-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, DWP22mTAthT/R5Pi9YhH0eqAMLXtxt5OkRoGCjbm5Wbb5cBlnsAqR2kUVfKV/UM7 Q2lIgkWEG5kDxbRUJ7xnnw== 0001104659-07-025852.txt : 20070404 0001104659-07-025852.hdr.sgml : 20070404 20070404163829 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001104659-07-025852 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 6-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20070430 FILED AS OF DATE: 20070404 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070404 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: QUEENSTAKE RESOURCES LTD CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000904121 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: METAL MINING [1000] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: B0 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 6-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-32368 FILM NUMBER: 07749231 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: SUITE 2940 STREET 2: 999 18TH STREET CITY: DENVER STATE: CO ZIP: 80202 BUSINESS PHONE: 303-297-1557 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: SUITE 2940 STREET 2: 999 18TH STREET CITY: DENVER STATE: CO ZIP: 80202 6-K 1 a07-9934_16k.htm 6-K

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of April 2007

 

Commission File Number 1-32368

 

QUEENSTAKE RESOURCES LTD.

 

999 18th Street, Suite 2940, Denver, CO 80202

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40 F.

Form 20-F  o   Form 40 F  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 

Yes  o   No  x

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):

 




SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

QUEENSTAKE RESOURCES LTD.

 

 

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

April 4, 2007

 

 

By

“Dorian L. Nicol” (signed)

 

 

 

 

(Signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dorian L. Nicol, President & CEO

 

2




Exhibits

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

News Release dated March 30, 2007 titled ‘Queenstake’s Fourth Quarter and 2006 Results’

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

News Release dated March 30, 2007 titled ‘Queenstake Reports 1.9 Million Gold ounces in Measured and Indicated Resources’

 

3



EX-99.1 2 a07-9934_1ex99d1.htm EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

 

 

News Release 2007-08

 

March 30, 2007

 

Queenstake’s Fourth Quarter and 2006 Results

Denver, Colorado – March 30, 2007 – Queenstake Resources Ltd. (TSX:QRL, AMEX:QEE) reported a net loss of $20.8 million for the full year 2006. Cash flow from operations before working capital changes totaled $5.1 million for 2006. Cash and cash equivalents at year-end were $6.6 million.

Gold production was 169,851 ounces for the full-year 2006, of which production from Jerritt Canyon mined ore was 153,581 ounces; the remaining production was from ore purchased from Newmont.  Cash operating costs for 2006 were $533 per ounce.

Jerritt Canyon operating costs showed improvement in the fourth quarter of 2006 as a result of the cost reduction measures implemented in late September 2006. The cost initiatives completed included discontinuing the services of a higher cost underground mining contractor; reduction by 11% of the workforce; reorganizing and centralizing the maintenance department; removing from service the high-hours, high-maintenance cost mining equipment; and deferring the production of ore from below the water table at the Smith Mine.

During the fourth quarter of 2006, gold production was 45,776 ounces, of which Jerritt Canyon mined ore production was 36,398 ounces; the remaining production was from ore purchased from Newmont. Cash operating costs per ounce for the fourth quarter of 2006 were $545 per ounce, 18% lower than the third quarter of 2006. Compared with the year ago quarter, cash operating costs were 32% higher in the fourth quarter of 2006, due to decreased ore tons mined, decreased ore grade, mill mechanical issues discussed under “Operations Review” below and increasing fuel, labor and commodity prices.

As announced on March 22, 2007, the Company and YGC Resources Ltd. (YGC) have completed all due diligence requirements and signed a definitive agreement to combine the companies to form Yukon-Nevada Gold Corporation, subject to shareholder, court and regulatory approvals and certain other conditions precedent, including a minimum Cdn$80.0 million net proceeds financing to be completed by YGC for the benefit of Yukon-Nevada. The meetings for the respective shareholders to consider and vote on the proposed combination are scheduled for May 18, 2007.

