EXHIBIT 10.20
DATA PURCHASE, PRODUCTION PAYMENT GRANT AND
OPTION TO PURCHASE PRODUCTION PAYMENT AGREEMENT
This Data Purchase, Production Payment Grant and Option to Purchase
Production Payment Agreement (the "Agreement") is executed and made effective as
of this 1st day of August, 2003 (the "Effective Date"), by and between Vista
Gold Corp., a company continued under the laws of the Yukon Territory, Canada,
("Vista") and Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx Maumejean, an individual ("Xxxxxx"). Vista and
Xxxxxx are at times referred to herein individually as a "Party" and
collectively as the "Parties."
RECITALS
X. Xxxxxx owns certain information and data related to the Xxxxxxxxx de los
Xxxxx Mining District in Sinaloa, Mexico, (hereinafter referred to as the
"Data"). A partial inventory of the Data is listed on Exhibit A, attached
hereto. The Data is currently located in Domicilio Conocido, Minera xx Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000, Xxxxxx; in Xxxxxx'x lawyer's offices in San
Francisco 656, Apt. 000, Xxxxxxx xxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxx; and in the
offices of Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx and Xxxx Inc., 000 Xxxxx Xxxx., Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx
00000. For purposes of this Agreement, the Data shall include, but not be
limited to, all originals or copies of drill hole geologic logs and assay
certificates, drill hole survey coordinates, drill samples, assay pulps,
records, reports, results, maps, charts, and all other information and data,
whether in written, oral or electronic form, which pertains to the Xxxxxxxxx de
los Xxxxx Mining District in Sinaloa, Mexico, that is now owned or controlled by
Xxxxxx or hereafter becomes available to Xxxxxx.
B. Vista desires to acquire the Data referred to in Recital A for its use in
evaluating certain mining concessions in the Xxxxxxxxx de los Xxxxx Mining
District as well as on adjacent mining projects located in Sinaloa, Mexico.
C. Vista desires to grant to Xxxxxx a production payment equivalent to 2% of
the net smelter returns on certain mining concessions in Sinaloa, Mexico, which
are described in Exhibit B, attached hereto, and which are being acquired by
Vista's affiliate, Minera Paredones Amarillos, S.A. de C.V., from Xxxxxx
concurrently with the execution of this Agreement.
X. Xxxxxx and Vista wish to enter into this Agreement (i) for the sale of the
Data to Vista; (ii) for Vista to grant the production payment to Xxxxxx; and
(iii) for Xxxxxx to grant Vista an option to purchase the production payment to
be granted to Xxxxxx in the mining concessions described in Exhibit B, all on
the terms hereinafter set forth.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
set forth herein, the Parties agree as follows:
1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF DATA.
Vista agrees to purchase from Xxxxxx and Xxxxxx agrees to sell to
Vista, all of Xxxxxx'x right, title and interest in and to the Data. The
Purchase Price for the Data shall be One Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars
(US$1,300,000), payable in installments as follows:
(a) Xxxxxx hereby acknowledges that he has received a total of US$100,000
paid to him in five monthly payments of US$20,000 each from Vista
prior to the Effective Date;
(b) Vista shall pay US$200,000 to Xxxxxx upon the execution of this
Agreement by both Vista and Xxxxxx. In addition, upon the execution of
this Agreement by both Vista and Xxxxxx, Vista shall also reimburse
Xxxxxx for the mining duties (surface taxes) paid by Xxxxxx for
calendar year 2002 and the first semester of 2003 up to a maximum
amount of US$15,000, for the mining concessions described in Exhibit
B, attached hereto.
(c) On or before August 1, 2004, Vista shall pay US$500,000 to Xxxxxx, or,
at Vista's sole election and in lieu of the cash payment, Vista shall
issue and deliver to Xxxxxx common shares of Vista, the number of
shares shall be determined by dividing US$500,000.00 by the average
closing price of such shares on the American Stock Exchange over the
last ten (10) trading days immediately prior to July 31, 2004. If
Vista elects to deliver the shares, the shares shall have a value of
US$500,000 as calculated pursuant to the method set forth in this
paragraph.
