Thursday, June 30, 2011

Lithium Drive: Standard and Poor's on Electric Cars ilc.v tnr.v, czx.v, cgp.v, alk.ax, lmr.v, rm.v, nup.ax, srz.ax, usa.ax, jnn.v, abn.v, ura.v, mxr.v, tsla, res, mcp, avl.to, quc.v, cee.v, sqm, fmc, roc, li.v, wlc.v, clq.v, lit, nsany, byddf, gm, dai, rno.pa, hev, aone, vlnc


  When major credit rating agency like Standard and Poor's gets on the bandwagon of Electric Cars and analyse it all across the value matrix you know that it is getting serious. The mass infrastructure is coming - the Oil one was not built in one day as well. Recent panic and release of Oil from SPR just indicates how stretched the Oil supply already, when economy can not even decide whether it will double dip or not. While West still discuss how to implement Electric Cars in our modern lives, Asian players are busy taking its lead in this strategic industry.


"Lithium Charge: China Begins Implementation of "12th five-year" Plan for Electric Cars. China takes Electrification of its transportation system very seriously and Chinese companies are very active now in the Lithium and Rare Earths spacesecuring the supply of this strategic commodities."


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Lithium Deficit May Emerge by 2015 on China Demand, Canada Lithium Says ilc.v tnr.v, czx.v, cgp.v, alk.ax, lmr.v, rm.v, nup.ax, srz.ax, usa.ax, jnn.v, abn.v, ura.v, mxr.v, tsla, res, mcp, avl.to, quc.v, cee.v, sqm, fmc, roc, li.v, wlc.v, clq.v, lit, nsany, byddf, gm, dai, rno.pa, hev, aone, vlnc

  

  Canada Lithium was hit hard in the soft lithium developers market, when it had to change its resource estimations this year. The project economics was adjusted as well recently. Everybody is looking for China to lead the way in Green Mobility Revolution and we think this view is warranted. We are following Canada Lithium from the onset of Lithium investment idea in 2009, but have never invested in this company. It was at the mercy of some twists and turns like abrupt corporate changes, departure of the Lithium founding president and this "misunderstanding" about the real economics of the project. All these do not add too much confidence to their game plan for us at this moment, but make your own DD as always - company has its followers and these depressed level can be an entry point, once you understand the real situation there.
  We will take this article as a sign that the bottom in Junior mining developers  is very close and general market appetite for risk will sip down to the more risky plays. James Dines with his call on the Rare Earths and our own on the Lithium could be right on timing now. All lithium juniors are depressed now and we can see accumulation patterns in a number of them: International lithium, Rodinia Lithium and Lithium One will be our game plan for the next expansion in this markets. Brine model provides more economical and speed to market advance now and if you can add some hard rock mining projects as well like International lithium or Lithium One - you can have a balanced play on increasing Lithium demand. Strong strategic partners will be providing support and demand for the potential production from these companies.


  "Newly listed International Lithium (ILC-V) spent two years cherry-picking projects, securing a strategic partner and fulfilling requirements for a plan of arrangement. Now, the company is ready to get the drills turning on its lithium and rare metal properties. "Our near-term plan is fairly simple. It is to get exploring," says International Lithium president Mike Sieb. "We have prime assets that are just crying for advancement and delineation." 


Bloomberg:




Canada Lithium Corp. (CLQ), building a mine in Quebec, said demand may outstrip global supply by 2015 because China will need more electric-car batteries that contain the metal.
The Toronto-based company will profit from China’s goal of producing 1 million electric vehicles a year by 2015 to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions and gasoline imports, Canada Lithium Chief Executive Officer Peter Secker said. By 2020, the Asian country plans to build 5 million electric cars a year, which would require tripling current lithium production, Secker said.
“If you are a strong believer in the green economy and electric vehicles, then demand is going to exceed supply by 2015-2016,” Secker said today in a telephone interview. “It’s all very much focused on China.”
The cost of lithium, prized for use in batteries because it’s the lightest metal and able to hold more energy per unit of weight than other materials, has increased about 20 percent this year to about $6,000 a metric ton, a level last seen in 2008, Secker said. The price may increase more as demand rises and if the metal begins to be traded on a market, he said. Negotiated contracts set prices now.
Demand for lithium will increase for use in laptops and cell phones as well as for wind-energy and solar-power projects that may incorporate huge batteries to store electricity not immediately needed for the grid, he said.
Global Production
Mines in South America produce about 55 percent of the world’s lithium supply, while Australia contributes about 35 percent, Secker said. A new mine in Australia is due this year, and one in Argentina by 2014-15, he said.
Construction is due to start at Canada Lithium’s project near Val d’Or, Quebec, in the third week of August, followed by major equipment deliveries by next June and operations beginning by December 2012, Secker said. Production is to reach full capacity of 20,000 tons a year by 2014.
The company plans to raise $100 million in debt markets this year in addition to the $130 million it raised from shareholders in February, Secker said.
Secker said that while he wants to grow Canada Lithium, the company isn’t in talks about being acquired. In 2009, Mitsui & Co., a Tokyo-based trading house, said it would buy lithium from Canada Lithium for sale in Asia.
Canada Lithium was unchanged at 62 cents as of 1:44 p.m. in Toronto Stock Exchange trading. The shares have declined 69 percent this year, giving the company a market value of C$156.6 million ($162.5 million).
To contact the reporter on this story: Colin McClelland in Toronto at cmcclelland1@bloomberg.net."
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Peak Oil May 2011 U.S. House Session ilc.v, tnr.v, czx.v, lmr.v, rm.v, alk.ax, cgp.v, ura.v, abn.v sqm, fmc, roc, lit, li.v, wlc.v, clq.v, res.v, ree, avl.to, nsany, f, gm, rno.pa, dai, byddf, hev, aone, vlnc


