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Posts Tagged ‘Copper’

We bought Seabridge in the summer of 2010 @ $28.36 After this news today the price finally picked up, helped by rising gold prices as well. For the first time since June last year, the price broke true $32.50 again. This stock has totally missed  out on the rally gold had from August to December. Quote from CEO Rudi Fronk in September 2009 (when gold was about $1000) (Singular Research Annual “Best of the Uncovereds” Conference)

If you were to go out, the most common — the most common ETF to buy today is an instrument called GLD that you can buy on the New York Stock Exchange. GLD is backed by physical gold in a vault that’s monitored by a big investment banking — a big bank. You buy one share of GLD today, you’ll pay about $98 a share. And what you get, supposedly, is a tenth of an ounce of physical gold stored somewhere in a vault on your behalf. What makes GLD go up? Only the price of gold. That’s it. There are no other ways to move the price. You buy one share of Seabridge today, each one of our shares is now backed by 1.6 ounces of gold in the ground. And I’ll be the first to admit there is a difference of gold in the ground versus gold in a vault. But the ratio there of 16 times the amount of gold, compared to paying $97 a share of GLD versus $30 a share of Seabridge, you can see the leverage we provide.

You can see the share price has not benefited at all, with gold being above $1300 for a while now and the companies fundamentals have improved even more. Seabridge Gold is still a solid BUY! Do not expect quick results, but you can expect they will start looking around for a buyer for KSM in the next years (1-5 years) China sits on huge amounts of US$ and with QE1, QE2, talks of QE3 (and realy crazy people like Ben Bernanke probably are thinking about QE4 till QE-infinite)  the Chinese  might want to start spending it. So expect something in that order.

Seabridge News Release (source: company website):

Toronto, Canada…An independent mineral resource model for Seabridge Gold’s Iron Cap Zone at its 100% owned KSM project estimates a new indicated resource containing 5.1 million ounces of gold and 1.7 billion pounds of copper immediately adjacent to the Mitchell deposit. The indicated resource is flanked by a halo of inferred resources containing an additional 3.4 million ounces of gold and 1.3 billion pounds of copper. The Iron Cap resource estimate was prepared by Resource Modeling Inc. (“RMI”) of Stites, Idaho and will be incorporated into an updated Preliminary Feasibility Study (“PFS”) scheduled for completion in April 2011. The NI 43-101 compliant global resource estimate is as follows:

A new global resource estimate for the KSM project, including the Mitchell, Sulphurets and Kerr zones, will be released shortly.

Seabridge Gold President and CEO Rudi Fronk said “the Iron Cap resource has exceeded our expectations. Our objective was to book a five million ounce gold resource in all categories. In fact, we have achieved more than five million ounces of indicated resources with a superior copper grade which should help us optimize mine plans to maintain a favorable copper head grade. We expect that most of the indicated resource should qualify as reserves in our new PFS and improve the economics for the KSM project.”

RMI estimated gold and copper grades using inverse distance weighting methods within geologically constrained gold and copper grade domains that were constructed for the Iron Cap zone. The grade models were validated visually and by comparisons with nearest neighbor models. The estimated block grades were classified into indicated and inferred mineral resource categories based on mineralized continuity that was determined both visually and statistically (i.e. variogram ranges) together with the proximity to drill hole data. To facilitate comparisons with previous resource estimates, recoverable gold equivalent grades were calculated using the same $650 gold price with a 70% recovery rate and a $2.00 copper price with an 85% recovery rate. The cutoff grade for resource tabulation was set at 0.50 grams per tonne (g/t) gold equivalent, also consistent with the cutoff grade used for previous KSM resource estimates.

The resource model for Iron Cap incorporates data from a total of 51 core holes (41 drilled by Seabridge in 2010 plus 10 holes drilled by previous operators) totaling about 17,700 meters. Grades from the 10 holes drilled by previous operators were compared with nearby holes drilled by Seabridge.  The grades of the older holes were found to be comparable with the newer holes.  For example, the average gold grade of the old and new holes within 50 meters of one another was 0.43 and 0.45 g/t, respectively.  RMI reviewed the quality assurance/quality control protocols and results from Seabridge’s 2010 drilling program and has deemed that the number and type of gold and copper standard reference materials (standards, blanks, and duplicates) were reasonable. Based on the performance of those standard reference materials, RMI believes that the Seabridge drill samples are reproducible and suitable for estimating mineral resources. RMI constructed a preliminary block model in August 2010 using ten historic and eight 2010 Seabridge drill holes that had been completed as of that date.  After the 2010 drilling campaign was completed, RMI compared the grades from 33Seabridge core holes that were completed after the preliminary block model had been constructed.  This comparison showed that the newly obtained drill hole intervals were slightly higher in grade (gold, copper, silver, and molybdenum) than the estimated preliminary model blocks.  The infill drilling program also validated and expanded the volume of mineralization that was established by the initial ten drill holes.