Operating Highlights

 

4Q 2006

 

4Q 2005

 

Full Year Ending
12/31/06

 

Full Year Ending
12/31/05

 

Gold ounces produced(1)

 

45,776

 

45,555

 

169,851

 

204,091

 

Gold ounces sold(1)

 

44,929

 

46,828

 

167,762

 

202,684

 

Average realized gold price ($/oz)

 

$

615

 

$

485

 

$

609

 

$

445

 

Cash operating costs per ounce(2)

 

$

545

 

$

413

 

$

533

 

$

386

 

Ore tons mined

 

199,219

 

223,060

 

777,836

 

959,099

 

Tons processed

 

253,945

 

211,587

 

973,593

 

1,106,937

 

Grade processed (opt)(3)

 

0.22

 

0.25

 

0.21

 

0.22

 

Process recovery

 

85.6

%

86.8

%

86.2

%

86.6

%

 

1




Financial Review

All amounts in this news release are in US dollars, unless otherwise stated. The Company reported a net loss of $20.8 million for 2006 compared with a net loss of $19.7 million for 2005. For 2006, revenues of $102.2 million were generated from the sale of 167,762 ounces of gold at an average realized gold price of $609 per ounce. Also during 2006, the Company generated $0.7 million in revenue from the processing of loaded carbon for Newmont.  Revenues for 2005 were $90.2 million generated from the sale of 202,684 ounces at an average realized gold price of $445 per ounce.

Cash operating costs of $533 per ounce for 2006 reflected production shortfalls as well as increases in basic commodity prices. During 2006, cash operating costs were negatively impacted by $3.2 million in increased commodity costs, including fuel, electric power, commodities and freight, $2.1 million in higher labor costs from wage increases and higher than anticipated overtime, and $3.1 million from increased contractor costs. These factors accounted for increases in cash operating costs per ounce totaling $48 for 2006.

Depreciation and accretion charges were $19.0 million for 2006, compared with $17.2 million in 2005. Exploration expenses for 2006 and 2005 were $4.9 million and $3.9 million, respectively. General and administrative costs were $4.4 million for 2006 compared to $4.9 million in 2005. The Company invested $31.9 million in the Jerritt Canyon mines during 2006, compared with $19.7 million in 2005. Significant capital investments during 2006 included $8.4 million spent for a state-mandated new evaporation pond, underground mine development, and in purchasing and refurbishing plant and equipment.

At December 31, 2006, the Company had a working capital deficit of $12.4 million, compared to positive working capital of $4.8 million at December 31, 2005. The year-end 2006 working capital deficit was primarily due to the liability related to purchased ore stockpile inventories, increased trade payables and decreased cash and cash equivalents. At December 31, 2006, there were approximately $8 million of trade payables incurred for the evaporation pond, which were paid down during the first quarter of 2007 using proceeds of a bridge loan financing facility.  Jerritt Canyon finished the year with an estimated 11,900 contained gold ounces in Jerritt Canyon ore and an estimated 37,000 contained gold ounces in ore purchased from Newmont in stockpiles adjacent to the mill.

As stated in the January 15, 2007 news release, the Company closed the secured convertible bridge loan financing facility of $8 million with Auramet Trading LLC. Auramet and the Company have recently reached agreement to extend the payment date of the facility by one month to May 31, 2007. The borrowed funds, less costs of the transaction, primarily paid the costs of the new evaporation pond at the Jerritt Canyon operations which was mandated by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP).  The Company is pursuing reimbursement for such costs under its reclamation insurance policy with American International Specialty Lines Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AIG (the Insurer), but the timing and receipt of such reimbursement is uncertain.  (Also refer to the Company’s news release of January 22, 2007 pertaining to the Company’s lawsuit against the Insurer.)

For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company’s net loss of $20.8 million, the accumulated deficit of $103.7 million and the working capital deficit of $12.4 million led to a going concern disclosure under Canadian and US generally accepted accounting principles, as described in Note 1 of the Notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for such year, as filed with the Canadian securities commissions and the US Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Company’s ability to discharge its liabilities and realize the carrying value of its assets in the normal course of

2




operations is dependent upon, among other things, the resumption of full mill processing capacity during the second quarter of 2007, further extension, payment or conversion of the Auramet loan facility and either successful completion of the proposed merger with YGC or the raising of additional financing.

Operations Review

Full-year 2006 gold production from Jerritt Canyon mined ore was 153,581 ounces, excluding production from ore purchased from Newmont, as compared to 204,091 ounces produced in 2005.

