the period up to but not including the Effective Date; and

 

(b)            the Purchaser for the period from and including the Effective Date.

 

14.2         Adjustments

 

There shall be no adjustment between the Vendor and the Purchaser at the Completion of the Asset Transfer in respect of any amounts paid by the Purchaser pursuant to clause 3.2 of this Agreement. The payment of the amounts referred to in clause 3.2 shall be the sole responsibility of the Purchaser, and the Vendor shall not be liable in any manner (including by way of contribution or indemnity) to the Purchaser in respect of any such payments.

 

15.           Completion of the Asset Transfer

 

15.1         Transfer Documents to be provided to the Vendor prior to the Completion Date

 

The Purchaser shall, not later than 3 Business Days before the Completion Date, deliver to the Vendor for due execution, transfers of the Mining Leases in registrable form and any other transfer documentation which the Purchaser considers necessary to effect a transfer of the Mine Assets. The Vendor’s obligation to deliver those documents, duly executed, on the Completion Date is subject to the Purchaser complying with this clause 15.1.

 

15.2         Completion

 

At the Completion of the Asset Transfer:

 

(a)            the Vendor will:

 

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(i)             subject to clause 15.1, deliver to the Purchaser duly signed transfers in registrable form of the Mining Leases in the Purchaser’s favour; and

 

(ii)            will deliver to the Purchaser all other documents which are necessary or desirable to effect a transfer of the Mine Assets from the Vendor to the Purchaser under this Agreement and which have been delivered to the Vendor pursuant to clause 15.1;

 

(b)            the Purchaser will pay, by bank cheque, to the Deposit Holder:

 

(i)             the Balance Purchase Price;

 

(ii)            the GST Amount in accordance with clause 6.3; and

 

(iii)           the Mining Lease Rental Payment in accordance with clause 3.2.

 

15.3         Place for Completion

 

Completion of this Agreement shall be effected on the Completion Date in Brisbane at a time between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm and at a place nominated by the Vendor’s Solicitors.

 

15.4         No Entitlements until the Effective Date

 

The Vendor and the Purchaser acknowledge and agree that:

 

(a)            the Vendor has no entitlement to receive the Deposit, the Balance Purchase Price or the GST Amount at the Completion of the Asset Transfer;

 

(b)            the Vendor shall be entitled to receive the Balance Purchase Price and the GST Amount only on or after the Effective Date, in accordance with clause 16.7;

 

(c)            the Purchaser has no entitlement to receive a Tax Invoice at the Completion of the Asset Transfer and shall be entitled to receive a Tax Invoice only on or after the Effective Date, in accordance with clause 6.4.

 

16.           Escrow

 

16.1         The Deposit Holder

 

The Vendor and the Purchaser acknowledge and agree that the Deposit Holder shall hold the Completion Amounts pursuant to the terms of this clause 16 and shall deal with the Completion Amounts solely in accordance with this clause.

 

16.2         Investment

 

(a)            If both parties direct the Deposit Holder by notice in writing to invest the Completion Amounts (or any part of the Completion Amounts) then (where the Deposit Holder is lawfully able) the Deposit Holder will invest those monies with any financial institution permitted by law for the investment of trust monies until the Deposit Holder is authorised or obliged to disburse the Completion Amounts (or any part thereof) in accordance with this clause 16.

 

(b)            The Completion Amounts (or such part as may be invested from time to time) and any accrued interest will be invested at the risk of the party to whom those monies are

 

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ultimately payable and the Deposit Holder will not be liable for any loss suffered by the parties in consequence of an investment pursuant to clause 16.2(a).

 

(c)            To facilitate the investment of the Completion Amounts, each party will notify any tax file number to the Deposit Holder at the time of giving written notice to the Deposit Holder in accordance with clause 16.2(a).

 

(d)            The parties authorise the Deposit Holder to prepare and lodge any tax return necessary in respect of the Completion Amounts and any accrued interest and to pay any tax assessed out of the Completion Amounts and any accrued interest.

 

(e)            The Vendor and the Purchaser will be deemed to be presently entitled in equal shares to any interest accrued for the purposes of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

 

16.3         Best Endeavours

 

Subject to clause 16.4, the Vendor and the Purchaser will use their best endeavours to obtain the registration of the Purchaser as the owner, holder or proprietor of the Mining Leases as soon as reasonably practicable after the Completion of the Asset Transfer.

 

16.4         Deed with the Northern Territory of Australia

 

Nothing in this Agreement shall oblige the Purchaser to become registered as the owner, holder or proprietor of the Mining Leases, except in circumstances where the Northern Territory of Australia has (either prior to or contemporaneously with such registration) executed the Environmental Deed.

 

16.5         Prevent Registration of the Transfer

 

The Vendor acknowledges and agrees that the Purchaser shall be entitled to take all steps and to do all things (including lodging a caveat over the Mining Leases) in order to prevent the registration of the Purchaser as the owner, holder or proprietor of the Mining Leases prior to the execution of the Environmental Deed by the Northern Territory of Australia.

 

16.6         Disbursement of the Mining Lease Rental Payment

 

The Deposit Holder will pay the Mining Lease Rental Payment to the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines of the Northern Territory solely upon the receipt of joint written instructions to that effect which are signed by both the Vendor and the Purchaser.

 

16.7         Disbursement of the Balance Purchase Price and GST Amount

 

The Deposit Holder shall pay the Balance Purchase Price and the GST Amount (and any interest accrued on the Completion Amounts) to:

 

(a)            the Vendor as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date; or

 

(b)            the Purchaser as soon as reasonably practicable after the Minister has refused to give his or her consent to the transfer of the Mining Leases to the Purchaser pursuant to s173 of the Mining Act.

 

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16.8         Refusal of Ministerial Consent

 

In the event that the Minister refuses to give his or her consent to the transfer of the Mining Leases to the Purchaser pursuant to s173 of the Mining Act:

 

(a)            if the Purchaser is in possession of any of the Mine Assets, the Purchaser must immediately deliver up possession of the Mine Assets to the Vendor or to any other person as the Vendor may direct;

 

(b)            this Agreement will automatically be terminated; and

 

(c)            neither the Purchaser nor the Vendor shall have any claim of any nature whatsoever against the other arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, except with respect to the repayment of the Deposit and the Completion Amounts in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

17.           Possession

 

17.1         Possession Deemed Given and Taken

 

Possession of the Mine Assets shall be deemed to be given by the Vendor and taken by the Purchaser on the Effective Date.

