The regulatory environment enabling AngloGold Ashanti to mine

Ownership and mining of deposits dependent on regulations

AngloGold Ashanti's rights to own and exploit Mineral Reserves and deposits are governed by the laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which these mineral properties lie.

There are in some cases, certain restrictions on AngloGold Ashanti’s ability to independently move assets out of certain countries in which it has operations, and/or transfer assets within the group, without the prior consent of the local government or minority shareholders involved.

South Africa

In October 2002, the President of South Africa assented to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), which had been passed by the Parliament of South Africa in June 2002 and came into effect on 1 May 2004. The objectives of the MPRDA are, among other things, to allow for state sovereignty over all mineral and petroleum resources in the country, to promote economic growth and the development of these resources and to expand opportunities for the historically disadvantaged. Another objective of the MPRDA is to ensure security of tenure for the respective operations concerning prospecting, exploration, mining and production. By virtue of the provisions of the MPRDA, the state ensures that holders of mining and prospecting rights contribute to the socio-economic development of the areas in which they operate.

The Broad-Based Socio-Economic Empowerment Charter for the South African Mining Industry (the Mining Charter) sprung from the MPRDA. The Mining Charter committed all stakeholders in the mining industry to transfer ownership of 26% of their assets to black or historically disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs) within 10 years. In addition, the government indicated it would issue a Mining Charter Scorecard (Scorecard) against which companies could gauge their empowerment credentials. The fact that the Mining Charter enjoyed the full support of the mining houses, South Africa’s government and labour unions, gives it great credibility and improves its chances for success in the long run.

The objectives of the Mining Charter are to:

The Scorecard was designed to function as an administrative and not a legislative tool. Its objective was to find a practical framework for the Minister to assess whether a company measured up to the intent of the MPRDA and Mining Charter.

On 29 April 2009, as required by section 100(1)(b) of the MPRDA, the Minister published the Codes of Good Practice for the South African Mineral Industry (the Code). The purpose of the Code was to set out administrative principles to enhance implementation of the Mining Charter and the MPRDA. The Code is to be read in combination with the Mining Charter and other legislation relating to measurement of socio-economic transformation in the South African mining industry.

AngloGold Ashanti holds 10 mining rights in South Africa, seven of which have been successfully converted, executed and registered as new order mining rights at the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Titles Office (MPRTO). Two old order mining rights are awaiting conversion by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR), and one has been executed, awaiting registration in the MPRTO. The deadline for the conversion process from old to new order rights was the end of April 2009.

AngloGold Ashanti holds three prospecting rights and a mining permit for the recovery of sand and clay. A new prospecting right application for copper, lead and zinc will be submitted to the DMR at the end of March 2011, when the moratorium on the issuing of rights will be lifted.

A prospecting right will be granted to a successful applicant for a period not exceeding five years, and may only be renewed once for three years. The MPRDA also provides for a retention period of up to three years after prospecting, with one renewal up to two years, subject to certain conditions.

A mining right will be granted to a successful applicant for a period not exceeding 30 years. Mining rights may be renewed for additional periods not exceeding 30 years at a time.

The MPRDA Amendment Act has been signed by the State President, and published, but is not yet in effect. Its purpose is to amend the MPRDA in order to:

AngloGold Ashanti applied for and has been granted a refining licence and an import and export permit by the South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator.

Continental Africa

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The mining industry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is regulated primarily by the Mining Code enacted in July 2002 and its ancillary regulations (the Mining Regulations promulgated in March 2003). The Mining Code, which repealed the Mining Code of April 1981, vests the Minister of Mines with the authority for the granting, refusal, suspension and termination of mineral rights. Mineral rights may be granted in the form of exploration permits for an initial period of four years and mining permits which are granted for an initial period of 30 years. An exploration permit may, at any time before expiry, be transformed partially into a mining licence or a small-scale mining permit. Exploitation permits are granted following successful completion of exploration and satisfaction of the requirements necessary for the award of such permit including approval of an environmental impact study and an environmental management plan. The holder of a mining permit is required to commence development and mine construction within three years of the award of a mining permit. Failure to do so may lead to forfeiture or payment of penalties. A permit holder must comply with specific rules relating to, among others, protection of the environment, cultural heritage, health and safety, construction and infrastructure planning.