(d) On or before August 1, 2005, Vista shall pay US$100,000 to Xxxxxx.
(e) On or before August 1, 2006, Vista shall pay US$100,000 to Xxxxxx.
(f) On or before August 1, 2007, Vista shall pay US$100,000 to Xxxxxx.
(g) On or before August 1, 2008, Vista shall pay US$100,000 to Xxxxxx.
(h) On or before August 1, 2009, Vista shall pay US$100,000 to Xxxxxx.
(i) In the event that commercial production of gold and/or silver is to be
commenced upon any of the mining concessions described in Exhibit B,
attached hereto, prior to August 1, 2009, Vista shall pay to Xxxxxx
the balance of the foregoing installment payments upon the
commencement of such commercial production.
(j) All payments due hereunder, unless otherwise noted, shall be made to
Xxxxxx as follows:
a. If by delivery of shares, delivered to the following address:
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Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx Maumejean
Sierra Paracaima 945
Xxxxx xx Xxxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxx, 00000
Xxxxxx
b. If by wire or check, wired or delivered to the following account:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxx Fargo Bank
Palo Alto, California
Acct. # 1008524603
ABA # 000000000
Or to the account instructed by Xxxxxx at the time of
payment.
2. DELIVERIES UPON FINAL EXECUTION.
(a) Concurrent with the final execution of this Agreement, Vista shall
deliver to Xxxxxx the following:
(i) The payment of US$200,000 of the Purchase Price due upon the
execution of this Agreement by both Parties by wire transfer
in immediately available funds; and
(ii) The payment of up to US$15,000 by wire transfer in immediately
available funds to reimburse Xxxxxx for the mining duties
(surface taxes) paid by Xxxxxx for calendar year 2002 and the
first semester of 2003 on the mining concessions described in
Exhibit B, attached hereto, the receipts for which Xxxxxx
shall present copies of at closing.
(b) Concurrent with the final execution of this Agreement, Xxxxxx shall
deliver to Vista the following:
(i) A duly executed Xxxx of Sale covering the Data in the form of
Exhibit C attached hereto.
(ii) On or within ten (10) days after the execution of this
Agreement by both Parties, Xxxxxx shall ship or caused to be
shipped to Vista at 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0, Xxxxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx 00000, all of the Data that is currently in Xxxxxx'x
possession in Zacatecas City, Mexico. All Data currently in
Zacatecas City, Mexico, shall be shipped to Vista via DHL
courier and the shipment charges shall be paid by or charged
to Vista. All risk of loss or damage to the Data and all
responsibilities, obligations and risks associated with the
Data shall transfer to Vista upon Xxxxxx'x delivery of the
Data, packaged for shipment to Vista, to DHL in
Zacatecas City, Mexico. All Data that is in Xxxxxx'x lawyer's
offices in San Francisco 656, Apt. 601, Colonia del Xxxxx,
Mexico City, Mexico, shall be delivered to Vista's lawyer's
offices in Boulevard Virreyes Xx. 000, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx 00000,
Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxx.
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The obligations of each Party to deliver the items specified in this Section and
to complete the transaction contemplated in this Agreement shall be conditional
upon and subject to the complete and timely performance by the other Party of
its obligations hereunder.
3. GRANT OF PRODUCTION PAYMENT.
Vista hereby grants to Xxxxxx a production payment equivalent to two
percent (2%) of the net smelter returns from the production of gold, silver and
other minerals from the mining concessions described in Exhibit B, attached
hereto. For purposes of this Agreement, the "Production Payment" shall have the
meaning set forth in Exhibit D, attached hereto.