Lower production in 2006 was due to ongoing mechanical issues at the mill and declining ore tons mined, caused by delays in accessing ore from the Smith Mine and Zone 1 of the SSX Mine.  The Smith Mine was adversely affected by water inflows in excess of the capacity of the pumping system to dewater.  The SSX Mine experienced grade declines from higher mining dilution as a result of the mining of smaller, less contiguous ore blocks.  Production from below the water table at the Smith Mine and from Zone 1 of the SSX Mine has been deferred and is not planned during 2007. The Murray Mine was shut down in the second quarter of 2006.

Total ore tons processed in 2006 were 973,593, a decline of 12% from 2005.  The reduction in tonnage is due to a combination of fewer ore tons mined, ongoing mill mechanical issues and the Company’s original plan to scale-back roaster operations in early 2006.  The grade of Queenstake ore milled increased to 0.23 ounce of gold per ton, a 5% improvement from 2005.

The table below summarizes production results for both Jerritt Canyon mined ore and ore purchased from Newmont.

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Jerritt Canyon
ore

 

Newmont ore

 

Total

 

Tons processed

 

792,959

 

180,634

 

973,593

 

Grade processed (opt)

 

0.23

 

0.10

 

0.21

 

Process recovery

 

85.8

%

90.4

%

86.2

%

Gold ounces produced

 

153,581

 

16,270

 

169,851

 

 

Processed ore tonnage and gold production for the full-year 2006 were unfavorably impacted as the Company made the decision to run the mill at a reduced capacity in order to minimize the risk of further mill pinion and bull gear mechanical issues.  A new mill pinion gear was installed in April 2006 and the bull gear was turned over and several cracked teeth repaired at that time.  However, through the third quarter of 2006, the new pinion gear exhibited a high degree of wear and pitting and elevated gear surface temperatures, posing risk of failure and potential collateral damage if the mill had continued to run at full capacity. As a result, the mill ran at 75% capacity through most of the second half of 2006 in order to avoid potential damage to the pinion and bull gears.  A replacement new bull gear has been completed and is being shipped from Australia for delivery early in the second quarter. The estimated schedule to complete the annual mill maintenance and bull gear change in the second quarter will require a 10-day shutdown of the mill. During the scheduled mill down-time, the mines will continue to produce ore and accumulate the ore in stockpiles adjacent to the mill that will then be processed during the remainder of 2007.

3




Capitalized mine development of 7,083 feet during the year was essentially on 2006 plan, as the mining emphasis shifted to short-term production.  Two mining contractors that had been dedicated to development were phased-out during the year and internal crews were assigned to those headings.

During the fourth quarter of 2006, the Jerritt Canyon mining operations completed 2.8 million man hours without a lost time accident, while the mill achieved a million man hours without a lost time accident.

Outlook

The Company expects to close the Queenstake-YGC business combination in the second quarter of 2007.  Upon completion of the merger, the new Board of Directors and management of Yukon-Nevada Gold Corporation will determine the production outlook, and exploration and capital investment expenditures, in order to deliver maximum value from the Jerritt Canyon operation and assets.

Queenstake Resources Ltd. is a gold mining and exploration company based in Denver, Colorado.  Its principal asset is the wholly owned Jerritt Canyon gold operations in Nevada, which has produced over 7.5 million ounces of gold from open pit and underground mines since 1981. Current production at the property is from two underground mines.  The Jerritt Canyon District, which comprises 119 square miles (308 square kilometers) of geologically prospective ground controlled by Queenstake, represents one of the largest contiguous exploration properties in Nevada. In addition, Jerritt Canyon also has one of only three permitted roasting facilities in Nevada.

#    #    #


(1) The Company’s production and sales for the fourth quarter of 2006 included 9,378 ounces of gold from ore purchased from Newmont.

(2) Cash operating costs per ounce is a non-GAAP measure intended to complement conventional GAAP reporting. Management believes that cash operating costs per ounce is a useful indicator of a mine’s performance. Please refer to the Company’s Management Discussion and Analysis on file at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov for further information.

(3) The average grade of ore processed was impacted by the lower grade of ore purchased from Newmont. Refer to the table on page 3 of this news release for a production summary of Jerritt Canyon ore and ore purchased from Newmont.