  Finally, the "news" about Peak Oil are coming into the House...please do no make any mistake this information is known long time ago, but now it can not be concealed any more.



"The UK government was warned two years ago of 'peak oil' shortages. Peak Oil story makes its way to the headlines. Slowly, but surely reality will take its toll - we hope that you will be ready by that moment.
"Lithium Drive: Warren Buffett: "In not many years, you are going to see a clear change towards Electric Cars" Warren Buffett first pronounced in November 2009: "In 20 years, all cars on the road will be electric" Now we can hear his call on Electric Cars from the Master himself. He has invested in BYD - Chinese auto maker and Lithium battery company, which promise to bring its Electric Cars to U.S. BYD has made later investment in Lithium producer in China. We are in a very good company with our Lithium Dreamz."
  If you are still surprised that the Ugly Truth about Peak Oil is suppressed for "the common good" - you should really stay with us for a while for your own good.

"Documentary: Peak Oil - Oil Addicted America. We would like to share today with you this brilliant documentary. You can not look into the future without understanding the past. History will teach us what to look forward to. The old world order is unsustainable any more - we live in the transition time."


More on Peak Oil: 


Peak Oil: Lithium Drive with REE spin: It Will Take 131 Years To Replace Oil, And Time Is To Act Now!










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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

TNR Gold Advises of Minera Andes Drill Results and Development Updates for the Los Azules Copper Project tnr.v, ilc.v, mai.to, tck, cuu.v, czx.v, lun.to, bwr.to, cs.to, imn.to, ncu.to, tko.to, wrn.to, qux.to, bls.to, bhp, fcx, vale, rio, auy, abx, nem, bvn




  " TNR Gold: Minera Andes drills 269 m of 0.50% Cu At Los Azules.   Finally, we have the latest drill results from Los Azules - this copper deposit continues to shape into the one of the largest undeveloped copper deposits in the world. 
  The very important message is that there are no ice glaciers present in the project area. Step out hole looks very encouraging as well. Solid results, which will allow to upgrade the resource category. Condemnations holes are drilled on the Escorpio IV, which is described as "Contested Concession" - all other project areas are called 100% owned. Escorpio IV is a part of litigation with TNR Gold on this project. "The results of the 2011 drilling will not have a material impact on the inferred mineralisation and no resource update is warranted" - this must be the message to Minera Andes disgruntled shareholders by the US Gold's low ball merger offer made before these results were announced. TNR Gold will hardly bite into any discount of its properties."
  


"TNR Gold Corporate Update Post Lithium Spinoff and Litigation Update On Los Azules case. Very interesting part is the link to the new Los Azules page on TNR Gold website, now we can see the recent Judgement and Application from TNR Gold for the new claim on Los Azules. Recent sell off in the company share price looks like another punishment - we have seen it a few times already during the last year. Will be interesting to see who is buying. This tree will not be shaken, these people know what they are doing and the magnitude of recent litigation is matched very well by the profile of the people involved in it."

"The New Claim alleges that Xstrata and Minera Andes did not complete the required exploration expenditures required for Xstrata's exercise of its option on April 23, 2007 to acquire the Properties. On that basis, TNR and Solitario advance a claim of breach of contract and intentional interference with economic relations, and seek the return of the Properties, or alternatively, damages as against the defendants or any of them."

These properties are called Xstrata on the map above. TNR Gold litigation team now seeks in this new claim that Northern half of the Los Azules deposit to be returned to TNR Gold. The level of the case is elevated now by this action from potentially 15% after back-in into the project for TNR Gold (it is 25% for the Northern Half of the deposit, but high grade core is located on TNR Gold property called Xstrata on the map) to the claim that seeks the return of the all Solitario (TNR Gold subsidiary in Argentina) properties, which comprise roughly half of the Los Azules deposit at this moment - above the line on the map called Xstrata.

Nobody will take these kind of developments lightly just before the trial which was due to commence in June 2011. It took Judge two days to consider the application of George Macintosh litigation team and it was granted to TNR Gold.