4. OPTION TO PURCHASE PRODUCTION PAYMENT.
Xxxxxx hereby grants to Vista, at any time for a term of fifty (50)
years following the Effective Date of this agreement, the option to purchase the
Production Payment (the "Option") for a purchase price of US$1,000,000. Vista
may exercise the Option at any time during the 50-year term of the Option by
sending written notice of its election to exercise the Option to Xxxxxx.
Following Xxxxxx'x receipt of such notice, the parties shall set a closing date
for the transfer and assignment of the Production Payment to Vista and the
payment to Xxxxxx for the Production Payment; all to occur as soon as reasonably
practicable and in any event, within thirty (30) days from the date Xxxxxx
receives such notice.
5. TRANSFER OF PRODUCTION PAYMENT BY XXXXXX.
If Xxxxxx desires to sell, transfer or assign all or any part of his
interest in the Production Payment to any third person or persons; (i) any such
sale, transfer or assignment of all or any part of Xxxxxx'x interest in the
Production Payment shall be expressly made subject to the Option as provided in
Section 4, and on the condition that any such person or persons agree in writing
to that effect; (ii) Xxxxxx shall provide Vista with advance notice of his
intention to make such sale, transfer or assignment, and prompt notice of the
completion of such sale, transfer or assignment; and (iii) except in the case of
a sale, transfer or assignment to a person or persons related to Xxxxxx, Vista
shall have the right of first refusal to acquire such interest as hereinafter
provided:
(a) If Xxxxxx intends to transfer all or any part of his interest in
the Production Payment, Xxxxxx shall promptly notify Vista in writing
of the price and other terms and conditions of the proposed transfer,
which shall be for a monetary consideration only. Vista shall have
thirty (30) days from the date such notice is received to notify Xxxxxx
whether it elects to acquire the offered interest at the same price and
on the same terms and conditions as set forth in the notice. If Vista
does so elect, the transfer shall be consummated promptly after notice
of such election is delivered to Xxxxxx.
(b) If Vista fails to so elect within the period provided for in
paragraph (a), Xxxxxx shall have one hundred eighty (180) days
following the expiration of such period to
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consummate the transfer to a third party at a price and on terms no
less favorable to Xxxxxx than those set forth in the notice required
in section (a) above. If Xxxxxx consummates the transfer to a third
party, Xxxxxx will promptly notify Vista in writing of the transfer
and will provide Vista with documentation of the terms of the
transfer.
(c) If Xxxxxx fails to consummate the transfer to a third party within
the period set forth in paragraph (b), or, if Xxxxxx modifies the price
or the terms and conditions of the proposed transfer, Vista's right of
first refusal shall be deemed to be revived. Any subsequent proposal to
transfer such interest shall be conducted in accordance with all of the
procedures set forth in this Section.
6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF XXXXXX.
Xxxxxx, as of the date of execution of this Agreement by Xxxxxx,
represents and warrants to Vista, as follows:
(a) CAPACITY AND AUTHORIZATION. Xxxxxx has the necessary power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform the transactions
contemplated herein.
(c) NO CONFLICTS. Neither the execution, delivery or performance of
this Agreement by Xxxxxx will contravene, conflict with or result in a violation
or breach of any agreement, covenant, law, rule, regulation, judicial or
administrative order or other legal restriction or requirement by which Xxxxxx
or his assets may be bound, or give any governmental body or other person or
entity the right to challenge this Agreement or the performance hereof under any
existing legal requirement, order, decree or agreement to which Xxxxxx is
subject.
(d) VALID AND BINDING OBLIGATIONS. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by Xxxxxx and is valid, binding and enforceable against
Xxxxxx in accordance with its terms.
(e) TITLE TO THE DATA. Xxxxxx is the sole and lawful owner of good and
marketable title to the Data, free and clear of any and all liens, claims,
encumbrances or rights of third parties.
(f) CONDITION OF THE DATA. The Parties acknowledge that Vista's
representatives inspected the Data located in Zacatecas City, Mexico, on or
about February, 2003. Since February, 2003, (i) Xxxxxx has not disposed of or
moved any of the Data, except for the Data that Vista's representatives shipped
to Denver, Colorado in February, 2003; and (ii) there has been no material
change in the condition of the Data stored in Zacatecas City, Mexico.