Mining and exploration activities are required to be undertaken so as to affect as little as possible the interests of lawful occupants of land and surface rights holders, including their customary rights. The exercise of mineral rights by title holders which effectively deprives and/or interferes with the rights of occupants and surface rights holders, requires payment of fair compensation by the mineral title holder.

The Mining Code provides for taxes, charges, royalties and other fees payable to the treasury by a mining title holder in respect of its activities. The Mining Code also provides for a level of fiscal stability. Existing tax, customs, exchange and benefits applicable to mining activities are guaranteed to remain unchanged for a period of 10 years in favour of a mining title holder in the event that amendment of the Mining Code results in less favourable payment obligations.

Regarding protection and enforcement of rights acquired under an exploration or mining permit, the Mining Code provides, depending on the nature of a dispute or threat, administrative, judicial and national or international arbitral recourses. AngloGold Ashanti holds the majority stake and is the operator of Ashanti Goldfields Kilo (AGK), an exploration and mining joint venture with Offices des Mines d’or de Kilo- Moto (OKIMO), a DRC governmental mining agency. AGK is engaged in exploration activities in the north eastern DRC.

Following a review undertaken by a commission appointed by the DRC government to review all mining contracts entered into by mining companies with DRC parastatal mining agencies. AngloGold Ashanti engaged in and finalised with OKIMO the renegotiation of the mining joint venture and AGK related agreements. AGK’s existing contractual arrangements, which were concluded under the repealed 1981 legislation, were replaced by new and restated agreements that conform or reflect the provisions of the current Mining Code of the DRC.

AngloGold Ashanti also holds an effective 45% stake in the Kibali gold project located in north eastern DRC. The Kibali gold project, located in northeastern DRC, is operated by Randgold Resources and owned by Randgold Resources (45%), AngloGold Ashanti (45%) and OKIMO (10%), which represents the interest of the DRC government in the Kibali gold project.

Ghana

The Constitution of Ghana as well as the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) (the Act) provide that all minerals in Ghana in their natural state are the property of the State and title to them is vested in the President on behalf of and in trust for the people of Ghana, with rights of prospecting, recovery and associated land usage being granted under licence or lease.

The grant of a mining lease by the Minister of Mines is normally subject to parliamentary ratification unless the mining lease falls into a class of transactions exempted by Parliament.

Control of mining companies

The Minister of Mines has the power to object to a person becoming or remaining a ‘shareholder controller’, a ‘majority shareholder controller’ or an ‘indirect controller’ of a company which has been granted a mining lease if he considers that the public interest would be prejudiced by the person concerned becoming or remaining such a controller.

Stability agreements

The Act provides for stability agreements as a mechanism to ensure that the incentives and protection afforded by laws in force at the time of the stability agreement are guaranteed for 15 years. A stability agreement is subject to ratification by Parliament.

Prior to the business combination between AngloGold and Ashanti in April 2004, AngloGold and the government of Ghana agreed the terms of a stability agreement to govern certain aspects of the fiscal and regulatory framework under which AngloGold Ashanti would operate in Ghana following the implementation of the business combination. The stability agreement necessitated the amendment of the Obuasi Mining Lease which had been ratified by Parliament.

Under the stability agreement, the government of Ghana agreed:

Further, the Government of Ghana agreed that AngloGold Ashanti's Ghanaian operations will not be adversely affected by any new enactments or orders, or by changes to the level of payments of any customs or other duties relating to mining operations, taxes, fees and other fiscal imports or laws relating to exchange control, transfer of capital and dividend remittance for a period of 15 years after the completion of the business combination. For fiscal years 2009 and 2010, the government, through the National Fiscal Stabilisation Act 2009 (Act 785), imposed a 5% levy on all profits before tax for mining companies as a temporary measure to raise additional revenue to meet critical expenditures, while maintaining government’s fiscal objectives. In the 2011 Budget Statement and Economic Policy delivered on 18th November 2010, the Government extended the application of the Act for another fiscal year. Ashanti has however been exempted from the application of this Act by virtue of its Stability Agreement. In March 2010, the Parliament of Ghana passed an amendment to the Minerals & Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) namely the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2010 (Act 794) which amended section 25 of the Minerals & Mining Act, by fixing the royalty rate at 5% instead of the previous provision which stated that royalty payable shall not be more than 6% or less than 3% of the total revenue of minerals obtained by the holder. By this, mining companies are now to pay 5% of total revenue of minerals obtained, as royalties. Again AngloGold Ashanti has been exempted from the application of this amendment by virtue of its Stability Agreement.