 

17.2         Access between the Completion Date and the Effective Date

 

From the Completion of the Asset Transfer to the earlier of:

 

(a)            the Effective Date; and

 

(b)            any date upon which this Agreement is terminated,

 

the Vendor will, to the extent that the Vendor may lawfully do so, allow the Purchaser access to the Mine Assets at such times, in such manner and on such conditions as the Vendor may consider appropriate.

 

17.3         Retention of Title

 

Until the Effective Date, the Mortgagors shall retain legal ownership of the relevant Mine Assets, subject to the Charges given in favour of the Vendor. Title in the Mine Assets shall not pass to the Purchaser upon the Completion of the Asset Transfer, and shall only pass to the Purchaser on the Effective Date.

 

18.           Access to the Information

 

The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that, following the Effective Date, the Vendor, the Administrators and any persons claiming by, through or under the Vendor shall, upon reasonable notice to the Purchaser and at their own cost, be allowed access to such of the Information as they may require for the purpose of the administration of the Vendor and will be authorised to make a copy of any of the Information. The Vendor and the Administrators agree that they (and their employees and agents) shall at all times conduct themselves so as to minimise any disruption to the Purchaser which may be caused by any request for access to the Information.

 

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19.           Purchaser’s default

 

If the Purchaser fails to pay the Deposit or any of the Completion Amounts in accordance with this Agreement, or otherwise breaches this Agreement, then the Vendor, in addition to any other rights the Vendor has, may:

 

(a)            affirm this Agreement and:

 

(i)             sue the Purchaser for damages for breach; or

 

(ii)            sue the Purchaser for specific performance and damages in addition to or in lieu of specific performance; or

 

(b)            terminate this Agreement and:

 

(i)             elect to declare the Deposit forfeited and/or sue the Purchaser for damages for breach; or

 

(ii)            elect to declare the Deposit forfeited and/or resell the Mine Assets as the Vendor deems fit. Any deficiency arising from such resale and any expense arising from such resale shall be recoverable by the Vendor from the Purchaser as liquidated damages.

 

20.           Encumbrances

 

20.1         Vendor not liable for damages or compensation

 

If for any reason (including the creation of any Encumbrance over any of the Mine Assets) other than the wilful default of the Vendor, the Vendor is unable to complete the Asset Transfer, then the Vendor shall not be liable by way of damages or compensation for any loss sustained by the Purchaser from the failure of the Vendor to complete the Asset Transfer.

 

20.2         Vendor will not be paying rental on Mining Leases

 

The Purchaser unconditionally acknowledges and agrees that:

 

(a)            the Vendor will not pay any rent or other amounts due in relation to the Mining Leases for the period from 5 March 2002 to the Effective Date;

 

(b)            persons other than the Vendor, including MTRP, may have paid rent or other amounts due in relation to the Mining Leases in relation to the period, or some part of the period, from 5 March 2002 to the Effective Date;

 

(c)            the Vendor will not be liable by way of damages or compensation for any loss sustained by the Purchaser from the failure of the Vendor to complete the Asset Transfer in the event that the Mining Leases (or any of them) are forfeited due to non-payment of the rent or other amounts referred to in clause 20.2(a) or for any other reason whatsoever;

 

(d)            the Vendor will not be liable by way of damages or compensation for any loss sustained by the Purchaser, and nor will the Purchaser be entitled to terminate this Agreement, on the basis of any claim, whether alleged or threatened, or any caveat by any person (including MTRP) who may have paid any rent or other amounts referred to in clause 20.2(b);

 

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(e)            the Vendor will not be liable by way of damages or compensation for any loss sustained by the Purchaser in connection with any payments made by the Purchaser with respect to any rent or other amounts due in relation to the Mining Leases, if this Agreement is terminated or is not completed for any reason whatsoever;

 

(f)             the payment by the Purchaser of any rent or other amounts due in relation to the Mining Leases shall not create, confer or give rise to any interest on the part of the Purchaser if this Agreement is terminated or is not completed for any reason whatsoever and the Purchaser expressly disclaims any such interest.

 

20.3         Completion Date may be extended

 

If for any reason (other than the wilful default of the Vendor) the Vendor is unable to give title to and/or possession of any of the Mine Assets to the Purchaser on the Completion Date then the Vendor may either terminate this Agreement or (at its option) by notice to the Purchaser extend the Completion Date by a period of not more than 2 months. The Completion Date may be postponed in this way more than once, as long as it is not postponed beyond 2 months later than the original Completion Date.

 

20.4         Terminate 2 months after original Completion Date

 

If completion still cannot be effected by the Vendor by the date 2 months after the original Completion Date, then this Agreement will, unless otherwise agreed between the parties, automatically be terminated.

 

20.5         Consequences of Termination

 

If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this clause:

 

(a)            if the Purchaser is in possession of any of the Mine Assets, the Purchaser must immediately deliver up possession of the Mine Assets to the Vendor or to any other person as the Vendor may direct; and

 

(b)            neither the Purchaser nor the Vendor shall have any further claim against the other arising out of this Agreement.

 

21.           Late Completion

 

21.1         Interest on Overdue Amounts

 

If for any reason (other than the wilful default of the Vendor):

 

(a)            this Agreement is not completed by the Completion Date; and

 

(b)            the Vendor does not, at or about that time, exercise its right to terminate this Agreement,

 

then the Purchaser will pay to the Vendor, Default Interest on the Balance Purchase Price outstanding. Default Interest will be calculated at daily rates from the Completion Date until the final payment under this Agreement and will be payable with the Balance Purchase Price.

 

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22.           Purchaser’s Indemnity

 

22.1         Environmental Matters

 

The Purchaser agrees to defend and indemnify the Vendor, the Administrators, the Mortgagor and the Joint Venture Parties against any and all Claims, losses, liabilities, damages and expenses whenever made or incurred (including, without limitation, compensation, fines, penalties, loss of income to the Vendor, investigation costs, clean up costs and any other actions necessary or desirable pursuant to any Environmental Law in respect of the Mine Assets and all legal fees and expenses on an indemnity basis and consultant’s fees, including those arising by reason of any of the above or in an action against the Purchaser under this indemnity) arising directly or indirectly from, out of or by reason of any Hazardous Discharge, Environmental Complaint or Environmental Event in respect of the Mine Assets which occurs after the Effective Date.