(g) STORAGE. All rental and other storage costs and fees, if any, have
been paid by Xxxxxx through the date of final execution and delivery of this
Agreement, and there are no outstanding claims or invoices for storage, or
transportation of the Data, nor is Xxxxxx aware of any existing but unasserted
claims or invoices relating to the Data, as of the date of this Agreement.
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7. CONCURRENT AGREEMENT.
(a) All of the obligations of Xxxxxx and Vista hereunder are subject to
and conditional upon the concurrent execution of that certain Contract
of Assignment of Rights between Xxxxxx and Minera Paredones Amarillos,
S.A. de C.V. ("MPA") whereby Xxxxxx assigns to MPA his interest in the
mining concessions described in Exhibit B, attached hereto, as more
particularly described therein.
(b) In addition, all of the obligations of Xxxxxx and Vista hereunder are
subject to and conditional upon the concurrent execution of that
certain Escrow Agent Contract between Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx Paredones
Amarillos, S.A. de C.V. ("MPA") and Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
("JMGO"), whereby Xxxxxx and MPA appoint JMGO as escrow agent for the
titles of the concessions described in Exhibit B, attached hereto, for
the duration of this agreement.
8. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VISTA.
Vista, as of the date of execution of this Agreement by Vista,
represents and warrants to Xxxxxx, as follows:
(a) ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING. Vista is a corporation continued
under the laws of the Yukon Territory, Canada; is validly existing; and is
qualified to conduct business and is in good standing in those jurisdictions
where necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.
(b) CAPACITY AND AUTHORIZATION. Vista has the necessary corporate power
and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform the
transactions contemplated herein; all corporate and other actions required to be
taken in order to permit Vista to execute, deliver and perform the transactions
contemplated herein have been properly and validly taken; and all government,
shareholder and other consents, if any, required to be obtained for such
purposes have been obtained and remain in effect.
(c) NO CONFLICTS. Neither the execution, delivery or performance of
this Agreement by Vista will contravene, conflict with or result in a violation
or breach of any resolution, bylaw, agreement, covenant, law, rule, regulation,
judicial or administrative order or other legal restriction or requirement by
which Vista or its properties may be bound, or give any governmental body or
other person or entity the right to challenge this Agreement or the performance
hereof under any existing legal requirement, order, decree or agreement to which
Vista is subject.
(d) VALID AND BINDING OBLIGATIONS. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by Vista and is valid, binding and enforceable against it
in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to
creditors' rights generally, and except as may be limited by general principles
of equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a
proceeding at law or in equity.
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9. COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES FOLLOWING EXECUTION.
(a) Xxxxxx shall be responsible for and shall promptly pay all storage, or
other costs associated with the Data that are incurred through the
time and date of final execution and delivery of this Agreement, if
any.
(b) The Parties shall cooperate with each other to transfer the Data to
Vista as provided in Section 2. (b) (ii) above.
(c) Vista hereby covenants to cause MPA to perform its obligations under
the agreements referred to in Section 7.(a) and 7.(b) above.
10. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.
(a) Vista shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time
prior to making the full payment of the Purchase Price for the Data by
giving Xxxxxx written notice of termination. Upon receipt of such
notice, this Agreement shall terminate in its entirety and Vista shall
have no further obligation to make any additional payments to Xxxxxx
for the Data. In the event that Vista elects to so terminate this
Agreement, Vista shall thereupon execute and deliver a Xxxx of Sale
covering the Data to Xxxxxx and return possession and ownership of the
Data to Xxxxxx, in no worse condition, ordinary wear and tear
excepted, than the Data was in on the Effective Date with Vista
bearing the applicable costs of transporting the Data to such location
in Mexico or the United States as may be reasonably requested by
Xxxxxx. In addition, Vista shall cause its affiliate, MPA, to transfer
all of its right, title and interest in and to the mining concessions
described in Exhibit B to Xxxxxx or cooperate in the return of such
concessions to Xxxxxx if the authority to transfer such concessions is
held by any third party.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10, under no
circumstances shall Vista terminate this Agreement without causing MPA
to terminate and rescind the agreements described in Section 7.(a) and
Section 7. (b) above; provided however, that Xxxxxx shall also execute
and deliver any documents necessary to effect the termination of such
agreements, where such documents contain terms and conditions
reasonable to both Parties.