Gold resource estimates included herein were prepared by Resource Modeling Inc. under the direction of Michael Lechner, who is independent of Seabridge and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Lechner is a highly regarded expert in his field and frequently undertakes independent resource estimates for major mining companies. Mr. Lechner has reviewed and approved this news release. The independent technical report detailing the Iron Cap resource model, plus updated resource estimates for the Mitchell, Sulphurets and Kerr zones will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Exploration activities by Seabridge Gold at KSM have been conducted under the supervision of William E. Threlkeld, Registered Professional Geologist, Senior Vice President of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. An ongoing and rigorous quality control/quality assurance protocol was employed during the 2010 program including blank and reference standards in every batch of assays. Cross-check analyses are being conducted at a second external laboratory on 10% of the samples. Samples were assayed at Eco Tech Laboratory Ltd., Kamloops, B.C., using fire assay atomic adsorption methods for gold and total digestion ICP methods for other elements.

Seabridge holds a 100% interest in several North American gold projects. The Company’s principal assets are the KSM property located near Stewart, British Columbia, Canada and the Courageous Lake gold project located in Canada’s Northwest Territories. For a breakdown of Seabridge’s mineral reserves and mineral resources by category please visit the Company’s website at http://www.seabridgegold.net/resources.php.

All reserve and resource estimates reported by the Corporation were calculated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification system. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

This document contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information and these statements, referred to herein as “forward-looking statements” are made as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: (i) the amount of mineral reserves and mineral resources; (ii) any potential for the increase of mineral reserves and mineral resources, whether in existing zones or new zones; (iii) the amount of future production; (iv) further optimization of the PFS including metallurgical performance; (v) completion of and submission of the Environmental Assessment Application; and (vi) potential for engineering improvements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “envisages”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements are based on Seabridge’s or its consultants’ current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. These assumptions include: (i) the presence of and continuity of metals at the Project at modeled grades; (ii) the capacities of various machinery and equipment; (iii) the availability of personnel, machinery and equipment at estimated prices; (iv) exchange rates; (v) metals sales prices; (vi) appropriate discount rates; (vii) tax rates and royalty rates applicable to the proposed mining operation; (viii) financing structure and costs; (ix) anticipated mining losses and dilution; (x) metallurgical performance; (xi) reasonable contingency requirements; (xii) success in realizing further optimizations and potential in exploration programs and proposed operations; (xiii) receipt of regulatory approvals on acceptable terms, including the necessary right of way for the proposed tunnels; and (xiv) the negotiation of satisfactory terms with impacted First Nations groups. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Many forward-looking statements are made assuming the correctness of other forward looking statements, such as statements of net present value and internal rates of return, which are based on most of the other forward-looking statements and assumptions herein. The cost information is also prepared using current values, but the time for incurring the costs will be in the future and it is assumed costs will remain stable over the relevant period.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be generally stated as the risk that the assumptions and estimates expressed above do not occur, but specifically include, without limitation: risks relating to variations in the mineral content within the material identified as mineral reserves or mineral resources from that predicted; variations in rates of recovery and extraction; developments in world metals markets; risks relating to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar; increases in the estimated capital and operating costs or unanticipated costs; difficulties attracting the necessary work force; increases in financing costs or adverse changes to the terms of available financing, if any; tax rates or royalties being greater than assumed; changes in development or mining plans due to changes in logistical, technical or other factors; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; risks relating to receipt of regulatory approvals or settlement of an agreement with impacted First Nations groups; the effects of competition in the markets in which Seabridge operates; operational and infrastructure risks and the additional risks described in Seabridge’s Annual Information Form filed with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com) for the year ended December 31, 2009 and in the Corporation’s Annual Report Form 40-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR (available at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml). Seabridge cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive.

When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Seabridge, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Seabridge does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Seabridge or on our behalf, except as required by law.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

“Rudi Fronk”
President & C.E.O.

For further information please contact:
Rudi P. Fronk, President and C.E.O.
Tel: (416) 367-9292 • Fax: (416) 367-2711
Email: info@seabridgegold.net

Today Minera Andes announced positive results for the fourth quarter. The proceeds from this project allows the company to continue to explore their large claims. We bought Minera Andes in September 2009 @ CA$0.84 today the stock gained 3.29% against slumping commodity prices to close at CA$2.51 This means a 198.8% gain since we picked this stock in September 2009. Using the three step retirement plan we wrote about in a previous post we own this stock for free now!

Minera Andes News Release:

TORONTO, ONTARIO – January 19, 2011 – Minera Andes Inc. (the “Corporation” or “Minera Andes”) (TSX: MAI and US OTC: MNEAF) announces the San José mine production results for the fourth quarter of 2010 and the year ended December 31, 2010. During the fourth quarter, the San José mine produced 1,871,440 ounces of silver and 26,141 ounces of gold, of which 49% is attributable to Minera Andes. For the full year of 2010 silver production was 5,323,842 ounces and gold production was 84,303 ounces.

*49% of the San José mine production is attributable to Minera Andes Inc.

Fourth quarter 2010 silver production was 33% higher and gold production was 19% higher compared to the third quarter of 2010. The increase in silver and gold production was the result of increased mill throughput, increased metallurgical recoveries for silver and gold, and higher grades for silver compared to the third quarter. The mill is currently operating routinely at full capacity. The increase in mill throughput was due to the development of additional production areas in the mine, and the improved silver grade was due to production from higher grade silver areas and because of incremental silver production from the Merrill Crowe circuit in the mill. Fourth quarter 2010 silver production increased 81% and gold increased 31% compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. Production in the fourth quarter of 2009 was reduced because of 15 days of labour disruptions.