 

23.           Security bonds

 

For the avoidance of any doubt, any security bonds which the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines, Northern Territory requires to be lodged in respect of the Mining Leases shall be the responsibility and liability of the Purchaser.

 

24.           Non-Disclosure

 

24.1         Confidentiality

 

Subject to this clause, each party shall keep the terms of this Agreement confidential.

 

24.2         Exceptions

 

A party may make any disclosures in relation to this Agreement as, in its absolute discretion, it thinks necessary to:

 

(a)            its professional advisers, bankers, financial advisers and financiers, if those persons undertake to keep information disclosed confidential;

 

(b)            comply with any applicable law or requirement of any regulatory body (including any relevant stock exchange);

 

(c)            any of its employees to whom it is necessary to disclose the information, on receipt of an undertaking from that employee to keep the information confidential; or

 

(d)            any third party to whom disclosure is required in order to procure the satisfaction of a condition precedent in clause 3.1.

 

24.3         Additional disclosures by the Vendor

 

The Vendor and the Administrators may make any disclosure of the terms of this Agreement that they think necessary to:

 

(a)            any creditor of the Vendor;

 

(b)            the Joint Venture Parties; and

 

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(c)            any person having an Encumbrance over the Mine Assets, in circumstances where the Encumbrance ranks after those of the Vendor.

 

24.4         Public announcements

 

Except as required by applicable law or the requirements of any regulatory body (including any relevant stock exchange), all press releases and other public announcements relating to the transactions dealt with by this Agreement prior to the Effective Date must be in terms agreed by the parties.

 

25.           No Merger

 

Regardless of the completion of the sale and purchase of the Mine Assets under this Agreement, any general or special condition to which effect is not given by the conveyance and which is capable of taking effect after Completion of the Asset Transfer shall remain of and in full force and effect.

 

26.           Subsequent sale, assignment or mortgage by Purchaser

 

If at any time after the Completion of the Asset Transfer the Purchaser enters into a contract or arrangement to sell, assign, mortgage or otherwise deal with any of the Mining Leases (or any part thereof) to a third party ( ‘Third Party’ ) the Purchaser must as a condition of the sale, assignment, mortgage or other dealing obtain from the Third Party an undertaking that the Third Party acknowledges and agrees to be bound by clauses 7.1, 7.2, 8.1 and 8.2 as if the Third Party was the Purchaser under this Agreement.

 

27.           Notices

 

Any notice required to be given under this Agreement by any party to another shall be:

 

(a)            in writing addressed to the address of the intended recipient shown in this Agreement below or to such other address as has been most recently notified by the intended recipient to the party giving the notice:

 

in the case of the Vendor:

 

Address:	c/- Ferrier Hodgson (Qld)
	Level 7
	145 Eagle Street
	Brisbane QLD 4000
Facsimile:	(07) 3831 3862
Attention:	Mr Peter Geroff
in the case of the Purchaser:
Address:	Vista Gold Australia Pty Ltd
	c/o Whittens Lawyers
	Level 30, 133 Castlereagh Street
	Sydney NSW 2000

 

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Facsimile:	(02) 9264 2216
Attention:	Mr Michael B Richings
in the case of the Deposit Holder:
Address:	Ferrier Hodgson (Qld)
	Level 7
	145 Eagle Street
	Brisbane Qld 4000
Facsimile:	(07) 3831 3862
Attention:	Mr Will Colwell

 

(b)            signed by a person duly authorised by the sender; and

 

(c)            deemed to have been given and served:

 

(i)             where delivery is by hand, at the time of delivery;

 

(ii)            where despatched by facsimile transmission, 24 hours after the time recorded on the transmitting machine unless:

 

(A)           within those 24 hours intended recipient has informed the sender that the transmission was received in an incomplete or garbled form; or

 

(B)           the transmission result report of the sender indicates a faulty or incomplete transmission; and

 

(iii)           where despatched by security post, on acknowledgment or receipt by or on behalf of the recipient,

 

but if such delivery or receipt is on a day on which commercial premises are not generally open for business in the place of receipt or is later than 4.00pm (local time) on any day, the notice shall be deemed to have been given and served on the next day on which commercial premises are generally open for business in a place of receipt.

 

28.           Sale by the Vendor

 

28.1         Contract with the Vendor

 

The Purchaser acknowledges that it is contracting with the Vendor and not with the Administrators. The Administrators shall not be personally liable to the Purchaser for any act, omission or obligation of the Vendor in respect of this Agreement.

 

28.2         Personal Benefit by the Administrators

 

The Administrators, by their execution of this Agreement on behalf of the Vendor, also take the personal benefit of any provision and/or indemnity given in favour of the Vendor under this Agreement.

 

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29.           Further assurances

 

Each party shall take all such steps, execute all such documents and do all such acts and things as may be reasonably required by the other party to give effect to this Agreement and any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

30.           Governing law

 

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws for the time being in force in the Northern Territory and each party submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of or exercising jurisdiction in that Territory.

 

31.           Non-waiver

 

Neither the failure of any party to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement nor the granting of any time or other indulgences shall be construed as a waiver of that provision or of the right of that party thereafter to enforce that or any other provision.

 

32.           Stamp duty and costs

 

The parties shall bear their own costs arising out of the preparation of this Agreement save that the Purchaser shall bear any stamp duty chargeable on this Agreement and on any instruments required to be entered into pursuant to this Agreement and the Purchaser indemnifies the Vendor and the Administrators against the liability for all such stamp duty (including any penalties or fines).

 

33.           Entire Agreement

 

This Agreement and any other written agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior understandings and representations between the parties with respect to the Mine Assets and their sale. Except as set out in that Agreement there are no representations or warranties that have been relied on by the Purchaser in entering into this Agreement.

 

34.           Amendment

 

This Agreement may not be amended except by a further agreement duly executed by the parties.

 

35.           Assignment

 

The rights of the partes under this Agreement cannot be assigned, charged or otherwise dealt with before the Effective Date.

 

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36.           Counterparts

 

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts. All counterparts taken together will be taken to constitute one agreement, and shall be binding on all the parties when one such counterpart has been executed by each party.

 

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Executed as an agreement.

