NR Can anyone clarify this NR as it does not mention details? thanks
Stornoway Welcomes Clarity On Future Quebec Mining Taxation
Stornoway Diamond Corporation (TSX-SWY) welcomes the recent announcement by the Government of Quebec pertaining to future legislation for mining taxation and royalties. The announcement will help to alleviate the uncertainty around taxation that has been prevalent in the Quebec mining sector for several months. The Government of Quebec has demonstrated a balanced approach that is sensitive to the challenges facing the industry, and which recognises the importance of maintaining Quebec’s status as a premier destination for mining investment.
Matt Manson, Stornoway’s President and CEO, commented: "We welcome the confirmation given by the government of Madame Pauline Marois today that it recognizes the important place of mining in the Quebec economy. The new system of mining taxation that is being proposed is a reasonable balance between maximising both taxation revenue and the type of returns that are expected by investors and lenders in an increasingly competitive world for mining capital allocation. Over the past few weeks, Stornoway has participated fully in the public consultation process for the new legislation, and presented the perspective of a major project developer actively engaged in mine project financing. With this review behind us, we look forward to advancing the development of Quebec’s first diamond mine.”
About the Renard Diamond Project
The Renard Diamond Project is located approximately 250 km north of the Cree community of Mistissini and 350 km north of Chibougamau in the James Bay region of north-central Québec. In November 2011, Stornoway released the results of a Feasibility Study at Renard, followed by an Optimization Study in January 2013, which highlighted the potential of the project to become a significant producer of high value rough diamonds over a long mine life. Probable Mineral Reserves as defined under National Instrument (“NI”) 43-101 stand at 17.9 million carats, with a further 17.5 million carats classified as Inferred Mineral Resources, and 23.5 to 48.5 million carats classified as non-resource exploration upside. All kimberlites remain open at depth. Pre-production capital cost stands at an estimated C$752 million, with a life of mine operating cost of C$57.63/tonne giving a 67% operating margin over an initial 11 year mine life. Readers are referred to the technical report dated December 29th, 2011 in respect of the November 2011 Feasibility Study for the Renard Diamond Project, and the technical report dated February 28th, 2013 in respect of the January 2013 Optimization Study, for further details and assumptions relating to the project.
About Stornoway Diamond Corporation
Stornoway is a leading Canadian diamond exploration and development company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY and headquartered in Montreal. Our flagship asset is the 100% owned Renard Diamond Project, on track to becoming Québec’s first diamond mine. Stornoway is a growth oriented company with a world class asset, in one of the world’s best mining jurisdictions, in one of the world’s great mining businesses.
On behalf of the Board
STORNOWAY DIAMOND CORPORATION
/s/ “Matt Manson”
Matt Manson
President and Chief Executive Officer