Retention of foreign earnings

AngloGold Ashanti's operations in Ghana are permitted to retain 80% of their foreign exchange earnings in such an account. In addition, the company has permission from the Bank of Ghana to retain and use dollars, outside of Ghana, required to meet payments to the company's hedge counterparts which cannot be met from the cash resources of its treasury company.

Localisation policy

A detailed programme must be submitted for the recruitment and training of Ghanaians with a view to achieving 'localisation', which is the replacement of expatriate personnel by Ghanaian personnel. In addition, the holder must give preference to Ghanaian products and personnel, to the maximum extent possible, consistent with safety, efficiency and economies.

Except as otherwise provided in a specific mining lease, all immovable assets of the holder under the mining lease vest in the State on termination, as does all moveable property that is fully depreciated for tax purposes. Moveable property that is not fully depreciated is to be offered to the State at the depreciated cost. The holder must exercise his rights subject to such limitations relating to surface rights as the Minister of Mines may prescribe.

Mining properties

Obuasi

The current mining lease for the Obuasi area was granted by the Government of Ghana on 5 March 1994. It grants mining rights to land with an area of approximately 334 square kilometres in the Amansie East and Adansi West districts of the Ashanti region for a term of 30 years from the date of the agreement. In addition, the application for a mining lease over the adjacent 140 square kilometres has also been granted, resulting in the total area under mining lease conditions increasing to 474 square kilometres, (the Lease Area). The company is required to pay rent to the Government of Ghana (subject to review every five years, when the rent may be increased by up to 20%) at a rate of approximately $5 per square kilometre and such royalties as are prescribed by legislation, including royalties on timber felled within the Lease Area. The Government of Ghana agreed to extend the term of the mining lease relating to the Obuasi mine until 2054. The mining lease was formally ratified by Parliament on 23 October 2008.

Iduapriem and Teberebie

Iduapriem has title to a 33 square kilometre mining lease granted on 19 April 1989 for a period of 30 years. The terms and conditions of the lease are consistent with similar leases granted in respect of the Obuasi mining lease. Teberebie has two leases, one granted in February 1998 for a term of 30 years, and another granted in June 1992 for a term of 26 years. In January 2009 Iduapriem obtained a new mining lease, the Ajopa Concession, for a period of 10 years. The concession covers an area of 48.34m2.

Guinea

In Guinea, all mineral substances are the property of the state. Mining activities are primarily regulated by the Mining Code, 1995. The right to undertake mining operations can only be acquired by virtue of one of the following mining titles: surveying permit, small-scale mining licence, mining prospecting licence, mining licence or mining concession.

The holders of mining titles are guaranteed the right to dispose freely of their assets, to organise their enterprises as they wish, the freedom to engage and discharge staff in accordance with the regulations in force, the free movement of their staff and their products throughout Guinea and freedom to dispose of their products in international markets.

The group's Guinea subsidiary, Société Anglogold Ashanti Goldfields de Guinée SA (SAG), has title to the Siguiri mining concession area which was granted on 11 November 1993 for a period of 25 years. The agreement provides for an eventual extension/renegotiation after 23 years for such periods as may be required to exhaust the economic Ore Reserve.

At Siguiri, the original area granted of 8,384 square kilometres was reduced to a concession area of four blocks totalling 1,495 square kilometres.

SAG has the exclusive right to explore and mine in the remaining Siguiri concession area for an additional 22-year period from 11 November 1996 under conditions detailed in a Convention de Base which predates the new Guinea Mining Code.

Key elements of the Convention de Base are that:

The Convention de Base is subject to early termination if both parties formally and expressly agree to do so, if all project activities are voluntarily suspended for a continuous period of eight months or are permanently abandoned by AngloGold Ashanti’s subsidiary, or if SAG goes into voluntary liquidation or is placed into liquidation by a court of competent jurisdiction.