"TNR Gold: Los Azules litigation: Rob McEwen Proposes Merger of US Gold and Minera Andes. In our publishing hobby, which we consider educational for us and our fellow investors, we like to follow the big cases which are played by small players and build up the puzzles on the chess board. Los Azules with its profile of the really "Big Copper" project in Americas fits well into this description. We will have to run a little bit of history in order to put the recent news in the context"



Please, do not forget, that we own stocks we are writing about and have position in these companies. We are not providing any investment advise on this blog and there is no solicitation to buy or sell any particular company here. Always consult with your qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.




"TNR Gold Corp. 

TSX VENTURE : TNR


TNR Gold Corp. 
June 28, 2011 08:45 ET

TNR Gold Advises of Minera Andes Drill Results and Development Updates for the Los Azules Copper Project

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - June 28, 2011) - TNR Gold Corp. (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:TNR) announces that it has become aware of a news release issued by Minera Andes Inc. ("MAI") on June 27, 2011 disclosing drill results from the January to May 2011 exploration program at the Los Azules project ("Project"). As most recently disclosed by the Company in its press release of May 16, 2011, the Company is involved in a legal dispute with MAI regarding TNR's interest in the Project. As a result, a qualified person of TNR (within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101) has not been able to verify the information disclosed by MAI, and, thus, such information should not be relied upon by TNR shareholders. The news release also describes results of condemnation holes for surface facilities which have been drilled on properties including Escorpio IV (referred to as "contested concession"). Escorpio IV is currently held in TNR's wholly owned subsidiary, Solitario Argentina S.A.
The Los Azules project is an advanced-stage exploration project that is the subject of a National Instrument 43-101 compliant report prepared for MAI that discloses certain Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources. TNR's wholly owned subsidiary, Solitario Argentina S.A., originally served notice of its intention to exercise its 25 per-cent back-in right to certain of the properties comprising the Los Azules project. Solitario's back-in right is the subject of a lawsuit filed by MAI's, and the terms of the back in right are the subject of litigation between Solitario and Xstrata ("MIM"). On May 16, 2011, the British Columbia Supreme Court granted TNR the right to add a new claim to the litigation, alleging that MIM and MAI did not complete the required exploration expenditures to earn its option on April 23, 2007. A court date, originally set for June 20, 2011 in Vancouver, has been adjourned and a new date will be set in due course.
In the legal dispute with MIM, TNR is also seeking confirmation of its ownership of the Escorpio IV property, which is located adjacent to the Project and a declaration that the Escorpio IV property is excluded from the Exploration and Option Agreement.
Additional information can be obtained on the TNR corporate Los Azules webpage - http://www.tnrgoldcorp.com/s/LosAzules.asp.
ABOUT TNR GOLD CORP.
TNR is a diversified international mineral exploration company focusing on the advancement of existing properties and identifying and acquiring new prospective projects. TNR has a portfolio of 9 active projects, and a 29% interest in International Lithium Corp. ("ILC"), which has 9 active rare metal projects.
The recent acquisition of lithium, other rare metals and rare-earth elements projects in Argentina, Canada, USA and Ireland confirms the TNR and ILC's commitments to generating projects, diversifying its markets, and building shareholder value.
On behalf of the board,
Gary Schellenberg, President – TNR Gold Corp.
Statements in this press release other than purely historical information, historical estimates should not be relied upon, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, are forward-looking statements. News release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including risks inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
CUSIP: #87260X 109
SEC 12g3-2(b): Exemption #82-4434
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."
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Canada Zinc Metals Reports Commencement of Exploration at the Akie Project czx.v , lun.to, tnr.v, ilc.v, bwr.to, cs.to, imn.to, ncu.to, tko.to, wrn.to, qux.to, rio, bls.to, tck



  We would love to see the every car in the world Electric one and in the nearest future, this time will come, but for a few years to come the ICE will make the majority of cars to be sold. In our search for growth inevitably we are coming to China and its largest auto market now - it means a lot of Zinc and Lead demand. Zinc in this recovery is a poor brother of Copper so far and the junior prices in Zinc juniors are reflecting it. We are following here Canada Zinc Metals - Chinese M&A story in Canada.




"We have very interesting situation here: company moves into Preliminary Economic Assestment of the Cardiak Creek deposit and stock is below than the recent financing at 0.77 CAD. How all situation with Lundin Mining will affect this M&A situation in Canada remains to be seen. Chinese Copper and Zinc giant Tongling already owns 36% of Canada Zinc Metals and Lukas Lundin has its stake in this company via Lundin Mining."


"What do you do when you have lots of dollars which are losing value by the day, hungry for growth population and you need to maintain a tricky status quo? You are going shopping. But not for US Treasuries any more after PIMCO's Bill Gross has dumped all his holdings. And if you happen to be China you are going shopping for Copper or Oil and Lithium will be next on your list after you control Rare Earths market. We have our Catalyst in action now.
  Now 
Lundin Mining with its stake in Tenke Fungurume can expect proper bids above CAD 10.0. Copper is set on fire in M&A space with this Chinese bid. Destiny of Big Copper project in Argentina - Los Azules and companies involved TNR Gold and Minera Andes will be even more interesting now.
  We have also other companies to watch now in our 
Copper squad: Revett Minerals, Copper Fox Metals, Canada Zinc Metals, NGeX resources, Conerstone Capital Resources, Sunridge Gold and others."