11. DEFAULT.
Should Vista fail to comply with any of the provisions of the
Agreement, and should Vista not correct the default within thirty (30) calendar
days after written notice has been given to it by Xxxxxx, with such notice
specifying with particularity the nature of the default, then upon the
expiration of the thirty (30) day period, all rights of Vista under this
Agreement, shall terminate. In the event of termination of this Agreement by
default, Vista shall thereupon execute and deliver a Xxxx of Sale covering the
Data to Xxxxxx and return possession and ownership of the Data to Xxxxxx, in no
worse condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, than the Data was in on the
Effective Date with Vista bearing the applicable costs of transporting the Data
to such
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location in Mexico or the United States as may be reasonably requested by
Xxxxxx. In addition, Vista shall cause its affiliate, MPA, to transfer all of
its right, title and interest in and to the mining concessions described in
Exhibit B to Xxxxxx or cooperate in the return of such concessions to Xxxxxx if
the authority to transfer such concessions is held by any third party.
12. CONFIDENTIALITY.
Either or both of Vista and Xxxxxx may be required or otherwise choose
to make a public release of the terms of this Agreement following its final
execution. Prior to any public release of the fact or terms of this Agreement,
the releasing Party agrees to provide notice to the other Party and the text of
any proposed release. The other Party shall have no less than forty-eight (48)
hours to review and comment on the content of the release.
13. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) NOTICES. Any notice or other communication hereunder shall be given
in writing and delivered by hand, by overnight courier or by facsimile at the
following addresses:
If to Vista: Vista Gold Corp.
Attn: X. X. (Jock) XxXxxxxx, President
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Fax: 000-000-0000
If to Xxxxxx: Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx Maumejean
Sierra Paracaima 945
Lomas de Xxxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxx, 00000, Xxxxxx
Fax: x00 00 0000-0000
Either Party may change its address hereunder and Xxxxxx may
change his address or account for payments due pursuant to Section 1 by written
notice to the other Party. All notices shall be deemed delivered on the day of
receipt, if during regular business hours, and upon the day after receipt if not
during regular business hours.
(b) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains the entire understanding
of the Parties with regard to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all
prior agreements and understandings between the Parties. No representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement with regard to the subject matter hereof shall
be binding unless contained herein. No modification of this Agreement shall be
valid unless made in writing and duly executed by both of the Parties subsequent
to the execution of this Agreement.
(c) FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each of the Parties shall take such actions and
execute such additional documents as may be reasonably necessary or convenient
to implement and carry out the transactions contemplated herein.
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(d) GOVERNING LAW; VENUE; DISPUTES. This Agreement shall be governed
and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, USA,
without regard to choice or conflict of laws rules or principles. Any dispute or
conflict arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be referred
to final and binding arbitration, to the exclusion of all courts and like
forums, to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) The arbitration shall be
conducted in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the ICC that
are in effect on the date of commencement of the arbitration proceedings. Unless
otherwise agreed by the Parties, the site of any arbitration proceedings shall
be Denver, Colorado.
(e) SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure the benefit of the respective heirs, successors and assigns of the Parties
hereto.
(f) COUNTERPARTS. This agreement may be executed in one or more
original or facsimile counterparts, all of which shall be deemed but one and the
same instrument.
(g) TAX OBLIGATIONS. Both parties agree to comply with their respective
tax obligations which may arise upon the execution of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and made effective
as of the day and year provided above.