In addition to the export tax payable to the Government of Guinea, a royalty on production may be payable to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and to Umicore SA, formerly Union Miniere (UM). Pursuant to the option agreement between UM and Golden Shamrock Mines Limited (GSM), a royalty on production may be payable to UM by Chevaning Mining Company Limited (CMC) or GSM, which payment obligation has been assigned to AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited, on a sliding scale of between 2.5% and 7.5%, based on the spot gold price per ounce of between $350 and $475/oz, subject to indexing from 1 January 1995, to a cumulative maximum of $60m. In addition, under the terms of the restructuring agreement with the IFC, a sliding scale royalty on production may be payable to the IFC, calculated on the same basis but at half the rate payable to UM, to a maximum of $7.8m. The royalty payable to the IFC was fully discharged in January 2008, and the royalty payment payable to Umicore was fully discharged in December 2010.

Mali

Mineral rights in Mali are governed by Ordinance No. 99-32/PRM of 19 August 1999 enacting the mining code, as amended by No. 013/2000/P-RM of 10 February 2000 and ratified by Law No. 00-011 of 30 May 2000 (the Mining Code), and Decree No. 99-255/P-RM of 15 September 1999 implementing the Mining Code.

Prospecting activities carried out under prospecting authorisations (autorisation de prospection), is an exclusive right for an individual or corporate entity to carry out prospecting activities over a given area for a period of three years renewable without a reduction in the area of the authorisation. Research activities may be carried out under research permits (permis de recherché). The latter are granted to corporate entities only by order of the Minister in charge of Mines. Research permits are granted for a period of three years, renewable twice for additional three-year periods. Each renewal of the research permit requires a relinquishment of 50% of the area covered by such permit. The entity applying for such a permit must provide proof of technical and financial capabilities.

An exploitation permit (permis d'exploitation) is required to mine a deposit located within the area of a prospecting authorisation or a research permit. The exploitation permit grants exclusive title to prospect, research and exploit the named substances for a maximum period of 30 years renewable three times for an additional 10 years. The exploitation permit is granted only to the holder of an exploration permit or of a prospecting authorisation and covers only the area covered by the exploration permit or the prospecting authorisation. An application must be submitted to the Minister in charge of Mines and to the National Director of Mines

As soon as the exploitation permit is granted, the holder of the exploitation permit must incorporate a company under the law of Mali. The holder of the permit will assign the permit for free to this company. The State will have a 10% free carried interest. This interest will be converted into priority shares and the State's participation will not be diluted in the case of increasing the capital.

Applications for exploitation permits must contain various documents attesting to the financial and technical capacity of the applicant, a detailed environmental study in respect of the impact of the project on the environment, a feasibility study and a bank deposit. The permit is granted by decree of the Head of Government. A refusal to grant a permit may only be based on two grounds: insufficient evidence to support the exploitation of the deposit and/ or a failure of the environmental study.

Applications for prospecting authorisations and research permits must contain various documents attesting to the financial and technical capacity of the applicant, a detailed works and cost programme, a map defining the area which is being requested and the geographical coordinates thereof, the exact details relating to the identity of the applicant and evidence of the authority of the signatory of the application. Such titles are granted by ministerial order. Any refusal to grant such titles shall be notified by letter from the Minister in charge of Mines to the applicant.

The mining titles mentioned above all require an establishment convention (convention d'etablissement) to be signed by the State and the titleholder defining their rights and obligations. A standard form of such establishment convention has been approved by decree of the Head of Government.

AngloGold Ashanti has interests in Morila, Sadiola and Yatela, all of which are governed by establishment conventions covering exploration, mining, treatment and marketing in a comprehensive document. These documents include the general conditions with regard to exploration (work programme, fiscal and customs regime) and exploitation (formation of a local limited liability company and mining company, state shareholdings, the fiscal and customs regime during construction and exploitation phases, exchange controls, marketing of the product, accounting regime, training programmes for local labour, protection of the environment, reclamation, safety, hygiene and settlement of disputes).