(4) The Qualified Person for the technical information contained in this news release is Mr. Dorian L. (Dusty) Nicol, President and Chief Executive Officer of Queenstake.

For further information call:

Wendy Yang 303-297-1557 ext. 105

800-276-6070

Email – info@queenstake.com web – www.queenstake.com

Cautionary Statement – This news release contains “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law requirements and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, and regarding Queenstake’s future plans are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, (i) projections of future gold production, investments in exploration and capital and operational improvements, (ii) estimates of mill shut down and refurbishment, and (iii) statements relating to the pending combination of the Company and YGC.  Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including gold and other commodity price volatility, operational risks, mine development,

4




production and cost estimate risks, risks relating to the completion of the pending combination with YGC and other risks which are described in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and Annual Report on Form 40-F on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC; www.sec.gov) as well as the Company’s other regulatory filings. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.  Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

5




CONSOLIDATED  STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006 and 2005

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per share amounts)

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

102,910

 

$

90,174

 

Costs and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

93,389

 

80,268

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

19,016

 

17,194

 

Non-hedge derivatives

 

207

 

2,647

 

Exploration

 

4,899

 

3,880

 

General and administrative

 

4,418

 

4,915

 

Accretion of reclamation and mine closure liability

 

1,192

 

1,174

 

Stock-based compensation

 

1,176

 

579

 

 

 

124,297

 

110,657

 

Loss from operations

 

(21,387

)

(20,483

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

368

 

413

 

Other income, net

 

(897

)

(937

)

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

 

(109

)

(213

)

Gain on disposal of assets

 

(102

)

(75

)

Write down of assets

 

197

 

 

 

 

(543

)

(812

)

Net loss

 

$

(20,844

)

$

(19,671

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss per share - basic and diluted

 

$

(0.04

)

$

(0.04

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (000’s) - basic

 

573,152

 

509,274

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF DEFICIT

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deficit, beginning of year

 

$

(82,860

)

$

(63,189

)

Net Income (loss)

 

(20,844

)

(19,671

)

Deficit, end of year

 

$

(103,704

)

$

(82,860

)

 

6




CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2006 and 2005

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

December 31, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

6,580

 

$

10,225

 

Trade and other receivables

 

726

 

463

 

Inventories

 

34,196

 

6,519

 

Marketable securities

 

13

 

13

 

Prepaid expenses

 

1,896

 

1,499

 

Total current assets

 

43,411

 

18,719

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash

 

27,035

 

27,165

 

Mineral property, plant and equipment, net

 

51,491

 

45,692

 

Other assets

 

1,254

 

1,763

 

Total assets

 

$

123,191

 

$

93,339

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

52,386

 

$

11,063

 

Other current liabilities

 

3,381

 

2,846

 

Total current liabilities

 

55,767

 

13,909

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other long-term obligations

 

1,997

 

2,117

 

Reclamation and mine closure

 

22,606

 

26,382

 

Total liabilities

 

80,370

 

42,408

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares, no par value, unlimited number authorized

 

 

 

 

 

Issued and outstanding 583,706,489 (2005 - 550,021,360)

 

143,442

 

131,804

 

Contributed surplus

 

3,069

 

1,973

 

Warrants

 

14

 

14

 

Deficit

 

(103,704

)

(82,860

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

42,821

 

50,931

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

123,191

 

$

93,339

 

 

7




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006 and 2005

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

2006

 

2005

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(20,844

)

$

(19,671

)

Non-cash items:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

19,016

 

17,194

 

Interest accretion and deferred financing costs

 

 

 

Write down of mineral property, plant and equipment

 

197

 

 

Gain on disposal of assets

 

(102

)

(75

)

Inventory valuation adjustments

 

3,575

 

 

Amortization of deferred charges

 

 

1,903

 

Accretion of reclamation and mine closure liability

 

1,192

 

1,174

 

Write down of non-hedge derivatives

 

207

 

2,647

 

Stock-based compensation

 

1,176

 

579

 

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

 

(109

)

(213

)

Loss on sale of marketable securities

 

 

45

 

Warrants issued for services

 

 

14

 

 

 

4,308

 

3,597

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclamation costs incurred

 

(968

)

(558

)

Deferred revenue

 

1,731

 

 