 

SIGNED SEALED AND DELIVERED by Pegasus Gold Australia Pty Ltd (Subject to Deed of Company Arrangement) as mortgagee exercising power of sale by Peter Ivan Felix Geroff in the presence of:
Witness Signature
		Peter Ivan Felix Geroff
Print Name		Print Name
Executed for and on behalf of Vista Gold Australia Pty Ltd by:
Director Signature		Director Signature
Print Name		Print Name
SIGNED SEALED AND DELIVERED on behalf of Vista Gold Corp:
Director Signature		Director/Secretary Signature
Print Name		Print Name

 

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Appendix 1 - Owners of Plant and Equipment

 

Column 1 — Owner		Column 2 - Plant and Equipment
Aussiequip Pty Ltd		See Schedule 1, together with all of the other plant and equipment situated at the Mine other than the plant and equipment which is described or referred to below and other than the Mortgagors Plant and Equipment.
Forrestania Gold NL		See Schedule 2
Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development		See Schedule 3
NT Power Generation Pty Ltd		The Mt Todd power plant and all plant and equipment which comprises or is contained within that power plant.
Third party purchasers		The plant and equipment:
		•       sold by the Vendor (whether in its own right or as mortgagee exercising power of sale) to any third parties (other than those described above) whether by way of auction or by private treaty;
		•       otherwise owned by third parties other than the Mortgagors.

 

29

 

Appendix 2 – Mortgagors Plant and Equipment

 

Column 1 — Owner		Column 2 - Plant and Equipment
Mortgagors		All plant and equipment which is required to remain at the Mine for environmental management requirements.

 

30

 

Schedule 1 – Aussiequip Pty Ltd

 

31

 

Schedule 2 – Forrestania Gold NL / Oresearch NL

 

32

 

Schedule 3 – Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development

 

33

 

Schedule 4 – Environmental Deed

 

34

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA

 

AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made the

day of

2006.

 

BETWEEN :

 

the NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA care of the Department of Primary Industry Fisheries and Mines, of Centrepoint Building, The Mall, Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia (“the Territory”)

 

AND :

 

VISTA GOLD AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (A.C.N. 117 327 509) the registered office of which is situate at c/- Whittens Lawyers, Level 30, Piccadilly Tower, 133 Castlereagh Street, Sydney in the State of New South Wales (“Vista Gold”)

 

AND:

 

VISTA GOLD CORP , a company continued under the laws of the Yukon Territory, Canada and having its principal executive offices at Suite 5, 7961 Shaffer Parkway, Littleton, Colorado USA 80127, the registered office of which is situated at 200-204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada YIA 3T2 (“the Guarantor”)

 

RECITALS:

 

A.            The Mt Todd Gold Mine Site (Mt Todd) near Katherine in the Northern Territory of Australia, was a major mining operation conducted over a period of approximately seven (7) years by several different operators and was operated pursuant to the terms of Mineral Leases issued pursuant to the Mining Act and numbered MLN 1070, 1071 and 1127(“the Mineral Leases”).

 

B.             In 2000, mining activity at Mt Todd ceased. On 5 July 2000, voluntary administrators were appointed to General Gold Operations Pty Ltd (“the Operator”) pursuant to the Corporations Act .

 

C.             Pegasus Gold Australia Pty Ltd (Subject to Deed of Company Arrangement) (“the Mortgagee”) conducted a sale of assets at Mt Todd, and the Territory purchased a number of items of capital equipment located on the site.  The Mt Todd site and the equipment have, since that time, been operated and maintained by the Territory.

 

D.             Vista Gold has entered into or intends to enter into an agreement with the Mortgagee for the purchase by Vista Gold of 100% of the Mineral Leases.

 

E.             The Territory acknowledges the special interest of the Jawoyn people in the land on which Mt Todd is situated, and notes that Vista Gold has entered or intends to enter into an agreement with the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation in respect of the use of the land.

 

F.             The Territory and Vista Gold now wish to record the terms of their agreement, under which they will each occupy Mt Todd for the purpose of each of them carrying out their respective activities with the intention that the site will be rehabilitated consistent with currently accepted standards and that exploration and mining activities will resume on the site.

 

 

G.             The objectives of the Territory in entering this agreement are as follows:

 

(a)            to maximise the opportunities available for the Mineral Leases, in order to benefit stakeholders and Territorians;

 

(b)            to ensure that the site is managed so that there is minimal or no adverse impact on the environment, by the orderly management of the fire and water management and security at the Mt Todd site while Vista Gold undertakes studies and reviews with a view to recommencing mining at Mt Todd;

 

(c)            the long term successful rehabilitation of the Mt Todd site, either through successful mining operations to be undertaken by Vista Gold or another mining company, or by the Territory;

 

(d)            to ensure that the Territory can continue to undertake such studies as are necessary in order to determine the appropriate means of long term rehabilitation of the site;

 

(e)            for a third party to assume the role of operator of the Mineral Leases and allow the Territory to continue in its regulatory role consistent with the Mining Management Act .

 

H.             The objectives of Vista Gold in entering this agreement are as follows:

 

(a)            to undertake studies and exploration with a view to determining whether Mt Todd can be the subject of viable mining operations;

 

(b)            to develop Mt Todd at such time when an appropriate combination of gold prices, costs and technology will permit the safe and profitable development of the ore body for all parties;

 

(c)            to work with the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation and the Territory to improve environmental protection at the mine site; and

 

(d)            to work with the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation cooperatively and transparently to develop the natural resources of the Mineral Leases, to acquire potential future exploration licences and to ensure the appropriate use and protection of the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation freehold land covering these areas.

 

I.              The Territory has agreed to continue to operate and manage the Mineral Leases for a period of twelve (12) months to 31 December 2006, in order to enable an orderly transfer of this function to Vista Gold.  From 1 January 2007, Vista Gold shall assume full responsibility for operation and management of the site including (without limitation) the provision of adequate security on site, fire and water management and the conduct of all repairs and maintenance of NT Assets.

 

J.              The Guarantor has agreed to guarantee all of the obligations of Vista Gold under this Agreement.

 

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K.             The Territory acknowledges that Vista Gold has indicated that it will, in conjunction with the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation, make a proposal for exploration of areas surrounding Mt Todd and which are presently the subject of a reserve from occupation pursuant to section 178 of the Mining Act .