As the establishment conventions contain stabilisation clauses, the mining operations carried out by the AngloGold Ashanti entities in Mali are subjected to the provisions of the previous mining codes of 1970 and 1991 but also, for residual matters, to the provisions of the Mining Code of 1999.

AngloGold Ashanti has complied with all applicable requirements and the relevant permits have been issued. Morila, Sadiola and Yatela have 30-year permits which expire in 2029, 2024 and 2030, respectively.

Namibia

Mineral rights in Namibia vest in the State. In order to prospect or mine, the Ministry of Mines and Energy initially grants an exclusive prospecting licence and, on presentation of a feasibility study, a mining licence is then granted, taking into account the abilities of the company, including its mining, financial and technical capabilities, rehabilitation programmes and payment of royalties. The relevant licence was granted to AngloGold Namibia (Pty) Ltd in respect of its mining and prospecting activities in Namibia. The current 15-year mining licence expires in October 2018. Application has been submitted to the Ministry of Mines and Energy during 2010 for the extension of the mining area to include anomaly 16 as well as for an extension of the mining licence to 2030.

Tanzania

Mineral rights in the United Republic of Tanzania are governed by the Mining Act of 1998 (the Act), and the Mining Regulations, 1999 and property and control over minerals are vested in the United Republic of Tanzania. Prospecting for the mining of minerals, except petroleum, may only be conducted under authority of a mineral right granted by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals under this Act.

The three types of mineral rights most often encountered, which are also those applicable to AngloGold Ashanti, are:

A prospecting licence grants the holder the exclusive right to prospect in the area covered by the licence for all minerals, other than building materials and gemstones, for a period of three years. Thereafter, the licence is renewable for two further periods of two years each. On each renewal, 50% of the area covered by the licence must be relinquished. Before application is made for a prospecting licence with an initial prospecting period (a prospecting licence), a prospecting licence with a reconnaissance period (a prospecting reconnaissance) may be applied for a maximum area of 5,000 square kilometres. This is issued for a period of two years after which a three-year prospecting licence is applied for. A company applying for a prospecting licence must, inter alia, state the financial and technical resources available to it. A retention licence can also be requested from the minister, after the expiry of a prospecting licence period, for reasons ranging from funds to technical considerations.

Mining is carried out through either a mining licence or a special mining licence, both of which confer on the holder thereof the exclusive right to conduct mining operations in or on the area covered by the licence. A mining licence is granted for a period of 10 years and is renewable for a further period of 10 years. A special mining licence is granted for a period of 25 years or for the estimated life of the orebody, whichever is shorter, and is renewable for a further period of 25 years. If the holder of a prospecting licence has identified a mineral deposit within the prospecting area, which is potentially of commercial significance but cannot be developed immediately for reasons of technical constraints, adverse market conditions or other economic factors of a temporary character, it can apply for a retention licence which will entitle the holder thereof to apply for a special mining licence when it sees fit to proceed with mining operations.

A retention licence is valid for a period of five years and is thereafter renewable for a single period of five years. A mineral right may be freely assigned by the holder thereof to another person or entity by notifying the Commissioner for Minerals, except for a mining licence, which must have the approval of the Ministry to be assigned. However, this approval requirement for the assignment of a mining licence will not apply if the mining licence is assigned to an affiliate company of the holder or to a financial institution or bank as security for any loan or guarantee in respect of mining operations.

A holder of a mineral right may enter into a development agreement with the Ministry to guarantee the fiscal stability of a long-term mining project and make special provision for the payment of royalties, taxes, fees and other fiscal imposts.

AngloGold Ashanti has complied with all applicable requirements and the relevant licences, which have been issued for 25 years, expiring in 2023.

The entire property and control over minerals on, in or under the land is vested in the United Republic of Tanzania. No person is allowed to prospect for minerals or carry on mining operations except under the authority of a Mineral Right granted, or deemed to have been granted under the Mining Act, 1998. In order to prospect or mine, the Ministry of Minerals and Energy initially grants an exclusive prospecting licence and on presentation of a feasibility study, a mining licence is then granted taking into account the ability of the company, including its mining, financial and technical capabilities, rehabilitation programmes and payment of royalties. The relevant licence was granted to Geita Gold Mine Ltd in respect of its mining in Tanzania. The current 25-year mining licence expires in 2023. There is a new Mining Act which has been passed by Parliament this year. The new Mining Act and its Regulations came into force in November 2010.