Fourth quarter production cost information will be provided jointly with the financial results for the fourth quarter which are due to be filed at the end of March 2011.

Sales of silver and gold were 57% and 35% higher, respectively, in fourth quarter of 2010 compared to the third quarter as a result of increased ore production and a decrease in products inventory. Compared to the same quarter last year, sales of silver and gold in the fourth quarter of 2010 were 94% and 40% higher, respectively. This was mainly due to increases in mill throughput, metallurgical recoveries and head grades.

This news release is submitted by James K. Duff, Chief Operating Officer of Minera Andes Inc.

About Minera Andes Minera Andes is an exploration company exploring for gold, silver and copper in Argentina with three significant assets: A 49% interest in Minera Santa Cruz SA, owner of the San José Mine in close proximity to Goldcorp Inc.’s Cerro Negro project; 100% ownership of the Los Azules copper deposit with an inferred mineral resource of 10.3 billion pounds of copper and an indicated resource of 2.2 billion pounds of copper; and, 100% ownership of a portfolio of exploration properties bordering Goldcorp Inc.’s Cerro Negro project in Santa Cruz Province. The Corporation had $10 million USD in cash as at September 30th 2010 with no bank debt. Rob McEwen, Chairman and CEO, owns 33% of the company.

About Minera Santa Cruz Minera Santa Cruz SA is a joint venture owned 51% by Hochschild Mining Argentina, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hochschild Mining plc, and 49% by Minera Andes S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. The joint venture owns and operates the San José property.

About Hochschild Mining plc Hochschild Mining plc is a leading precious metals company listed on the London Stock Exchange (HOCM.L / HOC LN) with a primary focus on the exploration, mining, processing and sale of silver and gold. Hochschild has over forty years of experience in the mining of precious metal epithermal vein deposits and currently operates four underground epithermal vein mines, three located in southern Peru, one in southern Argentina and one open pit mine in northern Mexico. Hochschild also has numerous long-term prospects throughout the Americas.

For further information, please contact: Andrew Elinesky or visit our Web site: www.minandes.com.

Andrew Elinesky
Controller
99 George St. 3rd Floor,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada. M5A 2N4
Toll-Free: 1-866-441-0690
Tel:647-258-0395
Fax: 647-258-0408
E-mail: info@minandes.com

Reliability of Information
Minera Santa Cruz S.A., the owner and operator of the San José mine, is responsible for and has supplied to the Corporation all reported results from the San José mine. This press release is based entirely on information provided to Minera Andes by Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (“MSC”). Minera Andes’ joint venture partner, a subsidiary of Hochschild Mining plc, and its affiliates other than MSC do not accept responsibility for the use of project data or the adequacy or accuracy of this release. As the Corporation is not the operator of the San José mine, there can be no assurance that production information reported to the Corporation by MSC is accurate, the Corporation has not independently verified such information and readers are therefore cautioned regarding the extent to which they should rely upon such information.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information express, as at the date of this press release, the Corporation’s plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs as to future events and results, including the outcome of pending and current litigation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, factors associated with fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining industry risks, risks associated with foreign operations, the state of the capital markets, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves and other risks

Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. See the Corporation’s annual information form for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Source: Company website

Step 1: Pick the right company!

In the beginning of 2009 I finally realised that the continuous devaluation of fiat currencies like the US Dollar and the Euro was likely to go on the coming years. Both in the USA and in Europe money is being printed at alarming rates, yet the only thing you’re hearing lately is that we are all doing so well! Well, don’t believe it! All that money being printed has to go somewhere, and there you have your equity bull-market explained. I realised that true value could only be stored in silver and gold.  How could I benefit from the enormous gold and silver bull-market that I was expecting. The largest leverage to gold and silver prices is always found in junior mining stock. I am a big admirer of Warren Buffet and believe in value investment. Using value investment principles and after months of research and reading piles of year-reports and books, I finally picked six companies.  With all my saving money transferred to a on-line broker I bought shares of six companies.

Step 2: Take your profit, and gain “free” stock.

With prices of gold and silver soaring in 2010 just like I expected, many shares in my portfolio were exceeding 250% gains. So I sold about 40%-50% of all my shares in these companies getting back even more than the original investment. The remaining shares in these companies were now basically “free” shares. Since large corrections in gold and silver prices are likely each time after another record is shattered, I just waited for this correction, and used the money to GO BACK TO STEP 1!!! So far I picked five new companies to invest in, and am looking for one more to complete my second round of step 1. With prices of gold and silver prices rising for years to come I hope to repeat step-1 and step-2 many times. I now have created what I call step-3 companies.