 

THE PARTIES AGREE as follows:

 

1.          DEFINITIONS

 

1.1         In this Agreement unless the contrary intention appears the following definitions shall apply:

 

“Business Day” means any day other than a weekend or public holiday in the Northern Territory;

 

 “Commencement Date” means 1 January 2006;

 

“Confidential Information” means any information or material relating to this Agreement provided by or for one party to the other party, including but not limited to:

 

(a)   any information that by its nature is confidential;

 

(b)        any information designated as confidential by the party by or for whom the information is provided; and

 

(c)         any information that the recipient of the information knows is confidential,

 

but excludes:

 

(i)          any information which is part of the public domain at the time of disclosure or which becomes publicly available other than through a breach of this Agreement; or

 

(ii)         any information which is already in the possession of a party at the date of disclosure from sources independent of this Agreement and without an obligation of confidence on the recipient of that information;

 

“First Renewal Period” means the period of five (5) years from the expiry of the Term;

 

 “Initial Period” means the period from the Commencement Date until 31 December 2006;

 

 “Law” means the general law applying to the Northern Territory of Australia, together with all statutes (Commonwealth State and Territory) in force from time to time in the Northern Territory, including all subordinate legislation of every kind;

 

“Mining Management Plan” means a Mining Management Plan under Division 3 Part 4 of the Mining Management Act ;

 

3

 

 “Notice” means a written notice given by Vista Gold to the Territory which gives the Territory thirty (30) days notice that Vista Gold intends to take over and assume the management, operation and rehabilitation of Mt Todd;

 

“NT Assets” means the fixtures, fittings and items of equipment listed in Schedule A to the Agreement.

 

“Payment” means the payment to be made to the Territory by Vista Gold pursuant to clause 10 of this Agreement;

 

“Prior Intellectual Property” means the intellectual property in all of the documents, reports and other material in the possession of the Territory at the date of this Agreement, and which the Territory has or will make available to Vista Gold.

 

“Second Renewal Period” means the period of three (3) years from the expiry of the First Renewal Period;

 

“Site Entry Conditions” means the conditions set out in Schedule C to this Agreement.

 

“Site Manager” means the person (if any) nominated by Vista Gold to the Territory in writing to be the Site Manager for Mt Todd.

 

“Term” means the period of five (5) years commencing on the Commencement Date;

 

2.          INTERPRETATION

 

2.1         In the interpretation of this Agreement unless such interpretation shall be excluded by or repugnant to the context:

 

(a)         words importing the singular number include the plural number and vice versa;

 

(b)        words importing any gender shall include all other genders;

 

(c)         “person” includes a corporation;

 

(d)        all references to statutes shall also refer to statutes amending or re-enacting or replacing the statutes referred to and shall include a reference to all Proclamations Orders in Council regulations rules by-laws ordinances and any other instruments and directions (if any) made thereunder;

 

(e)         “Dollar,” “$,” or “currency” refers to the Australian dollar;

 

(f)         all covenants warranties undertakings and agreements herein shall if entered into by more than one (1) person be deemed to be joint and several;

 

4

 

(g)        recitals, headings and sub-headings have been included for ease of reference only and this Agreement is not to be construed or interpreted by reference to such headings or sub-headings;

 

(h)        any Schedules to this Agreement shall be read and construed as part of this Agreement.

 

3.          CONDITION PRECEDENT

 

This Agreement shall have no force or effect and shall not be binding on any party unless and until it is signed by all parties, and the Mineral Leases are wholly owned by Vista Gold, by no later than 30 March 2006.  For the purposes of this clause the registration of transfer of leases need not be effected by 30 March 2006.

 

4.          TERM OF AGREEMENT

 

4.1         This Agreement will commence on the Commencement Date and expire on 31 December 2010 unless sooner determined or terminated in accordance with this Agreement.

 

4.2         The Territory hereby grants to Vista Gold a right of renewal of this Agreement for the First Renewal Period subject to:

 

(a)         compliance by Vista Gold with all material terms of this Agreement; and

 

(b)        if Vista Gold can show that it is technically feasible for the viable commercial development and mining of the Mt Todd gold ore bodies within a reasonable period of time.

 

4.3         The Territory may, upon application by Vista Gold made not less than six (6) months before the expiry of the First Renewal Period, and at its sole discretion in all things, grant to Vista Gold the Second Renewal Period.

 

5.          ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INTEREST OF THE JAWOYN PEOPLE

 

The parties acknowledge and agree that the Jawoyn People have a special interest in the land on which the Mt Todd site is situated, and acknowledge that Vista Gold has entered into or intends to enter into an agreement with the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation in respect of use of the land.

 

6.          PARTICIPATION BY VISTA GOLD AS AN OBSERVER FOR THE MT TODD REFERENCE GROUP

 

The Territory will procure that Vista Gold will be entitled to attend meetings of the Mt Todd Reference Group as an observer.

 

7.          OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES

 

7.1         Obligations of the Territory during the Initial Period

 

(a)         In consideration of the Payment being made in accordance with clause 10 hereof, the Territory will operate and manage Mt Todd for

 

5

 

the Initial Period in an environmentally sound manner and in accordance with all Laws and policies of the Territory.

 

(b)        The obligation to operate and manage includes (but is not necessarily limited to):

 

(i)          provision of adequate security on site;

 

(ii)         fire and water management;

 

(iii)        the conduct of all repairs and maintenance of the NT Assets to appropriate standards such that the mechanical equipment is kept in sound operating condition.

 

7.2         Obligations of Vista Gold during the Term

 

Vista Gold must, at its own cost:

 

(a)   within the Initial Period:

 

(i)          undertake a comprehensive technical and environmental review of Mt Todd, and deliver to the Territory a report detailing as a minimum:

 

(A)       current site environmental conditions;

 

(B)        identifying and prioritising a program to continue the stabilization of the environmental conditions and to minimise offsite contamination;

 

(C)        examining the condition of important physical assets on the site and reviewing the steps necessary to preserve them;

 

(ii)         undertake a review of the water management plan and make recommendations for future implementation;

 

(iii)        provide a report to the Territory detailing all available mineral resources, mine planning and metallurgical information gathered from and in respect of previous operators.  This report must contain a preliminary feasibility study of the re-start of operations examining important technical, economic and environmental considerations.

