Mining News: News Nuggets: Land swap clears Willow Creek access

Miranda Gold Corp. Aug. 12 reported an arrangement that brings together the surface and mineral rights on areas of the Willow Creek gold project that Miranda plans to develop. Before this arrangement between Alaska Hardrock Inc. and the surface owner of areas of the Willow Creek project that is leased to Miranda, Alaska Hardrock had an easement and right to access the mineral rights and before mining commenced at the Coleman Mine, Miranda would have had to negotiate terms to use the surface to access the minerals. Pursuant to the arrangement, Alaska Hardrock and the surface owner each traded surface rights and mineral rights so that on completion Alaska Hardrock will hold the surface and mineral rights on the land that Miranda is interested in, and the surface owner will hold the surface and mineral rights on land they are interested in. Miranda President and CEO Ken Cunningham said, “This land exchange strengthens our position in the district and should facilitate both the permitting and financing of the Coleman Mine. This land exchange eliminates the need for Miranda to negotiate a right to use the surface on the patented ground when mining at the Coleman commences.”

—Shane Lasley