Changes in non-cash working capital:

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

(30,317

)

(1,435

)

Accounts receivable and prepaid accounts

 

461

 

(1,178

)

Accounts payable and accruals

 

43,124

 

(8,098

)

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

18,339

 

(7,672

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Mineral property, plant and equipment expenditures

 

(31,916

)

(19,662

)

Purchase of non-hedge derivatives

 

 

(1,242

)

Environmental risk transfer program

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

121

 

93

 

Notes receivable

 

 

 

Sale of marketable securities

 

 

442

 

Restricted cash

 

130

 

(786

)

Other, net

 

 

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

(31,665

)

(21,155

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares issued, net of costs

 

11,559

 

30,393

 

Term loan

 

 

 

Notes payable and leases

 

(1,794

)

2,527

 

Other

 

(84

)

 

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

9,681

 

32,920

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(3,645

)

4,093

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

10,225

 

6,132

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

 

$

6,580

 

$

10,225

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

322

 

$

413

 

 

8



EX-99.2 3 a07-9934_1ex99d2.htm EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

News Release 2007-09

 

March 30, 2007

 

Queenstake Reports 1.9 Million Gold Ounces in Measured & Indicated Resources

Denver, Colorado – March 30, 2007 – Queenstake Resources Ltd. (TSX:QRL, AMEX:QEE) reported that estimated measured and indicated resources1,2, including reserves, totaled 1.9 million ounces of gold contained in 8.2 million tons grading 0.23 ounce of gold per ton (opt) at year-end 2006. Proven and probable reserves of gold totaled 485,700 ounces contained in 2.0 million tons at a grade of 0.25 opt at year-end 2006, using a three-year average gold price of $485 per ounce.

For year-end 2005, measured and indicated resources were 8.8 million tons grading 0.24 opt totaling 2.1 million contained ounces while proven and probable reserves were 3.7 million tons at a grade of 0.24 opt for 877,900 contained ounces.

The reduction in reserves in 2006 was primarily due to higher mining unit costs, resulting in an increase in cutoff grade, some remnant ounces condemned with the shutdown of the Murray Mine and elimination from reserves of ounces below the water table at the Smith Mine. Measured and indicated resources were slightly lower, due to the above factors as well as depletion from production at the SSX-Steer Complex and Smith Mine during the year.

In addition, inferred resources of 2.4 million tons at 0.23 opt totaled 545,200 contained ounces at year-end 2006, compared to 2.6 million tons at 0.23 opt for 605,600 contained ounces a year ago. Queenstake’s proven and probable reserves, and measured, indicated and inferred resources were audited and verified by SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc.3 in accordance with the standards of Canadian National Instrument 43-101.

The Starvation Canyon project maintained its reserves and measured and indicated resources in 2006, while enhancing the definition of the two known resource zones. Queenstake estimated Starvation Canyon’s measured and indicated resources totaled approximately 636,500 tons at 0.29 opt for 184,300 contained ounces, including probable reserves of 112,900 contained ounces, at year-end 2006.  The drilling program conducted during 2006 began testing targets of up to a mile away, which will be followed up in 2007.

Queenstake invested $4.9 million in exploration during the full-year 2006 with five surface drill rigs working at the Jerritt Canyon District, at Starvation Canyon and other targets.  Exploration expenditures for 2006 were constrained by reduced cash being available from operations and access to drill rigs.

Queenstake Resources Ltd. is a gold mining and exploration company based in Denver, Colorado.  Its principal asset is the wholly owned Jerritt Canyon gold operations in Nevada, which has produced over 7.5 million ounces of gold from open pit and underground mines since 1981. Current production at the property is from two underground mines.  The Jerritt Canyon District, which comprises 119 square miles (308 square kilometers) of geologically prospective ground controlled by Queenstake, represents one of the largest contiguous exploration properties in Nevada. In addition, Jerritt Canyon also has one of only three permitted roasting facilities in Nevada.