June 14, 2011
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Canada Zinc Metals Corp. (TSX Venture Exchange: CZX) is pleased to announce that diamond drilling has commenced on its 100% owned Akie property, which hosts the Cardiac Creek SEDEX Zn-Pb-Ag deposit. The property is located approximately 260 kilometers north-northwest of the town of Mackenzie, in northeastern British Columbia, Canada.

Exploration permits were received mid-May and exploration crews, a heli-portable diamond drill and a helicopter were mobilized to the Akie camp on June 4th. Drilling commenced on June 8th. The 2011 drilling program will continue to explore for additional Zn-Pb-Ag mineralization on strike from the Cardiac Creek deposit, both to the northwest and southeast. The target areas include the North Lead Anomaly, the NW Extension and SE Extension.

Drilling on the NW Extension will test the SEDEX style Zn-Pb-Ag mineralization encountered in A-10-69, which intersected 18.5m of thickly bedded pyrite and minor sphalerite, including 12.4m of 0.9% combined Zn+Pb & 2.7 g/t Ag. The style of mineralization encountered in A-10-69 is strikingly similar to the Cardiac Creek deposit. It is anticipated that this mineralization will continue to develop along strike and down-dip, as observed at the Cardiac Creek deposit. In addition, drilling will test the Zn-Ni mineralization encountered in A-10-72, which intersected 1.17m of 2.69% zinc & 0.60% nickel, and returned anomalous values in Au, Pb, Cu, Mo, Sb & other elements. This style of mineralization is similar in nature to the Zn-Ni-PGE mineralization of the Nick deposit in the Yukon. This intersection may represent the first known occurrence of Nick style mineralization within the Kechika Trough.

The North Lead Anomaly remains a high priority target on the Akie property. Drilling will test the down-dip and strike extents of the large intervals of interbedded Gunsteel Formation shale & thickly bedded pyrite mineralization encountered in A-10-68 and A-10-76. These holes returned highly anomalous Zn with values reaching 2.1%. Mineralization from this zone occurs at the same stratigraphic horizon and is similar in nature to the proximal style pyrite mineralization of the Cardiac Creek deposit.

Drilling will be initiated on the SE Extension of the Cardiac Creek zone. Geotechnical drilling conducted in April, 2011, along the centerline of the proposed portal access road, intersected narrow but persistent, sphalerite-mineralized, SEDEX-style sulphides The hole was located approximately 825m southeast along strike from the Cardiac Creek deposit. Mineralization consists primarily of interbedded sulphides and shale, characteristic of up-dip, proximal facies mineralization seen at the Cardiac Creek deposit. Individual sulphide beds appear to be on the order of 10-40 centimeters thick, with an aggregate thickness in excess of 10 meters. Sampling of the interval is underway and results are pending. Similar up-dip mineralization found at the Cardiac Creek deposit is known to give way at depth to improved grades and thicknesses.

In addition to the Akie drill program , a regional mapping and sampling program will be conducted on several outlying properties, including the West Pie, West Akie and Mt Alcock. The regional work will enhance the understanding of the general geology of the Kechika project area, providing insight into the prospectivity of the previously mapped Gunsteel shales.. This work will help identify future drill targets.. Follow-up work will also be conducted on the Pie Breccia showing and the GPS showing discovered in 2009.

The Akie surface drill and regional program is expected to continue until October 2011.

Peeyush Varshney, President of Canada Zinc Metals, states: "The 2011 Akie diamond drill program and the Kechika regional mapping program are two important elements of an overall program of aggressive and systematic exploration on the extensive Company land holdings in the Kechika Trough. The work is aimed at finding and developing additional ore bodies along the strike extent of the prospective Gunsteel Formation shale sequence, the known host to the Cardiac Creek deposit. We are fortunate to have skilled exploration and management staff that can simultaneously implement the summer 2011 exploration program while maintaining focus on engineering, planning and permitting for underground exploration at Cardiac Creek, anticipated to commence in late summer/fall 2011.”

The Company has tendered the underground decline and is awaiting bids from qualified contractors. The road and surface works tender is scheduled to be issued shortly.

About the Akie Property

The Akie zinc-lead property is situated within the southern-most part (Kechika Trough) of the regionally extensive Paleozoic Selwyn Basin, one of the most prolific sedimentary basins in the world for the occurrence of SEDEX zinc-lead-silver and stratiform barite deposits.