XXXXXX VISTA GOLD CORP.,
a company continued under the laws
of the Yukon Territory
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx Maumejean /s/ X. X. XxXxxxxx
----------------------------- -----------------------------
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx Maumejean By: X. X. XxXxxxxx
President
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EXHIBIT A
[DESCRIPTION OF THE DATA]
NOTE: THIS EXHIBIT WILL BE THE INVENTORY LIST OF DATA PREPARED BY PAH IN DENVER
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EXHIBIT B
MINING CONCESSIONS IN MUNICIPALITY OF COSALA, STATE OF SINALOA, MEXICO
1. Lot: PROLONGACION DEL RECUERDO
Title number: 210497
Type of Concession: Exploitation
Location: Cosala, Sinaloa
Date of Issuance: October 8, 1999
In effect until: October 7, 2049
Surface: 91.4591 has.
2. Lot: PROLONGACION DEL RECUERDO DOS
Title number: 209397
Type of Concession: Exploitation
Location: Cosala, Sinaloa
Date of Issuance: April 9 1999
In effect until: April 8, 2049
Surface: 26.6798 has.
3. Lot: XXXXXXX XXXXXX
Title number: 193499
Type of Concession: Exploitation
Location: Cosala, Sinaloa
Date of Issuance: December 19, 1991
In effect until: December 18, 2041
Surface: 60.3723 has.
4. Lot: XXXXXXX
Title number: 180909
Type of Concession: Exploitation
Location: Cosala, Sinaloa
Date of Issuance: August 6, 1987
In effect until: August 5, 2037
Surface: 222.0385 has.
5. Lot: LA VICTORIA
Title number: 210803
Type of Concession: Exploitation
Location: Cosala, Sinaloa
Date of Issuance: November 30, 1999
In effect until: November 29, 2049
Surface: 199.8708 has.
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6. Lot: DIEZ DE MAYO
Title number: 208790
Type of Concession: Exploration
Location: Cosala, Sinaloa
Date of Issuance: December 11, 1998
In effect until: December 10, 2004
Surface: 0.1842 has.
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EXHIBIT C
XXXX OF SALE
FOR VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, the receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx Maumejean, as Seller, hereby sells, assigns and
transfers to Vista Gold Corp., a company continued under the laws of the Yukon
Territory, Canada, as Buyer, all of the right, title and interest of the Seller
in and to that certain information and data related to the Xxxxxxxxx de los
Xxxxx Mining District in Sinaloa, Mexico, (hereinafter the "Data"). A partial
inventory of the Data is listed on Exhibit A, attached hereto. As used herein,
the Data shall include all originals or copies of drill hole geologic logs and
assay certificates, drill hole survey coordinates, assay pulps, records,
reports, results, maps, charts, and all other information and data, whether in
written, oral or electronic form, which pertains to the Xxxxxxxxx de los Xxxxx
Mining District in Sinaloa, Mexico, that is now owned or controlled by Seller or
hereafter becomes available to Seller.
Seller hereby warrants, represents and covenants to Buyer that at the
time of the execution hereof, Seller is lawfully possessed of good and
marketable title to the Data free and clear of any and all liens, claims,
encumbrances or rights of third parties, and that it has good and lawful
authority to sell and deliver the same. Seller covenants that it will take no
action to interfere with the quiet use and enjoyment of the Data by Buyer.
This Xxxx of Sale is subject to the terms and conditions contained in
the Data Purchase, Production Payment Grant and Option to Purchase Production
Payment Agreement between Buyer and Seller dated effective August 1, 2003.
Seller has executed this Xxxx of Sale on this ________ day of
September, 2003.