1




Table 1:  Reserves (1), (2), (3)

JERRITT CANYON PROVEN & PROBABLE GOLD RESERVES - December 2006

 

 

 

PROVEN

 

PROBABLE

 

TOTAL

 

Deposit

 

Tons (000)

 

oz/st

 

Oz (000)

 

Tons (000)

 

oz/st

 

Oz (000)

 

Tons (000)

 

oz/st

 

Oz (000)

 

Murray

 

17.3

 

0.275

 

4.8

 

1.1

 

0.120

 

0.1

 

18.4

 

0.266

 

4.9

 

Smith

 

97.8

 

0.385

 

37.6

 

171.2

 

0.302

 

51.8

 

269.0

 

0.332

 

89.4

 

SSX-Steer

 

440.3

 

0.262

 

115.4

 

299.1

 

0.272

 

81.4

 

739.4

 

0.266

 

196.8

 

Saval

 

11.4

 

0.200

 

2.3

 

108.8

 

0.250

 

27.2

 

120.2

 

0.246

 

29.5

 

Starvation Canyon

 

 

 

 

369.6

 

0.305

 

112.9

 

369.6

 

0.305

 

112.9

 

Wright Window

 

 

 

 

32.6

 

0.226

 

7.4

 

32.6

 

0.226

 

7.4

 

Sub Total

 

566.8

 

0.282

 

160.1

 

982.5

 

0.286

 

280.8

 

1,549.3

 

0.285

 

440.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockpiles

 

69.3

 

0.198

 

13.7

 

366.3

 

0.085

 

31.1

 

435.7

 

0.103

 

44.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

636.1

 

0.273

 

173.8

 

1,348.8

 

0.231

 

312.0

 

1,984.9

 

0.245

 

485.7

 

 

Table 2:  Resources (1), (2), (3)

JERRITT CANYON TOTAL MINERAL RESOURCES - December 2006
(includes Proven and Probable Reserves)

 

 

MEASURED

 

INDICATED

 

MEASURED + INDICATED

 

INFERRED

 

DEPOSIT / AREA

 

Tons (000)

 

oz/st

 

Oz (000)

 

Tons (000)

 

oz/st

 

Oz (000)

 

Tons (000)

 

oz/st

 

Oz (000)

 

Tons (000)

 

oz/st

 

Oz (000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Murray

 

156

 

0.310

 

48.3

 

27

 

0.269

 

7.1

 

182.4

 

0.304

 

55.4

 

90.4

 

0.228

 

20.6

 

Murray Zone 9

 

 

 

 

210.9

 

0.277

 

58.5

 

210.9

 

0.277

 

58.5

 

61.6

 

0.209

 

12.9

 

SSX-Steer

 

1,735.2

 

0.259

 

448.6

 

597.3

 

0.286

 

170.7

 

2,332.5

 

0.266

 

619.3

 

929.7

 

0.230

 

213.4

 

Smith

 

601.2

 

0.311

 

187

 

463.1

 

0.264

 

122.3

 

1,064.4

 

0.290

 

309.1

 

541.6

 

0.231

 

125.3

 

Smith East

 

 

 

 

997.7

 

0.281

 

280.5

 

997.7

 

0.281

 

280.5

 

120.4

 

0.264

 

31.7

 

Saval

 

12.3

 

0.227

 

2.8

 

357.0

 

0.255

 

91.1

 

369.3

 

0.254

 

93.9

 

191.2

 

0.238

 

45.5

 

Starvation Canyon

 

 

 

 

636.5

 

0.290

 

184.3

 

636.5

 

0.290

 

184.3

 

51.2

 

0.278

 

14.2

 

Wright Window

 

 

 

 

97.8

 

0.156

 

15.2

 

97.8

 

0.156

 

15.2

 

19.0

 

0.229

 

4.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal

 

2,504.6

 

0.274

 

686.4

 

3,386.9

 

0.275

 

929.8

 

5,891.5

 

0.274

 

1,616.2

 

2,005.1

 

0.233

 

468.0

 

Stockpiles

 

69.3

 

0.198

 

13.7

 

1,158.0

 

0.059

 

68.2

 

1,227.3

 

0.067

 

81.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pit Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burns Basin Pit

 

 

 

 

29.7

 

0.134

 

4.0

 

29.7

 

0.134

 

4.0

 

 

 

 

California Mtn. Pit

 

 

 

 

8.0

 

0.115

 

0.9

 

8.0

 

0.115

 

0.9

 

 

 

 

Coyote Zone 10 Pit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.1

 

0.104

 