Drilling on the Akie property by Inmet Mining Corporation during the period 1994 to 1996 and by Canada Zinc Metals since 2005 has identified a significant body of baritic-zinc-lead SEDEX mineralization (Cardiac Creek deposit). The deposit is hosted by variably siliceous, fine grained clastic rocks of the Middle to Late Devonian ‘Gunsteel’ formation. The Company has outlined a NI 43-101 compliant inferred resource of 23.6 million tonnes grading 7.6% zinc, 1.5% lead and 13.0 g/t silver (at a 5% zinc cut off grade).

Two similar deposits, Cirque and Cirque South Cirque, located some 20 km northwest of Akie and owned under a joint venture by Teck Resources and Korea Zinc, are also hosted by Gunsteel rocks and have a combined geologic inventory in excess of 50 million tonnes (not 43-101 compliant) grading approximately 10% combined zinc + lead.

In addition to the Akie property, Canada Zinc Metals Corp. controls a large contiguous group of claims which comprise the Kechika Regional project. These claims are underlain by geology identical to that on the Akie property (Cardiac Creek deposit) and Cirque. This project includes the 100% owned Mt. Alcock property, which has yielded a historic drill intercept of 8.8 metres grading 9.3% zinc+lead, numerous zinc-lead-barite occurrences, and several regional base metal anomalies.

Ken MacDonald P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration, is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the technical information contained in this release.

The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CANADA ZINC METALS CORP.

“PEEYUSH VARSHNEY”

PEEYUSH VARSHNEY, LL.B
CEO & CHAIRMAN"
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Monday, June 27, 2011

TNR Gold: Minera Andes drills 269 m of 0.50% Cu At Los Azules tnr.v, mai.to, uxg, tck, cuu.v, czx.v, lun.to, bwr.to, cs.to, imn.to, ncu.to, tko.to, wrn.to, qux.to, bls.to, bhp, fcx, vale, rio, abx, auy, tck



  Finally, we have the latest drill results from Los Azules - this copper deposit continues to shape into the one of the largest undeveloped copper deposits in the world. 
  The very important message is that there are no ice glaciers present in the project area. Step out hole looks very encouraging as well. Solid results, which will allow to upgrade the resource category. Condemnations holes are drilled on the Escorpio IV, which is described as "Contested Concession" - all other project areas are called 100% owned. Escorpio IV is a part of litigation with TNR Gold on this project. "The results of the 2011 drilling will not have a material impact on the inferred mineralisation and no resource update is warranted" - this must be the message to Minera Andes disgruntled shareholders by the US Gold's low ball merger offer made before these results were announced. TNR Gold will hardly bite into any discount of its properties.
  


"TNR Gold Corporate Update Post Lithium Spinoff and Litigation Update On Los Azules case. Very interesting part is the link to the new Los Azules page on TNR Gold website, now we can see the recent Judgement and Application from TNR Gold for the new claim on Los Azules. Recent sell off in the company share price looks like another punishment - we have seen it a few times already during the last year. Will be interesting to see who is buying. This tree will not be shaken, these people know what they are doing and the magnitude of recent litigation is matched very well by the profile of the people involved in it."

"The New Claim alleges that Xstrata and Minera Andes did not complete the required exploration expenditures required for Xstrata's exercise of its option on April 23, 2007 to acquire the Properties. On that basis, TNR and Solitario advance a claim of breach of contract and intentional interference with economic relations, and seek the return of the Properties, or alternatively, damages as against the defendants or any of them."

These properties are called Xstrata on the map above. TNR Gold litigation team now seeks in this new claim that Northern half of the Los Azules deposit to be returned to TNR Gold. The level of the case is elevated now by this action from potentially 15% after back-in into the project for TNR Gold (it is 25% for the Northern Half of the deposit, but high grade core is located on TNR Gold property called Xstrata on the map) to the claim that seeks the return of the all Solitario (TNR Gold subsidiary in Argentina) properties, which comprise roughly half of the Los Azules deposit at this moment - above the line on the map called Xstrata.

Nobody will take these kind of developments lightly just before the trial which was due to commence in June 2011. It took Judge two days to consider the application of George Macintosh litigation team and it was granted to TNR Gold.









"TNR Gold: Los Azules litigation: Rob McEwen Proposes Merger of US Gold and Minera Andes. In our publishing hobby, which we consider educational for us and our fellow investors, we like to follow the big cases which are played by small players and build up the puzzles on the chess board. Los Azules with its profile of the really "Big Copper" project in Americas fits well into this description. We will have to run a little bit of history in order to put the recent news in the context"



Please, do not forget, that we own stocks we are writing about and have position in these companies. We are not providing any investment advise on this blog and there is no solicitation to buy or sell any particular company here. Always consult with your qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.





