Issue link: http://resourceworld.uberflip.com/i/102869
tion concession near Dajabón in northwest Dominican Republic. This 27.75 km2 claim will be subject to a basic field mapping. Tahoe Resources Inc. [THO-TSX; TAHO-NYSE] is constructing the mine, mill, surface facilities and power line for the high-grade Escobal silver mine in southeast Guatemala 70 km from Guatemala City. The Escobal silver vein is a worldclass deposit with an indicated resource of 368 million oz silver grading 422 g/t silver and inferred resources of 36 million oz grading 254 g/t silver. Capital costs of $326 million is for a 3,500 tpd mine which is on schedule to start production in second half of 2013. During the first 10 years, Escobal is expected to produce 20 million oz silver annually. In spite of these attributes and contribution to the economy, there is controversy in Guatemala about this operation, which dampens investor enthusiasm. There are a few people supported by activist NGOs opposed to the project in spite of the support by the local mayors and local community. A group of protestors, appearing to be outsiders, recently succeeded in closing the construction site. In July, Guatemalan president, Otto Perez Molina has made some proposals that could result in state ownership of 40% of mine projects. However, no formal legislation was introduced and no formal approach was made to Tahoe. Coincidentally, Goldcorp is a 40% shareholder of Tahoe. Unigold Inc. [UGD-TSXV, Dubai] is exploring 110,000 hectares in the western part of Dominican Republic on the Haitian border. This project is unique since it is tax free until 2024, which allows Unigold an exemption from corporate, sales tax and import duties. Unigold has three drills turning and is expected to drill 40,000 m in 2012 mainly on the Candelones and Lomita Pina areas. The gold mineralized zone has 1,000 m of strike and it is growing. Results so far have been consistent with continuity of mineralization. An example is 109 m from drill hole LP17 grading 1.73 g/t gold, 2.5 g/t silver, 0.17% copper and 0.03% zinc. Unigold released initial metallurgical tests that demonstrate gold, silver and base metal recoveries of 85-90%. Unigold is expecting to complete a NI 43-101 resource estimate this year. The Candelones Extension is open to the South and to the West. Xstrata plc [XSRAF-USOTC; XTALondon, Swiss] began operations in 1971 at the Falcondo Project in Bonao, about 80 km north of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Falcondo has a mine, metallurigacal treatment plant and its own 200 MW thermal power plant. It produced 13,500 tonnes of ferronickel in 2011. Xstrata is also developing the Loma Miranda deposit 22 km north of Bonao. Development of this deposit could extend the life of Falcondo mining and smelting operations for another 20 years. n Providing a complete range of geotechnical and mineral exploration services, MRB has over 45 qualified personnel to help you explore and develop your precious metal, base-metal, iron ore, graphite and Rare Earth Element projects. •Projectmanagement •Explorationplanningandexecution •Resourceevaluation •43-101TechnicalReports •Data-managementandanalysis •Outstandingtrackrecordwithourmanyclients FROM START TO FINISH, MRB & ASSOCIATES DELIVERS. For more information please contact: Martin Bourgoin, President at: martin@mrbweb.com 1748 Chemin Sullivan, Suite 2100, Val d'Or QC J9P 7H1 Tel : 819-874-8768 Fax : 819-874-8771 www.mrbweb.com 36 www.resourceworld.com NOVEMBER 2012