Nautilus Minerals Inc. and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea have signed an agreement, enabling the Solwara 1 Project to move forward toward production with the full support of the State.
Under the Agreement, the State shall take an initial 15% interest in the Project. The State has the option to take up to a further 15% interest within 12 months of the Agreement becoming unconditional. The State has paid Nautilus a non-refundable deposit for its initial 15% interest of US$7,000,000.
The Agreement is conditional upon the State, (through a subsidiary of Petromin PNG Holdings Limited), securing by 31 July 2014, the funding for the State’s 15% share of the capital required to complete the development phase of the Project up to first production, being US$113,000,000 (excluding the deposit). These funds will be placed in escrow until Nautilus satisfies the conditions for their release. The funds will be released to Nautilus, and an unincorporated joint venture between the parties for the ongoing operation of the Project shall be formed, if within 6 months of the funds being placed in escrow Nautilus secures the charter of a Production Support Vessel and secures for the State certain intellectual property rights. After first production, Petromin’s subsidiary will contribute funds in proportion to its interest.
If the conditions of the Agreement are satisfied and the State completes the purchase of its 15% interest in the Project, then the Arbitration concerning Nautilus’ claim for damages related to the termination of the State Equity Option Agreement dated 29 March 2011, shall be dismissed. If the State does not complete the purchase, then the position the parties were in prior to signing the Agreement is reinstated.
Nautilus’ CEO, Mike Johnston , said the Company was pleased to have achieved an amicable resolution of its issues with the State.
“ This step represents a major vote of confidence in Nautilus Minerals and the Solwara 1 Project. Through this joint venture, the State will provide a significant capital investment and will retain a direct interest in the long term success of the Project. We look forward to working closely with the State and Petromin on Solwara 1, which will generate significant economic activity within the State and the Province of New Ireland, ” he said.
“ The Company is now focusing its attention on securing a suitable vessel arrangement and is continuing its discussions with potential vessel partners while also undertaking a tender process with shipyards experienced in building offshore construction vessels. The Company intends to have a vessel solution in place before the end of the year, ” he added.
Mr Johnston continues to have the support of the Board of Directors of Nautilus with his interim role as President and Chief Executive Officer having now been made permanent.
[mappress] Press Release, April 24, 2014; Image: Nautilus