Minera Andes Reports Drill Results and Development Update for the Los Azules Copper Project

06/27/2011

Download this Press Release (PDF 1.08 MB)
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 06/27/11 -- Minera Andes Inc. (the "Corporation" or "Minera Andes") (TSX: MAI)(OTCBB: MNEAF) is pleased to announce drill assay results from the January - May 2011 drill program and a development update for the 100% owned Los Azules Copper Project, in San Juan ProvinceArgentina. Highlights from the recent drilling include a step-out drill hole, located approximately 250 meters west of the resource that returned 0.50% copper over 269 meters, including 0.95% copper over 45 meters. Infill drilling was generally in line with expectations, for example intersecting 0.66% copper over 395 meters and 0.63% copper over 237 meters (Table 1).
Exploration Drilling West of Resource
Two exploration holes were designed to test geophysical anomalies located west and north of the resource. The best result, hole T-01, located approximately 250 meters west of the resource, intersected 0.50% copper over 269 meters, including 0.95% copper over 45 meters. This hole is encouraging for several reasons, 1) it demonstrates that geophysics may be a useful guide for copper mineralization at Los Azules, 2) this area is only one of several high priority geophysical targets that have been identified on the property, and 3) the hole bottomed in 0.42% copper and was terminated before reaching its target depth, suggesting that there may be potential to find additional mineralization at depth. Follow up exploration is currently being planned.
Infill Drilling Confirms Expectations
Drilling to upgrade the inferred mineralization to the indicated category consisted of nine drill holes. In general, the holes returned mineralization in-line with expectations. Drill holes AZ1168 and AZ1170 were terminated while in mineralization due to difficult drilling conditions, bottoming in 0.95% and 0.55% copper, respectfully. The mineralization at Los Azules is open at depth.
Hole AZ1164 was extended as planned, intersecting good copper grades over a wide intersection. This result helps infill the central portion of the deposit.
Table 1 - Los Azules Infill Drilling Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hole                                  Cu   Thickness        From          To
                                     (%)         (m)         (m)         (m)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AZ1164                              0.55       284.4       120.0       404.4
Including                           0.75       128.0       120.0       248.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AZ1168                              0.66       395.4       148.0       569.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AZ1169                              0.36       229.8        86.0       315.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AZ1170                              0.63       237.3       112.0       349.3
Including                           0.85        62.0       112.0       174.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AZ1176                              0.63       130.0       162.0       292.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Despite encountering low grade copper mineralization, infill holes AZ1171, AZ1172, AZ1173 returned values less than expected.
Planned Exploration at Los Azules
Due to difficult ground conditions the amount of meters drilled between January-May was less than planned. The strategy for the upcoming season is to continue testing deep geophysical targets. Also,Minera Andes will look to begin drilling at Los Azules earlier than previous years in order to extend the drill campaign.
Preliminary Feasibility Study
Minera Andes continues to advance work related to Los Azules Preliminary Feasibility Study including the following:
--  Developed preliminary hydrologic model
--  Evaluated potential geotechnical risks with positive outcome
--  Completed evaluation of construction/production access road alternatives
--  Continued environmental base line assessment and monitoring, including
    glaciology studies (no ice glaciers are present in the project area)
--  Drilled condemnation holes in areas that are potential locations for
    surface facilities (Exhibit 1A and Exhibit 4)
--  Completed archeological assessment
--  Completed initial stakeholder mapping
--  Conducted preliminary testing of alternative metallurgical processing
    options with positive results
--  Completed trade-off study of heap leaching option as an alternative to
    flotation recovery with determination that heap leaching is not a viable
    option
--  The anticipated cost to complete the Preliminary Feasibility Study is
    $30 million, with the earliest completion date being late 2013.
About Los Azules
Los Azules is a large copper porphyry system located in western San Juan Province in a belt of porphyry copper deposits that straddles the Chilean/Argentine border. This belt contains some of the world's largest copper deposits, including Codelco's El Teniente and Andina mines, Anglo American's Los Bronces mine,Antofagasta PLC's Los Pelambres mine and Xstrata's El Pachon project, among others.
The mineral resources for Los Azules were calculated in June 2010 and are summarized in the table below for the "base case" cut-off grade of 0.35 percent copper. The base case cutoff grade is based on experience from other projects with similar characteristics, potential scale of operation and location.
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Mineral
Resource         Tonnes   Copper  Contained Copper         Gold       Silver
