Luna Gold Announces Corporate Secured Credit Facility
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 02/19/13 -- Luna Gold Corp. (TSX: LGC)(OTCQX: LGCUF)(LMA: LGC) ("Luna" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Aurizona Goldfields Corporation, has entered into a new US$30 million corporate secured revolving facility (the "Corporate Facility") with Societe Generale (Canada Branch) and Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd. The Corporate Facility will serve to replace the Company's existing WestLB debt facilities, as well as providing funding for general corporate purposes.
The Corporate Facility matures on June 30, 2016, carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 4.25%, and is guaranteed by Luna and its subsidiary Mineracao Aurizona S.A. In connection with the Corporate Facility, the Company must execute gold price hedging covering a minimum notional value of $3 million per quarter until maturity. This gold hedging is to be executed post funding with the quarterly deliverable ounces calculated based on the forward gold curve at execution. This hedging will commence at the beginning of the third quarter of 2013. Based on the recent gold forward curve, Luna anticipates hedging a total of approximately 23,000 ounces of gold from the third quarter of 2013 to the second quarter of 2016. This equates to approximately 3% of the Company's targeted annual production in 2013, and 6% of targeted annual production from beyond 2013 until loan maturity.
Luna must also execute Brazilian Real ("BRL")/US dollar hedging covering a minimum notional value of $6 million per quarter. This currency hedging will commence at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2013. The BRL/US dollar hedge program accommodates the existing BRL/US dollar hedging under the WestLB facilities, and is expected to fix approximately 20% of the Company's forecast BRL exposure until loan maturity.
Closing of the Corporate Facility is expected during this first quarter of 2013. Availability for drawing thereunder is subject to the completion of standard conditions precedent, including the repayment of the existing WestLB debt.
John Blake, Luna's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "This new Corporate Facility, in combination with the capital generated by our internal cashflows, will enhance Luna's ability to execute upon the multiple organic growth initiatives outlined within our strategy."
About Luna Gold Corp.
Luna is a gold production company engaged in the operation, discovery, and development of gold deposits and advanced stage gold exploration projects in Brazil.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
LUNA GOLD CORP.
John Blake - President and CEO
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future gold production and/or the results of analysis on gold production. Forward-looking statements are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors identified in Luna Gold Corp.'s periodic filings with Canadian Securities Regulators. These factors include the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drill results and other exploration data, the potential for delays in exploration or development activities, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in production and operations, fluctuating metal prices, unanticipated costs and expenses, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability, competition, loss of key employees, and other related risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.
Contacts:
Luna Gold Corp.
Investor Relations
(604) 568-7993
www.lunagold.com