Step 3: Wait, wait, wait

As you might have noticed I only sold about half the shares of the companies I picked. All the companies I picked mainly have developed from explorers to producers. I intend to NEVER SELL the shares I own. There might always be a exception in special circumstances however. Where will these companies be in 10, 20 or even 25 years from now. I strongly believe that all companies will continue to develop, mergers take overs etc. who knows…. But with governments making the same mistakes over and over again, the way up for gold and silver still is very long. In the years to come the new Goldcorp, Barrick or Rio Tinto will present its-self and I am certain that parts of my portfolio will be or be part of that company. It is very likely that companies in the portfolio will start paying dividends at a certain point (e.g. 5-15 years)

These step-3 companies are my retirement, my protection against inflation!

Can you prove this?

Well, step-1 and step-2 have been proven already. Step-3 only partially.

How did you do so far then?

Bought in 2009:

International Royalty Company: Got lucky on that one, made a 101% profit in a take-over battle just months after buying it. Sold all shares.

Avino Silver & Gold mines: bought @ US$0.63 : sold 40% of my shares @ US$2,57 (a 307% gain) creating a step-3 company for my portfolio.

First Majestic: bought @ CA$2.66 : sold 45% of my shares @ CA$10.88 (a 309% gain) creating a step-3 company for my portfolio.

Great Panther: bought @ CA$0.84 : sold 50% of my shares @ CA$2.75 (a 227% gain) creating a step-3 company for my portfolio.

Minera Andes: bought @ CA$0.72: sold of my shares @ CA$2.56 (a 255% gain) creating a step-3 company for my portfolio.

Silver Wheaton: bought @ US$9,95 and a second step-1 for Silver Wheaton @US14,95 in 2010. I sold 50% of all my Silver Wheaton shares @US$39.07 creating a step-3 company for my portfolio.

Bought in 2010:

Seabridge Gold: bought @ US$28.36 is still a step-1 company! We think it might take up to 3 or 4 years to reach step-2 but if investors discover the true value of this company it might come much sooner as well!

Rubicon Minerals: bought @ CA$3.49 today the stock closed @ CA$5.49 meaning a 57.3% gain. In between step-1 and step-2.

Copper Creek Gold (Highly Speculative!!): bought @ CA$0.075 today the stock closed @ CA$0.09 meaning a 20% gain. Still step-1, but highly speculative!

Excellon Recources: bought @ CA$0.99 today the stock closed @ CA$1.18 meaning a 19% gain. Still a step-1 company!

Brigus Gold: bought @ US$1.88 today the stock closed @ US$1.77 meaning a 5,9% loss. Very much a step-1 company!

What do I expect in 2011?

More volatility is likely to rule the commodity markets. Food prices will soar, the oil price will rise gradually as will the price of copper. For a gold rally we will have to wait till August again, then I see a spot price of about $1600-$1700 before the end of this year. Silver will outperform gold again in 2011. I expect the price of silver to be less volatile than the price of gold. When the gold rally in August commences again, silver will shoot up like a star! During the year I think the gold/silver ratio will decline gradually as a result of this. At the end of 2011 I expect the gold/silver ratio to be below 35. IF this happens, I will be able add some step-3 companies to my portfolio from the 2010 stock picks, and use the money at the next correction to buy new step-1 companies.

Alexander Aardema, CEO @ CashInfo.org

Disclaimer:

The information provided on or within this article, website or in documents available herein is for assistance only and is not intended to be and must not be taken alone as the basis for an investment decision. Each recipient of this information should make such investigations as it deems necessary to arrive at an independent evaluation of an investment in the securities offered hereby, and should consult its own legal counsel and financial, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to determine the consequences of such an investment.

News Release:

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Dec. 23, 2010 (Marketwire) — Minera Andes Inc. (TSX:MAI)(OTCBB:MNEAF) is pleased to announce that as a result of the Quarterly S&P/TSX index review, Standard & Poor’s Canadian Index Operations added Minera Andes to the S&P/TSX Global Mining Index effective December 20, 2010.

Also, further to the Company’s news release of November 22, 2010 an updated technical report on the San Jose Mine was filed on SEDAR today.

About Minera Andes

Minera Andes is an exploration company exploring for gold, silver and copper in Argentina with three significant assets: A 49% interest in Minera Santa Cruz SA, owner of the San Jose Mine in close proximity to Andean Resources’ Cerro Negro project; 100% ownership of the Los Azules copper deposit with an inferred mineral resource of 10.3 billion pounds of copper and an indicated resource of 2.2 billion pounds of copper; and, 100% ownership of a portfolio of exploration properties bordering Andean’s Cerro Negro project in Santa Cruz Province. The Corporation had $10 million USD in cash as at September 30, 2010 with no bank debt. Rob McEwen, Chairman and CEO, owns 33% of the company.

This news release has been submitted by Perry Ing, Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation. For further information, please contact Jim Duff or visit our Website: www.minandes.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information express, as at the date of this press release, the Corporation’s plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs as to future events and results and management’s understanding of proposed legislative changes. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, factors associated with fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining industry risks, risks associated with foreign operations, risks related to litigation, property title, the state of the capital markets, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves and other risks.

Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. See the Corporation’s annual information form for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement.

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release, which has been prepared by management.

