Vancouver, Canada - Mawson Resources Limited ("Mawson") or (the "Company") (TSX:MAW) (Frankfurt:MXR) (PINKSHEETS: MWSNF) reports that a decision has been made by TUKES (the Finnish Safety and Chemical Agency) to grant modified and renewed exploration claims titled Kairamaat 2 and 3 that cover a surface area of 1,462 hectares at Mawson's Rajapalot gold project in northern Finland, that entitles Mawson drill access during winter conditions within Natura 2000 biodiversity areas. The decision will take legal effect after a standard public appeal process. Further information as to the outcome of this process will be known in early August.
The decision outlines:
- Renewal of the mineral rights to Mawson once the decision takes legal effect; and
- Details of allowable exploration methods, including deep drilling when the soil is frozen and covered by sufficient snow;
- The claims are valid for a period of 3 years, the maximum time allowable under the Mining Act. An application to extend this period can be made within 3 years up to a maximum of 15 years.
Mr Hudson states, "Gaining the ability to drill our best targets in Natura 2000 biodiversity areas has been a key milestone we have been awaiting since the permits were applied for in October 2009. Over the last 2 years we have completed a comprehensive environmental study (a Natura 2000 assessment) to assess the impact that Mawson's exploration work will have on the biodiversity values. We understand the responsibility granted to us by this decision and look forward to working with the mining and environmental authorities to ensure our work is conducted according to global best practice methods. In the meantime, we await the finalization of the remaining legal process."
After consultation with the mining and environmental authorities a decision was also made to leave handling of the Kairamaat 1 area, which includes the Rompas vein-style prospects, to a later date to allow for additional background data to be collected and further discussions with stakeholders.
About Mawson Resources Limited (TSX:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, PINKSHEETS:MWSNF)
Mawson Resources Limited is an exploration and development company. Mawson has distinguished itself as a leading Scandinavian exploration company with a focus on the flagship Rompas and Rajapalot gold projects in Finland.
Technical Background
The qualified person for Mawson's Finnish projects, Mr. Michael Hudson, President & CEO for Mawson and Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining Metallurgy has reviewed and verified the contents of this release.
On behalf of the Board, "Michael Hudson" | Investor Information |
Forward Looking Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the planned summer drill program and anticipated exploration activities are forward-looking statements. Although Mawson believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Mawson cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates, equipment failure, unexpected geological conditions, permitting, operational delays, environmental and safety risks, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Mawson's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedar.com. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Mawson disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.