Category     (millions)        %          (MM lbs)  grams/tonne  grams/tonne
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Indicated           137     0.73               2.2         0.07          1.7
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Inferred            900     0.52              10.3         0.07          1.7
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There is a high-grade secondary enrichment zone near the top of the mineralization. We use a cut-off grade of 0.70% copper to define "high-grade" mineralization, and the material above the 0.70% cut off approximates the secondary enrichment zone, but it is not exactly coincident. The portions of the deposit that exceeded the 0.70% copper limit are 67 million tonnes of indicated resources at an average grade of 0.95% (1.4 billion pounds of contained copper) and 127 million tonnes of inferred resources at an average grade of 0.86% (2.4 billion pounds of contained copper).
The results of the 2011 drilling will not have a material impact on the inferred mineralization and no resource update is warranted.
Refiled Interim Financial Report
Minera Andes also announces today that it is refiling its interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to provide a condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity for the period ended March 31, 2010 under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The refilling was made at the request of the Ontario Securities Commission and the additional disclosure does not impact any of the other interim financial statements previously filed.
About Minera Andes
Minera Andes is an exploration company exploring for gold, silver and copper in Argentina with three significant assets: a 49% interest in Minera Santa Cruz SA, owner of the San Jose Mine in close proximity to Goldcorp's Cerro Negro project; 100% ownership of the Los Azules copper deposit with an inferred mineral resource of 10.3 billion pounds of copper and an indicated resource of 2.2 billion pounds of copper; and, 100% ownership of a large portfolio of exploration properties in Santa Cruz province,Argentina, including properties bordering the Cerro Negro project in Santa Cruz ProvinceMinera Andeshad $22 million in cash and short-term investments, with no bank debt (as of May 31, 2011). Rob McEwen, Chairman and CEO, owns 31% of the shares of the corporation. On June 14, 2011 the corporation announced that Mr. McEwen has proposed to combine the corporation with US Gold Corporation to create a high growth, low-cost, mid-tier silver producer focused on the Americas.
This news release has been submitted by James K. Duff, Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation.
For further information, please contact: Jim Duff or visit our Web site: www.minandes.com.
Scientific and Technical Information:
This news release was prepared by James K. Duff, Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation and a registered Professional Geologist in the State of Idaho, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Bruce Davis, PhD, FAusIMM, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for the quality control for the assaying of the Los Azules drill core has reviewed the assay quality control information and is awaiting final results from additional quality control samples. All samples were collected in accordance with industry standards. Splits from the drill core samples were submitted to the ACME sample preparation laboratory in Mendoza, Argentina, and then transferred to ACME's laboratory in Santiago, Chile for fire assay and ICP analysis. Accuracy of results is tested through the systematic inclusion of standards, blanks and check assays. The mineral resource estimate referenced in this press release was prepared in June 2010 by Robert Sim, P.Geo. and Bruce Davis, PhD, FAusIMM, both independent Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" ("NI 43-101").
For further information in respect of the Los Azules project please refer to the technical report entitled "Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Updated Preliminary Assessment, Los Azules ProjectSan Juan ProvinceArgentina" dated December 16, 2010, prepared by Kathleen AltmanRobert SimBruce Davis,William L. RoseScott Elfen, and Richard Jemielita, each of whom is "independent" of the Corporation and a "qualified person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects . This report is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors:
All resource estimates reported by the Corporation are calculated in accordance with 43-101 and theCanadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification system. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information express, as at the date of this press release, the Corporation's plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs as to future events and results and management's understanding of proposed legislative changes. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, factors associated with fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining industry risks, risks associated with foreign operations, risks related to on-going or pending litigation including specifically risks related to litigation which if resolved adversely to Minera Andes could materially impact the Corporation's value and interest in and ability to develop the Los Azules project, property title, the state of the capital markets, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves and other risks.
Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. See the Corporation's annual information form for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement.
Exhibit 1 - Summary of Drill Hole Results for 2010-2011 Drill Season