Minera Andes Inc. Chief Financial Officer 647-258-0395 or Toll-Free: 1-866-441-0690 647-258-0408 (FAX) info@minandes.com www.minandes.com

Source: TMX.com

Great news today from Minera Andes, the only big copper play in our portfolio. Shares are trading up 5% after the opening on Friday. The gold and silver that comes as a by-product in this project almost covers the mining costs. Essentially this means they are mining copper almost for free. With copper prices soaring the last weeks and strong fundamentals for copper the coming years, this project has become a real marvel. We boughs shares of Minera Andes in September 2009 @ CA$0.72 using today’s intra-day high of $CA2.92 this means a whopping 305,5% gain!

Minera Andes News Release

TORONTO, ONTARIO – December 16, 2010 – Minera Andes Inc. (TSX: MAI and US OTC: MNEAF) – is pleased to announce the results of an updated preliminary assessment (“PA”) on its 100% owned Los Azules Copper Project (the “Project”) located in the San Juan Province of western central Argentina. It is based on the updated resource estimate announced in June 2010 and higher base case metal price assumptions.

• Using a Copper price of $3.00/ lb
• Base case pre-tax Net Present Value (“NPV”) is $2.8 billion and the Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) is 21.4%, at a discount rate of 8%
• Life of mine Cash Operating Costs of $0.96/lb of copper net of gold and silver by-product credits.
• Initial Capital $2.9 billion
• Capital Payback in 3 years.
• Mine life of 25 years.

Rob McEwen, Chairman and CEO of Minera Andes, said:

“We are advancing the engineering studies on Los Azules to systematically de-risk the project. The field season is just getting underway, and we are currently mobilizing the first two of five drill rigs to the project. In addition to continuing the infill and step out drilling, we will start to test some of the newly identified deeper geophysical targets this season.”

The Los Azules Copper Project is an advanced-stage porphyry copper exploration project located in the cordilleran region of San Juan Province, Argentina near the border with Chile. The deposit is a typical porphyry copper system in that the upper part of the system consists of a barren leached cap, which is underlain by a high-grade secondary enrichment blanket, and the primary mineralization below the secondary enrichment zone extends to at least 650 meters, which is the depth of the deepest holes drilled to date. The deposit is approximately one kilometer wide by four kilometers long, and it is open in several directions.

Highlights of the updated Preliminary Assessment are shown below. Details may be found in an updated technical report which will be posted on SEDAR following the issuance of this news release.

All monetary amounts are expressed in US dollars unless otherwise stated. The PA is preliminary in nature and includes the use of inferred resources which are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. Thus, there is no certainty that the results of the PA will be realized. Actual results may vary, perhaps materially. The level of accuracy for Preliminary Assessment estimates is approximately +/- 35%.

Compared to the previous Preliminary Assessment released in March 2009, the NPV discounted at 8% has increased from $496 million to $2.9 billion and the IRR has increased from 10.8% to 21.4%. In addition, the payback of pre-production capital has decreased from 6.4 years to 3.1 years from the start of production.

The main driver of the improved project economics is that the base case copper price has been increased from $1.90/pound to $3.00/pound. Specifically, the higher copper price added approximately $3.2 billion to the NPV, and the increased resources added approximately $2.1 billion.

The benefits of the higher copper price and increased resources were significantly offset by increases in the estimated operating costs ($695 million), capital costs ($100 million) and export retention taxes and royalties ($3.4 billion).

The updated Preliminary Assessment also incorporates updated property status and ownership information, revised locations for the project facilities, and an updated geological interpretation.

Project Economics

The Preliminary Assessment contains a cash flow valuation model based upon the geological and engineering work completed to date and technical and cost inputs developed by Samuel Engineering, Inc., Ausenco Vector and MTB Project Management Professionals, Inc. The base case was developed using long term forecast metal prices of $3.00/lb for copper, $980/oz for gold, and $15.60/oz for silver.

The following chart shows the sensitivity of the base case’s NPV and IRR to changes in the copper price: (8% real discount rate).

Click to enlarge

The following chart shows the sensitivity to metal prices, operating costs, and capital cost. The graph shows that the project NPV is much more sensitive to metal prices than to capital or operating costs.

Click to enlarge

About Minera Andes

Minera Andes is an exploration company exploring for gold, silver and copper in Argentina with three significant assets: A 49% interest in Minera Santa Cruz SA, owner of the San José Mine in close proximity to Andean Resources’ Cerro Negro project; 100% ownership of the Los Azules copper deposit with an inferred mineral resource of 10.3 billion pounds of copper and an indicated resource of 2.2 billion pounds of copper; and, 100% ownership of a portfolio of exploration properties bordering Andean’s Cerro Negro project in Santa Cruz Province. The Corporation had $10 million USD in cash as at September 30, 2010 with no bank debt. Rob McEwen, Chairman and CEO, owns 33% of the company.

This news release has been submitted by Jim Duff, Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation. For further information, please contact Jim Duff or visit our Website: www.minandes.com.

