Advanced Explorations Signs MOU with Logistec Stevedoring Inc.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 02/18/13 -- Advanced Explorations Inc. (TSX VENTURE: AXI)(FRANKFURT: AE6) (the "Company" or "AEI") today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Logistec Stevedoring Inc. ("Logistec") for the further development of AEI's shipping concept, terminal, and marine services. Logistec and AEI will work jointly on the development and operation of the terminal facility with its related infrastructure servicing the Roche Bay Project.
Logistec provides over 6 decades of stevedoring and terminal operations at its facilities located in 24 ports in North America. In addition to several other successful projects, Logistec provided marine and shipping support to Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation during the bulk sampling program in 2008. The direct Arctic experience and proven operational expertise in the region make Logistec the partner of choice for AEI as it relates to formulating a proper solution for the Roche Bay port facility and putting in place cost efficient operations.
The MOU also provides that AEI and Logistec will join efforts to explore financial models and structures with respect to the Roche Bay port facility as well as the shipping and terminal assets with a view that such financial models and structures could be self financing, thereby lowering the capital expenditures necessary to get the Roche Bay Project into production. This agreement with Logistec strengthens the Roche Bay development team with respect to a key component and will materially de-risk the Project, leveraging Logistec's expertise in Nunavut, combined with a current and relevant operational understanding of shipping in the region.
The Roche Bay port and shipping concept is an essential key parameter for the success of the Roche Bay Project. Accordingly, Logistec provides the experience and efficiency needed to create a sustainable and scalable port facility to service future potential development at Roche Bay, Tuktu, and other developments on the Melville Peninsula. Going forward, this port is going to be an important strategic asset for AEI, Logistec, and the Government of Nunavut.
The unique coastal location of the Roche Bay project eliminates the need for transportation infrastructure such as railroads. This substantial location advantage at Roche Bay has recently been further highlighted by the railroad uncertainty that has affected the potential iron ore developments located in the Labrador Trough. Rail is a key infrastructure bottleneck and places considerable risk and uncertainty as to when and if these rail-dependant projects can move forward. AEI's advancement of its port infrastructure and lack of onerous rail requirements puts AEI in a positive light relative to these other projects.
John Gingerich, President & CEO, commented:
"As we have seen recently, there is a renewed sensitivity in the market to project CAPEX and execution. In response to this, AEI has engaged Logistec to determine the most efficient way to reduce CAPEX and project risk as it relates to the Roche Bay port facilities. By utilizing a joint venture structure, AEI is able to bring Logistec on as a partner that has both the expertise and experience as a cargo handling solution provider in the Far North, and AEI can focus on its mining and exploration activities. Both AEI and Logistec feel that this is an immensely beneficial relationship going forward."
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
John Gingerich, President & Chief Executive Officer
ABOUT Advanced Explorations Inc.
Advanced Explorations Inc., based in Toronto, Ontario, is a resource development company focused on developing its Roche Bay and Tuktu Iron Ore Projects in one of the world's largest developing iron ore districts, the Melville Peninsula in Nunavut. The Ocean-based Roche Bay Project boasts an NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate of over 500 million tonnes outlined within a small portion of the potential 140 km of banded iron formation. A positive feasibility study for the project's C Zone revealed a net present value of $642M on a base case 5.5 Mtpa start-up concentrate operation and substantial upside potential including becoming a low quartile cost producer. To date, the Company has delineated over 1 billion tonnes of iron under NI 43-101 among its Roche Bay and Tuktu deposits and continues to explore other targeted deposits in areas to the north, south and west of Roche Bay. The management team has extensive technical, exploration and Canadian Arctic mining expertise to effectively develop the high quality iron ore opportunities on the Melville Peninsula.
This news release also includes forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The information reflects numerous assumptions as to industry performance, general business and economic conditions, regulatory and legal requirements, taxes and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of the company. Similarly, this information assumes certain future business decisions that are subject to change. There can be no assurance that the results predicted here will be realized. Actual results may vary from those represented, and those variations may be material.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
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Contacts:
Advanced Explorations Inc.
(416) 203-0057 x320