Australasia

Australia

In Australia, with a few exceptions, all onshore minerals are owned by the Crown (in right of the State). The respective Minister for each State and Territory is responsible for administering the relevant Mining legislation enacted by the States and Territories.

Native Title legislation applies to certain mining tenure within Australia. Australia recognises and protects a form of Native Title which reflects the entitlement of Aboriginal people to their traditional lands in accordance with their traditional custom and laws. Should Native Title claims or determinations exist, certain Native Title processes and procedures will apply under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) before the tenure is granted.

Other Federal and State Aboriginal heritage legislation operates in parallel to Native Title legislation, and are predominantly for the purposes of protecting Aboriginal sites and areas of significance from disturbance. To date, there has not been any significant impact on any of AngloGold Ashanti’s tenure due to Native Title or Aboriginal Heritage legislation.

AngloGold Ashanti's operating properties are located in the state of Western Australia. The most common forms of tenure are exploration and prospecting licences, mining leases, miscellaneous licences and general purpose leases. In most Australian states, if the holder of an exploration licence establishes indications of an economic mineral deposit and complies with the conditions of the grant, the holder of the exploration licence has a priority right against all others to apply for a mining lease which gives the holder exclusive mining rights with respect to minerals on the property.

It is possible for an individual or entity to own the surface of the property and for another individual or entity to own the mineral rights. Typically, the maximum initial term of a mining lease is 21 years and the holder has the right to renew the lease for an additional 21 years. Subsequent renewals are granted at the discretion of the respective State or Territory's minister responsible for mining rights. Mining leases can only be assigned with the consent of the relevant minister.

Government royalties are payable as specified in the relevant legislation in each State or territory. A general purpose lease may also be granted for one or more of a number of permitted purposes. These purposes include erecting, placing and operating machinery and plant in connection with mining operations, depositing or treating minerals or tailings and using the land for any other specified purpose directly connected with mining operations.

AngloGold Ashanti owns the mineral rights and has 21-year term mining leases with rights of renewal to all of its mining areas in Australia, including its proportionate share of joint venture operations. Both the group and its joint venture partners are fully authorised to conduct operations in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. The mining leases and rights of renewal cover the current life-of-mine at AngloGold Ashanti's operations in Australia.

Americas

Argentina

According to Argentinian mining legislation, mines are the private property of the nation or a province, depending on where they are located. Individuals are empowered to explore for and to exploit and dispose of mines as owners by means of a legal licence granted by a competent authority under the provisions of the Argentine Mining Code. The legal licences granted for the exploitation of mines are valid for an undetermined period, provided that the mining title holder complies with the obligations settled in the Argentine Mining Code. In Argentina, the usual ways of transferring a right over a mining licence are: to sell the licence; to lease such a licence; or to assign the right under such a licence by a beneficial interest or Usufruct Agreement. In the case of Cerro Vanguardia – AngloGold Ashanti's operation in Argentina – the mining title holder is its partner, Fomicruz, and in terms of the Usufruct Agreement signed between them and Cerro Vanguardia SA on 27 December 1996, the latter has the irrevocable right to the exploitation of the deposit for a period of 40 years. This agreement expires on 27 December 2036.

Brazil

In Brazil, there are two basic mining rights:

In general, exploration licences are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Mining concessions are granted to the holders of exploration licences that manage to prove the existence of a Mineral Resource and have been licensed by the competent environmental authority.

Mine manifests (mining titles granted in 1936) and mining concessions (mining titles presently granted through an order signed by the Secretary of Mines of the Ministry of Mines and Energy) are valid for an undetermined period until the depletion of reserves, provided that the mining title holder complies with current Brazilian mining and environmental legislation, as well as with those requirements set out by the National Department of Mineral Production (DNPM) which acts as the inspecting entity for mining activities. Obligations of the titleholder include:

The difference between a mine manifest and a mining concession lies in the legal nature of these two mining titles, since it is much more difficult and complicated for the public administration to withdraw a mine manifest than a mining concession. Although, in practice, it is possible for a manifest to be cancelled or to become extinct if the abandonment of the mining operation is formally proven. All of AngloGold Ashanti's operations in Brazil have indefinite mining licences.