James K. Duff
Chief Operating Officer
99 George St. 3rd Floor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5A 2N4
Toll-Free: 1-866-441-0690
Tel: 647-258-0395
Fax: 647-258-0408
E-mail: info@minandes.com

Scientific and Technical Information:

The information presented in this press release has been reviewed and approved by the Qualified Persons responsible for the Technical Report that presents the results of the Updated Preliminary Assessment. They are: Kathleen Altman, Ph.D., PE,, Robert Sim, P.Geo,. Bruce Davis, PhD, FAusIMM, Richard Jemielita, Ph.D., MIMMM, William Rose, PE, and Scott Elfen, PE. All are independent Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects” (“NI 43-101″). Robert Sim, Bruce Davis, and William Rose are responsible for the mineral resource estimate. Bruce Davis is responsible for the quality control for the assaying of the Los Azules drill core. All samples were collected in accordance with industry standards. Splits from the drill core samples were submitted to the ACME sample preparation laboratory in Mendoza, Argentina and then transferred to ACME’s laboratory in Santiago, Chile for fire assay and ICP analysis. Accuracy of results is tested through the systematic inclusion of standards, blanks and check assays. William Rose is responsible for developing the mine production schedule and participating in the resource estimate. Scott Elfen of Ausenco Vector is responsible for information about Environmental Liabilities, Environmental Permitting and for the Geotechnical designs used for the Study. Richard Jemielita is responsible for information about the Geological Setting, Deposit Types, Mineralization, Exploration, and Drilling. Kathleen Altman, Samuel Engineering, Inc., is the principal author of the Report with specific responsibility for Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing, the capital and operating cost estimates and the economic evaluation.

Mineral resources are generated using ordinary kriging with a nominal block size of 20x20x15m. Block grade estimates are derived from drill hole sample results and the interpretation of a geologic model which relates to the spatial distribution of copper, gold, silver and molybdenum in the deposit. There are a total of 114 drill holes in the Los Azules database with a cumulative length of 30,997 meters and a total of 15,260 samples analyzed for a suite of elements including total copper, gold, silver and molybdenum. A total of 58 of the drill holes have some portion of the sample intervals tested for sequential copper analysis. This information contributed to the development of the mineral zone domains. The portion of the new mineral resource that has been defined as “indicated” is based on a drilling configuration that exhibits the degree of continuity required for higher level mineral resources. Inferred mineral resources are limited to blocks within a maximum distance of 200 meters from a drill hole. As required by NI 43-101, the possible future economic viability of the mineral resource has been exhibited by restriction within a pit shell derived about the copper content in indicated and inferred class blocks at a copper price of $2.50/lb, total operating costs of $5.25/tonne and an average pit slope of 34 degrees. Mineral resources are presented at a cut-off grade of 0.35%Cu, which is the same base cut-off grade used in the 2008 mineral resource estimate. These are mineral resources, not mineral reserves.

For further information in respect of the Los Azules project please refer to the technical report entitled “Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report Updated Preliminary Assessment, Los Azules Project, San Juan Province, Argentina” dated December 1, 2010, the “Los Azules Report.” This report will be made available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) concurrent with the filing of this news release. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the project as described in the Los Azules Report will be realized.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors:

All resource estimates reported by the Corporation were calculated in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification system. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information express, as at the date of this press release, the Corporation’s plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs as to future events and results and management’s understanding of proposed legislative changes. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, factors associated with fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining industry risks, risks associated with foreign operations, risks related to litigation, property title, the state of the capital markets, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves and other risks.

Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. See the Corporation’s annual information form for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement.

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release, which has been prepared by management.

Source: Company website

Today Seabridge Gold announced that a new resource estimate is expected shortly. The data of all 46 drilling holes will now be provided to Resource Modeling Inc., an independent consulting firm, and the first NI-43-101 compliant resource estimate for Iron Cap is expected in January 2011. We bought Seabridge Gold in June of this year @ $28.36 Today the stock closed @ $27.79 this means a 2% loss.  We think the coming estimate will finally give the share price the firm push forward we have been waiting for.  For the time being we keep our targeted price at $75

Seabridge News Release:

Toronto, Canada – Results from the final 33 core holes drilled by Seabridge this year at Iron Cap have confirmed (i) consistent gold, copper and silver mineralization which is likely to generate an increase in resources and reserves at KSM; (ii) an expanded size of the deposit; (iii) higher average metal values than KSM’s current reserves which have the potential to enhance project economics; and (iv) a highly prospective new exploration target which could have dynamic implications for KSM.  For assay results and hole descriptions see www.seabridgegold.net/NDec9-10-table.pdf and for a drill hole location map see www.seabridgegold.net/NDec9-10-maps.pdf.

A total of 46 core holes have now been drilled at Iron Cap. Every hole has intersected ore grade mineralization over significant widths. The drill data will now be provided to Resource Modeling Inc., an independent consulting firm, and the first NI-43-101 compliant resource estimate for Iron Cap is expected in January 2011. The drill hole spacing in the heart of the Iron Cap deposit should be sufficient to allow a significant portion of this resource to be classified as measured and indicated which could enable it to qualify as reserves in the updated Preliminary Feasibility Study (“PFS”) scheduled for April 2011.