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            Intersection
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                            Vertical
                           Thickness
          From (m)  To (m)       (m)  % Cu                          Comments
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                 0     120     120.0     -     Pre hole drilled in 2009-2010
HOLE 1064A                                                           season.
               120     248     128.0  0.75         Secondary enrichment zone
               248     288      40.0  0.58   Mixed secondary enrichment (Cc)
                                             and chalcopyrite mineralization
                                                              disseminations
               288   404.4     116.4  0.33 Primary disseminated chalcopyrite
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                 0     156     156.0     -     Pre hole drilled in 2009-2011
HOLE 1067                                                             season
               156     336     180.0  0.23    Mixed secondary enrichment and
                                                   disseminated chalcopyrite
               336     375      39.0  0.40 Primary disseminated chalcopyrite
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Hole 1168        0      46      46.0     -                 Gravel overburden
                46     148      95.0  0.04                       Leached cap
               148     515     344.4  0.67    Mixed secondary enrichment and
                                                   disseminated chalcopyrite
               515     557      39.5  0.48 Primary disseminated chalcopyrite
               557   569.3      11.5  0.95 Primary disseminated chalcopyrite
                                                                 and bornite
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Hole 1169        0      50      50.0     -                 Gravel overburden
                50      86      36.0  0.10                       Leached cap
                86  315.75     229.8  0.36              Primary chalcopyrite
                                               mineralization disseminations
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HOLE 1170        0      30      30.0     -                 Gravel overburden
                30     112      82.0  0.05                       Leached cap
               112     174      62.0  0.85              Secondary enrichment
               174   349.3     175.3  0.55    Mixed secondary enrichment and
                                                   disseminated chalcopyrite
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HOLE 1171        0      50      50.0     -                 Gravel overburden
                50      86      36.0  0.05                       Leached cap
                86     201     115.0  0.12    Mixed secondary enrichment and
                                                   disseminated chalcopyrite
               201   400.1     199.1  0.16 Primary disseminated chalcopyrite
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HOLE 1172        0      62      62.0     -                 Gravel overburden
                62      74      12.0  0.09                       Leached cap
                74     125      51.0  0.22    Mixed secondary enrichment and
                                                   disseminated chalcopyrite
               125     152      27.0  0.07   Primary pyrite and chalcopyrite
                                                                    veinlets
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            Intersection
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                            Vertical
                           Thickness
          From (m)  To (m)       (m)  % Cu                          Comments
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HOLE 1173        0      32      32.0     -                 Gravel overburden
                32      80      48.0  0.11                       Leached cap
                80      99      19.0  0.34              Secondary enrichment
                99     228     129.0  0.22    Mixed secondary enrichment and
                                                   disseminated chalcopyrite
               228   294.5      66.5  0.18 Primary disseminated chalcopyrite
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HOLE 1174        0      24      24.0     -                        Overburden
                24      76      52.0  0.03                       Leached cap
                76     250     174.0  0.17    Mixed secondary enrichment and
                                                   disseminated chalcopyrite
               250   341.4      91.4  0.10              Primary chalcopyrite
                                               mineralization disseminations
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HOLE 1175        0      63      63.0     -                        Overburden
                63      74      11.0  0.03                       Leached cap
                74   249.5     175.5  0.22   Primary disseminated pyrite and
                                                                    veinlets
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                 0      32      32.0     -
HOLE 1176                                                         Overburden
                32     162     130.0  0.03                       Leached cap
               162     292     130.0  0.63              Secondary enrichment
               292   393.4     101.4  0.19   Primary disseminated pyrite and
                                                                    veinlets
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HOLE T-01B       0      72      72.0     -                        Overburden
                72      80       8.0  0.09                       Leached cap
                80      86       6.0  0.78              Secondary enrichment
                86     132      46.0  0.27 Primary disseminated chalcopyrite
               132     140       8.0  0.73    Mixed secondary enrichment and
                                                   disseminated chalcopyrite
               140     186      46.0  0.25 Primary disseminated chalcopyrite
               186     192       6.0  1.43              Secondary enrichment
               192     387     195.0  0.13 Primary disseminated chalcopyrite
               387     408      21.0  0.62              Secondary enrichment
               408     422      14.0  0.54    Mixed secondary enrichment and
                                                   disseminated chalcopyrite
               422     468      46.0  0.25 Primary disseminated chalcopyrite
               468     486      18.0  0.49    Mixed secondary enrichment and
                                                   disseminated chalcopyrite
               486     496      10.0  0.95              Secondary enrichment
               496     560      64.0  0.33        Mixed secondary enrichment
               560     605      45.0  0.95  Primary chalcopyrite and bornite
               605     656      51.0  0.42              Primary chalcopyrite
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HOLE T-02        0      76      76.0  0.04                       Leached cap
                76   700.1     624.1  0.06     Primary pyrite mineralization
                                                    disseminations and veins
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Exhibit 1A - Summary of Condemnation Drills Results for 2010-2011 Drill Season
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              Intersection
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                              Vertical
                             Thickness
            From (m)  To (m)       (m)    % Cu                      Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOLE CO 01         0     200     200.0   0.001      Fresh unmineralized rock
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HOLE CO 02         0     168     168.0   0.001      Fresh unmineralized rock
                 168     200      32.0   0.006      Fresh unmineralized rock
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HOLE CO 03         0     200     200.0   0.003      Fresh unmineralized rock
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                                                   Fresh unmineralized rock,
HOLE CO 04         0      28      28.0   0.004             partially leached
                  28     186     158.0   0.001      Fresh unmineralized rock
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HOLE CO 05         0     162     162.0   0.002      Fresh unmineralized rock
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HOLE CO 06         0     200     200.0   0.003      Fresh unmineralized rock
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HOLE HB 04         0     200     200.0   0.002      Fresh unmineralized rock
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HOLE HB 05         0     200     200.0   0.001      Fresh unmineralized rock
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HOLE HB 06         0     200     200.0   0.003      Fresh unmineralized rock
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                                               Fresh unmineralized rock with
HOLE HB 07         0      82      82.0   0.002           meteoric weathering
                  82     200     118.0   0.006      Fresh unmineralized rock
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                                               Fresh unmineralized rock with
HOLE GB 02         0      42        42   0.003           meteoric weathering
                  42     200     158.0   0.007      Fresh unmineralized rock
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To view the figures associated with this press release, please visit the following link:http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/mai_627_figures.pdf
The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release, which has been prepared by management.
Contacts:
Minera Andes Inc.
James K. Duff, Chief Operating Officer
99 George St. 3rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5A 2N4
647-258-0395 or Toll-Free: 1-866-441-0690
647-258-0408 (FAX)
info@minandes.com
www.minandes.com

Source: Minera Andes Inc.
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