------------------------------------
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
00
XXXXXXX X
PRODUCTION PAYMENT
A. Upon the commencement of commercial production (defined as being production
from a processing facility associated with the mining concessions at an average
rate of at least 60% of design capacity for a period of at least 30 days) of
gold, silver or other minerals from the mining concessions described in Exhibit
B to the Agreement to which this Exhibit D is attached, Vista shall pay Xxxxxx a
production payment (hereinafter "Production Payment") equivalent to two percent
(2%) of the net smelter returns (hereinafter "NSR") from gold, silver and other
minerals produced and sold from the mining concessions. For purposes herein, NSR
shall be defined to mean the entire proceeds received from a smelter, refinery,
reduction works, or other purchaser or user from the sale or other disposition
of gold, silver or other minerals produced from the mining concessions, the
sales price for which shall be determined pursuant to Section B., less, but only
to the extent actually incurred and borne by the entity operating the mine or
mines on the mining concessions (the "Operator"):
(i) all actual charges and costs, including insurance, for
transportation of gold, silver or other minerals from Vista's
processing facilities at or near the mining concessions to the
place of sale, whether transported by the Operator or a third
party;
(ii) all actual charges, costs, deductions, and penalties for
treatment, smelting and refining the gold, silver or other
minerals (including any umpire charges) after said gold, silver or
other minerals leave the Operator's processing facility at or near
the mining concessions. For example, if the Operator produces a
gold and/or silver concentrate at its processing facility, it
shall be entitled to deduct all charges, costs, deductions, and
penalties incurred by it in smelting and refining that concentrate
into a final product for sale. If the Operator produces a gold
and/or silver dore at its processing facility, which requires
further refining, it shall be entitled to deduct all charges,
costs, deductions, and penalties incurred by it in such further
refining or processing. If gold silver or other minerals are
transported, processed, treated, smelted or refined by the
Operator or an affiliate of the Operator, the terms of charges,
costs, penalties and deductions thereof used for calculating the
NSR shall be no less favorable than those which would be extended
to a non-affiliate party in an arms-length transaction for
transportation, treatment, smelting, or refining of a like
quantity and quality of such gold, silver or other minerals; and
(iii)severance, production, ad valorem, sales, net proceeds of mine,
income and any other similar taxes or fees on gold silver or other
minerals mined from the mining concessions.
B. In respect to revenue derived from the sale of gold from the mining
concessions, the NSR for any calendar quarter shall be calculated using the
average of the (spot) market prices of gold during such calendar quarter, as
announced by the London Bullion Houses (Second Fixing), less the deductions
specified in Section A. above.
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C. In respect to revenue derived from the sale of silver from the mining
concessions, the NSR for any calendar quarter shall be calculated using the
average of the (spot) market prices of silver during such calendar quarter, as
announced by the Hardy & Harmon Noon Silver Quotation, less the deductions
specified in Section A. above.
D. In the event the Operator does not sell the gold or silver produced from
the mining concessions during a quarter of production, a "sale" for the purposes
of calculating Production Payments shall be deemed to have occurred on the day
the operator receives a Settlement Statement from the refiner, setting forth the
number of xxxx ounces of gold and/or silver transferred to the account of the
Operator, or an affiliate or agent of the Operator.
E. In respect to revenue derived from the sale of minerals other than gold and
silver from the mining concessions, the NSR for any calendar quarter shall be
calculated on the amount of the proceeds actually received by the Operator
during the calendar quarter from the sale of such minerals, less the deductions
specified in Section A. above.
F. If any gold, silver or other minerals from the mining concessions are sold
for processing or treatment to a mill, smelter, or other processing facility
owned or controlled by the Operator (or any subsidiary or affiliate of the
Operator) or taken in kind by the Operator, then the sums paid to the Operator
shall be deemed to be no less than the sums the Operator would have received if
the sale had been to an independent mill, smelter, or processing facility
reasonably available to the Operator at the time of delivery and after deducting
those costs, charges, penalties, and taxes which are indicated in the definition
of NSR set forth in Section A. above.
G. The parties agree that the Operator and Vista shall have no obligation to
account to Xxxxxx for, and Xxxxxx shall have no interest or right of
participation in, any profits or proceeds of future contracts, forward sales,
hedging, or any other similar marketing mechanisms employed by the Operator or
Vista or their affiliates with respect to any gold, silver or other minerals
produced from the mining concessions.