 

(b)        not later than six (6) months prior to the end of the Term:

 

(i)         prepare and provide to the Territory a technical and economic feasibility study for the potential development of Mt Todd.  The study must be conducted by independent consultants to international technical security commission standards for such studies and will:

 

(A)       examine all technical economic and environmental issues;

 

6

 

(B)        estimate site rehabilitation costs with and without any proposed new operations to be conducted on the site;

 

(C)        consider any new exploration information generated by Vista Gold during the Term;

 

(D)        consider current proven technologies and potential technologies which may be developed in the reasonably foreseeable future, that is, within the Term and the First Renewal Period;

 

(ii)         prepare and provide to the Territory a comprehensive report including the results of all exploration activities at Mt Todd during the Term;

 

(c)        on each anniversary of the Commencement Date throughout the Initial Period, Term, First Renewal Period and the Second Renewal Period,

 

(i)          prepare and provide to the Territory a report detailing the results of all exploration and other activities at Mt Todd during the previous year; and

 

(ii)         a comprehensive plan for all activities planned at Mt Todd during the forthcoming year (including an exploration plan in accordance with clause 12).

 

7.3         Obligations of Vista Gold Concerning Insurance

 

As and from the Commencement Date, Vista Gold must take out and maintain during the Term and, if applicable, the First Renewal Period and the Second Renewal Period in the joint names of Vista Gold and the Territory, insurance policies with a reputable insurance company conducting business in the Northern Territory, covering the following risks:

 

(a)         liability under the Work Health Act for Vista Gold’s full liability thereunder;

 

(b)        liabilities of the public for an amount of not less than Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00) in respect of accidents arising out of, or in the ordinary course of, or caused by the execution of the Works or the occupation of the Site by Vista Gold.

 

Vista Gold must ensure that all its sub-contractors and consultants take out and maintain in force valid and enforceable insurance policies of the types referred to in this clause where the same are not covered in their totality by the policies taken out by Vista Gold.

 

Vista Gold must produce to the Territory promptly upon request copies of all policies and, as a separate obligation, will provide to the Territory certificates of currency in respect of each policy as and when they are renewed.

 

7

 

7.4        Obligation for Vista Gold to operate after Initial Period

 

(a)        At the expiry of the Initial Period, Vista Gold will, in addition to any other statutory or other obligations, operate and manage Mt Todd in an environmentally sound manner and in accordance with all laws and policies of the Territory and otherwise to the standard and using the skill and resources that would be applied by a prudent mine operator;

 

(b)        The obligation to operate and manage includes (but is not necessarily limited to):

 

(i)          provision of adequate security on site;

 

(ii)         fire and water management;

 

(iii)        the conduct of all repairs and maintenance of the NT Assets to appropriate standards such that the mechanical equipment is kept in sound operating condition, having regard to their condition at the date of the expiration of the Initial Period.

 

(c)         the obligations in this clause 7.4 do not include rehabilitation of Mt Todd, which obligations are dealt with in clause 11.

 

8.          OWNERSHIP AND MAINTENANCE OF MOVABLE ASSETS

 

It is acknowledged and agreed by the parties that the NT Assets are and remain at all times the property of the Territory, notwithstanding that the same may be fixed to the land.

 

The Territory hereby grants to Vista Gold an exclusive licence to use the NT Assets other than the shed currently occupied by the Territory during the period from the end of the Initial Period for the Term and, if applicable the First Renewal Period and the Second Renewal Period, in consideration of the payment by Vista Gold to the Territory of One Dollar ($1.00) (if demanded).

 

After the expiration of the Initial Period, subject to the provisions of clause 13, Vista Gold must undertake all repairs and maintenance of the NT Assets, having regard to their condition as at the expiration of the Initial Period, other than the shed, and if applicable, the First Renewal Period and the Second Renewal Period.

 

Vista Gold acknowledges that the Territory will continue to use and maintain the shed which is currently occupied by the Territory for the purposes of carrying out activities in accordance with clause 11.  In the event that the Territory does not need to utilise the whole of the shed for this purpose, the Territory may by agreement with Vista Gold, make any surplus space available to Vista Gold.

 

Vista Gold acknowledges that the items of plant and equipment at Mt Todd listed in Schedule B to this Agreement are not the property of the Territory and which the Territory has no power to deal with.  The Territory reserves the right to permit the owner of any such items to enter Mt Todd at any reasonable time

 

8

 

within the Initial Period subject to prior written notice to Vista Gold to remove them.

 

9.          FUTURE USE OF MATERIAL ON SITE

 

The parties acknowledge that there is present at Mt Todd certain materials, such as water, scats and a mineral stock pile, which may be needed by the Territory in order to undertake rehabilitation works.  The parties agree to work cooperatively with one another to agree upon the manner in which this material can be used by the Territory for this purpose, without unreasonably negatively impacting upon Vista Gold’s proposed use of the Mt Todd site.

 

If either the Territory or Vista Gold have any proposal to use material at the Mt Todd site, the party wishing to use the material will provide one (1) month’s prior written notice to the other party in order to provide that party with an opportunity to comment or to be consulted on the proposal to use the material.

 

10.        PAYMENT DURING THE INITIAL PERIOD

 

10.1       Subject to the provisions of 10.2 hereof, Vista Gold shall pay to the Territory the total of the Territory’s actual costs and expenses of and incidental to the management and operation of Mt Todd for the Initial Period.

 

10.2       It is acknowledged by the parties that the estimate of the Territory’s costs in the Initial Period at the Commencement Date is approximately $375,000.00 per annum (calculated exclusive of GST).   Notwithstanding the obligation of Vista Gold contained in clause10.1, the parties agree that the maximum of the Payment for the Initial Period will be Three Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($375,000.00) plus any applicable GST.

 

10.3       Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the Territory must submit to Vista Gold, on a quarterly basis, an itemised statement of estimated costs that will be incurred in the following quarter and submit it together with a tax invoice prepared in accordance with clause 21 for payment by Vista Gold.

 

10.4       Vista Gold shall, within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the itemised statement of estimated costs, pay the amount of the estimate to the Territory.

 

10.5       At the conclusion of the Initial Period, the Territory must provide to Vista Gold an itemised reconciliation of the actual costs and expenses of and incidental to the management and operation of Mt Todd for the Initial Period with the sum paid by Vista Gold to the Territory.  Any surplus shall be paid by the Territory to Vista Gold, and any shortfall up to the maximum of Three Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($375,000.00) plus GST, shall be payable by Vista Gold to the Territory.