In the Seabridge news release dated July 26, 2010, the size of the Iron Cap deposit was estimated to be at least 900 meters in strike length, 400 meters wide and up to 350 meters thick. The results from the last 33 holes now confirm a deposit which has a strike length of at least 1,300 meters, a width of at least 600 meters and an average thickness of 350 meters. In addition to the down dip potential, Iron Cap remains open on strike to the northeast and southwest.

Analysis of drill data indicates that the Iron Cap resource is likely to have a higher metal value than the average KSM grade. For example, Hole 40, which is mineralized from top to bottom, contains a 128.5 meter interval grading 1.04 grams per tonne gold and 0.37% copper. What is most encouraging is that Iron Cap’s higher grade copper zones could be blended with ore from the Mitchell zone to maintain the targeted 0.20% average copper grade to the mill. This average head grade is important because it generates a higher grade concentrate without sacrificing recoveries, which in turn commands better smelter returns and reduces shipping costs. The current mine plan calls for the early development of the more distant Kerr and Sulphurets zones to maintain copper head grades to the mill. Sequencing Iron Cap before Kerr and Sulphurets could have multiple potential benefits including lower operating and capital costs, deferring significant expenditures and extending mine life.

The Iron Cap deposit is a separate but related mineral system within the KSM district. It is structurally above the Mitchell deposit in the panel of rocks between the Mitchell and Sulphurets thrust faults. Iron Cap differs from the Mitchell deposit in that several intrusions make up the host rock. This higher temperature environment and its associated potassic alteration have resulted in the higher metal value at Iron Cap. There is the potential for an undiscovered, deeper core zone characterized by potassium feldspar, magnetite and bornite which could be expected to contain significantly higher metal values than the shallower levels tested so far at Iron Cap. This year’s drill results suggest that this potential core zone may exist below the current limits of the Iron Cap deposit. Seabridge intends to pursue this target in next year’s program.

Exploration activities at KSM are being conducted by Seabridge personnel under the supervision of William E. Threlkeld, Senior Vice President of Seabridge and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. An ongoing and rigorous quality control/quality assurance protocol is being employed during the 2010 program including blank and reference standards in every batch of assays. Cross-check analyses are being conducted at a second external laboratory on 10% of the samples. Samples are being assayed at Eco Tech Laboratory Ltd., Kamloops, B.C., using fire assay atomic adsorption methods for gold and total digestion ICP methods for other elements.

Seabridge holds a 100% interest in several North American gold resource projects. The Company’s principal assets are the KSM property located near Stewart, British Columbia, Canada and the Courageous Lake gold project located in Canada’s Northwest Territories. For a breakdown of Seabridge’s mineral resources by project and resource category please visit the Company’s website at http://www.seabridgegold.net/resources.php.

All reserve and resource estimates reported by the Corporation were calculated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification system. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

This document contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information and these statements, referred to herein as “forward-looking statements” are made as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: (i) the amount of mineral reserves and mineral resources; (ii) any potential for the increase of mineral reserves and mineral resources, whether in existing zones or new zones; (iii) the amount of future production; (iv) further optimization of the PFS including metallurgical performance; (v) completion of and submission of the Environmental Assessment Application; and (vi) potential for engineering improvements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “envisages”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements are based on Seabridge’s or its consultants’ current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. These assumptions include: (i) the presence of and continuity of metals at the Project at modeled grades; (ii) the capacities of various machinery and equipment; (iii) the availability of personnel, machinery and equipment at estimated prices; (iv) exchange rates; (v) metals sales prices; (vi) appropriate discount rates; (vii) tax rates and royalty rates applicable to the proposed mining operation; (viii) financing structure and costs; (ix) anticipated mining losses and dilution; (x) metallurgical performance; (xi) reasonable contingency requirements; (xii) success in realizing further optimizations and potential in exploration programs and proposed operations; (xiii) receipt of regulatory approvals on acceptable terms, including the necessary right of way for the proposed tunnels; and (xiv) the negotiation of satisfactory terms with impacted First Nations groups. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Many forward-looking statements are made assuming the correctness of other forward looking statements, such as statements of net present value and internal rates of return, which are based on most of the other forward-looking statements and assumptions herein. The cost information is also prepared using current values, but the time for incurring the costs will be in the future and it is assumed costs will remain stable over the relevant period.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be generally stated as the risk that the assumptions and estimates expressed above do not occur, but specifically include, without limitation: risks relating to variations in the mineral content within the material identified as mineral reserves or mineral resources from that predicted; variations in rates of recovery and extraction; developments in world metals markets; risks relating to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar; increases in the estimated capital and operating costs or unanticipated costs; difficulties attracting the necessary work force; increases in financing costs or adverse changes to the terms of available financing, if any; tax rates or royalties being greater than assumed; changes in development or mining plans due to changes in logistical, technical or other factors; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; risks relating to receipt of regulatory approvals or settlement of an agreement with impacted First Nations groups; the effects of competition in the markets in which Seabridge operates; operational and infrastructure risks and the additional risks described in Seabridge’s Annual Information Form filed with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com for the year ended December 31, 2009 and in the Corporation’s Annual Report Form 40-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR (available at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml info@seabridgegold.net

When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Seabridge, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Seabridge does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Seabridge or on our behalf, except as required by law.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

“Rudi Fronk”
President & C.E.O.

