Things look to be progressing
ZONTE METALS UPDATES LEGAL PROGRESS ON THE GRAMALOTE TARGET APPLICATION, COLOMBIA
As stated in a news release dated Nov. 19, 2015, Zonte Metals Inc., with a Colombian partner, has made application for open ground within the Gramalote deposit, which is a gold deposit in Colombia, subject to a joint venture between AngloGold Ashanti and B2Gold. The application is subject to review by the Secretaria de Minas, department of Antioquia, Colombia, who has previously acknowledged that the area under application includes open ground, but, as of this date, has denied issuing the title. The partners' legal counsel remains convinced that the application has not been processed in accordance with the Colombian mining code and continues to seek a resolution on behalf of the partners. A map of the open ground covered by the application and the location of the open ground relative to the Gramalote deposit is illustrated at the Zonte website.
The partners have made several requests that the application be processed in accordance with the Mining Code; however, according to the partners' legal counsel, the Secretary of Mines has either not responded to such requests or provided reasons inconsistent with the mining code that could be considered to favour certain third parties at the expense of the partners. The partners' legal counsel is composed of a team of lawyers from a legal firm and an independent legal adviser, the latter being the former head of the Secretary of Mines, department of Antioquia, who is well versed in all matters related to mineral applications and titling.
The partners have worked through various steps required to proceed to special court. What is understood to be the last step in the process, referred to as a conciliatory meeting, has now been scheduled with the Secretary of Mines for April 28, 2016. At this meeting, the partners' legal counsel will repeat the request that the application be processed in accordance with the mining code; however, should the Secretary of Mines maintain its irregular stance, the partners will then proceed to special court. At the special court level the partners will finally have the legal right to request that the application be processed according to the mining code, as well as identifying other aspects around this irregular situation. Zonte plans to provide updates of the progress as developments materialize.