 

11.            REHABILITATION

 

11.1          The Territory acknowledges its commitment to the community to rehabilitate Mt Todd.  The Territory intends (but is not bound to) carry out

 

9

 

a range of environmental and other studies as recommended to the Territory or otherwise determined by the Territory to be of some assistance in determining the appropriate rehabilitation tasks for the Mt Todd site, together with such works as the Territory deems reasonably necessary and desirable for the Territory in respect of the long term rehabilitation of the Mt Todd site (“the Works”).

 

11.2          The Territory shall, on each anniversary of the Commencement Date, provide a reasonably detailed report to Vista Gold of the Works carried out by the Territory in the previous twelve (12) months together with a reasonably detailed plan of the Works proposed for the following twelve (12) months.

 

11.3          Vista Gold hereby grants to the Territory its employees, contractors and agents a non-exclusive licence to enter exit and remain on the Mt Todd site for the purpose of the Territory carrying out the Works.  The Territory will provide Vista Gold with written notice at least twenty (20) days prior to any Works commencing which will employ at the site more than ten (10) employees or Works which may interfere with ongoing activities by Vista Gold.

 

11.4          At any time after the expiry of the Initial Period the Territory acknowledges and agrees to comply and agrees to cause its officers, servants, agents and contractors to comply with the Site Entry Conditions.

 

11.5          Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any of the Mineral Leases, the Mining Act , the Mining Management Act , or any other legislation, the Territory acknowledges and agrees that Vista Gold has no obligations in respect of the rehabilitation of the Mt Todd site, insofar as the rehabilitation obligations relate to any pre-existing environmental condition as at the Commencement Date.  Vista Gold agrees and acknowledges that it has full responsibility for any environmental conditions that occur subsequent to the Commencement Date, other than any environmental conditions caused by the Territory, and except as otherwise expressly provided in clause 11.6.

 

11.6          The parties acknowledge that, in spite of the best endeavours by Vista Gold, the pre-existing environmental conditions at Mt Todd as at the Commencement Date could be exacerbated by factors outside of the control of the parties, or unknown to the parties at the Commencement Date, such as extraordinary weather conditions.  Consistent with the position that Vista Gold has no obligations in respect of the rehabilitation of the Mt Todd site, insofar as the rehabilitation obligations relate to any pre-existing environmental conditions as at the Commencement Date, the Territory agrees that, if there is a claim made against Vista Gold or the Guarantor as a result of the exacerbation of pre-existing environmental condition as at the Commencement Date, the Territory will bear the cost of such claim, provided that Vista Gold has used its best endeavours to prevent the exacerbation, and Vista Gold has complied with its obligations under clause 7.4.

 

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11.7          In the event that, notwithstanding clause 11.5, the Territory enforces any of the provisions of the Mining Act , Mineral Leases or Mining Management Act to require Vista Gold to conduct any rehabilitation activities in respect of pre-existing environmental conditions as at the Commencement Date, except as otherwise specifically provided for by this Agreement, the Territory shall reimburse Vista Gold the cost of compliance.  Provided that Vista Gold shall not be forced to pay more than Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) without reimbursement from the Territory within seven (7) days of a claim being made to the Territory by Vista Gold.

 

12.         EXPLORATION ACTIVITY

 

Vista Gold shall, within six (6) months of the Commencement Date, provide to the Territory a reasonably detailed exploration plan which is designed to evaluate the gold potential of the site.

 

The plan shall describe a year by year phased exploration program with each successive phase modified by the results of the preceding phases.  The first year’s program will primarily consist of compiling and evaluating all available historical exploration records.  Based on this evaluation, follow up activities such as Geochemistry and Geophysics or prospecting-level drilling will be undertaken, followed by drilling at appropriate locations and densities to adequately evaluate the potential.

 

Vista Gold shall undertake exploration activities in accordance with the exploration plan.

 

If, in the reasonable opinion of the Territory, the exploration plan provided by Vista Gold is not sufficient to evaluate the gold potential of the site within the Term, the Territory shall provide Vista Gold with a written notice detailing the reasons why the Territory is of the view that the exploration plan is not sufficient, and Vista Gold shall revise and resubmit its exploration plan to the Territory for the Territory’s review.  If Vista Gold and the Territory are unable to agree on a plan, the plan will be submitted to dispute resolution as provided for in clause 17.4(b) of this Agreement.

 

Vista Gold acknowledges that any exploration activity proposed to be carried out by it at Mt Todd must be the subject of a Mine Management Plan first approved by the Minister pursuant to the Mining Management Act , and appropriate security being provided in respect of same.

 

13.         MINING ACTIVITY

 

13.1       Vista Gold may, (but is not obliged to), at any time during the Term, the First Renewal Period or Second Renewal Period give Notice to the Territory that it wishes to commence mining activity at Mt Todd.

 

13.2       Upon expiry of the Notice period, the Territory will:

 

(b)        transfer the NT Assets to Vista Gold upon such terms and conditions as the Territory and Vista Gold may agree, or, failing agreement, as determined by an Independent Valuer;

 

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(c)         promptly commence to transfer to Vista Gold the rehabilitation, management and operational activities being carried out by the Territory with a view to effecting a seamless transition to Vista Gold of all rights duties and obligations of the Territory in respect of Mt Todd.

 

13.3       Upon expiry of the Notice Period, Vista Gold must take over and assume full responsibility for all management, operational and rehabilitation works at Mt Todd, including without limitation any activity previously being undertaken by the Territory, and all risk in respect of Mt Todd will thereupon pass to Vista Gold, and the relief from the obligation to undertake rehabilitation and the other provisions of clause 11 shall cease to apply.

 

13.4       All rehabilitation works carried out by Vista Gold pursuant to this clause will be at the sole cost of Vista Gold.

 

13.5       Vista Gold acknowledges that any mining activity proposed to be carried out by it at Mt Todd must be the subject of a Mine Management Plan first approved by the Minister pursuant to the provisions of the Mining Management Act , and appropriate security being provided in respect of same.  Vista Gold further acknowledges that Vista Gold will be solely responsible for obtaining any or all approvals required for the conduct of mining or exploration activity, including any environmental approvals required pursuant to the Environmental Assessment Act or any other relevant environmental laws.

 

14.        INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

The Territory is and remains at all times the owner of the Prior Intellectual Property.

 

Each of the Territory and Vista Gold will be the owner of the intellectual property in any studies, or works that they each carry out during the Term, or where applicable, the First Renewal Period or the Second Renewal Period.