2.1

 

Pie Creek Pit

 

 

 

 

190.2

 

0.157

 

29.9

 

190.2

 

0.157

 

29.9

 

28.3

 

0.142

 

4.0

 

Road Canyon Pit

 

 

 

 

148.6

 

0.143

 

21.2

 

148.6

 

0.143

 

21.2

 

74.3

 

0.131

 

9.7

 

Mill Creek

 

 

 

 

78.4

 

0.124

 

9.7

 

78.4

 

0.124

 

9.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U/G Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burns Basin

 

 

 

 

30.7

 

0.194

 

6.0

 

30.7

 

0.194

 

6.0

 

50.6

 

0.228

 

11.5

 

California Mtn.

 

 

 

 

32.1

 

0.377

 

12.1

 

32.1

 

0.377

 

12.1

 

9.4

 

0.330

 

3.1

 

Coyote Zone 10

 

 

 

 

45.2

 

0.212

 

9.6

 

45.2

 

0.212

 

9.6

 

2.7

 

0.184

 

0.5

 

MCE

 

 

 

 

4.4

 

0.201

 

0.9

 

4.4

 

0.201

 

0.9

 

7.8

 

0.189

 

1.5

 

Waterpipe II

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

37.4

 

0.206

 

7.7

 

West Mahala

 

 

 

 

368.1

 

0.224

 

82.5

 

368.1

 

0.224

 

82.5

 

141.9

 

0.209

 

29.6

 

Winters Creek

 

 

 

 

148.9

 

0.218

 

32.5

 

148.9

 

0.194

 

32.5

 

37.2

 

0.199

 

7.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

2,573.9

 

0.272

 

700.1

 

5,629.3

 

0.214

 

1,207.1

 

8,203.2

 

0.232

 

1,907.2

 

2,414.8

 

0.226

 

545.2

 

 

#     #     #

2





(1)  “Resources” or “resources” used in this news release are as defined in National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators and are not terms recognized or defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Mineral resources are not reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.  For further information, please refer to the risk factors and definitions of reserves and resources in the Company’s filings on SEDAR and with the SEC on the Company’s website, www.queenstake.com. Refer also to the Cautionary Statement at the end of this news release. Key assumptions and methods used in deriving proven and probable reserves, and measured and indicated resources will be described in the 43-101 report to be filed soon on SEDAR.

(2)  For Queenstake, the Qualified Persons for the technical information contained in this news release are Messrs. Dorian L. (Dusty) Nicol, President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Todd, Manager of Technical Services, and Donald G. Colli, Manager of Mineral Resources.

(3)  For SRK Consulting (U.S.) , Inc., the Qualified Person is Mr. Landy Stinnet, Associate Mining Engineer.

For further information call:
Wendy Yang 303-297-1557 ext. 105
800-276-6070
Email – info@queenstake.com web – www.queenstake.com

Cautionary Statement – This news release contains “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law requirements and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, and regarding Queenstake’s future plans are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, (i) estimates and projections of mineral reserves and resources, (ii) estimates and opinions regarding geologic and mineralization interpretation, and (iii) estimates of exploration investment and scope of exploration programs. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including gold and other commodity price volatility, operational risks, mine development, production and cost estimate risks and other risks which are described in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and Annual Report on Form 40-F on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC; www.sec.gov) as well as the Company’s other regulatory filings. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.  Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

U.S. investors are also advised that terms “proven reserves” and “probable reserves” used in this news release are as defined in National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators (NI 43-101).  These definitions differ from the definitions in Industry Guide 7 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  “Resources” or “resource” used in this news release are as defined in NI 43-101 and, while recognized and required by Canadian regulations, are not terms recognized or defined by the SEC. Mineral resources are not reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.  It cannot be assumed that part or all of the mineral deposits termed “resources” may ever demonstrate economic viability to become reserves. The term “inferred resources” is not recognized by the SEC and it cannot be assumed that part or all of an inferred resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. For further information, please refer to the risk factors and definitions of reserves and resources in the Company’s filings on SEDAR and with the SEC on the Company’s website, www.queenstake.com. Key assumptions and methods used in deriving proven and probable reserves, and measured and indicated resources will be described in the 43-101 report to be filed soon on SEDAR.

3



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