For further information please contact:
Rudi P. Fronk, President and C.E.O.
Tel: (416) 367-9292 • Fax: (416) 367-2711
Email: info@seabridgegold.net

Source: Company website

Below you will find the third quarter results of Minera Andes. There is not much news in it, but we are confident that Minera Andes will produce some positive surprises the coming years. Icon of the industry Rob McEwen is the biggest shareholder and the company is teaming up with some of the biggest players (Hochschild Mining and Xstrata). We still think that this company is one of the building blocks for some kind of new Goldcorp. We bought Minera Andes in September 2009 @ CAD$0,72 at the moment the stock is trading @ CAD$2,04 meaning a 183,3% gain.

Minera Andes Press Release:

TORONTO, ONTARIO – November 11 2010 – Minera Andes Inc. (the “Corporation” or “Minera Andes”) (TSX: MAI and US OTC: MNEAF) is pleased to announce net income of $6.1 million ($0.02 per share basic and diluted) for the three month period ended September 30 2010 compared to net income of $5.2 million ($0.02 per share basic and diluted) for the same period ended September 30 2009. All amounts in this news release are in US dollars unless otherwise noted. Our financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis are available under the Corporation’s profile at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov.

Minera Andes has a 49% interest in the San José Mine operated and owned by Minera Santa Cruz (“MSC”), a joint venture between Minera Andes (49%) and Hochschild Mining (51%).

Highlights – Third Quarter 2010

• Net income increase of $0.9 million: The Company reported a $0.9 million increase in net income for the quarter (as compared to the same quarter in 2009) primarily due to an increase of $1.8 million in income recorded on our investment in MSC, which was partially offset by an increase of $0.9 million in total expenses for the quarter. The increase in expenses was a net result of an increase in general and administrative costs, a decrease in foreign currency exchange gains (due to a decrease in the strengthening of the Canadian dollar), and a decrease in professional fees as compared to the third quarter in 2009.
• San José Mine Performance (on a 100% basis): Net income at the San José Mine increased by $3.8 million compared to the same three month period in 2009, driven primarily by an 8% increase in sales. The increase in sales was due to higher realized metal prices for both silver and gold offset by a decrease in the number of ounces of silver and gold sold in the quarter. Production for the quarter was 1,408,501 ounces of silver and 22,025 ounces of gold. Silver production was unchanged and gold production was 2% lower compared to the same quarter in 2009, a result of a decrease in total ore processed at the mine offset by an increase in the head grade for silver. On a per-ounce co-product basis the average cash cost was $8.81 per ounce of silver and $570 per ounce of gold for the quarter.
• Settlement of lawsuit with Hochschild Mining plc: The Company announced on September 20 2010, an end to litigation with certain affiliates of Hochschild Mining plc. (“Hochschild”) in New York courts relating to funding of the San José Mine joint venture. Revised finance and shareholder loan agreements were completed and the Company received its first scheduled repayment of interest.
• San José Mine Exploration: The Company announced on October 7 2010, the discovery of nine new high-grade gold/silver veins plus important extensions of two other veins, which together total more than five kilometers in strike length at the San José Mine. The discoveries represent significant exploration progress at the San José Mine where the total strike length of all the previously known veins totalled approximately 17 kilometers. The 2010 exploration budget has been increased to $6.5 million compared to $2.5 million in 2009.

This news release is submitted by Perry Ing, Chief Financial Officer of Minera Andes Inc.

About Minera Andes Minera Andes is an exploration company exploring for gold, silver and copper in Argentina with three significant assets: a 49% interest in Minera Santa Cruz SA, owner of the San José Mine in close proximity to Andean Resources’ Cerro Negro project; 100% ownership of the Los Azules copper deposit with an inferred mineral resource of 10.3 billion pounds of copper and an indicated resource of 2.2 billion pounds of copper; and, 100% ownership of a portfolio of exploration properties bordering Andean’s Cerro Negro project in Santa Cruz Province. The Corporation had $10 million USD in cash as at September 30 2010 with no bank debt. Rob McEwen, Chairman and CEO, owns 33% of the company.

About Minera Santa Cruz Minera Santa Cruz SA is a joint venture owned 51% by Hochschild Mining Argentina, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hochschild Mining plc, and 49% by Minera Andes S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. The joint venture owns and operates the San José property.

About Hochschild Mining plc Hochschild Mining plc is a leading precious metals company listed on the London Stock Exchange (HOCM.L / HOC LN) with a primary focus on the exploration, mining, processing and sale of silver and gold. Hochschild has over forty years of experience in the mining of precious metal epithermal vein deposits and currently operates four underground epithermal vein mines, three located in southern Peru, one in southern Argentina and one open pit mine in northern Mexico. Hochschild also has numerous long-term prospects throughout the Americas.

For further information, please contact: Daniela Ozersky or visit our Web site: www.minandes.com.

Daniela Ozersky
Manager, Investor Relations
99 George St. 3rd Floor,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada. M5A 2N4
Toll-Free: 1-866-441-0690
Tel:647-258-0395
Fax: 647-258-0408
E-mail: info@minandes.com

Source: Company website