H. The Operator shall have the right to commingle the gold, silver or other
minerals produced from the mining concessions with similar ore or minerals from
other properties owned, leased, or controlled by the Operator; provided,
however, that before commingling the Operator shall calculate from
representative samples the average grade of the gold, silver or other minerals
from the mining concessions and shall either weigh or volumetrically calculate
the number of tons of ore from the mining concessions to be commingled. As
upgraded products (such as dore or concentrates) are produced from the
commingled gold, silver or other minerals, the Operator shall calculate from
representative samples the average percent recovery of such upgraded products
produced from the commingled gold, silver or other minerals. In obtaining
representative samples and calculating the average grade of commingled ores and
average percentage of recovery, the Operator may use any procedures generally
acceptable in the mining and metallurgical industry that the Operator believes
to be accurate and cost effective for the type of mining and processing activity
being conducted. In addition, comparable procedures may be used by the Operator
to apportion among the commingled gold, silver or other minerals any penalty
charges imposed by the refiner on commingled gold, silver or other minerals or
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concentrates. The records relating to commingled gold, silver or other minerals
shall be available for inspection by Xxxxxx, at the Xxxxxx'x sole expense, at
all reasonable times.
I. All Production Payments owing to Xxxxxx shall be paid by check or wire
transfer in US Dollars. Xxxxxx shall be paid Production Payments quarterly, on
or before the 30th day of the month following each calendar quarter that the
Operator receives proceeds from the sale of gold, silver or other minerals
produced from the mining concessions. All Production Payments shall be made to
the US bank account that Xxxxxx specifies in writing to Vista. Xxxxxx may
designate different accounts or receiving addresses to Vista by notice in
writing. In the event of a future division of ownership interest in the
Production Payments, payment to a single address or account shall constitute
full satisfaction of Vista's obligation to pay Production Payments, and Vista
shall be relieved from any responsibility and liability for the future division
of disbursements as among more than one payee of the Production Payments.
J. The Operator shall keep accurate records of gold, silver or other minerals
derived and sold from the mining concessions and of calculations relative to
Production Payments and commingled ore from the mining concessions. Production
Payments and adjustments shall be accompanied by a statement of Production
Payment calculations, deductions, and adjustments. Within one hundred eighty
(180) days following the end of each calendar year, Vista shall furnish Xxxxxx
with an audited year-end statement showing the amount of Production Payments
paid to Xxxxxx during the year. All year-end statements shall be conclusively
presumed true and correct two (2) years from the date furnished to Xxxxxx,
unless within said period Xxxxxx takes written exception. Upon thirty (30) days
prior written notice, Xxxxxx shall be entitled to an annual independent audit of
the matters covered by the statement, during normal business hours and at
Xxxxxx'x expense, provided it selects for the audit an accounting firm of
recognized standing, at least one of whose members is a member of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In the event that the independent
audit identifies a deficiency or an excess in the Production Payments made to
Xxxxxx, such deficiency or excess shall be resolved by adjusting the next
quarterly Production Payment made to Xxxxxx. If Vista disputes the results of
the independent audit commissioned by Xxxxxx, Vista's auditor and Xxxxxx'x
auditor shall jointly select a third qualified auditor. If the three auditors
are unable to agree on the amount of the Production Payments due to Xxxxxx, then
the average of the Production Payments due to Xxxxxx as determined by the three
audits shall be deemed final; provided however, that if the amount of the
Production Payments as determined by the three audits varies by more than ten
percent (10%), the final amount of the Production Payments due to Xxxxxx shall
be the amount determined by the third auditor. Vista shall pay for the cost of
Xxxxxx'x audit and the third audit (if performed) if a deficiency of five
percent (5%), or more, of the amount of the Production Payments due for the
period in question is finally determined to exist.
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