Colombia

In Colombia, all mineral substances are the property of the State of Colombia. Mining activities are primarily regulated by the Mining Code, Act 685, 2001 and Act 1382, 2010. The underlying principle of Colombian mining legislation is: first in time, first in right.

The process starts with a proposal, the presentation of which gives a right of preference to obtain the area, provided it is available. The maximum extent of an area covered by such a proposal is 10,000 hectares. Once a proposal has been received, the relevant government agency undertakes an investigation to determine whether another proposal has been received regarding the area concerned or whether an existing contract for the area is already in place. The government agency grants a “free zone” when the proposal made has a right of preference.

The new law includes the possibility for the government to reserve some areas to offer in a bidding process.

The concession contract

The government agency grants an exclusive concession contract for exploration and exploitation. Such a concession allows the concessionaire to conduct the studies, works and installations necessary for establishing the existence of minerals and their exploitation. The total term of such a concession is 20 years. Following an amendment, the extension of the concession contract for an additional 20-year period is no longer automatic. To receive the extension, the concessionaire must request the extension two years before the termination of the initial 20-year period, and must present economic, environmental and technical information. Because the extension is not automatic, the concessionaire must renegotiate conditions of the extension.

According to the new law, the exploration period has been extended until 11 years. To receive the extension, the concessionaire must present a technical report every two years and explain its proposed activities for the next two years.

Once the concessionaire has completed its exploration programme, a proposed plan of works and installations and a study of the environmental impact must be completed in order to receive an environmental licence, without which the mining project may not be developed.

The terms of the concession and all obligations relating to it, start from the date of registration of the contract at the National Mining Register. Once a mining concession has been awarded, the operating entity must take out an insurance policy to cover any possible environmental damage and its mining obligations.

There are some areas where mining activity is prohibited. These areas are:

  1. national parks;
  2. regional parks;
  3. protected forest reserves;
  4. paramus (included in the new law); and
  5. wetlands, according to the Ramsar Convention (included in the new laws).

For the forest reserves (these are not protected forest reserves but rather land set aside for active forestry purposes), it is necessary to extract this area to start activities after initial prospection in the exploration phase (ie. drilling). This extraction consists of a specific permit to partially and temporarily change the use of the soil to permit such exploration activities.

Surface fee

After exploration and construction of the infrastructure for the mine, royalty payments are due.

The new law changes the payments of the cannon fees. Without taking into consideration the extension of the areas, as it was before, the amount of the cannon is due from the moment the area is declared available for the company (rather than from signature of the concession contract) and changes according to the number of years:

Royalty

The royalty paid to the Colombian government is equivalent to a percentage of the exploited primary product, the object of the mining title, and its sub-products. For gold, the percentage of the royalty to be paid is 4%.

United States of America

Mineral rights, as well as surface rights, in the US are owned by private parties, state governments or the federal government. Most land prospective for precious metals exploration, development and mining is owned by the federal government and is obtained through a system of self-initiated location of mining claims pursuant to the General Mining Law of 1872, as amended. Individual states typically follow a lease system for state-owned minerals. Private parties have the right to sell, lease or enter into other agreements, such as joint ventures, with respect to minerals that they own or control. All mining activities, regardless of whether they are situated on privately- or publicly-owned lands, are regulated by a myriad of federal, state and local laws, regulations, rules and ordinances, which address various matters including environmental protection, mitigation and rehabilitation.

Authorisations and permits setting forth the activities and restrictions pertaining thereto are issued by the responsible governmental agencies for all phases of mining activities.

Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company’s Cresson Project consists almost entirely of owned, patented mining claims from former public lands, with a small percentage of private and state lands being leased. The total area of control is approximately 7,100 acres. Patented claims vest ownership in the holder, including the right to mine for an indefinite tenure. All life-of-mine reserves are within these property controls. The mining and rehabilitation permits issued by the State of Colorado are life-of-mine permits.

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