 

Each of the Territory and Vista Gold grant to the other a perpetual non-exclusive licence to use the intellectual property in any studies or works that they each carry out during the Term, or where applicable, the first Renewal Period or Second Renewal Period.  Vista Gold acknowledges that, in the event that this Agreement expires or is otherwise earlier terminated, the Territory may make any or all intellectual property publicly available or available to persons with an interest in the Mt Todd site.

 

15.        LOCAL INDUSTRY PARTICIPATION

 

15.1          Vista Gold acknowledges the importance placed by the Territory upon local industry participation for economic and social development reasons and the parties acknowledge the need for a co-operative approach taken to engaging local industry.

 

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15.2          Vista Gold agrees to:

 

(a)            prepare a local industry participation plan for any proposed mining activities at Mt Todd (the “Industry Participation Plan”).  The Industry Participation Plan shall contain the following elements:

 

(i)             project description;

 

(ii)            an outline of how services and labour will be utilised (including opportunities for local participation through all tiers supply chain, estimated local employment during construction and operation, and proposed work force operations in the Northern Territory;

 

(iii)           an outline of proposed enhancements to business and industry capability (including skills development, research and development, opportunities for networks and alliances, encouragement of international quality standards, use of proven emerging technologies and materials, and integration of local industry and to global supply chains);

 

(iv)           an outline of regional economic development benefits;

 

(v)            proposals for indigenous participation;

 

(vi)           a communications strategy; and

 

(vii)          a reporting methodology (including a proposed framework for reporting against key elements of the Industry Participation Plan, and a schedule of reports and submissions;

 

(b)            consult with the relevant Department during the preparation of the Industry Participation Plan; and

 

(c)            submit the Industry Participation Plan to the Territory for endorsement by the relevant Minister.

 

15.3          Vista Gold agrees not to commence, authorise or in any way allow to commence, any mining at the Mt Todd site prior to endorsement of the Industry Participation Plan in accordance with this Agreement , provided that endorsement shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

15.4          When carrying out any work at the Mt Todd site Vista Gold agrees to, if it is reasonable and economically practical to do so and that provided that local industry participants are suitably technically qualified, use its best endeavours to:

 

(a)            use labour available within the Northern Territory;

 

(b)            provide employment, training and contracting opportunities to indigenous people, particularly the Jawoyn People.

 

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(c)            use the services of suitably qualified engineers, surveyors, architects and other professional consultants, experts, project managers, manufacturers, suppliers and contractors resident and/or available in the Northern Territory;

 

(d)            when preparing specifications, calling for tenders and letting contracts for works, ensure that suitably qualified suppliers and contractors within the Northern Territory are given a reasonable opportunity to tender or quote; and

 

(e)            ensure that their contractors, when preparing specifications, calling for tenders and letting contracts for works, give suitably qualified suppliers and contractors within the Northern Territory a reasonable opportunity to tender or quote.

 

15.5          Vista Gold agrees to engage with the Northern Territory Industry Capability Network (“NTICN”) to:

 

(a)            if appropriate, enter into arrangements for the secondment of NTICN personnel to the Mt Todd Project on a part-time or other basis to assist with the identification of local industry suppliers as part of the procurement processes for the project; and

 

(b)            facilitate the implementation of the Industry Participation Plan.

 

15.6          The Territory agrees to use its reasonable endeavours to work with Vista Gold in respect of local industry participation and such work may include, if appropriate and without limitation:

 

(a)            participation in or the coordination of industry briefings;

 

(b)            implementation of a project awareness campaign targeted at local industry; and

 

(c)            working with local industry to improve business capabilities.

 

15.7          Vista Gold must, in every contract entered into with a third party in connection with Mt Todd, for the supply of services, labour, works or materials for the purposes of the project, require a condition in such contract that the third party will:

 

(a)            undertake the same local industry participation obligations as Vista Gold set out in this Deed; and

 

(b)            report to Vista Gold concerning the implementation of its local industry participation obligations.

 

15.8          Vista Gold agrees to consult with NTICN on a regular basis to discuss:

 

(a)            forward planning of contracts;

 

(b)            contracts to be awarded; and

 

(c)            contracts previously awarded.

 

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15.9          Vista Gold agrees to prepare and submit yearly reports to the Territory, with the first report to be submitted twelve (12) months from the date on which this Agreement is executed, which must include:

 

(a)            evidence of Vista Gold’s implementation of the requirements set out in this Agreement; and

 

(b)            a copy of any report received by Vista Gold from a third party.

 

16.         INDEMNITIES

 

(a)         Subject to sub-clause (b), the Territory shall indemnify and keep indemnified Vista Gold and the Guarantor from and against any and all liabilities, claims, demands, proceedings, penalties, damages, losses, costs, charges and expenses whatsoever suffered by Vista Gold or the Guarantor as a result of the Territory’s negligence or breach of the terms of this Agreement during the Initial Period, and thereafter in relation to any breach of clause 11.

 

(b)         Any liability of the Territory arising under this clause shall be reduced proportionately to the extent that Vista Gold has caused or contributed to the negligence or breach.

 

(c)         Vista Gold shall indemnify and keep indemnified the Territory from and against any and all liabilities, claims, demands, proceedings, penalties, damages, losses, costs, charges and expenses whatsoever suffered by the Territory as a result of Vista Gold’s negligence or breach of the terms of this Agreement during the Term and, if applicable, the First Renewal Period and the Second Renewal Period.

 

(d)         Any liability of Vista Gold arising under this clause shall be reduced proportionately to the extent that the Territory has caused or contributed to the negligence or breach.

 

17.         DISPUTE RESOLUTION

 

17.1       Before court or arbitration proceedings (other than for urgent interlocutory relief) may be commenced or this Agreement may be terminated pursuant to clause 18.1(b), the following steps must be taken to attempt to resolve any dispute that arises out of or in connection with this Agreement (including any dispute as to the validity, breach or termination of the Agreement) or as to any claim in tort, in equity or pursuant to any statute.

 

17.2       Notice (the “Notice of Dispute”) must be given in writing by the party claiming that a dispute has arisen to the other party or parties to this Agreement, specifying the nature of the dispute.

 

17.3       Upon receipt of the Notice of Dispute, the parties must attempt to agree upon an appropriate procedure for resolving the dispute.

 

17.4       If, within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of the Notice of Dispute the dispute is not resolved or an appropriate alternative dispute resolution process is not agreed, then the parties (or either of them) must:

 

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